Last week was the October meeting of the City of Colton Youth Council. Starting in August, the Youth Council continues to meet monthly to learn about leadership, the history of Colton and the basic operations of our city. The focus last week was on the Colton Fire Department, which was presented by Colton Fire Chief Justin Weems. Previous topics thus far included Youth Leadership and Community Services. “It was a privilege meeting our Youth Council. Their commitment to our community’s future is inspiring,” commented Chief Weems, as he closed his presentation about the Fire Department.
The members of the Youth Council are Kimberly Huerta, Evelyn Hernandez, Sofia Vega,
Melissa Walker, and Karina Lorenzo Morales. All of the students attend Colton High School and have been accepted as members of the Youth Council by demonstrating leadership skills, academic excellence and receiving recommendations from their teachers. DrG is founder and Director of the Colton Youth Council, which originally started in 2016.
The October 7 meeting was very successful. Kimberly Huerta, Chair, opened the meeting by leading the Pledge of Allegiance, and giving a report on the Recreation and Parks Commission. The agenda also included a review of Youth Council activities, leadership opportunities, Colton publications, and a session on Colton history. The agenda then moved on to the Guest Speaker presentation by the Fire Chief. Several topics about the Colton Fire Department were discussed and students had the opportunity to ask questions. At the end of the meeting, Dr.G led a “walking tour” to the downtown Fire Station 211, which is just one block from City Hall.
Chief Weems then met the students at Fire Station 211 and led them through the lobby, offices, meeting areas, dorms and the bay (garage), which included a couple of fully-equipped fire trucks. A team of fire fighter personnel were also on hand to meet the students, share a few stories about their experiences, and take a few pictures. “The fire station was amazing,” exclaimed Kimberly Huerta who continued, “I would like to get more information about the fire department youth programs.” Melissa Walker, senior, requested information on joining the fire explorers and possible going on a ride-a-long. Considering the short amount of time available, the tour was interesting, informative and certainly eye-opening for a student to have this kind of opportunity. “I really liked the tour,” commented Karina Lorenzo Morales.
The purpose of the Youth Council is to identify outstanding students who have demonstrated great potential for becoming future community leaders, and to teach them about leadership, Colton history, city operations, and civic service. The City of Colton continues to support this program and looks forward to their development and involvement in civic affairs throughout the remainder of this fiscal year.