The City of Santa Clara Youth Commission was established in 1995 to act in an advisory capacity providing City Council with valuable insight regarding youth and teen issues in our community. Since its inception, the 15-member Youth Commission has accomplished several goals in an effort to better serve their peers. One such goal for the Youth Commission was to raise funds in an effort to acknowledge their peers who are committed to community service and seek positive solutions to critical issues facing today's young people. Scholarships based on service, not on need or academic achievement, are available to deserving high school Junior and Seniors. Additional information on the Youth Commission is as follows:


Meets: Generally meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month during the school year (September - May) at 6:00 p.m.
Place: Teen Center, 2446 Cabrillo Avenue
Staff Liaison: Jennifer Herb, Recreation Supervisor-Teen Center: (408) 615-3740

What is the Youth Commission responsible for?

• To act in an advisory capacity to the City of Santa Clara City Council on matters pertaining to the youth and teen population, especially as related to municipal programs and projects of the City
• Foster increased involvement in the affairs of municipal government
• Study problems and hold forums on issues, activities and concerns of Santa Clara youth
• Recommend the implementation of community programs, which the Youth Commission deems desirable
• Review municipal matters referred to the Youth Commission by the City Council, or by other City of Santa Clara Commissions, and make recommendations on such matters
• Perform other related functions assigned to them by the City Council

What are some of the Youth Commission's accomplishments?

• Successfully recommended the development of a Skate Park in Santa Clara, which opened in September, 1999
• Successfully recommended the development of a high school Teen Center, which opened in January, 2003
• Offer a community service scholarship to high school juniors and graduating seniors
• Established intergenerational programs for teens and senior citizens
• Co-host an annual Youth Commissioners’ leadership conference
• Arrange recreation activities such as special events for teens
• Volunteer at a variety of City-wide sponsored events

How long can I serve as a Youth Commissioner?

The Youth Commission shall consist of up to fifteen members, each serving a one-year term. The maximum term of service is four calendar years.

When and where are Youth Commission meetings?

The Youth Commission meets on the second Tuesday of each month, September through May, at the Santa Clara Teen Center, located at 2446 Cabrillo Avenue in Santa Clara. The meetings take place from 6:00-8:30 p.m.

What are the requirements to be a Youth Commissioner?

• Applicants must be residents of the City of Santa Clara
• Young people ages 12-19 years of age will be sought for membership
• Members of the Youth Commission shall not hold any paid office or employment in the City of Santa Clara government
• As a minimum, the Youth Commission membership should consist of at least one representative from each middle and high school in Santa Clara (i.e. Buchser Middle School, Cabrillo Middle School, Santa Clara High School, Wilcox High School)

What is the application process?

• Complete and return the attached application to the Teen Center by 8:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 17, 2007.
• Each applicant who meets the minimum requirements will be contacted by City staff to determine the time of their interview. All interviews will take place on Saturday, April 28 at the Teen Center, located at 2446 Cabrillo Avenue in Santa Clara.
• Each applicant will be asked the same series of questions. City staff will facilitate the interview panel. Applicants will be rated on communication skills, leadership potential, commitment/dedication and enthusiasm/interest.
• City staff will announce the 2007-2008 Youth Commission in May 2007.
• The City Clerk will swear Youth Commissioners into office in August 2007.

For additional information contact Jennifer Herb at the Teen Center, (408) 615-3741. The Youth Commission may also be contacted by email.

Paul Barghouth
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(Second Term)

Vanessa Harsh
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(Second Term)

Noama Iftekhar
Peterson Middle School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(First Term)

Brian Mulligan
Santa Clara High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(First Term)

Tammy Nguyen
Santa Clara High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(First Term)

Zedric Ochoa, Chair
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(Third Term)

Niral Patel
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(First Term)

Eric Spinks
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(First Term)

Alex Vargas
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(Second Term)

Anya Vo
St. Francis High School
Term Expires: June 30, 2008
(Second Term)

Spotlight on Commissions, Committees and Outstanding Citizens
Youth Commission Application (PDF)
Youth Commission History (PDF)
Youth Commission Scholarship (PDF)