The Contra Costa Times recently reported that a stretch of Manila Avenue in front of the new El Cerrito City Hall building remains closed because of an overlooked design flaw. Two decorative columns, measuring about 12 feet high and 5 feet wide, block the view of traffic signals for motorists headed west on Manila and onto San Pablo Avenue. Rectifying the problem will cost the city between $10,000 and $15,000, according to El Cerrito public works director Terry Bradshaw.

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One of many goal line stands for the Gauchos.

BY MATT DURNING //

The El Cerrito Gauchos fell just short of an improbable upset to clinch the conference title Friday night, losing a nail biter to perennial powerhouse Berkeley High, 21-16, in the final game of the regular season.

Both teams entered the contest undefeated in league play and tied atop the ACCAL conference standings. Berkeley was the undeniable favorite, however, having shut out their five other conference opponents by a combined scored of 220-0. Read the full story

Fire as seen from Albany Bulb

BY DANIEL MCGLYNN //

A small blaze, producing a big plume of smoke and flames visible from Interstate 80, broke out Friday afternoon on the west side of Albany Hill. Fortunately, due to a quick response, crews were able to prevent any serious damage.

Initially, the fire came close to threatening the high-rise Gate View apartment building at 555 Pierce Street in Albany, that is nestled between I-80 and the hill.

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BY MATT DURNING //

Residents of El Cerrito voted to support the current direction of their local city government Tuesday, electing council-endorsed newcomers Ann Cheng and Greg Lyman while also reelecting incumbent Mayor Bill Jones.

Cheng, the only woman running and the youngest candidate at 30 years old, won the election with 4,852 votes, or 25.8 percent. Jones received 4,553 votes, or 24.2 percent, and Lyman had 4,364 votes, or 23.2 percent. Read the full story

BY SWETA VOHRA//

Voters got out early. Campaigns continued for one last day. Signs filled the streets, walls and lawns. Read the full story

BY N’JERI EATON //

While African Americans are turning out to the polls in record numbers in support of Sen. Barack Obama, several first-time voters’ inexperience is causing them anxiety.

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BY MATT DURNING //

John Hogan’s garage at 2645 Cariquinez Avenue has served as one of El Cerrito’s polling places for the past eight years. Hogan, 81, considers it an honor to be able to use his home to help facilitate democracy.

“I feel this is so important to our community.  What little I can do, I’ll do it,” Hogan said.

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BY MATT DURNING //

El Cerrito Focus has obtained the latest campaign finance disclosure documents for each of the five candidates running for city council. Read the full story

Get out to vote, rock the vote, encourage others to vote, it’s that time again.  To make sure you can vote, you must register for all local, state, and federal elections by October 20, 2008.  El Cerrito residents can register at any Post Office, the DMV, or the City Clerk’s office.  If you have changed your address, or if you changed party affiliation, you have to re-register to vote.
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