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

City of Los Altos

Sally Meadows

https://www.sallyforlosaltos.com

Every child in Santa Clara County deserves opportunities for learning, support and connection although they and their families might not recognize these opportunities. Let’s ensure every child and family know that opportunities are available to them. I commit to equal opportunity for our youth, especially those who are underserved.

  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?

    Three top issues are:

    1. Access to mental health services, which are increasingly important to make up for lingering negative effects of the pandemic and the stresses of our competitive education system.
    2. Affordable and flexible childcare.
    3. A supportive, bias-free environment for every child, and identifying and implementing solutions to make sure no students face discrimination or bullying.

    City Council can partner with our school districts to help create the environment for healthy and inclusive learning to educate and support our students and families. Also, make sure City zoning supports establishment of childcare facilities.

  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?

    City Council can help with childcare options and availability, because use permits for child-care facilities to operate in buildings such as churches often go in front of Planning Commission and sometimes Council. Facilitating approval of these use permits and making sure our zoning is flexible to allow childcare facilities to operate wherever feasible benefits everyone. Sometimes there are issues with traffic so the use permit can require a phased approach to drop off and pick up times to mitigate those issues.

  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?

    I was deeply involved for a decade (2010-2020) with nonprofit organization Mentor Tutor Connection, including serving on the Board and as President, so I am familiar with the “opportunity gap”. My commitment is to bring awareness and priority to issues our under-represented students face, including supporting our school districts to make sure all our students can access online learning, services for mental health, and college readiness opportunities. Many in our community don’t realize our students are not all “rich kids”. I support bridging the divide and making sure opportunities are available for all our youth.

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

    It is important to have inclusive options for children with special needs to help them participate in and contribute to the community and make sure they have equal opportunities. City Council can ensure that all parks and other city facilities accommodate everyone including those with special needs or disabilities. It is also Council’s role to ensure that our community is a safe and healthy environment including for those with special 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?

    I represented Los Altos on the Board of the Community Health Awareness Council (CHAC) from January 2023 until the recent merger with Pacific Clinics on July 1, 2024. I was involved in ensuring that CHAC supported our children and families to foster social and emotional learning as well as providing comprehensive mental health services to the community regardless of ability to pay. Mental health services will continue to be provided through Pacific Clinics to our community for many years to come. Through this involvement and my understanding of the landscape of provider services, I can help our Council stay aware of opportunities to be supportive.