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City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
June 22, 2026
To: City Council
From: Office of the City Manager
Luis Garibay, Assistant City Manager
Subject: Appointment of Youth Council Members
Staff Recommendation
It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the 24 applicants nominated to serve one -year terms on the Simi Valley Youth Council, commencing on July 1, 2026, and concluding on June 30, 2027.
Background
The Simi Valley Youth Council was established in 1970 as an advisory board to the City Council on issues of concern to local youth. As directed by Resolution No. 2011-14, the Youth Council consists of 21 members and up to three alternates who are in grades 7 through 12. The Youth Council’s composition includes up to ten members who represent each of the three middle schools and five high schools within the Simi Valley Unified School District, 11 to 12 Community at Large representatives, and up to three al ternate representatives.
Discussion
Recruitment for the 24 Youth Council positions opened on March 9, 2026, and concluded on April 22, 2026. Youth Council Bylaws provide for the reappointment of up to nine returning members. A total of 88 applications were received, 16 of which were received from returning members desiring reappointment.
Pursuant to the bylaws, on May 2 6, 202 6, an interview panel comprised of Council Member Ayala , two non -returning Youth Council members, and Community Services Coordinator Ryan Fowler, reviewed the applications, conducted interviews, and nominated nine incumbents as returning members. On June 9, June 10, and June 11, 2026, an interview panel comprised of four returning Youth Council members reviewed applications, conducted interviews, and made nominations for the 15 remaining Youth Council positions. The process was conducted in accordance with the Youth Council bylaws, and each candidate met all requirements set forth for being a nominee.
Agenda Item No.
3A(6)
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Those nominated for Youth Council appointment are shown below:
Royal High School Rylan Downey*
Elizabeth Rakowski*
Santa Susana High School Jiya Bhatt *
Nishta Kubsad*
Simi Valley High School Saanvi Daga*
Saydee Ro*
Hillside Middle School Diya Bonthu
Sinaloa Middle School Natalie Mann
Valley View Middle School Landon Lopez
Community at Large
Andre Balekian
Brayden Barkley
Ethan Bhat*
Sarina Khangura*
Claire Krier*
Alexa Leon
Aarwin Narla
Eileen Paranami
Khushi Patel
Ryan Peter
Adelina Woodward
Roni Yerushalmi
Alternates Chase Campagna
Taksh Shah
Angela Tuazon
*Current Youth Council incumbent applicants nominated as returning members
It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the 24 applicants nominated to serve one -year terms on the Simi Valley Youth Council, commencing on July 1, 2026, and concluding on June 30, 2027.
Financial Impact
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
City Council Priority
This item supports the Excellent City Government and Thriving Community Pillars of Excellence through inclusive programs. The Youth Council provides youth opportunities for civic and community engagement and a platform for youth perspectives.
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Suggested Motion
I move that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the 24 applicants nominated to serve one-year terms on the Simi Valley Youth Council, commencing on July 1, 2026, and concluding on June 30, 2027.
Summary
The application period for the 24 Youth Council positions was initiated on March 9, 2026, and concluded on April 22, 2026. A total of 88 applications were received, including 16 incumbent members desiring reappointment. Interview panels met on May 26 to interview returning Youth Council members, and June 9, June 10, and June 11, 2026, to interview new youth council applicants. The interview panels nominated 21 applicants for Youth Council membership and three applicants for Youth Council alternate membership. It is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the 2 4 applicants nominated to serve one -year terms on the Simi Valley Youth Council, commencing on July 1, 2026, and concluding on June 30, 2027.
Prepared by: Ryan Fowler, Community Services Coordinator
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