Kim Shirley

My History

Health, safety, and quality of life are critical to working families in Del Rey Oaks. I’ve taken on positions of leadership and collaborative problem solving in our community to assure improvement.

I have a Bachelor’s in Biology and a Master’s in Environmental Studies. I’ve taught at the elementary level and currently teach at Monterey Peninsula College. As a mom, I’ve balanced my career in education with the responsibilities of parenting. I enjoy the rewards that my hard work brings me at the end of each day. Whether it’s serving on advisory committees at my children’s school, advocating for their education, or working with my own students, I do my best to listen and engage with the people I’m working with, and do what’s best for everyone.

As my kids grew into teens, I directed my attention towards our City government and advocated for issues such as Monterey Bay Community Power. Realizing that our city council continuously failed to listen to resident concerns and was deaf to climate change, I worked to elect Mayor Alison Kerr in 2018. Our shared desires for residents increased my engagement in city matters.

I’ve continued to dedicate my time and energy to matters affecting DRO. I led the residents’ campaign against the proposed Airport access road through Del Rey Oaks. I’m also co-chair of Sustainable Del Rey Oaks, a new community organization that engages our residents in environmental awareness and sustainable practices. I’m a member of the Citizens Action Group and a block captain for Neighborhood Watch. I’ve been a strong advocate for the Pure Water Monterey recycled water project and its expansion. I oppose Cal Am’s desal and I’ve always supported public ownership of our water.

My Plans

The Del Rey Oaks city council could play a pivotal role in a new water supply for the Peninsula. Cal Am’s environmentally destructive and expensive desal project is on indefinite hold due to the Coastal Commission. We must expand Pure Water Monterey. This environmentally beneficial project will provide much less expensive water. It requires just one more vote from our DRO representative to move forward. I will vote to put a representative on the Monterey One Water Board who listens to the concerns of our residents rather than the business interests of the Salinas Valley.

Our Fort Ord land has wonderful potential and its development will greatly impact our City both financially and environmentally. As the largest capital project the city has known, residents need to be heard and allowed to help direct planning to create a holistic, sustainable vision for the city before developers dictate how development should proceed. We’ll need to balance revenue generation with habitat preservation, while also considering the impact of increased traffic and pollution.

I envision the 17-acres across from The Oaks preserved as open space, with no development of any kind. This area serves as a beautiful corridor into our city and provides a gorgeous view for the residents in The Oaks.

I will continue to advocate for our residents health, safety, and quality of life. I’ll make sure the airport follows noise guidelines and does not infringe on our residents with their development. As DRO residents, we expect our exceptional police force to keep us safe. We want our wonderful businesses to thrive and generate revenue. We want new opportunities for our youth, young families, and seniors. I promise to not only help meet these expectations, but to exceed them as we work together towards an inclusive and sustainable city.

Why Vote For Me?

I will bring greater transparency in decision-making, and an appreciation and concern for our unique environment.

I’m committed to Del Rey Oaks and have demonstrated this by attending City Council meetings, studying the issues, and asking questions. I stand up for issues I believe in. Advocating against the Airport road, speaking to city leaders in support of an environmentally superior and economically feasible water supply are examples of my activism.

I campaigned for Measure J and have always believed our water system should be publicly owned. I will bring my progressive values and energy to the City Council. I’m passionate about science and the environment. I have a strong moral compass. I care for others and will work hard to make sure everyone is heard and acknowledged. I look forward to listening to out residents and creating a shared vision and a bright future for Del Rey Oaks.

Endorsements

Public Water Now • Monterey County Democrats • Democratic Women of Monterey County • Progressive Democrats of America, Monterey Chapter • Monterey County New Progressives • Jane Parker - Monterey County Supervisor, 4th District • Alison Kerr - Mayor of Del Rey Oaks • Tyller Williamson - Monterey City Council Member • Alan Hoffa- Monterey City Council Member • Jason Campbell - Seaside City Council Member • Jon Wizard - Seaside City Council Member • Alana Myles - MPUSD Trustee and Board Chair of Directors for Community Human Services • George Riley- Director Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Division 2 • Jan Shriner- Vice President of the Board of Directors, Marina Coast Water District • Karen Araujo - Vice-Chair, Monterey County Housing Advisory Committee (District 4 Rep) • Brenda Lewis - Former Director Monterey Peninsula Water Management District, Division 1 • Carol Kaplan- Former Del Rey Oaks City Council Member • Mike Ventimiglia - Former Del Rey Oaks City Council Member • Karen Harris - Co-Chair Sustainable Del Rey Oaks