City Youth Council Faces Major Cuts on Budget

By: Isla Salgado

The Hayward Youth Commission (HYC), a council that eagerly welcomes various new members across Hayward city is halting its recruitment for a whole year. The Hayward Youth Commission is composed of young Hayward residents who advise political officials in Hayward in order to make a positive impact to the community. The committee primarily takes part in civic engagement activities including volunteering at the parks as well as representing at a booth in the Earth Day Clean up and community fair. 

“I felt like joining the Hayward Youth Commission, because it was a really good way to become part of a community of students who are passionate and driven towards helping others and the students around them,” states Shreya Rathaur, a College Freshman at Chabot and Chair Pro Tempore. Rathaur’s favorite events that she participated in through The Hayward Youth Commission includes the 2022 Annual Youth Conference and the YAC It Starts with Us Event, “We got such a good crowd and engagement in both of these events and they were not only successful, but super impactful as well!” she expounds.

In the upcoming 26-27 term year, however, recruitment will be ceased, existing voting members’ terms will be extended and alternates will be promoted to voting members. When inquiring about these cuts, Rathaur expresses her discontentment, saying “I understand that having newer members might be difficult in the current situation, but removing youth from the commission seems unfair as they have already proved their ability to contribute to our group […] Taking students out would make it feel like we are missing a piece of our commission.” The chair of Hayward Youth Commission plans to compose a petition to repeal the agenda. Although not much else is discussed regarding the proposal.

I have contacted the Hayward City Clerk, Miriam Lens in order to obtain information about the agenda. Lens details that she had lost one office member who was crucial in the interview and recruitment process. She clarifies that alternates that actively attend the meetings are promoted to voting members, while removing voting members with low attendance in accordance with the Hayward City Council’s Policy. “When putting together [event projects], small groups can be better so that all can [better] come to consensus,” states Lens. Ivan Padilla, is an advisor who oversees one of three divisions of the HYC, says, “I have been an advisor for over 6 years now and have seen former commissioners’ graduate college and become successful in their young careers.” The cuts will impact potential students that were hoping to take part in the HYC as an extracurricular and to gain knowledge of politics.