Council Adopts Vision Zero Plan to Eliminate Fatal Crashes by 2035

El Cerrito's City Council approved a sweeping road safety plan that commits the city to ending all traffic fatalities and serious injuries within a decade — but the 4-1 vote exposed a fault line over community engagement that echoes past controversies. The same evening brought good fiscal news, a unanimous rejection of a statewide anti-housing resolution, and a $13 million state grant for the city's most dangerous corridor.

• Vision Zero road safety plan adopted 4-1, targeting zero fatal and serious-injury crashes by 2035 through speed reductions, a backbone bikeway network, and quick-build safety improvements
• State approves $13 million to repave and add safety improvements to San Pablo Avenue, with construction starting early 2027
• General fund finishes fiscal year $2 million better than budget, with reserves reaching 40% — well above the 30% policy floor
• Council unanimously rejects Cal Cities housing resolution, calling it an anti-housing measure disguised as local control
• Ohlone Greenway speed crisis intensifies as residents describe near-misses with e-scooters and staff reveals no formal speed limit exists on the city's portion
• $200,000 federal grant accepted for swim center ADA locker room improvements at zero net new city cost

The basics: The Local Road Safety Plan, developed with consultant Kittleson using data analysis and more than 1,000 community questionnaire responses, establishes a Vision Zero policy committing El Cerrito to eliminating all fatal and serious-injury crashes by 2035.