Youth Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
November 18, 2024
Ross Annex Room 1600, 20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701 6:00 PM
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Wyatt Malfavon
ATTENDANCE Youth Commission Members:
Edith Hernandez
Neylen Murioz
Emily Parra-Diaz
Cat Pham
Adrian Ramirez
Mercy Benitez, Vice-Chairperson
Wyatt Malfavon, Chairperson
Staff:
Hawk Scott, Executive Director
Jennifer L. Hall, Recording Secretary
Minutes: Chairperson Wyatt Malfavon called the Youth Commission Regular Meeting to order at 6:13 P.M.
ROLL CALL Jennifer L. Hall, Recording Secretary
Minutes: Recording Secretary Jennifer L. Hall conducted roll call. Commissioners Hernandez, Parra-Diaz, Pham, and Ramirez, Vice Chairperson Benitez, and Chairperson Malfavon were present. Commissioner Murioz was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson Wyatt Malfavon
Minutes: Chairperson Wyatt Malfavon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
Minutes: No public comments received.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEIVIS
Minutes: At 6:15 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Commissioner Parra-Diaz moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. I through 4, seconded by Vice Chairperson Benitez The motion carried, 6-0-1, by the following roll call vote:
AYES: COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ, COMMISSIONER PARRA-
DIAZ, COMMISSIONER PHAM, COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ,
VICE CHAIRPERSON BENITEZ, CHAIRPERSON MALFAVON
NOES: NONE
ABSTAIN: NONE
ABSENT: COMMISSIONER MUNOZ
Status: 6 - 0-1- Pass
1. Minutes from the Special Meeting of September 16, 2024.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
2. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of October 21, 2024.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
3. Excuse Absences
Recommended Action: Approve excused absences.
4. 2025 Youth Commission Meeting Schedule and Locations.
Recommended Action: Receive and File.
""END OF CONSENT CALENDAR""
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
s. Public Works Agency Park Services Report
Minutes: Park Services Superintendent Jorge Acevedo presented the Public Works Agency Park Services Report for Park Maintenance.
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In response to various questions from the Commission, Superintendent Acevedo stated that resident comments about parks and maintenance issues had become more positive and there was more use of park facilities, explained ARPA funding resulting from the C0VID-19 pandemic but noted that most services had been incorporated into other funding sources, described recent renovations at the community center at Rosita Park, provided background on aquatics racilities and pmjects, addressed security and park patrols at park sites, and encouraged anyone to call 714-454-1687 to report concerns.
Vice Chairperson Benitez requested additional open swim times at the aquatics facilities.
Superintendent Acevedo confirmed that the pools at Jerome, EI Salvador, and Salgado were currently operational, with Santa Anita planned to re-open in Spring 2025, and Memorial Park in two to three years. Executive Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Hawk Scott explained that pools are typically open for seasonal use and staff is working on facility and equipment upgrades to keep the pools functioning and hopefully available for some open time in the off-season.
Director Scott presented the Public Works Agency Parks Services Report for Park Planning Updates.
Commissioner Hernandez thought it was smart planning to have two separate pools at Memorial Park.
In response to Commissioner Ramirez, Director Scott noted there were no current plans for a community center at Gerardo Mouet Park due to a lack of available land in a dense neighborhood and the proximity of the Roosevelt-Walker Community Center.
6. Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Staff Report Minutes: Executive Director Hawk Scott presented the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Staff Report and highlighted department activities and accomplishments as listed in the staff report.
In response to Commissioner Parra-Diaz, Director Scott stated he would check regarding the need for volunteers at the Plaza Navideria event and confirmed the Commission could participate in the Youth Empowerment Initiative.
In response to Commissioner Ramirez, Director Scott noted that information about the VolunTEENS program and activities could be found on the website or by calling the Garfield Center.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS
Minutes: Executive Director Hawk Scott welcomed Commissioner Ramirez to the Commission, invited them to the grand opening of Gerardo Mouet Park on December 4 and to Plaza Navideria on November 23, highlighted the installation of nets for the primate forest at the Zoo, and reminded the Commission about their presentation at the City Council meeting on December 3 wearing their Youth Commission polo shirts.
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COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
Minutes: Commissioner Hernandez thanked everyone for a great meeting.
Commissioner Parra-Diaz requested an agenda item for the next meeting to address how to get the Youth Commission more involved in City activities and introduced to the community.
CommissionerPham reported on a clothing/food drive planned at herschool that they would like to open up to the entire City upon approval by school administration and asked if the City could help promote the event.
Commissioner Ramirez thanked everyone for a great first meeting for him, expressed his excitement about working together, and asked for an agenda item at the next meeting to considerhow the Commission may be able to highlight organizations impacting youth in the City.
Vice Chairperson Benitez welcomed CommissionerRamirez and expressed excitement for the projects and park updates.
Chairperson Malfavon welcomed Commissioner Ramirez, looked forward to working together, thanked staff for the presentations, and wished everyone a good and safe Thanksgiving with their loved ones.
ADJOURNMENT
Minutes: Chairperson Malfavon adjourned the Youth Commission meeting at 7:18 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
enn II, CMC
tary
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