SMART Local 0023

With the transit funding crisis affecting cities across the country, one group in California is already working to place a measure on the November ballot that would secure local funding for Santa Cruz METRO and retain the quality service that residents have come to know and expect in recent years. Read on to learn more about the measure and what’s at risk if the funds disappear. https://www.smart-union.org/tackling-the-transit-funding-crisis-at-the-grassroots-level/

http://www.friendsofscmetro.org/

Friends of Santa Cruz METRO,

We just broke *4,000* signatures reported! That’s a huge milestone and a direct result of the time, energy, and conversations each of you has put in. Thank you for showing up and making this happen.

Right now we’re at *4,377* signatures reported, and we need *6,000 more by May 11th.* That’s a big push but it’s absolutely doable if we stay focused and work together.

Here’s what that looks like day-to-day:

If we have about *40 days left* , that means we need:

* *150 signatures per day total*

Broken down further:

* If 50 volunteers are active → just 3 signatures per person per day
* If 30 volunteers are active → 5 signatures per person per day
* If 20 volunteers are active → 8 signatures per person per day

Multiply our impact:

* If each of us recruits just 1 more person, we instantly double our reach—making those daily numbers even easier.
* If each person brings in 2 people, we triple our impact and can hit 6,000 well ahead of schedule.
* Make sure new recruits get on our volunteer sign-up list. Here is the link:
https://forms.gle/tARAQp35L2FHPfEH8

Other ways to hit the goal:

* 100 volunteers × 60 signatures each = 6,000
* 75 volunteers × 80 signatures each = 6,000
* 50 volunteers × 120 signatures each = 6,000

We also have a new volunteer survey where you can report where you’re collecting signatures. Please use these tools to maximize your time out there!

Here is the survey:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdvmNesjBC1ILoVd4mguM-8zTr0xV1cbu-LAfJ3jq6hGGWNSw/viewform

Action items:

* Please check your current signature count and make sure it matches what we have on file
* Signature count here:
*https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1_tqRLoOCAlBPDmRYZ4f6Y-_knUwl4wYyp44G_K4KLwU/edit?gid=0 =0
* Text your updated count to 831-247-0400
* Turn in your completed petitions as soon as possible so we can keep accurate totals

Every conversation matters. Every signature moves us closer to better-funded public transportation for our communities.

We’ve already proven what we can do by breaking 4,000—now it’s about consistency, teamwork, and finishing strong. A few signatures a day adds up fast.

Here is the latest training document that has many of our resources:
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1uqfFm6W8D2ObeiUeN3X7ZCIAMc5gPLBiKdWC5e9phDo/edit?usp=sharing

Let’s go get the next 6,000!

WE GOT THIS!

Friends of Santa Cruz Metro holds campaign kickoff for proposed half-cent tax measure SANTA CRUZ — About 50 supporters of a citizens initiative seeking to sustain an expanded service model at Santa Cruz Metro gathered for a campaign kickoff event in Santa Cruz Friday. The event was organized by the Friends of Santa Cruz M…

Carmageddon: Sales tax to prevent major cuts to Santa Cruz Metro aimed for November ballot Supporters of Santa Cruz Metro have begun gathering signatures to get a sales tax on the November ballot by way of a citizens' initiative, in order to lower the threshold for the number of votes needed to pass. Without local funding, the county transit agency faces potentially major cuts to its pers...

More Friends of Santa Cruz METRO Volunteers collecting signatures near the Capitola Mall! (Capitola Bus Station)

Gerardo Ramirez

http://www.friendsofscmetro.org/

http://www.friendsofscmetro.org/

More Friends of Santa Cruz METRO volunteers collecting signatures at the Live Oak Farmers Market today!

If you would like to help save our public transit in Santa Cruz County, you can sign up through our website below:
http://www.friendsofscmetro.org/

Lani Faulkner James Sandoval Monica Sandoval

PLEASE SHARE (sign up to help through the link below!)

http://www.friendsofscmetro.org/

Docs: Shooting outside Metro bus stemmed from man telling passenger to stop smoking fentanyl on bus In the police report, an officer said: “Strangely, [the man’s] genuine concern/contact with the elderly female angered the victim, who proceeded to confront him.”

Rest in Peace Brother Thomas Phillips

Obituary information for Thomas C Phillips View Thomas C Phillips's obituary, contribute to their memorial, see their funeral service details, and more.

With attacks against bus and transit operators rising, we want to remind our transit members to use SMART-TD’s Bus and Transit Assault Prevention and Safety (BTAPS) assault report form. Read on to find out how you can help ensure that our members work in safe environments. https://www.smart-union.org/report-transit-assaults-to-help-smart-td-fight-back/