Oxnard Youths May Get a Voice in City Politics

Young, aspiring politicos may wield influence in Oxnard City Hall faster than they ever thought possible as part of a proposed city Youth Commission.

The Oxnard City Council today will consider creating a commission composed of 21 young leaders from city schools, clubs and associations.

The commission, modeled after similar bodies in Simi Valley and Thousand Oaks, would suggest programs and offer advice to Oxnard officials on city issues.

“This would be more of a formal opportunity for young people to address their views and their needs,” said Jim Faulconer, director of the city’s recreation and community services. “It serves as a new vehicle for youth to get involved in their city and their own issues and problems.”

Among the ideas proposed to fall under the auspices of the Youth Commission are preparing a year-round calendar of children’s events, honoring youngsters for their civic contributions, starting a youth newspaper and television program and creating a youth month during which kids “assume control of city government” and install an ersatz mayor, police chief and department heads.

The difficult part of the plan, city officials said, will be making sure the fledgling politicians understand the limits of their power and do not let it go to their heads.

“If you want to create a logical agenda for youngsters, you have to consult them,” said Efren Gorre, who runs Oxnard’s Summer Youth Employment and Training Program. “The challenge of dealing with youngsters is that you have to give them guidance sometimes.”

City Councilman Andres Herrera said the plan is a great way to involve the city’s youth in Oxnard’s politics. But he cautioned that adults need to oversee the commission.

“I’m assuming that we’re going to have adult supervision,” Herrera said. “But I think kids will be able to express their views and provide input, which is the point of the commission. We have so many resources in our young people.”

Oxnard officials in the past few months have discussed the plan with young people in city programs such as the Youth and Work Newspaper Project, the Summer Youth Corps and the Police Athletic League.

City staff also sought opinions from El Concilio del Condado de Ventura, a Latino advocacy group, the Oxnard Union High School District and the Boys & Girls Club of Oxnard.

Most children and teen-agers were enthusiastic about the concept. The adults were too, but some wanted to make sure commission members have well-defined responsibilities, following guidelines and bylaws.

“I don’t think we want to cast everything in stone,” Faulconer said. “(But) ultimately there would be a set of bylaws and goals.”

The Youth Commission, the brainchild of Councilman Bedford Pinkard, would cost $6,500 to start, according to city estimates. But city leaders say it will be cost-effective because commission members could help officials determine what youths need from the city and what is expendable.