Final Actions To Take Before 2025 Ends

The final months of the year are a great time to review your finances and address crucial housekeeping tasks. End 2025 on a strong note by tackling these actions.

View the Year-End Checklist here.

A message from...

Mark Porter, CRPC, APMA, Private Wealth Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor SM

Porter, Ritchie & Associates - a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

IBX Fitness is supporting the Alameda County Community Food Bank for a virtual food drive because everyone deserves access to fresh, healthy food.

Your donation helps get the most-needed items into local homes, including essentials like eggs, milk, fruits, and veggies that can’t be collected in barrels.

Thanks to the Food Bank’s bulk buying power, every $1 you give provides 2 nutritious meals to families in our community.

Let’s show up strong, together. Give what you can.

Donate to The Food Drive HERE!

65 Years Strong and Still Rolling Forward

This year marks AC Transit’s 65th Anniversary! To celebrate, we’ve unveiled our 65th Anniversary Bus, wrapped in a design inspired by our iconic buses from the 1960s. Keep an eye out across the East Bay—you might spot this rolling tribute.

You’re also invited to explore our 65th Anniversary website, where you can browse vintage photos, maps, and historic ads that showcase six and a half decades of East Bay history. And because no celebration is complete without great merch, we’ve teamed up with Oaklandish on a limited-edition anniversary T-shirt! The design honors our East Bay roots and is available now for purchase online and at all Oaklandish retail locations.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Here’s to the next 65 years of innovation, community, and connection.

CalChamber + CalOSBA:

Nine-Part Video Employment Law Library Now on YouTube

CalOSBA and the California Chamber of Commerce have released a free, nine-part webinar series now available on our YouTube channel. These expert-led sessions simplify California’s most important labor and employment requirements: covering everything from hiring and classification to workplace policies and managing employees throughout the employment lifecycle. Each episode offers clear, practical guidance to help small businesses stay compliant, reduce risk, and support a strong workforce.

Watch the full webinar library HERE.

A Message from EBMUD regarding the CA Green Business Network. The California Green Business Network works with small- to medium-sized businesses to create a vibrant and sustainable green economy. Led by a coalition of cities and counties, the program conserves resources, saves money, and helps make communities healthier and more livable. EBMUD encourages organizations within its service area to join this group of innovators committed to the highest standards of water efficiency and sustainability. Learn more by visiting the Contra Costa County Green Business Program.

Head to Elevation 66 to try out some of their new menu offerings!

Elevation 66

10082 San Pablo Ave.

El Cerrito

https://elevation66.com/

"Ebenezer Scrooge" World Premiere!

CCCT PRESENTS:

"EBENEZER SCROOGE"
AN ADAPTATION OF DICKENS' "A CHRISTMAS CAROL"
BY JOEL ROSTER

DECEMBER 6TH-21ST AT CONTRA COSTA CIVIC THEATRE

ADULTS: $40, SENIORS: $35, YOUTH: $20
RUNNING TIME: APPROX. 90 MINUTES

Get your tickets HERE!

El Cerrito Library Calendar & Happenings

https://ccclib.org/locations/11/

Spring 2026 Registration is now open for Contra Costa Civic Theatre's classes for children, teens, and adults.

Check out the list of classes HERE and register today!

Whether you’re currently working with a financial advisor or managing your finances yourself, it helps to get a second opinion.

Schedule a complimentary initial consultation with Mark Porter to:

Discuss your financial goals and priorities
Discover personalized strategies and solutions you might be missing
Get answers to your financial questions

Let's work together

Mark Porter, CRPC, APMA, Private Wealth Advisor, Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor SM

Porter, Ritchie & Associates - a private wealth advisory practice of Ameriprise Financial Services, LLC

IBX and Emerald City Gowns are bringing you a special offer to get you wedding-ready.

Look and feel your best on your special day! What better way to get ahead of the curve than to start a routine that makes you feel as strong and beautiful as you are?

Claim your free classes (or refer a friend) by clicking the link below and start getting yourself in the best shape of your life.

*IBX Members get a free weekend appointment at Emerald City Gowns*
*Non-IBX members (excluding punchcard peeps) get a free week long trial*
*New members get 1 free month at IBX!*

Click this link to get started at IBX and to get in contact with Emilie and her team.
Show them this post to claim your special pricing.

Click here for appointments at Emerald City Gowns.

Need a help with your Dicken's Fair outfit or need a costume for a themed New Year's Eve Party? CCCT's got you covered!

Rent a costume from Contra Costa Civic Theatre! To learn more email: jmcfarlane@ccct.org

Ready to start, succeed and scalyour business?

STEP 1: Click here to sign up with your local support center

STEP 2: Let us connect you to a trusted business advisor ready to support your dream from Bright Idea to Successful Exit

No-cost 1:1 advising and a pathway to funding
Low-cost training for every aspect of your business

MEMBERS!

Want to see your content here?

Send it in to:

members@elcerritochamber.org

Ideally in square jpeg or png format with a link.

New AC Transit Mobile App is Now Available

Navigating the East Bay is easy, convenient, and reliable when using the new AC Transit Mobile App for iOS and Android. The new AC Transit Mobile App was built from the ground up and features real-time predictions, service alerts, integration with contactless payments, customizable favorites, customer service, and more.

Learn more about the new AC Transit Mobile App, and how to download for iOS and Android HERE.

To help small businesses grow, innovate, and support their local communities, American Express is partnering with Main Street America this Small Business Saturday^® to launch the Amex Shop Small Grants Program. The program will provide $5 million in funding, awarding 250 grants of $20,000 each to eligible small business owners across the U.S.

The application period is open through January 16, 2026, until 9:59 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Learn more HERE.

The Fall edition of The Insider is now available!

Read it HERE or pick up a hardcopy (while supplies last) at the following locations:

FatApples El Cerrito

Elevation 66

Dolly's

El Cerrito Library

El Cerrito Naturals Grocery Food Annex

Well Grounded Tea and Coffee Bar

City Hall

514 Lounge

Rockin' Robbie's

NUG Dispensary

El Cerrito Community Center

El Cerrito Farmers Market

Did you know that the El Cerrito Farmers' Market accepts EBT cards?

Great news! The Farmers Market was approved for EBT transactions and as of late September shoppers have been using their EBT cards.

Check out the Best of El Cerrito 2025 Winners HERE

Want to Shop MWBE/Social Concious?

Check out our listings of:

Black Owned & Led Businesses

Women Owned & Led Businesses

Local Makers

Volunteers Participate @ The Practice Space

Our volunteers are essential to our work, and we'd love some helping hands from our amazing community! Whether you're into arts and crafts, passionate about helping local schools, or enjoy being part of celebratory events, there's something for everyone.

More information and application HERE.