BERKELEY

The city of Berkeley reminds citizens to register by Oct. 19 to vote in the Nov. 3 election, which includes the election for governor, state offices and propositions as well as local candidates and ballot measures. If you are already registered, check your voter status before Oct. 19 to confirm that your information is correct. You need to reregister if you have moved, changed your name or wish to change your political party preference.

Berkeley 16- and 17-year-olds can register to vote for their school board representatives. The ballot for Berkeley residents will include the auditor, four councilmembers, five rent board members, three school board seats and seven ballot measures. You can help shape these decisions. Register to vote by Oct. 19 to receive a vote-by-mail ballot.

Register to vote online at the California Secretary of State’s Voter Registration website. Youth voters 16 and 17 will select the “pre-register to vote” option. You’ll need a California driver’s license or identification card number, the last four digits of your Social Security number and your date of birth.

If you don’t have a California driver’s license or state-issued identification, you can still fill out the online registration form. The website will create a prefilled application for you to print, sign and mail. Alternatively, register with paper applications, available at any public library, Berkeley’s City Clerk Department at 2180 Milvia St., a U.S. Post Office or a state Department of Motor Vehicles office.

Paper applications must be postmarked or hand-delivered by 5 p.m. Oct. 19 to the Alameda County Registrar of Voters/1225 Fallon St., Room G1/Oakland, CA 94612. For more details online, visit bayareane.ws/4rHpRy7.

— city of Berkeley

EL CERRITO
City’s revenues higher than budget in quarter ending June 30

As reported Sept. 15 to the El Cerrito City Council in the update on the fiscal year 2025-26 fourth-quarter general fund budget, the city received revenues 3% higher than the city’s adopted budget as of June 30 and the city’s expenditures were 1% less than budgeted. As a result, El Cerrito’s projected unaudited year-end total general fund balance is estimated to be $23.2 million, equivalent to 41% of annual expenses.

This includes $12,581,551 in unrestricted funds, which represents 22% of general fund expenditures (the city’s policy is a minimum of 17%), $7.5 million designated for the Emergency Disaster Relief Fund (which can only be used in case of an emergency), and $2.9 million in the Section 115 Trust (which can only be spent on pension costs).

These numbers will be audited and validated as part of the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report later this year. These results demonstrate the city’s continued commitment to budgeting conservatively and ongoing fiscal discipline. To read the fourth-quarter general fund budget update online, visit bayareane.ws/4z4DHgz.

— El Cerrito City Manager Karen Pinkos

HERCULES
Council names new city manager with years of experience

The Hercules City Council has selected Mike Futrell as the next city manager of Hercules. Having served as Riverside’s city manager for more than three years after nearly nine years as South San Francisco’s city manager, Futrell brings extensive experience leading municipal organizations, managing complex operations and working collaboratively with elected officials, employees, residents, businesses and community partners.

He previously served as a chief administrative officer for Baton Rouge, Louisiana. A retired U.S. Navy captain, Futrell’s career also includes service in state and federal government, private industry and corporate law.

“I am honored by the council’s confidence and grateful for the opportunity to serve the Hercules community,” Futrell said. “Hercules has dedicated employees, engaged residents and meaningful opportunities ahead. I look forward to listening, learning and working with the council, staff, residents, businesses and regional partners to advance the city’s priorities with professionalism, transparency and measurable results.”

The council’s decision followed a structured selection process that included a thorough review of Futrell’s qualifications, professional record and references. Councilmembers’ selection is based on documented and verifiable background information together with their assessment of Futrell’s ability to lead the city and serve the public interest. Futrell began at his new post in late September.

“The council is confident that his experience, judgment and commitment to public service will serve Hercules well,” said Hercules Mayor Chris Kelley. “The City Council looks forward to welcoming Mr. Futrell and working with him, city employees and the Hercules community during the transition.”

— Tripepi Smith

ALBANY
Attend a City Hall open house on morning of Oct. 10

Get an inside look at your city and discover the resources available to you at an Albany City Hall open house from 9 a.m. to noon Oct. 10. Enjoy fun games and activities highlighting city services, take a tour of the Albany police station and connect with your local community. Albany City Hall is at 1000 San Pablo Ave., where free bike parking will be available. For details online, visit bayareane.ws/4ddRvwM.

— city of Albany

To submit an item for the Berkeley Voice and El Cerrito Journal’s “In brief” section, which is now usually 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.