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I was elected to the City Council in El Cerrito in 2002 and I’m now running for my second term. I have been serving my community for 10 years, first as a member of the Redevelopment Advisory Committee, than as a Planning Commissioner, and for four years on the City Council. I proudly served as Mayor in 2004-2005, representing our City on the West County Mayors and Supervisors board; on the Contra Costa Conference of Mayors; and on regional boards, such as the Association of Bay Area Governments. I also have extensive experience volunteering in our public schools. I have lived in El Cerrito with my husband—Phil Martien— raising our two daughters who have attended Madera Elementary, Portola Middle School and El Cerrito High School. I served on school site councils at Madera and Portola and currently represent El Cerrito on the West Contra Costa Unified School District Citizen Bond Oversight Committee. 

A few weeks ago as I was driving along San Pablo Avenue I caught my first sight of the Cerrito Theater sign. It was an amazing feeling. To see the sign, so new and shiny, and in beautiful shades of blue. Our dream has finally become a reality. We’ve succeeded in restoring our historic theater and an El Cerrito landmark. The word “CERRITO” in neon is the physical manifestation of this community working together for a common goal. Our path was not without challenges or sacrifice. Together we raised money, pulled weeds, solved design problems, negotiated lease agreements, and restored the theater. We can all be proud, knowing that so many El Cerrito residents have contributed to the city’s success that our families are able to enjoy. 

While we may not always agree, we always work together and this City Council has worked hard to build a sense of community. This Council has been able to achieve many successes that in prior years had seemed unattainable. Together we have consistently approved a balanced annual city budget with appropriate reserve funds; rebuilt infrastructure such as parks, roads, and city buildings; hired new police officers—including two dedicated school resource officers at El Cerrito High School; and supported economic development and enhancements on San Pablo and Fairmont Avenues. 

As a Councilmember and Mayor, it was my personal goal to create a more accessible, responsive, and open government. I work collaboratively with our excellent staff and treat my fellow council members, the public, and guests in our community with respect.  

Four years ago I campaigned to make improvements to San Pablo Avenue. Since then we have made great progress, established an unprecedented level of cooperation from both Caltrans and the City of Richmond, planted many new trees on Fairmont and San Pablo, improved businesses, added banners, and are working to install new gateway and destination signs. I led the efforts, with my fellow volunteers on the Arts and Culture Commission, to require developers to contribute 1 percent of their project costs to public art. 

We’ve worked with the state, received grant funds and support form the Costal Conservancy and restored Cerrito and Baxter creeks. My long career as an environmental geologist and my record in El Cerrito shows my commitment to environmental stewardship, parks, the Ohlone Greenway and to preservation of our hillside and creek natural resources 

I would like to continue on the City Council to see construction of our new civic center and city hall building. As a member of the design subcommittee, I have worked to make sure that the project incorporated “green elements” to help protect the environment. The civic center, like the theater project, will be a culmination of over a decade of community vision, past and current City Council funding, and our effort towards creating a city center, a landmark where people can gather and where visitors will know—this is El Cerrito—you have arrived! 

I would also like to continue to explore funding and development of a new library, with expanded hours, and a renovated senior center to the diverse needs of our community.  

In many communities we see political battles that stymie constructive dialogue and forward progress. We don’t have that in El Cerrito. We have a Council with people of various backgrounds, different ages, and of different political parties but we all work together to get things done. The Council’s work is an extension of our volunteer efforts and together with community members and volunteers equally as dedicated, we will get things done in El Cerrito. 

I am honored to have the support and endorsement of Senator Tom Torlakson, Assembly Member Loni Hancock, and Supervisor John Gioia, my fellow council members, several School Board Members, and many respected members of the community. In addition I am endorsed by the United Professional Fire Fighters Local 1230, El Cerrito Democratic Club, Sierra Club, Central Labor Council of Contra Costa County, West County Business & Professional Association, and Planned Parenthood. 

I ask for your vote so together we can achieve our goals for El Cerrito’s future. Thank you.