Item No. %
STAFF REPORT
DATE: March 23, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Dr. Sean M. Moore, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Megan Wolfe, Director of Comm -ty Services Sarah Valdepena, Community Services Recreation Superintendent SUBJECT: Youth Advisory Committee Appointment
RECOMMENDATION:
That the City Council:
1. Review the attached Citizen Service Application for the At -Large Membership to the Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) and;
2. Vote on the appointment of the nominated applicant or;
3. Provide further direction to staff.
BACKGROUND/DISCUSSION:
The YAC serves as an advisory body to the City Council, and the intent is to improve youth involvement in City issues, activities, and provide committee members with a roadmap for success.
The City received an application from the following applicant:
• Aarush Vinnakota, on February 18, 2026, first term
Appointing Aarush Vinnakota will fill the vacancy.
Any member of the City Council may nominate an individual for membership on the YAC. A majority vote of the Council is required for an appointment to be made.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The recommendations do not result in a fiscal impact.
Attachment(s):
1. Citizen Service Application
ATTACHMENT 1
--Rai r i
�ABOUT THE COMMITTEE
The Yucaipa City Council is seeking young adults interested in contributing to the city by exploring city processes and learning to be effective spokespeople for the youth of Yucaipa. Meetings are typically held from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. on the first and third Wednesday of each month, in the Community Meeting Room, at City Hall. If appointed, you will serve a two (2) year term, fulfilling term dates. Applications must be fully completed to be reviewed and considered. The application should be typed or clearly printed and filled with the City Clerk, located at City Hall.
Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 20 years and either attend school or live within the City of Yucaipa boundaries. Applications are accepted until the Committee is filled.
PEQUIPEMIENTS
© Completed Youth Advisory Committee Packet, including application questions © One (1) Letter of Recommendat!on
Rl Copy of school I.D., California I.D., or Drivers License t`lame: Aarush Vinnakota
Fun Address: Yucaipa CA
Cell Phone: M DOB:
Email:
School: Yucaipa High School
Current Grade Level: 9 GPA: 4
Parent/Guardian's Name: Sarada Yeleswarapu
Parent/Guardian's Cell Phone:
Age: 14
Currently, what do you fccl are the biggest issues Yucaipa teens encounter? Currently, I feel that the biggest issues Yucaipa teens encounter are stress and depression, I see many teens who seem sad and don't look motivated at all. This could eithe- be because of school, or relationships, but I personally hate seeing people sad, so I want to do my best to cheer them up. Teens also face stress from school or sports because they want to be the best, and I want teens to realize that being perfect isn't everything and I want them to be able to live high school stress free.
Name one person who has insolred you and list the qualir_ies you admire about that person.
One person who has inspired me is my friend Mathew, He is one of my best friends because of the way he treats others. He is kind, respectful, and willing to do anything to help his friends.
Please list any extra -curricular activities it which you participate.
Some extra -curricular activities I participate in are travel 'basketball, volunteer work at the library, and I am on the school's solar boat club team.
What can the'Youth idviscry Committee do to improve local teen's qualty eI life? The Youth Advisory Committee can help teen's build leadership and life skills by creating programs that can improve local teen life. For example, the committee can help teens develop their speaking, leadership, and management skills that could help them in the future. They can also create programs that can directly allow teen's to help each other, giving them a sense of responsibility and friendship, further improving their quality of life.
I hereby certify that all the statements made in this application are true. I acknowledge that false statements or misrepresentations on this application will be cause for refusal or placement or immediate dismissal at any time during my appointment. I know of no physical limitations, which would preclude my accepting this position. I understand this is a nor -paid position with no promise, express or implieo, of consideration for future employment.
Signature Date 02/18/2026
SPECIAL NOTE: Members of the City of Yucaipa Youth Advisory Committee are required to serve a two (2) year term, attend two (2) meetings per month, and complete a minimum of ten (10) hours of community service annually. Attendance and completion of a Brown Act and Code of Ethics Training is required every two (2) years while serving on the Committee. There will he one (1) local field trip, with the option of attending more, it desired. Youth Advisory Committee members are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from meetings.
The Youth Advisory Committee shall be empowered to establish and maintain responsibilities consistent with the City of Yucaipa Municipal Code and all other ordinances and regulations of the City of Yucaipa and with the laws of the State of California, consistent with the following general purpose:
To develop leadership skills and promote community involvement, with, for, and by youth; to encourage them to initiate and revieN proposals for programs, projects, and facilities as they pertain to youth; promote youth involvement in community events, programs, or volunteer projects through public education, the schools, and community organizations; and act in an advisory capacity to the City Council in all other policy matters pertaining to youth. Participants will increase their understanding of cirygovernment with the goal of learning to be effective advocates for youth-crienred issues.
If under 18, a parent/guardian must sign for you to participate:
Signature Date 02/18/2026
If under 18, a parentlguardian must answer the following:
I give the City of Yucaipa, permission to photograph my child while participating in Youth Advisory Committee meetings and activities. 2 YES ❑ NO
Signature Date 02/18/2026
AARUSH VINNAKOTA
HIGH SCHOOL / FRESHMAN
CAREER OBJECTIVE
Dedicated Honor Roll student maintaining a 4.0 GPA and a record of 50{ community service hours. Proven leader and collaborator, committed to applying disciplined work ethic and strategic teamwork to a professional environment.
VOLUNTEER WORK/ EXPERIENCE
• Participated in church food drive
• Assisted peers in homework
• Fund raising for clubs in middle school
• Participated in park clean ups
• Working at library
PERSONAL SKILLS
• Fxr_ellent prohlem solving and communication skills.
• Highly organized and efficient
• Ability to ,.vork independently or part of team
• Ability to produce best result in pressure situations • Eager to learn nev skills
ACHIEVEMENTS
EDUCATION
Yucaipa High school
• Relevant Course Work - EngineerinE
Academy
• Expected Graduation - 2029
Competitive Edge Charter Academy
(CECA)
• Class of 2025 - Middle School
• Class of 2022 - Elementary School
• Received IB MYP student of the year award 2024- 2025
• Received Gotd Academic Award, .Attendance and Character award in Freshman year mid term • Academic Excellence Award in Middle School
• Participated in Basketball competitions in middle school and high school Freshman year • Received Perfect Math score award in middle school
• Participated in MATHCOUNTS competition in middle school. • Participated in school grizzly ne:vs bulletin for 3 years in middle school • Received Community service participation award in middle school
February 17, 2026
Attn: Selection Committee for the Yucaipa Youth Advisory Council Re: Aarush Vinnakota
Dear Selection Committee,
I am excited to recommend Aarush Vinnakota to Yucaipa Youth Advisory Council. I have known him as his Spanish 2 teacher for the last six months. Aarush is consistently an outstanding student in Spanish and across all subjects. While soma high achieving students are satisfied with correctness, Aarush takes the time to understand and learn the content. He meets all deadlines, has excellent attendance and is self- directed. Not only does he excel in all of his academics, he also balances school with basketball and volunteering.
Aarush works well and positively with groupmates, whether he knows them or not. During group work I have observed him listen to his peers actively and share his opinions thoughtfully and sincerely. I'm confident that he puts these collaborative skills to use not only in class but also as part of the Solar Boat Team and the Engineering Leadership Team. I am excited to see Aarush applying to the Yucaipa Youth Advisory Council, in which I can easily envision him applying leadership skills and working to improve our community.
I give Aarush my highest recommendation and know he would be an excellent asset to the Yucaipa Youth Advisory Council. I would be happy to answer any further questions you have, you can contact me at ianet randrezOycjusd.us.
Sincerely,
Janet Ramirez
World Languages Department Chair
Yucaipa High School