COUNCILWOMAN BARBARA JEAN CALHOUN
Two-term Councilwoman Barbara J. Calhoun’s deep commitment to Compton and the well-being of its people has driven her to create meaningful, positive change in the quality of life of Compton’s residents.
Ms. Calhoun’s vigorous enthusiasm for Compton inspired her to dedicate her life to working for its betterment. Prior to her tenure as City Councilwoman, she served on the Compton Unified School District Board of Trustees, worked as a Los Angeles City Traffic Officer for over two decades, and has been an active volunteer and advocate in numerous civic events, trade unions and labor affiliations.
Belief in Action
A native Californian, Barbara graduated local John C. Fremont High School (1968) and has proudly resided in Compton ever since. Ms. Calhoun’s belief in the empowerment of individuals and communities compelled her to study Labor Law at LA Trade Technical College in preparation for a career in public service.
Barbara Calhoun understands firsthand the advantages of a quality education – as well as the disadvantages created by a faltering educational system. Her dedication to achieving excellence in Compton’s school system resulted in her November 2001 election to the Board of Trustees of the Compton Unified School District (CUSD) where she served as a two-term legislative aide. Here, her tireless drive and responsible stewardship resulted in several important advances for CUSD such as construction of William Jefferson Clinton Elementary - Compton’s first new public school in 35 years. Her determination was also instrumental in the success of the Measure I Bond Campaign (November 2002), providing $80 million to renovate Compton’s schools and restore CUSD to full local governance.
Because Barbara Calhoun’s vision for a vibrant Compton hinges on its economic prosperity, she has fostered several residential and commercial development projects such as the Willow Walk Town Holmes and adjacent Gateway Towne Center, a destination retail hub. Such efforts have significantly grown the city’s tax base, provided safe, quality housing and created roughly 3,000 much-needed new jobs. In her fight to arm Compton with all of its available resources, she helped secure state monies to stimulate business growth and provide economic relief for individuals. In November 2006 California officially designated the city of Compton an Enterprise Zone Program, awarding lucrative business tax breaks, preferential bidding on state contracts, and a state tax deduction for low-income employees of an Enterprise Zone Business.
Community Involvement
Ms. Calhoun has long believed that involvement in one’s community is a powerful tool for change. She has served as President of the Service Employee's International Union (SEIU) Local 347, as Vice Chair of SEIU’s Western Regional Caucus and as a delegate for the 52nd Assembly District and Executive Board. She has been an active member of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, the Coalition of Labor Union Women and the A. Philip Randolph Institute (an organization with a rich history of championing worker’s and civil rights).
Family
Barbara Calhoun relishes her three children and five grandchildren. With her guidance and involvement her children are successes of the CUSD system - she now proudly enjoys the same opportunity with her grandchildren. Ms. Calhoun attends Holy Chapel Missionary Baptist Church in Compton.
Contact Barbara Calhoun
Re-elect Barbara Calhoun, Compton City Council 2011
1001 E. Compton Blvd., Compton, CA 90221
EMAIL: bbcalhoun@gmail.com
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Re-Elect Barbara Calhoun - Compton City Council - District 1
VOTE JUNE 7, 2011
