Palo Alto Increasing Track Guards Along Rail Right-of-Way After Last Week's Death

From the City of Palo Alto:

The City of Palo Alto is increasing track guards at crossings along the Caltrain right-of-way following the apparent suicide of a young man last week near Charleston Avenue. Palo Alto Police will provide enhanced security at the Churchill, Charleston and East Meadow rail crossings.

The San Mateo County Sheriff’s Department is conducting the investigation into the incident in coordination with the Santa Clara County Coroner/Medical Examiner.

[Story here: UPDATE: Caltrain Experiences Severe Delays After Death Of Male On Tracks.]

On behalf of the City, Mayor Nancy Shepherd expressed condolences to the victim’s family and friends, and reiterated the community’s commitment to youth well-being.

“Our thoughts and prayers go out to the young man’s family and friends during this difficult time. As a community, it reinforces the importance of our continued collaborative work to create safe and welcoming schools, and a community culture that offers support, services and hope for all,” said Shepherd. “We are committed to build on the foundation created through Project Safety Net, which has brought together the City of Palo Alto, PAUSD, parents, students, mental health experts and other community partners to address overall youth well-being.”

The City Council will be adopting a proclamation at its meeting today -- Monday, Oct. 20 -- in partnership with PAUSD, Project Safety Net, the District Safe and Welcoming Schools Committee, and the Palo Alto Youth Council to honor Oct. 23, 2014 as Unity Day.

October is National Bully Prevention Month, and the City of Palo Alto is joining the Palo Alto School District to raise awareness about the issue of bully prevention.

[Story here: It’s Unity Day & Week 2014 At Palo Alto Schools.]

Members of the community are encouraged to attend Monday’s proclamation ceremony scheduled for 7 p.m. at City Hall. A copy of the proclamation is here.

The City’s Policy and Services Committee will also be discussing an update on the Project Safety Net program, its accomplishments, strategic goals, and plans for the future of the collaborative program at its meeting on Oct. 21.

If you know of someone who is in immediate crisis, the Santa Clara County Suicide and Crisis Hotline is available at 1-855-278-4204 at any time.

Another resource is EMQ Families First mobile crisis unit that provides assessments of minors dealing with potentially suicidal thoughts, and can be reached at 408-379-9085.