Volunteers have already gathered roughly 7,000 signatures to qualify a ballot measure aimed at protecting and expanding Santa Cruz Metro service, write elected officials Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, Manu Koenig and Melinda Orbach. Pushing back against recent claims that the campaign is falling short, the three argue the volunteer-driven effort remains on pace to qualify for either a special election or the March 2028 ballot. They say the signature drive reflects growing public support for transit as ridership surges across Santa Cruz County. Without new funding, however, they warn that Metro could face severe service cuts that would undermine affordability, mobility and the county’s future.
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Nostalgia isn’t a housing policy – we need to build in Santa Cruz today because of past policies
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson, vice mayor of the City of Santa Cruz, wants to set the record straight on the city’s housing policy and accusations that the city is selling out to developers. “What we’re doing now isn’t about chasing profits, it’s about making up for lost time,” she writes, including years of the city council saying “no” to new housing. “Let’s be clear: Building more affordable housing is not a betrayal of our community’s values,” she writes. “It’s a recommitment to them. It’s about inclusion, equity, and making sure this town doesn’t turn into a playground for the wealthy alone.”
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
2024 is ending, Republicans will take over nationally in January – how do we Democrats find hope and courage locally?
Santa Cruz Vice Mayor Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson recently returned from an annual leadership conference for local Democratic leaders. She felt inspired by the energy and commitment of leaders from across the nation, particularly in the wake of the November election and the return of a Republican administration to Washington in January. Here, she offers some of what she learned and a plea for community engagement.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson for Santa Cruz City Council District 3: I bring experience, a work ethic and a record of success we need to continue
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson says the Santa Cruz community is on the right track under her leadership and she should be reelected as a councilmember.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
The election is over: Let’s put differences behind us and work together
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson narrowly lost the race for District 3 Santa Cruz County Supervisor and is still reeling from the negativity and personal attacks that characterized the November contest. But, she insists, it’s time to put the hurt behind and do the work she cares about most: making our community better. Here, she outlines some of what’s needed from our public servants as she prepares for another year on the Santa Cruz City Council.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Shebreh brings work ethic to focus on homelessness, youth and mental health
Lookout asked the two candidates running for 3rd District Santa Cruz County Supervisor to write up to 800 words to help voters differentiate between them. We asked them two specific questions, with strict word counts. Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson’s answers are here.
Posted inOpinion from Community Voices
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson for 3rd District Supervisor: The times call for an immigrant’s tenacity
Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson says the compassion, courage and resilience her Iranian family instilled in her, combined with her tenacity and experience, make her an ideal candidate for 3rd District Supervisor. It’s time, she says, for a woman to serve.
