Real leadership is about building healthy foundations. I provide the compass and encourage my team to establish autonomy in their story while leading in service to a greater good."
Quade Kelley, Chair 2025-26 Encinitas Youth Commission
Civic Leadership
Youth Commission Celebrated for Most Impactful Year in History
May 6, 20206
At the May 6th Youth Commission meeting, Mayor Bruce Ehlers delivered a dedicated service presentation on “Ways for Youth to Be Involved in Civic Discussions,” honoring what city leaders are calling the most active and impactful year in the commission’s history. Over the course of the term, the 2025-26 Youth Commission launched a wave of new programming addressing technology, intergenerational connection, the arts, environmental stewardship, and mental health.
The ambitious work plan was led by Chair Quade Kelley, who partnered with City Council to restructure the commission’s annual plan so that it upheld the City’s master plan while honoring the distinct talents and interests of its youth commissioners. The restructuring drew praise across the city, and the advanced changes are now being adopted by adult commissions throughout Encinitas.
“A work of genius,” said three-time Senior Citizen Commission Chair Lambert Ling.
In his remarks, Mayor Ehlers spoke directly to the commissioners about what their service represented. “It’s your chance to interact with the city. Your efforts were steady, intentional, and often behind the scenes. You showed up early, stayed late, offered time and ideas, and that is what we need. That’s what government is about,” he said. “Your accomplishments reflect real leadership. You engaged in meaningful conversations about mental health. This is one of the most active, if not the most active, youth commissions I have seen, and I’ve been around 25 years, a long time.”
Bold New Work Plan presented by the Youth Commission
October 15, 2025
On October 15th, the Encinitas City Council reviewed and approved the Youth Commission’s 2025-26 Annual Work Plan, presented by Chair Quade Kelley. At just 16 years old and voted unanimously into the role by his fellow commissioners, Kelley took his seat at the dais alongside city staff to walk the Council through the year ahead.
The plan was notable for both its ambition and its coordination. Kelley had worked with City Council to restructure the commission’s annual plan so that it aligned with the City’s master plan while reflecting the distinct talents and interests of the youth commissioners. The result spanned five focus areas: technology, intergenerational programming, the arts, environmental stewardship, and youth health and safety, laying the groundwork for a shift in all city commission work plan structure.
Council members praised the commission’s preparation and challenged its young leaders to keep raising the bar, a standard of accountability Kelley credits as one of the most valuable lessons of his tenure.
Youth and Senior Commission Chairs Launch “Commissioner Conversations”
December 18, 2025
Carrying out a City Council directive to strengthen media outreach, Encinitas Youth Commission Chair Quade Kelley and Senior Citizen Commission Chair Lambert Ling have teamed up to create “Commissioner Conversations,” a new video initiative spotlighting service and engagement opportunities across the community.
The intergenerational series pairs the two commission chairs to share city news in an approachable, conversational format. In their debut episode, Chair Ling and Chair Kelley walk viewers through the Winter Activity Guide, Senior Scholarship applications, and more, modeling the kind of cross-commission collaboration the City has worked to encourage.
Watch the first episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uILaiWFcvYc
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City of Encinitas Celebrates Successful Sister City Exchange with Amakusa Japan
September 2, 2025
Weeklong homestay, arts, sports, and civic activities deepened relationships and inspire future global citizens in the heart of San Diego.
“Through our Sister City exchange, we create bridges of understanding, inspire our youth to lead with vision, and celebrate the power of people-to-people connections,” said Encinitas Mayor Bruce Ehlers. “With heartfelt gratitude, we thank the hosts for sharing this journey with us.”
For 37 years, the Encinitas/Amakusa Sister City Program has been a living classroom for cultural literacy, empathy, and global citizenship. Delegates and host families learn from one another in everyday ways – at the breakfast table, on the beach, at city hall – creating intergenerational connections that ripple through schools, neighborhoods, and local businesses. Many current host parents once participated as students themselves, and local youth who have traveled to Amakusa return as confident, open-minded leaders at home.
Sixteen-year-old Quade Kelley, a Youth Commissioner for the City of Encinitas, shared his thoughts on the recent Sister City Exchange: "Visiting Amakusa as a part of the Sister City Exchange, I felt honored to add my story to this special Encinitas tradition. Sharing laughter and sports with my host family, trying new food, participating in local customs, visiting schools and meeting city officials taught me the power of global friendship," said Kelley. "This experience showed me how curiosity connects cultures and people. I am grateful to be a part of this special youth program that celebrates the best of our beach town communities and inspires a lifelong passion for civic responsibility."
San Diego Union Tribune: https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/2025/09/11/city-of-encinitas-celebrates-successful-sister-city-exchange-with-amakusa-japan/
Coast News Group: https://thecoastnews.com/sister-city-program-connects-encinitas-families-with-japanese-students/
Public now.com: https://www.publicnow.com/view/63E0AA3DD6B936986AA73C477B90E44A2005706C
Times of San Diego:
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Historic First: Teen, Quade Kelley named CPRS Champion of the Community
March 19, 2025
2024 California Parks and Recreation Champion of the Community.
Award Recipient: Quade Kelley
Submitted by: City of Encinitas
"Quade Kelley is a dynamic young leader whose commitment to civic engagement, cultural diplomacy and community service has significantly enhanced the quality of life in Encinitas.
Through his work as a youth commissioner, sister city delegate and dedicated volunteer, Quade has proven his dedication to making parks, recreation and cultural arts accessible, inclusive and vibrant for all community members. His efforts underscore his belief that parks and recreational spaces are essential to fostering community connection, wellness and cultural understanding."
California Parks & Recreation Magazine, Spring 2025 (page 50-52)
https://www.cprs.org/resources/publications/magazine/2025magazines
The Champion of the Community award honors and recognizes individuals or organizations who have contributed significant effort to influence and improve the quality of their community through parks and recreation. This statewide award recognizes the contributions of those who volunteer and provide support and services in their community that furthers the mission and quality delivery of park and recreation services, programs and facilities in their community.
Even among exceptional civic leaders with decades of experience, Kelley has risen as a passionate collaborator and advocate for his community. He was the only youth nominee to receive the California state honor.
“Ripple Effect” Award at Encinitas Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony given to High School Sophomore, Quade Kelley
April 29, 2025
On Tuesday, the City of Encinitas Department of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts honored High School Junior Quade Kelley with its Heart of Encinitas Award at the annual Volunteer Appreciation Ceremony.
Each year, the award is renamed to reflect the department’s theme; with 2025’s focus on ocean safety, it was presented as the “Ripple Effect” Award, recognizing Kelley’s consistent leadership and the lasting impact of his service throughout the community.
Now in his second year on the Encinitas Youth Commission, Kelley was unanimously voted Vice Chair. He leads the Environmental Stewardship, Youth Health and Safety, and Civic Engagement items of the commission’s annual work plan, and serves as a beloved diplomat for the city’s Sister City Exchange Program with Amakusa, Japan. Kelley is credited with authoring the commission’s updated bylaws and working across the city to foster connection and implement highly impactful programs for Encinitas residents.
“Quade is not just a youth leader,” said Nicole White, Supervisor of Special Events and Projects. “He is a catalyst for change.” White noted that what sets Kelley apart is “not only his dedication to service, but the depth of his conviction in using sport as a platform to advance mental wellness, equity, and educational success for his peers.”
Photo: Director David Knopp and Mayor Bruce Ehlers present annual service leadership award to High School Sophomore, Quade Kelley at City Hall.
Sister City USA- Encinitas Youth Delegation to Japan
September 18, 2024
Three student delegates representing Encinitas, CA speak about their summer 2024 trip to Amakusa, Japan as a part of the Sister City USA program.
Nine Student Leaders Appointed to Encinitas Youth Commission
May 9, 2024
Nine Encinitas Students were appointed to the 2024-25 Youth Commission at the Encinitas City Council Meeting this evening. Exclusively designated for students in grades 7-12, the commission is composed of student leaders who advise various city programs about issues concerning community youth.
Students are invited to submit application, resumes and presented three minute orations to elected city officials at the public City Council meeting on May 8. As Mayor of Encinitas, Tony Kranz appointed: Quinn Crawford (grade 8, Diegueno Middle School,) Grace Melekian (Grade 9, San Dieguito Academy, Chet Kinzelberg (Grade 10, Pacific Ridge School,) Miles Yui (Grade 10, La Costa Canyon,) Lola Hubbard (Grade 11, Santa Fe Christian Schools,) Kiera O'Malley (Grade 12, Cathedral Catholic High School.)
Three incumbent leaders re-appointed were Chair David Leschensky (grade 12, Pacific Ridge School,) Vice Chair, Quade Kelley (grade 10, Pacific Ridge School,) and Benjamin Su (grade 12, Homeschool.)
"We listen to what you do throughout the year, Quade, David and Benjamin, who have been on the commission in the past and we are very impressed with how you've engaged and how you have brought creative ideas forward, " said City Council Member for District 3, Joy Lyndes. "I hope that I end up working with all of you in one way or another in the future."
"We are dependent of the youth of our world to kind of save it," said Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz. "We have a great group of young people in our community."
Encinitas City Meeting link: https://encinitas.granicus.com/player/clip/3216?view_id=7&redirect=true1.14.32
Local high school student honored with national volunteer awards
April 15, 2024
Dr. Sally Zoll and Mayor Tony Kranz decorated Encinitas high school student Quade Kelley withThe Congressional Award, Bronze Medal and President's Volunteer Service Award, Gold Medal at Encinitas City Hall on April 9, 2024. This awards honor 718 hours of personal development and volunteer service from October 2022 to September 2023.
Nine Student Leaders Appointed to Encinitas Youth Commission
May 23,2023
After presenting presentations to the City Council, Encinitas Mayor Tony Kranz appointed 9 members to the 2023-24 Youth Commission.
Encinitas City Meeting link:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mypMJyvx2Do&list=LL&index=9&t=34m17s