Residents tuning into El Cerrito’s much-anticipated audit presentation were met with a frustrating and concerning reality: they simply couldn’t hear it. Those in attendance at the council chamber struggled to catch the details, while remote listeners missed most of the discussion entirely.
What makes this situation even more perplexing is that earlier commentary during the meeting was perfectly audible—both in person and remotely. Yet, when it came time for the financial audit presentation, the volume inexplicably dropped, raising questions about whether the city is truly committed to transparency and open communication.
Transparency Shouldn’t Be a Struggle
Public access to financial information is a fundamental aspect of responsible governance. If residents can’t hear the details of an audit presentation—one that’s crucial for understanding the city’s fiscal health—then transparency is effectively compromised. Ensuring accessibility should be a top priority, whether that means fixing technical issues or reconsidering how information is presented.
Shouldn’t Auditors Present In Person?
Another key concern raised by residents is the absence of the auditors in the council chamber. If the city selects and contracts with these auditors, shouldn’t they be expected to present their findings in person? Virtual presentations not only introduce potential communication barriers but also limit the opportunity for direct engagement and clarification. An in-person presentation allows for more effective dialogue, ensuring council members and the public can ask critical questions and receive immediate responses.
What Needs to Change?
1. Improved Audio Systems – The city must prioritize fixing any audio inconsistencies and ensuring that future presentations, especially those of such high importance, are clearly heard by all attendees, both in-person and remotely.
2. Mandate In-Person Auditor Presentations – When significant financial matters are on the agenda, auditors should be required to present in person to allow for a more transparent and interactive discussion.
3. Stronger Commitment to Transparency – The city council must ensure that financial discussions are not just performative but genuinely accessible to the public. If the city wants residents to stay informed, they must facilitate that process—not hinder it.
Take Action: Make Your Voice Heard
Residents who are concerned about these issues are encouraged to write to the El Cerrito City Clerk and request that their written communication be included in the City Council packet. This ensures that concerns about transparency and accessibility are formally documented and considered by council members.
Contact the City Clerk:
• City Clerk Holly M. Charléty
• Email: cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Phone: (510) 215-4305
• Mailing Address:
• El Cerrito City Hall
• 10890 San Pablo Ave,
• El Cerrito, CA 94530
When writing to the City Clerk, be sure to copy the City Council to ensure your communication does not mysteriously disappear into thin air. Keeping council members informed directly increases accountability and ensures that your concerns are seen and addressed.
Copy the City Council at:
• Mayor Carolyn Wysinger – cwysinger@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Quinto – gquinto@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Councilmember Lisa Motoyama – lmotoyama@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Councilmember William Ktsanes – wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Councilmember Rebecca Saltzman – rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
By speaking up and ensuring multiple points of contact, residents can help hold city leadership accountable and demand the transparency they deserve.
Stay tuned for more updates from the El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government, where we’ll continue to monitor the city’s financial proceedings.
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El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 