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Orozco, Norma <br />From: Selina Mendez <brandyselinamendez@gmail.com> <br />Sent: Tuesday, June 6, 2023 4:49 PM <br />To: eComment <br />Cc: Vazquez, Benjamin; Penaloza, David; Lopez, Jessie; Hernandez, Johnathan; Bacerra, <br />Phil; Phan, Thai; Amezcua, Valerie <br />Subject: Agenda Item #52 <br />Dear City Council Members, <br />My name is Selina Mendez, this years orange county's youth of the year and this is my public comment <br />regarding the youth center: <br />Over 25% of the residents of Santa Ana are teens under the age of 18. Resources in <br />this community need to cater to the demographic of their areas. Signifying that in order <br />to prevent teen gang involvement youth centers need to be implemented. With the <br />integration of community youth centers it would contribute to a higher level of teens <br />being in spaces that would allow them to focus and excel in educational activities. Not <br />only would it allow for educational purposes but also for mental health and physical <br />educational opportunities. This youth center should include a proper space for a <br />gymnasium, computer center, mental health resources, and high running WiFi to allow <br />for a focus on homework. The allocation of funds from this budget should properly be <br />used to support the future of our city which relies solely on the youth. Experiencing first <br />hand from the impacts of the boys and girls club and their teen center I've seen how so <br />many youth have benefitted from these centers. As the Orange County Youth of the <br />Year I feel it is necessary for others to experience opportunities like the ones I have <br />received from youth center organizations. When spaces for recreation and creative <br />expression are offered it creates success stories instead of contributing to the "what if' <br />stories. Don't be a part of the "what if we would have supported the youth center how <br />many kids would have benefited from it." Be a part of the "because we supported the <br />center we helped these teens have a safer space." Not only is this center wanted but it <br />is needed for the future of youth excellence in Santa Ana. <br />Thank you I hope you can make this a possibility! <br />Best, <br />Selina Mendez <br />1 <br />