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The ballots have been mailed, the lawn signs are out, candidate forums have been scheduled, and the rallies to save Cubberley continue!
Measure J
Cubberley is “a highly used community space. The City of Palo Alto has leased the Cubberley site since the city began using it as a community center in 1990. It has become a critical community hub with programming in education, health, child care, dance, and music instruction across all ages.” But this community gem is aging and the site is not up to safety and accessibility standards – and that’s where Measure J comes in.
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“The City and the PAUSD believe it is in the best interest of our constituents that a portion of the property at the Cubberley Community Center be sold to the City by the District so the property can be refurbished and used as a thriving community center for many years to come.”
The Vision: “An updated community center will be a safe, modern space for our community to gather. All the community services and programming that we currently enjoy at Cubberley can be expanded and added to, including a new performing arts center, fitness center, cafe, lots of greenspace, increased parking and transportation access, classrooms, studios, and event spaces. The structures will have new or repaired infrastructure that meets modern earthquake, safety, and accessibility standards.”
PACCC's board has endorsed Measure J. For more information on how you can get involved, donate, or request a lawn sign, please visit YesonJpaloalto.com.
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California Propositions
As a member of Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits (SVCN), PACCC benefits from resources to support the organization and the people it serves. SVCN leverages nonprofit power, positionality, and access to partner with, amplify, and support community. The primary focus is to address the biggest challenges facing nonprofits and the communities they serve. Learn more about their ballot positions here!
PACCC respects the right of each employee, parent, and other readers to form their own political beliefs.
| | Did you know? PACCC’s Whole-Child Approach: Science | | |
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Greetings! Nova Quest here, PACCC’S Science Ambassador
Did you know that approximately 15% of PACCC families are unaware of, or do not believe, that science learning is happening in their child’s preschool program? Young learners are developing science and inquiry skills throughout their entire school day, often without realizing they are “doing science.” When children explore water at the sensory table, they are making predictions about what will sink or float, experimenting with different materials, and discovering cause and effect. When they build with blocks, they are testing how to make structures balance and problem-solving when their tower falls down.
| | Outside, children observe insects, collect rocks, watch plants grow, and notice changes in the weather. Teachers encourage children to ask questions, make predictions, investigate their ideas, and share what they discover. Even a simple question like, “What do you think will happen if we add more water?” turns play into an opportunity for scientific thinking. Through these experiences, our preschoolers are building foundational science skills such as curiosity, observation, investigation, and problem-solving! | | |
October is Learning Differences Awareness Month
| | October is Learning Disabilities Awareness Month. “Learning Disabilities Awareness Month aims to educate, raise awareness, and celebrate the unique differences of various learning disabilities including dyslexia, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), dysgraphia, dyscalculia, and other executive functioning difficulties. According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 2.5 million students have dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia and approximately 6 million students have ADHD.” | | CCY PRESENTS: ADHD in Adolescence: Understanding Symptoms, Impact and Support Workshop | | |
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Our partner, Center for Children and Youth (CCY) is offering a comprehensive online workshop on ADHD in Adolescence on Wednesday, October 21, at 7 PM - 8:30 PM PDT.
ADHD symptoms often change as children transition into adolescence. This workshop will explore common symptoms of ADHD in the middle and high school years and examine the impact on mental health, academic performance, and social relationships. The workshop will also identify interventions and strategies to support teens with ADHD, including practical ways parents can help their adolescent child navigate these challenges.
As partners with CCY, PACCC families receive a 50% discount. Please refer to your Learning Genie messages for the registration link.
PACCC will pay the remaining 50% for families receiving financial assistance. Please refer to your email from our Subsidy Specialist for the registration link.
| | PACCC CEO, Lee Pfab Wins Changemaker Award! | |
We are thrilled to announce that PACCC CEO, Lee Pfab, is the recipient of the SVCN Patricia A. Gardner Changemaker Award! Congratulations, Lee!
Every year, Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits recognizes leaders and organizations in the nonprofit community through their Nonprofit Impact Awards, recognizing those who make a positive impact on the community, as well as the efforts of those who support local nonprofits.
Named after SVCN's long-time CEO, Patricia A. Gardner, this award honors Patricia's vision of nonprofit power in unity strengthened many community-based nonprofits and their work throughout the County.
As Avenidas CEO, Kristina Lugo articulated in her nomination, “Lee truly embodies Patricia’s vision of nonprofit strength in unity. She is a master of bringing people together and inspiring their work towards a common cause for the betterment of the community, whether it is within her own nonprofit of PACCC or through her active outreach and partnership with other nonprofit organizations and government. Lee is at her most passionate and most satisfied when she is putting in the time, effort, and networking to make meaningful change at a small or large scale.”
“I’m honored to accept the Changemaker Award,” said Lee. “But the highest honor is the privilege to advocate for the families so that every child can have the opportunity to thrive.”
Lee will join fellow recipients of the 2026 Nonprofit Impact Awards at the Be Our Guest event on Thursday, October 22, 2026, where they will accept their awards and join in on the much-anticipated Pumpkin Auction and Contest! Celebrity Table Captains will decorate pumpkins that will be auctioned off to support SVCN's mission to advance the role, voice, and capacity of our nonprofit community.
| PACCC Board Highlight: Jesus Valenzuela | |
Jesús Valenzuela is the Owner-Operator of Grocery Outlet of Palo Alto, where he and his husband, Ismael Villalba, are committed to serving the community through affordable grocery options, local partnerships, charitable campaigns, and community events. Under their leadership, the store has supported numerous local organizations and initiatives, including the Ecumenical Hunger Program, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Palo Alto Pride, and the annual Independence from Hunger campaign.
Jesús also serves on the Board of Directors for the Palo Alto Chamber of Commerce and works as the Sales and Client Relationship Manager for VSI Risk Management & Ergonomics, Inc. His professional experience has allowed him to build strong relationships with local businesses, nonprofit organizations, educators, and community leaders throughout the Bay Area.
As a father of three, Jesús understands how important safe, supportive, and enriching environments are to children and families. He is honored to join the Palo Alto Community Child Care Board and looks forward to using his experience in business development, community engagement, fundraising, and relationship building to support PACCC’s mission. Jesús is especially excited to help strengthen community partnerships and ensure that local families continue to have access to high-quality childcare and educational programs.
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As a community leader in Palo Alto, and in keeping with our Strategic Plan and commitment to build and foster community, you will find PACCC engaged in the following advocacy efforts and events this month:
- “Yes on J” Campaigning
- Annual Santa Clara County Women’s Leadership and Policy Summit
- Palo Alto Human Relations Commission Community Impact Fair
- PAUSD Board Meeting Presentation of PACCC’s CSPP, CCTR and ELOP Contract Outcomes
- Revive CPR Event
- Athena Awards
- Pet Palooza Parade
- City Council - PACCC Letter of Intent for Cubberley Submission
- Silicon Valley Council of Nonprofits Awards
- Kiwanis Angel Awards
- YCS/PSN United We Rise: Together for Youth Wellbeing
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Scare Faire at Museum of American Heritage
It’s Spooky Season at Transition Palo Alto’s annual Scare Faire & Costume Swap! Repurpose old costumes and enjoy treats and crafts. Costume swapping begins at 1:15pm. Saturday, October 10, 2026, 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM
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The Guardsmen Pumpkin Patch
Join The Guardsmen, the Junior League of Palo Alto Mid-Peninsula, and the Menlo Park Historical Association for the Heritage & Harvest Festival in Menlo Park, featuring a family-friendly pumpkin patch at the historic Barron-Latham-Hopkins Gatehouse. Saturday, October 17, 9:00AM to 4:00PM
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Jack O’Lantern Jamboree!
Dance in costume with your family at a Halloween party in the Secret Garden of Children's Library. Enjoy fun crafts and light refreshments. Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM
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Halloween Night at the Museum
Enjoy A spooky night of FREE family fun on Halloween Night at the Museum. Don your costumes and enjoy some Halloween candy, a flashlight ghost hunt, weird history & artifacts, a mad scientist demo and more! Saturday, October 31, 2026, 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM
| | | | | College Terrace Children’s Center (CTC) | | | | | Infant-Toddler Center (ITC) | | | | | Palo Verde Kids’ Club (PVKC) | | | | Pasta & Pumpkin Carving Night | | El Carmelo Kids’ Club (ECKC) | | | | Pumpkin Patch Family Night | | Juana Briones Kids’ Club (JBKC) | | | | | College Terrace Children’s Center (CTC) | | | | | Downtown Children’s Center (DCC) | | | | | Duveneck Kids’ Club (DKC) | | | | | Walter Hays Kids’ Club (WHKC) | | | | | Besse Bolton Kids’ Club (BBKC) | | | | | Escondido Kids’ Club (EKC) | | | | Spooktacular Extravaganza | | | | | | Ellen Thacher Children’s Center (ETCC) | | | | | Sojourner Truth Child Development Center (STCDC-IT & PS) | | | | | El Carmelo Kids’ Club (ECKC) | | | | | Barron Park Children’s Center (BPCC) | | | | Family Costume Parade & Picture Booth | | College Terrace Children’s Center (CTC) | | | | | Barron Park Kids' Club (BPKC) | | | | | College Terrace Children’s Center (CTC) | | | | Family Pizza & Movie Night | | Besse Bolton Kids’ Club (BBKC) | | | | | Barron Park Children’s Center (BPCC) | | Can't wait to see you there! | | |
Happy Anniversary, PACCC Employees!
We couldn’t do it without you!
| Thank you for the education and care you provide for Palo Alto’s children, and thus, our future! | |
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David C. (ADMIN) –
Oct 1 - 37 years
Shashi V. (SUB) –
Oct 17 - 21 years
Kandice M. (ADMIN) –
Oct 25 - 21 years
Erin F. (ADMIN) –
Oct 20 - 18 years
Melissa R. (ADMIN) –
Oct 20 - 18 years
Clive C. (DKC) –
Oct 21 - 13 years
Gloria C. (CTC) –
Oct 26 - 12 years
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Zinta H. (ITC) –
Oct 12 - 9 years
Mary N. (STCDC-IT) –
Oct 22 - 8 years
Glenda D. (STCDC-PS) – Oct 14 - 7 years
Ben C. (ECKC) –
Oct 24 - 3 years
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Tai L. (HKC) –
Oct 7 - 2 years
Josephine C. (BPCC) –
Oct 21 - 2 years
Vusala E. (DCC) –
Oct 27 - 1 year
Anishka B. (EKC) –
Oct 27 - 1 year
Nathaly C. (SUB) –
Oct 27 - 1 year
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Storytime with Palo Alto Library | | Stay tuned for next month's Curious Minds newsletter! |
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