In just one week, Alameda County voters will have an opportunity to make an impact on children and families that will last for generations. Measure C is on the March 3rd ballot in Alameda County. According to an overview presented by our colleagues at First 5 Alameda County, Measure C would "raise an estimated $150 million per year to expand access to free and low-cost pediatric health care and emergency services at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital Oakland (CHO) and increase access to quality child care, preschool, and early education across Alameda County." As Executive Director of 4Cs of Alameda County, and as a private citizen, I have been working tirelessly on this landmark legislation in Alameda County for almost half a decade. As a community, providing resources to improve access, affordability and quality in early care and education should be the goal if we care about the success and well-being of its residents.

A thriving community, like those throughout Alameda County, is socioeconomically diverse and has a thriving middle class. These neighbors do not force families at risk of stability to move out of the communities they know and love.  To respond to the diversity of incomes and, to continue to have a thriving community where people can afford to live and work, we need to address some of the supports necessary. Child care is one of those supports. I firmly believe that child care and early care and education is a two generation approach that supports parents working and children learning. I also know that early childhood educators should have a hope of a living wage. Measure C is a step in the right direction.

Measure C has an opportunity to address these needed outcomes for its residents including children, families, and caregivers.  I cannot recall a time in the past half a century when California had enough accessible, affordable child care to meet the needs of eligible families. We need local, state and federal responses to meet the needs of children, families, and communities. I applaud Alameda County and Measure C for responding.  Measure C is good for the community, families, and caregivers.

Remember, as you're filling out your mail-in ballots or voting at the polls, Vote Yes on Measure C.

Be well,

Renee S. Herzfeld

Executive Director