San Leandro Senior Commission Meeting - March 11, 2025 (Discrepancy Noted)

Note: The agenda, minutes, and transcript all indicate the meeting occurred on February 20, 2025, but the metadata provided for this summary states the date is March 11, 2025. This summary uses the metadata date as instructed, but the discrepancy is noted.

The Senior Commission met on March 11, 2025 (per metadata) at the Senior Community Center. The meeting was called to order at 10:05 a.m. and adjourned at 12:09 p.m. Eight commissioners were present: Chair Woycheshin, Vice Chair Comelo, and Commissioners McHenry, Dillon, Lopez Nacario, McMichael-Cady, Peña, and Brennan. Also present were Mike King of Pear Street Consulting and Commission Secretary Pedro Naranjo. The main focus was an update on the Age-Friendly Implementation Plan, with commissioners prioritizing projects across six areas. Two other action items were tabled.

Consent Calendar

• Approved (7 ayes, 0 nays, 1 abstention): Agenda for February 20, 2025 and minutes of January 16, 2025. Commissioner Comelo made the motion, seconded by Commissioner Lopez Nacario.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Darlene Jeannie Evans (GJ77 and a half) spoke about the lack of useful books and puzzles dominating the senior center, suggesting intergenerational programs and better displays of commission information. She requested more diversity in activities.
• No e-comments were received.

Discussion Items

Age-Friendly Implementation Plan Update and Next Steps (Item 7.A)

• Mike King and Pedro Naranjo presented updates on stakeholder meetings since January, including:
  • Emergency services collaboration with Elizabeth Bessman (City Emergency Services Specialist): workshops, the Great California Shakeout drill, updating the hazard mitigation plan, and coordinating evacuation transportation contracts.
  • Housing security: meetings with Housing Manager Kerri Heusler exploring new tenant protections, the HUD consolidated plan, housing rehabilitation funding, and a home match program.
  • A February 11 food and meal provider convening with 14 organizations (30 attendees) to form a local food network, address funding gaps, and coordinate services.
  • Intergenerational programming with the Youth Advisory Commission and upcoming meetings with the school district and Boys & Girls Club.
• Commissioners discussed prioritization of projects from the Age-Friendly Implementation Plan priority projects list, focusing on year one must-haves vs. nice-to-haves. Key suggestions included:
  • Must-haves: Emergency services workshops (2.11), cybersecurity/technology education (2.7, 2.8), Uber subsidy program (5.2), housing protections education (3.1, 3.2), and a phone tree for isolated seniors.
  • Year two items: Alzheimer's/dementia training (4.3), walking audits, ADA access plan.
  • Commissioner Brennan proposed moving some personal protection items to transportation and adding intersection safety and ADU promotion.
• The discussion was cut short due to time; the commission agreed to continue prioritization at the next meeting.

Commission Priorities Update and Next Steps (Item 7.B)

• Motion to table passed (8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions). Motion by Lopez Nacario, second by Brennan.

Discussion Regarding Crime Update and Next Steps (Item 7.C)

• Motion to table passed (8 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions). Motion by Lopez Nacario, second by Brennan.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved (7-0-1).
• Items 7.B and 7.C tabled to the next meeting.
• Age-Friendly Implementation Plan prioritization will continue at the March 20, 2025 meeting (per agenda, but note date discrepancy).
• Several commissioners were reappointed for another term at the February 18 City Council meeting (Comelo, Lopez Nacario, Peña).
• Upcoming outreach events: Farmers Market April 16 & 30 (3-7 pm), VACCEB Health Fair April 26 (10 am-3 pm).
• The Lewelling Interim Housing and Drop-in Center will open in late February; an open house is planned for spring/summer.
• The Warming Center still needs volunteer cooks; contact Mo Fry.
• The City is developing the FY 2025-27 budget with community forums.
• The State of the City Address is March 18 at 6 pm at the Senior Community Center.
• The Recreation and Parks Master Plan draft is under review.
• The commission will discuss involvement in the Cherry Festival (June 7) at the next meeting.
• Commissioner Lopez Nacario reported attending a community police review board meeting; Commissioner Brennan attended a post-gas-leak community meeting.
• Issues raised: need for more handicapped parking, video system repair, beautification of the senior center, and inviting Supervisor Lena Tam for a visit.