Youth commission receives projects-and-goals report; discusses teen center programming, subcommittees and e-bike safety presentation

The Redondo Beach City Youth Commission received and filed a staff report on projects and goals for the coming year, including a review of last year’s subcommittees, continued programming at the teen center and several suggested topics for future work. Commissioners were asked to consider the report and return in November with priorities and potential subcommittee assignments.

Staff summarized three subcommittees the prior commission used: substance abuse (or "substance control" as a suggested rename), communications (focused on social media outreach, especially Instagram), and teen center/events (programming and citywide teen events). Staff described the subcommittee workflow: up to seven commissioners may form a subcommittee that meets informally, returns findings to the full commission and can make recommendations. Staff said subcommittees do not have to post meetings or take minutes but must present results to the full commission.

The commission heard that the teen center has reopened and that a prior teen-survey subcommittee helped craft questions used to design programming. Staff recommended commissioners consider whether to continue those subcommittees, to appoint content creators for the Instagram account or to pursue alternative outreach methods.

City Councilmember Paige Kalejatovich (District 3) spoke during public comment and urged commissioners to take ownership of the teen center and to use it for the teens’ benefit. She said the council supports the commission and that city leaders are available to assist: "I am here to support you," she said. Later in the meeting she added, "It truly is meant to be yours," urging commissioners to use the teen center actively.

Commissioners proposed additional items for future agendas, including film and arts programming at the teen center (nominations and contacts mentioned by a commissioner), and a concern about vandalism and alteration of e-bikes. The commission voted to agendize a police department presentation on e-bike vandalism and safety measures after a motion and second; the motion passed on a voice vote.

Staff encouraged commissioners to provide suggestions between meetings and said staff can supply baseline information on teen center amenities and current programming in a future meeting so commissioners have a factual starting point for work-plan discussions.

The item was received and filed on a motion and voice vote.