9/06-26
City of Simi Valley
Staff Report
J
une 22, 2026
To: Cit
y Council
Fr
om: Office of the City Manager
Luis Garibay, Assistant City Manager
Subj
ect: Appointment of Youth Employment Service Advisory Board Members Sta
ff Recommendation
T
he Youth Employment Service (YES) Advisory Board, t he Neighborhood Councils, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Simi Valley Unified School District recommend that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, applicants nominated to the YES Advisory Board.
Ba
ckground
T
he 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 sixteen regular member positions and up to two alternate member positions. A total of nine positions will be vacant, with four of the positions currently filled by YES Advisory Board members seeking re-appointment.
T
he nine existing vacancies are in the following YES Advisory Board classifications:
• 1 Loc
al Business Representative
• 1 Local Government Representative
• 1 Youth Representative
• 1 Designated Youth Council Representative
• 1 Designated Neighborhood Council Representative
• 1 Designated Chamber of Commerce Representative
• 1 Designated Simi Valley Unified School District Representative • 2 Alternate Members
If a
ppointed, the applicants will serve terms commencing on July 1, 2026, and concluding on June 30, 202 8, except for the Neighborhood Council Representative and the Youth Council representative, who in accordance with the bylaws serve one-year terms aligned with their respective nominating boards. Their terms will commence on July 1, 2026, and conclude on June 30, 2027.
Agenda Item No.
3A(5)
9/06-26
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 Representatives (Ages 16 to 22) 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
S
even nominations for appointment were received for two regular, three designated, and two alternate member positions. No applications were received for the Youth Representative position; however, a new recruitment period will open in the Fall.
Di
scussion
R
ecruitment for the vacant positions opened on April 15, 2026, and concluded on May 19, 2026. On May 20, 2026, the YES Advisory Board reviewed the eligible applicants and nominated seven for appointment. Due to the Youth Council’s 2026-27 term of office, the appointment the Youth Council representative is scheduled to be considered by th e City Council in September 2026, following the start of the school year.
A
pplications for the local business, local government, and two alternate member nominees are included as Attachment A. Applications are not required for nominees recommended by their respective agency or board.
Loc
al Business Representative – Kris Turner, Executive Director, Simi Valley Family YMCA*
Loc
al Government Representative – Eric Lundstrom, Director, Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District*
A
lternate Member – Stacey Roth, Coordinator, Vista Real Charter School* A
lternate Member – Eric Verwey, Retired, Los Angeles Fire Department* N
eighborhood Council Representative – Natalia Santisteban C
hamber of Commerce Representative – Anthony Angelini , Director of Tourism and Government Affairs*
2 9/06-26
Simi Valley Unified School District – Sylvan Tauber, Work Experience, Royal High School*
*
Returning YES Advisory Board member
I
t is recommended that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint, the seven applicants nominated to serve on the YES Advisory Board, commencing on July 1, 2026, and concluding on June 30, 2028, except for the Neighborhood Council Representative, whose term will conclude June 30, 2027, in accordance with the YES Advisory Board bylaws.
Fin
ancial Impact
T
here is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
C
ity Council Priority
T
his item supports the Excellent City Government and Thriving Community Pillars of Excellence.
S
uggested Motion
I
move that the City Council approve, and the Mayor appoint , the applicants nominated to the YES Advisory Board.
Su
mmary
A
total of nine positions on the YES Advisory Board will be vacant effective June 30, 2026.
Recruitment to fill these positions began on April 15, 2026, and concluded on May 19, 2026. The YES Advisory Board reviewed and nominated four applicants for appointment.
Additionally, the Neighborhood Council, the Chamber of Commerce, 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.
P
repared by: Ryan Fowler, Community Services Coordinator A
ttachments
A
ttachment A - Applications
3 Name
Eric Lundstrom
Address
Simi Val
ley, CA 93065
Email
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
If a student, school you attend:
Place of Employment
Rancho Simi Recreation and Parks District
Employer Address
4201 Guardian Street
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Job Title
Board of Director
Usual Job Duties
Board of Director
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Other: RSRPD Board of Directors
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.
Current RSRPD Board of Director Current Treasurer for the Simi Valley Education Foundation Former Simi Valley Unified School District Board Member AYSO Soccer Coach Boy Scouts of America Troop 622 Parent Committee Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved.
Current RSRPD Board of Director Current Treasurer for the Simi Valley Education Foundation What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? Always looking to help our youth chase their dreams and mentor them along this path.
Why do you think that the YES is important?
Giving young people an outlet to better prepare themselves for the future is a positive thing.
The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year 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 Attachment A
4 understand that I am not covered by the City's insurance policy and, further, that the City's liability does not encompass volunteers.
Signature
Eric Lundstrom
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.
Thank you,
City of Simi Valley, CA
5 YES Advisory Board Member Application
Name
Vista Real Charter High School Stacey Roth
Address
Simi
, CA 93065
Email
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
If a student, school you attend:
Place of Employment
Vista Real Charter High School
Employer Address
1407 E Los Angeles Ave
Simi, CA 93065
Job Title
Learning Center Coordinator
Usual Job Duties
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Neighbor/Friend
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.
I have 20 years experieicne with High School youth as ateacher and administrator. I am a current administrator for a high school in Simi Valley. I am also the director of Career and technical education for all of Vista Real Public High school and have been for two years. I connect students with careers and jobs during high school and beyond.
Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved. was involved with Optimist Club International for over 10 years in Camarillo Chamber of Commerce, Simi, Camarillo, Oxnard.
What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? Would love to connect all of the Simi Community with more job and career opportunities Why do you think that the YES is important?
I think connecting youth with local businesses is huge in helping our youth figure out pathways for careers at the sametime helping local businesses and the economy.
The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year in the City Hall Community Room. Can you commit to attend each month's meeting?
Yes
6 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
Stacey Roth
7 Name
Kris Turner
Address
Simi
Valley, CA 93065
Email
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
If a student, school you attend:
n/a
Place of Employment
Simi Valley Family YMCA
Employer Address
3200 Cochran Street
Simi Valley, CA 93065
Job Title
Executive Director
Usual Job Duties
Strategic planning, financial management, fundraising & development, program development, board relations, and staff management.
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Current YES Board Member
YES Employer
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.
I have worked with the YMCA going on 14 years. During this time, the majority of my time has been spent on hiring & training young staff, developing youth programs, and overseeing youth activities.
Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved.
Simi Sunrise Rotary, Simi Valley Elks Lodge, and Simi Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Director.
What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? I want to serve on the YES Advisory Board because it will allow me to make a meaningful impact on young people' lives by helping them gain job opportunities and develop essential skills. This role will develop my leadership and collaboration abilities while connecting me with passionate professionals in the field. I look forward to advocating for the needs of those looking for employment, promote policies that support them, and engage with my community to foster economic development. My passion for youth em powerment drives me, and I view this opportunity as a way to contribute positively while also growing personally and professionally.
Why do you think that the YES is important?
8 YES is important because it empowers young people to succeed in the workforce by providing resources an guidance. It is my hope that this Advisory board addresses barriers to employment and creates networking opportunities. I think with a strong and active YES board, we can ensure a stronger future workforce.
The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year 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
Kris Turner
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.
Thank you,
City of Simi Valley, CA
9 Name
Eric Verwey
Address
Simi
Valley, California 93065
Email
Primary Phone
Alternate Phone
If a student, school you attend:
Place of Employment
Retired Fire Captain from Los Angeles City Fire Department Employer Address
,
Job Title
Usual Job Duties
How did you hear of the Youth Employment Service?
Newspaper
Please list experience or training you have working with youth or with employment issues.
Member of YES Advisory Board for 4 years. Former Fire Explorer/Cadet Advisor with Los Angeles City Fire Department for 15 years.
Please list community activities and/or organizations in which you are involved.
Current member of YES Advisory Board. Active member of California Fire Exploring Association (Board member for 29 years). Parent volunteer for Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team.
What is your particular interest in serving on the YES Advisory Board? I want to assist and guide youth to gaining employment.
Why do you think that the YES is important?
YES offers a perspective that youth might not otherwise receive in seeking employment. Although employment practices have changed over the years, how you present yourself as a potential employee has not.
The YES Advisory Board meetings are held at 8:15 a.m., on the third Wednesday of each month during the school year 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.
10 Signature
Eric Verwey
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.
Thank you,
City of Simi Valley, CA
11