Huntington Park officials hear youth appeals for formal support of SELA Youth Hub

The Huntington Park City Council heard presentations and personal testimony from youth and nonprofit leaders Wednesday pressing the city to formally back the Southeast Los Angeles (SELA) Youth Hub, a regional effort to coordinate services for people ages 0–24.

Emma Hernandez, chief executive officer of the Southeast Community Development Corporation, said the Hub would create a coordinated referral and follow‑up system so young people do not “fall through the cracks.” She asked the council to adopt a resolution recognizing the Hub, designate a city liaison to participate in planning and coordination, and support collaboration on space, joint grants and staffing.

Youth members described how after‑school programs changed their lives. “The SELA Youth Hub needs you to give us the stable grounds we need to leap off of,” said Giovanni Gomez, a SELA Youth Executive Board member, recounting losing access to programs after changing schools. Student Daniel Sanoval described robotics and mentorship opportunities that he said should be available to all youth in Southeast L.A.

Anna Ortega of Expand LA and other partners presented the Hub model as a network that would combine youth voice, asset mapping and data to align programs across cities, schools and nonprofits. Hernandez listed immediate funding priorities as stipends for the youth executive board, part‑time staff to manage referrals and casework, and space for programs.

Council members expressed support and asked staff for a working draft resolution to refine language and funding requests. Vice Mayor Sanabria noted the after‑school peak hours of need and the broader aim: "kids usually get in trouble from 3PM to 6PM," he said, arguing for accessible programming during that period.

The council did not vote on a resolution that night; staff said they would follow up with the Hub’s organizers and provide a draft for council review and possible formal action at a future meeting.