City of Los Altos

Jonathan D Weinberg

As a member of the City Council, my mission is to ensure that Los Altos is a safe, engaging, and fun community. My priorities are: - Safe routes to school; - Improve our parks by replacing aging playgrounds and pathways; and - Offer quality athletic, artistic, and recreational classes for children at affordable prices.

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?

   ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE: Everyone has the right to adequate health care. I favor a policy requiring employers to offer health benefits to full time employees as well as spouse/domestic partner/dependents.
   
   ACCESS TO AFFORDABLE CHILD CARE: Working families must have a place where children can be safe, supervised, socialize, play and learn. I support partnerships with our school districts to provide safe environments and after-school care, and with nonprofits for mental health and other services.
   
   A RELIABLE AND ADEQUATE SOCIAL SAFETY NET: We have a responsibility to adequately fund welfare and social services to protect those who are most vulnerable to an economic downturn.

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?

   Too often, working families find it too expensive to afford quality childcare. If there is sufficient demand, I would favor establishing a city-sponsored means-based child care scholarship program.
   
   The City should collaborate with the four school districts in Los Altos and our private schools to offer before- and after-school programs to the extent there is demand. I also favor hiring bilingual teachers and investing in bilingual toys / study aids. Students for whom English is a second language should not be deprived of the learning aids and resources they need to achieve success.

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?

   The City has a responsibility to partner with our schools and for the Parks and Recreation Department to provide equal opportunities, amenities, and benefits to everyone. We have an excellent partnership with CSA to help connect those in need with agencies and nonprofits that have assets and expertise to help.
   
   Every child has the right to an environment that engages and encourages curiosity, programs that stimulate both the mind and the body, and healthy and nutritious food. City employees who work with our youth should be trained to identify children who need assistance meeting their needs, and then connecting their caregivers with those who can provide extra resources where necessary.

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

   I want Los Altos to partner with Magical Bridge Foundation or a similar nonprofit and our school districts to identify a location for an inclusive playground. I will personally work on an effort to raise funds from our community (corporate, charitable, and residents) for the construction of a playground to accommodate children of all needs and abilities.
   
   The Los Altos recreation department offers a wide range of programs. I would work with the Department Director to audit the range of programs offered to make sure the City offers programs for persons of all abilities and needs. The City should consult with experts and non-profits to ensure we are meeting the community’s needs.

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?

   1. Any Vendor who does not already offer benefits to their full-time employees and dependents would have to begin doing so to continue doing business with the City.
   
   2. I support having City staff explore the fiscal impact of a sliding scale for scholarships to attend city-partnered childcare and programs for older children. This fiscal year, Los Altos projects a budget of $55.4 million on revenues of $58.4 million. If staff’s findings supported those programs, I would look closely for prudent ways to fund.
   
   3. Although Los Altos is unable to fund wide-scale social services, I favor the City lending its official backing to efforts at non-profits and at County, State and Federal levels.