CC - Item 4F - Appointment of the Youth Advisory CommitteeROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL
STAFF REPORT
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
FROM: BEN KIM, CITY MANAGER J�/
DATE: OCTOBER 14, 2025
SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF THE YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE
SUMMARY
The City issued a call for applications for the Youth Advisory Committee for the 2025-2026
school year. The Committee provides guidance to the City Council on issues affecting youth and
is overseen by the Parks and Recreation Department. Staff recommends that the City Council
appoint the candidates listed in this report.
At the September 27, 2022 meeting, the City Council approved that the reestablished Youth
Advisory Committee would be responsible for the following:
• Advising City Council on matters pertaining to youth,
• Promoting efforts that improve the welfare of Rosemead youth,
• Educating the community regarding youth -related issues, and
• Educating Rosemead youth and their families about available services, resources, and
programs.
There are currently three returning members of the Youth Advisory Committee, along with four
new members recommended by staff. Each individual demonstrates outstanding qualities that
will contribute to the success of the Youth Advisory Committee and benefit the City of
Rosemead.
Zhaniya Ayankyzy
Zhaniya Ayankyzy is currently a junior at Rosemead High School. As a member of the Youth
Advisory Committee, she aims to focus on issues that directly affect teens and local youth, such
as mental health awareness, access to safe and engaging recreational spaces, and educational
resources that foster personal and academic development. She is also passionate about promoting
programs that encourage community service and civic engagement among youth, helping them
build leadership skills while making a positive impact within the community.
AGENDA ITEM 4.F
City Council Meeting
October 14, 2025
Page 2 of 3
Sophia Cao
Sophia Cao is a sophomore at San Gabriel High School. As a member of the Youth Advisory
Committee, she seeks to raise awareness of key issues affecting teens and local youth, including
mental health, teen pregnancy, substance abuse, academic challenges, and the experiences of
first -generation college students. Sophia is dedicated to addressing these concerns and promoting
initiatives that support the well-being and success of young people in the community.
Vivienne Dinh
Vivienne Dinh is a freshman at Mark Keppel High School. She is enthusiastic about expanding
opportunities for youth to engage in community and social activities that promote personal
growth, foster the discovery of interests, and support the development of talents and future goals.
Vivienne is also interested in addressing the growing dependence on screens and social media,
recognizing its negative impact on mental health and interpersonal skills.
Kristin Kim (Returning)
Kristin Kim is a junior at Rosemead High School. She is interested in creating more
opportunities for local youth to become actively involved in the community and to foster
stronger connections among Rosemead's teen residents. Kristin also seeks to support programs
that assist students with college applications and provide mental health resources, recognizing
that academic pressures can be challenging. She believes that a supportive community
environment can help students reach their full potential. Additionally, Kristin would like to bring
attention to safety concerns on city streets and advocate for improvements that help prevent
accidents and ensure the well-being of residents.
Peter Ly (Returning)
Peter Ly is a junior at La Salle College Preparatory High School in Pasadena. He believes that
serving on the Youth Advisory Committee will provide a platform to advocate for and positively
impact the lives of youth in Rosemead. Participation on the Committee will also allow him to
develop valuable skills that will support his future aspirations in public policy. Peter is
particularly interested in addressing language and economic barriers faced by local youth and
aims to promote programs focused on financial literacy and mentorship within the community.
Jessica Navarro
Jessica Navarro is a sophomore at San Gabriel High School. She is interested in increasing youth
involvement within the community and promoting opportunities for young people to give back,
particularly during the holiday season. Jessica is also concerned about road safety in the
community and is passionate about identifying resources and support systems to address mental
health challenges among youth.
City Council Meeting
October 14, 2025
Page 3 of 3
Evelyn To (Returning)
Evelyn To is a junior at Rosemead High School. She is eager to join the Youth Advisory
Committee to make a positive impact on the community and represent the perspectives of her
peers. Evelyn is committed to addressing key issues affecting local youth and fostering an
inclusive environment. Her areas of focus include advocating for mental health support and
increased access to mental health resources, enhancing educational programs and opportunities,
promoting career exploration initiatives, and supporting scholarship programs.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the appointments of Zhaniya Ayankyzy, Sophia
Cao, Vivienne Dinh, Kristin Kim, Peter Ly, Jessica Navarro and Evelyn To, to the Youth
Advisory Committee.
FISCAL IMPACT
Only staff costs are anticipated in association with Youth Advisory Committee activities. These
will be absorbed within the current Parks and Recreation Department Budget.
STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
The project is consistent with the Strategic Plan's Goal B of Responsive and Inclusive City,
included under step 2 Actions, as a guiding principle for continuing to provide quality services
that are inclusive and responsive to meet the challenging needs of the diverse community.
PUBLIC NOTICE PROCESS
This item has been noticed through the regular agenda notification.
Prepared By:
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Tom Boecking
Director of Parks and Recreation