Meet the Candidate
Sarabjit Kaur Cheema
A Union City resident since 1992, Sarabjit Kaur Cheema is a classroom teacher at local high school James Logan, civil transportation engineer for 20 years, realtor, and long-time public servant running for City Council in District 4. Sarabjit stands apart as the only candidate in the race with direct local legislative experience, bringing over a decade of proven governance and technical expertise to city hall. Sarabjit approaches public service with a teacher’s heart, a leader’s vision, and an engineer’s brain.
What Drives Her Work
A Record of Service, Governance & Expertise
01 — Fiscal & Education
Twelve Years of Fiscal & Educational Leadership
From 2010 to 2022, Sarabjit served on the New Haven Unified School District Governing Board, balancing multi-million-dollar budgets while keeping classroom excellence, student safety, and taxpayer accountability at the forefront. Holding Master’s degrees in Mathematics and Governance alongside California clear credentials in Math and Punjabi, she continues her commitment to local youth every day as a high school teacher.
02 — Infrastructure
Engineering Infrastructure & Smart Growth
With a 20-year career as a Civil Transportation Engineer, Sarabjit brings hands-on technical skill to local government, delivering sustainable regional transit, relieving traffic congestion, and planning smart urban infrastructure. Serving on joint School Board and City Council committees, she collaborated on local land-use and youth services, and helped update Union City’s 2040 General Plan.
03 — Community Roots
Deep Community Roots & Civic Service
Sarabjit’s professional and civic life has always centered on helping local families thrive. As a realtor, she helps residents achieve the American dream of homeownership. As a former City Commissioner (2007–2011), she led local Census outreach, revitalized the Youth Commission, and championed key civic initiatives with the Chamber of Commerce and Sister City Festival.
04 — Proven Results
A Coalition Built on Proven Results
As your District 4 Councilmember, Sarabjit is focused on enhancing quality of life through strong economic development, proactive public safety, robust city services, and vibrant cultural amenities. Her campaign is backed by a broad coalition of community leaders and working families, including Assembly Member Liz Ortega, Council Member Scott Sakakihara, former Assembly Member Bill Quirk, former Vice Mayor Bob Garfinkle, local Labor Leaders, and neighbors across District 4.
Media & Recognition
In the News & Community Spotlight
Sarabjit’s leadership, public service, and community advocacy have been highlighted across regional media:
- Educational Leadership & Board Service
Featured in a district spotlight interview on YouTube discussing classroom innovation and board governance.
- School Board Track Record
Reported by India.com on her re-election campaign and commitment to fiscal stability in local schools.
- Community Outreach & Dialogue
Covered by Tracy Press for building bridges and fostering civic dialogue among local neighbors.
- Standing With Teachers & Students
Highlighted by ABC7 News during rallies supporting public school funding and educator resources.
- Fiscal Leadership & City Governance
Quoted in The Mercury News advocating for responsible budget oversight and sound municipal management.
- Local Land Use & Facilities Planning
Covered by East Bay Times regarding regional park district partnerships and school property development.
- Higher Education & Cultural Advocacy
Serving on the Punjabi Studies Advisory Board at UC Berkeley to promote language access and academic programs.
- Civic Discussions & Policy Forums
Featured in community media broadcasts on YouTube addressing key local policies.
- Statewide Leadership & Community Service
Profiled on SikhNet for her ongoing commitment to public education and community health.
- Closing Educational Achievement Gaps
Highlighted by East Bay Times for her long-standing focus on student equity and academic support.