Photo courtesy of City of Chino
City of Chino’s 2015-16 Teen Advisory Committee

By Monique Valadez

CHINO – A group of 11 teenagers from the Chino Valley have their own ideas on how to make their communities more attractive to young people, from the teen center to the new planned Liberty Courtyard.
These local high school students are more formally know as the city’s Teen Advisory Committee (TAC) want to have a voice in local government and bend the ears of elected city officials and other community leaders.
“The Teen Advisory Committee has not only given me a voice in my community, but it has also allowed me to meet other teens who care about the City of Chino and to help organize events that benefit the community,” Teen Advisory Committee Member Bridgette Rojas said.
The committee members serve in an advisory capacity to the Community Services Commission by providing input on teen issues as they relate to programs or projects in Chino, city officials said.
Leading the committee this year are Noemi Lemus, Chairperson; Natalie Camacho, Vice Chair; and Bella Ferriola, Secretary. The officers were elected by the members during their first meeting, which was held September 3, in the City of Chino Council Chambers.
This year, the TAC will be working with the Community Services Commission subcommittee for the construction of the Chino Liberty Courtyard. The courtyard is a planned monument that pays tribute to those who have served or are currently serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. The courtyard will be located at the Carolyn Owens Community Building on B Street.
The teens will explore new ways to bring more awareness and increase participation to the Chino Experience Teen Center.
Additionally, the teens will take part in charitable projects including helping out the Chino Neighborhood House and the Chino Unified School District’s Care Closet.
Open positions are filled on an annual basis as the result of a competitive application process.
Returning members include: Natalie Camacho, Don Lugo High School; Daniel Contreras, Don Lugo High School; Mari Fierro, Don Lugo High School; Noemi Lemus, Don Lugo High School; Alexis Madrid, Don Lugo High School; and Bridgette Rojas, Don Lugo High School.
Newly appointed members are: Elizabeth Cazares, Don Lugo High School;
Edith Contreras, Don Lugo High School; Michelle Cruz, Don Lugo High School; Bella Ferriola, Ayala High School; and Nicholas Sanchez, Don Lugo High School.
TAC meetings are held on the first Thursday of each month, September through May, at 7 p.m., in the City of Chino Council Chambers.