El Cerrito is making headlines for considering sanctuary status for LGBTQ+ individuals fleeing intolerance. It’s a compassionate gesture—and one that clearly reflects City Council’s values.
But let’s be clear: this kind of bold, front-page visibility is exactly what we should be demanding for our city’s pressing issues.
When will high taxes—some of the steepest in the region—make the front page of the San Francisco Chronicle?
When will the city’s precarious financial state, questionable spending, or its persistent public safety concerns command the same attention?
El Cerrito’s residents are paying a premium to live here, but continue to see declining services, limited accountability, deficit spending and minimal transparency on the issues that affect their daily lives.
And while the sanctuary proposal reflects the values of a City Council where four out of five members are LGBTQ+, it’s worth asking: is the Council advancing policies that reflect the full scope of its residents’ needs—or simply the headlines it wants to be known for?
We should never turn our backs on people fleeing hatred. But we also shouldn’t allow symbolism to eclipse substance. If El Cerrito can make national news for a resolution, then it can—and must—bring that same spotlight to the economic and safety concerns burdening its residents.
Visibility matters. Let’s make sure the right issues are getting it.
Contact Your City Officials
If you are concerned about El Cerrito’s priorities and want to see more attention given to pressing issues like high taxes, financial instability, and public safety, reach out to your City Council members:
• 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 Rebecca Saltzman: rsaltzman@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
• Councilmember William Ktsanes: wktsanes@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
For general inquiries or to reach the City Clerk:
• City Clerk: cityclerk@ci.el-cerrito.ca.us
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El Cerrito Committee for Responsible Government (ECCRG) 