Modesto Council honors Latino Leadership Initiative cohort and hears Youth Commission report

The Modesto City Council presented a proclamation recognizing the work of the Latino Leadership Initiative and acknowledged National Youth Day before receiving a report from the Modesto Youth Commission.

Councilmembers presented the proclamation to John Torres and Marvin Jacobo, leaders of the Latino Leadership Initiative. Councilmember Rosa Escutia Brayton said, “You have the best of the best,” and praised the cohort’s civic engagement after the group’s eight‑month leadership program.

Jeremy Rogers, who introduced the commission to the council, said the Modesto Youth Commission was reinstated for the 2022–23 school year and has now completed three terms. Vice Chair Sabrina Torr led a presentation outlining the commission’s work this year, saying, “This year we focused on expanding the youth commission to involve more youth to get more diverse perspectives.” Torr reported the commission formed six subcommittees — outreach, community service, social media and communications, diversity/equity/inclusion, legislative, and wellness — and that commissioners filled 11 vacancies from 18 applications.

Commission members described partnerships with the city’s recreation division — staffing booths and activities at events including the Celebration of Lights holiday parade, 10 movie nights in the park, a Halloween event, and National Night Out — and participation in the California Association of Youth Commissions conference, where the Modesto commissioners led a panel on youth voting in school board elections.

Commissioners said wellness, diversity/equity/inclusion and legislative subcommittees are developing projects to inform peers how local government affects youth and to increase youth participation. The commission also plans more monthly departmental visits, a summit to teach teens how local government works and recurring community outreach events; applications were announced open through Aug. 24 on the city website.

Councilmembers praised the commission and its mentors. Councilmember Jeremiah Williams and others noted attendance at the cohort’s graduation and encouraged continued mentorship.

The presentation was listed as a report only; the council took no action on the items presented.

Councilmembers and staff posed logistical questions and offered to publicize upcoming commission events. The council invited commissioners and the Latino Leadership Initiative cohort to remain engaged with the city for future civic opportunities.