Police Audit Exposes Federal Access to El Cerrito License Plate Data

A sweeping audit of El Cerrito's Flock Safety surveillance system, a state senator's first-ever presentation at City Hall, and a mounting credibility fight over the June library tax measure dominated a packed special meeting that laid bare the tensions between the city's progressive values and its operational realities.

• FBI, ATF among federal agencies with unauthorized access to El Cerrito license plate reader data during 2023 installation; police chief commits to monthly audits ahead of April 21 contract renewal

• State Senator Jesse Arreguín pledges same-day action to prevent a two-year delay of San Pablo Avenue pedestrian safety improvements

• Families and children testify about dangerous school crossings while a road safety survey showing 90% support for slower streets sits unpublished for over a year

• Council votes 4-0-1 to examine disputed "senior exemption" language on library parcel tax ballot before June election

• Richmond Street project grows to $12.9M — fully grant-funded — but key dangerous intersection dropped from scope

• Financial Advisory Board pushes to make 17% reserve floor binding as residents warn of structural budget gap

Police Chief Paul Keith delivered a detailed and at times uncomfortable audit of the city's Flock Safety license plate reader system, prompted by data sharing problems uncovered at neighboring agencies including Richmond, Mountain View, and Los Altos.