El Cerrito/Richmond Annex Walk and Roll is a small team of volunteer advocates making a big impact. They’ve worked within their cities to improve projects underway and advocate for undertaking new projects. They were key in convincing Regency Centers to agree to new bike parking in El Cerrito Plaza. And they worked with Berkeley SafeTREC on community outreach and a report for improving connections between BART and the Bay Trail. They even helped organize El Cerrito’s first Go Green! Mobility Fair in April of this year.

They also organized for a year in support of the Richmond Street complete streets project, which will add bike lanes, pedestrian improvements, and a protected intersection. This was a hard fought victory, as dozens of neighbors opposed the bike lanes and removal of street parking. With significant community outreach, including going door to door, a hundred people wrote to the City Council and dozens spoke up at Council meetings in support of the project. This is a huge win for street safety and community organizing, and we’re looking forward to this project breaking ground in 2026.

In recognition of their effective organizing and outreach to residents, elected officials, city staff, and community partners, we are thrilled to present them with this year’s award for Best Community Advocacy.

Carrie Schulman, Gaia Sonatina, and Stuart Sonatina accepted the award on behalf of the group.

Visit their website here.