Item No.
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY: JASON CHACON, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION
DATE: AUGUST 26, 2025
SUBJECT: APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENTS OF NOMINEES TO THE 2025-2026
DOWNEY YOUTH COMMISSION
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Downey Youth Commission is comprised of 15 seats and it is entering its 15th year.
A total of 31 applications were received for 9 vacancies. Each Youth Commissioner entering grades 9-11 shall serve a two-year term and may be reappointed for up to one term of two years provided they continue to meet the eligibility requirements. Youth Commissioners in grade 12 are limited to a one-year term.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Approve the appointment of 9 applicants to the 2025-2026 Downey Youth Commission.
BACKGROUND
The Downey City Council formed the Downey Youth Commission in 2011 with the goals of:
- Leadership development
- Civic/local government education (including planning Student Government Day) - Provide input to the City Council regarding youth issues - Completion of annual assignments/priorities from the City Council
Similar to other City advisory commissions, the Downey Youth Commission is a volunteer advisory commission, and the Commissioners do not receive compensation for their time.
Each councilmember selects up to three applicants from their corresponding district to fill the maximum of three vacancies for each Council District. There are currently nine vacancies across all Council Districts. The City Council reviewed the applications and provided its recommendations for appointment.
APPROVAL OF APPOINTMENT OF NOMINEES TO THE 2025-2026 DOWNEY
YOUTH COMMISSION
AUGUST 26, 2025
PAGE 2
2 ANALYSIS
The following are the City Council nominees for the 2025-2026 Downey Youth Commission term:
Name Grade School District
1. Katelyn Castilla 11 Downey 1
2. Anabelle Labrin 12 Warren 2
3. Zuriel Serrano 10 Downey 2
4. Alexis Avalos 11 Downey 3
5. James Jimenez 12 Downey 3
6. Zoe Perez 11 Blue Ridge Academy 3
7. Jovana Gonzalez 10 St Josephs 4
8. Damaris Almazan 11 Warren 5
9. Alejandro Zepeda 10 Loyola 5
The Downey Youth Commission will convene on September 18, 2025 for their first meeting of the 2025-2026 term.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.