ALAMEDA COUNTY
U.S. Rep. Lateefah Simon, D-Oakland, released the statement below about the federal government shutdown that began Wednesday.
“The federal government shut down because Republicans refuse to govern. Republicans control all three branches of government — the White House the Senate, and the House of Representatives — yet for months they have ignored the reality that they need to work with their Democratic colleagues.
“This isn’t an accident or a last-minute crisis; it’s the intended result that reflects the governing philosophy of the Republican party: chaos over stability, cruelty over care and power over people. The reality is that the government has been shut down since Trump was elected back to office.
“His administration has illegally terminated at least 12% of the federal workforce — and wants to continue to fire even more people during a government shutdown. Trump has defied court orders and rulings, gutted the social security net and decimated our public education system. Trump’s true intentions are to gut the federal government.
“Democrats are fighting for stability, affordable health care and the dignity of work. We want government that pays its employees on time, honors its commitments to veterans and seniors and ensures that no family is left without care or income because of politics.
“Republicans have chosen ideology over responsibility. They have betrayed their constituents, the federal workforce, service members, seniors and veterans. This avoidable disaster is solely theirs to own.”
Simon represents California’s 12th Congressional district that covers northern Alameda County, including Berkeley, Albany, Oakland, Piedmont, Emeryville, Alameda and most of San Leandro.
— U.S. Rep. Simon’s office
BERKELEY
Tour city’s businesses during Manufacturing Week 2025
Go behind the scenes this Friday through Oct. 9 at Berkeley businesses during Manufacturing Week 2025. Free tours are limited, so register early to secure your spot. Berkeleyans can take free tours to learn how local manufacturers make stained glass, wooden picture frames, bagels, chocolate, sake, beer, wine, pottery, soundproof booths and more.
During Berkeley Manufacturing Week, community members can visit and learn how local businesses make their products. You can see up close the innovative technologies, jobs and people involved in the city’s manufacturing scene.
Stained Glass Garden, Holton Studio Frame Makers, Boichik Bagels, TCHO Chocolate, Trumer Pils Brewery, Hammerling Wines, Takara Sake, Zenbooth and other Berkeley manufacturers produce a variety of items — from glasswork and bagels to adult beverages and soundproof booths — boosting the city’s economy. For more details or to sign up for tours of more than 20 companies, visit bit.ly/474cOOC online.
— city of Berkeley
EL CERRITO
City’s sales tax revenue bond ratings upgraded to ‘A+’
S&P Global Ratings in September raised its long-term rating on the El Cerrito Public Financing Authority’s outstanding sales tax revenue bonds to “A+” from “A-” and raised its underlying rating to ‘A-‘ from ‘BBB’ on the city’s outstanding certificates of participation. In both cases, S&P Global Ratings increased the city’s rating by two steps, indicating a significant improvement.
As stated in the report issued by S&P Global Ratings regarding the El Cerrito Public Financing Authority, the improved ratings to ‘A+’ reflects S&P’s “view of the city’s improved underlying creditworthiness … driven by a continued improvement in its financial position and enhanced financial management policies and practices.”
Similarly, in the report accompanying the city’s rating increase on outstanding certificates of participation, S&P stated that “The upgrade reflects our view of the city’s sustained structural balance, robust reserve position and improved internal controls, which have in turn contributed to the recent removal of the state’s high-risk designation for the city.”
“I’m incredibly proud that the hard work we’ve put in to strengthening El Cerrito’s financial position and building our reserves is being recognized in our credit ratings,” said El Cerrito Mayor Carolyn Wysinger. “This isn’t just about numbers; this signals to residents and investors alike that El Cerrito is financially stable and that we’re building a strong foundation for long-term financial health”.
For more information, visit bit.ly/3KsQF3H online.
— city of El Cerrito
RICHMOND
Celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day on Oct. 11 at art center
Come celebrate Indigenous Peoples’ Day at the Richmond Art Center from 12 to 3 p.m. Oct. 11 at the center’s Fall Family Day open house. This free event is open to kids of all ages and their families, with no RSVP needed.
Activities will includea performance by Danza Azteca Teokalli; an artist talk with Luis Garcia about his exhibition, “Seeds of Tradition;” screenprinting “Land Back” posters with Julia LaChica; “Repujado” with Rachel-Anne Palacios; and “Zine Making” with Shani Ealey.
If you haven’t visited Richmond Art Center before, Fall Family Day is the perfect time for families to discover its galleries, peek into the studios and make art together. For more information online, visit richmondartcenter.org/familyday.
— Richmond Art Center
ALBANY
Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast set for Oct. 11
Come to the Albany Fire Department’s annual Pancake Breakfast fundraiser and enjoy a raffle, live fire and natural gas safety demonstrations. Also, see fire engines, meet Sparky the Fire Dog and, of course, enjoy a great breakfast prepared by the city’s firefighters. Tickets can be purchased at the door, and proceeds will benefit the Alisa Ann Ruch Burn Foundation.
The Pancake Breakfast will take place from 8 a.m. until noon Oct. 11 at the Albany Fire Station, 1000 San Pablo Ave. in Albany. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for ages 3 to 12 and free ages 2 or younger. For details online, visit bit.ly/46LDd2d.
— city of Albany
To submit an item for the Berkeley Voice and El Cerrito Journal’s “In brief” section, which is now published in print on each month’s first Friday, please email it, at least three days before print publication, to njackson@bayareanewsgroup.com. Each item should be 90 to 180 words and include a short headline along with the name of the group or individual to credit for it.