City of Palo Alto

Anne W Cribbs

https://www.cribbsforcouncil.com

Childhood is a very critical part of life – every child deserves family support, economic security, education, safety, friendship, recreation and fun. Communities must provide children and families with access to housing, health care, excellent schools, clean air and water and opportunities for recreation facilities, parks, programs and community

1. Over 80% of voters polled say they want elected officials to prioritize children and families. What are the top three issues affecting our children and families and how will you make our region a place where all families can thrive?

   Children and families need:
   a. Adequate spaces to grow and thrive. We must rebuild Cubberley Community Center, ensuring it remains a vibrant, accessible, and functional space for future generations to grow, meet, and play.
   b. Sufficient places to live. I support Palo Alto's adopted goal of adding 6,086 homes across all income groups. When housing is added near schools, shopping, services, jobs and transit/bike lanes, families thrive.
   c. Clean air to breathe and clean water to drink. Infill housing will reduce long commutes and the threats posed by climate change. I am proud to live in a community that takes these threats seriously.
   

2. High quality childcare improves school readiness and parents' workforce participation. What will you do to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities?

   In order to improve access to high quality childcare and preschool programs in our diverse communities I will:
   a. Ensure that the facilities and playgrounds at our community centers are up to date and I will work with churches and at-home providers to expand the opportunities for all of our children.
   b. Encourage our schools to fully implement the TK program for 4-year-olds at every elementary site and expand access to quality childcare before and after school.
   c. Embolden our community colleges to expand the opportunities for teacher training in Early Childhood Education.
   

3. Much of the student achievement gap has been linked to the opportunity gap that children in low-income families and children of color confront (e.g., lack of access to healthy food, preschool, tutors, and enrichment activities). If elected, what will you do to increase equity of opportunity?

   a. Encourage opportunities for both grandparents and teens to provide tutoring and mentoring for all children.
   b. Expand programs which bring together families of different cultural groups like the Palo Alto Moonlight Run, the Chili Cookoff, the May Fete Parade, Dog’s Best Friend Fun Run, Japanese Cultural Festival, Baylands Cleanup Days, Rapp’s Kids Triathlon. I started these programs; kids who feel welcome in the community succeed in school. I also work with the Palo Alto Pickleball Club whose members provide pickleball clinics to middle schools and high schools for all interested students.
   c. Increase library hours including Sundays. Teens need access to computers, printers and books.
   

4. What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?

   a. We must focus on each child’s abilities rather than underline their disabilities.
   b. Ada’s Café and the Palo Alto Magical Bridge Playground are wonderful examples of inclusive programs that exist because dedicated volunteers worked with the City of Palo Alto to implement them. I will seek out additional programs and encourage more people to come together for all of our kids.
   c. Let’s overhaul our system of managing and implementing new projects. Prioritize speed, transparency, and adaptability, so our city can more quickly and effectively bring forward dynamic and innovative projects that benefit all residents.
   

5. If elected, how will you use the resources of your new role to improve children's well-being and access to mental and behavioral health services?

   I will work to
   a. Revitalize our neighborhoods to ensure that they are both safe and thriving. My priority is to Improve public parks, including installing restrooms in all city parks, enhance local business districts, and guarantee our public services meet the community's needs. Such neighborhoods will grow healthy, engaged children.
   b. Identify children who need help dealing with the pressure of growing up in a stressful time and ensure that they and their families know where to turn for help.
   c. I know how to bring people together to identify problems and solutions and get things done.