So here's specifically what's happening in El Cerrito -- the Environmental Advisory Committee is deciding on just what to suggest for the chicken ordinance change, i.e., how many, do they need to be a certain distance from neighbors' property lines, etc. I'm the citizen they ask for input from. That group is headed by Ron Egherman. He is a Contra Costa County resident and friends with Supervisor John Gioia. He wants the ordinance changed for the entire county, and he's also suggesting the change to allow for miniature goats and beehives. Anybody wanting to help change the county ordinance can either start suggesting it to your local County Supervisor and then they will all get the buzz from different areas and people; and say it is in line with the changes that are being made in El Cerrito, the promotion of backyard chickens in Alameda County and nationwide. Richmond already has an open policy. Their ordinance as regards chickens is "whatever is reasonable."
Berkeley has been having lots of backyard chicken keeping classes through the Ecology Center, through Magic Gardens, and through a lot of local chicken owners. It's a wave that can't be stopped. Oakland is running articles on chicken and goat owners, as well as city farmers. Novella Carpenter turned one or two lots in Oakland into a city farm. She's written up everywhere.
Another option is to write me and I'll forward it to Ron Egherman as he's working with John Gioia.
They're even going to let me keep my rooster, because I keep him inside during the a.m. hours when he crows, and because he's not a big crower outside during the rest of the day anyway. Plus all my neighbors love him. My very urban neighborhood is in love with my chickens. They refer to them as "our chickens."
By the way, I love showing my video about training my chickens. I wanted to do it, so that I could keep my rooster, and have control of my chickens as I let them free range in the city. Here's the link in case you want to see it:
