Public Engagement Commission Interviews — Goleta City Council, August 24, 2023

Agenda Item A.1

DISCUSSION/ACTION ITEM
Meeting Date: August 24, 2023

TO: Mayor and Councilmembers

FROM: Deborah S. Lopez, City Clerk

CONTACT: Liana Campos, Deputy City Clerk

SUBJECT: Public Engagement Commission Interviews

RECOMMENDATION:

A. Conduct candidate interviews for the Public Engagement Commission (Youth Member); and,
B. Appoint one candidate (Youth Member) to a term of up to two years, ending September, 2025.

BACKGROUND:

On June 6, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 23-04 creating Chapter 2.19 of the Goleta Municipal Code related to the City’s Public Engagement (PEC) Commission.

The role of the Public Engagement Commission is to advise the City Council and staff on matters related to public engagement in City government and governance. The Public Engagement Commission consists of seven members, and one member shall be a youth member who is at least 15 years old but not more than 18 years old at the time of appointment. The youth commissioner may serve up to a two -year term, as long as the youth remains available and a City of Goleta resident.

Kyle Yao, Youth Member , notified staff that he would continue to serve through September, however, since he will be moving out of the area, he will not seek an additional term to the Public Engagement Commission.

DISCUSSION:

There is an opportunity for the City Council to a ppoint a Candidate to the Public Engagement Commission (Youth Member) with a term ending September 2025.

Requests for app lications were published on the City’s website, Channel 19, the local adjudicated newspaper, the Monarch Press, GovDelivery, posted at the Jonny D. Wallis Park, social media sites (Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter) and advertised via a press release.
1 Meeting Date: August 24, 2023

2 The City received four applications for the vacancy and staff has confirmed the following interview times. All of the candidates will be 18 years old or younger as of the anticipated appointment date:

Scheduled Time

Candidates

Status
5:35 p.m. Hanting Huang Public Engagement Commission
5:50 p.m. Jessica Avila-Ruiz Public Engagement Commission 6:05 p.m. Gabriele Scussat Public Engagement Commission 6:20 p.m. Eamon Gordon Public Engagement Commission

This agenda item allows the City Council the opportunity to conduct interviews and recommend one nominee for Mayoral appointment to the Public Engagement Commission. Ratification of the Mayor’s appointments will come before the City Council on September 5, 2023.

FISCAL IMPACTS:

There is no direct fiscal impact of the appointment of members to the Public Engagement Commission.

ALTERNATIVES:

The City Council is under no obligation to m ake appointments at this time. The City Council could direct staff to reopen the recruitment and advertise for additional candidates.

Reviewed By: Legal Review By: Approved By:

___________________ ___________________ _________________ Kristine Schmidt Megan Garibaldi Robert Nisbet
Assistant City Manager City Attorney City Manager

Attachments:

1. Application – Hanting Huang

2. Application – Jessica Avila-Ruiz

3. Application – Gabriele Scussat

4. Application – Eamon Gordon

2 Attachment 1:

Application – Hanting Huang

3 Submit Date: Apr 29, 2023
First Name Middle Initial Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title Occupation
Application for appointment and background information for City of Goleta Boards, Commissions and Committees
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Public Engagement Commission: Submitted
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you reside in the City of Goleta?
Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, number of years in the City of Goleta:
11 Question applies to multiple boards
Are you currently serving on a City of Goleta Board, Commission or Committee? Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If your answer is yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Do you currently serve in any governmental position for any agency of government, whether as an employee, or appointed official or elected official? Yes No
Hanting Huang
Goleta CA
Hanting Huang
4 Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Specify your current or prior service on various boards, commissions or committees:

Santa Barbara County Education Office, Superintendent Salcido's Inaugural Student Advisory Council Question applies to multiple boards
Board Members/Commissioners are required to attend meetings on a regular basis. If appointed, will you be able to attend meetings regularly and devote the time necessary to fulfill your duties as a member?
Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you or immediate family members have any relationship (professional, financial, other) that may present a potential conflict of interest for this board, committee or commission? Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please explain.

Interests & Experiences
Question applies to multiple boards
Why are you interested in serving on a board, commission or committee? As a student leader at Dos Pueblos since Freshman Year (I am currently a Junior), I have always been involved in school and community activities, even throughout the pandemic. I am interested in serving on the public engagement committee to continue my involvement in the community on a larger scale.

Question applies to multiple boards
Describe your qualifications, experience, and education, and list any technical or professional requirements you have relative to the duties of the board, commission or committee to which you are applying.

I have been a elected as a class officer (secretary) since 8th grade, and will be continuing on as Dos Pueblos' ASB secretary of the 2023-2024 school year. As class secretary, I was tasked with taking notes during meetings, planning school events, and promote student engagement on campus. I had I believe that my experience with student engagement as a class officer at Dos Pueblos would allow me to be successful in the Public Engagement commissionership. Additionally, I was recommended and invited to become a student leader at the DPEA (Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy), which required me to plan community and hospitality events. I also serve on the SBCEO's Superintendent's Student Advisory Council, so I have experience working as a student advocate and leader in a more professional setting.

These positions have required and allowed me to become a more present, active, and involved member of the community.

Hanting Huang
5 Upload a Resume
Question applies to multiple boards
What are your goals in serving on the board, commission, or committee to which you are applying?
If I were on the Public Engagement commissionership, I would focus on promoting community engagement of teens in Goleta. I think it's important increase engagement of high schoolers in the local government, especially with the upcoming election in 2024. This could be done through workshops or other community events. I know that many teens would like to get more involved in their community, so I would like to help create these opportunities.

Question applies to multiple boards
Have you obtained any memberships in professional organizations? N/A
Question applies to multiple boards
What civic and/or volunteer activities have you participated in? You may include past or present activities.

Goleta LEAD Academy (Present) Moxi Summer Camps Volunteer Counsellor UCSB Summer Day Camp CIT SBCEO Inaugural Superintendent's Student Advisory Council (Present) DPHS Anti-Bias Task Force Leadership Team (Present)
Question applies to multiple boards
How did you hear about the position?
Kyle Yao recommended me to apply for this position.

Question applies to multiple boards
Have you attended meeting(s) or viewed meetings on the City's website (http://www.cityofgoleta.org/i-want-to/news-and-updates/government-meeting-agendas-and- videos) for the board, commission, or committee for which you are applying? Yes No
Demographics
Question applies to multiple boards
All Demographic information is optional.

Hanting Huang
6 Date of Birth
Ethnicity
None Selected
Gender
Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
File a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
Completion of the Code of Ethics and AB1234 Ethics Training:

I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
NOTES

ALL INFORMATION , EXCEPT PERSONAL DATA ENTERED IN THE PROFILE SECTION, IS

PUBLIC AND AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AND ON THE CITY'S WEBPAGE.

After an application has been submitted, a confirmation page will be displayed. If an email address has been provided, an email confirmation will be sent. IF A CONFIRMATION IS NOT DISPLAYED, PLEASE RE-SUBMIT OR CONTACT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AT (805) 961-7505.

Hanting Huang
7 Motivated and dedicated high school student with focus on community involvement and academic achievement.

Background in STEM through the DPEA and experience as a student leader through various elected and appointed
positions. I am currently hoping to pursue a higher
education and career in STEM after high school.

Education
August 2020 -
Present
Dos Pueblos High School at Goleta, CA
August 2020 -
Present
Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy (DPEA) at Goleta, CA
Key Skills
Volunteer
300+ Total Community Service Hours
DPEA 5S Program-Wide Organization | Summer 2021 - Summer 2022 MOXI Summer Camps | Summer 2022
UCSB Summer Day Camps | Summer 2022
Chemistry Curriculum Building Workshop | Summer 2022
Extracurricular Activities
Piano | 2014 - present
Club & Highschool Swim | 2016 - present
ESL Tutor | 2018-2020
Class Officer (Secretary) | 2020 - present
Asian Student Alliance | 2020 - present
DPEA Leadership | 2021 - present
Anti-Bias Task Force | 2022 - present
SBCEO Superintendent's Innaugral Student Advisory Council | 2022-present BPA Club Co-founder & Vice President | 2022 - present
Awards, Honors, & Achievements
National Honor Society (NHS) | 2022- present

HANTING
HUANG
Total Unweighted GPA: 3.91
Total Weighted GPA: 4.70
Academic Weighted GPA: 4.78
Engineering Technology CTE Pathway
Hands-on engineering experience
Organized
Adaptive
Good Communicator
Helped implement a new organizational system throughout the program.

Engage elementary school students in STEAM related projects.

Provide support to camp counselors during camp activities.

Application – Jessica Avila-Ruiz

10 Submit Date: May 08, 2023
First Name Middle Initial Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title Occupation
Application for appointment and background information for City of Goleta Boards, Commissions and Committees
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Public Engagement Commission: Submitted
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you reside in the City of Goleta?
Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, number of years in the City of Goleta:
17 Question applies to multiple boards
Are you currently serving on a City of Goleta Board, Commission or Committee? Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If your answer is yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Do you currently serve in any governmental position for any agency of government, whether as an employee, or appointed official or elected official? Yes No
Jessica Avila-Ruiz
Goleta CA
Jessica Avila-Ruiz
11 Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Specify your current or prior service on various boards, commissions or committees:

I have served on the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council for the sbunified district. In this council, I gave input on certain school matters, primarily concerning equality and opportunities for students in the district. I personally would gather information by inquiring fellow students and projecting their concerns and desires to the board as well as providing my own input and plans. I learned how to carefully and prudently craft various ideas to collectively include the diverse mindset that is the student body. The emphasis of unity is a significant since it’s a vital moral for a healthy community. I also participate in the cheer program at my high school, Dos Pueblos. I was on varsity this school year and learned the quality of organization and encouragement and its impact not only on others but myself. I will continue varsity cheer the following school year. I also served as a representative in my class for gathering and presenting information collected from monthly meetings with other students at the school. I did well because I was organized and curious on matters that concerned the student body and staff.

Question applies to multiple boards
Board Members/Commissioners are required to attend meetings on a regular basis. If appointed, will you be able to attend meetings regularly and devote the time necessary to fulfill your duties as a member?
Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you or immediate family members have any relationship (professional, financial, other) that may present a potential conflict of interest for this board, committee or commission? Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please explain.

Interests & Experiences
Question applies to multiple boards
Why are you interested in serving on a board, commission or committee? I am interested in serving because I have an ambition for the city of goleta to reflect its diversity and generosity. I think goleta is a great city and all its civilians deserve to be informed and welcomed to each event and gathering. Furthermore, I am driven and proud and would like to channel that by researching and acting upon the engagement of all people no matter their external and internal factors. For I desire the city to succeed and advance in morals and reputation. I believe I have the courage and courtesy to represent the people because I consider all ideas and thoughts. My morals are full of integrity and open for growth. I hope to be able to contribute to this city in and out the council, as I do now.

Jessica Avila-Ruiz
12 Upload a Resume
Question applies to multiple boards
Describe your qualifications, experience, and education, and list any technical or professional requirements you have relative to the duties of the board, commission or committee to which you are applying.

I am currently a junior at Dos Pueblos High School and have been successful by restricting frantic behavior and setting goals. I am bilingual and can speak English and Spanish.

Question applies to multiple boards
What are your goals in serving on the board, commission, or committee to which you are applying?
My goals are to represent and directly collect input from citizens to present at meetings. I hope to inquire as many people as possible to show care and welcome them to city wide events. I desire to become a better leader and serve all.

Question applies to multiple boards
Have you obtained any memberships in professional organizations? No, but I hope to do in the future.

Question applies to multiple boards
What civic and/or volunteer activities have you participated in? You may include past or present activities.

I have volunteered at the goleta boys and girls club, beautiful goleta and beautiful DP. These taught me patience and have allowed me to practice my ambition for a clean environment.

Question applies to multiple boards
How did you hear about the position?
Social media.

Question applies to multiple boards
Have you attended meeting(s) or viewed meetings on the City's website (http://www.cityofgoleta.org/i-want-to/news-and-updates/government-meeting-agendas-and- videos) for the board, commission, or committee for which you are applying? Yes No
Demographics
Jessica Avila-Ruiz
13 Date of Birth
Question applies to multiple boards
All Demographic information is optional.

Ethnicity
Gender
Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
File a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
Completion of the Code of Ethics and AB1234 Ethics Training:

I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
NOTES

ALL INFORMATION , EXCEPT PERSONAL DATA ENTERED IN THE PROFILE SECTION, IS

PUBLIC AND AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AND ON THE CITY'S WEBPAGE.

Jessica Avila-Ruiz
14 Jessica Avila-
Ruiz
Goleta, CA 93117
EXPER
IENCE
Goleta Boys and Girls Club, 5701 Hollister Ave —
Volunteer
JUNE 2020- PRESENT
● Interacted with and assisted Children and Staff in Projects, Activities, and Situations
Goodland Commercial Cleaning (Family Company), —
Sporadic Employee
2017 - PRESENT
● Dusting
● Trash Duty
● Cleaning Surfaces
Superintendent Student Advisory Group, — Student
Contributor
January 2022 - PRESENT
● Spoke about Student Centered Matters/ Concerns with the Santa Barbara Unified School District Superintendent
● Interacted with Students from Different Grades and Schools

EDUCATION
Dos Pueblos High School, 7266 Alameda Ave
AUGUST 2020 - PRESENT
● 4.4 GPA
● Expected Graduation - June 2024
● Qualified for National Honors Society
● 2023-24 Dos Pueblos Environmental Commissioner
● April 2021 Student of the Month
● AVID Student
● Varsity Cheer
● International Baccalaureate Student
● Dos Pueblos Young Life
● Maravilla Santa Barbara Server
● Beautify Goleta participant
SK
ILLS
● Bilingual (English &
Conversational Spanish)
● Proficient Technology
skills (Google apps, Social
Media)
● Critical Thinking &
Conflict Resolution
● Collaborative
● Self-Management
● Organizational
● Adaptability
● Emotional intelligence
● Decision Making Skills
● Self-Control
● Positive Attitude
● Courteous

REFERENCES
● Go
leta Boys and Girls Club
Director - Sean Savatt
○ (805) 967-1612
○ Ssavatt@unitedb
g.org
● AVID Teacher - Matt York
○ (805) 708-0874
○ [email protected]
bunified.org
● Goodland Commercial
Cleaning Company
Owner - Mario Avila
○ (805) 403-4682
15 Attachment 3:

Application – Gabriele Scussat

16 Submit Date: May 19, 2023
First Name Middle Initial Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title Occupation
Application for appointment and background information for City of Goleta Boards, Commissions and Committees
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Public Engagement Commission: Submitted
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you reside in the City of Goleta?
Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, number of years in the City of Goleta:
15 Question applies to multiple boards
Are you currently serving on a City of Goleta Board, Commission or Committee? Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If your answer is yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Do you currently serve in any governmental position for any agency of government, whether as an employee, or appointed official or elected official? Yes No
Gabriele A Scussat
Goleta CA
Gabriele A Scussat
17 Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Specify your current or prior service on various boards, commissions or committees:

For the last 2 years, I’ve been a part of Youth Making Change(YMC), a branch of the Fund for Santa Barbara (https://fundforsantabarbara.org/youth-making-change/ ). YMC is a youth-led non-profit organization that funds $15,000 each year to youth-led non-profit organizations. YMC funds organizations that are supporting progressive social change and tackling the root causes of issues in our community. All board members go through a competitive interview and selection process. YMC’s board is composed of myself and 19 other youth and meets twice a month to review and evaluate applicants in order to determine which organization should be funded. Last year, I was also on the board of Santa Barbara Sea Shell Association (SBSSA), a local non-profit sailing organization. I served as the historian and website manager. Furthermore, for the past 2.5 years I’ve been collaborating with the UCSB Cheadle Center for Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration. I took part in a coverboard project that monitors wildlife in the North Campus Open Space. Furthermore this year I was elected to be the Treasurer of the Investment Club at Dos Pueblos High School. As Treasurer, I overlook the clubs financing and prepare and present meetings.

Interests & Experiences
Question applies to multiple boards
Why are you interested in serving on a board, commission or committee? Although I didn’t know much about the role and function of a board at first, after conducting some research I became interested in serving on a board because of the opportunity it offers to grow and strengthen my leadership skills. A board position would also teach me how this community functions, expose me to different points of view, and learn what can be done in the community to make it a better place. In addition to that it would also offer me the opportunity to directly contribute toward improving the Goleta’s community I love so much and to play a role in ensuring the city can reach its goals and achieve its mission.

Gabriele A Scussat
18 Question applies to multiple boards
Describe your qualifications, experience, and education, and list any technical or professional requirements you have relative to the duties of the board, commission or committee to which you are applying.

I’m a sophomore at Dos Pueblos High School in the IB(International Baccalaureate) program who strives to take rigorous classes while staying involved with clubs. I believe that I’m qualified for this position because I’m a very serious, responsible, and committed person. When I make a commitment, I always strive to do my very best. Additionally, I’m very curious and love learning. Furthermore, my wide variety of experiences would show my love for the community and bring a wide variety of views to the table. I’ve also taken several classes at Santa Barbara City College.

Question applies to multiple boards
What are your goals in serving on the board, commission, or committee to which you are applying?
If I were to be elected on the board of Commissions of Engagement or Commissions of Parks and Recreation my goal would be to collaborate with the entire board and in order to leave a positive impact on the community. If I were elected on the Parks and Recreation Committee my goal would be to collaborate with the committee in order to ensure that recreational facilities are well maintained and to identify opportunities to increase community participation. As an example, given that pickleball has become so popular recently, I would like to propose to investigate the possibility of creating additional courts or installing lighting in existing courts. On the other hand, if I were elected to the Engagement Committee, I’d strive to make the entire community equally involved by targeting underrepresented groups. Doing so would allow the community to shape the future of Goleta.

Question applies to Parks and Recreation Commission
List your relevant experience as it relates to your experience in parks and recreation activities.

I’m very familiar with the Goleta parks and recreational structures because I’ve lived my entire life in Goleta and been part of a very social and outdoor family who always organized barbecues and birthday parties at the park (Goleta Beach, Stowe Grove, South Coast Railroad Museum, bike paths, etc.). In Elementary school I started getting exposed to the importance of managing recreationional structures. My school was involved in the maintenance of the North Barquero Open Space along with its playground.

This motivated me to get involved in the Restoration of the North Campus Open Space. For the last 2.5 years, I’ve been assisting UCSB with Ecological Restoration and research in that area. In fact, I was awarded best in fair at the Santa Barbara County Science Fair and went on to receive an honorable mention at the California State Science Fair for my research on wildlife in the North Campus Open Space.

Question applies to multiple boards
Have you obtained any memberships in professional organizations? After receiving a 5/5 on the AP Italian Exam, I was the recipient of a Scholarship given by the Italian Language Foundation (ILF).

Gabriele A Scussat
19 Upload a Resume
Question applies to multiple boards
What civic and/or volunteer activities have you participated in? You may include past or present activities.

Since kindergarten my elementary school (Goleta Family School) took part in the restoration of the Calle Barquero Open Space in Santa Barbara. After the construction of a playground, the surrounding area had been cleared of vegetation. This interference ended up causing problems to the ecosystem in the park and nearby creek. My school received a grant to replant native species throughout the park. My elementary school also took part in the Ocean Guardian School Program, managed by NOAA's Office of National Marine Sanctuaries. As part of this program, my school committed to protecting local watersheds, cleaning beaches in Goleta and Santa Barbara, and educating people about how to best protect the ocean. Additionally, I grew up by the North Campus Open Space and spent many hours biking, walking, and exploring. Over the years I’ve witnessed all the major changes in the area and I wanted to contribute to its restoration. I wanted to give back to a site that is special to me. I also had read the article, “The human impact on biological diversity” published by Philip Hunter in 2007 that discussed how animals and plants respond to artificial environments. I found the article very fascinating so as soon as I found out that UCSB was starting a coverboard project in North Campus Open Space I reached out and soon began assisting The Cheadle Center of Biodiversity and Ecological Restoration with their handling of the restoration project. I focused on the North Campus Open Space wildlife and investigated to what extent it had recovered over time after the right conditions were established. With my findings I went on to win the California Science Fair, apply for Broadcom Master, and get a recognition at the California State Science Fair. Additionally, for the second year I’m a board member of Youth Making Change (YMC), an organization of the FUND For Santa Barbara for youth. YMC is a youth-led non-profit organization that promotes progressive social change via grant giving. I’ve also been a board member of the Santa Barbara Sea Shell Association, a non-profit that teaches children to sail.

Question applies to multiple boards
How did you hear about the position?
I first heard about the positions through an email from the Dos Pueblos High School principal. It intrigued me so I did more research on the City of Goleta website and talked to a friend (Sarah Dent) who had the pleasure of serving on the Park and Recreation committee last year. I also watched some of the latest meetings for the Parks and Recreation Committee and Engagement Committee and was left intrigued.

Gabriele A Scussat
20 Date of Birth
Ethnicity
Gender
Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
File a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
Completion of the Code of Ethics and AB1234 Ethics Training:

I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
NOTES

ALL INFORMATION , EXCEPT PERSONAL DATA ENTERED IN THE PROFILE SECTION, IS

PUBLIC AND AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AND ON THE CITY'S WEBPAGE.

Gabriele A Scussat
21 Attachment 4:

Application – Eamon Gordon

22 Submit Date: May 26, 2023
First Name Middle Initial Last Name
Email Address
Street Address Suite or Apt
City State Postal Code
Primary Phone Alternate Phone
Employer Job Title Occupation
Application for appointment and background information for City of Goleta Boards, Commissions and Committees
Profile
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Public Engagement Commission: Submitted
Question applies to multiple boards
Do you reside in the City of Goleta?
Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, number of years in the City of Goleta:
7 Question applies to multiple boards
Are you currently serving on a City of Goleta Board, Commission or Committee? Yes No
Question applies to multiple boards
If your answer is yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Do you currently serve in any governmental position for any agency of government, whether as an employee, or appointed official or elected official? Yes No
Eamon K Gordon
Goleta CA
Eamon K Gordon
23 Question applies to multiple boards
If yes, please specify.

Question applies to multiple boards
Specify your current or prior service on various boards, commissions or committees:

I have not currently served on any boards with the City of Goleta.

Interests & Experiences
Question applies to multiple boards
Why are you interested in serving on a board, commission or committee? Since a young age, I have always taken a keen interest in leadership. From serving in student government in fourth grade to founding a financial education non-profit, I have always sought opportunities to help people and further causes about which I am passionate. I take a particular interest in the communication aspect of leadership, which is central to the role of a public engagement commissioner.

Student engagement in government, particularly at the local level, is chronically low. However, with my experience in outreach and public-facing media, I feel that I am uniquely suited to inspire student interest and feedback in city affairs.

Eamon K Gordon
24 Question applies to multiple boards
Describe your qualifications, experience, and education, and list any technical or professional requirements you have relative to the duties of the board, commission or committee to which you are applying.

Since elementary school, I have been highly active in student government, serving as an officer and representative. In my most recent leadership role at the Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy, I represented a class of 30 in the student senate, soliciting student feedback and coordinating events. My most fulfilling leadership experiences have been in Boy Scout Troop 26, to which I have belonged for the past five years. After serving numerous other roles such as webmaster and den chief (a recruiting role), I have assumed the position of Senior Patrol Leader, which has been greatly rewarding. During my tenure, I have run weekly meetings, planned trips, and coordinated volunteer opportunities, such as flag ceremonies and service projects. Having been elected by members of the troop, I have also worked diligently to incorporate the suggestions and concerns of other scouts. The managerial skills required in this role have given me a newfound perspective on working with others, which I believe will be beneficial to my work with the commission. In addition to leadership roles in school and youth organizations, I have also served as the president and founder of Financedu.org, a 501(c)(3)-pending non-profit that offers a free online course and interactive resources designed to close the “knowledge equity gap” in financial literacy that has exacerbated economic inequality. We have pledged to offer all of our materials free of charge to all. Developing the curriculum has required extensive feedback from others and I have also gained experience in navigating legal requirements through the process of incorporating and obtaining non-profit status. I have also created prospectorminerals.com, a comprehensive mineralogy resource, database, and photo gallery. In addition to programming and developing a complex web application, I have actively managed social media accounts with thousands of followers. Like other positions, my role as the site owner has involved extensive communication with others through social media, email, and reference articles. All of the leadership roles I’ve assumed thus far have required public-facing outreach and materials; I look forward to applying these skills to my activities with the public engagement commission.

Question applies to multiple boards
What are your goals in serving on the board, commission, or committee to which you are applying?
My foremost priority is the engagement of youth members in city affairs. I'd like to use my web development skills to develop a public portal comprised of two major components: a collection of curated civic resources (e.g. the structure of city government, commissions, and councils, as well as redistricting maps and other political processes), as well as a form where Goleta citizens can conveniently submit concerns to the commission or city council for review. This website would seek to aggregate information from numerous non-profit organizations and government agencies (e.g. the California SOS and Santa Barbara County Clerk, Recorder, and Assessor), including the City of Goleta's recently redesigned website. In addition to developing an online platform, I would also seek to improve student engagement by expanding the city's media presence in youth-oriented outlets, such as my high school's student journalism program and social media. Through regular updates and notes, I would ensure that the activities of the commission are given appropriate publicity and that residents are encouraged to offer feedback.

Question applies to multiple boards
Have you obtained any memberships in professional organizations? While I have not obtained any memberships in labor organizations, I do have memberships in two major honor societies, including the National Honor Society and Order of the Arrow (Boy Scouts).

Eamon K Gordon
25 Date of Birth
Question applies to multiple boards
What civic and/or volunteer activities have you participated in? You may include past or present activities.

I first heard about this position through a press release by the City of Goleta via Noozhawk and gained further insight from my classmate and current youth public engagement commissioner, Kyle Yao. After his thorough description of the roles and activities of a public engagement commissioner, I was inspired to apply.

Ethnicity
Gender
- Boy Scout Troop 26 - I have continually volunteered in the troop since joining in 2018, accumulating over 50 service hours through flag ceremonies, parade assistance, food drives, trash cleanup, trail maintenance, conservancy work, and more. - Santa Barbara County Public Health Department - developed PowerPoint presentations and organized records. - Santa Barbara Track Club - spent over 50 hours in facility maintenance for the German National Track Team hosted at Westmont. - Best Day Foundation - assisted in providing children with special needs adventure experiences.

Upload a Resume
Question applies to multiple boards
How did you hear about the position?
Eamon K Gordon
26 Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
File a Statement of Economic Interest (Form 700)
I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
Please Agree with the Following Statement
Completion of the Code of Ethics and AB1234 Ethics Training:

I Agree
Question applies to multiple boards
NOTES

ALL INFORMATION , EXCEPT PERSONAL DATA ENTERED IN THE PROFILE SECTION, IS

PUBLIC AND AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING AT THE CITY CLERK'S OFFICE AND ON THE CITY'S WEBPAGE.

Eamon K Gordon
27 ABOUT
Hello! Since a young age, I’ve always been interested in leadership, beginning with a role in student government in fourth grade. I’ve taken on a number of leadership roles since then, but the values that guide my service have remained the same. I’m passionate about working collaboratively to tackle issues, and committed to interfacing with stakeholders - all in order to reach consensus and forge solutions.

EXPERIENCE
Founder & President, Financedu.org — 2022 - present
Created a 501(c)(3) pending non-proﬁt that oﬀers a cost-free ﬁnancial education course and resources for youth online.

Senior Patrol Leader & Eagle Candidate Boy Scout Troop 26 — 2023-present Served as the senior leader of a scouting troop. Increased active membership from 28 to 35, coordinated involvement in local community events, ceremonies, parades, and service projects.

Student Senator — 2021-2022
Dos Pueblos High School
Dos Pueblos Engineering Academy
Represented a class of 30 in student government, served as a liaison between administration and students, communicated information and planned events.

Founder & Owner, Prospectorminerals.com — 2019 - present Created a comprehensive mineralogy resource, database, and photo gallery.

Programmed and developed a complex web application, and actively managed social media accounts with thousands of followers.

EDUCATION
Dos Pueblos High School, Class of 2025
Goleta Valley Junior High School, 2021
Kellogg Elementary School, 2019
AWARDS
Cross Country Athlete of the Year, Santa Barbara Athletic Roundtable — 2023 Order of The Arrow, Scouts BSA — 2023
Cross-Country MVP, Dos Pueblos High School — 2021 & 2022 1st place Mathematics, Broadcom MASTERS National STEM Competition — 2021 National Honor Society — 2021-present

EAMON GORDON
Santa Barbara, CA
SKILLS
Communication & Outreach
Web Development &
Maintenance
Public Relations & Media
Presence

INTERESTS
Politics & Government
Economics
Programming & Web
Development
Mineralogy
Distance Running

ACADEMICS

4.96 GPA
4 AP Courses & 3 Dual
Enrollment Courses
28

Goleta City CouncilAugust 24, 2023

Goleta City Council
August 24, 2023