Simitian Appoints North County Student Leader to County's Youth Task Force

SAN JOSE – Santa Clara County Supervisor Joe Simitian today announced the appointment of student leader, Kendall Nord, to the County’s Youth Task Force, effective immediately.

“Kendall is a natural fit for the Youth Task Force,” said Simitian in making this appointment. “She had already been advocating for the ban of flavored tobacco products when we met, and serving on the Youth Task Force will give her the opportunity to address other issues facing young people.”

A resident of Los Altos and a freshman at Mountain View High School, Nord is concerned about the negative health and societal issues flavored tobacco products presents to the community and how they disproportionately affect racial and social minorities.

“I have been volunteering with the ‘Yes on Prop. 31’ campaign this past year,” said Nord. “I have gathered support from four Los Altos town council members and Mountain View Vice Mayor Hicks. The health and societal issue of flavored tobacco has been an interest of mine since fifth grade.”

In addition to her work to ban flavored tobacco, Nord is an active Girl Scout, cross country athlete, and is learning Mandarin.

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 will improve the lives of young people in our community today.

“Young people today are facing serious challenges,” says Simitian. “Navigating the dangers of substance abuse with deadly drugs such as Fentanyl, and coping with the current mental heath crisis is a lot to ask of our young people. Thankfully, the passion and perspective that Kendall brings to our Youth Task Force can help inform our Board’s policy work.”

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