In brief: El Cerrito hires new finance director, treasurer

EL CERRITO

The city of El Cerrito is pleased to introduce Crystal Reams as their new finance director and city treasurer. In this role, Reams will oversee El Cerrito’s financial reporting, budgeting and auditing.

“I am beyond excited to join the city of El Cerrito,” shared Reams. “The opportunity to join such a dedicated team of professionals is an honor.”

Reams is an experienced finance professional with more than 17 years in governmental and nonprofit accounting and financial reporting experience in both California and Washington State. Before joining the city of El Cerrito, Reams served as an accounting manager for the city of Vacaville, where she directly supervised teams in accounting, accounts payable and purchasing.

In this role, Reams oversaw all aspects of the annual audit, single audit and the in-house preparation of the city’s Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (ACFR) and the City’s Popular Annual Financial Report (PAFR). Under her leadership, the city of Vacaville regularly received the Government Finance Officers Association’s Certificate of Achievement of Excellence in Financial Reporting and its Popular Annual Financial Reporting award, two integral financial distinctions for public agencies.

Reams holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Oklahoma’s Cameron University and has successfully passed all sections of the California Board of Accountancy Uniform CPA Exams. To learn more about El Cerrito’s Finance Department, visit el-cerrito.org/127/Finance-Department online.

— city of El Cerrito

BERKELEY

North Shattuck district’s Vine Street Block Party on Sunday

From 12 to 6 p.m. Sunday on Berkeley’s Vine Street between Walnut Street and Shattuck Avenue, the family-friendly Vine Street Block Party will take place. The street will be closed to allow room for wine pouring stations, food and retail vendors, live music and other fun for all ages to enjoy. All are welcome!

The free event will feature wine and food available for purchase, including delicious selections hot off the grill from the neighborhood’s very own Local Butcher Shop. Live music from Berkeley-based Out of Town Couple (from 12 t0 2 p.m.) and Peter Martin (from 3 t0 5 p.m.) will provide the perfect atmosphere for a beautiful day in Berkeley.

While you’re in the neighborhood, feel free to spend time in the North Shattuck and Vine district with its world-famous eateries, book stores, board game cafes, boutique shops, butcher shops, cheesemongers, bottle shops, art galleries and more. This event is being produced by the North Shattuck Association. To RSVP for free tickets or for more details visit bit.ly/3Ks7CZp online. Learn more at northshattuckassociation.org.

— North Shattuck Association

ALBANY

Register for National Night Out annual block party Tuesday

National Night Out (NNO), which will be held this yes on Tuesday next week, is the nation’s annual night out against crime. Residents are encouraged to join with their neighbors to have a neighborhood block party, ice cream social or other outdoor event to build neighborhood spirit and unity — which experts call the first defense against crime.

Research has concluded that crime goes down when neighbors know and look out for each other. To find out more and complete the NNO Registration Form for a block party street closure, visit natw.org/registration online.

— city of Albany

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