Youth Commission 1 10/20/2025
Youth Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
October 20, 2025
City Hall Council Chambers
22 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
6:00 PM
Youth Commission 2 10/20/2025
CALL TO ORDER Chairperson
ATTENDANCE Youth Commission Members:
Alyin Luis
Neylen Muñoz
Jesse Rodriguez
Mercy Benitez, Vice-Chairperson
Wyatt Malfavon, Chairperson
Staff:
Hawk Scott, Executive Director
Brian Sternberg, Library Services Director
Ethan Fisher, PRCSA Deputy Director, Zoo
Hannah Wayne, Recording Secretary
MINUTES: Chairperson Wyatt Malfavon called the Youth Commission Meeting to order at 6:03 P.M.
ROLL CALL Hannah Wayne, Recording Secretary
MINUTES: Recording Secretary Hannah Wayne conducted roll call.
All Youth Commissioners were present.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chairperson
MINUTES: Chairperson Malfavon led the Pledge of Allegiance.
PUBLIC COMMENTS
MINUTES: There were no public comments.
CONSENT CALENDAR ITEMS
MINUTES: At 6:05 P.M., the Consent Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Vice Chair Benitez moved to approve Consent Calendar Items 1 and 2, seconded by Chairperson Malfavon.
Youth Commission 3 10/20/2025
The motion carried, 5-0-0-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
YOUTH COMMISSIONER LUIS, YOUTH COMMISSIONER
MUÑOZ, YOUTH COMMISSIONER RODRIGUEZ , VICE
CHAIRPERSON BENITEZ, CHAIRPERSON MALFAVON
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 0 Pass
1. Minutes from the Regular Meeting of August 18th, 2025.
Recommended Action: Approve minutes.
2. Excuse Absences.
Recommended Action: Approve excused absences.
***END OF CONSENT CALENDAR***
BUSINESS CALENDAR
3. 2026 Youth Commission Meeting Schedule and Locations.
MINUTES: At 6:08 P.M., the Business Calendar was considered.
MOTION: Vice Chairperson Benitez moved t o approve the 2026 Youth Commission Meeting Schedule and Locations, seconded by Chairperson Malfavon.
The motion carried, 5-0-0-0, by the following roll call vote:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
ABSENT:
YOUTH COMMISSIONER LUIS, YOUTH
COMMISSIONER MUÑOZ , YOUTH COMMISSIONER
RODRIGUEZ, VICE CHAIRPERSON BENITEZ,
CHAIRPERSON MALFAVON
NONE
NONE
NONE
Status: 5 – 0 – 0 – 0 Pass
***END OF BUSINESS CALENDAR***
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS
4. Santa Ana Public Library Staff Report.
Youth Commission 4 10/20/2025
MINUTES: Library Services Director Brian Sternberg presented the Santa Ana Public Library Staff Report.
Chair Malfavon asked about the process for requesting the Knowledge Mobile at a specific location. Director Sternberg said yes, there is a request form for special pop-ups on their website, but there also is a regular schedule for the vehicle.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked if there was a head count for those that interact with the Knowledge Mobile. Director Sternberg responded that he could get back to him with the numbers.
Vice Chair Benitez asked how the Knowledge Mobile caters to a variety of ages.
Director Sternberg responded most of the services are for the younger groups, but they do try to provide options for the older ages as well.
Commissioner Luis asked about the vision for the New Hope Library outdoor patio. Director Sternberg responded that they are planning to install new shade structures and are trying to make it more welcoming.
Commissioner Munoz asked about requesting a specific school for the Knowledge Mobile. Director Sternberg provided the contact information.
5. Santa Ana Zoo Staff Report.
MINUTES: Parks, Recreation and Community Services Deputy Director, Zoo Ethan Fisher presented the Santa Ana Zoo Staff Report.
Vice Chair Benitez asked if we can set up a meet and greet with the new veterinarian at the zoo. Deputy Director Fisher responded that they can set that up for the commissioners.
Chair Malfavon asked about the new crosswalks. Deputy Director Fisher responded that they had a local graphic designer design the project.
Commissioner Rodriguez asked about timeline for Rivers Edge. Deputy Director Fisher responded that they are planning to open it before the end of the year.
Chair Malfavon asked about the specifics of getting the AZA Accreditation.
Deputy Director Fisher said it streamlines things for permits and working with more animals for the zoo.
***END OF INFORMATIONAL ITEMS***
Youth Commission 5 10/20/2025
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR COMMENTS
MINUTES: Executive Director Hawk Scott thanked the commissioners for showing up to events and coming to things. He invited them to Harvest Fest on Friday at El Salvador, and also hopes they can go to the Boo at the Zoo. He lastly mentioned the upcoming Christmas tree lighting and a happy birthday to Chair Malfavon.
COMMISSIONER COMMENTS
MINUTES:
Youth Commissioner Luis mentioned information about OC rapid response, in regards to ICE encounters in the community.
Youth Commissioner Munoz mentioned the Knowledge Mobile at his brother’s school.
Director Scott mentioned the outdoor library at Jerome Park.
Youth Commissioner Rodriguez thank for everyone in attendance, he was a part of the Sandpoint park planning and thanked Kaboom and the residents for the park creation.
Director Scott mentioned that there would be a grand opening for the Sandpoint park completion soon.
Vice Chairperson Benitez thanked everyone for coming out and she is interested in brainstorming some ideas to reach Santa Ana youth at future meetings.
Chairperson Malfavon thanked everyone for attending the meeting, mentioned Sandpoint playground and thanked the city staff and volunteers for making that happen last weekend.
ADJOURNMENT
The next regular meeting of the Youth Commission is scheduled for Monday, November 17th, 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