Youth Commission 1 5/19/2025
Youth Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 19, 2025
City Hall Council Chambers
22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
6:00 PM
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CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
ATTENDANCE Youth Commission Members:
Edith Hernandez
Neylen Muñoz
Emily Parra-Diaz
Cat Pham
Adrian Ramirez
Mercy Benitez, Vice-Chairperson
Wyatt Malfavon, Chairperson
Staff:
Hawk Scott, Executive Director
Timothy Pagano, PRCSA Deputy Director
Jorge Acevedo, Park Services Superintendent
Suzi Furjanic, Associate Park and Landscape Planner
Hannah Wayne, Recording Secretary
MINUTES: Chairperson Wyatt Malfavon called the Youth Commission Meeting to order at 6:06 P.M.
ROLL CALL Hannah Wayne, Recording Secretary
MINUTES: Recording Secretary Hannah Wayne conducted roll call.
Youth Commissioners Hernandez, Muñoz, Pham (arrived at 6:08 p.m.), Parra-Diaz (arrived at 6:10 p.m.), Vice Chair Benitez and Chair Malfavon were present. Youth Commissioner Ramirez was absent.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson
MINUTES: Chairperson Malfavon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
MINUTES: There were no public comments.
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CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
MINUTES: At 6:08 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Vice Chairperson Benitez moved to approve Consent Calendar Item Nos. 1 and 2, seconded by Youth Commission Member Hernandez.
The motion carried, 5-0-0-2, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
YOUTH COMMISSIONER HERNANDEZ , YOUTH
COMMISSIONER MUÑOZ, YOUTH COMMISSIONER PHAM,
VICE CHAIRPERSON BENITEZ, CHAIRPERSON MALFAVON
NONE
NONE
YOUTH COMMISSIONER PARRA- DIAZ, YOUTH
COMMISSIONER RAMIREZ
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 2 Pass
1. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of April 21st, 2025.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
2. Excuse Absences.
Recommended Action: Approve excused absences.
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
3. Parks, Recreation and Community Services Staff Report.
MINUTES: Parks, Recreation and Community Services Deputy Director Tim Pagano presented the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Staff Report.
Youth Commissioner Parra-Diaz asked about the Study Hall at Roosevelt Walker time frame and about headphones for zoom calls.
Vice Chairperson Benitez asked about the Youth Empowerment Initiative at the Garfield Community Center.
Youth Commissioner Hernandez commented that registration fees were a good addition to the Fun Run this year.
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Deputy Director Pagano responded to all questions and comments with further information for the commissioners.
4. Public Works Agency Park Services Staff Report.
MINUTES: Park Services Superintendent Jorge Acevedo presented the Public Works Agency Park Maintenance report to the Youth Commission.
Public Works Senior Civil Engineer Robert Aguirre presented on behalf of Associate Park and Landscape Planner Suzi Furjanic the Public Works Agency Park Planning Report.
Vice Chairperson Benitez asked if schools would be able to reserve time and host meets at the Memorial Aquatic Center. Executive Director Hawk Scott responded yes, they would need to reserve it through Parks and Recreation.
Youth Commissioner Pham asked about the process and communication with the public about available programming when an area is under construction.
Superintendent Acevedo responded that they do communicate programming when an area is under construction.
Youth Commissioner Hernandez asked when the new park at Bristol Tolliver be complete and if there will be proper construction fencing in place. Senior Civil Engineer Aguirre responded that it should be complete in one year and there will be proper construction fencing going up.
Chairperson Malfavon asked how many trees were planted during the Arbor Day.
Superintendent Acevedo responded that 29 trees were planted.
***END OF INFORMATIONAL ITEMS***
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS
MINUTES: Executive Director Hawk Scott announced that the four graduating commissioners will be concluding their service after today’s meeting, but will be recognized at another meeting for their service. He also thanked them for their service and wished them well in their future. He also mentioned the Santa Ana Zoo has a new stop light, the butterflies are now there, the Brew at the zoo was successful, and also mentioned the Zoofari Gala and the Earth Day events coming up. He ended by thanking the commission for what they do.
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COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
MINUTES: Youth Commissioner Hernandez said being on the commission was a great experience that taught her a lot. She loved meeting new people, and will miss it.
Youth Commissioner Munoz mentioned everyone’s impact on the city and how helpful that has been and hopes it will continue even when they are no longer commissioners.
Youth Commissioner Parra-Diaz said being on the commission was a great experience, especially getting to know all the seniors and seeing everyone grow and learn. She also advised the remaining commissioners to do their best to represent the youth well and use their voice for good.
Youth Commissioner Pham mentioned it was great experience working with everyone and the community. She enjoyed representing the youth and loved growing together.
She also thanked Executive Director Scott and everyone for their time.
Vice Chairperson Benitez said it was nice working with everyone, is sad to see this time end, but thanks for the experience.
Chairperson Malfavon thanked the seniors for being a part of the commission and wished the best for all of the graduating seniors.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Youth Commission is scheduled for Monday, June 16th, 2025 at 6:00 p.m. in the City Council Chamber, City Hall, 22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701.
MINUTES: Chairperson Malfavon adjourned the Youth Commission meeting at 6:46 P.M.
Respectfully submitted:
_________________________
Hannah Wayne
Recording Secretary