Vote YES on Measure Z

The measure asks voters to approve a small local sales tax, just one penny for every eight dollars spent, which is 1/8 of 1 percent. Every dollar raised stays in Kern County and goes only to CALM Zoo, nowhere else.

Funding from this measure is dedicated exclusively to CALM Zoo and legally protected from being spent on anything else. The Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee would review the spending and produce public audits, so you can see exactly where your money goes.

Much of CALM was built 40 years ago by volunteers. Today many of the animal exhibits and internal systems are in need of upgrading. This measure will help upgrade current operations and build tomorrow's CALM for future generations.

It starts with the animals. CALM cares for California's native species every day, and this measure would make that care even better, with more shade and cooling through Kern County's hottest months, nutritious food, and healthier, more natural
spaces to live.

It would strengthen CALM's ability to care for and rehabilitate injured and  orphaned native wildlife, so more animals can heal and return to the wild whenever possible.

It would grow hands-on science learning, where Kern County students and families connect with wildlife up close.

It would repair and modernize the systems the zoo depends on and improve wildfire and disaster readiness, with public reporting on how every dollar is spent. And it would keep entrance fees affordable for local families, while making every  visit more comfortable, with easier parking and welcoming places to spend the day.

No. Dedicated funding is what lets CALM Zoo keep admission affordable while still investing in the animals and the guest experience. Keeping the zoo within reach for every Kern County family stays the priority.

An independent committee of residents would regularly review how the money is spent and publish public audits. Its job is to make sure every dollar goes where voters intended and to keep the process open to the community.

Taxes collected at the point of sale are remitted to the state, and the 1/8 of 1 percent increment is held in a dedicated fund used only for CALM Zoo. The Independent Taxpayer Oversight Committee provides independent audits and oversight of how the money is spent.

The amount rises and falls with local spending, so it changes from year to year. It is estimated at about $24 million annually, dedicated entirely to helping fund
CALM Zoo's $200 million Master Plan and confirmed through independent public audits.

Kern County voters decide by November 3, 2026. To learn more about the measure and the vision for CALM Zoo's future, visit ProtectCALMZoo.org.