About Us | Riverside County Youth Commission

About The Youth Commission

On January 6, 1998, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the formation of a countywide Youth Commission to advise the Board of Supervisors on issues relevant to youth in the County. The idea for a Youth Commission arose in 1996 at a Youth Summit in Palm Desert. It was suggested that a Youth Commission be established and act as an advisory board to the Board of Supervisors. Working closely with the Youth Commission, the Board of Supervisors has the opportunity to interact on a personal level with Riverside County youth, better respond to and understand their needs in making policy decisions. In considering the immense size of Riverside County, the Supervisors decided to create five Youth Advisory Councils, one for each Supervisorial District, in order to have more accurate representation from all areas of the county.

The Commission & Youth Advisory Councils provide advice, assistance and recommendations on youth related issues to the Board of Supervisors and County Departments. In addition, the Youth Commission focuses on anticipating the educational, recreational and cultural needs of youth by working together to host meaningful events that the youth will benefit from. The Commission works to ensure the coordination of community resources in order to improve the quality of life of all young people in the County of Riverside.

Community Impact

During the 2025–2026 school year, the Youth Advisory Councils (YACs) across Riverside County made an extraordinary impact. Members from all five supervisorial districts collectively contributed 8,996.5 hours, leading more than 120 community initiatives. According to Independent Sector’s valuation of volunteer time, these efforts represent a contribution worth over $312,988. Beyond the numbers, this work reflects the YACs’ deep commitment to public service, community development, and leadership in addressing vital local needs—making Riverside County a stronger and more connected community for all.

Meet the Youth Commission Staff

Joseph Mathews - Youth Commission Program Coordinator

Joseph Mathews serves as the Board of Supervisors Legislative Intern and Youth Commission Program Coordinator for Riverside County Workforce Development and was previously a member of the County’s Workforce Development Employer Services Team where he worked directly with businesses. Prior to coming to the County, Joseph oversaw the creation and implementation of family, youth, cultural and wellness programming for Morongo Tribal TANF. Joseph earned his BS degree in Counseling from Johnson University in Knoxville, TN and has an MBA through Southern New Hampshire University and is passionate about working with youth in the community.

Angie Salinas - 1st District YAC Coordinator

Salinas serves as the Youth Advisory Council Coordinator for Riverside County District 1, where she channels the voices of young people into impactful community initiatives. Growing up in Indio, California, Angie developed a deep passion for advocacy and a strong belief in the potential for humanity to create a harmonious and progressive society. Her role allows her to help shape a better future by empowering youth to take active roles in their communities.
Angie’s background is rich with community service experience. She has volunteered in various initiatives, including environmental efforts like planting trees and cleaning beaches, as well as educational outreach, such as disaster preparedness and life skills workshops for youth. As a Zumba instructor, Angie has built supportive communities by encouraging individuals of all ages to stay active and embrace their creativity through dance. Her commitment to service extends to volunteering at events that provide essential resources to families in need, such as food and school support.
Currently pursuing a degree in Political Science with a focus on Law and Society at the University of California, Angie also minors in Philosophy, which fuels her aspirations to become a Supreme Court lawyer. Her passion for justice and community drives her work, making her a valuable leader and mentor within the Youth Advisory Council.

Samantha Zavala - 2nd District YAC Coordinator

Samantha Zavala serves as the Youth Advisory Council Coordinator for Riverside County District 2 and is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Policy at the University of California, Riverside with Honors distinction. Samantha has shown great commitment to increasing voter engagement and UC student representation through her past positions as the Civic Engagement Director of the Associated Students of the University of Riverside and as the University of California Student Association UC we Vote Vice Chair.
As Civic Engagement Director she hosted meetings and events centered around voting rights and how students can get involved in their local government. Samantha and her staff mobilized for two statewide elections in one academic year and led UCR to achieving second place in the 2026 Secretary of State’s Statewide College Student Voting Competition.
As UCweVote Vice Chair, she mentored student coordinators across all the 9 UC undergraduate universities to support and organize voter engagement at their campuses. As displayed through her experience with advocacy and community engagement, Samantha strives to promote civic engagement at all levels. Being born and raised in Jurupa Valley her entire life Samantha is honored to serve the District 2 Youth Advisory Council and give back to the community that has allowed her to succeed and grow.

Ruben Quezada - 3rd District YAC Coordinator

Ruben Quezada is a Legislative Intern to Third District Supervisor Chuck Washington. Ruben currently attends California Baptist University, majoring in Business Management. He is passionate about working with students and making a positive impact in their lives and he enjoys being an active mentor to the youth.

Andrew Cervantes - 4th District YAC Coordinator

Andrew Cervantes is the Youth Advisory Council Coordinator and legislative intern for Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez.
He is currently an active Licensed Vocational Nurse while also pursuing a degree in Registered Nursing.
Being actively involved in his community since being a member of Indio's Youth Advisory Council himself, Andrew has made mentoring youth towards societal empowerment and active community engagement a goal. Previous volunteering in local hospitals, churches, and government facilities has enabled Andrew to provide a positive example to what it truly means to make a meaningful impact to society. With passion, integrity, and benevolence he aspires to lead the youth of today for a better tomorrow.

Victoria Podakova - 5th District YAC Coordinator

Victoria Podakova is a Legislative Intern for 5th District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside.
As a first-generation college student, Victoria is passionate about expanding access to resources and opportunities for youth and ensuring they have the support systems necessary to succeed.