City of Sacramento
City Council - 5PM Report
915 I Street Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
File ID: 2025-01352 7/22/2025
2025 Summer at City Hall (S@CH) Student Presentations
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Receive and file reports from the 2025 Summer @ City Hall students related to:
1) Food Deserts (Dine Without Borders)
2) Project Phoenix - Sexual Assault Awareness (Jade Dragonz) 3) Project C.A.R.E. - Mental Health Isolation (Pink Starfish) 4) Streets of Silence: Breaking the Cycle of Violence (Voices Against Violence) 5) Environmental Pollution (Roar & Restore)
6) Intoxicated Driving & How it Affects Youth (Students Against Intoxicated Driving: SAID) 7) Youth Empowerment & Independence (The Violet Voice)
8) Youth for a Greener Tomorrow (Golden Grizzlies)
9) Parent Substance Abuse (The Black Bears)
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected]; Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment Presenter: Summer @ City Hall Link Crews
1) Dine Without Boarders
2) Jade Dragonz
3) Pink Starfish
4) Voices Against Violence
5) Roar & Restore
6) Students Against Intoxicated Driving (SAID)
7) The Violet Voice
8) Golden Grizzlies
9) The Black Bears
File ID: 2025-01352 7/22/2025
Item 1.1: Dine Without Borders: Food Deserts
Item 1.2: Jade Dragonz: Project Pheonix - Sexual Assault Awareness Item 1.3: Pink Starfish: Project C.A.R.E - Mental Health Isolation Item 1.4: Voices Against Violence: Streets of Silence: Breaking the Cycle of Violence Item 1.5: Roar & Restore: Environmental Pollution
Item 1.6: Students Against Intoxicated Driving (SAID): Intoxicated Driving: How it Affects Youth Item 1.7: The Violet Voice: Youth Empowerment & Independence Item 1.8: Golden Grizzlies: Youth for a Greener Tomorrow Item 1.9: The Black Bears: Parent Substance Abuse
Item 2: Summer At City Hall 2025 Presentations
Attachments:
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: Food Deserts
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
Dine Without Borders
Raghav Misra, 10th grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Preparatory Abdullah Mazhar, 12th grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Preparatory Sulaiman Sultani, 10 grade, Natomas High School
Isabella Rodriguez, 10th, Leroy Greene Academy
Anaya Franklin, 10th grade, Inderkum High School
Shane Heiser, 10th grade, CK McClatchy
Mathavy Chanthala, 11th Grade, Grant Union High School
Anuveer Kaur, 11th Grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Preparatory Crystal Perez, 10th Grade, School of Engineering and Sciences Nawidullah Zhwak, 10th Grade, Rosemont Highschool
PEER MENTORS
Sapir Cohen, 12th Grade, Rosemont High School
Grace Gao, 11th Grade, John F. Kennedy High School
TEACHER
Chris Manning, Year 2 Teacher.
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Flyer
3-Survey Results (TO BE ADDED)
Description Analysis:
The Dine Without Borders project is based around advocacy towards the issue of food deserts as well as showing the impact food deserts have on certain areas.
A food desert is a phenomenon that occurs in urban areas where it is challenging to purchase affordable or good-quality fresh food, and/or there are no grocery stores with fresh food available within a 1-mile radius of residents in said area. In food deserts, residents rely on convenience stores and fast-food restaurants when they’re hungry, but these places lack healthy options.
Historically, underrepresented racial and ethnic groups have been redlined. Redlining refers to the process of classifying areas where there are minorities as red zones, or areas of high economic risk and low potential, limiting the amount of investment and job opportunities. Redlining creates a situation where businesses may be doubtful of putting large investments into these areas. These investments could create homes, jobs, and, importantly, grocery stores. Usually, only smaller stores and establishments are found in these neighborhoods as a result, such as fast-food chains and gas stations, as they could handle losses better. This has been the trend for many years, and while redlining has become illegal, its effects still echo in these communities to this day.
The issue with only convenience stores and fast food being available in communities is that the health issues their foods bring can become a major component in health issues, such as diabetes and high cholesterol levels.
This is where the Dine Without Borders project comes into action. We plan on creating changes such as extending food programs, I.E. Lunch at the Library, WalkSacramento, and projects such as community gardens. While a main concern to this solution is the financial costs of implementing this, most programs already have an existing structure, meaning the costs will not be too steep. Some programs could even pay for themselves after a while, such as community gardens.
Community gardens are publicly owned spaces, where anyone can come and help with growing fruits and vegetables. This not only helps with social unity but also provides a cost-free way for people to eat healthy food. Furthermore, surplus food can be sold at local farmers markets, where the money garnered from these sales can pay for the operating price of the community gardens as well as other food programs.
Overall, healthy food is a necessity, and should be treated as such, since healthy food is fundamental to the growth of future generations.
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: Project Pheonix (Sexual Assault Awareness)
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
Jade Dragonz
Ja’Nyah Cinkan, Rising 10th Grader, John F. Kennedy
Isaiah Saucedo, Rising 12th Grader, Rio Linda High School Leroy Yee, Rising 11th Grader, John F. Kennedy
Briseis Belton, Rising 11th Grader, Leroy Greene Academy Tobias Carnes, Rising 12th Grader, The Met Sacramento
Bryan Ye, Rising 11th Grader, Sheldon High School
Amahjinae Bonton-Morgan, Rising 10th Grader, Grant Union High School Jadeyn Daniel, Rising 12th Grader, Discovery High School Danielsantiago Garcia, rising 10th Grader, CKM McClatchy High School
PEER MENTORS
Sofia Hawarneh, Rising 12th grader, Inderkum High School Niyati Sista, Graduate, Inderkum High School
TEACHER
Chris Manning, Year 2 teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Outreach Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis:
Project Phoenix - Symbolizing rising from the past, reclaiming strength from past traumatic experiences.
Sexual assault remains a major issue nationwide, impacting both young minors and young adults. In Sacramento County alone, there were over 1,100 reported rape cases between 2019 and 2023, with rates nearly six times higher than the national average.
Though sexual assault and harassment are similar, there is a difference between the two. Sexual assault is being touched, groped, and anything physical. Sexual harassment is having sexual comments made towards you (catcalling), and sexualizing another’s appearance (such as body, face etc.) Many incidents—especially among unhoused individuals—go unreported, leaving countless survivors without access to the support they need and justice unserved.
To address this, we plan to raise awareness by designing digital flyers and sharing them on social media platforms to engage our community and spark important conversations.
We also aim to connect with individuals willing to share their experiences or concerns through a survey, which will include an option for participants to indicate if they’re open to being interviewed. Additionally, we are partnering with organizations like WEAVE Inc., My Sister’s House, and the Sacramento County SAFE Center to ensure our messaging is informed, impactful, and sensitive to the needs of survivors.
We are asking the city council to review our flyers, print them, and distribute them at city-hosted events. If additional support is ever needed, we’ve also provided a list of organizations they can contact for further resources or potential collaboration at community events. Each flyer will feature a QR code linking to a Linktree, giving quick access to hotline numbers, counseling services, and other vital resources for those seeking help or information.
This project highlights a topic that is often misunderstood or ignored, yet it deeply affects youth in our community. For example, in 2019, only 13% of adult sexual assault cases investigated by the Sacramento County Sheriff’s Department resulted in an arrest, underscoring the importance of advocacy and awareness. Another piece of evidence from Proquest.com shows data in 2019 Sacramento County reported 407 sexual report cases, but only 239 that were fully processed. Our mission is to create a safe and mindful environment where survivors feel empowered to speak out and where our community becomes more educated and proactive in supporting them. We’re also collaborating with survivors and advocates to host events that amplify voices and promote healing. In conclusion we believe that awareness leads to action for all victims, our team hopes to create a community that prioritizes safety, healing, and justice.
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: The Effects of Isolation on Teens’ Mental Health
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
Pink Starfish
Alyssa Calderon, 11th Grade, Leroy Greene Academy
Jasmeet Kaur Cheema, 10th Grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School Mariely Gutierrez, 12th Grade, Hiram Johnson High School Mahir Hasan, 10th Grade, Inderkum High School
Harshvir Gill, 11th Grade, Inderkum High School
Brydan Nguyen, 10th Grade, Inderkum High School
Julianna Hernandez, 11th Grade, Luther Burbank High School Emily Vong, 12th Grade, California Virtual Academies @ Sutter
PEER MENTORS
Isaiah Nathaniel, 12th, Rosemont High School
Morgen Flournoy, 11th, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep
TEACHER
Chris Manning, Year 2 teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Outreach Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
4-Billboard – TO BE ADDED
5-Website – TO BE ADDED
6-Instagram – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis
C.A.R.E
Connection, Awareness, Resources, Education
In Sacramento, about one in five kids are dealing with a mental health disorder. That’s roughly 71,800 young people facing challenges like feeling isolated, living in unstable homes, and dealing with unhealthy habits. Without enough support or connection, these problems can worsen and lead to falling behind in life.
One big reason for this rise in mental health issues is the COVID-19 pandemic. Many teens missed up to two years of school and were stuck at home, missing out on crucial social time with friends and teachers. This wasn’t just about missing entertaining events like prom or sports games. It’s about missing the chance to grow both emotionally and socially, to feel not only seen but to feel important. Those years are a key part of learning how to build relationships and gain a sense of belonging.
Studies show that since the pandemic, teens have been interacting less face-to-face and more online, which can actually increase feelings of loneliness and anxiety. Being online can’t replace a real human connection. Many young people feel more alone than ever before, and the effects are showing up as higher rates of depression and anxiety.
Our team, The Pink Starfish, wanted to understand the challenges that Sacramento teens face. We created a survey and launched an Instagram account, Proj3ct.Care, to reach out and hear directly from young people. What we found confirmed that teens need safe spaces to talk, connect, and support each other. That’s why we’re asking the city council for help.
Our action plan is to create a youth-led peer support system that's focused on improving teens' mental health in Sacramento. Our “C.A.R.E” program is focused on 4 core values: Connection, Awareness, Resources, and Education. We believe that all teens deserve not only to have a safe space but be able to foster real connections and end stigma towards certain topics. Our goal is to gain funding through Measure L, a Sacramento children's fund that's focused on providing funding for children and youth in Sacramento. The main values of this Measure L are to create positive youth development and violence prevention, which we believe aligns with our program's goals.
We also wish to use Measure U, a general-purpose tax, that is focused on improving the quality of life in Sacramento, including creating stronger community programs. We wish to request that the city uses resources to have access to C.A.R.E in community centers, libraries, And other city establishments., where we will host the youth peer support group. Ideally held at teen centers within Sacramento, to ensure that our resources are accessible to all in need.
This program stands apart because it’s led by young people themselves. It’s about creating a space where teens feel they belong and have a voice, rather than just a place to hang out. Right now, Sacramento’s youth need this more than ever. We believe that with the right support, teens can heal from the effects of the pandemic and grow stronger together. Waiting any longer could cost even more young people their chance to thrive. That’s why we’re ready to act now, and we hope the city will not only support us but join us.
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: Youth Empowerment and Independence
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
Voices Against Violence
Anjana Kolli, 10th grade, Mira Loma High School
Sambriddi Adhikari, 12th Grade, Inderkum High School
Journey Merrill, 11th grade, John F Kennedy High School Jaden David 12th Grade, Westlake Charter High School
Christian Garcia 10th Grade, Rosemont High School
Kelvin A. Rivera 12th Grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep High School Isabel Barajas 11th Grade, Westlake Charter High School Monalie Dore 10th Grade, School of Engineering and Sciences
PEER MENTORS
Hussein Almuslimawi, 11th grade, Valley High School
Sriom Karthic, 12th Grade, Westlake Charter High School
TEACHER
Ms. Carrissah Calvin, Year 1 teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
4-Billboard – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis:
As cities grow and change, they face many challenges that affect the people living there. Sacramento, known for its rich culture and diversity, is facing a serious problem with rising violent crime rates. This increase in violence not only puts the safety of its residents at risk but also endangers the city’s youth. Many young people are finding themselves in dangerous situations, making it crucial to understand the causes of this violence and to create effective solutions that support young individuals, helping to build a safer community for everyone.
In 2024, Sacramento saw a troubling rise in its violent crime rate, going beyond the national average and making the city one of the less safe places to live in the United States. This situation is especially alarming because it highlights a growing problem with street violence that is affecting more and more neighborhoods. The consequences of this violence are particularly serious for young people, as many are exposed to harmful and frightening environments that can have lasting impacts on their lives.
Street violence refers to various acts of harm that people inflict on one another in public places. This culture of violence creates fear and insecurity in the community, making young people feel unsafe and vulnerable. For example, Sacramento’s gun homicide rate jumped by over 20% in 2024, while the overall homicide rate increased by about 21%. These numbers are not just statistics; they represent real lives lost and families deeply affected by this crisis. Additionally, there has been a noticeable rise in the number of youths involved in violent crimes since 2023, emphasizing the need to address this urgent issue.
Living in a violent environment can lead to many negative behaviors in young people, such as increased aggression, anxiety, and feelings of hopelessness. According to a study by the National Institute of Justice, nearly 60% of children exposed to violence exhibit symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can severely affect their mental health. Such circumstances can hinder their growth and development, making it harder for them to build healthy relationships and pursue their education. The psychological effects of living in a violent community can be severe, impacting their ability to succeed and thrive in life.
Recognizing how widespread this problem is, our team is committed to taking proactive steps to raise awareness and provide important resources to help young people develop in a positive way. The City of Sacramento has taken certain steps towards this issue such as creating a grant program, Measure L, which funds multiple youth-led programs that address various issues within Sacramento, one of them being violence prevention. As crucial as this initiative is, we do not believe that it is enough to address this issue among youth as there is a lot more that needs to be done in order to create a lasting impact on the young people of Sacramento.
One of the main strategies we are using to spread awareness about this is the distribution of outreach flyers. These flyers are designed to share important information and resources related to street violence, offering guidance and support to those in need.
The flyers are a vital way to educate the community about the dangers of street violence and the help available to fight against it. We also plan to put up billboards in key areas across the city as a powerful visual tool to grab attention and inform the public about the resources available for combating youth violence. We ask for the council to help us spread awareness on this crucial topic by putting up our flyers and billboards throughout their districts. Additional outreach efforts, such as hosting a booth at events hosted by the council members is a great way the city can engage with the community first hand and spread awareness about the importance of this topic. Through these efforts, we aim to promote a better understanding of the challenges Sacramento’s youth face and encourage community involvement in the quest for safer neighborhoods.
The increasing rates of violence in Sacramento are not just numbers—they represent the lives of young people and families impacted by this crisis. As a community, we must unite to tackle these challenges, raise awareness, and provide support for our youth. By launching outreach initiatives and encouraging conversations about street violence, we can create pathways for positive change and work towards a safer, more secure environment for all residents. Together, we can strive to build a future where every young person can thrive, equipped with the opportunities they deserve.
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: Environmental Pollution
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
Roar & Restore
Alamjeet Kandola, 10th Grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Grant Wong, 12th Grade, John F. Kennedy HS
Peiqi Lin, 10th Grade, Rosemont High School
Cole Ballard, 12th Grade, C.K. McClatchy HS
Hania Shakeel, 12th Grade, Natomas High School
Isabelle DeGeorge, 10th grade, Rio Linda High School
Nafeesah Mahmood (April), 12th Grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Amroz Gill, 11th Grade, Inderkum High School
Camila Elias Parra 10th Grade, Natomas High School
Peer Mentors
Dharmi Singareddy, 11th Grade, Natomas Pacific Pathways Prep Camille Dixon, 11th Grade, Cava Sutter High School
Amanda Kwong, 11th Grade, Christian Brothers High School
Teacher
Carrissah Calvin, Year 1 Teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis:
It is no secret that water pollution is very prominent in Sacramento. Also, 3 of California’s most important rivers: The Sacramento River, the American River, and the San-Joaquin River, run through Sacramento. Keeping these rivers clean is necessary in order to have access to clean water resources.
Our proposal is for the City of Sacramento to partner with existing environmental organizations to raise awareness about water pollution and encourage active public involvement. We would like the city to organize regular river clean-up events with city support to increase participation and visibility.
Water pollution is caused by a variety of human activities that bring and create harmful substances into rivers, lakes, and other sources of water. Things like industrial waste, pesticides, sewage, discharges, oil spills, plastics, and hazardous materials are among these items. These pollutants have toxic chemicals, heavy metals, and toxic inhalants.
These all result in serious effects. It can damage aquatic habitats, which could kill marine life, reducing marine biodiversity. It can harm us humans by creating toxic inhalants, unsafe water to drink, it can contain pollutants that can harm our farmlands, crops, and grasslands, as well as wildlife. This can also increase water treatment costs.
The widespread issue that is pollution within Sacramento is quite damaging to the environment, due to the fact that Sacramento experiences 38% more water pollution than the rest of California. Putting it in the 38th percentile. This is an issue all across Sacramento within the central city community plan, as well as across Arden and Fruitridge CPAs. This has led to habitat degradation involving smog during the summer, affecting everyone.
Some programs and laws that are already in place in Sacramento to help combat this issue are the Sacramento Stormwater Quality Partnership. This program aims to implement public education, storm drain marking, business inspections, and pollution reporting tools. Another program is the City of Sacramento Stormwater Quality Improvement Program. This program aims to reduce pollution from construction site activities, industrial environments, illegal spillage and dumps, illicit connections, new developments, and government services. In addition to these programs, a law written in the Sacramento Code of Ordinances, specifically chapter 8.112.020, forbids depositing sewage, greywater, garbage, or hazardous materials into waterways, docks, piers, or shores. These programs and laws are set in place; however, they are not enforced or acknowledged. This leads to our water resources getting soiled and being polluted despite these programs and law efforts. This can also cause unsanitary resources such as recycled drinking water, stormwater drains, and impure tap and garden water. This can cause drastic sicknesses citywide, dying trees and plants because of these impurities, which leads to an unhealthy environment.
Methylmercury: This toxic substance is a byproduct of historical gold mining activities in the region. It poses serious health risks to both humans and wildlife, particularly fish that accumulate mercury in their bodies.
Microplastics: Research indicates that the Sacramento River is affected by microplastics, which come from various sources, including the erosion of rubber tires and plastic waste. These tiny particles can harm aquatic life and enter the food chain.
Agricultural Pesticides: The use of pesticides in farming is prevalent in the Central Valley, where the Sacramento River is located. These chemicals can run off into the river, contributing to water quality issues. In 2017, over 200 million pounds of agricultural pesticides were reported to be used in the Central Valley! Sewage Overflow:
There are instances of sewage overflow that lead to elevated levels of E. coli in the water, which can pose health risks to recreational users and wildlife.
The Sacramento River is considered one of the dirtiest rivers in the United States, with ongoing pollution challenges affecting its ecological health and the safety of its waters for recreational use. Close to 31% of California's water runoff comes from the Sacramento River, showing its importance for both agricultural and urban water supply.
There have been attempts to reduce pollution, only some success, such as the removal of 79 river miles from the list of water bodies impaired by diazinon, a pesticide, due to community and regulatory efforts.3
In conclusion, the current programs and regulations in effect are inadequate in accommodating the abundance of hazardous wastes and debris that plague Sacramento’s waterways. Although we acknowledge the efforts that have already been made to enforce and reduce waste in waterways, they are, in their current state, ineffective. Therefore, we must take action, raise community awareness, and establish events where the neighborhoods can come together and make a change.
Resources:
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/waterrights/water_issues/programs/drought/sacrament o_river/docs/2025/2025-final-tmp-with-transmittal.pdf
https://www.waterboards.ca.gov/board_info/agendas/2025/feb/020425_6_edrpt.pdf https://www.globalelr.com/2025/03/the-state-of-california-water-in-2025/ https://earth5r.org/pollution-in-the-sacramento-river-and-hope-for-its-future/ https://www.epa.gov/sfbay-delta/feather-and-sacramento-rivers-watersheds
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: Intoxicated Driving – How it Affects Youth
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
GROUP NAME -
Students Against Intoxicated Driving (SAID)
STUDENT LIST -
Luna Cazares Torres, 12th Grade, The Met Sacramento High School Fatimah Kadhim, 10th Grade, Rio Linda High School
Christopher Elwood, 11th Grade SES High School
Krishma Mirzaee, 11th Grade, Sheldon High School
Alexander Avila, 11th Grade, Inderkum High School
MaryClaire Igwegbe, 12th Grade, Westlake Charter High School Gabriel Lopez,12th Grade, SAVA High School
David Garcia, 12th Grade, Discovery High School
PEER MENTORS
Rose Lemus, 11th Grade, CK McClatchy High School
Dylan Yi, 12th Grade, Jesuit High School
TEACHER
Carrissah Calvin, Year 1 Teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis:
Throughout the years, drunk driving is an issue in Sacramento that has not been getting better. Studies show that there have been problems in Sacramento that involve drunk driving, and they are not slowing down. Some have referred to sources to prove that DUI and specifically Intoxicated driving is an issue within the city of Sacramento.
According to Sacramento Bee News, “Sacramento is one of the worst cities for drunk driving. The capital city was No. 2 on LendingTree’s list of the 10 Worst Cities for Drunken Driving in the United States in 2024.” The list that LendingTree provides a statistic, per 1000 drivers 1.31 are intoxicated in some way. This information puts the city of Sacramento at the second spot for cities with the highest DUI rates in the U.S putting us below Raleigh, NC (1.46), and above Los Angeles, CA. These facts prove our point that DUI cases are an occurring problem inside the city of Sacramento.
Another source -Pine Grove Behaviour and Addiction Services- says, “Alcohol alters your perceptions and causes you to misjudge how impaired you are.” This quote provides a reason for the reason why DUI lead to crashes and evidently fatality with people around the intoxicated driver. The Pine Grove Behaviour and Addiction Services explains that when someone is under the influence, they are not aware of themselves fully, which is the factor that leads to each and every case involving someone being intoxicated behind the wheel. This revelation allowed us to understand the problem and brainstorm solutions (later in the report).
According to RMD Law they state, “Most of the DUI-related crashes in Sacramento for 2021 and 2022 resulted in some visible injury, with 286 cases of severe injuries.
Meanwhile, there were 89 cases of fatalities.” RMD is telling us that there are a lot of people getting hurt and inevitably dying because of the DUI related crashes, endangering the young, adult, and senior population of the city of Sacramento. As talked about before, the fact that someone has alcohol in their system means they are not able to control the wheel as well as they think. drivers go into their vehicle without thinking about how impaired they are. Leading to the statistics shown of 286 cases involving injury and 89 cases ending in unfortunate and unnecessary fatalities.
With the data analyzed above we come to the conclusion that we as a community must do more to combat intoxicated driving- especially involving the youth. As S.A.I.D, we plan to bring this issue to the City Council as we believe our action plans of flyers, awareness booths at local farmers market events, and sobriety checkpoints will promote more cautiousness from teens about drinking before driving and forcing them to reconsider their potentially dangerous choices. Finally, our most ambitious goal is to get into contact with SacRT and bring their attention toward the safety of drivers on the road by allowing intoxicated individuals into designated buses such as: The “SmaRT ride” system and the Sac Flex cars that are being implemented. Allowing drunk people into the system of public transportation will be a significant change in the DUI and drunk driving problem.
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: Youth Empowerment and Independence
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
THE VIOLET VOICE
Mariah Taylor, 10th Grade School of Engineering and Sciences Griffin Thoma, 11th Grade West Campus High School
Rowan Benkert, 11th Grade C.K. McClatchy Senior High School Manahal Wasim, 10th Grade Natomas High School
Sophia Basco, 11th Grade Inderkum High School
Rawae El Fellah, 12th Grade Valley High School
Maryam Khalid, 10th Grade NP3 High School
Easton Swift, 10th Grade Leroy Greene Academy
Leanna Castillo, 11th grade, Sava Charter High School
PEER MENTORS
Sarthak Sharma, 11th Grade NP3 High School
Tanya Gadhia, 11th Grade NP3 High School
TEACHER
Lori Blankenship, Year 1 Teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis:
Youth Empowerment and Independence aims to address the lack of awareness of resources towards youth that assist them in achieving independence by providing existing programs that are essential to youth independence from ages 13-19 (e.g. jobs, necessities, transportation, food). In Youth Empowerment and Independence, it is recognized that there is a lack of awareness for resources, supplies, and necessities that many peers of our own experience. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 7% of teens from ages 16-19 are not enrolled in school and/or are unemployed in Sacramento.
Alongside that, a majority of our peers do not have access to a trusted adult/counselor that can provide or inform of effective programs and organizations available to them. This reveals a problem that possibly puts the youth in tougher positions to find and get access to resources, as they are not aware of community programs where they can find existing necessities that are at their expense.
While programs like Sac RT, the Sacramento Public Library, SETA and more serve as impactful solutions, they do not include all criteria of necessities, transportation, experience, and education in one resource. This forces youth to actively seek out resources, which serves as a hindrance instead of these resources being conveniently on hand for them. Youth Empowerment and Independence will strive to make these resources more prevalent, appreciable, and accessible by making a website and Instagram account that takes all of these resources similar to summer at city hall and consolidates them in an accessible hub of information.
If there were an existing resource with all these resources in one, it is significantly easier to have access and ultimately creating a convenient go-to platform where it is possible among teens to be motivated on their path to empowerment and independence. The group asks the city hall to shed light on these problems and spread awareness of the resources that Youth Empowerment and Independence provides, creating a space where it is convenient and possible for the youth to gain valuable experiences.
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: Youth for a Greener Sacramento
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
Golden Grizzlies
Cadence Smith, 10th Grade, Inderkum High School
Eowyn Jordan, 11th Grade, McClatchy High School
Kaaria Griffin, 10th grade, John F Kennedy High School
Kevin Khatri Chhetri, 10th Grade, Inderkum High School
Mahit Katyal, 11th Grade, Inderkum High School
McKenzie Arredondo, 11th Grade, McClatchy High School
Sidharth Arora, 11th Grade, Natomas High School
Valeria Gonzalez Garcia, 11th Grade, Grant High School
Valerie Wilson, 12th Grade, The MET High School
Zainab Sultani, 12th Grade, Natomas High School
PEER MENTORS
Harseeret Kandola, College Freshman, Sac State
Sammy Wang, 11th Grade, West Campus High School
TEACHER
Lori Blakenship, Year 1 teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis:
Issue Detail: The most powerful tool against climate change is knowledge, and that is why the Golden Grizzlies would like to ask the Sacramento City Council for their support as we share youth-focused educational materials about climate change and climate action. We would like to partner with the Sacramento Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment in order to share these videos, flyers, activities, and other materials focused on the facts of climate change and how youth in our communities can engage in this issue.
These resources would be used in community centers, given to after school programs, and presented at booths at community events.
The Golden Grizzlies recognize the issue of climate change both in our community and the world as a whole. While we are unable to solve the larger problem, it is our responsibility to do what we can to minimize the issue in our local area. Sacramento is an area especially likely to experience increased risks of heat, fire, precipitation, and drought due to climate change. 43% of homes in Sacramento are at significant risk of wildfires and 44% are at risk of flooding. Clearly the issues of climate change affect everyone in our city and we feel the impacts every day. These problems seriously impact health and well-being, and the youth of our community deserve to be educated about what is happening to their world and the effect that this could have on their homes and daily lives. However, despite environmental literacy and education on climate change being required in K-12 schools by state law, the Stanford Medicine Magazine reports that as of 2020 only 29% of the state’s teachers said they incorporated environmental concepts in their instruction. While we can’t force anyone to care about climate change, kids should have the option to help protect our planet and safeguard their future. However, they won’t be able to be active participants in climate action if they don’t even understand what’s happening to our planet or how they can help.
UNICEF (United Nations Children’s Fund) notes that environmental education increases awareness and knowledge and bestows students with skills and behavior to help them cope with our rapidly changing world and climate. It promotes critical thinking, communication, and problem solving skills. Children are also some of the most powerful agents for change. With proper education, the youth can become the next generation of activists fighting passionately for their future and the safety of our planet. However, climate change can be a very stressful and fear provoking topic for many people, especially children. While we would educate about the facts of climate change, we also want to focus on the small things that everyone can do to help make our planet safer and more livable for everyone and the positive progress that is being made. Through this education of Sacramento’s youth we can promote positive change such as advocating for sustainable transportation or participating in efforts to reduce emissions and improve air quality.
Youth education on climate change is of the utmost importance, and that is why we have created this concise, fundamental, and fun youth-oriented series of educational materials.
If these materials were provided at community centers and in afterschool programs, we could reach a large number of youth efficiently and effectively. It would also be beneficial for these resources to be presented at booths during community events. One such example could be the yearly Earth Day event held by ECOS (Environmental Council of Sacramento), or community fairs or farmers markets.
Climate change is one of the largest problems we’re facing in our time and the youth of Sacramento need to be educated about what is happening. It’s up to us to make sure that the next generation is aware of this issue and is equipped with the knowledge to become future scientists and activists, fighting to keep our planet livable for everyone. By supporting our project, City Council will help grow climate minded citizens to ensure a bright future for Sacramento.
City of Sacramento
Summer @ City Hall Report
915 I Street, 1st Floor
Sacramento, CA 95814
www.cityofsacramento.org
Title: How Parental Substance Abuse Can Affect Children
File ID: 2025-01352
Location: Citywide
Recommendation: Information Only
Contact: Sarah Musser, Recreation General Supervisor, (916) 808-8830, [email protected]; Maria Vides-Medal, Program Coordinator, (916) 808- 6162, [email protected]; Domynique Herndon, Program Coordinator, (916) 808-1989, [email protected], Department of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment
Presenter:
Black Bears
Trew’Koi Burnside, Grant Union High School 10th grade (D5) Katie Nguyen, School of Engineering and Sciences, 10th grade (D7) Luwinna Wu, Natomas Charter, 11 grade (D1)
Zoie Starbuck, McClatchy HS, 10th grade (D4)
Natalie Richards, 10th grade, Rosemont High School (D7) Hishanvi Komirishetty, Mira Loma High School, 10th grade, (D1) Kavya Tandel, NP3 High School, 11th grade (D1)
Nohzatullah irfan, NP3 High School, 11th grade (D1)
Gemma Benkert, Mcclatchy High School, 11th grade (D5)
Peer Mentors
Maliyah Kennon McClatchy HS 11th grade (D5)
Leia Castelle Hiram Johnson HS 11th grade (D6)
Laksh Sharma, NP3 High School, 11th grade (D1)
Teacher
Lori Blankenship, Year 1 teacher
Attachments:
1-Description Analysis
2-Flyer – TO BE ADDED
3-Survey Results – TO BE ADDED
Description Analysis:
Issue Detail:
“Anyone can have a child and call themselves a parent. A real parent is someone who puts that child above their own selfish needs and wants.” - Unknown When parents fall into a cycle of substance abuse, it doesn’t only affect them. Worldwide, 1 in 4 kids have at least one parent who deals with an addiction or some type of substance abuse issue. These issues in parents can lead to their children experiencing generational trauma, increased rate of anxiety, depression and addiction.
Parents have also been confirmed in Sacramento to become more aggressive towards their children when alcohol was more present. There was an Ohio State University study done specifically in Sacramento about abuse and neglect in homes with parents that experience addiction, and the results speak for themselves. The University article states, “A study in Sacramento, California, found that having one more off-premises alcohol outlet… was related to 13.5% more substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect in that area in a year and 10.5% entries into foster care.” This study shows how when parents are more likely to drink alcohol since it’s in a closer vicinity, they’re more likely to hurt their children in the long run.
This problem is nationwide and many people experience it every day. There is not enough awareness of this specific problem in Sacramento. This may be because people don't discuss their issues out of embarrassment, or are too scared to talk about this problem as a whole, since they don’t know how to get help. The problem could often differ with the type of neighborhood you live in. This probably occurs more often in low income or struggling families in communities.
Partnering with the City Council to solve this problem is important, because it’s affecting our generation and future generations to come. Our team solution is to give resources to those in need. We want children experiencing neglect in this way to feel more welcomed in the community, and our main goal is to spread awareness about options for help. We would like to open up community spaces to hold seminars, led by organizations that specialize in helping people with similar experiences connect and bond with each other, especially in neighborhoods with more accessible alcohol sources and lower income communities. We would also like to mention the fact that funds, with explicit permission, could be used from or relating to Council member Rick Jenning’s “Center For Fathers and Families” program (CFF). Thank you so much for your time and consideration on what we, The Black Bears, think is a valuable issue to recognize and treat in our city.