Simitian Appoints North County and West Valley Students to County's Youth Task Force

SAN JOSE – Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian today announced the appointment of three local students to the County’s Youth Task Force.  Anushka Tadikonda of Saratoga, Emily Bock of Los Altos Hills, and Katie Rueff of Palo Alto were appointed, effective immediately.

“We all benefit when young people participate in local government and have their voices heard,” said Simitian in making these appointments.

The County’s Youth Task Force, established in 2011, is made up of 15 high-school aged youth who serve as an advisory body to the Board of Supervisors. Members are involved with making policy recommendations concerning youth in the County, and working to find solutions that improve the lives of young people.

As a student at Saratoga High School, Tadikonda’s passion for activism led her to become an ambassador for March for Our Lives San José. She finds great joy in helping others, and channels this energy into her volunteer work with older adults through the organization inAtalent and the Youth Arts Movement. Tadikonda has also joined her school’s chapter of Model United Nations to learn more about politics and international relations.

“I would like the Board of Supervisors to know how eager I am to find and create solutions,” said Tadikonda. “To know how much I love helping others and collaborating, how passionate I am about activism, how much I love political science and international relations, and my desire to make a difference in our world.”

Bock is active on the Los Altos Hills Youth Commission. She regularly helps to plan and execute town events, and during the summer, participates in the Bus Barn Theater through the Los Altos Stage Company.

In applying for the role, Bock wrote, “I would like to be a member of the Youth Task Force so that I can advise lawmakers and leaders and make our country a better place. I have an interest in the way the county government operates. I am interested in community service as well.”

Rueff previously served on Congresswoman Eshoo’s Student Advisory Board and is working with the Palo Alto City Council to pass a resolution for the Energy Innovation and Carbon Dividend Act. Rueff’s passion for environmentalism manifests itself many ways, such as interning for both the Citizens’ Climate Lobby and 350 Silicon Valley where she worked on an electrification campaign urging Palo Altans to switch their appliances from gas to electric. She is the President of Gunn High School’s Green Team and is also President of the Best Buddies Club, a non-profit organization that volunteers with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

“Overall, through my service with these organizations, I have not only gained a thorough breadth of experience working in policy and serving as a leader in my community, but I have also honed my cooperation, responsibility, and time management skills,” says Rueff. “I’m excited to bring my belief in teamwork and my passions for inclusivity and environmentalism to the table on this Youth Task Force.”

“The passion, perspective, and energy the Youth Task Force brings to the County government is a real plus for our policymaking efforts,” said Simitian. “Young people gain insights about local government, while the County benefits from their fresh perspectives. These kids are impressive.”

Members of the public interested in serving on a County Board or Commission can view the complete list of vacancies.