Staff Report — Simi Valley City Council, June 12, 2023

28/05-23

CITY OF SIMI VALLEY

MEMORANDUM

June 12, 2023

TO: City Council

FROM: Office of the City Manager

SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF YOUTH EMPLOYMENT SERVICE ADVISORY

BOARD MEMBERS

STAFF RECOMMENDATION

The Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board, Neighborhood Councils, and the Simi Valley Unified School District recommend that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, applicants nominated to the YES Advisory Board.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW

The City’s YES Advisory Board was established in September 1982 as an advisory board to the City Council on matters related to youth employment. It consists of fifteen regular member positions and up to three alternate member positions. A total of 12 positions are currently vacant; seven regular, four designated and one alternate member positions.

The 12 existing vacancies are in the following YES Advisory Board classifications:

2 At Large Representatives
1 Local Business Representative
2 Local Government Representative
1 Designated Neighborhood Councils Representative
2 Designated Simi Valley Unified School District Representatives 1 Designated Youth Council Representative
2 Youth Representatives
1 Alternate Member

If appointed, the applicants will serve terms commencing on July 1, 2023, and concluding on June 30, 2025.

AGENDA ITEM NO.

3(A)1

2 28/05-23
The composition of the YES Advisory Board and their nominating bodies are as follows:

Member Nominating Body
At Large Representatives YES Advisory Board
Local Business Representatives YES Advisory Board
Local Government Representatives YES Advisory Board
Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Representative Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce
Youth (Ages 16 to 22) Representatives YES Advisory Board Neighborhood Council Representative Neighborhood Councils Simi Valley Unified School District Representatives Simi Valley Unified School District Youth Council Representative Simi Valley Youth Council
Alternate Members YES Advisory Board
Nin
e nominations for appointment have been received for six regular and three designated positions. No eligible applications were received for the second vacant Youth Representative and Alternate Member positions.

FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
R
ecruitment for the vacant positions opened on April 25, 2023, and concluded on May 24, 2022. On June 7, 2023, a YES Advisory Board interview subcommittee interviewed the eligible applicants and nominated six for appointment. Additionally, the Neighborhood Councils and the Simi Valley Unified School District nominated individuals for their three vacant positions on the YES Advisory Board. A recruitment for the second vacant Youth Representative and Alternate Member positions shall be initiated at the beginning of the 2023-24 school year.

D
ue to the Youth Council’s 2023-24 term of office, the appointment of the Youth Council representative is scheduled to be considered by the City Council in September 2023, following the start of the school year.

D
ue to the difficulty in filling the local government representative posit ions, Mr. Angelini, who is now representing an out of district representative, was asked by the YES Advisory Board to re-apply for one of the two vacant positions to provide State legislation updates impacting youth employment.

A
pplications for the at large, local business, local government, and youth representative nominees are included as Attachment A, (beginning on page 4). Applications are not required for nominees recommended by their respective agency or board.

A
t Large Representatives – Gloria Bowman*; and Ryan Taggart Loc
al Business Representative – Timothy Harrington*, Realtor, Royal Real Estate Loc
al Government Representative – Anthony Angelini*, Executive Aide, California State Senator Scott Wilk’s Office; and Chelsie Kennedy, Interim Chief of Staff, Ventura County Supervisor Janice Parvin’s Office

3 28/05-23
Neighborhood Council Representative – Al Brown, Neighborhood Council District #2 Sim
i Valley Unified School District Representative – Hayley Estrada, College and Career Counselor, Santa Susana High School ; and Jennifer Wigdor, Counselor, Simi Valley Unified School District
Yout
h Representative – Rikka Tignac
* Ret
urning YES Advisory Board member
It
is recommended that the City Council a pprove, and the Mayor appoint, the nine applicants nominated to serve on the YES Advisory Board, commencing on July 1, 2023, and concluding on June 30, 2025.

Th
e following alternatives are available to the City Council:

1. Appr
ove, and the Mayor appoint, the nine applicants nominated to the YES Advisory Board;

2. Pr
ovide staff with further direction.

Th
e YES Advisory Board, the Neighborhood Councils, and the Simi Valley Unified School District recommend Alternative No. 1.

SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I m
ove to approve, and the Mayor appoint, the nine applicants nominated to the Youth Employment Service Advisory Board.

SUMMARY
A t
otal of twelve regular, designated and alternate positions on the YES Advisory Board are vacant. Recruitment to fill these positi ons began on April 25, 2023, and concluded on May 24, 2023. The YES Advisory Board interview subcommittee interviewed and nominated six applicants for appointment. Additionally, the Neighborhood Councils and the Simi Valley Unified School District recommended three nominees for their designated positions. It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, applicants nominated to the YES Advisory Board.
______
______________________________
Linda Swan
Assistant City Manager
Pr
epared by: Kristin Tignac, Community Services Coordinator INDE
X Page
Atta
chment A – YES Advisory Board Applications ........................... 4

Please complete the information below to be considered for Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board membership.

The purposes of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board include:

A. Acting as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to youth employment.

B. Promoting the hiring of Simi Valley youth (including an annual Job and Career Expo).

N/A
Place of Employment
City of Calabasas
Employer Address
23400 Park Sorrento
Calabasas CA 91302
Job Title
Fitness Instructor: Lifeguard Instructor Trainer, WSI Instructor Trainer, Lifeguard Usual Job Duties
All staff safety training, teaching LG/WSI classes, FA/CPR/ AED classes, teaching swim lessons How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Current YES Board Member
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.

I worked for the Associated Students UCLA for 17 years in multiple positions in the Service Center and Accounting Department. My part-time staff was 17-23 years of age. I worked for Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District for over 14 years. I was the Director of Knolls After School Club and Sycamore Pool Manager. My part-time staff was usually high school and college students. I currently work for the City of Calabasas as the Aquatics Trainer: Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor/ Trainer, and Water Safety Instructor / Trainer/ Instructor Trainer; in addition to First Aid and CPR Instructor/ Trainer for the Calabasas Tennis and Swim Center.

Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved. 4 ATTACHMENT A
oTo Simi Valley Youth Employment Service Advisory Board, Community Member (current) Former Chair (5 terms); former Vice-Chair (2 terms); former Secretary (2 terms) oTo Simi Valley Neighborhood Council, completed my fourth 2 year term o Secretary, Vice-Chair, Chair: multiple terms oTo American Red Cross Health and Safety Instructor and Instructor Trainer; Aquatics: Lifeguard, Lifeguard Instructor, Water Safety Instructor, Water Safety Instructor Trainer oTo Southern California Public Pool Operators Association (SCPPOA), member oTo Association of Aquatic Professionals, member oTo For The Troops, donations Past membership and position in volunteer organizations. oTo Simi Valley Cultural Arts Center Foundation Board, Secretary (2 terms) oTo American Red Cross Health and Safety Services Committee, 6 years o Secretary, Chair oTo Susana Woods Home Owners Association Board member, multiple positions oTo Santa Susana Field Lab Cleanup Community Input Board, member oTo Simi Valley Special Event Funding Committee, Chairman oTo OPEN (Outstanding Professionals Employment Network), Committee Chair; Advisor What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? I have a passion for working with our community's youth, and helping them prepare for a career. As a YES Advisory Board member, I have participated in the monthly meetings, Interview Skills Workshops and the Job and Career Expos multiple years. I fully endorse the program.

Why do you think that the YES is important?
I feel that the Youth Employment Service Advisory Board and program are important because oTo We promote the employment of Simi Valley youth oTo Assists youth in developing an understanding of the needs and expectations of employers oTo Advises the City Council on matters involving youth employment oTo We conduct the annual Job and Career Expo oTo We plan and execute the Interview Skills Workshops at local high schools oTo We prepare young people for future career success and help instill confidence and self-esteem in our youth/participants oTo The Board is an integral service to the local business community in teaching youth about application completion and job interview skills, resume preparation oTo We encourage strong work ethics to retain employment
The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year held in the City Hall Community Room. Can you commit to attend each month's meeting?
Yes
By entering my name below, I am submitting my application to serve as a Youth Employment Service Advisory Board member. I understand that, if selected as a YES Advisory Board member, I will serve as a volunteer and at the pleasure of the City Council. As a volunteer, I understand that I am not covered by the City's insurance policy and, further, that the City's liability does not encompass volunteers. *Signature
Gloria Bowman
Thank you for your interest in serving as a Youth Employment Service Advisory Board member. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the Youth Employment Service Coordinator at (805) 583- 6766.
5 Please complete the information below to be considered for Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board membership.

The purposes of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board include:

A. Acting as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to youth employment.

B. Promoting the hiring of Simi Valley youth (including an annual Job and Career Expo).

Simi Valley CA 93063
Job Title
Work Experience Coordinator
Usual Job Duties
Signing/ Authorizing all work permits; teaching the Work Experience Education course; evaluating our student employees throughout Simi Valley on the job
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Current YES Board Member
Served Previously
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.

I have just completed my first year as the Work Experience Coordinator and Educator, along with being a teacher for the past 22 years in Simi Valley. My job entails knowing child labor laws as well as making sure students and employers are adhering to those laws while on site visits in and around Simi Valley.

Having close to 125 students enrolled in the program, I'm constantly meeting and interacting with managers and business owners who are looking to hire our students.

Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved.

I regularly attended the YES meetings this school year since August of 2022. 6 What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? I want to maintain my connections with the city, the Advisory Board, and provide a voice for my students.

Why do you think that the YES is important?
It's important to have a group like YES so our young people within Simi Valley are given every opportunity to be successful. I've seen first hand how members of the Yes committee provide the knowledge and skills young people need to navigate an ever changing labor force. This is something that only adds to the development of our community, which includes my students, in a positive way.

The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year held in the City Hall Community Room. Can you commit to attend each month's meeting?
Yes
By entering my name below, I am submitting my application to serve as a Youth Employment Service Advisory Board member. I understand that, if selected as a YES Advisory Board member, I will serve as a volunteer and at the pleasure of the City Council. As a volunteer, I understand that I am not covered by the City's insurance policy and, further, that the City's liability does not encompass volunteers. *Signature
Ryan Taggart
7 Please complete the information below to be considered for Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board membership.

The purposes of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board include:

A. Acting as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to youth employment.

B. Promoting the hiring of Simi Valley youth (including an annual Job and Career Expo).

C. Assisting the community in developing an understanding of the needs and expectations of youth regarding employment, and assisting in the development of programs that respond to these needs.
*Name
Timothy Harrington
*Address
*Email
*Prin,ary Phone
Alternate Phone
**SKIPPED**
If a student, school you attend:
**SKIPPED**
Place of Employment
Royal Real Estate
Employer Address
530 New Los Angeles Avenue Ste. 206
Moorpark CA 93021
Job Title
Realtor
Usual Job Duties
**SKIPPED**
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Current YES Board Member
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.

Current Board Member for YES 7+ years. Active in almost every activity and community event involving YES. Current Board of Directors Member for Southern California Special Olympics. Current co-chair of Ventura County Special Olympics Regional Council. Active bocce coach and referee for Special Olympics.

Active (20+ years) softball coach for So Cal Special Olympics. Previous Little League Coach, previous Confirmation Sponsor and teacher. Taught undergrad and graduate school as an adjunct for 18 years.

Received Teacher of the Year out of 1400 Instructors in So Cal. Have managed and coached up to 1200 employees at one time. Very comfortable with teaching, coaching, and giving back. "To Whom Much is Given, Much Is To Be Expected."
Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved. 8 In addition to the above, I am finishing up my 2nd term as Chairman of the Board of Directors for Many Mansions. I was recently (5/2023)awarded "Volunteer of the Year" by the Conejo Valley Chamber of Commerce. Previously I was Treasurer of the Board at Many Mansions. I participate and lead 4 work committees at Many Mansions. I am also on the Board of Directors for Ventura County United Way. I sit on the Finance and Audit Committees.

What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? Love YES and what (we do). It's a passion of mine. I love giving back and I appreciate the comments from employers about how well the students are prepared at the job fairs .... YES makes a difference ! The mock interviews, career fairs, and the presentations at the high school are the envy of every other city in So Cal.

Why do you think that the YES is important?
It's mission is to help prepare our youth .... our future. It is clearly a proven proposition.

The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year held in the City Hall Community Room. Can you commit to attend each month's meeting?
Yes
By entering my name below, I am submitting my application to serve as a Youth Employment Service Advisory Board member. I understand that, if selected as a YES Advisory Board member, I will serve as a volunteer and at the pleasure of the City Council. As a volunteer, I understand that I am not covered by the City's insurance policy and, further, that the City's liability does not encompass volunteers. *Signature
Tim Harrington
9 Please complete the information below to be considered for Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board membership.

The purposes of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board include:

A. Acting as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to youth employment.

B. Promoting the hiring of Simi Valley youth (including an annual Job and Career Expo).

C. Assisting the community in developing an understanding of the needs and expectations of youth regarding employment, and assisting in the development of programs that respond to these needs.
*Name
Don Anthony Angelini
*Address
*Email
*Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
**SKIPPED**
If a student, school you attend:
**SKIPPED**
Place of Employment
California State Senate
Employer Address
23920 Valencia Blvd, Suite 250
Santa Clarita CA 91355
Job Title
Executive Aide to Senator Scott Wilk
Usual Job Duties
High-level administrative support, manage schedule, draft correspondence and speeches, coordinate with the communications team to ensure consistent messaging across all public-facing communications.

Engage with constituents and stakeholders on behalf of the Senator, manage communication, and ensure a high level of professionalism and confidentiality.

How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Current YES Board Member
Served Previously
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.

I have over ten years of experience in government and public affairs; I serve in the State Senate as an Executive Aide, and I work concurrently as the current Director of Programs for the LAPD Devonshire PALS youth center. I have a demonstrated background in youth advocacy, advocating for education reform, youth empowerment, arts and cultural affairs, mental health services, and public safety.

Additionally, I have experience as a mentor and tutor, having served as a board member and volunteer instructor for the local youth non-profit, Gold Coast Theatre Conservatory since 2010. I am 10 knowledgeable in employment and workforce development, having worked with local businesses on growth strategies throughout the pandemic and having worked on over 3000 constituent cases with the EDD in my role as a legislative employee. Moreover, I have expertise in coordinating and managing internship programs, and offering practical work experience to young individuals as a local business owner. Furthermore, I have a strong background in community engagement, organizing town hall meetings, running political campaigns, facilitating discussions, and gathering valuable feedback from diverse communities.

Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved.

Ventura County Cultural Heritage Board - Commissioner-elect, City of Thousand Oaks, Arts and Culture Roundtable - Commissioner, City of Simi Valley Youth Employment Service - Board Member, Gold Coast Performing Arts Association - Board Member, Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce - Ambassador, Many Mansions - Advisory Board Member, LAPD Devonshire Police Activities League Supporters - Youth Programs and Development, Elks Lodge - Member, Sons of the American Revolution - Member, Some partisan political and advocacy organizations.

What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? I am deeply passionate about youth empowerment andd edicated to leveraging my extensive experience, skills, and capabilities to make a significant and meaningful difference in the lives of young people as a member of the YES Advisory Board. With a track record of successfully advocating for youth issues, coordinating mentorship programs, and conducting thorough research on employment and education matters, I am committed to actively contributing to the board's mission of fostering positive youth development, shaping impactful policies, and creating opportunities that empower the next generation to thrive and succeed.

Why do you think that the YES is important?
Having had the opportunity to serve on this board during the previous term, I have personally witnessed the tremendous impact we can make in facilitating the empowerment and development of young people.

It is truly inspiring to see how our programs and initiatives have effectively supported their growth and progress. With this firsthand knowledge and unwavering belief in the effectiveness of our work, I am committed and enthusiastic about continuing to make a tangible difference in the lives of youth as we move forward.

The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year held in the City Hall Community Room. Can you commit to attend each month's meeting?
Yes
By entering my name below, I am submitting my application to serve as a Youth Employment Service Advisory Board member. I understand that, if selected as a YES Advisory Board member, I will serve as a volunteer and at the pleasure of the City Council. As a volunteer, I understand that I am not covered by the City's insurance policy and, further, that the City's liability does not encompass volunteers. *Signature
Anthony Angelini
11 Please complete the information below to be considered for Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board membership.

The purposes of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board include:

A. Acting as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to youth employment.

B. Promoting the hiring of Simi Valley youth (including an annual Job and Career Expo).

C. Assisting the community in developing an understanding of the needs and expectations of youth regarding employment, and assisting in the development of programs that respond to these needs.
*Name
Chelsie Kennedy
*Address
*Email
*Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
If a student, school you attend:
**SKIPPED**
Place of Employment
County of Ventura, Supervisor Janice Parvin
Employer Address
980 Enchanted Way #203
Simi Valley CA 93065
Job Title
Interim Chief of Staff
Usual Job Duties
Constituent casework, policy, outreach
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Current YES Board Member
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.

I have worked for the 4th district county supervisor for 6 years and in my roles in the office we have always made sure to engage business owners and the community to see how we can help both entities.

Through the pandemic I was on the taskforce for business recovery with the cities of Moorpark and Simi, the Chambers of both cities and anyone else we could get to help businesses. We are currently working with the city of Simi and the chamber on a business resource forum to help businesses overcome any obstacles they might have, and right now the main struggle is finding employees.

Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved.

Simi Valley Leadership, Class of 2023, Simi valley emerging leaders, service coordinator. I am also very involved with the cities of Moorpark and Simi Valley and the Chambers of commerce for both cities 12 What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? After hearing about this board from Anthony Angelini I think having a representative from our local County Supervisors office would benefit the community in multiple ways. Some being the county is one of the largest employers in Ventura county, our office helps business find employees and we can help students find work while we are working with local businesses.

Why do you think that the YES is important?
I think it is very important to have an organization like YES in our community to really help our local businesses find employees and to help our youth find work in our community. We need to keep our workforce close to home and keep people in our community and the best way to do that is to have a job in the community so people aren't moving from the county for work.

The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year held in the City Hall Community Room. Can you commit to attend each month's meeting?
Yes
By entering my name below, I am submitting my application to serve as a Youth Employment Service Advisory Board member. I understand that, if selected as a YES Advisory Board member, I will serve as a volunteer and at the pleasure of the City Council. As a volunteer, I understand that I am not covered by the City's insurance policy and, further, that the City's liability does not encompass volunteers. *Signature
Chelsie Kennedy
13 Please complete the information below to be considered for Youth Employment Service {YES} Advisory Board membership.

The purposes of the Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board include:

A. Acting as an advisory body to the City Council on matters related to youth employment.

B. Promoting the hiring of Simi Valley youth (including an annual Job and Career Expo).

Moorpark College
Place of Employment
Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District
Employer Address
4201 Guardian Street
Simi Valley CA 93063
Job Title
Recreation Counselor
Usual Job Duties
Child supervision and engagement
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Current YES Board Member
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.

I work with elementary aged children but with Youth Council have done events for teenagers. I have also helped with YES events.

I have assisted with past YES events including the Annual Job Fair and various workshops.

Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved.

I am involved with Youth Council. Former Key Club member.

What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? I want to be able to help the youth get employment to help them with their future success and I believe this board would help with that goal.
14 Why do you think that the YES is important?
YES is important because it helps build opportunity for youth.

Simi Valley City CouncilJune 12, 2023

Simi Valley City Council
June 12, 2023