In the Works for 2026

The lap pool on Jan. 14, the last day of aerobics before the pool surface is closed for replastering

The first phase of major Swim Center repairs starts this week, and that’s just one of many projects in the works for 2026 in El Cerrito. While library issues dominated the Jan. 10 council retreat, many other projects are in the mix.

“It’s going to be a big year,” said City Manager Karen Pinkos.

2026 projects include:

Swim Center

The lap pool was closed as of today (Jan. 15) for the first phase of about $4 million in pool repairs that have been endorsed by the council. Recreation Director Chris Jones said the replastering must be completed in 90 days but could be done sooner. Meanwhile, lap swim will be moved to the small pool, which has a water walking area and three swimming lanes (compared to 10 in the lap pool). Water aerobics will be canceled until the lap pool re-opens. The second phase of Swim Center improvements involves the parking lot and is being planned now. A third phase is also planned.

Flammable eucalyptus trees are seen behind a nearby residential neighborhood

Removing Eucalyptus

To reduce the danger of fire in the Hillside Natural Area, the city plans to remove nearly 200 eucalyptus trees using a grant awarded to the City of El Cerrito and the City of Albany by the California State Coastal Conservancy. The $850,000 grant to the two cities includes $480,000 for tree removal and habitat restoration on Quarry Hill in El Cerrito. The exact location and acreage are still to be determined, according to Karineh Samkian, senior program manager. “We are still working with the fire department to determine the exact boundaries but the work area will be accessed from King Court and will be on the hill west of the ravine below Barron, Duke, and Earl Courts,” she said.

A message to drivers on San Pablo Avenue, where two pedestrians were hit in crosswalks during November.

San Pablo Avenue

Caltrans plans to repave San Pablo Avenue in the city and city staff is collaborating with the state on improvements of unprotected crosswalks and damaged sidewalks. Meanwhile, the police department has set up a portable message sign on San Pablo Avenue that warns, “Head up, eyes up, watch for peds.”

A state grant includes funding for a bike lane on Central Avenue.

New Bike Lanes

Planning is expected for new bike lanes on Central Avenue and elsewhere. Funding for the bike lanes was requested and awarded as part of a state grant related to the affordable housing project now being built at 515 Richmond St. The Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) allocated more than $30 million for the project, including funds for bike lanes.

The bike lanes listed are: a Class IV bike lane on Central Avenue from Richmond Street to Carlson Boulevard, a Class III bike lane on Lincoln Avenue from San Pablo Avenue to Ashbury Avenue, and a Class III bike lane on San Diego Street/Belmont Avenue from Carlson Boulevard to the Cerrito Creek Trail. Traffic calming is also listed as a planned improvement on Lincoln Avenue and on San Diego Street.

Rezoning

Rezoning may be considered this year to comply with the Metropolitan Transportation Commission (MTC) recommendations for higher densities around BART stations.

City Budget and Capital Improvement Projects

The retreat kicked off the annual biennial budget process and will be followed by a series of meetings described here. https://www.elcerrito.gov/492/Annual-Budget-Process. At least one meeting focusing on the city’s list of capital improvement projects is planned, according to Will Provost, assistant to the city manager.

Provost said a recent survey of El Cerrito residents will be discussed at the City Council meeting on Jan. 20. A new, short budget survey has been posted on the city website at https://polco.us/n/res/vote/el-cerrito-ca/city-of-el-cerrito-budget-priorities-survey-2026.

Suggestions made by individuals included:

• Turfing and lighting the fields at Cerrito Vista Park. This was proposed by Ted Steen of the Eastshore Alliance football club, who said there is a severe shortage of soccer fields.

• Considering whether the minimum wage in El Cerrito should continue to be higher than the state minimum wage. The city minimum wage rose to $18.82 per hour on Jan. 1, 2026. The state minimum wage is $16.90 per hour but is higher for some worker categories.

• Creating an entertainment district within the city. This was mentioned by council members Carolyn Wysinger and Lisa Motoyama. Motoyama said it would be nice to increase the “Solano Avenue-ness” of El Cerrito and mentioned roller disco. Wysinger mentioned a wish for more Lesbian bars and making everyone feel they are welcome in El Cerrito.