Youth Commission Presents 2024–25 Report; Council Accepts Annual Report

The Thousand Oaks Youth Commission presented its 2024–25 annual report to the City Council on June 24, summarizing outreach, environmental cleanup, a youth leadership summit and a young artists contest; the council unanimously accepted the report.

Chair Benjamin Glabke, a recent Thousand Oaks High School graduate, told the council commissioners held monthly meetings with guest speakers and served as liaisons to partner organizations including the Canyon Recreation & Park District and CVUSD advisory groups. Commissioners organized three committees: an environmental committee that assisted with the coastal cleanup and a local trash cleanup, a youth leadership summit that brought together 75 youth and community leaders, and a young artists contest with three winners across categories.

Commissioners described recruitment efforts and a promotional video produced with TOTV that helped yield 23 eligible applicants for six vacancies. Glabke said commissioners will seek direction from the city manager’s office on potential 2025–26 projects, such as outreach to youth agencies and activities that support the commission’s duties.

Councilmembers praised the commission’s work. Councilmember Bob Engler said the youth leadership summit was “eye opening and illuminating” and Mayor David Newman and other councilmembers commended commissioners for focused, timely engagement on topics that included mental health, social media impacts and additional youth activities.

Councilmember Mike Taylor moved to accept the report and noted the action is not a project under CEQA; the council approved the motion 5–0.

Ending: The Youth Commission will continue outreach and pursue additional projects in 2025–26 with staff support; commissioners said they plan to invite additional applicants to participate in cleanup and leadership events even if not selected for current vacancies.