As Kids Thrive, So Does Our City

I recently vacationed in Philadelphia. This city will soon be confronted with a mayoralty race similar to ours. One specific issue is gaining support and importance in the race, a proposal to earmark one percent of the total city budget for kids’ programs.

An article written by Shelly Yanoff, executive director of Philadelphia Citizens for Children and Youth, asks Philadelphians to imagine a city where parks and playgrounds are clean and welcoming to families and children, neighborhoods are safe and nourishing, and good childcare is affordable. This city would have academically successful schools that provide art, music and sport programs, libraries that offer programs for both big and small, and neighborhood havens for the children of working parents. She asks them to imagine this city that welcomes children into the world with their physical and mental needs cared for, values and encourages diversity, and makes college scholarships readily available. Lastly, Philadelphians are asked to imagine a city that families really want to live in and where businesses want to stay and expand, truly believing that what is good for families is good for everyone.

When was the last time San Francisco considered any program exclusively for kids and families? Growing up in the Sunset District of San Francisco thirty-five years ago, I played in the same fields that are available to kids today. The facilities have mostly remained unchanged. For example, Salva Pool, a small pool by any city standards, has operated as the only pool to two public high schools’ swimming teams, in addition to benefiting the elderly and the general public. A grassroots movement has attempted an expansion of these facilities, but the issue has remained low on the radar screen for promotion by our local politicians.

Another example is Lowell High School, ranked academically as one of the best high schools in the country. The facilities have not been renovated, except for the addition of a new science lab, since the school’s 1964 opening. One of my sons recently attended an open house for potential new students. The speaker advised us that the facility was rundown, with exposed wires, inoperative bathrooms, an outdated library and overworked teachers. In contrast, last year students’ average SAT scores were 1300. Is this any way to teach our best and brightness?

As a city, we need to initiate a grassroots movement that will keep children’s issues on all political agendas and gain support for programs that enhance their quality of life. It is time for us to realize that kids represent a large minority group that needs representation. This group may not clamor for attention like many of the groups on a politician’s agenda, but, if they aren’t represented now, they may decide against re-electing these politicians when they reach voting age.

Yanoff ends her article by asking us to imagine a hopeful city that is committed to children and families. Someday we may call that city Philadelphia, but wouldn’t it be great if we could call it San Francisco?