Ash Kalra, 36, works as an attorney for the Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office representing indigent clients in Drug Court. The focus of the court is to serve those in the community suffering from addiction and help them get back on their feet as contributing members of society. Additionally, Ash currently serves as the Chairperson of the San Jose Planning Commission. The Planning Commission serves a vital role in making recommendations to the San Jose City Council on important land-use and development issues. Since his appointment to the commission, Ash has focused on ensuring that there is increased parks funding by developers, schools are properly accounted for with our city's rapid growth, industrial land is adequately preserved to maintain job growth, and the environment and open space is properly respected and protected.

Ash moved to California with his family in 1978 when his father got a job in Palo Alto. Soon after moving to the Bay Area, the Kalra family bought a home in South San Jose, where they have lived for 30 years. Ash attended local public schools, going to Hayes Elementary, Herman Intermediate and Oak Grove High School. After graduating in 1989, Ash attended De Anza College for two years before enrolling at UC Santa Barbara, where he graduated with honors in 1993. Ash took an interest in the law, and graduated from Georgetown Law School in 1996. In 1997, Ash began work as a Deputy Public Defender. Wanting to remain in the community where he grew up, Ash bought a house down the street from his family's home near Hayes Elementary School in 2003.

In addition to serving the community as a public defender for a number of years, Ash has served in a variety of other roles. He has taught as a part-time professor at San Jose State University and currently is a professor at Lincoln Law School of San Jose. Ash has served numerous non-profit organizations as a member of their board of directors, including the Bar Association of Santa Clara County, Asian Law Alliance, South Asian Bar Association and Fresh Lifelines for Youth. Ash currently serves on the Board of Directors for the African Community Health Institute, Somos Mayfair, and the Santa Teresa Foothills Neighborhood Association. He is also a member of the San Jose Rotary Club, through which he volunteers with Habitat for Humanity and works with the Santa Teresa High School Interact Club. In spring 2007, Ash coordinated an effort with the help of the Santa Teresa High School students to raise $3,000 for victims of the Santa Teresa Apartment fire. He has also enjoyed working and discussing issues with neighbors from around District Two, including Friends of Santa Teresa Park, the Silver Leaf Neighborhood Association, the Edenvale/Great Oaks Plan Implementation Coalition (SNI), and the Hayes Neighborhood Watch group.

Ash enjoys spending his free time with friends and family. He also enjoys traveling and playing sports. Please feel free to contact Ash if you have any questions. He will be happy to call or e-mail you as soon as he can!