City Manager Urged for El Cerrito – 65 Years Ago

Exactly 65 years ago today, on Nov. 28, 1946, the front page of the weekly El Cerrito Journal reported that voters would be asked to consider hiring a full-time city manager to help end the confusion and disorganization in municipal affairs. Here are some of the actual headlines from that day's front page, followed by our brief summaries of the articles:

Mayor's Report Approves Naming of City Manager

A report by Mayor Melvin C. Heinkel and the City Council recommended that a city manager form of government appear on the ballot. An "exhaustive study," which included a survey of other cities and advice from Professors Samuel May and Russell Barthell of the Bureau of Public Administration of the University of California, found that having a full-time city manager could eliminate much of the confusion, inefficiency and duplication of effort now found in El Cerrito's municipal government.

Police Department Asks Employment for Boys

El Cerrito police have established part-time positions for teenaged boys, according to Police Chief Floyd Gilbert. "It was pointed out by Chief Gilbert that misdirected leisure results in minor infractions of the law," the paper said, "and that with many of our youths employed part-time, this possibility will be greatly reduced, if not altogether removed." Local businesse and residents are asked to provide employment opportunities for boys whose character and dependability would be certified by police.

Holiday Message Issued by C. of C.

The president of the El Cerrito Chamber of Commerce, Don L. Kimball, has called for "a serious observance of Thanksgiving Day," in the words of the paper. He said El Cerrito residents should support local business by making purchases locally when possible.

Court Holds Taxes Invalid on Residents

A proposal to impose a tax of 25 cents on trailer residents to boost city revenue would not be valid under a ruling of a San Diego court, City Attorney Clifford Cl Anglim told the City Council. The court said trailer residents contribute indirectly to the city through their rents, which trailer court operator uses to pay taxes on permits and property.

• Click for other vignettes of El Cerrito history. You can find some back issues of the El Cerrito Journal, including those of 65 years ago, at the Shadi Historical Room at City Hall, open to the public on the third Thursday of each month, 4:30-6 p.m.