New Cell Phone Tower Proposed in El Ceritto

A controversial new T-Mobile cell phone tower is proposed for Camp Herns in El Cerrito. The tower would be eight stories tall - higher than the surrounding trees. The latest details are here in the West County Times.

Good article on longtime resident Fred Fogg

The West County Times had a terrific story about an inspirational El Cerrito man - Fred Fogg - who recently passed away. He really lived life to the fullest...

Documentary and Fundraiser at the Rialto Cerrito Theater on November 5

There will be a screening of the new documentary, "Ready, Set, Bag!" tomorrow at 6:30pm at the Rialto Cerrito Theater. The filmmakers will do a Q&A after the show.

El Cerrito's Climate Change Plan

Today's West County Times has a good article on the City of El Cerrito's call to action on combating climate change. Part of the planing process includes soliciting input from residents and businesses. As council member Ann Cheng says:

"Developing a climate action plan fits the general consciousness of the whole Bay Area; it's something people can glom onto ... a good fit for El Cerritans. The key to making it successful is getting their recommendations on how to use our lands and plan around transit, beyond automobiles."

More information on getting involved can be found here on the City's website.

New Plans for a Safeway and Mixed-Use Development at the del Norte BART

The West County Times has an article about a new deal for the former Target site near the El Cerrito del Norte BART station. Apparently, thankfully, no Wal-Mart is in the works. The other interesting aspect of the deal is:

"The deal sustains hopes to eventually develop the property with mixed use — residential, retail and office space — to take advantage of proximity to transit hub El Cerrito del Norte Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) station, with a goal of reducing car use."

The New Menu at Rialto Cinemas Cerrito

I guess that's the new name for the theater - Rialto Cinemas Cerrito? It's not too catchy but, anyway, we went last weekend because we heard they now have their kitchen up and running. I was a little unsure how the food would turn out since they just started but I have to say we were very pleasantly surprised. We had a nice salad and their veggie artichoke pizza - both were excellent (I'd love to see some more veggie pizza options).

As of last weekend, they didn't have their liquor license yet. I think it's a great start for the new operator, though, and we'll definitely be back regularly.

Check out their menu online.

They have a weekly newsletter, which is useful to see what's playing. You can sign up online.

Samoa Tsunami - Before/After & How to Help

This time last year, my wife and I spent an idyllic two weeks honeymooning in Samoa. What I remember was the incredible snorkeling, beautiful scenic vistas, fascinating village life and warm Samoan culture.

This week Samoa (along with Tonga and American Samoa) was hit by a devastating tsunami. As of right now, Samoa appears to have sustained the largest death toll at 149 people. Lalomanu Beach, on the southeast corner of Upolu (one of the two main islands making up Samoa) was one of the hardest hit areas. The beach and village were devastated.

Below you'll find some photos from our visit, along with links to photos and videos showing what the same area looks like now, post-tsunami. At the bottom, I've listed some current relief efforts. My wife and I are deeply saddened by this disaster and its impact on the kind people of Samoa.

Before the September 2009 Tsunami

Lalomanu Beach, Samoa (looking north)

Lalomanu Beach, Samoa (looking south)

Lalomanu Beach, Samoa (looking south)

Litia Sini Beach Resort, Lalomanu Beach, Samoa (looking north)

After the September 2009 Tsunami

Photos of Lalomanu Beach

AP Article and Photo Slideshow

First Hand Account from the Tsunami

Video of Lalomanu Devastation

Video Interview in Lalomanu

Photo of Litia Sini Beach Resort (scroll to the bottom of the article)


Ways to Help

Bay Area locations accepting donations

Western US relief efforts

Donate to Mercy Corps' Asia Pacific Disaster Response

Donate to the UNICEF response

Happenings around El Cerrito

El Cerrito Art Show - Friday, Saturday, Sunday
Details

Stockton Avenue Art Stroll - Friday 7-9pm
Details

Last day to sign up for free street trees from the city of El Cerrito - Monday
Contra Costa Times

El Cerrito Oak Trees Poisoned

I just ran across a surprising story from earlier this month about oak trees poisoned in an El Cerrito public park. It looks like holes were drilled into the base of the trees, poison was inserted and corks were plugged into the holes. One theory is that someone did it to preserve/reclaim views from their home.

Here is the story:

• Contra Costa Times
• ABC7 News (video)
  

Houseplants that clean the air

I saw a TED podcast a while ago about a study that measured the effectiveness of using common houseplants to clean indoor air. A recent reminder led me to look online for more information, including which plants are best. I thought this Living on Earth article was a good starting point.