OCEANSIDE — The City Council officially reestablished the Youth Commission on March 12 after a 15-year hiatus, unanimously approving its return and adopting its bylaws.
The decision follows a months-long effort by local teens advocating for a platform to have their voices heard on city issues.
“While the prior commission was dissolved almost 15 years ago, the need for youth input remains an important element to informing the city’s work,” said Oceanside Library Division Manager Marie Town.
The Youth Commission will give Oceanside’s high school students an opportunity to engage in local government and provide input on decisions affecting the city’s youth.
The city previously had a Youth Commission from 1999 to 2010, but it was dissolved due to commission consolidation and attendance issues that led to frequent meeting cancellations in its final two years.
Town expressed confidence that the new commission would not face similar attendance problems, citing strong enthusiasm from local youth.
Oceanside High School junior Lanae Branch, who led efforts to bring back the commission in October, emphasized its importance.
“This isn’t just about creating a symbolic group, it’s about ensuring that students will always have a seat at the table,” Branch said. “There were concerns about whether young people will step up or not, but my presence here and so many other engaged young leaders proves we are serious. There are students ready to serve, ready to engage, and ready to bring fresh perspectives to issues that impact us all.”
The Youth Commission will consist of nine regular members and two alternates, meeting bimonthly with support from library staff. Members must be Oceanside residents in grades 9-12, and the commission’s composition will reflect the city’s demographics, diversity, and four council districts.
The mayor will nominate members, with final approval by the City Council. The bylaws, developed after consultations with other cities and Oceanside youth, outline the commission’s responsibilities and governance.
Councilmember Rick Robinson stressed the importance of selecting members from all local high schools, while Councilmember Jimmy Figueroa shared his experience attending El Camino High School, Pacific View Charter School and MiraCosta Community Learning Center to highlight the need for broad representation.
Figueroa also urged city staff to support young commissioners, commending the students for their leadership.
Deputy Mayor Eric Joyce encouraged future commissioners to advocate for the issues that matter to them.
“Keep pushing. We want to hear what you have to say,” Joyce said. “There’s a reason why we’re behind this.”
Mayor Esther Sanchez praised the students for their persistence.
“I know the first thing you heard was no, and you did not accept that. Thank you so much for your leadership,” Sanchez said. “You have a wonderful vision.”
Applications for the Youth Commission can be submitted by email to [email protected] or in person at the City Clerk Department, 300 N. Coast Hwy.
