How was VIP formed?
Former Mayor Frank Ferry had incredible foresight in the creation of a Youth Advisory Committee for the City of Santa Clarita.  This group of teens would advise the City Council on teen-related issues and help design a community that would be inclusive to all levels of youth.  In October 2002, the teens of this valley convened at a Youth Summit where every possible issue from teen centers, to legalized street racing forums, to City-sponsored dances were discussed.  One month later, VIP was formed.

Accomplishments:

• Organized the 2007 Teen Speak-Out, giving local teens the opportunity to address their concerns around various issues directly to local policy makers.
• Collaborated with the Blue Ribbon Task Force Memorial Subcommittee on the Youth Grove, a permanent memorial dedicated to those youth in this valley whose lives have been cut short by vehicle collisions.  VIP continues to contribute to local awareness of this issue.
• Advised the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Commission regarding priorities for 2007.
• Participated in seven anti-drug assemblies to local junior high schools.
• Advised on teen issues in Santa Clarita, such as the Curfew Ordinance.
• Had an advisory role for Parks Master Planning.
• Made suggestions for the design of the Santa Clarita Community Center in Newhall.
• Participated in the 2005 and 2006 Teen Summits.
• Participated in the process to create the 2003-2004 Youth Master Plan.
• Hosted City-wide dances for both high school and junior high school students, all with more than 300 students in attendance.