Taught by Elan Lavie, the class was approved last school year after 12th grader Shannon Chen petitioned for it. After surveying how many students were interested in the class and able to enroll in it, the course was approved for the second semester this year.
One of the most convincing arguments that can be made in favor of measure C is the campaign of fear and misinformation that has been waged by the NO group.
There were signs going up on front yards claiming there would be a mysterious forever Tax for a library that might never be built. It’s interesting to note that these signs went up while signatures were still being collected to even allow the measure on the ballot, and while the exact language of the measure hadn’t even been finalized
Even here on Reddit there were a few posts that were so obviously a result of manipulated numbers.
I suggest voters check out the TAX CALCULATOR developed by the Yes campaign.
Here is a link:
https://www.anewelcerritolibrary.com/calculator
You can set your square footage and play with the different parameters, including projected inflation, library scenarios, bond interest variables, design and construction delays, virtually everything the NO campaign has been disinforming about.
In our case, the actual total tax we would pay over the total estimated 32 years would be less than 30% of the fantastical numbers presented by the no campaign on the flyers they handed out.
As a homeowner for more than 20 years, I feel that El Cerrito is a pretty well run City, and that the people who are trying to get the library project started are doing so in good faith and with our best interest in mind.
There is no weird conspiracy or Evil city behind any of this.
for the average home, the tax starts at $331 per year. with the escalator clause, it will go to more than $1000.
16 Reasons to Vote No on Measure C
Some community members have been asking what the main reasons are to vote No on Measure C. Below is my list. There are so many reasons it is hard to keep track of all of them. THE FINANCIAL BURDEN
The construction cost has already ballooned to $37 million — up 75% from the $21.2 million used when signatures were being collected.
A similar library in Bay Point, built within an affordable housing development, cost just $27 million, and the county received $12 million in state and federal grants — leaving just $15 million for local taxpayers. El Cerrito has no comparable grants lined up.
The city faces a structural deficit of millions of dollars.
The tax escalates every year, compounding at roughly 5% annually.
The city's own numbers show the tax revenue barely covers bond debt payments — leaving almost no cushion. If costs escalate, as is likely, and if the interest rate environment worsens, the General Fund will have to cover the difference.
After 10 years, operating costs fall on the General Fund, potentially crowding out police, fire, and streets funding. At the May 5, 2026 council meeting, Budget Director Claire Coleman stated that this situation has not been analyzed. In other words, right now, no one knows how the city would pay library operating costs.
Measure C may drive businesses out of El Cerrito. A permanent, escalating parcel tax hits commercial properties too — and businesses have no exemption of any kind. TRUST AND TRACK RECORD
Trust — the Yes campaign leaders brought El Cerrito to its financial knees. When the Yes leader started on the council, El Cerrito had an AA- credit rating. When he left, the rating was BBB- and the city was being audited by the state auditor.
Trust — the Yes campaign has already had to retract multiple claims about the project. STRUCTURAL PROBLEMS
The city does not own the land — BART does. El Cerrito holds only a lease.
A key state grant for the project was rejected in December 2025, leaving a hole in the funding plan.
No parking — the city's consultants recommended 63 parking spaces, but in an early concession to the developers that was reduced to zero dedicated parking spaces for the library. The city is withholding its parking study until after the election.
Legal issues — if the Jarvis amendment passes, that statewide proposal would eliminate Measure C. The city attorney said the issue would be litigated. Your tax dollars would be spent on lawyers while any possibility of a new library would be on hold and costs would continue to escalate. EQUITY
The senior exemption is essentially worthless — zero seniors have successfully claimed it under the comparable Measure H since 2019.
Unlike Albany, there is no exemption for low-income residents, renters, or fixed-income households. DRAFTING PROBLEMS
The ballot measure is poorly written. The city attorney has had to use terms such as "legally defensible interpretation."
if you're navigating a lay-off or are between opportunities, come clear your head and connect with folks who are in the same boat 🤝🏼
this monday, we’re heading to Berkeley for beautiful views of the east bay.
grab your spot and see the full details here:
https://partiful.com/e/xZaIgAf4Hm1SEBpAQ2oY
hope to see y'all there!
(pic of ~90 of us from last week's hike 🙂 - and yes, we will be splitting into groups so as to not overwhelm the trail)
p.s. also check out our story on ABC7 that came out this week!
We’ve had a grey fox family sharing our yard for some time. They’ve recently had kits. Today one of the parents made an unusual daytime appearance. They seem injured – confused and limping. They’re staying in the same area on the side of our house and won’t go to their den under our backyard studio.
We’ve tried calling various rescue / rehab services but there are few that are open on the weekend. Any advice?