City of Gilroy
Zach Hilton
All children should be able to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination. I commit to advancing opportunities to help with food distribution and work with local groups/organizations to offer childcare for essential workers and families who need it most and furthering a Livable Gilroy for All.
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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?
Top three issues are Safe Communities, Housing for All, and Quality Education. As a current 24-year Bay Area Firefighter/Paramedic, I understand the service needs of families. The physical environment is the biggest factor in perceived and real safety of community. Year-to-date my office has worked with our State and Federal legislators to secure $5.2 million for project funding that directly benefits our residents. We have identified programs with incentives to develop residential units in our Downtown Expansion District and First Street Mixed-Use Corridor. Continue to support funding for organizations and professionals who offer social emotional support.
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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?
One of the needs for working families is high quality childcare and I will work with any group to expand this for our residents. The Childcare Expansion Grant program is available to licensed Child Care Family Childcare Home Providers in Santa Clara County. Infrastructure support will focus on childcare facility supports that address either construction or operational needs and result in an increase in childcare capacity, including filling vacant enrollment spots. I currently speak up and post about these opportunities and work with city staff to break down barriers from concept to opening their doors for business, with a focus on social equity.
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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?
Our service providers are on the front lines. I will continue to work and collaborate with the Gilroy Unified School Board, South County Cal-SOAP, Gilroy Teachers Association, Gavilan College Board of Trustees, South County Youth Task Force, Nueva Vida Community, School Family Resource Fairs, School Mental Health Week, and Home & School Clubs. We need to support families so that all students have a quality education and safe spaces. All children should be able to attend school in a safe and inclusive environment free from discrimination. Civil rights laws and the California Education Code sections 200-220 contribute to such environments.
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What steps will you take to improve inclusion and outcomes for children with disabilities and their families in our community?
I provided through public comment, support from my office for the Gilroy Gateway School to remain open for grades 6-12. While IEPs are confidential, I believe that sites and publicly funded resources that implement these IEPs are of public concern. The decisions on whether to open or close them, should be brought forward to that governing body as an action item or informational item. The effect that this had on our families that we serve, the most vulnerable and disadvantaged, will have a lasting effect on their trust in us.
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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?
Continue to bring resources to where the community gathers. We have sponsored, tabled, hosted a booth, and attended over 150 community events in 2023/2024. Handed out free resources, bike lights, listened to constituents, and provided free bike helmets, including Chalk Fest, La Ofrenda Festival, Registrar of Voters High School Education Events, Free Bike Repair and Bike Days, Community Posadas, and School Family Resource Fairs.