GILROY
– Gilroy’s Youth Commission, a teen-age board that plans youth
activities for the city, is struggling to fill six vacancies before
the July 26 application deadline.
GILROY – Gilroy’s Youth Commission, a teen-age board that plans youth activities for the city, is struggling to fill six vacancies before the July 26 application deadline.
So far they have received only three applications, according to City Clerk Rhonda Pellin.
The 11-member commission is a fairly new addition to the Gilroy City Council.
It began in November of 2000 as a way for teen-agers to get a voice in city matters and make recommendations to City Council members. Since then, the commission has worked independently to plan safe, entertaining activities for Gilroy teenagers.
“We try to plan events that teens can come and have fun at … because there’s not a lot to do in Gilroy,” said commission member Lauren Bevilacqua, one of the six members that won’t be returning, saying that she wants to “do more things at school.”
“Trying to balance everything is difficult … but I have fun doing it,” she said.
Despite the difficulty of balancing school and the commission, most of the members are leaving because they reached their term limits. Commission members can serve up to two consecutive two-year terms, or until they reach 19 years old, whichever comes first. While some of the six are eligible to re-apply, so far none have.
Along with planning non-school dances, events at the Gaslighter and skateboard competitions for teens, the Youth Commission also focuses on volunteer work for the community.
“People are always calling us for volunteers,” said Recreation Supervisor Gayle Glines, who acts as a facilitator for the commission.
In addition to everything else, next year the commission’s main goal is to publicize their name and gain credibility.
“We’re trying to make ourselves more established … bring more of the youth of Gilroy out,” said commission member David Bress.
According to Bress, applicants only “need a positive attitude,” and, with several meetings a month, plenty of free time.
Students interested in applying must live in Gilroy, and be between 13 and 19 years old.
Applications are available at the City Clerk’s office on 7351 Rosanna St., and the deadline to submit is 5 p.m. on July 26.
Interviews will be conducted Aug. 2, starting at 6 p.m. at the Gilroy City Council Chambers, and final decisions will be announced at that meeting.
