By Ben Whistler
Staff Writer
Everyone knows who the president is, but few know what goes on in our neighborhood government. Mira Costa students now have the opportunity here by becoming part of this year’s newly created Costa-Council Project.
Approximately 34 Costa students have volunteered to attend City Council, commission and task force meetings. They will meet periodically with council members to discuss their experiences and provide direction.
“The program will become an institution here as long as the City Council is willing to support it and the members of the City Council are willing to give their time. It’s an invaluable opportunity for young people to be welcomed into city government to learn how it works,” social studies teacher Andrew Caine said.
Students may choose to select a specific issue to follow or learn about the governing process in general. No credit or grades will be given to participating students. The project is strictly voluntary.
“The goal of the Costa-Council project is to complement our students’ academic study of government and public policy by exposing students to real-time local government process and public policy making,” former Mayor Portia Cohen said in an e-mail to participating students.
Students will report their observations and recommendations when this year’s project is finished. They will submit a “Report on Council,” a summary by the student group, which will be presented to the Council by two participating student representatives.
“When I teach government, I try to get my students to get out, learn and go to City Council meetings, which many of them did when Sand Dune Park was being discussed. But to be able to actually do it and see it in action is something we can’t duplicate in the classroom,” Caine said.
So far, participants say they are optimistic about the program’s progression during its first phase (from January to June 2010). It is unclear yet how the project will pan out and where it will go from here, but students said they enjoy the program.
“This program is a lot of fun, and I would definitely recommend it to anyone interested. The only thing to dislike about the meetings is their length. For me, the meetings drag on a bit,” junior Zeena Bhakta said.
Students will be exposed to both the good and the bad, the moderate and the radical aspects of city government. Already, students have observed just how tedious and difficult government can be.
“The Costa Council is giving me a real-life view of the practical view application of democracy,” sophomore Zachary Kay said.
As a new concept, it will remain just as long as City Council feels it is worthwhile.
“I think it is an amazing opportunity for kids to get together and be involved in local government. I would like to see this program offered to students everywhere,” junior Max Yollin said.
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