Palo Alto Youth Council updates on student census and college counseling event

The City Council of Palo Alto convened on March 3, 2025, to address several key issues affecting the community, including youth sports, public engagement, and sustainability initiatives.

The meeting began with public comments, where a representative from a local soccer club expressed concerns about the impact of closed fields on youth sports. The speaker highlighted that the club's home fields at Cubberley had been closed since November, resulting in a four-month period without a place for 1,300 children to play soccer. The representative emphasized the importance of maintaining access to athletic fields, especially during the rainy season, and warned that banning artificial turf could lead to increased water usage, contradicting conservation efforts in California. The speaker urged the council to consider the needs of the youth before making decisions regarding turf policies.

Following this, Nadia Seath, president of the Palo Alto Youth Council, provided an update on the council's initiatives. She reported on a recent student issues census that garnered over 260 responses, indicating that local teens are concerned about safety, mental health, and civic engagement. The Youth Council is compiling a report based on this feedback, which will be presented during a study session on March 17. Seath also mentioned a successful college counseling event held with representatives from Rice University and UCLA, aimed at easing the stress of college applications for local students. Additionally, she announced an upcoming event, "Pancakes and Pickleball," designed to foster connections between youth and city officials.

The council members then moved to their questions and comments segment. One council member referenced a previous discussion regarding a resolution for potential legal action related to changes from the national administration. An ad hoc committee was appointed to merge two documents related to this issue. The council member also shared details about a recent mayor's briefing aimed at improving communication with the community, which will be held monthly. The next state of the city address is scheduled for March 18 at Rivian headquarters, focusing on sustainability and innovation in Palo Alto.

The meeting concluded with a transition to a study session, where further discussions on the city’s priorities and initiatives were expected to take place. Overall, the council's discussions reflected a commitment to engaging with the community and addressing the pressing needs of its youth and residents.