AC Appoints Sandhu

Harpreet Sandhu presents a proclamation to the El Cerrito Historical Society on Sept. 13, 2025.

The AC Transit Board of Directors on Wednesday appointed Harpreet Sandhu to fill a position on the transit agency’s board that will last about one year. The vacancy was created by the death of H.E. Christian Peeples on Aug. 8, 2025.

Sandhu will serve as the director for Ward 1, which includes El Cerrito, until the winner of the Nov. 3, 2026 election is certified.

Sandhu, a community activist and senior district representative for Congressman John Garamendi, was one of two “very, very strong” candidates who were interviewed in a meeting, said Director Sarah Syed.

Sandhu was praised by AC Transit Director Joel Young for his legislative knowledge and his likely understanding of how best to help secure funding for the Alameda-Contra Costa transit agency. Sandhu has relationships that could help AC Transit secure funding it needs to serve riders, Young said.

Young is the board’s representative on the APTA (American Public Transportation Association) which will be lobbying in the next few months for transit funding in the federal Surface Transit Reauthorization act. Young said Sandhu can help with reauthorization and help AC Transit in its efforts to get a seat on the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.

“Harpreet can help us today,” Young said. “When Harpreet walks into a room people are going to know him.”

During a discussion before the appointment, three directors lobbied to appoint Joanna Pace, an El Cerrito resident who since August, rode all 22 of the AC Transit buses that serve Ward 1. Pace also attended board and committee meetings, and offered ideas for improving ridership and accessibility based on her experience.

Pace said the “fiscal cliff” of lost transit funding was her top priority and if appointed she would campaign for a regional transit measure through collaboration with local agencies and rider advocacy groups, unions, and political organizations that organize door-to-door canvassing.

Director Murphy McCalley said he had trouble choosing either person and initially leaned toward Pace because of her experience and work in her community and promoting transit. Her interview was impressive, McCalley said, and she would be a great advocate for riders and the bus system.

Director Young agreed but stressed that Sandhu was familiar with federal reauthorization and other issues that could affect funding.

Director Curtis Silva agreed, saying: “We need to get funding for our organization to make it happen for our riders.”

McCalley then agreed to support Sandhu, and the board voted to appoint him.

Board members said they hope Pace will stay engaged with AC Transit.

After the decision, Pace said, “Yes, I will still ride the bus and advocate for it.”

Sandhu could not be reached for comment.

During the final interviews, both Sandhu and Pace were asked whether they would run for the Ward 1 directorship in November 2026. Both said it depends on what happens between now and then.