Sunset from the El Cerrito Hills

Neighborhoods: El Cerrito

The City of El Cerrito is situated on what was once part of a sprawling land-grant (over 19,000 acres) given to Don Francisco Castro by the then governor of Alta California. In 1836 his son, Don Victor Ramon chose a portion near Cerrito creek as the site for his hacienda. In 1849 this pastoral life changed forever. With the gold rush, thousands of people arrived in the Bay Area and many made the shores of the East Bay their home, farming land and establishing businesses. In the ensuing years, especially during the 1930's and 40's, the community became best known for its casinos, poker parlors, and dog-racing track. But by the mid-1940's, a new city council went to work and vigorously curtailed the gambling activity. A new slogan was adopted, "City of Homes" which still graces the city seal today.

These days El Cerrito is better known for its terrific bay views and easy commute to the city. Its varied neighborhoods of family homes range from the tree-lined streets of the "flats" to the winding streets of the hills and Arlington Avenue where stately homes and gardens grace the hillcrests.

El Cerrito - date unknown   (photo courtesy El Cerrito Historical Society)

There are two BART stations in El Cerrito, direct bus lines to downtown and easy freeway access. El Cerrito has great public parks, a swimming and recreation center, library, the Mira Vista Golf and Country Club and is home to the Contra Costa Community Theater. A farmers market is held twice a week at the El Cerrito Plaza which has recently undergone a complete renovation and now includes stores such as a giant Albertson's Grocery store, Bed Bath and Beyond, Barnes and Noble Books, and Starbucks Coffee. Remnants of old El Cerrito can still be found, however, at Down Home Music on San Pablo Ave., a funky store specializing in acoustic and folk sounds, and Giovanni's Italian Grocery, off of Portrero Avenue. El Cerrito schools are part of the West Contra Costa Unified School District and include a middle school, and El Cerrito High, which is known for sending many students on to top-notch colleges. There are also several well-respected private schools located in El Cerrito.

City of El Cerrito web site