Hike in Memory of William Huber (Who's He?)

The El Cerrito Trail Trekkers will conduct "The William Huber Memorial Trail Hike" Saturday morning at the most appropriate place in the city, if not the universe, for such an excursion – .

The park is named after William Huber, one of the leading citizens of the small community that was incorporated as El Cerrito in 1917. A three-time mayor and civic leader, he is credited with the distinction of being the one to propose the name "El Cerrito" for the new city. (The name is Spanish for "the little hill" and refers to Albany Hill next door.)

The Trail Trekkers' flyer offers this description:

"No one did more than Judge William Huber to build El Cerrito in its early days. He named it 'El Cerrito,' helped found the city and build its sewers, served three times as mayor, ran Huber Hall and served as justice of the peace. This hike will take us through Huber Park with its WPA stone walls and on or near several city paths, including some that are temporarily 'impassable.'"

Huber's legacy also had a less lustrous side. Though he later reversed his stance, he was a champion of the city's gambling interests, which earned El Cerrito the nickname of "Little Reno" or "Little Monte Carlo" and a reputation for turning a blind eye to vice, according Edward Staniford's history, El Cerrito: Historical Evolution.

Those with questions about Huber may want to consult with the hike leader, Dave Weinstein, founder of the Trail Trekkers and vice president of the El Cerrito Historical Society.

The hike, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. is free and described as "moderate, with some steep sections." Those interested are asked to meet in front of Well Grounded Tea & Coffee, 6925 Stockton Ave. in El Cerrito. For more information, Weinstein can be contacted at 510-524-1737, davidsweinstein@yahoo.com.

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