Capitola City Council continues youth liaison program with Ayla Bonney presentation

In the heart of Capitola's city hall, a vibrant discussion unfolded as the City Council convened on June 12, 2025. The atmosphere buzzed with anticipation as council members gathered to hear from a remarkable young voice—Ayla Bonney, the newly elected youth liaison representative for Capitola.

Ayla, a lifelong resident of the city, stepped forward to share her experiences and insights from her role in the youth liaison program, a collaborative initiative between Capitola and Santa Cruz aimed at integrating youth perspectives into local governance. With a clear passion for her community, Ayla recounted her journey, which began with a desire to engage more deeply in the city she calls home.

The youth liaison program, established under the Children and Youth Bill of Rights, aims to bridge the gap between young residents and city officials. Ayla highlighted the importance of youth involvement in decision-making processes, emphasizing that often, decisions affecting young people are made without their input. "There are a lot of opportunities for young people, but we're not always made aware of them," she noted, reflecting on her own journey of discovery within local politics.

Throughout her tenure, Ayla participated in various activities, including meetings with city representatives and workshops designed to foster connections between youth and local government. Her experiences culminated in the creation of a "State of the Youth" report, which she presented to the council, showcasing her learnings and the barriers young people face in accessing civic engagement.

The council members responded with enthusiasm, expressing their support for the continuation of the program and the need for greater outreach to youth in the community. "You are a very important voice," one council member remarked, acknowledging the significance of youth participation in shaping the future of Capitola.

As the meeting drew to a close, the council's commitment to fostering youth engagement was palpable. Ayla's presentation not only highlighted the successes of the youth liaison program but also served as a call to action for the city to continue creating spaces for young voices to be heard. With plans to expand the program and encourage more youth involvement, the council left the meeting inspired, hopeful that Ayla's efforts would ripple through the community, inviting more young people to join the conversation about their future.