El Cerrito Races

Results are a combination of data provided by the Associated Press (AP) and county election offices. The AP calls winners by analyzing vote tallies and other election data. Check marks are used to denote a winner only when the AP calls a race.

City Council

Top three candidates win seat.

Lisa Motoyama(incumbent)29.5%
9,121 votes
Rebecca Saltzman27.7%
8,589 votes
William Ktsanes22.3%
6,903 votes

Updated at 7:39 PM PT on Dec 3, 2024
Contra Costa County

What does a council member do?

City and town council members can propose new city ordinances and vote on a range of issues, including housing development, business ventures and contracts. They also help draft the city or town budget.

Candidate Statements

Candidate Statements are excerpted from the statements provided to election offices, where available.

Lauren Dodge

  • Design researcher/landscaper
  • Revenue: “My experience as a design researcher for the public sector allows me to … create a feasible and community beneficial revenue optimization strategy.”
  • Collaboration: “I want to make it easier for every resident of El Cerrito to have their voice heard.”
  • Transparency: “I will map all city services. These maps will make it easier to see how services are funded. Let me use my time and energy to help us get the most from our city.”
  • www.Dodge4ElCerrito2024.com

Courtney Helion

  • Art conservator
  • Priorities: “As a member of the Council, I will focus on making our neighborhoods safe, including improving bicycle and pedestrian safety, preparing the city for emergencies, and supporting housing policies that encourage El Cerrito’s unique character.”
  • Transparency: “I will promote more transparency and clearer communication with residents. Citizens should know what their leaders are doing and have ways to voice concerns.”
  • Community Events: “I was proud to help launch the utility box program, fund music through grants to the Free Folk Festival and the One World 4th of July Festival, and support five artists-in-residence.”

William Ktsanes

  • Educator 
  • Priorities: “I am steadfastly committed to fiscal responsibility, accountability and transparency; genuine community engagement; funding public safety; social, economic and environmental justice; and supporting our neighbors, local businesses, the arts and education.”
  • Budget: “El Cerrito continues to face major budget shortfalls and $85 million in unfunded pension liabilities. … I am a fiscally prudent, pragmatic, responsible voice who will provide strong leadership.”
  • Experience: “I’m a parent who’s lived in this community for 24 years. I’ve served as a Peace Corps volunteer, elementary school teacher and principal. I’ve been a member of the Sierra Club and ACLU for over 30 years and, more recently, a volunteer team leader with Habitat for Humanity.”
  • www.ktsanes.com

Rebecca Saltzman

  • BART Director/mother
  • Priorities: “I’m running for El Cerrito City Council to focus my energies and expertise on making life in El Cerrito better, ensuring our city is responsibly managed, building a new city library, and investing in homes for people of all backgrounds and incomes.”
  • Infrastructure: “My work has modernized BART’s El Cerrito del Norte Station and brought significant walking and biking safety improvements to the neighborhood surrounding the station.”
  • Housing: “At BART’s El Cerrito Plaza Station, my work has secured 743 new homes, nearly half of which are dedicated affordable housing.”
  •  www.RebeccaForEICerrito.com

Lisa Motoyama

  • El Cerrito City Council Member
  • Budget: “As a first term Council member, I have worked hard to bring the city back into fiscal health … helping to bring the city’s fund balance from $110,000 in 2020 to $16 million in 2024.” 
  • Infrastructure: “I support the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station development, including a new library and new homes serving all income levels.”
  • Transportation: “To encourage bicycling and walking, I will continue to press for a return of bicycle policing of the Ohlone Greenway to increase safety for more users.”

More Results

All Contra Costa County Elections

See results for all elections on the Contra Costa County ballot.

Have a correction? Contact voterguide@kqed.org.