Five Votes That Define My Leadership in Torrance City Council

Public service is about more than casting votes, It’s about making thoughtful, principled decisions that strengthen our city, protect our residents, and build trust in government. During my time on the Torrance City Council, there are five votes that stand out to me. They reflect my commitment to fiscal responsibility, transparency, public safety, and putting residents first.

1. Supporting Measure SST Because the City Needed It

Let me be clear: I don’t like raising taxes. I know how hard our residents work for their money, and I don’t take that lightly.

But in June 2022, when Measure SST came before voters, Torrance was at a crossroads. In a matter of 4 years, the city experienced a refinery explosion, a devastating ransomware cyberattack, and a global pandemic. We were facing real financial pressures, our reserves were extremely low, increasing service demands, and the need to maintain strong police and fire protection, along with aging infrastructure, which remains a challenge today.

I made the decision to support Measure SST because it was necessary to stabilize our city.

But I didn’t just vote for it. I walked neighborhoods throughout my district to talk directly with residents. I took the time to explain the reality of our city’s finances, answer tough questions, and make sure people had honest, transparent information before casting their vote. I believe that’s part of the job: not just making decisions, but being present and accountable to the community you serve.

To date, Measure SST has generated approximately $95 million, helping Torrance maintain essential services, support public safety, strengthen our reserves, and prevent cuts to city services.

I also believed it was important that this measure wasn’t carried by residents alone. As a sales tax, it is also supported by the many people who come into Torrance to work, shop, and enjoy our city. That means visitors are contributing to the very services they rely on: helping fund public safety, maintain our streets, and support the amenities that make Torrance a destination.

Without Measure SST, we would have faced service reductions, delayed improvements, and increased strain on our police and fire departments. Torrance would be a very different city today—and not for the better.

This wasn’t the easy vote. It was the responsible one.

2. Voting Against the Council Pay Raise And Keeping My Promise

After asking residents to trust us with Measure SST, the Council considered a proposal to significantly increase councilmember compensation. I could not support it.

When I ran for office, I made a promise to serve honorably at $100 per month. That promise was not just symbolic; it was a commitment to integrity and accountability. The proposed raise would have increased council pay to roughly $35,000 per year per member, totaling over a quarter of a million dollars annually. Accepting such an increase so soon after asking residents for their trust on Measure SST simply did not feel right.

The way the raise was presented to voters also concerned me. Instead of being transparent about the full increase, it was framed as “tying council pay to minimum wage,” which I felt lacked clarity. Residents deserve straightforward, honest information, especially when it involves taxpayer dollars.

Because of how council compensation is structured internally, I made a decision that surprised some: I declined any pay, so now my compensation has been zero. I stayed true to my promise and to the trust residents placed in me. Instead, I directed the funds I would have received to support our police and fire departments.

Those contributions have made a real impact. The Fire Department used funds to expand its Firefighter for a Day program, giving more than 100 high school students hands-on experience in public safety careers. Both departments have also benefited from the Pipes and Drums program, a community outreach initiative that honors tradition, fosters engagement, and strengthens the bond between first responders and residents.

This vote was about more than money. It was about integrity, trust, and putting our community first.

3. Armed Forces Celebration: Preserving Tradition

I fully support the Armed Forces Day Celebration and the proud tradition it represents in Torrance. Like many long-standing events across the country, participation from military units and spectators has declined. I do not want to see our Armed Forces Day Parade fade under my watch. That is why I asked for consideration of new ways to ensure this event remains respectful and a true celebration of our men and women in uniform. 

Preserving the Armed Services Celebration, and the tradition of honoring our service members, has always been my top priority. At the same time, I believe in doing things the right way. That means taking the time to fully understand the situation, asking the right questions, and carefully evaluating every option before moving forward.

As we looked at the future of the event, it was important to consider its recent challenges, explore potential locations, and ensure that whatever path we chose would strengthen and sustain it for years to come. I approached this process with an open mind, focused on finding a solution that honors our military, respects our community, and sets the event up for long-term success.

Leadership isn’t about rushing decisions. It’s about doing the work to get them right. By taking a thoughtful, informed approach, we can create outcomes that are not only effective, but truly a win-win for everyone involved.

4. Supporting Real Solutions to Homelessness: The 3290 Program and Outreach

Homelessness is one of the most visible and complex challenges we face, and it requires solutions that are both compassionate and effective. That’s why I proudly supported expanding Torrance’s homeless outreach efforts and the development of the 3290 tiny homes program.

The 3290 program provides safe, temporary housing paired with essential services, including mental health support, job placement assistance, and case management. These services are designed to help individuals transition from the streets into stable, permanent housing, giving them a real chance to rebuild their lives.

I also worked closely with neighboring cities to ensure solutions were collaborative, coordinated, and compassionate. Together, we cleaned up the RV encampment on Western Avenue in a way that balanced public safety with dignity. I also helped secure six additional beds with a neighboring city to free up space at 3290, ensuring more individuals had access to temporary housing while they worked toward permanent solutions.

The results of these efforts have been tangible and measurable:

• 36 individuals have been matched to housing vouchers

• 60 homeless encampments have been safely cleared

• 63 clients have been permanently housed through street outreach

• There have been almost 2,000 responses by our street outreach team

Imagine if we had not implemented this program. Residents and visitors would face continued public safety and quality-of-life challenges, and people experiencing homelessness would have fewer opportunities to access the services they need to regain stability.

This program demonstrates that effective policy can be both compassionate and accountable. It’s about caring for our most vulnerable neighbors while protecting and enhancing the quality of life for the entire community. I am proud that Torrance is leading with solutions that work, and I will continue to champion programs that deliver real results for people and neighborhoods alike.

Learn more about this project on YouTube:

5. Choosing Leadership Over Politics: Appointing Bridgett Lewis

One of the most telling moments in public service is when you’re asked to make a decision that isn’t easy—or popular among your peers. When a vacancy opened on the City Council, several members urged me to support a candidate who was a personal friend. I knew that following that pressure would have been the easy path, but leadership is not about what’s easy; it’s about what’s right for the community.

I chose to vote for Bridgett Lewis because she brought the most qualifications, experience, and independent perspective to the role. Bridgett has a strong background in public service, deep ties to our community, and a proven track record of addressing complex issues thoughtfully and effectively. Her professional experience, commitment to civic engagement, and dedication to public service made her the right choice for Torrance.

Since joining the Council, Bridgett has contributed immediately, asking tough questions, offering practical solutions, and bringing a fresh, inclusive perspective to decision-making. Her approach demonstrates integrity, independence, and a focus on the residents of Torrance rather than politics or personal alliances.

Sharon Kalani with Bridgett Lewis at the James Armstrong Theater Torrance Cultural Arts Center.

This vote reflected my guiding principle as a councilmember: always put the community first, even when it means standing alone. By supporting Bridgett, I ensured that the City Council would benefit from a leader who is qualified, committed, and ready to serve with honesty and integrity. It was a decision grounded in merit, transparency, and the long-term best interests of our city.

Conclusion: Five Votes from Torrance City Council

These five votes highlight what public service should be: thoughtful, principled, and focused on the long-term well-being of our community. From stabilizing our city’s finances with Measure SST, to keeping my promise and directing council pay to support first responders, to implementing compassionate solutions for homelessness, and ensuring qualified, independent leadership on the Council: each decision reflects my commitment to integrity, transparency, and putting Torrance residents first.

Leadership is not about taking the easy path or following the crowd. It’s about making the tough calls that strengthen our city, protect our neighborhoods, and honor the trust our residents place in us. I am proud of these votes, and I will continue to lead with the same principles, dedication, and accountability that the people of Torrance deserve.