BY MATT DURNING //
Students at the Hatlen Center for the Blind in San Pablo, Calif., are learning skills most of us take for granted – life skills that will help them live independently. Now, after 36 years, the center has a chance to gain its own independence, right here in El Cerrito. Read the full story
BY FERNANDO GALLO AND DANIEL MCGLYNN//
The economic downturn is having a devastating effect on companies and employees alike – news of layoffs comes almost daily. But at a local level, one group also dealing with the downturn is seldom mentioned: day laborers. These workers, the majority of which are undocumented Latinos, have little choice but to stand and wait for jobs that are never guaranteed. El Cerrito Focus visited the Home Depot parking lot on San Pablo Avenue twice recently to talk to laborers and find out how they are dealing with these tough times. Listen in on how they’re dealing with today’s economic crisis. Read the full story
BY N’JERI EATON//
The West Contra Costa Unified School District met with the community Wednesday night to discuss school closures at DeJean Middle School in Richmond. Read the full story
BY N’JERI EATON//
BY SWETA VOHRA //
If you heard honking on the streets of El Cerrito today, it probably had little to do with the traffic.
The No on Prop 8 campaign is making last-minute efforts near local polling places on sidewalks and street corners, and many cars are using their horns to voice their support.
BY ALEXIA UNDERWOOD & DANIEL MCGLYNN //
On October 2, the long-awaited debate between vice-presidential candidates Senator Joe Biden and Governor Sarah Palin took place at Washington University in Saint Louis. In El Cerrito, a politically charged crowd gathered at the Cerrito Theater to watch the internationally televised event.
BY N’JERI EATON//
The West Contra Costa County United Democratic Campaign Headquarters held a Get Out the Vote Rally in El Cerrito on Sunday to celebrate the work of volunteers. Read the full story
BY N’JERI EATON//
A rowdy crowd of local residents gathered at the Cerrito Speakeasy to watch the vice-presidential debate.
BY FERNANDO GALLO//
Councilmember Sandi Potter talks about why she came to El Cerrito, the redevelopment of the Cerrito Speakeasy, and the arts movement in El Cerrito.
BY ALEXIA UNDERWOOD //
The Farmer’s Market in the El Cerrito Plaza is a cornucopia of sound, color and fragrance. Watch this video to get a taste and then experience it for yourself, every Tuesday and Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
