El Cerrito Leadership: Delivering on Promises or Just Optics?

With the November 2026 El Cerrito municipal election just over a year away, now is the time for voters to examine whether the city’s leadership is truly delivering on promises—or simply performing for the spotlight.

Since the pandemic, Council member‑turned‑Mayor Wysinger has repeatedly voted to tap into El Cerrito’s unrestricted reserves to plug budget holes. This pattern of drawing on savings has left the city with thinner financial cushions—raising the risk that a downturn could spark cuts to essential services. Instead of rebuilding reserves or reforming expenditure, the city continues a path of short-term fixes—and long-term fragility.

Under Mayor Wysinger’s leadership, the Richmond Street “Complete Streets” redesign is moving forward—touting safety improvements as justification, despite the plan eliminating about two-thirds of street parking. That displacement falls hardest on seniors, disabled residents, and working families who depend on curb access.

But critically, no specific data has been presented to demonstrate Richmond Street is unsafe. Public incident logs show multiple vehicle collisions with injuries—but none involving bicycles, and most at Potrero or side-street intersections, not along the main stretch. Despite the absence of injury claims, the redesign is being implemented in full. Families with young children now face a daily dilemma: unload groceries with no nearby parking, or leave kids unsupervised while retrieving meals. Disabled residents may have to walk long distances from side-street spaces.

In a recent council meeting, Wysinger responded by referencing her own childhood hardship—but countered resident concerns not with data or compromise, but with rhetoric about privilege. Her behavior is her way of getting even with people who have achieved the American dream. But…..It’s not okay to impose hardship on others simply because you’ve experienced hardship, especially when policy impacts our working-class neighbors most.

Mayor Wysinger highlights her significance as El Cerrito’s first out Black lesbian mayor and positions herself as an equity champion. But when her actions—draining reserves and removing parking—negatively impact families, renters, seniors, and people with disabilities, symbolism loses its power against daily challenges.

We should ask: Are policy decisions rooted in empathy and data, or just optics? True equity means resilience for all—not just flashing rainbow banners.

With the 2026 election ahead, El Cerrito residents deserve leadership that lives within its means and meets real needs.

Show the data: where are safety risks on Richmond Street? How often have bicyclists or pedestrians been injured? If the risk isn’t proven, redesigns and sacrifices demand stronger justification.

Policy must integrate input from those most affected. Ideas like one-side parking, permit zones, or accessible side-street drop-offs are scalable if backed by open discussion.

You can make a difference. Attend Council meetings and speak during public comment to bring urgency to real concerns. Demand transparency on reserves—ask how much remains, what’s being planned, and what alternatives exist. Push for Richmond data—request design metrics from Public Works: traffic counts, accidents, and survey results. Start preparing for 2026—endorse candidates, volunteer, or run for office. Bring leaders to the table who match talk with action.

El Cerrito can be inclusive, safe, and financially sensible. But that starts with leaders who govern with accountability, empathy, and data. Carolyn Wysinger’s record of reserve depletion and parking policies serve as a caution—echoes of performative leadership without grounded, community-centered solutions.

This city deserves more than optics. It deserves leadership rooted in evidence, equity, and common sense. Now’s the time to demand it—and vote accordingly.