Youth Commission | City of Santa Clara

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The Youth Commission acts in an advisory capacity to the City Council in matters pertaining to the youth and teen population, especially in relation to municipal programs and projects.

Upcoming Meetings

For current and past meeting agendas and materials, visit Legistar. Below are some general details:

When: Generally meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month during the school year at 6 p.m.
Where: Youth & Teen Center, 2446 Cabrillo Ave.
City Staff Liaison: Rich Casem, Recreation Coordinator: 408-615-3742

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the commission responsible for?

Fostering increased involvement in the affairs of municipal government.
Studying problems and holding forums on the issues, activities and concerns of Santa Clara youth.
Recommending the implementation of community programs which the Youth Commission deems desirable.
Reviewing municipal matters referred to the Youth Commission by the City Council, or by other City of Santa Clara Commissions, and make recommendations on such matters.
Performing other related functions assigned to them by the City Council.

What are some of the commission's accomplishments

Successfully recommended the development of a Skate Park in Santa Clara, which opened in 1999.
Successfully recommended the development of a high school Teen Center, which opened in 2003.
Hosted the Run Santa Clara: 5K to encourage family to enjoy green space and instill healthy habits.
Co-hosted the Inclusive Makerspace STEM event for youth with special needs.
Hosted the Sustainable Tech for Environmental Minds virtual conference to highlight professional and student efforts positively impacting current and future environmental issues.
Arrange recreation activities such as special events for teens.
Volunteer at a variety of City-wide sponsored events.

Commissioners

Julianna Arias
Santa Clara High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Allysa Domensino
Santa Clara High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Namita Gaidhani
Cupertino High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(Second Term)

Srikha Gopisetti
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Neha Israni
Cupertino High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Rebecca Kunze
Notre Dame High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Malia Martin
Archbishop Mitty High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(Fourth Term)

Samaira Mehta
Archbishop Mitty High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(Third Term)

Brian Rong
Lynbrook High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Samarth Suresh
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(Fourth Term)

Mateo Espinal
Santa Clara High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Niharika Uppalapati
Santa Clara High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Drew Madriaga
Wilcox High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Seoyun Chong
Archbishop Mitty High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(First Term)

Aneesha Vemu
Archbishop Mitty High School
Term Expires: May 31, 2026
(Alternate)

Ayaan Mathur
(Alternate)

Ibrahim Rayees
(Alternate)

How Are Commissioners Chosen?

The Youth Commission consists of fifteen commissioners who are volunteers and are chosen through an application and recruitment process. To be eligible:

You must be a resident of Santa Clara
You must be between 12 and 19 years of age.
You may not hold any paid office in, or be employed by, the City of Santa Clara.

Youth Commissioner terms are valid from Sept. through May, with a maximum term limit of six calendar years. The 2026-2027 term recruitment process has concluded.

For details, call the Youth & Teen Center at 408-615-3760. The Youth Commission may also be reached at youthcommission@santaclaraca.gov.

Last Updated:

04-29-2026