A group of Malibu youths are showing the community that you’re never too young to lead, as the Harry Barovsky Memorial Youth Commission expanded again this year to accept 12 additional commissioners, bringing the total with returning members to an all-time high of 26.
“As usual,” said Councilmember Lou La Monte, after hearing remarks from seven commission hopefuls who attended last Monday’s meeting, “I am so incredibly impressed at what our future’s going to be here in Malibu.”
The commission, named after late Malibu Council Member Harry Barovsky and formed in 1999, was originally tasked with the goal of identifying solutions to problems facing Malibu’s youth. That goal has since evolved and expanded to fit the current demand for community-building youth events sponsored by the city.
According to former supervisor Theresa Odello, the commission used to function mainly for community service and education, with stricter guidelines for membership.
“There were two commissioners from sixth through twelfth grade,” said Odello, “Two members from each grade and two members at large, I believe.”
Today, the commission has doubled that original size.
“To deny any of them the opportunity would just be wrong on our part,” said La Monte at last week’s council meeting, where he made a motion to include all applicants in next year’s commission.
Speakers at last week’s meeting included Shannyn Schack, a rising junior at Har vard- Westlake, who presented several ideas for events the commission could organize throughout the next school year.
“I would love to be part of this youth commission because I would love to be more involved in my community and I would love to give back,” said Schack.
“Giving back” seemed to be a theme amongst the future commissioners, many of whom came with ideas of ways to build the youth community in Malibu, including Our Lady of Malibu student David Sagona, who suggested an event to recognize Malibu’s athletes, and Morgan Perlmuter, who lamented the lack of youth-geared social events in the city.
“The Harry Barovsky Youth Commission fills a social void in Malibu,” said Perlmuter, later adding, “This is something, I believe, that is important to the health of the community.”
In addition to creating safe and fulfilling social events, the commission teaches kids about responsibility and planning, according to Parks and Recreation Supervisor Kristin Riesgo, who has worked with the program since 2007.
“They definitely get some experience with teamwork and communicating and building an event,” said Riesgo, adding, “It’s kind of a little out of their comfort zone to get on the phone and call a food truck or come up with creative ways to market events to their friends.”
The City Council has high expectations for the new commissioners, who will break into committees and meet beginning this summer.
“Who knows,” said Mayor Skylar Peak, “one of you guys might be sitting up here one day.”
Mayor Pro Tem John Sibert added, “Anyone who does run can make sure that Skylar is not the youngest mayor in Malibu history.”
The Harry Barovsky Youth Commission meets regularly from September through June on the third Monday of every month.
