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CC - Item 4D - Appointment of Youth Advisory Committee MembersROSEMEAD CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL FROM: RICHARD BELMUDEZ, INTRERIM CITY MANAGEa� DATE: SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 SUBJECT: APPOINTMENT OF YOUTH ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEMBERS ,%lTX4MARV The City has solicited applications for the Youth Advisory Committee, which serves in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters and issues pertaining to youth in the community. The Youth Advisory Committee is overseen by the Parks and Recreation Department, which provides staff support and coordinates the Committee's meetings, programs, and activities. Staff has reviewed the applications received and recommends that the City Council appoint the candidates identified in this report to serve on the Youth Advisory Committee. DISCUSSION 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 six returning members of the Youth Advisory Committee, along with one new member recommended for appointment by staff. Each individual demonstrates strong leadership qualities, a commitment to community involvement, and a desire to represent the interests of Rosemead's youth. Their continued participation and diverse perspectives will contribute to the success of the Youth Advisory Committee and benefit the City of Rosemead. Guanren (Happy) Wang Guanren (Happy) Wang is currently a senior at San Gabriel High School. She would value the opportunity .to address environmental injustice, resource inequality, and youth mental health in AGENDA ITEM 4.1) City Council Meeting September 22, 2026 Page 2 of 3 ways that support young people and their communities. She hopes to help youth understand how environmental issues affect their health while creating more opportunities for them to participate in advocacy. She would also want to address the growing role of technology, cell phones, and Al in education by encouraging responsible use that supports academic success while protecting students' social, emotional, and mental well-being. Zhaniya Ayankyzy (Returning) Zhaniya Ayankyzy is currently a senior 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, including 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 develop leadership skills while making a positive impact in their community. Sophia Cao (Returning) Sophia Cao is a junior 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 (Returning) Vivienne Dinh is a sophomore at Mark Keppel High School. She is enthusiastic about expanding opportunities for youth to engage in community and social activities that promote personal growth, encourage 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 their negative impacts on mental health and interpersonal skills. Kristin Kim (Returning) Kristin Kim is a junior at Rosemead High School. She is interested in continuing to create opportunities for local youth to become more actively involved in the community while fostering stronger connections among Rosemead's teen residents. Kristin would also like to support programs that assist students with the college application process and provide access to mental health and wellness resources, recognizing the challenges associated with academic pressures. She believes that creating a supportive community environment can help students succeed and reach their full potential. Additionally, Kristin is interested in raising awareness of safety concerns on City streets and advocating for improvements that help prevent accidents and promote the overall safety and well-being of residents. Peter Ly (Returning) Peter Ly is a senior at La Salle College Preparatory High School in Pasadena. He believes that serving on the Youth Advisory Committee will provide him with a platform to advocate for and positively impact the lives of youth in Rosemead. Participation on the Committee will also City Council Meeting September 22, 2026 Page 3 of 3 provide him with an opportunity to develop valuable leadership and civic engagement 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 hopes to advocate for programs that promote financial literacy, mentorship, and greater access to community resources. Evelyn To (Returning) Evelyn To is a senior at Rosemead High School. She is eager to continue her service with 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, Evelyn To and Guanren (Happy) Wang to the Youth Advisory Committee. FISCAL IMPACT All costs associated with the Youth Advisory Committee, including programs, activities, and events, are included in the Parks and Recreation Department's annual 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: 6i Tom oe ing Director of Parks and ecreation