Youth Commission

YC4
Welcome to the Town of Los Gatos Youth Commission

Town of Los Gatos Social Host Ordinance Useful Information

What is the Goal of a Social Host Ordinance?


Our goal is to educate and provide resources to the community about ways to deter underage drinking and to provide awareness that there are consequences for allowing such gatherings to occur.

What is a Social Host Ordinance?


A Social Host Ordinance holds accountable the host of a gathering where underage drinking or drug use is allowed to occur. Anyone 18 years of age or older who hosts such gatherings may be subject to the ordinance and/or a fine. If the host of such gathering is 17 years old or younger, the parents of that minor may be held jointly responsible with their teen and subject to a fine, even if they were not present or aware of the gathering.

Why are Social Ordinances Necessary?
A social host ordinance reinforces the message that allowing underage drinking will not be tolerated in Los Gatos as it may cause dangerous and illegal situations involving minors.​
In addition, a social host ordinance empowers parents, students, neighbors and concerned residents to seek help from law enforcement when there are youth suspected of underage drinking and/or illegal drug use on public or private property. The ordinance also provides law enforcement with a formal course of action to respond to calls associated with underage drinking.

Useful Information Flyer
Town Council Staff Report Introducing Ordinance
Town Council Staff Report Adopting Ordinance
Town of LG Social Host Ordinance

General Information


The Youth Commission is to foster and encourage civic and neighborhood pride and a sense of identity through the knowledge, understanding, and increased involvement of the Town’s youth in the Town’s present and future municipal affairs. Enabling Resolution

The duties of the Commission shall include the following:
a. Foster greater involvement of youth in municipal government affairs.

b. Study problems, activities, and concerns of youth, especially as they relate to municipal programs or projects of the Town of Los Gatos.

c. Hold forums on problems, activities and concerns of youth, either alone or in conjunction with other governmental agencies and community organizations, as the Commission deems desirable.

d. Review municipal matters referred to the Commission by the Town Council or other Town Boards, Commissions, or Committees and, as appropriate, make recommendations on those matters.

The Youth Commission consists of twenty (20) members. The members shall be students who are entering grades 8 through 12 in the fall. Membership for the students requires residency in the incorporated limits of the Town of Los Gatos or residency in the unincorporated areas of the County of Santa Clara, which have a Los Gatos mailing address.

Members shall serve a term of two (2) years and until their successors are appointed and qualified. Members who are entering grade 12 when appointed and first time appointees shall serve a term of one (1) year.

The Commission shall appoint one (1) primary member and one (1) alternate to serve as voting members on the following Town Boards and Commissions:
1. Arts and Culture Commission
2. Community Health and Senior Services Commission
3. Complete Streets and Transportation Commission
4. Library Board
5. Parks Commission

Meetings


The Youth Commission meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the Los Gatos Town Council Chambers,110 E. Main Street


Contact the Youth Commission

Join the Youth Commission on Facebook

Youth Commission Application
 
List of Youth Friendly Businesses
 
Apply now to serve on the Los Gatos Youth Commission to make a lasting, positive difference with the youth in the community.

Click here for more information about the Youth Commission.
 

Youth-Friendly Business of the Year


The Town of Los Gatos won the Ruth Vreeland Award for Engaging Youth in City Government in the 2010 Helen Putnam Award for Excellence program.

Visit the Youth Commission's page for more information about the Youth Friendly Business program.

For more information about the Helen Putnam Award program, visit www.cacities.org/helenputnam