CITY STATEMENT: Call for Action and Community Support

CITY STATEMENT: Call for Action and Community Support

Published on February 06, 2026

Call for action and community support in response to this week's loss of a Palo Alto Youth

Mayor Vicki Veenker shares the following statement in response to this week's loss of a Palo Alto youth, calling for community togetherness, action, and sharing support resources for families, teens and the whole community, as we navigate grief and loss together:

"I, my council colleagues, and staff are heartbroken by the recent student death by suicide. Our community is calling for change. We must work together to reduce risks, increase safety and support our youth, and the City stands prepared to do its part.

Protecting our precious students will take multiple, parallel efforts. One approach is reducing access to lethal means. Caltrain has recently installed intrusion detection technology at the Churchill crossing adjacent to Palo Alto High School and plans to install more. That is good, but clearly not enough. Other options include recruiting or hiring crossing guards. And, the Superintendent of PAUSD yesterday joined those calling for closure of Churchill Street at the crossing. We are looking at this approach and involving partners including Caltrain and the California Public Utilities Commission. A closure is complex and would need to address many issues, such as emergency response.

We are actively analyzing which options are fast, feasible, and - most important - impactful. Our goal is to have sufficient information in time for Council to act as soon as next week.

Palo Alto values include being a community where all belong and are safe. Your mayor, council, and city staff are actively working with community members and other entities to make sure that is the case."

Local community resources and grief support are available communitywide and also specifically for our teens. A short list of support resources and programs, can be found here. Whether you're going through a crisis or want to help a friend in need, call or text 9-8-8 to talk to a trained counselor who can support you.

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