Santa Clara County Voter's Guide On Children's Issues

City of Gilroy

Rebeca Armendariz

https://www.rebeca4gilroy.com

As a working mom, I am committed to seeking solutions to the many challenges that my -and most- families face in Santa Clara Valley and beyond. These solutions can only be found when we have parents at the table with the experts and service providers, when schools and Cities work together, and when we see all children as our own.

  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?

    I believe gun violence, a lack of accessibility to supportive services, such as mental health, recreation and counseling, as well as housing and food insecurity are impacting our children and families. As a City Council there might seem like there is little we can do about gun violence, but I believe we can pass policies that promote safety measures, such as locking up your firearms at home, and we can direct funding towards gun buy-back programs, and more. I believe in City/School partnerships to maximize resources and reach as many families as possible. We can partner this way to get supportive services to students of any age, while providing their parents/guardians with resources.

  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?

    Earlier this year I proposed a resolution in support of affordable, quality childcare for all, regardless of income. I believe that childcare and early childhood education key to healthier communities. The data from study after study shows that children who had quality childcare have healthier outcomes, regardless of their socio-economic status. The correlated impact on the greater community is also reflected in healthier economies, reduced poverty levels and improved community safety. I am committed to supporting these efforts through partnerships and building coalition with schools, community colleges, as well as the County, State and Federal government.

  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?

    Children may not be able to express it, but housing and food insecurity are major barriers to their success in school and life. The outrageous cost of these basic needs puts undue pressure on families, leaving little to no resources left to dedicate to extracurricular activities, leaving children to fall behind in subjects they may need extra support with. Once they are ready for higher education, their academic resumes lack competitiveness with those who were able to access extracurricular activities. If re-elected I will push for our city to change its cost recovery model for recreational activities, to a model that makes these activities accessible to youth of all income ranges.

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

    I stood up and advocated fiercely for the special needs children of a particular school in Gilroy when they were abruptly removed and transferred to other schools, far away from their homes and subjected to another hour to two hour bus ride every day. I also host an Autism Inclusion event every year for youth and families to access resources, service providers, and just have an afternoon of fun activities geared towards children with autism.

  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 continue to advocate for more services and resources to be provided in South County, especially for our children and youth. I currently teach leadership and advocacy skills to young people at a local non-profit and support them through fundraising and organizing a variety of activities for youth as well, including job readiness, job fairs, camping trips and more. Many of these youth wont have the opportunity to engage in these activities otherwise.