OCEANSIDE — The City Council has taken steps to reestablish the Oceanside Youth Commission, aiming to give young adults a platform to voice their opinions on key local issues after a nearly 20-year hiatus.
During its meeting on Oct. 9, the Council voted unanimously to proceed with a plan to bring back the commission. The commission will allow high school students residing in Oceanside to advise the city on a range of matters.
“This opportunity would allow youth from our city to feel empowered to engage and participate in local government, as well as provide city officials with the opportunity to hear our youth’s concerns,” said Mayor Esther Sanchez.
Sanchez, along with Councilmember Eric Joyce, introduced the proposal at the request of students from El Camino and Oceanside High Schools, who advocated for the commission’s reinstatement.
Local students expressed their belief that the youth commission would offer them a stronger voice in the community and a sense of belonging.
“The reinstatement of the youth commission would provide a formal avenue for youth input, making it possible for young people to offer insight on issues like public safety, mental health, housing, environmental sustainability, and education matters that directly affect us,” said Lanae Branch, a junior at Oceanside High School. “As a youth-led body, we could advise on trends and challenges that often may go unnoticed by adults.”
Several students highlighted current concerns among Oceanside youth, including increasing e-bike accidents, drug use, and a lack of safe spaces for young people to gather.
While supportive of the proposal, Councilmember Rick Robinson admitted he was initially hesitant about reestablishing the commission. However, after speaking with Branch, he came around to the idea, though he urged the city to carefully plan how the commission would operate effectively.
City Manager Jonathan Borrego said the council will be presented with a formal plan to reestablish the commission in January.
The youth commission will consist of high school students who live in Oceanside.
