"Youth" Task Force is a joke
I attended tonight's River Park Curfew Community Meeting, and once again came away disappointed. There were fewer attendees than the last meeting, 32 to be exact. The same statements were made by the same people. But there was one nice little twist at the end. Talk of the "Task Force".
They introduced two members of the task force one parent and the only named teen, Kelsy Castillo. After the introductions Luis, Councilman Henry T Perea's assistant, rose to say that if the public had any questions that they could speak with him after the meeting was over.
Kelsy, myself and another teen who also lead a boycott of River Park, Tyler Wilson, rose to speak with Luis. When asked by another teen why Tyler and myself were not on the task force seeing as both of us were the first to come out and take action, his response was "Well you're on a list."
A list. I'm on a list. I'm being waitlisted? Are you kidding? Where is the logic in that?
Luis proceeded to tell us that they had been given a list of teens by the Rios Company who were involved and then from the list and the calls that they were receiving they were choosing the youth who would sit on the task force. When Jane Alvorado (Executive Director of Youth Leadership Institute(YLI)) asked Luis why myself and Tyler had not been called. His answer was this: "Our office is getting calls everyday by teens who are saying that they 'spearheaded' the boycott of River Park."
Well here is my suggestion: Why doesn't his office do some research and look up articles and news reports on the subject and see who is mentioned. Then they can see who really spearheaded the movement.
Also, I take offense that this "Task Force" is being publicized as a youth group to benefit youth. This Task Force has only 5 teens and 11 adults. 11 adults? That's more than twice the number of youth. Wait. I thought this was youth task force. I'm confused.
Jane Alvorado was never contacted and she runs a youth-based organization. John Minkler who has founded a series of youth-based organizations was never contacted. If this is something that is said to be youth based and youth led and benefits youth, there should be more young people than adults.
Call me crazy. I have sat on enough councils to know that it can appear to be a youth council, but it's really adults leading the teens around by the hand and telling us what to do. I would hate for the City of Fresno to do that to a group of upstanding and involved youth.
Why not make it 60/40. The adults can give suggestions and commentary, but let us do most of the work. Luis told us that they were looking for teens that had different opinions. Like teens not opposed to the idea of a curfew. I can only count one teen I've encountered that agrees with the curfew.
I think Councilman Perea and his crew need to take a step back and really look at what they are doing. Is this really a task force for the good of the community or political stepping stone. How long does Councilman Perea have left in office? Is he going to be here to see it through?
The other thing that bothers me is that because Councilman Perea is young, he likes to say that he is for the youth. But as long as he can tack his name to it, then he will do it.
I'm disappointed to see an idea that really could have done some good has fallen prey to the vultures of Fresno politics. Especially something for youth.
Comments
Why is anyone wasting time on this?
Those same kids can make ANYPLACE in Fresno a great place to be.
As a person that was kicked out of every single restaurant and fast food joint in my home town for playing Dungeons and Dragons I can sort've relate. (Ya Ya I am a geek)
Head downtown scare the crap out of your parents because of the viewpoint on how dangerous downtown is. (it's not)
Organize a Riverpark gang that does nothing but hang out on the outskirts of Riverpark during curfew hours. (make funny faces at the people that drive past or into the parking lot ^^)
Just my 2 cents take it with a large grain of salt =0
Posted by: John Zacharias | September 20, 2007 7:15 AM
Was Henry Perea there on behalf of the Council Members?
I don't think it's his district to represent although there is nothing wrong with him at the meeting.
Posted by: Rich | September 20, 2007 4:15 PM
Wow, nice job. I love the fact that you pretty much expressed every idea and thought of criticism against Perea. When Perea's little assistant answered my question of "Do you even know how significantly involved those teens were?" with a simple "uhh...nu...no.", the oh so devastating thought of "oh no! we might have to actually have to get off our butts and do something as councilmen!" thought must have been pacing through his head.>:-0 they act like our fresno city council is congress or something.
does Perea even have a college degree? no. i don't think so. this "task force" seems to be a complete joke, and its another one of Pereas little "ego boosts" and just a political move for him. its sorry to see our fresno city council using a "youth task force" to boost their political status, isnt it? ridiculous i might add. well im off for the night.
-Tyler Wilson, 16
Posted by: Tyler Wilson | September 20, 2007 9:43 PM
Fact Check: Jane Alvarado- Director of Prevention Programs in Urban Fresno with the Youth Leadership Institute (YLI).
Posted by: Jane Alvarado | September 24, 2007 9:33 AM