24 high school students descend on Temecula City Hall

By: NICOLE SACK - Staff Writer | Friday, June 1, 2007 12:50 AM PDT ∞

TEMECULA ---- Not that government is child's play, but a group of 24 high school seniors did a pretty good job at the helm of Temecula City Hall on Thursday afternoon.

The two-day Youth in Government program, which invites students in Advance Placement government classes ---- from all three Temecula high schools ---- to learn the inner workings of City Hall, wrapped up Thursday afternoon with a mock city council meeting.

While the discussion topics were familiar, including the city's outreach program, youth master plan, the property once slated to be an education center and smoking bans, the point people introducing and voting on the items were certainly new ---- and young.

"City Hall is just so foreign. You think you know what's going on, but you don't realize how many things they have a hand in," said Melody Castillo, a senior at Chaparral High School who served as an assistant city manager Thursday. "I learned a lot from this experience, and I appreciate it."

For three hours, the group made up of students from Chaparral, Great Oak and Temecula Valley high schools dissected both tangible and philosophical issues ---- all the while attempting to stay within the parameters of meeting protocol and order.

Throughout the meeting, the "real" city staff looked on from the audience as their two-day proteges navigated through staff reports, questions and dealing with the public.

"It feels like they're our kids up there; it makes you feel so proud," Temecula City Clerk Susan Jones said. "These students are so wonderful, engaging and so bright. They get a lot out being here, but they also have fun with it. That's what I love about it."

While the older council members and staff were impressed with the level of comprehension and conduct of their high school shadows, it didn't stop some city staff members from having a little fun with the young council.

"I think we should spend the money in trying to get rid of all the kids in Temecula, instead of trying to find something for them to do," one of the mock speakers suggested after hearing the discussion of hiring a consultant for the Youth Master Plan.

While some of the public comments were over the top, they certainly weren't anything that wouldn't be said at any other city council meeting. Even with the outlandish citizenry, the students were quick on their feet and ready to answer questions.

When it came time to discuss what should be done with a 32-acre site on Diaz Road, once slated to be the home of a higher education center, the comments from the young council did not seem childish in the least.

"Why do we have such an interest in developing something there?" asked Brad Pearson, a senior from Temecula Valley High School who served as a city councilman. "I don't see the need. It seems that there is no viable interest from the colleges for a higher education facility."

A debate volleyed across the dais and ended with a 4-1 vote in favor of soliciting new development requests for the site.

"The request for proposals is a necessity," said Nick Altemose, a Chaparral senior and councilman. "The debate on how the land is used can be continued at another time."

City Councilwoman Maryann Edwards was effusive in her admiration for the high students, as she would occasionally blurted out "excellent job!" or "so well done" from her audience seat. At one point, "Mayor" Ryan Hirchler, of Great Oak High School, had to ask the audience to quiet down.

"We could hear our staff's words coming out of your mouths," Edwards told them.

The teachers were also impressed by the conduct of their students.

"For a group of 18-year-old 'sheltered' kids, they are high-level thinkers," said Jeff Waugh, AP government teacher and department chair at Temecula Valley High. "These two days are definitely a crowning achievement."

The Youth in Government Program is the pet project of Temecula Mayor Chuck Washington, who introduced the concept to the city four years ago. He said he enjoys getting across the roles of elected officials in government.

"They are like sponges," Washington said. "They don't come in with cynicism. They come in with a thirst for knowledge."

Contact staff writer Nicole Sack at (951) 676-4315, Ext. 2616, or nsack@californian.com.

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