Candidates call for more evening activities, apprenticeships and equitable youth programming

Candidates at the Lafayette forum emphasized expanding youth programming beyond daytime offerings, focusing on equitable access and diverse activities.

Crystal Gallegos, current councilor and candidate for re-election and the city council liaison to the library board, said the library’s Makerspace is heavily used and called for support to sustain and expand programs. “I wish we had more things happening in and around our community after hours,” she said, adding she would work on ordinances and funding to support existing programs.

Kyle Bollier proposed a structured apprenticeship program linking the city with schools and local businesses so students can gain paid work experience and skills. “What if the city were to sort of partner with BVSD to have an apprenticeship program,” he said.

Josh Barrell and Anne Marie Jensen stressed diverse offerings beyond sports, including arts, music and intellectual pursuits such as gaming and makerspaces, and urged scholarships or fundraising to widen access for youth whose families cannot afford fees. Several candidates cited transportation as a barrier: without better transit, teenagers cannot easily reach after-school activities.

Rob Glenn and others praised volunteer programs such as open-space stewardship and invited more youth participation; Adam Gianola suggested tech-focused offerings such as a fix-it clinic for phones and devices. Saul Tapia Vega and other candidates called for equitable expansion so youth from all neighborhoods and income levels can participate.

No candidate proposed a specific city ordinance at the forum; most described policy directions and funding priorities for city staff or regional partners to explore.