Document elcerrito_gov_doc_740719b209

El Cerrito Urban Greening Community Engagement Summary March, 2013 - April 2015 Appendix A ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening I Community Engagement Summary I March - April 2015 2 Introduction The following memo summarizes the community and stakeholder engagement process for the El Cerrito Urban Greening Plan from March, 2013 through April, 2015. A wide range of community members participated through the plan website, intercept surveys, stakeholder meetings, focus groups, the July fourth festival, and community workshops. Through these outreach activities a framework of overarching urban greening strategies began to emerge:  Improved Trails and Paths  Greener Gateways  Strengthened Ohlone Greenway  Enhanced Existing Parks  Active Commercial Corridors  Resilient Higher Density Neighborhoods  Enriched Natural Areas  Enhanced Creeks  Green Streets  Vibrant Schoolyards  Urban Agriculture Each of the community outreach activities is described below. These summaries are followed by an appendix of survey and website mapping results, as well as an analysis of community comments categorized based on the overarching urban greening framework. Community Outreach Activities 1. Urban Greening Task Force Meetings 2. Community Meetings 3. Project Website 4. Community Survey 5. Focus Group Meetings 1. Urban Greening Task Force Meetings The Urban Greening Task Force includes representatives from the following organizations and agencies: Members of Parks & Recreation Commission, Environmental Quality Committee, Committee on Aging, Tree Committee, Trail Trekkers, Community Garden Network, Public Works Department, Recreation Department, City Manager’s Office, and Environmental Services Division. This group has performed an advisory role throughout the planning process guiding plan strategies and proposed enhancements.  [3/27/13] Urban Greening Task Force Meeting Project Initiation City of El Cerrito Staff and the MIG team met with the Urban Greening Task Force on March 27, 2013 to kick off the project, identify project outcomes and goals, review communication protocols and procedures, and discuss the public involvement plan for the project. The meeting included discussion of the preliminary overall urban greening vision for the City of El Cerrito and issues and opportunities. The desired project ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening I Community Engagement Summary I March - April 2015 3 outcomes outlined by the task force included: ensure well-maintained parks that meet community needs, explore repurposed property and underutilized land, increase open space and distribute throughout the City, improve connectivity, create a special place, identify gaps, create walkable strong neighborhoods, bring parks to people, connect with underrepresented communities, strengthen cultural resources, and provide educational and job opportunities.  [6/05/13] Urban Greening Task Force Meeting Vision, Needs & Opportunities The second Urban Greening Task Force Meeting took place on June 5, 2013. The focus of the meeting was to review and revise the existing conditions base information, discuss potential opportunity sites and map their locations. In addition, the group reviewed the best practices catalogue and discussed which solutions are most appropriate for the City of El Cerrito.  [7/17/13] Urban Greening Task Force Meeting Preliminary Recommendations and Analysis The third Urban Greening Task Force Meeting took place on July 17, 2013. MIG presented the overarching plan framework for affirmation as well as the results of the connectivity and activity analyses. The Task Force gave several refinements to the project approach and analysis and recommended a revised framework for presentation to the community.  [10/10/13] Urban Greening Task Force Meeting Enhancement Analysis The fourth Urban Greening Task Force Meeting took place on October 10, 2013. The group affirmed the overarching framework and provided refinements to opportunity sites. MIG also presented the enhancement analysis focusing on specific sites where urban greening strategies could be applied, as well as preliminary urban greening policies for discussion and refinements.  [6/26/14] Urban Greening Task Force Meeting Revised Improvements Review and Prioritization The primary purpose of Meeting held on Thursday, June 26th, was to get input on how to prioritize potential projects developed in the previous tasks, and with input from previous Task Force meetings. Specifically, this meant identifying the top 5 sites for which detailed concepts will be prepared. Task Force members were given the opportunity to vote on their top 5 preferred projects. The Task Force’s top choices were Fairmount Park (7 votes), Hillside Natural Area and Madera Property (5 votes), the former Portola Middle School site (5 votes), Blue to Green Connections (4 votes), and Creekside Park (4 votes) These five potential focus areas were the top vote- getters, after two rounds of voting, and received particular attention. All sites are owned and controlled by the City of El Cerrito, with the exception of the former Portola Middle School site and a portion of Fairmount Park, which are both owned by WCCUSD. Conlon Ave/Key Blvd ROW (3 votes) and Lower Fairmount (3 votes) were the next-preferred sites, followed by Ashbury Ave (2 votes) and Central Park (2 votes). Sites not chosen with any votes included Ohlone Greenway, Portola to Schmidt; Ohlone Greenway, Gladys to Blake; El Cerrito Plaza; Cutting/San Pablo Vacant Lot; and Avila/ San Pablo Cul-de-Sac. 2. Community Meetings ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening I Community Engagement Summary I March - April 2015 4  [7/23/13] Community Workshop Vision, Opportunities and Needs The first community workshop focused on three concurrent El Cerrito planning projects: Urban Greening, Active Transportation Plan, and San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan. The overview presentation was followed by detailed breakout group discussions about the overarching goals, strategy framework, and urban greening opportunity sites. Community input from the workshop is included at the end of this document.  [10/19/13] Community Workshop Preliminary Recommendations The second community workshop again focused on the three concurrent planning projects through a presentation and open house format. Community members placed their comments on the project posters and provided input through the large group discussions after the project presentation. Community input from the workshop is included at the end of this document.  [8/2/14] Community Workshop Charrette on 4 selected opportunity sites The primary purpose of Workshop held on Saturday, August 2nd, was to gather community input on design and program ideas for four selected opportunity sites: Lower Fairmount Avenue, Hillside Natural Area, Fairmont Park, and “Blue Green Connections.” Twenty-five community members were in attendance. The workshop started with an overview of the El Cerrito Urban Greening process to date, the overarching framework of the Urban Greening plan, the criteria used to determine the 14 focus areas of the Urban Greening plan, and the four opportunity sites that would be the main subject of the charrette. After the overview presentation, community members split into 4 groups based on their interest in one of the given opportunity sites. Each group discussed the following topics:  The overall vision and character for the site  The specific programming elements that would accomplish the site vision  The location of the chosen elements (drawn on a basemap of the site)  Maintenance strategies for the site A full summary of the public’s input during this community meeting and charrette can be found in the Appendix, within the “Charrette Summary” document. 3. Project Website The El Cerrito Urban Greening Website provides public education and outreach for the project. The website launched on May 24, 2013 and is located at the address: www.elcerritourbangreening.org. Available in a variety of languages, the website content includes: an overview of urban greening; workshop dates locations and materials; access to the online survey; and an interactive mapping tool that enables web-based community input. Community participant comments from the website interactive mapping tool are included at the end of this document. 4. Community Survey [Week of 5/20/13 – 7/8/13] The project team developed an Urban Greening Community Survey to collect information on local priorities and needs. The questionnaire was administered online through the website, distributed at meetings and conducted through intercept surveys. On May 22, 2013 community representatives were trained to administer the survey to their neighbors and constituent groups to ensure targeting to typically underrepresented populations. Over ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening I Community Engagement Summary I March - April 2015 5 the 6 week period 848 community members participated in the survey, and the map below illustrates the distribution of participants across the City. A copy of the survey can be seen on the following page, and the survey results are summarized in the Community Input Summary at the end of this appendix section. 5. Focus Group Meetings  [June 2013] Focus Group Meeting This focus group meeting was organized to further understand the existing needs of the community. The focus group meeting served as an opportunity to conduct intercept face to face surveys targeted at teens and disabled community members to better understand how they use currently use open space and ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening I Community Engagement Summary I March - April 2015 6 what potential urban greening opportunities would improve their experience of El Cerrito’s open spaces. ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening Community Survey ---PAGE BREAK--- For more information or to take the survey online go to: Urban Greening Survey Return to: El Cerrito City Hall 10890 San Pablo Avenue El Cerrito, CA 94530-2323 For more information contact: Emily Alter City of El Cerrito [EMAIL REDACTED] [PHONE REDACTED] The City of El Cerrito would like your thoughts on improving open spaces (including parks and streets). This survey will take about 5 minutes to complete. Your responses will help make El Cerrito a better place to live, work, shop and play and will help guide the City in making community driven decisions that reflect community priorities. Please complete this survey by July 8, 2013. Your responses will be kept confidential. If you have any questions about the survey, please contact us. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SURVEY! If you would like to be contacted about El Cerrito Urban Greening Plan updates and meetings, fill out the information below: www.ElCerritoUrbanGreening.org ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 Open Spaces and Streets 1. Where do you live? Outside of the City of El Cerrito In the City of El Cerrito If you live in the City of El Cerrito, indicate the nearest intersection to you. 2. How important are parks, recreation facilities, and natural areas to your quality of life? 1 2 3 4 5 Not Important Somewhat Important Very Important No Opinion 3. Overall, how satisfied are you with El Cerrito’s park and open space system? 1 2 3 4 5 Not Satisfied Somewhat Satisfied Very Satisfied No Opinion 4. What are the most important benefits of local parks, recreation areas, trails and greenways, to you? Choose the top four. Create opportunities for community events and social interaction in El Cerrito Create positive activities and fun environments Continue life-long learning Support health and fitness activities Provide a place to relax Allow public to observe and interact with nature Protect and enhance air, water, and natural habitats Strengthen the economy (increase property values, attract new residents, businesses and visitors) Other ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 5. What are your top priorities for improving open spaces, parks, streets, and trails in El Cerrito? Choose the top four. Create new parks, pocket parks and green spaces in key locations Improve existing parks and recreation facilities Expand/improve the trail network Expand/improve on-street bicycle/pedestrian facilities Restore or protect creeks, forests, and natural areas Improve commercial areas with urban plazas/small parks Create community gardens Assure equal access for all (e.g. proximity to all neighborhoods) Other 6. What improvements would most encourage you to walk and bike to your destination or for recreation? Choose the top three. Safe and comfortable facilities (e.g. sidewalks, crosswalks, bike lanes) Slow traffic Amenities/aesthetics (seating, lighting, attractive landscaping, trees, special features such as art) Sidewalk activities (outdoor dining, street vendors, child-friendly amenities etc.) Clear wayfinding and signage Other 7. Is there a recreational activity or type of green space you currently travel outside of El Cerrito to seek out that could be in El Cerrito? Tell us about it. ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 About You 8. What is your age? Under 18 18 to 24 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 or older Decline to state 9. How would you describe yourself? Choose all that apply. Asian/Pacific Islander Black/African American Hispanic/Latino Native American/American Indian White, Non-Hispanic Biracial/Multiracial Decline to state Other 10. What is your gender? Female Male Decline to State Other ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 11. What languages do you speak at home? Choose all that apply. English Spanish Cantonese Mandarin Japanese Tagalog Korean Tibetan Arabic Other 12. If you are older than 18, how would you describe yourself? Choose all that apply. Student Married Single Stay-at-home parent/grandparent Retired Working Adult Unemployed Other 13. In your household, are there any children younger than 18? Yes No Other 14. Do you own or rent your home? Own Rent Other ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 15. What type of home do you live in? Apartment/Condominium Single-family Home Other Additional Comments: Let us know any additional thoughts and ideas that you have about opportunities to improve El Cerrito’s open spaces, parks, playgrounds, and streets. THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING IN THIS SURVEY! ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening Website Mapping Comments ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- ---PAGE BREAK--- El Cerrito Urban Greening Community Input Analysis ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Ohlone Greenway Make Ohlone Greenway safer to walk and bike on. Survey Ohlone Greenway I live by the greenway, but find it feeling unsafe during certain hours of the day. Improvements on lighting and emergency call buttons? Survey easier pedestrian access to EC Plaza Survey Bay Trail, Central Ave Improve access to Bay Trail. Improve Central Ave. Survey places to safely lock my bike Survey I'm in a wheelchair so the more accessible streets, sidewalks, driveways, crosswalks and businesses are, the less likely I am to drive. Survey I am a blind person Survey lighting Survey shade areas for resting Survey safe bike parking Survey Maine St bike lanes on Maine St Survey keep bikes off sidewalks, enforce bike traffic laws Survey Places to stop along the way; shade both trees & awnings Survey I do not want the City to spend any further money on bike lanes; waster of limited resources Survey safety safety safety Survey new and improved trails and paths Survey more (painted) dedicated bike lanes Survey Better street lights - some sidewalk areas are very dark and feel unsafe. Survey Fairmount Ave Large trucks use Fairmont ave - has a negative impact Survey Physically protected bikeway for busier streets Survey More buses and BART Survey Moeser Ln Topography. Some areas are too steep (Moeser) and there is no public transit link to more bikable/walkable areas. Bart M-U path is scary. Crimes/muggings occur there. Survey safe bike parking Survey more trails Survey fun trails designed to be ridden by bikes in an environmentally sustainable way Survey gas money Survey One of those flat escalators like in the airport Survey EC Plaza more bike parking (hello, Plaza) Survey more marked crosswalks for safety Survey Wider sidewalks. Now my wife and I can walk in the street Survey Sadly, at the top of the hill, there is no where to walk to Survey It is great that the City has done so much to improve the streets, but our sidewalks are very hazardous in many places and need replacing. Survey Place signage throughout the City that indicates how far (in minutes) it is to bike or walk...some cities have done this and it has been well recieved. Survey youth and better legs Survey Ohlone Greenway good visibility at Ohlone Greenway and street intersections so drivers can see pedestrians and bikers Survey Do not eliminate automobile traffic lanes in favor of bicycle lanes; Survey transportation to parks and Bay Trail non-existent Survey patch holes in sidewalks - a mess! Adequate street lighting - too dim. Have to use flashlights Survey too many signs Survey Places to sit down at intervals while walking Survey better lighting at night Survey areas free from crime. Survey running track in north El Cerrito; safe passage for jogging and biking on Ohlone Trail under BART Survey Ohlone Greenway Completion of the Ohlone Greenway Survey Encourage bikes to have/use bells/horns to alert pedestrians Survey buffered bike lanes on san pablo, nicer transit shelters Survey Arlington To have actual pathways on Arlington Survey Ohlone Greenway Safety on the walking trails is key! Ohlone Greenway Survey more businesses within walking distance (ca. 1 1/2 miles Survey El Cerrito is already quite walkable and bicycle-friendly. Survey Available Bike parking Survey More dispersed/local resources that are easy to get to on bike. Destinations in El Cerrito that I want to go to! Survey Ohlone Greenway Wish I could use BART path, but it has never felt safe Survey less hills! Okay, you can't get rid of the hills - put identifying paths that are doable for kids without the slope of Barrett or Moeser Survey A better feeling of personal safety from violence. Survey safer median - the overgrowth of trees and bushes is awful on Ashbury & C street - trees hang too low, no stop signs like at Brighton and many families crossing the street to get to and from school. Several near accidents at that cross walk. Survey improved access to "alleys" to get "down the hill" including signage and lighting Survey Getting vehicles OFF the sidewalks! El Cerrito Urban Greening Community Input Analysis - 2013 Improve Connectivity Page 1 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Decrease in crime on the bart pathway Survey Seating, garbage cans, drinking water along trails with frequency Survey The more SEPARATED Bike Paths, the BETTER! (No cars allowed.) Survey Barrett Ave. Impossible to cross Barrett Ave. between Edwards and Yuba with cars speeding down hill. My dog and I now avoid the crossing and walk towards Mira Vista instead. Survey Destinations where, when we get there, my dog could be safely off-leash in nature (away from traffic and other hazards) Survey A good ankle Survey Places to securely park bikes. Survey Lighting should not be considered just an amenity, I think it should put under "Safe and comfortable facilities". Also, slow traffic is good, but fewer cars is better to cut down on noise and pollution. Survey 2-More trees and natural paths, not disturbing wildlife.3- clean out sewers and have a feeding station in the hills for cayotes. Survey Expanded bike lockers & location availability Survey Part of the challenge is there is not a central "downtown" area for El Cerrito that would encourage more walking, shopping, and events. The area around the Rialto Theater is great but it's on SP Ave which isn't very conducive to "hanging out" much. Survey San Pablo Ave bike lockers; better bike lanes on San Pablo Survey Barrett & Harris Crosswalk on Barrett to Harris to allow children to safely get to poinsett park. Survey Shade trees in Plaza parking areas Survey better lighting for safety and more patroling by police Survey Culture of bicycles and cars sharing the road. It's about attitude. Survey Sidewalk repair. Some are wheelchair impassable. Survey More public awareness of bicycles, and a culture that embraces cycling Survey No more signage / visual polution PLZ; remember what gets installed - whatever it may be, must also be maintenanced. Survey One that doesnt require schelpping 2 small kids up a huge hill Survey Removal of helmet and bike light laws that make biking incredibly expensive and inconvienent Survey more safe and accessible bike lock parking @ commerical areas Survey Maintain and improve El Cerrito trails Survey In the end what matters is to have close and walkable destinations Survey The city put ramps on most sidewalk crosswalks except for the ones on Pomona on the way to Cerrito Vista Park! Why? Survey Fill-in sidewalk gaps to creat continuous safe passage. Work PGnE to move utility posts away from side walks. Survey dedicated streets for biking through town Survey Safe place to park bike Survey Adequate and safe bike parking Survey public water fountains and bike lanes Survey Ohlone Greenway More cops along BART path Survey more trails Survey Proximity Survey Crosswalks!!!! Survey prepare for electric bicycles - legal under state law - they are coming! Survey If I didn't live on a hill. Survey Schmidt Lane Can the hiking trails up from Schmidt Lane be improved? Survey High density housing Survey Good ways to get around Survey I'd like to see more interesting art and other local & community elements, including unique play sculptures and play elements, integrated into parks. Also, being able to combine activities (e.g. shopping and playground; school and playground; BART and playground) is a priority to me. Finally, I'd like to see more amenities/playgrounds that can be accessed without driving, i.e. in the flats and ideally near transit. Survey I love the open space access opportunities that are emerging with a focus on rebuilding old trails and providing a network that actully be used to travel to other parts of town (rather than just a loop). It would be great to see official maps of this trail network. As mentioned above, it would be great to have more walkable shopping opportunities with local retailers and restaurants that offer healthy choices. Right now I travel to Berkeley and Albany for most of my grocery, dining, and entertainment - it would be great to do that here in my hometown. Survey A place for children to play. Basketball, baseball,lacrosse,etc Survey bike lanes and paths Survey Improve pedestrian access to and within El Cerrito Plaza, particularly from the BART station Survey Schedule a weekly summer free concert series at one of the parks Survey would be great to have "parklets" like on San Pablo Survey Create park spaces that enable emerging new ways of interacting with the outdoors: parklets, bike skill areas, climbing skills areas, geo-caching, adult kickball, etc. Survey Cerrito Vista Park I would love to see a music series, movie nights and theater in the park during the summer. (Cerrito Vista Park) I would love to see an electronic activity board installed at Cerrito Vista Park that promotes city and community events in the city. Survey We need easier and safer bicycle and pedestrian trails and connections from El Cerrito to the bay trail and from the Ohlone greenway to the bay trail. Survey finishing the bike path near BART will be a big plus. Page 2 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Del Norte Bart As I mentioned above, I think the city needs to improve pedestrian access to and within El Cerrito Plaza. Also, pedestrian access to the 'new' Safeway from Del Norte BART needs to be improved, since right now, you either need to walk through the busy parking lot, or walk an extra block and a half out of the way if you want to stay on the sidewalk. I also find the streetlights inadequate in many areas. In some places, they are spaced too far apart, and in other places, the lights are above bushy trees so their light is almost completely blocked out. There are also many places where there are overgrown shrubs and bushes between the sidewalk and the street, making it difficult to walk down the sidewalk, and adding to a feeling of being unsafe, when you can't see what might be lurking behind a 4-foot-high bush. Are there any rules about landscaping by the sidewalk? Survey El Cerrito does not have much land available to expand its existing formal parks system. As such, I think the city should see bicycling amenities bicycle boulevards, traffic calming, sharrows, cycletracks) as a way of utilizing existing street spaces to add opportunities for El Cerritans to engage more actively with the community and with their existing parks and open spaces. Survey More dedicated bike lanes. Survey I love the bicycle parking and bicycle lanes. Lots of progress in the 14 years I've lived in El Cerrito. I'd like to see if there's more that can be done to promote bicycling as a common means of transportation for families. I commute by bicycle but since I live in the hills its hard to go places with my kids. Any ideas? I'd love for my son to ride his bike to Madera too but it isn't very safe with the narrow roads and traffic. Survey Bay Trail Bike connection between El Cerrito BART and Bay Trail should be made safe and comfortable for all ages. Survey Poinsett Park Keep parks free from commercial enterprises, but use space wisely. The building at Poinsett Park needs some activity...perhaps a "Nature Area workshop" with classes limited to small groups. No outside rentals. Survey Have "Sunday Streets Festivals" as San Francisco and Berkeley have had with NO CARS ALLOWED (on a particular street, or portion of a street)... Survey Live music. Free events like the World One Festival! Survey We need to have a bike race!! and a bike park Survey Bike ways dirt trails that coincide. Access ways that let multiple activity groups co-exist Survey Set a mountain bike trail network above and around the recycling center Community events and activities we can use! - eg. Community center and Vista Park (across Moeser Lane) Survey Have more sports or activities in parks or maybe have day camps or events like Relay for Life! Survey Provide free or discount days at Playland-not-at-the-Beach Survey SAFETY, especially on Ohlone Greenway Survey Ohlone Greenway I would love to see the abandoned park on the Ohlone greenway by Stockton near Fairmont school restored and expanded. Right now there's just an old slide and a swingset without any swings. There are tons of neighborhood kids for whom that park would be their primary park if it were only restored. Would be willing to donate money towards this cause as well as volunteer to improve it. Survey Ohlone Greenway I was so sad when BART cut down most of the crabapples along the Ohlone Way for the current seismic upgrade: I used to commute by bike from Eureka to Berkeley and counted 185 blooming crabapples in spring (mostly in Albany). Would love to see you plant blossoming trees on the Ohlone Way and local streets, parks. Survey Ohlone Greenway I live in Richmond but do a lot of my shopping in El Cerrito at the Plaza. I like to use my bike whenever possible. I can't wait until the work on the Ohlone Greenway is finished. I am disappointed that the Baxter Creek area that borders Richmond is not being maintained very well at the moment. I understand you lost your volunteer coordinator because funding was no longer available. It would be good to see volunteer efforts to maintain the open spaces in El Cerrito once again by refunding a volunteer coordinator position if and when possible. Survey Ohlone Greenway San Pablo avenue needs a "green zone" bike lane and improved crossings on the Ohlone Greenway so that cars and bikes have better visibility for crossings. Survey Bay Trail / Ridge Trail The idea of linking El Cerrito with the Bay Trail and the Ridge Trail is exciting and worth a long term effort survey Would love to figure out a way to make San Pablo more hip to draw people here - expanding on what's happening at the Theatre, but we need to figure out the parking issue. Overall, I'm thrilled El Cerrito is so thoughtful and has resources to do this work Survey Ohlone Greenway The stops signs at Ohlone Greenway crossings should face cars, not the greenway users. Survey Provide benefits to our many poorer, immigrant, non-english speaking families that are not reached (in this survey). Create surveys such as these in the popular languages of our residents. Do we even know who our immigrant families are? Thanks for asking? Survey I'd like to see more interesting art and other local & community elements, including unique play sculptures and play elements, integrated into parks. Also, being able to combine activities (e.g. shopping and playground; school and playground; BART and playground) is a priority to me. Finally, I'd like to see more amenities/playgrounds that can be accessed without driving, i.e. in the flats and ideally near transit. Survey outside space for children Survey Provide a safe place for children. (Why does no option here even refer to children?!) Survey More community weekend events Survey Good ways to get around Survey more trees along the streets would be fantastic Survey Establish more street trees. Many streets barren, and wide with lunar rock gardens (which should be banned) Page 3 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Maintain and planting street trees by properly pruning i.e. high overhead wires Survey More street trees to soften the landscape ALL OVER Survey Plant more trees along El Cerrito streets! Survey would be great to have "parklets" like on San Pablo Survey Street Tree Program with appropriate tree plantings desparetely needed, especially on Richmond Street and other major transport (non-San Pablo) roadways in El Cerrtio Survey Improve the streets!!!! Many more trees. BTW, widening Moeser Lane (even if for bicycles) doesn't help Survey include street treesd in the equatiom Survey San Pablo Ave bring more greenery to san pablo ave (the strip from the plaza to del norte). the commercial vacancies/decay is a local business issue, but more trees can at least make it look more pleasant. I'm thinking of the areas near jack n the box and the old party warehouse. also the hideous remains of the old safeway...i would love to see that block turn into something positive, and not remain empty for more years. would be great to see city work with residents to organize and prevent another discount or dollar store or gym (or whatever that creates profits for safeway, not as much benefits for the neighbors). Survey more trees! Survey Plant fruit trees Survey Put power-lines underground to enhance the beauty of our streets Survey Need more trees along the streets (like berkeley Survey Need more lights on the streets and parks Survey trees should have priority over the people who insist on a view from their window or deck Survey San Pablo Ave Continue to improve San Pablo Ave pedestrian experience/safety; improve street trees & urban forest thru all available means; protect, improve, and daylight creeks and intermittent drainages; add bbq/campfire/picnic table options in parks; add sidewalk micro-parks wherever possible, i.e., along wide sidewalks on San Pablo (wanna read my masters theses on the topic?); try for microparks in each and every residential 'hood! Survey Would love to see more trees along Stockton avenue, and of course along San Pablo. Since I've moved here (2001) the changes the City has made in terms of landscaping have been fabulous! Keep it up. Survey Create areas like Berkeley's 4th St or Shattuck & Vine that provide destinations that are pedestrian-friendly. Bike lanes, outdoor restaurants. Entice people out to enjoy the parks with a summer concert series or movies in the park or other themes - ideally some that showcase local talent or things EC would like to be known for. Survey lower speed limits on small residential streets coupled with signage and enforcement Survey I hope the emphasis and what comes out of this is that the city decides to plant a bunch of trees along its streets. So many of EC's streets are wide and barren looking and need help. The parks are actually pretty nice and people from outside come and enjoy them Survey It Would Be Nice To Have Public Pedestrian Plazas With A Water Feature That Children Could Play In On Hot Days. A Sidewalk All The Way Up Moeser Lane. Survey There are a few dangerous streets where the cars go fast (Stockton, Central, Fairmount), and a few dangerous intersections that could maybe be improved. Survey signage, welcoming environment, crosswalks, speed bumps, Survey Provide more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, crosswalks at key commercial area; something similar to Solano Ave in Albany. most E.C. residents are within walking distance to commercial area. Survey Integrating bike paths and walkways with adjacent cities. Survey Enforce the observation of the law at stop signs in El Cerrito Plaza. This enforcement would promote safety and might wake up scofflaws. Survey enforce the median strips to be planted not cemented over, bricked over, etc. more trees available to homeowners to plant in median strips, more trees on streets, more toddler play structures, fenced in playgrounds Survey SAFETY is very important - adequate lighting, good visibility, clear sightlines. Survey Carmel Ave. Shade trees along 100-200 blocks Carmel Ave. Ban grass lawns (water-intensive). SHADE trees in Plaza! Shade trees upper Fairmount and along north of Fairmount streets. Survey Stockton Ave. I live near stockton ave corridor. lots of weeds and people standing around smoking outside 7-11 and coffee bar. would like to see more focus on weed abatement/drought resistant planting on business areas and street tree basins Survey More trees for shaded streets! Survey Madera I love the bicycle parking and bicycle lanes. Lots of progress in the 14 years I've lived in El Cerrito. I'd like to see if there's more that can be done to promote bicycling as a common means of transportation for families. I commute by bicycle but since I live in the hills its hard to go places with my kids. Any ideas? I'd love for my son to ride his bike to Madera too but it isn't very safe with the narrow roads and traffic. Survey Jordan / Tulare There are almost blind intersections around the city. One is at Jordan and Tulare. It's unsafe. We need mirrors. Survey Richmond Street Establish bike lanes on Richmond St. Work with Richmond to make a safe bike lane to connect El Cerrito to Bay trail. Central Ave has too much traffic to serve as a bike path. Page 4 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Carlson I appreciate El Cerrito's pro action regarding cycling lanes, particularly as installed along right turn lanes on Ashbury at Fairmount and Carlson at San Pablo. I am concerned about the cycling lanes along Carlson though. They are narrow to the point of being "door zone" lanes. In other words they tell people cycling to ride in a road position that could be suddenly blocked by a motorist opening their door, which is a significant cause of accidents for people cycling. No matter what the standards may say, the stripe delineating the cycling lane relative to the adjacent travel lane should be 13 feet from the curb at a minimum. If it is less, it is better not to have a cycling lane at all. Please check if the stripe on Carlson is 13 feet from the curb and implement a remedy if not. I was under the impression before the lanes were installed that Carlson was going to undergo a road diet, which would ]have provided better cycling lanes and safer walking conditions than the current configuration. The ADT on El Cerrito's portion of Carlson appears low enough to allow a road diet. Survey Consistent street tree planting (do whole blocks at once, same species). Get rid of grass/lawn on publicly maintained property, replace with natives. Stripe bike lanes, stripes at least 13' from the curb to prevent a "door zone" lane. Narrow intersections using planted "bulb-outs" for pedestrian safety, smaller scale of road perceived by motorists, slower traffic. Thank you. Survey I'm new to El Cerrito and am still exploring. Wishful thinking: a new library; better restaurants; beautification of San Pablo Ave. Survey We need a well connected sidewalk network to have safe walking environment. I see people walking on the street all the time because there are no sidewalks. We are about to have our first child and I want to be able to take safe walks with him, but this is not an option in my neighborhood (El Cerrito hills). Survey El Cerrito's shopping streets—upper and lower Fairmount, Stockton, San Pablo at El Cerrito Natural Foods and at the theater—these could be enhanced as gathering places. They may not be park-like, but they could be places to draw El Cerritans into the outdoors both by being there and by walking/bicycling there. El Cerrito north of Stockton will require creating new such places. Survey I love the landscaping on San Pablo in the middle. I appreciate all the road repairs/ sidewalk repairs. Survey Also, want to support bike friendly routes in El Cerrito as I am one who shops and participates in civic life in El Cerrito. Survey developing the Plaza was huge! San Pablo Ave medians, huge! Rain Gardens, great! keep up the good work. Cntinue to enhance the ped/bike, walking, sitting, cycling, dog walking opportunities. Survey El Cerrito does not have much land available to expand its existing formal parks system. As such, I think the city should see bicycling amenities bicycle boulevards, traffic calming, sharrows, cycletracks) as a way of utilizing existing street spaces to add opportunities for El Cerritans to engage more actively with the community and with their existing parks and open spaces. Survey San Pablo Pls look at improving green spaces on San Pablo. Shopping/public areas need love & attention. I'd happily volunteer to join a gardening squad Survey The city needs ore trees along the streets. Too many blocks are barren. And many many front yards are wide expanses of weeds. The city needs to promote beautification, flowers and plants. And the city needs to make it much easier to build a fenced to protect those plantings from the deer. Survey Ohlone Greenway San Pablo avenue needs a "green zone" bike lane and improved crossings on the Ohlone Greenway so that cars and bikes have better visibility for crossings. Survey It is very important to me to feel safe when walking in El Cerrito. I used to walk on the BART paths but now do not as there have been too many incidents in that area for me to feel safe, even during the daytime. Survey Bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure is key to community Survey start charging for street parking and put some portion of those funds towards pocket park so long San Pablo Avenue and BART stations. Bart will start increasing parking rate to 3 dollars, spillover parking will affect surrounding areas let's be ready to capture this market while putting revenues not to general fund but $ for greening, pedbike safety imp starting next to biz districts then eventually in overly large intersections in the hills where there are great views and oppurtunities to do pavement to miniparks type projects Survey Signs at intersections along the Ohlone Greenway identifying which street we're approaching would be a much-appreciated, low-cost improvement. Survey Please plant street trees, and don't spend money on widening or repaving streets Survey El Cerrito is doing a pretty good job. Green spaces. Keep it up! Fix Moeser is great. Would love more sidewalk things, downtown restaurants with open space. survey Secondly, my wife and I walk to do our grocery shopping. We usually walk in the street because the sidewalks are too narrow and do not enable people to walk together. Survey In light of the fact that there are many homes in El Cerrito where it is difficult or impossible to park off-street, I would like to see a program that would allow the home owner, or occupant, to pay a modest annual fee to the city, for the right to park on the street, in front of one's own house. The City would earn an undetermined amount of revenue, and the procedure could be made evident by a designated, and currently unused, color for the curb, perhaps brown. There are places where the lot is so narrow, that if someone parks in the spot in front of a house, that home's residents cannot put the waste cans out, on trash night, in the manner required by the City and by East Bay Sanitary. The problem also occurs on street-cleaning day. We get one day per month, but have no control over who parks in front, and deprives us of having the toxins neutralized in front of our house. If it is deemed important enough to do, there should be some means of assuring access for the truck. Page 5 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey We oppose the recent "traffic calming" changes being made to Moeser Lane that will eliminate lanes of automobile traffic and increase the commute time. Signage reminding people to "Share the road" should be posted along the main streets and arteries. El Cerrito traffic police should enforce laws forbidding adult bicycle riding on the sidewalks. Pedestrian sidewalks along Arlington Boulevard are missing entire segments and should be created. El Cerrito should have at least one indoor pool that people can use year-round for swimming and physical therapy without regard to whether conditions and without needing protection from ultraviolet light. Survey El Cerrito really needs a street tree program where the City plants and maintains the trees, not relying on home owners to commit to doing so. El Cerrito's method means trees are mostly planted in the hills, where there are fewer low income, renters, and more affluent home owners who are willing to commit to tree care. The City of Albany has a tree planting program in which the City waters the newly planted trees until they are established. Also, the City seems eager to remove trees (they've removed 5 large ones on or near my block, and many more in my neighborhood), without then following through to make sure these trees are replanted and established. My street looks much more barren than it did 20 years ago because of the City's tree policies. If El Cerrito had just let the trees be, in the first place, my street would be better off. Survey planting and supporting trees along more streets or on the sidewalks would make it a special place, the streets with trees (either on an island or along the sidewalk) are much more pedestrian friendly and more inviting. Survey Need more flowering plants and trees. How about a fountain somewhere in El Cerrito. How about a free bus like in Oakland which makes a round trip through downtown, all day long (maybe could share this with Berkeley) Survey Sidewalks need to be made accessible!! I walk with my dog every day for 4-5 min. in the area bordered by Fairview, Barrett, Arlington, and Mira Vista. I am elderly and do not see well, yet must spend part of every outing walking in the middle of streets because of cars parked 1/2 - 3/4 of the way across sidewalks (isn't this illegal?) or because of hedges growing halfway across sidewalks. I met a young mother a few weeks ago who said she no longer walks her baby on Carquinez between Jordan and Laquinitas because of all the cars blocking the side walks. Can't something be done - cars ticketed, residents sent, letters to trim ledges and remove weeds? I love my walks, but they are becoming hazardous! Survey Many streets do not have street trees. The streets that do have street trees have a much nicer appearance. I would love to see more people planting trees rather than paving in the planter strip between the sidewalk and curb. Survey El Cerrito has long streets. More trees would improve long, hot cement. El Cerrito had a tree program - does it still exist? Trees financed by Cal-trees and planted/maintained by the city. This is a good plan. Would like to see it continued or started again. Good for the environment and health of residents. If financing problems, try a grant from Sierra Club or other such group or government agency (dept. of health?) Survey Improve streetlife! Complete streets will make for a safer, healthier El Cerrito and Bay Area! Survey Better lighting for many of El Cerrito side streets - most only have lighting at the corner. Encourage owners to trim trees for fire prevention as well as view enhancement with would help "enclosed" residents to get a vista of the beautiful Bay and islands, etc. Survey I would like to see more dispersed resources throughout the city. Both Bart stations should be developed into walkable/bikable commercial hubs and destination areas. Bike lanes down San Pablo. Destinations worth biking and walking to (not chain stores). Bike Lanes to the Plaza Bart Station along either Central or Fairmont. Require all storefronts on San Pablo to have entrances that open to the street. Survey Pedestrian crossings of Central Ave. west of Carlson are EXTREMELY dangerous. I'd like to see Central Ave. go to one lane there. Expand the sidewalk along Central Ave west of Carlson- it is too narrow and the power poles are in the sidewalk itself. Survey The stops signs at Ohlone Greenway crossings should face cars, not the greenway users. Stop putting in crosswalk signals that pedestrians are required to press- this is a physical and barrier to people walking! Survey Create more one-way streets to more fairly distribute traffic flow and to enhance safety. Survey Create separation barriers between pedestrians and bicyclists Survey Colusa Ave. Leak Take care of water leak on Colusa Ave, just before Eureka. It has been leaking for several months. Survey Ashby Ave. I live close to El Cerrito High School and the traffic on Ashbury Ave is terrible. People drive very fast on the street. I saw squirrels, deers and other animals being hit by cars. If something can be done to slow down the traffic there (eg speed bump)it would be very nice to the entire neighborhood on that street. Thanks! Survey Moeser / San Pablo Create a green space in the parking lot by CVS on Moeser @ San Pablo, have a weekly farmer's market there, no one uses that parking lot anymore and it's so ugly. Survey Cutting Blvd. I live on cutting blvd which has a lot of rental homes and some that appear vacant. I would like to see these homes be resident owned and improved. Survey Moeser Lane Why, oh why are you destroying the green center of Moeser lane? Survey Fairmont / Stockton Traffic slowing on Ashbury between Fairmont and Stockton.... Survey Parks are nice, however most streets stink; they're barren treeles environments with many low sad (low maintenance) front yards Survey more street trees Page 6 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey I walk my dog in the evenings and find that there are no public trash cans for waste disposal around. Maybe we could put a few along some of the main roads? Potrero, Richmond, Schmidt, for example, would benefit from a few well-placed bins - especially with the new middle school going in. Survey I think EC is a lovely, green place, but it has become unsafe. On San Pablo between my building at Madison and the Del Norte BART station there are insufficiently lighted pockets, making walking after dark uncomfortable. Survey More disabled and senior facilities benches to rest on Survey bike lanes and paths Task Force 1 Well Connected Task Force 1 Identify Gaps Task Force 1 Open Space Needs Asssessment Task Force 1 Well Distributed Open Spaces: Well Connected Task Force 1 WayfindingPlan Task Force 1 Connect / Overlay all trails Task Force 1 El Cerrito Creek Connector Task Force 1 Barriers - RR Tracks & Highway Task Force 1 Walkable Strong Neighborhoods Task Force 1 Equitable : Connect with under represented communities Task Force 1 Creek Connector City ( El Cerrito & Albany) : Bike Build , Bridge, Carlson, Orientation of Bund Task Force 1 Exercise & Fitness - Add Community Center / Pool Task Force 1 Walkable Strong Neighborhoods Task Force 1 Barriers - RR Tracks & Highway Task Force 1 Along Ohlone, at Fairmount Task Force 3 Strolling - no strolling along san pablo except fairmont & by the theater, stockton, carlesong >central, fairmount Task Force 3 Strolling in Nodes - raingardens and benches can make more inviting, buy open space in flats - policy Community 1 Bluebelt to greenbelt -second –third -fourth –fifth Community 1 Make a bike/ped crossing over the highway to the Bay Trail Community 1 “Why should we have to drive to walk?” Community 1 Through hillside areas Community 1 Connect through the Richmond annex to Wildcat Community 1 What about wildlife connectivity? Community 1 Could we make EC more attractive to migrating birds, bees, etc. – second Community 1 San Pablo Ave Dedicated bike lane along San Pablo – second - third Community 1 Introduce Bike-cabs going between BART station and places like Big5, Orchard, Safeway Community 1 Car share opportunities- new pods Community 1 Better bike connectivity along Carlson (from San Pablo) and Central Ave. to Bay Trail Community 1 More connectivity to Albany Community 1 Adams St Over Cerrito Creek to Adams St. (east of Albany Hill) Community 1 Green Central Ave to San Pablo (as major entrance way from freeway into EC) – second Community 1 At the BART stations—major entry sites into EC Community 1 Better pedestrian routes out of BART stations, Better pedestrian routes out of BART stations, Opportunity for park near Del Norte- so many parking lots along SP Ave. Community 2 Love the midblock connections Community 2 San Pablo Ave It is very important to provide East / West connections to San Pablo & Richmond from the North / South bike paths / lanes (ohlone, etc.) Community 2 San Pablo Ave A bike lane on San Pablo would be incredible Community 2 Many of your residents are older - they are going to drive to stores, you have to accommodate them, especially if they live uphill Community 2 Don't let private development become gated - like the current large apartment complexed on San Pablo Community 2 You state you want wide sidewalks but you build your newest developments up to the front - no set backs, schmidt apts. And edon apts. Community 2 Please make El Cerrito more pedestrian friendly and safe Community 2 Widen and improve the sidewalks, ie strolling streets Community 2 enforce no bike riding on sidewalks and in crosswalks Community 2 Paint or sign "no bikes" on sidewalks Community 2 law enforcement issue tickets - which will get more revenue for the city Community 2 sidewalk activation = great, the sidewalks on San Pablo feel dead right now Community 2 A bike lane on San Pablo would be incredible Community 2 Just riding to the community center from Plaza Bart, crossing Richmond @ Eureka, there needs to be a way to slow traffic down Community 2 Then crossing Stockton @ Ashbury, the crosswalk is on the west side, but because I was riding north, I would have liked a crosswalk. Community 2 Also, on the east side, as a bicyclist I use crosswalks as a way to get across busy streets. Community 2 The merge onto Ashbury just south of Stockholm there is a new cut through for pedestrians but it does the bicyclists no good. Community 2 The Plaza intersection of Carlson & San Pablo is a nightmare for bicyclists,coming from Carlson and either trying to turn right go straight or turn left. Community 2 Even getting to El Cerrito National Grocery from Stockton is hard because Stockholm is so narrow there, with packed cars and traffic Page 7 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Community 2 Street gardens - palette curb planting noods to allow for curb side parking access Community 2 create physical and or well marked seperators for pedestrians and bicyclists Community 2 create pedestrian only pathways Community 2 require single or free bike ridership when passing pedestrians on pathways or trails Community 2 Post bicycle speed limits Community 2 create physical and or well marked seperators for pedestrians and bicyclists Community 2 create pedestrian only pathways Community 2 require single or free bike ridership when passing pedestrians on pathways or trails Community 2 Post bicycle speed limits Community 2 San Pablo is an alternate route to I 80, The lighted sign program on 180 will Direct vehicles to san pablo when there is blockage on the freeway. Community 2 San Pablo needs to be able to flow freely Community 2 Berkeley does not have bike lanes on San Pablo, they are on side streets Community 2 Your flexible streets example has outside vondons - compting with local business - brick and mortar locations - not good ! Community 2 Trucks and Buses don't mix well with bikes besides because of the size and diesel engines Community 2 Your plan does not accommodate enough parking to support businesses or loading zones to serve businesses Community 2 San Pablo is an alternate route to I 80, The lighted sign program on 180 will Direct vehicles to san pablo when there is blockage on the freeway. Community 2 Smart Bikers don't ride on San Pablo Except for short distances Community 2 It should be safe enough for kids to to cross Central Ave. in that area. Community 2 I like the pedestrian enhancements along San Pablo that have been made so far Community 2 At intersections where the light is going to be green for long enough anyway, there should be automatic walk signals for pedestrians regardless of the time of day Community 2 Require storefronts on the street - parking in back Community 2 Reduce Central Ave. Traffic between Carlson west to the Richmond border to 1 lane in each direction, with a middle turn lane. G Community 2 Give the extra space to trees and bikes. Community 2 More space for large street trees, we should have a goal to achieve a continous canopy along San Pablo Ave. Community 2 The Central Ave. Plan of adding bike lanes under I-80 will never be accepted by the residents of richmond, unless you expand the vehicle lanes plus add bike lanes and have sidewalks Survey Ohlone Greenway Can't wait for the greenway to open again. Not having that makes biking to destinations much less enjoyable. Survey Ohlone Greenway Better access from ohlone greenway to el cerrito plaza. There is one ramp in the middle of the stretch between Brighton and fairmont. But at fairmont there is only an unofficial path down a steep incline. Survey Ohlone Greenway Improve visibility and safety along Ohlone pathway. It feels unsafe because buildings/homes back to it and there are very large shrubs everywhere. What about a skate park? Survey Ohlone Greenway Safety is an issue along the Ohlone Greenway. People need to feel protected. Survey Ohlone Greenway Landscaping on the Greenway. Survey Ohlone Greenway I wish there were a way to walk home from El Cerrito PLAZA BART after dark more safely. I would never take the Ohlone Greenway after dark and so usually walk up Richmond ave or down to San Pablo but neither is optimal for safety/lighting. IS there a way to add a teen-friendly component to Cerrito Vista Park? Middle and high school students like to hang out on the children's slides (toddler and 5-12), but I understand they so need a place to hang out too. Survey Ohlone Greenway Any ways to enhance the sense of safety on the Ohlone Greenway would be huge (esp after the shooting). Survey Ohlone Greenway Allow old growth trees to remain in public parks. Supplement with young trees. Recently a large amount of older trees including pine and redwoods were removed from Vista park. This not only changed the landscape visually, but also increased the noise pollution emanating from the park. Same situation along the Ohlone path. I live near the bart tracks and over the last 15 yrs have seen a lot of large older trees removed which has hugely increased the noise from bart. I would like to see large tall FAST growing trees planted along the Ohlone path. Survey Ohlone Greenway Homes and businesses (especially cafes or coffee stands) facing on to the Greenway might help folks like me feel comfortable using it to walk for exercise. Right now it still feels unsafe. Survey Ohlone Greenway O O G y y y j y with any regularity, it becomes immediately obvious that yielding to cars on a bike path (the one "street" bikers are equal citizens on) is an unfair burden. If you are in a car, it takes minimal work to stop and go; this is not so for a biker. I am not asking for a stop sign for cars, simply a yield sign for when bikers/ walkers are present. The city of Berkeley has recently opened an extension of the Ohlone greenway, where they have placed a yield sign that requires cars to yield to all trail users. It's possible! It has been done. If the City of El Cerrito is serious about encouraging biking this is the minimum that can be done for the SINGLE strip of pavement where bikers welcome, equal citizens. I regularly bike with a child on this path. Not only does it feel dangerous at intersections with a child, it surly conveys to a child that being on a bike means be a second class citizen. We must defer to cars, expend more energy than necessary so that car drivers may not be inconvenienced. Even if the majority of people continue to drive cars to the detriment of the planet, the Survey Ohlone Greenway Don't fence off the Ohlone Greeenway from adjacent businesses. Strengthen Ohlone Greenway Page 8 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Ohlone Greenway I live in Richmond but do a lot of my shopping in El Cerrito at the Plaza. I like to use my bike whenever possible. I can't wait until the work on the Ohlone Greenway is finished. I am disappointed that the Baxter Creek area that borders Richmond is not being maintained very well at the moment. I understand you lost your volunteer coordinator because funding was no longer available. It would be good to see volunteer efforts to maintain the open spaces in El Cerrito once again by refunding a volunteer coordinator position if and when possible. Survey Ohlone Greenway San Pablo avenue needs a "green zone" bike lane and improved crossings on the Ohlone Greenway so that cars and bikes have better visibility for crossings. Task Force 3 Ohlone Greenway Ohlone Greenway - Proximity can be misleading not all types / Quality of activities, is it nature? Only include where there are natural features ( creeks, frog pond. Will not get the same kind of nature Hus & Plats Task Force 3 Ohlone Greenway Ohlone Greenway - natural area? Manicured? Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Strengthen Ohlone Greenway Community 1 Ohlone Greenway All About SAFETY Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Put some mobile and stationary commercial space along greenway - second, third- fourth – fifth Community 1 Ohlone Greenway beer garden, Community 1 Ohlone Greenway mobile coffee bar, Community 1 Ohlone Greenway other kinds of concession carts Community 1 Ohlone Greenway "Eyes on the path” Community 1 Ohlone Greenway “it’s about giving safe, fun destinations to walk to” Community 1 Ohlone Greenway A parcourse for bikes, skateboards and runners Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Nature areas Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Play structures Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Rest areas Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Trim shrubbery to make it feel safer (more visibility) – second -third Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Open it up as it is in Albany- open area surrounding the path makes it feel much safer Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Lights- Consider fashioning lights from the BART Track to light the trail and increase feeling of safety during the evening this way Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Especially good during winter when its gets dark earlier when people are still traveling home from work (HS) Community 1 Ohlone Greenway More priority for greenway thru traffic – second –third Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Stop signs for CARS so bikes don’t have to stop at each block Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Blinking lights that bicyclists can press to alert traffic (esp. useful for younger kids, elderly) Community 1 Ohlone Greenway They have this along Bancroft Ave. by RSF in Berkeley, and it is effective in slowing down and alerting the traffic to pedestrian crossing/ row Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Restore native plantings after BART “improvements” Community 1 Ohlone Greenway Separate lanes for bikers and walkers, much safer Community 2 Ohlone Greenway Extend landscaping into residential arch on east side of Ohlene Greenway, ex. Manila Ave. has dense plants that hide extensive litter underneath and are overgrown, which makes walking on the sidewalk harder. Community 2 Ohlone Greenway Want the city to take responsibility for side streets, make them blend into the landscaping on Ohlene greenway Community 2 Ohlone Greenway Should someone encourage snack carts on Ohlone path Community 2 Ohlone Greenway Extend landscaping into residential arch on east side of Ohlene Greenway, ex. Manila Ave. has dense plants that hide extensive litter underneath and are overgrown, which makes walking on the sidewalk harder. Survey Good commercial reasons - ie small stores, shops, coffee on the way - inviting other visions Survey more local merchants Survey Dog Friendly Dining and Shopping (Like Carmel) Survey More destinations better businesses and public facilities) Survey Also, being able to combine activities (e.g. shopping and playground; school and playground; BART and playground) is a priority to me. Survey it would be great to have more walkable shopping opportunities with local retailers and restaurants that offer healthy choices. Right now I travel to Berkeley and Albany for most of my grocery, dining, and entertainment - it would be great to do that here in my hometown. Survey we need more stores for everyday use (mainly groceries) type of things on San Pablo Ave. Survey Create areas like Berkeley's 4th St or Shattuck & Vine that provide destinations that are pedestrian-friendly. Bike lanes, outdoor restaurants. Entice people out to enjoy the parks with a summer concert series or movies in the park or other themes - ideally some that showcase local talent or things EC would like to be known for. Survey I would love to see he creation of space for people to gather in urban/commercial environments; areas that emulate a downtown kind of feel even without a center of town. Survey Provide more pedestrian-friendly sidewalks, crosswalks at key commercial area; something similar to Solano Ave in Albany. most E.C. residents are within walking distance to commercial area. Survey San Pablo Ave I'm new to El Cerrito and am still exploring. Wishful thinking: a new library; better restaurants; beautification of San Pablo Ave. Create Active Commercial Corridors Page 9 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Faimount, stockton, San Pablo Ave El Cerrito's shopping streets—upper and lower Fairmount, Stockton, San Pablo at El Cerrito Natural Foods and at the theater—these could be enhanced as gathering places. They may not be park-like, but they could be places to draw El Cerritans into the outdoors both by being there and by walking/bicycling there. El Cerrito north of Stockton will require creating new such places. Survey combine limited use commercial with parks and create neighborly small commercial areas off of San Pablo that people can walk to Survey Greening is holistic. It goes along with local businesses, sensible architecture, an entire fabric that encourages us to walk to spend money locally rather than driving. Its about connecting our green spaces and our access to green spaces. What about restaurants and coffee near BART? What about more small stores for clothing, books, etc. What about building to the scale of the human body? Bringing in local food businesses and green clothing - better shopping. A library we can walk to! Greening is about local businesses and connected green infrastructure. Make it so. Survey Ohlone Greenway Make the Ohlone Greenway and other parks safe for single women to walk in alone. Survey I would like to see the El Cerrito library expanded. MUSIC VENUE! Survey Encourage small businesses to locate in El Cerrito, especially family-run businesses. Survey Music venue, rose garden/community food gardens, paintball Survey We could use a (best buys) the closest store is in Emeryville I always have to travel to another town to shop when I shouldn't have to. We need stores like Walmart or Kmart or JC Penny's. Its too many places to eat every corner has a restaurant you also need to fix the streets we don't need anymore lights the traffic is horrible and please no more pet shops! Survey More stores to shop, need to improve the nursing home in El Cerrito called (Shields) needs to be improved you might not have any thing to do with it but just thought I would speak about I have relatives that is there. Survey The city should encourage more residents to afford places in the city. B/c of low interest rates, international interest in real estate; many places are going to outside investors and not always people who want to live / improve the community. The city should consider this in its (overall) plan b/c having folks who live/work/play in EC and also own property will build greater investment in the environment/parks, etc. Survey Things for old folks who don't use parks: 1. multiplex theater with parking 2. restaurants - olive garden and red lobster 3. library with handicapped parking on flat ground 4. more vans for open house so day trips aren't always full 5. more day trips Survey El Cerrito put in benches to sit on and rest when shopping/walking - many in El Cerrito walk and would walk more if they could sit on occasion. Community 1 El Cerrito Would like to see more effort on providing places to work in El Cerrito Community 1 Break up large developments along San Pablo and / or require public open space / transit corridors through them Community 1 Require private / commercial development that is adjacent to both the Ohlone Greenway and San Pablo with equal entrances on both sides Community 1 Create Active Commercial Corridors Community 1 Court new local businesses and human-scaled businesses -second –third –fourth –fifth -sixth Community 1 Bakery, Pizza, other snack shops Community 1 Bike repair shops Community 1 Dry goods (bulk foods?) shop Community 1 International food market (prepared food booths in a sheltered area with shared water hookups, bathrooms, etc) *formal Community 1 Singapore has these in every neighborhood Community 1 Encourage sidewalk vending *informal Community 1 Shared resources (electric hookups, restrooms, water hookup) for entrepreneurs to rent Community 1 Get rid of ugly businesses (e.g. used car lots) Community 1 And Rethink need for so much parking lot space Community 1 Fill in vacant lots with pocket parks! – second Community 1 Old Safeway Community 1 Stockton Ave Up by Stockton Ave- behind St. Jerome’s Community 1 Continue/ Expand ‘Off the Grid’ Community 1 More public/private joint programming Community 1 Stockton Ave Stockton Ave. walk Community 1 Street fairs Community 1 Bike facilities – second Community 1 Racks Community 1 Lanes Community 1 Creating a pleasant and safe way to get to EC Plaza without a car – second – third – fourth Community 1 Improved pathways from BART station (not just along Fairmount Ave). Community 1 “If we can walk and cycle to businesses we will!” Community 1 Public artwork along commercial corridors Community 1 E.g. ‘painted shadows’ Community 1 Mix Commercial with recreational – second – third –fourth Community 1 More places to ‘hang out’ Community 1 Parklet at EC Plaza Community 1 With play for different age groups (children as well as adults) Page 10 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Community 1 Parklets Community 1 3 buildings South of EC Theater there is a very small (10 ft. wide) vacant lot that would make a perfect pocket park, and help activate this part of the corridor Community 1 Restaurant seating areas on sidewalks along SP Ave. Community 1 We need a central square Community 1 We gave away our EC Plaza to bad developers who just built ugly, car-centric box stores. No where to gather there. Community 1 Stockton Ave Enhance Stockton between Richmond and Ashbury Community 1 San Pablo Ave Make SP more pedestrian friendly with better crossings Community 1 Consider a Ped. Bridge as particularly large or dangerous intersections Community 1 San Pablo Ave Crossing San Pablo from Del Norte BART Community 1 To get to stores on other side I drive, even though it’s a short distance, because it is too dangerous Community 2 Need a community kitchen / café somewhere, with culinary education - city should try to incubate / support this type of development Survey improving existing creeks could provide a nice water feature. Survey the restoration of creeks must not obstruct the view as does poinsett park survey Improve creeks in private land - connectivity to public creeks. Day light creeks both public and private. survey Daylight creeks, and integrate them with the community. Survey San Pablo Ave Out gateways along San Pablo should highlight the creeks that form the city borders, and should be lush and welcoming. Don't put bike lanes in the car door zone. Improve resident access to the Bay. Task Force 1 Creek Connector City ( El Cerrito & Albany) : Bike Build , Bridge, Carlson, Orientation of Bund Task Force 1 El Cerrito Creek Connector Task Force 1 Creeks - engage owners to provide stewardship on properties Task Force 1 Differentiate dashed vs. solid creeks - review creek map Community 1 Daylight creeks in select areas (that make env. and social sense) – second- third - Wildwood@ Madera Community 1 Creeks should be daylighted, celebrated and integrated with community - Better signage (names?) for creeks - Connectivity along creek lines – trails that run the full length Community 1 EC Plaza Enhance Cerrito Creek behind EC Plaza, along San Pablo– second , In hillside areas near the trails, Reduce hardscape over time Community 2 Don't just wait for turnover, but actively enourage creek daylighting and removal of exhisting buildings within creek setback through density development offsets/ tradeoffs. Survey Ohlone I would love to see the abandoned park on the Ohlone greenway by Stockton near Fairmont school restored and expanded. Right now there's just an old slide and a swingset without any swings. There are tons of neighborhood kids for whom that park would be their primary park if it were only restored. Would be willing to donate money towards this cause as well as volunteer to improve it. Survey I'd like to see more interesting art and other local & community elements, including unique play sculptures and play elements, integrated into parks. Also, being able to combine activities (e.g. shopping and playground; school and playground; BART and playground) is a priority to me. Finally, I'd like to see more amenities/playgrounds that can be accessed without driving, i.e. in the flats and ideally near transit. Survey enjoy nature with my dog Survey Develop new outdoor skills Survey A place for children to play. Basketball, baseball,lacrosse,etc Survey outside space for children Survey Places to take my dog for a run/walk and child Survey Protect/safeguard the wild creatures; do not disturb them Survey Provide a safe place for children. (Why does no option here even refer to children?!) Survey Swingsets, monkey bars, places to climb around - including climbing trees Survey Parks are nice, however most streets stink; they're barren treeles environments with many low sad (low maintenance) front yards Survey Healthy activity environment for children Survey tennis Survey Dog Parks Survey provide a place to play Survey Beauty. Kids' play Survey Tennis Survey A place for my kids to run and explore Survey More park restrooms Survey Improve soccer and baseball facilities Survey Lack of trees is part of the issue. Survey Tassajara Park Tassajara Ball Field is in dire need of turf maintenance. Survey Cerrito Vista Park provide lighting at the vista park (children's play area). too dark to play in the winter around 5pm. Survey Castro Park castro park needs better doors, lighting, clean water fountains, restrooms, parking mostly reserved for teams Survey dog parks Enhance Creeks Enhance/Expand Existing Parks Page 11 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Cerrito Vista Park no lights in Vista Park. want a splash park. Survey new and improved baseball fields Survey splash park Survey Cerrito Vista Park restrooms in Cerrito Vista Park are mostly closed Survey improve existing and create new sports fields Survey Better ballparks Survey More Baseball facilities Survey sports facilities for soccer, baseball Survey More baseball and soccer fields Survey soccer turf fields Survey create off leash dog parks Survey More playgrounds suitable for kids under 6 years old Survey Add a dog park on my end of town! Survey Huber Park complete the agreed upon Huber Park improvements Survey More dog-friendly spaces to hike / play Survey Prospect Sierra, Canyon Trail Park develop a running track at Prospect Sierra field or Canyon Trail Park Survey Schedule a weekly summer free concert series at one of the parks Survey Allow some parks to be a no dog zone Survey create more sports fields Survey EC needs more fields for kids baseball and soccer. Can the city use the old Portola MS site? Survey improve maintenance on existing parks particularly ball fields - they are pathetic in comparison with neighboring cities Survey Especially keep current parks clean & open to kids & dogs Survey Canyon Trail Park Better educated/informed planners and caretakers of our current parks! Hire a qualified botanist and stop planting non-native trees(eg-Monterey pines in Canyon Trail Park). Survey Maintain and improve pet friendly areas Survey Off-leash dog parks Survey Create park spaces that enable emerging new ways of interacting with the outdoors: parklets, bike skill areas, climbing skills areas, geo-caching, adult kickball, etc. Survey Maintain play structures for children Survey ban smoking near residences/in parks Survey Create more baseball fields and soccer fields. Survey our current athletic fields are in very poor condition Survey Thank you for the key-entry bathrooms in the parks! This is a great amenity not offered in neighboring areas and wonderful for parents and children. Survey Fairmont Park the more green spaces the better. Keep it up EC! Fairmont Park needs attention. It seems such a wasted opportunity for a busy community gathering space. It currently feels unsafe and run down, but with some simple changes it could be fantastic. The community garden is a FANTASTIC start and needs all the support it can get. Please, please, please keep the space at Moeser and Navellier (the old school) open as a park! It will be so beautiful! Survey Huber Park Please update Huber Park. New blacktop at basketball court, at least. New play structure that is ADA compliant. This is the heart of our neighborhood and needs a refresh. Thank you. Survey expand the parks and connect the smaller neighborhood parks and child parks. Survey Arlington Park the drainage at Arlington Park is bad, always muddy! Survey should make playground upgrades park restructuring- garden, lawn, etc. Survey Baxter Gateway Park I live close to Baxter Gateway Park. I find that this park is not well maintained. I hope in general that parks get the attention needed so they continue to look attractive. This park offers great educational opportunities, I'm not sure they are used. I'm interested in seeing the property across the street (portola middle school) to be fully integrated into this park (cerrito vista). I hope plans that were made for this will get a high priority. Survey Need more lights on the streets and parks Survey We live just outside of El Cerrito in Richmond Hills. We do love the El Cerrito Park facilities and use them and pay fees when needed. Thank you for spending time to take care of your facilities. Survey Portola Site Make the old Portola site a baseball/soccer field. Survey Arlington/ Castro Park Enjoy Arlington Park the most. Hope Castro Park will maintain its park and expand after middle school built. Survey Portola Site The old Portola site should be used to create multiple baseball fields for ECYB and City use. Survey Vista Park has no lighting. Survey Castro Park Castro Park needs improvement. More play areas for toddlers and infants (such as sand). Restrooms are not opened most of the time. Vista Park has no lighting. Survey I would love to see upgrades and even new baseball fields. Survey One of the regular activities we use the EC parks for is for soccer. Please ensure that the field are maintained/upgraded to give young players the best soccer fields that are possible for them to use. Page 12 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Huber Park It is often tempting to use any funds that are available to build the shiny new playground or a new building. What I see in a lot of parks is the crumbling infrastructure. I would rather see money spent on fixing some of that deteriorating infrastructure. i.e. crumbling stairs and walls, dilapidated irrigation systems, sporting fields with uneven surfaces that need to be renovated, repaving and repainting of asphalt playground surfaces, etc. One of those parks needing such work is Huber Park. Survey San Pablo Ave Continue to improve San Pablo Ave pedestrian experience/safety; improve street trees & urban forest thru all available means; protect, improve, and daylight creeks and intermittent drainages; add bbq/campfire/picnic table options in parks; add sidewalk micro-parks wherever possible, i.e., along wide sidewalks on San Pablo (wanna read my masters theses on the topic?); try for microparks in each and every residential 'hood! Survey Conditions of baseball fields could be improved. Survey Would like more soccer fields and better maintenance of current fields. Survey not enough field space for ECFC or ECYB. Survey If there are more baseball/sports fields, that helps el Cerrito youth baseball teams not to travel to various places. Survey shardd and improved sports parks. Albany has triple diamonds for baseball and Berkeley has those soccer fields, meanwhile ECYB has to shuttle kids to Richmond to practice or play on sometimes dangerous fields (witness the trench in front of the pitching mound at Cerrito Vista). Survey It will be great for the kids to have a soccer & baseball sport facility in the old Portola Middle School site. Survey The sad, rusted play structure behind the Senior Center could be a nice play area for kids. Once Fairmont School closes for renovations, there really won't be a place to take kids in our neighborhood anymore. Parks are a great way to meet other families in the neighborhood, and I would much rather see families in that open space than homeless people, or teenagers on crime sprees, as has been the case in recent time. Survey I live right next to a park. There is the usual problem with homeless people and crime. Better lighting at night might help. Survey My model is parks of Paris, France. People go to walk, sit, visit, read and watch their kids play. There are many benches and chairs, play areas, places to buy coffee or snacks, trees, paths. And they have police who discreetly patrol it and keep it safe. Parks are locked up at night. Survey WOuld also recommend imporving condition of playing fields Survey we need more quality soccer fields Survey We need a nice park where we can bring dogs Survey Overall El Cerrito's parks are great. The bathroom keys are wonderful. I wish that there was shaded seating for adults near the playstructure at Cerrito Vista - would be very helpful for nursing mothers. Survey Recreational sports and other outdoor activities bring out the best in kids. It is also the best antidote for the obesity epidemic. Promote healthy kids with strong characters.! Survey Improve the local baseball fields. Improve the basketball courts in all parks and schools. Improve play structures in parks for kids of all ages. Survey Our athletic fields need improvement as they are in bad shape. Survey Ohlone Greenway Improve visibility and safety along Ohlone pathway. It feels unsafe because buildings/homes back to it and there are very large shrubs everywhere. What about a skate park? Survey Get you mind out of the "groomed" park idea suitable to "recreation". All you are doing is opening the door to degraded natural habitat. Nature is not entertainment. Survey Lower rates for use of the public parks and facilities. The charges are much too expensive. Survey I think it's important that the public have access to the fields/facilities at the public school. Survey Would love to see adult fitness apparatus situated around children play area so parents can exercise while watching kids. Survey Not only do wee need more baseball fields and soccer fields, the City needs to do a much better job of maintaining the fields that we do have. The Central baseball field is terrrible and the Sity should take better care of it. Survey Playgrounds that kids can ride bikes at on weekends. School playgrounds work during the week, but on weekends, schoolyards are locked up. Survey portola I hope we do something on the former space of Portola. I would love to see some recreation fields for soccer and some green space. Survey we need more quality soccer fields Survey We need a nice park where we can bring dogs Survey We need more resources for our parks. They need to be brought up to better conditions. We need some equitable means of raising revenues to make this happen. City council should consider parcel taxes. Survey Huber Park I really hope the focus can be to improve our existing parks. I would love to see some upgrades/updates to the facilities at the well used but outdated Huber Park! Survey We really, really need better fencing at playgrounds. Not that we don't want to look after our kids, but it just offers so much more safety when kids can't bolt out of an area at a moment's notice. Survey Tassajara par, Cerrito Vista park more trash cans at Tassajara field, more seating with shade at Cerrito playground; appreciate the gates at Tassajara and Cerrito for safety; fix up the park and basketball court at Pointsett park; thank you we love EC! Survey A water fountain would add positive ions in the park making people refreshed and happier. It will also counter the negative ions in the air coming from the Pacific Ocean through the Golden Gate Bridge. Thank you! Page 13 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey There should be much improvement done to the parks that I have encountered within El Cerrito. Keeping them clean, keeping the water clean, basketball hoops also creating community centers for activities for communities if funds are available and/or can be available for such things also better pathways within parks such as Cerrito Creek near Ranch 99, near Asian Mall. Survey I would like small frequent little parks placed in pleasant surroundings with a few benches + places to sit + with a couple of activities/equipment for children, with perhaps a little running water. i like Huber Park, it is accessible, small, and pleasant. Survey Safety is a big concern. No point in having parks if one does not feel safe going to them. Thank you. Survey Huber Park I live near Huber Park but do not utilize the facility because the basketball court is not maintained and there are some people that I do not want to come in contact with that hang out there because there are places for them to hide. Survey I would really like to see more habitat restoration and parks in general. Survey It'd be nice if the BART retrofitting construction moved a long at a little faster pace so we could actually use the green space we already have (or had). Opening up publicly owned areas like school grounds to the public would be really nice. Being able to use Berkeley High and Albany Middle is nice; would be nice to be able to use El Cerrito high and the elementary school playgrounds, too. Don't limit parks/playground areas to children or adults with children only. Some of us aren't lucky enough to have children but still like to stay fit. Survey Potrero, Moeser, Arlington Since so many people like to walk and ride bicycles in the El Cerrito hills, I would like to see "pocket parks" with benches where you can rest and perhaps have a good view spread out - along Potrero, Moeser, Arlington, other streets and trails, wherever the city might have or easily be able to attain property or get an easement for benches - eg EBMUD property, private property that isn't practical for development anyway. Maybe the city could pay a token fee or offer some perk in exchange for the use. These should blend in well with the area; for example, if the pocket park is on the Hillside Natural Area or otherwise surrounded by trees it should have a rustic, low key look to it (such as wood or seatish shaped rocks. Perhaps the nearby rock vendors in the annex would work with the city on this and/or groups and individuals could help sponsor seating. Cost-effective trash pick up needs to be worked out - perhaps an adopt a trash can system where volunteers can transport the bag of trash to a location where it can more easily be picked up by city crews, and a posted phone number to report to the city if there is a need for some sort of city clean up or maintena Survey Cerrito Vista Park I would love to see a music series, movie nights and theater in the park during the summer. (Cerrito Vista Park) I would love to see an electronic activity board installed at Cerrito Vista Park that promotes city and community events in the city. Survey It would be great to improve the baseball fields with better backstops, team benches, fix holes in the fields. Also, need better trash pick-up after the weekends. The garbage cans overflow. Survey Be modest in your planning. Get to improve the parks, etc., but's let's not break the bank. Survey There needs to be more parks and open spaces in the southern part of El Cerrito. Survey Huber Park Improve and modernize Huber Park. Survey Canyon Trail Park There should be signs to disallow dogs at the play structure area. At canyon trail park, some dog owners let their dogs run & do their business unleashed inside the play structure area. - Not good for kids. Survey A lot of the smaller parks are closed till 5 or 6 PM because there is a child care facility operating on the premises. The city says this is for child saftey reasons. I came from Sacramento, where care facilities and parks are blended as well, yet open to the public. Why? Maybe look into how other places perform and see if it works for us. It's hard to live around the corner from a park we cannot use. So we walk to Albany. Survey Richmond Street Establish bike lanes on Richmond St. Work with Richmond to make a safe bike lane to connect El Cerrito to Bay trail. Central Ave has too much traffic to serve as a bike path. Survey Canyon Trail Park Across the street, Canyon Trail Park, had been like an addition to our home until a few years ago when the play area of the lower park was removed, to our disappointment. Monterey pines were planted about 45 years ago and they are now quickly dying off. They are also a great fire hazard. The poison oak was removed recently but the smaller trails are overgrown with blackberry vines and ivy. First, we need to take care of the parks we now have, then think about new parks. El Cerrito advertises itself as "The City With a View". I've been in my house 48 yrs now and City trees and neighbor's trees have obscured most of my original view. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Survey we love the parks! Free, accessible activities are key to our community. Survey We love El Cerrito's parks! Survey I'd like to see outdoor ' exercise gyms' in some of the open spaces. I'd also like the idea of more dog bag dispensers so that dog owners are encourages to pick up their dog's poop in dog friendly/leased only parks. Survey Children need more playgrounds. Survey we need more trash & recycling in the parks!!! more swings at parks, please Survey As I mentioned, it would be great if the splash park was open at a time when we could go I'd currently have to skip work to take my son, so we've never been able to check it out though I've heard it's lots of fun. Parks are fantastic; sometimes the trash receptacles are overflowing. Survey Vista Park I think El Cerrito has done a terrific job with El Cerrito Vista Park. We play soccer at Canyon Park and EC Vista. I think pocket parks and street landscaping would further enhance El Cerrito and allow more people to enjoy green space where they are. Survey Better soccer fields! Page 14 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Is there a way to add a teen-friendly component to Cerrito Vista Park? Middle and high school students like to hang out on the children's slides (toddler and 5-12), but I understand they so need a place to hang out too. Survey Really like the public bathrooms at park facilities and key rental access. It was invaluable when my children were younger. Survey Very important to preserve remaining open space, because there's so little of it left in such a highly developed and popuated area. Survey Maintain Parks equally. Provide more trash cans in parks. Survey Would like to have space where it is geared for adults - for those of us who would like a break from children Survey Create more parks around all the apts and SP ave! "Environmental Justice" Survey Its always great to see more green spaces that are good for children in the neighborhood. Survey Arlington Park More space like Arlington Park where people can barbaque, picnic, play, etc. Nature center where children can learn more about nature. Survey NO Pesticides in the parks! Survey Maintenance of parks, e.g., Canyon Trails, is limited. More funds for maintenance would be very desirable. Survey Many of the parks have good structures that are dirty from mold and such. It would be good to have the structures cleaned in what ever manner would be appropriate. Survey Invest in open space. The economic reasons can be the justification, but the social benefits will make a name for the City. Survey Hillside Park Develop Hillside Park Survey Support outdoor activities for kids that keep them out of trouble - bike parks and trail, skate board and bmx park. Survey I want more places for bike stuff to happen. Survey I'd love to see more swing sets, gets the younger kids and initiative to come to parks more often. Survey There is a great tiered park in Orinda on a space similar to the old Portola Middle School space. Great sports fields for baseball and soccer. We are very active in ECYB and in ABGSL. With improvements to existing ball fields, the City could host tournaments which generate revenue for local business. Baseball space is at a premium and during the regular season, many teams have to use sub-par fields. Survey In parks, personal safety is very important. Done by keeping the space with easy surveillance from most angles. Additionally fire safety (replacing eucalyptus trees) is important Survey Tassajara Park Off-leash dogs in and around Tassajara Park are sometimes a problem. Survey Castro Park i am worried about the future of Castro park as an open space area for all. Survey I oppose additional dog parks - parks should be for people - and support enforcement of leash laws. Need smoking ban for parks and playgrounds. Need clarification of access at public school playgrounds - when can the public use them? Fairmont Park and Creekside Park are disasters. Need frequent PD patrols and new playground equipment. I consider my neighborhood under-served for parks/playgrounds. Nothing within 25min (farimont and harding schools not consistently open/available, tot sandlot under Bart is now closed) Survey area for dogs to run free Survey 1) Playground is important for our young children. Not necessarily to create a new park, just to improve and maintain the existing parks and facilities. Survey To be perfectly frank, since my son has grown we do not use the parks in El Cerrito. We look for our outdoor recreation in the East Bay Regional Parks. One way to enhance El Cerrito nature experience and parks would be to improve connectivity between the city and the East Bay Regional Parks. Survey Arlington Park Arlington park is a good model for new parks Survey Creating new parks will cost money. Why not just improve the existing parks? The water at the water park (next to the swing pool) is too cold for the kids. Survey Fairmount Ave There needs to be better park facilities near Fairmount Ave / El Cerrito Plaza. The large empty lot at Fairmount and Colusa would make a perfect spot for a public park; people already use it as a recreation space, bring their dogs there, etc. Survey Castro Park Castro Park's large play area would use a resurfacing underneath the larger play structure and the path around is pretty uneven. Making it more consistent like at Cerrito Vista would be great. Addition of baby swings at parks near Arlington would be nice. It would be nice to have shady spots in the parks to spread a blanket and have a picnic - not sure how that would be accomplished, since of course the central green areas are also used for sports. Survey I would suggest to add a basketball court in the area of El Cerrito. Also another play structure for little kids to enjoy. I can always go to El Cerrito High School for the football field so me and friends can play football. Survey After Portola Middle finishes relocating to Castro Elementary School, start building a park at that location and build a bridge connecting the two parks. Survey Thank you for the survey. We do already have many nice parks, which improve quality of life considerably. Having trees and parks nearby reduces anxiety and stress, supports active/healthy living, facilitates community ties, and is a strong quality of life booster. Survey Potrero Ave My dog is my family so being able to take him with me to the park is important, not just the dog park on Potrero, which is nice but not a picnic area. Survey A lot of the parks are just places for people's dogs to pee. Make more dog parks so the grass can maintain it's health, and consider putting signs up. Dogs are great, but people don't want to lay on dead weeds covered in urine. Page 15 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Maybe more benches for us grandmas when we take grandchildren to the parks. Safer crosswalks. Survey So far, from driving around in El Cerrito the parks look immaculate to me. Survey I disagree with the construction on Moeser where trees are being put in the center of the street. A waste of money that could be used for vital services like the police. I disagree with wasting good money on community parks, trees on the streets, etc. I like the idea of improving the parks we have, and use the rest of the money we have for vital services, such as fire and police. Survey Most of the parkland in El Cerrito is in the hills and difficult to get to by walking or bike. Survey Fairmont Park needs a makeover. Survey Well-maintained and enhanced pet areas Task Force 1 Well Maintained Parks that meet community needs Task Force 1 More Open Space Task Force 1 Bring Parks to People Task Force 1 More Green Spaces: Plan ahead for increase in density, Accure Land for pocket parks, private green space Task Force 1 Rec Needs Assessment: Prioritize Open Space, Grant Ready Task Force 1 What qualifies as nature? Task Force 1 Nature areas Task Force 1 Fill in vacant lots with pocket parks! – second Task Force 1 Fairmont Park Fairmount Park : high used ( exercise / dog), lack of investment, poor access - used as cut through Task Force 1 Enhance or Expand Exhisting Parks Task Force 1 If boy scouts area (26A) is developed it should incorporate green space. Task Force 1 Portola is a huge opportunity for green space Task Force 1 Can have multiple activites here- gardening/farming, sports, play, etc. Task Force 1 please don’t do a single use (e.g. only sports fields) Task Force 1 Mobile business in/around parks Task Force 1 Extend library services with book carts, vans to key park(s) (HS) Task Force 1 Thoughtful, small-scale park programming (beyond big events such as 4th of July) Task Force 1 “More seating in Park (but not so they attract people sleeping there- e.g. use dividers)” Task Force 1 Enhance Hillside natural area - second Task Force 1 Totally underutilized Task Force 1 Recreation and commuter connectivity possibilities! Task Force 1 Enhance trails (signage, maintenance) Task Force 3 Harding Park Example / Memorial Park Task Force 3 Fairmount Park : high used ( exercise / dog), lack of investment, poor access - used as cut through Task Force 3 Organized Sports - capacity is an issues Community 2 more multi-purpose open spaces!!! Survey I love the open space access opportunities that are emerging with a focus on rebuilding old trails and providing a network that actully be used to travel to other parts of town (rather than just a loop). It would be great to see official maps of this trail network. As mentioned above, it would be great to have more walkable shopping opportunities with local retailers and restaurants that offer healthy choices. Right now I travel to Berkeley and Albany for most of my grocery, dining, and entertainment - it would be great to do that here in my hometown. Survey Good ways to get around Survey San Pablo Ave would be great to have "parklets" like on San Pablo Survey Parks are nice, however most streets stink; they're barren treeles environments with many low sad (low maintenance) front yards Survey The site of the old Portola Middle School should be turned into sports fields. That would be awesome. Survey Would love more places to take my dog and the parks are a bit boring for my 7 year old and 14 year olds. Something more innovative and exciting would be great. Survey I would like to see more of the vacant lots (especially along San Pablo) turned into green spaces if they're not going to be built on anytime soon Survey Huber Park make the to Huber Park which were agreed upon a year or two ago Survey Behrens St. Pocket Park on end of Behrens Street Community 1 Address High Density Areas Community 1 There are none/ could use more Community 1 Create higher density housing around green space Community 1 San Pablo Ave Along San Pablo Community 1 More small parks in N-W EC and S-W EC. – second Community 1 Noise reduction Community 1 Esp. from highway Community 1 More Green Spaces: Plan ahead for increase in density, Accure Land for pocket parks, private green space Community 2 need more parklets everywhere, especially in the flats where the density is higher Community 2 I think there is a very real issue with 6 story buildings on San Pablo next to Kearny, where there are residential houses Community 2 Need more parklets in the flats! Community 2 Most increased density housing is shown as multi-use buildings. Is there opportunity to have townhouses similar to Hercules (New Urbanism) Community 2 Density should not be at the expense of net greenspace / open space Address Higher Density Areas Page 16 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Community 2 Most integrate greenspace character into density to make it desirable and livable Community 2 Densification also includes retiring development in areas that don’t meet current standards Community 2 San Pablo Ave There is not, nor will there be enough public transit to serve the area if you build all high density along San Pablo Ave. Community 2 Don't just wait for turnover, but actively enourage creek daylighting and removal of exhisting buildings within creek setback through density development offsets/ tradeoffs. Community 2 San Pablo Ave The state does not have extra money for transportation, AC Transit is close to 50% subsided costs by government, if you build high density along San Pablo, what public transportation system will handle it? Community 2 Need to develop business in El Cerito other than service industry so your residents don't have to go out of town for jobs. Community 2 Need more parklets in the flats! Survey Ohlone I would love to see the abandoned park on the Ohlone greenway by Stockton near Fairmont school restored and expanded. Right now there's just an old slide and a swingset without any swings. There are tons of neighborhood kids for whom that park would be their primary park if it were only restored. Would be willing to donate money towards this cause as well as volunteer to improve it. Survey More community weekend events Survey Some of these activities should be performed by volunteers to minimize costs / liability. Survey I am new to the area and would like to become more involved. Survey I'd like the City to work with WCCUSD to make school sites accessible and also near parks Survey edible greenways, community food forest (like Portland, Seattle). look up "city repair" the do awesome place-making work work with neighborhoods- give out mini grants more bike lanes! Survey We participated in ECYB (baseball) this year, which is a great league open to residents of El Cerrito and to folks like us who reside in Richmond. I encourage you to work with the City of Richmond to provide sports fields for the hundreds of area children who are interested in learning about teamwork, sportsmanship, and athletic skill-building through ECYB. Thanks! Survey Best way to improve things are to get the kids involved in volunteering in our parks and community gardens and going on hikes offered by local groups. Survey Volunteer clean-ups in parks should be more often than just Earth Day. Survey I'm very proud of El Cerrito's Earth Day activities, as well as the 4th of July activity. I think the citywide garage sale could be consolidated onto the BART parking lot - that way I would save on gas and pollution. Survey Train/pay local volunteers to maintain green spaces. Grant money to find folks to do maintenance on current parks improved. We always find money for new projects and installations. Survey Portola The old portola school would be a great site for the new library....then the community center could link to it... A park in between.... Plus its connected to the hillside trails....great opportunity to consolidate and create a community space. Survey Seek funding sources to help homeowners plant appropriate trees in park strips in residential neighborhoods. Survey Other nearby cities such as Albany, berkeley, Richmond and Oakland promote crop swap. Why not El Cerrito? Just look at the big "crop swap" sign outside Albany Public Library & Richmond Public Library! Survey Have "Sunday Streets Festivals" as San Francisco and Berkeley have had with NO CARS ALLOWED (on a particular street, or portion of a street)... Survey Children and youth of the West El Cerrito and Richmond Annex currently do NOT have access within walking distance to constructive (safe - free) recreational areas - especially during non-school days. Please consider partership with the faith-based community and establish programs to keep them safe in a crime- free environment. Survey It should be difficult to tell when we move between industrial. residential, and wooded areas. Trees can help. There is also a visible transition between Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito and Richmond as to the number of trees. Many to few. Are volunteers needed to help in the parks? El Cerrito Garden Club? Friends of 5 creeks? Survey San Pablo Pls look at improving green spaces on San Pablo. Shopping/public areas need love & attention. I'd happily volunteer to join a gardening squad Survey Is there any chance that parks can be "adopted" for periodic clean-ups like sections of the highways are? Survey 1. Set up an "Adopt a block" program - similiar to Caltrans "Adopt a Highway" to encourage residents to pick up local trash/garbage. 2. Set up programs to parks similiar to Stephen Prees 1st Saturday at Baxter Creek to encourage residents to get to know their local parks and build a community around helping maintain them. 3. Establish program with EL trailer trekkers to increase connections between trails in different parks and ensure trails are safe. Task Force 1 Community Involvement: Investment and maintanence, Volunteering, Engaging School Districts and High School students Task Force 1 Equitable : Connect with under represented communities Task Force 1 Potential Easements - Boyscouts Task Force 1 Community Involvement: Investment and maintanence, Volunteering, Engaging School Districts and High School students Foster Partnerships Page 17 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Task Force 1 Strengthen Cultural Resources Community 1 Foster Partnerships Community 1 B/t EC, Albany and Richmond to build bike/ped pathway over highway to bay trail Community 1 Involve Economic Development Boards in the plan as they are key partners in development and maintenance of multi-modal transit ways, (green) building codes, shopping areas Community 1 Create community service opportunities for high school students, scouts, lions, rotary – second Community 1 Planting and maintaining the community gardens, trails, building parklets, etc.! Community 1 Form groups to “adopt” the implementation of certain recommendations/ tasks Community 1 Tool, resource sharing sites near public facilities (e.g. library, city hall) Community 1 Work with tree committee, friends of 5 creeks, trail trekkers, schools, Community 1 Reach out to mountain bikers- most commute by bike and road ride as well. Community 1 IMBA Community 1 NorCal Cycling League Community 1 EC High School Mountain Bike Team Community 1 BTCEB Community 2 No net hardscape, incentives for reducing hardspace from exhisting condition "fee bate" offset program? Community 2 Formal arrangements for creek maintanence? Developer, HOA, city, citizen volunteers? Survey Lack of trees is part of the issue. Survey Plant and care for more trees Survey Moeser Lane Restore Moeser Lane California Native plants that were established there by Doreen Spellman many years ago. Survey replace eucalyptus with native plans and trees (oak, buckeye, etc.) Survey Get rid of invasive species, eucalyptus, broom, pampas grass, etc.; you have covered the top 2, SAFETY and MORE SEATING. Survey minimize fire hazards by thinning/removing eucalyptus trees and other fuel load vegetation; replace with native species of trees. Survey Need more seasonal blooming flowers. Survey more trees for CO2 offsetting, more green space linking and garden spaces. Survey more trees Survey Planting trees to replace the fallen and diseased trees. Survey I would like to see more trees and plants to attract pollinating insects Survey enforce the median strips to be planted not cemented over, bricked over, etc. more trees available to homeowners to plant in median strips, more trees on streets, more toddler play structures, fenced in playgrounds Survey Restore/install CA native plants in community plots/gardens/open space. Provide room/ protect wild creatures. Save wild cats who wander into our neighborhoods, instead of killing them as has been done in other cities. I am proud to live in EC; those running the city clearly care about wild creatures, nature and open space. Survey remove the eucalyptus and monterey pines from our public open spaces Survey The City needs more trees. Many of the trees planted have berries, not edible. Hope next round of trees can be edible fruits, nuts, etc. More City programs for organic gardening are needed. Would love to have a branch of the Ecology Center, Berkeley in El Cerrito. Survey Plant more trees. Create sound barriers from interstate with greenery. Make EC like Oregon - waste-free, spread the "know how" to neighboring cities such as Emeryville, Berkeley, Oakland. Survey Improve/enlarge open space for access. I have never liked the presence of the eucalyptus stands, both aesthetically and fire protection point of view. Survey 3) To increase and/or maintain our property value we need very strong "city tree ordinance" to restrict/limit height of trees. We have paid extra amount for the view and neighbors should not be allowed to block it (even with endless negotiations this is still not workable). For example the city's building code has set a limit to height for new buildings for the same reason. We should also have regulations of height limit for trees! Survey I know there is a plan to plant more trees - I'd love to see some fruit trees on high traffic streets. Survey I hope that the City and School District facilities are all sustainable in that do not use pesticides, minimize impermeable hardscapes and utilize drought tolerant and native plants when feasible. Survey people shouldn't be allowed to cut down huge trees on their property - it drives down everyone's property values. Most areas w/greening programs have restrictions that trees over 3" diam cannot be cut w/out permit Survey Stop the country from spraying toxic pesticides.....they spray RoundUP all over parks, schools and otherwise, a weed killer which has been banned in other nations and is highly toxic, linked to cancer and other health issues. Task Force 1 Focus on Seasonal Succession of plants Task Force 1 More trees along barren streets Task Force 1 “one tree for every resident” Community 2 Edibles / fruit trees in parks - select varieties that don't have messy fruits Community 2 The immigrant population cleans out the blackberry bushes & plum trees along Ohlone path, and the ladies pick lemons from my neighbors yard. Community 2 I think keeping fruit picked would not be an issue if people know what the trees produce; there could be signage at the trees to explain what the tree / fruit is, when it is ripe, and that people should pick them. Planting Palette Page 18 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Community 2 If there are enough trees, deer can't get to all of them, also plant varieties deers aren't interested in. Community 2 Draft plant palletts and rationale - re habitats if any Community 2 Don’t plant trees that will obstruct existing views from home Community 2 Disappointed that Moeser medians have recently been replaced with wood chips. Hardscape / weed cloth / wood chips are "low maintenace" but not "green" Community 2 Decrease hardscapes and plant don't exclude vegetation Community 2 remove paved portions of planting strips in sidewalks when side walk width permits Community 2 Would periodic water truck and / or thoughtful intallation design avoid the need for irrigation entirely, at a lower cost? Community 2 Decrease or no net increase of hardscape with new development with provision for offsetting impacts by paying for hardscape removal elsewhere when there is some local increse? Community 2 Abandon remaining irrigated grass from city street landscape - ashbury and triangle at hill trailhead Community 2 The amount of investment in irrigation for landscapes that are intended to be drought tollerant / bay friendly seems wasteful Survey Parks are nice, however most streets stink; they're barren treeless environments with many low sad (low maintenance) front yards Survey Fairmount Ave Fairmount Ave near BART Station needs more litter patrol Survey Hillside Natural Area Add a trash can for dog waste - one half way intro Hillside Nature Area walk Survey Tassajara Park Tassajara Ball Field is in dire need of turf maintenance. Survey Castro Park Castro Park needs better doors, lighting, clean water fountains, restrooms, parking mostly reserved for teams Survey provide appropriate continued maintenance of restored areas Survey The trees in the neighborhood need to be trimmed and aldo the intersection plants Survey San Pablo Ave Keeping the trees trimmed and cleaning up San Pablo plants in the intersection Survey Remove tall tress under the weed ordanance Survey Plant and care for more trees Survey improve maintenance on existing parks particularly ball fields - they are pathetic in comparison with neighboring cities Survey Maintain play structures for children Survey Hillside Natural Area Restore the Hillside Natural Area: more native vegetation/begin removal of Eucalyptus Survey Eliminate water-intensive lawns; plant natives, enhance them for the benefit of wildlife; provide them space, peace, solitude, water, nourishment Survey Continue to remove litter and recycle. Survey Train/pay local volunteers to maintain green spaces. Grant money to find folks to do maintenance on current parks improved. We always find money for new projects and installations. Survey You (as a group) are doing a good job on being innovative. Maintenance is really important!! Survey Hagen Blvd. The City needs to better maintain the median divider on Hagen Blvd (trim the trees). I like the green space area on Moeser ln., but it needs to be better maintained in the early spring. Survey Hillside Natural Area Improve Hillside Nature Area by removing dead trees and reducing the number of eucalyptus trees. Replace old signage originally installed by the BSA. Sprinkle wildflower seeds in open spaces. Survey It would be good to maintain/improve existing facilities. Survey We live just outside of El Cerrito in Richmond Hills. We do love the El Cerrito Park facilities and use them and pay fees when needed. Thank you for spending time to take care of your facilities. Survey replace eucalyptus with native plans and trees (oak, buckeye, etc.) Survey One of the regular activities we use the EC parks for is for soccer. Please ensure that the field are maintained/upgraded to give young players the best soccer fields that are possible for them to use. Survey Conditions of baseball fields could be improved. Survey more trees Survey Planting trees to replace the fallen and diseased trees. Survey Please stop cutting down trees near the swimming pool and recreation center! Survey enforce the median strips to be planted not cemented over, bricked over, etc. more trees available to homeowners to plant in median strips, more trees on streets, more toddler play structures, fenced in playgrounds Survey Since ov ng y g , y ( y y cases) along my home corridor of Richmond St. Many sidewalk openings have been cemented in or are filled with weeds. I have a neighbor who regularly dumps pesticides in his sidewalk strip opening to prevent anything from growing (creating dirt that is pesticide laden and cannot support plants). El Cerrito very much needs a PLANNED street tree program that is communicated to its citizens via educational outreach. We need a comprehensive goal to encourage appropriate street tree plantings throughout the city and ESPECIALLY on the most trafficked streets in El Cerrito. As an example of the “non-planned” plantings: when one drives down Richmond Street, the various items growing in the sidewalk strips are lots of low wide bushes (blocking visibility for vehicles turning onto Richmond), weeds, palm trees, old Christmas trees, stumps and dead or dying (non-watered) trees. An example of some planned trees in El Cerrito are on Junction at Knott. On this short street are large maintained trees, all the same type, planted in a thoughtful manner to provide shade and greenery - couldn't El Cerrito have more streets like this? Finally, several studies have shown that Survey improve landscaping on middle median Moeser for visiblity improve sidewalks near BART esp near Plaza and richmond st Landscape Maintenance Page 19 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Cerrito Vista could use improvements in the plantings, as many of the bushes are awfully old and tired, and not particularly attractive. The new plantings in the medians in El Cerrito are terrific. Great choices of plants, and the novel watering system along San Pablo is great (hope it is working well). EC needs more trees in the median in all residential areas. I've tried to get neighbors to opt into the free city tree planting over the years but sometimes people are reluctant due to telephone wires. Trees along the streets could be the single largest positive alteration in the feel and look of El Cerrito, making it look more like Berkeley than like the barren outer suburbs. Allowing people to place a tall fence at their property line, as homeowners do all the time in Berkeley, would also improve the city's appearance. The low 2-3 ft fences look terrible, really cheesy. If EC could bury telephone lines, that would be terrific but the cost prohibitive But if you look at areas with really nice residential areas, the lines are all buried. San Pablo is an eyesore, due to the mostly awful shops lining it and the lack of any relief from the highway-like atmosphere. Changing parking to Solan Survey Canyon Trail Park Across the street, Canyon Trail Park, had been like an addition to our home until a few years ago when the play area of the lower park was removed, to our disappointment. Monterey pines were planted about 45 years ago and they are now quickly dying off. They are also a great fire hazard. The poison oak was removed recently but the smaller trails are overgrown with blackberry vines and ivy. First, we need to take care of the parks we now have, then think about new parks. El Cerrito advertises itself as "The City With a View". I've been in my house 48 yrs now and City trees and neighbor's trees have obscured most of my original view. Thank you for the opportunity to comment. Survey Arlington park as a model - good! (just need to clean the pond often). Trim all the trees - especially hillside area - do not block our Bay view. Survey It should be difficult to tell when we move between industrial. residential, and wooded areas. Trees can help. There is also a visible transition between Berkeley, Albany, El Cerrito and Richmond as to the number of trees. Many to few. Are volunteers needed to help in the parks? El Cerrito Garden Club? Friends of 5 creeks? Survey 1) Avoid deciduous trees on parking strips where leaves clog city drains prior to winter rains. The city does not seem to clear storm drains on a regular basis. In fact, the fall 2012 newsletter suggested it was the public's responsibility to clear clogged drains. Survey 2) Allow old growth trees to remain in public parks. Supplement with young trees. Recently a large amount of older trees including pine and redwoods were removed from Vista park. This not only changed the landscape visually, but also increased the noise pollution emanating from the park. Same situation along the Ohlone path. I live near the bart tracks and over the last 15 yrs have seen a lot of large older trees removed which has hugely increased the noise from bart. I would like to see large tall FAST growing trees planted along the Ohlone path. Survey Have more trees! Survey Make it easier for people to have interesting landscaping in their front yards instead of lawns. In some parts of El Cerrito the deer population is dense and hungry, and fences or hedges may be necessary to protect even the most deer-resistant plants. Survey More maintenance and groundskeeping. Keeping graffiti cleaned off and garbage picked up and restrooms neat and full of paper goods. Survey Stop the country from spraying toxic pesticides.....they spray RoundUP all over parks, schools and otherwise, a weed killer which has been banned in other nations and is highly toxic, linked to cancer and other health issues. Survey Street trees would be a modest way to green the city. In the hills sidewalks would make it possible to walk more safely. Survey Keep up the maintenance and make improvements with time as equipment ages. Survey Encourage homeowners and other owners of private land to improve its wildlife habitat value with nature plantings.Better landscaping at entries to El Cerrito off the I-80. Work with Caltrans on this. Add public art here too. Survey Please clean up the various wild lots in El Cerrito, particularly the ones on San Pablo. They are an eyesore and feel abandoned and gritty (I'm thinking of the weird space on Kearney between Waldo and Moeser on the west side of the street). Survey Provide residents with free green waste disposal so that we may actively participate in keeping our parks, small parks, urban gardens, and green spaces clean. Survey Maintain what we have now Survey It would be good to maintain/improve existing facilities. Task Force 1 Sustainable: stormwater, resilient, habitat, for native and natural landscaping Task Force 1 Vacant Parcels - are there additional park opportunities? Task Force 1 Better landscaping with California natives and low maintenance plants Community 1 EC/Richmond border – second - third > better maintain Baxter Creek Gateway park and connect it to Richmond (Ohlone?) greenway , extend Baxter along SP, around highway off ramp Community 2 Ohlone Greenway Extend landscaping into residential arch on east side of Ohlene Greenway, ex. Manila Ave. has dense plants that hide extensive litter underneath and are overgrown, which makes walking on the sidewalk harder. Community 2 Formal arrangements for creek maintanence? Developer, HOA, city, citizen volunteers? Community 2 There should be clear responsibility for maintenace Community 2 Would periodic water truck and / or thoughtful intallation design avoid the need for irrigation entirely, at a lower cost? Community 2 Decrease or no net increase of hardscape with new development with provision for offsetting impacts by paying for hardscape removal elsewhere when there is some local increse? Community 2 Don't shy away from urban agriculture based on maintenance concerns Page 20 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Community 2 Medians - plant only low growing greenery and ground growing plants in medians and near intersections to 1)prevent obstructions 2) visibility of commercial businesses - market friendly Survey I would like to see more trees and plants to attract pollinating insects Survey I would like to see more trees and plants to attract pollinating insects. I am looking forward to the community garden and the garden at ECHS. Task Force 1 Moeser Pollinator pathways - second Perhaps along Moeser ROW Community 2 Background - scientific basis for pollinator pathways / are they effective for what pollinators do to create ecological sinks, etc. Survey Ohlone Way I was so sad when BART cut down most of the crabapples along the Ohlone Way for the current seismic upgrade: I used to commute by bike from Eureka to Berkeley and counted 185 blooming crabapples in spring (mostly in Albany). Would love to see you plant blossoming trees on the Ohlone Way and local streets, parks. Survey I love the open space access opportunities that are emerging with a focus on rebuilding old trails and providing a network that actully be used to travel to other parts of town (rather than just a loop). It would be great to see official maps of this trail network. As mentioned above, it would be great to have more walkable shopping opportunities with local retailers and restaurants that offer healthy choices. Right now I travel to Berkeley and Albany for most of my grocery, dining, and entertainment - it would be great to do that here in my hometown. Survey enjoy nature with my dog Survey Good places to walk with my dog Survey Beauty. Kids' play Survey A place for my kids to run and explore Survey bike lanes and paths Survey bathroom access, public walking paths Survey Prospect Sierra or Canyon Trail Park develop a running track at Prospect Sierra field or Canyon Trail Park Survey Ohlone Trail safety on Ohlone Trail Survey Provide off-leash spaces for hiking with dogs Survey Canyon Trail Park Better educated/informed planners and caretakers of our current parks! Hire a qualified botanist and stop planting non-native trees(eg-Monterey pines in Canyon Trail Park). Survey Maintain and improve pet friendly areas Survey Eliminate water-intensive lawns; plant natives, enhance them for the benefit of wildlife; provide them space, peace, solitude, water, nourishment Survey Bay Trail Better bicycle access to the Bay Trail. Currently, you have to take the very dangerous Central or Buchanan streets to access the trail. Survey Keep up activities - bike trails Survey the trail behind the recycling center feels isolated and I am not comfortable climbing alone there Survey Bay Trail I live in Albany and am a runner. I love the Bay Trail and the path under the BART tracks. I'm looking forward to having access to the path again! Survey Create mountain bike trails to benefit local high school riders. Survey more bike access everywhere Survey Always a worry that the BART path isn't safe after dark. Survey Signage for the many paths and public space in the hills. Clear the sidewalk up along Moeser Lane. Pebbles present a trip hazard. Survey I would love a way to go to the Bay trail from El Cerrito. Survey There are 2 trail heads which connect Prospect Sierra School between 2065 - 2063 Tapscott (fully passable) to 2039 - 2055 Harper down to 6473 - 6501 Hagen (dangerously steep but used--you can see the paths on City View). These paths are used to walk to Del Norte BART by intrepid hikers but we could open it for every hiker if we put steps in the lower half of the path at Hagen. Also, we need a simple stairway at the bottom of Hill. Just 3 steps would work. Carol Langhauser Survey Provide more hiking trails within El Cerrito - set aside more funding to improve hiking trails at Hillside Natural Area. The volunteers at El Cerrito Trail Trekkers have done a good job! Survey something to literally bridge the creek trail at the end of Yosemite Ave. to Albany Hill space (without having to scramble over rocks etc.) Survey Biggest thing for me is better access to the bay trail. Plus, the creation of a bike-friendly culture (think Davis or Palo Alto) Survey Canyon Trail Stop turning every green space into a soccer field. I'm asking to you, Canyon Trail. Survey Hillside More hiking and biking trails would be great, and clearing out the poison oak next to the trails at the Hillside Nature area would be good too! Survey Bay Trail Bike connection between El Cerrito BART and Bay Trail should be made safe and comfortable for all ages. Survey hillside I'd love to have a network of bike trails extending through the hillside nature areas. Survey Richmond Street Establish bike lanes on Richmond St. Work with Richmond to make a safe bike lane to connect El Cerrito to Bay trail. Central Ave has too much traffic to serve as a bike path. Survey safe and easy biking and hiking access Pollinator Pathways Trails and Paths Page 21 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Please see my prior comment about putting together a pamphlet of walks, hikes and bike rides around El Cerrito to encourage physical fitness as well as learning about the community more. I'd love to see something like this! Survey I support whatever plan there is to encourage walking and biking. I especially would like to see students encouraged to ride their bikes to school (Portola and ECHS). We need a network of safe bike trails throughout the city. Survey developing the Plaza was huge! San Pablo Ave medians, huge! Rain Gardens, great! keep up the good work. Cntinue to enhance the ped/bike, walking, sitting, cycling, dog walking opportunities. Survey I also think that El Cerrito has the potential to be a more walkable city with more restaurants and locations with outdoor seating and small beautification projects. Survey Trail under BART tracks would be used more, but needs patrols by walking/biking police (at all hours, random times) for my wife to feel safer. Survey Let us have walkway paths on all the Arlington. We pay enough taxes, yet we have no paths for walking the neighborhood. THe flats of El Cerrito have. Equity is the answer. Survey I've lived in El Cerrito for 12 years and Kensington for 10 years. Would love more connected trails in the hills. We have the area behind the recycling center, but would love a longer, multipurpose trail. Thanks! Survey More trails! Survey El Cerrito has the densest population to open space ratio and trails in the hills for mountain bike riding will be a great asset to our growing community. Survey Hillside Natural Area We use the Hillside Natural area primarily and would love to see improved trail connections and signage as well as more maintenance. It's such a beautiful and wonderful asset for the community and I'm not sure how many people know about it. Mileage signage, a overall site and location map at the recycling center entry to let people know how far trail loops are. Task Force 1 Trail Trekkers and Garden Network Task Force 1 Mountain Bike Circuit Task Force 1 Wildcat Canyon Better Access to Wildcat Canyon Task Force 1 Connect / Overlay all trails Task Force 1 Differentiate ped vs. bike paths Task Force 1 Make a bike/ped crossing over the highway to the Bay Trail Community 2 Safer pathways and trails Community 2 It is very important to provide East / West connections to San Pablo & Richmond from the North / South bike paths / lanes (ohlone, etc.) Survey San Pablo We love the rain gardens on San Pablo: thank you! Survey Green Space in Parking Spaces Survey Trail maintenance in the Nature Area by the recycle center. Community 2 Every development should be required to do a solar analysis tomake sure that they are not shading the residences on Kearney Community 2 Power lines underground Community 2 Wind turbines Community 2 More rain gardens, less asphalt! – second Survey Develop new outdoor skills Survey outside space for children Survey Places to take my dog for a run/walk and child Survey Swingsets, monkey bars, places to climb around - including climbing trees Survey Healthy activity environment for children Survey Lack of trees is part of the issue. Survey A place for children to play. Basketball, baseball,lacrosse,etc Survey outside space for children Survey Provide a safe place for children. (Why does no option here even refer to children?!) Survey Swingsets, monkey bars, places to climb around - including climbing trees Survey Healthy activity environment for children Survey tennis Survey Foster character in children through organized sports Survey Space for children to play Survey provide a place to play Survey Beauty. Kids' play Survey Tennis Survey A place for my kids to run and explore Survey new and improved baseball fields Survey Places to take my dog for a run/walk and child Survey Better ballparks Survey Create mountain bike trails to benefit local high school riders. Survey create more sports fields Survey more trees for CO2 offsetting, more green space linking and garden spaces. Survey Open the school campuses after school is out. Pocket parks in our commercial areas. I'd like to see the western parking lot at El Cerrito Plaza Bart turned into a town square. Task Force 3 Exercise & Fitness - Add Community Center / Pool Green Infrastructure Green School Yards Page 22 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Task Force 3 Organized Sports - capacity is an issues Community 1 Implement Green Schoolyards Community 1 “Yes, yes, yes!” Community 1 School Gardens to teach kids how to raise their own vegetables – second Community 1 “Get those schoolyards open to the public after school!” – second Community 1 Or better communication about which ones are open and which ones aren’t and the timing (don’t just put on city website) Community 1 “Improve openness and connections to school yards which will help foster multigenerational interactions” Survey Consider developing spaces for urban farming Survey edible greenways, community food forest (like Portland, Seattle). look up "city repair" the do awesome place-making work work with neighborhoods- give out mini grants more bike lanes! Survey I'm on the EC Community Garden Committee, so I'm interested in anything pertaining to community gardens in EC (Hey!!! what about "pocket community gardens" in That would be a great idea!! Survey Portoloa i would love to see Portola's old land turned into a community garden/park or something of the like. I think a space like that could really benefit El Cerrito. Survey I would like to see the City acquire the property at 1715 Elm Street and turn it into a community garden and homesteading/sustainable living education center. There's a creek on the property and some fruit trees and I think some artichoke plants. There's plenty of room for a community garden. There could be a small orchard and chickens and the house could be turned into an homesteading education center and a venue for community meetings and events. Survey I would like to see more trees and plants to attract pollinating insects. I am looking forward to the community garden and the garden at ECHS. Survey I am looking forward to the community garden and the garden at ECHS. Survey Rooftop Gardens. Survey Provide opportunities for El Cerrito residents to farm in community gardens such as the one set up at Fairmont Park Survey Other nearby cities such as Albany, berkeley, Richmond and Oakland promote crop swap. Why not El Cerrito? Just look at the big "crop swap" sign outside Albany Public Library & Richmond Public Library! Survey Other nearby cities such as Albany, berkeley, Richmond and Oakland promote crop swap. Why not El Cerrito? Just look at the big "crop swap" sign outside Albany Public Library & Richmond Public Library! survey I also strongly support the creation of community gardens, I think they are beutifull, great for getting to know other members of the community, a lovely way to grow food, and a nice use for land. Unfortunately I do not know of any community gardens in El Cerrito at this moment, but I would be very excited and enthusiastic about participating in one. Survey Also, San Pablo has many empty lots — any chance to make them into pocket parks or urban farms? Survey Community gardens. As prices for food keep rising, the institution of small little pocket park gardens would be a big plus. Plant hundreds of trees. This planet is burning and we need to do our share to cool it and beautify our town. More trees on every street in El Cerrito where there is a lack of them. Survey Community gardens would be wonderful.....how about that vacant space behind JoAnn's at the Plaza? Any other vacant fields? Find a community arts/crafts/gardens use for the former Windrush School site. Survey I'm an avid gardener and would love to see more space used for community gardening and classes for children, plant more fruit trees and learn the importance this brings to the environment, that we continue to nurture the land, air and water ways. Survey Also, would like to see empty lots (like behind Marshalls east of San Pablo) used for community veggie gardening. survey Community gardens. Improve the schools - more green! More produce swaps! Survey I think it would be a great idea to feature a community garden, I think it would be a great place for people to relax, and meet others. Survey I would love to see more vacant lots turned into community gardens Survey Consider solar gardens on contaminated/brownfield properties Survey Convert open space and/or old abandoned or unrentable properties into urban gardens. Survey Encourage community gardens, especially in areas of the city with more apartment dwellers. Survey I don't think there is a community garden and would love to see one near san pablo (lower income area). Survey Fairmont Park Provide opportunities for El Cerrito residents to farm in community gardens such as the one set up at Fairmont Park Task Force 1 Support pvt. Urgan Ag through supplies, residential programs Task Force 4 Task Force Strolling - no strolling along san pablo except fairmont & by the theater, stockton, carlesong >central, fairmount Task Force 4 Task ForcVacant Parcels - are there additional park opportunities? Task Force 4 Urban vs. Vegmos Food going to Mission Food Bank > Donation and support are an important Aspect Task Force 4 Established Group for Community Garden Urban Agriculture Page 23 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Community 1 Foster Urban Agriculture Community 1 Not needed, limited impact to overall population Community 1 Disperse it in parks Community 1 Portoloa Urban farm at Portola site and (local produce) restaurants nearby Community 1 Edible landscape Community 1 But careful about planting a row of fruit trees on a paved street, sidewalk…better for park or pathway Community 1 More community gardens - second Community 1 Ashbury Ave. Ashbury Ave. (HS) Community 1 “pocket gardens” in vacant lots Community 2 Have community gardens which can be used to grow food for food banks and homeless shelters, there is a great need for fresh produce for these populations Community 2 residents may want a plot in a community garden Community 2 Street gardens - palette curb planting noods to allow for curb side parking access Community 2 Don't shy away from urban agriculture based on maintenance concerns Community 2 Rich opportunity between community gardening enthusiasts and food bank / shelter food providers to serve food insecurity Community 2 Many low income and immigrant community members actively pick under utilized fruit from trees Community 2 City could improve / encourage / educate by providing signage about fruit / season / ripeness and maintenance needs that volunteers can do Survey Hillside Natural Area Add a trash can for dog waste - one half way intro Hillside Nature Area walk Survey Hillside Natural Area Restore the Hillside Natural Area: more native vegetation/begin removal of Eucalyptus Survey Hillside Natural Area A single-track mountain bike trail would be fun. Survey Hillside Natural Area Plant more street trees, more bike racks Survey Hillside Natural Area In Hillside Natural Area there used to be signs explaining the different areas or habitats, put there by the Boy Scouts I believe. It would add interest and get more visitors if the signs were there again Survey Hillside Natural Area Improve Hillside Nature Area by removing dead trees and reducing the number of eucalyptus trees. Replace old signage originally installed by the BSA. Sprinkle wildflower seeds in open spaces. Survey Hillside Natural Area I'd like to see a management plan for the grasslands on the Hillside Natural Area. There are native perennial grasses on the site and shrub encroachment. A simple plan to mow or otherwise manage the grassland would promote the perennials. Survey Hillside Natural Area More seating areas for the elderly, restrooms and accessibility in the Hillside Nature Area. Survey Hillside Natural Area Better walking trails in Hillside Nature Area Survey Hillside Natural Area Provide more hiking trails within El Cerrito - set aside more funding to improve hiking trails at Hillside Natural Area. The volunteers at El Cerrito Trail Trekkers have done a good job! Survey Hillside Natural Area Connect the two parts of the Hillside Natural Area Survey Hillside Natural Area Improving access and trails in Hillside Nature area would be great. Very supportive of plan purchase private land for open space to link North/South areas of Hillside Survey Hillside Natural Area More hiking and biking trails would be great, and clearing out the poison oak next to the trails at the Hillside Nature area would be good too! Survey Hillside Natural Area I support mountain bike trails in the Hillside Natural area and other open spaces. Survey Hillside Natural Area I love that you're thinking about this! Please consider adding an off-leash dog area somewhere in central or southern El Cerrito! Also, I'm in full support of any efforts to remove eucalyptus trees and plant more natives in the Hillside Natural area. Lots has been done, but there's more to do! Survey Hillside Natural Area Get the invasive plants out of Hillside Natural Area, and reduce the fire hazard. Improve and grow the urban forest. Survey Hillside Natural Area Stairs in Hillside Natural Area Survey EC Plaza Improve pedestrian access within EC Plaza Survey EC Plaza Can you do anything to improve EC Plaza and Fairmont Ave? They are well...ugly. No gathering places like at the old EC Plaza Survey EC Plaza Improve pedestrian access to and within El Cerrito Plaza, particularly from the BART station Survey EC Plaza There are multiple opportunities to develop near the EC Plaza. 1) The open grassy lot on Central and Everett- perfect place for an interactive, fun park, 2) The greenway below the BART tracks, and the space behind Fairmont Elementary-- waiting to be developed. Survey EC Plaza Cut a deal with the owner of the vacant former used-car lot just north of Burger King & turn it into a public parking lot that could be used for the Farmer's Market that clogs up EC Plaza on Tues & Sat Mornings. Currently, it's one of the biggest eyesores in that area of San Pablo Ave. Survey EC Plaza eliminate the rowdy young people (and the food they dump on the ground from the vicinity of Panda Express at EC plaza EC Plaza 3) Years ago, I stopped walking up to the Bart path from EC plaza due to the rough element that frequented the recycle operation behind Lucky's. If that situation still exists, please monitor it. Survey EC Plaza Our family wishes that El Cerrito Plaza featured a central area for families to sit/dine/relax/play/people watch and breathe fresh air. Similarly, we would patronize other commercial areas more (Stockton, Del Norte Pl) if there were a little green space to take our carry-out and children to... Thank you for this survey! Hillside Natural Area El Cerrito Plaza Page 24 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey EC Plaza Enforce the observation of the law at stop signs in El Cerrito Plaza. This enforcement would promote safety and might wake up scofflaws. Survey EC Plaza Shaded seating areas around El Cerrito plaza. Traffic re-design - central green space? (vs clock tower centers). More bike and pedestrian facilities at the plaza. Plant trees in low-income areas, if not already done. Thank you! Survey EC Plaza There needs to be better park facilities near Fairmount Ave / El Cerrito Plaza. The large empty lot at Fairmount and Colusa would make a perfect spot for a public park; people already use it as a recreation space, bring their dogs there, etc. Survey EC Plaza El Cerrito has long streets. More trees would improve long, hot cement. El Cerrito had a tree program - does it still exist? Trees financed by Cal-trees and planted/maintained by the city. This is a good plan. Would like to see it continued or started again. Good for the environment and health of residents. If financing problems, try a grant from Sierra Club or other such group or government agency (dept. of health?) Survey EC Plaza More stores to shop improve the El Cerrito playa etc. Community 2 EC Plaza Tax break as incentive for plaza? Community 2 EC Plaza I would love some way to create a plaza in EC Plan - make it walkable and cute! Survey Clean public areas, no litter on sidewalks, parking stripes, trails, etc. Survey cleanup sidewalk on Cules Ave. above the football field Survey Regarding the economy: happy / healthy family members are good for the local economy. Survey Fight the effort to subdivide every square inch in the city in the pursuit of 'smart growth'. Survey creates investment in the community Survey more bathrooms Survey more lights, better restrooms Survey more lights. toilets need to be open all the time! Survey Improve the look and feel of the neighborhood Survey Improve and widen the sidewalks so my wife and I can walk together in the evenings Survey Assure access for handicapped and elderly with assisted devices Survey What's been done already along San Pablo ave. is great - keep it up! Survey Indoor pools improve year-round fitness. Survey We love living in EC and seeing positive changes in the community! Good Job! Survey I like all the improvements made in EC. Keep up the good work! Survey Clean restrooms More restrooms Benches for resting Survey Good work! Good luck! Survey I am new to the area and would like to become more involved. Survey Benches are very important. My elderly mother liked to walk, but needed to rest. She often commented on the difficulty on finding a bench to rest on. Survey disappointed that EC allows non-working, non registered cars and campers to be parked on lawns and driveways. we are situated near two such vehicles and I see many others around EC Del Norte. they are an eyesore and lower property values. Survey it's important to us to maintain the senior centers in el cerrito. they are well attended and much appreciated. Survey i think it would be great to have another senior center. maybe with a vegetable garden and fruit trees and let high school students care for it. senior center need a large enough parking lot for those who still drive. the senior center in el cerrito is a little too small, needs to be much bigger. Survey Beautification! Survey El Cerrito has done an amazing job at improving its community over the past 5 years. Survey Until recently, I worked in Emeryville, played on the Bay (still do that), biked out of town, and I am still relatively oblivious about El Cerrito. Is there a There here? Survey Didn't like the unfair rezoning of parking spaces on the Arlington by the Clubhouse. Survey There's lots of space. Use it!!! Survey Couldn't see the survey on my iPad so had to get out my laptop, just FYI. Think creating the survey & asking for feedback is GREAT--keep up the great work! Survey Buy the Busby property! Survey thanks for creating this survey. Support connecting green areas (hillside canyon) Survey Stop the interrogation! The City of El Cerrito should not need all of this private and personal information. Survey Extend swimming hrs. at community pool for public. Survey The El Cerrito Pool is a very important recreational and educational facility for the community; I hope that whatever plans are made in the future in terms greening the community will include improvements to the areas around the pool. Survey Love the way El Cerrito is greenifying - keep it up!! Survey The greener the better, a city that can provide the most natural environment for their people will be more healthy, and valuable now and in the future...thanks! Survey Information regarding and access to and american indian historical sites Survey I'm pretty new to El Cerrito and would like to learn more about this City. I like that its accessible to public transportation and has beautiful green hills and open spaces. Miscellaneous Page 25 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Survey Something positive: I am an avid lap-swimmer at the EC community pool. Hardly a day goes by that I don't experience a flash of gratitude that I have access to such a wonderful resource for my health (physical and mental). Thanks! Survey eliminate the individuals from the vicinity of Pasta Pomadoro who verbally solicit for cash. I believe EC does a great job on most things. Thank you! Diversify the police force and fire personnel. Survey Keep cost down at the swim center - could be more affordable. If so, I would go more often. Survey Hi and thank you. Just a repeat: please think of the masses not individual needs before any action; consider that anything you do is going to need to be maintained by someone; when you add facilities / signage, etc. you must simultaneously reinforce the (already strained) city services that preserve these public facilities / accessories. Walt Disney would never add until what exists is perfected; please also take into the consideration that the city is having a difficult time keeping-up with what exists. Be cautious about adding more to the plate simply because you can. Survey I appreciate all that El Cerrito has done so far. I love the street trees and want more! I think the more green spaces the better. We need more shade in this city! Survey Extend swimming hrs. at community pool for public. Survey Why, oh why are you destroying the green center of Moeser lane? Survey Traffic slowing on Ashbury between Fairmont and Stockton.... Survey Better open family swim hours at the pool Survey Excited about the possibilities of expanding public and green spaces in the context of sustainable local/regional economic development. Looking forward to continued involvement in these efforts. Survey Would love to see El Cerrito have it's own animal shelter, a real refuge to help animals, not like Pinole and Marinez, where animals are killed on a time frame. Need to get rid of the Head of the shelter, alot of the officiers and have someone in charge who is animal centered, concerned and Vet techs, Also, stop contracting out for vet care and get regular vet/s. Stop wasting taxpayers' money on these archaic shelters. Survey I just want to say that I LOVE the outdoor art that El Cerrito has developed (love those new metal sculptures on San Pablo, by the way). LOVE the median strip landscaping. LOVE the sidewalk areas that filter rainwater. All very beautifully and creatively done. Thank you!!! Survey i lived in your town in the early 80s and continue to shop and play there. El Cerrito is looking better and better. Bravo! Survey Please help pet owners and quality of life for pets, especially rescued pets. Survey thank you for pursuing this. Survey please insure that whatever projects are initiated can be completed with the available grant funds. Survey maps are an easy and useful way to help people learn about and better use open space a park areas. Survey We live in Richmond Annex, but all schools, activities, shopping, living in general is in EC. Many thanks in advance for any improvements to bring more nature into EC! Survey Wish the swim facililities were less expensive and that the library was open more days and longer hours. Survey The Environmental Services area of EC's govt. is the most effective branch of our city government. Survey More public water access. Public bathrooms and water fountains Survey Keep funding. Keep promoting. Work together with other groups. Get ideas from other cities. Survey It would be great if PG&E had to provide some kind of brick fence around their substation to block out the noise and sight of their station. Survey I like the sand and i think that putting sand in El Cerrito would be nice because then the ocean would come visit them. Survey extend/lengthen/provide more, longer ADULT-ONLY lap swim hours at E.C. Swim Center. Survey keep up the community involvement. Avoid the tragedy of the commons. Survey Focus on North El Cerrito. Survey Construction of questions are confusing, too long. Survey Senior citizens know that El Cerrito is not just grandstanding, but rather is sincerely interested in gathering people out of their cars when the City subsides an hourly bus that runs from El Cerrito Plaza to Plaza Bart to the service center, to the Community Center, to Ashbury, to City Hall to Del Norte Bart to home. $2 would buy unlimited on/off privileges in either direction for four hours. Perhaps the bus should accept transfers from Bart as well. That would get people out of their cars and it would faster for shopping locally. Until then its all just talk. Return Portola ave. and Community Center painted curb red parking areas to their original color prior to the construction of the Splash Park. During construction they painted the curbs red and didn't restore them to them original condition. Correcting this will result in a few more parking spaces. The red paint parts are no longer needed. Survey Heavy fines for texting while driving Survey more bathrooms Survey No crime Survey Clean Bathrooms! Survey Develop new outdoor skills Survey I'm very proud of El Cerrito's Earth Day activities, as well as the 4th of July activity. I think the citywide garage sale could be consolidated onto the BART parking lot - that way I would save on gas and pollution. Task Force 1 Business Development pays more to a city overall than residential development, yet most of the proposed development is residential? Task Force 1 Help Create Special Place Page 26 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- Source Location Comment Task Force 1 Expolore Repurposed Property and Under Utilized Land Task Force 1 BMPs Task Force 1 Educational and Job Creation Task Force 1 Rec Needs Assessment: Prioritize Open Space, Grant Ready Task Force 1 Training Packets and Toolkits Task Force 1 Locationally Diverse Task Force 1 Committee on Aging Task Force 4 Show adopted policies Task Force 4 Update Caltrain Improvements Community 2 The building heights are to tall even Albany and Berkeley will not go that high on San Pablo. Community 2 Views and overshadowing along San Pablo are not taken into consideration Community 2 San Pablo will have a tunnel effect especially when you add in the tall trees that never got trimmed Community 2 There is not, nor will there be enough public transit to serve the area if you build all high density along San Pablo Ave. Community 2 People in Richmond have a vision of EC and the hills above. Community 2 They do not want to see a row of high rise buildings along San Pablo Ave. Community 2 Haight limits should respect existing reviews from private houses Community 2 Bart is near capacity in EC unless you will add a parking garage at this plaza station Community 2 I think there is a very real issue with 6 story buildings on San Pablo next to Kearny, where there are residential houses Community 2 Allow residential apartments / condos on San Pablo Community 2 I think 6 stories is too high, I would be more in favor of 3-4 Community 2 I heard something about reduced parking @ BART, however there aren't enough spots right now. Community 2 I ended up driving to Oakland BART because there wasn't parking Community 2 I know you want bikes instead but cars vs Bart, Bart is better so please more parking @ BART! Community 2 Residential Parking - If 1 or fewer off street parking required, then curb cut for driveway removes 1 on street space - So why require it? Page 27 of 27 ---PAGE BREAK--- 1 Pilot Project Design Charrette: Summary August 2nd, 2014 Attendance – 26 sign-ins ---PAGE BREAK--- 2 – Bay Trail (Blue Belt) to Wildcat Canyon (Green Belt) Connections Breakout Design Groups Focus Areas – Overall Vision / Character, etc? Key Programming – Hillside Natural Area – Fairmont Park – Lower Fairmount Ave – Key Programming Elements, Activities, Settings, etc – Location of Elements, Routes, etc – Maintenance Strategies ---PAGE BREAK--- 3 Vision • Improved multi-modal access Key Elements • Traffic Lanes + Parking P d ith LOWER FAIRMOUNT AVENUE access – – At Realigned Intersections – Along the block • A Green Gateway – Landscaping – Rain gardens • re:Street Placemaking P Li il • Promenade with Community Gathering Spaces (Beer Gardens, etc) • Multi-purpose Containers for Cafes, Lib i Sh d W k – Pop-ups: Liner retail, incubator spaces, etc – Temporal programming: farmers market, etc • Incremental Change Libraries, Shared Work Spaces etc • Opportunities for Play • History Wall ---PAGE BREAK--- 4 • Big picture concept Route Ideas • Blue-green crosswalks Vision BLUE TO GREEN CONNECTIONS • Simplify routes • Use trails and existing ped infrastructure • Connect to BART Different opportunities • Big blue green arrows on street and sidewalks • Signage • Trees and green infrastructure • Different opportunities bike-only, ped-only, and multi-use trail sections infrastructure ---PAGE BREAK--- 5 Vision • Trailheads and signage Elements • Improved pedestrian HILLSIDE NATURAL AREA • Incorporate Bike Park • Fire Safety • Nature trails • Amphitheater crossings and nature trail connections • Bike Park at old water tank site • Trailheads and signage g g at all legal entrances • Enhance fire safety ---PAGE BREAK--- 6 Vision • Let’s make a deal ! With Elements • Improved and expanded FAIRMONT PARK elementary school • Accessible for all ages • Park as Community Garden • Artful garden, with school and senior center • Central multi-use area • Young children’s play area Artful • Let the dogs be • Access points from Ohlone Greenway • Enhance art wall