Unite. Activate. Uplift.

Dear Friends:

Our City is facing a number of challenging issues that cannot be ignored. Whether it’s staying safe and healthy during a global pandemic; finding important ways to address racial inequality and justice; economic recovery for our locally owned family businesses; providing affordable housing or addressing homelessness in a sustainable manner, we stand at a crossroads unlike any time in our history. 

That’s why I’ve decided to run for Santa Cruz City Council and ask for your support.   

Solving these important issues will require leaders with broad perspective and experience. I am proud to be an immigrant living in this country and my unique perspective will help ensure the decisions we make at City Council provide for everyone living in our community. Having immigrated from Iran as a child in 1985, my story and my family’s story includes experiences with gender, class, and religious injustices. I learned the meaning of equity–or simply stated, fairness–at a very young age.  

Since arriving in the United States, I have been extremely fortunate to receive a quality education at UC Santa Cruz and San Jose State; raise two beautiful young boys with my husband; work in the non-profit sector on important issues relating to public health and social change and start my own business.

My lifelong career in community building and social change is based on listening. I listen. I learn. I create solutions that unite, activate and uplift our entire community.

I am inspired now more than ever, to step up, contribute and serve. 

Let’s rise to the challenge and embrace this unique opportunity to build a future in which all Santa Cruz residents live with equity and dignity. I invite you to join me in realizing this vision for our future. I would be honored to have your vote.

In community,

Shebreh Kalantari-Johnson