In the interest of ambiance, energy conservation, and money savings, the city has replaced San Pablo Avenue's high-pressure sodium lights with LED lights. The change is part of a much larger effort to make over El Cerrito's main drag.

Most of the streetlights along San Pablo were converted in 2009, but a few near intersections are just now being switched out because they are part of a separate project involving Caltrans, according to Melanie Mintz, the city's Environmental Services Division manager.

The goals of the lighting project are to brighten the environment for both pedestrians and drivers as well as to save energy and reduce maintenance and power usage costs, she said.

The lighting changes are part of a larger effort to improve San Pablo Avenue .

According to the city's website, the El Cerrito Redevelopment Agency is in the final stage of the multi-year San Pablo Avenue Streetscape project.  Many of the project's elements have been funded with outside grant sources.

"The goal of the project is to identify El Cerrito as a distinct place along the Avenue, enhance the economic vitality of the area and create a better walking environment," according to the website.

Other aspects of the project include: new crosswalks;  improvements to crosswalks, transit stops, and landscaping; adding benches, public art, bike racks, and banners; and the rain gardens project.