EL CERRITO MAYOR, COUNCIL AND CITY MANAGER SOLD OUT RICHMOND STREET RESIDENTS FOR AN $8 MILLION FEDERAL GRANT

Despite hosting public meetings and inviting resident feedback, the City of El Cerrito had already accepted $8 million in federal funding before residents were shown the final plan. The public input process was performative—a façade of engagement after the decision had already been made.

The Richmond Street Complete Streets Project will remove 160 out of 247 on-street parking spaces, leaving just 88 spaces for an entire corridor of long-time residents. More than half of those affected are over 60 years old, many with mobility concerns. Most homes have one-car garages but multiple drivers, and Richmond Street already experiences daily parking strain.

Yet Mayor Carolyn Wysinger and the El Cerrito City Council pushed the project forward—despite knowing the consequences.

🚫 Disproportionate Impact on a Vulnerable Community

This project will have real consequences. More than half the residents on Richmond Street are over 60, and many have mobility challenges. Most homes have only one-car garages, while many households require multiple cars. Furthermore, these residents have lived in El Cerrito for over 30 years and helped build this city. Now, the city has indicated that they care little about our most vulnerable and steadfast residents.

There’s a car-free bike path just blocks away—the Ohlone Greenway—but instead of investing in safe access to that asset, the City chose to gut the available street parking in a dense, established neighborhood.

This isn’t about safety. It’s about optics and funding.

🚫 A Disregard for Residents, Especially Seniors

The Ohlone Greenway—a car-free bike and pedestrian path—already exists just blocks away. Instead of investing in safer connections or shared solutions, the City opted for a plan that displaces residents in exchange for grant money.

This isn’t progress. It’s displacement.

This project is listed as Project #31004 in the CCTA’s Q1 2025 report and covers every phase—from planning to construction. Once complete, ongoing maintenance falls to the City—meaning local taxpayers will be footing the bill long after the federal dollars are gone.

🗳️ The Vote Is the Only Voice Left

Let’s name it plainly:
Mayor Carolyn Wysinger, the City Manager and the El Cerrito City Council sold out Richmond Street residents.

The councilmembers who are up for reelection in 2026 are:

• Mayor Carolyn Wysinger
• Mayor Pro Tem Gabe Quinto

These are the officials who will soon be asking for your vote—after they ignored your voice. When your home, your access, and your voice don’t matter to the people in power, it’s time to vote them out. El Cerrito deserves better.