San Leandro Senior Commission Meeting - March 11, 2025

Note: The original agenda and transcript identify this meeting as January 16, 2025; however, per user instruction, the meeting date is recorded as March 11, 2025. The summary below reflects the content of that meeting.

The meeting was called to order at 10:05 AM by Chair Watchison. The commission focused on updates from staff, the Age-Friendly Implementation Plan (AFP) priority projects, and next steps for the commission’s work program. Key themes included emergency preparedness, housing security, food access, and transportation safety. The meeting also featured public comment and commission reports.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the agenda for January 16, 2025 (as specified in the original documents) and the minutes of November 21, 2024. The motion passed unanimously via roll call.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Darlene Jeannie Evans (local resident) expressed support for more intergenerational activities, useful books, and better displays to promote existing programs at the senior center. She suggested partnering with teenagers and seeking grants for cross-generational projects.

City Staff Reports & Announcements

• Budget Process: The second community budget forum is scheduled for March 1 (9:30-11:30 AM at Sterling Grant Community Room), and a virtual forum on April 29 (1-3 PM).
• State of the City Address: March 18 at 6 PM at the Senior Community Center (in-person only).
• Parks & Recreation Master Plan: Draft under staff review; scheduled for Facilities Committee and Recreation & Parks Commission in March.
• Senior Commission Appointments: Commissioners Comelo, Lopez Nicario, and Pena were reappointed for another term.
• Lewelling Interim Housing & Drop-In Center: Opening at the end of March. The drop-in center will operate Monday–Friday, 9 AM–5 PM, offering basic needs, assessments, and referrals. An open house is planned for late spring/summer.
• Community Health Education Workshops: Archived videos are now available on the Human Services webpage.
• Outreach Events: Staff will have booths at the farmers markets (April 16 and 30, 3-7 PM) and the Vietnamese American Community Center East Bay Health Fair (April 26, 10 AM-3 PM).
• Warming Center Volunteers: Cooks are still needed; a sign-up sheet is available. Commissioner Comelo volunteered to provide food on one day.
• Detox Services: A commissioner asked about alternatives to the Cherry Hill Detox Center (currently not operational). Staff will investigate other options.
• Spectrum Community Services & Meals on Wheels: Volunteers are needed for meal service; commissioner requested a contact number.

Action Item: Age-Friendly Implementation Plan Update and Next Steps

Presenter: Mike King (Pear Street Consulting)

• Stakeholder Engagement Update:
  • Emergency Services (Libby Besman): Plans include hosting workshops at the senior center, participating in the Great California Shakeout (Oct 16, 2025), updating the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan, and developing contracts with transportation operators (MV, AC Transit, Uber/Lyft) for emergency evacuations. Commissioners highlighted the need for outreach to non-English speakers, hearing-impaired seniors, and the importance of a phone tree for isolated individuals.
  • Housing Security (Carrie Hoosler, Housing Manager): Collaboration opportunities include educating seniors about new tenant protections (potentially rent control), aligning the HUD Consolidated Plan with age-friendly goals, reviving the housing rehabilitation program (funding lost), and launching a home match program.
  • Food Network Convening (Feb 11): 14 organizations (out of 15 invited) attended. Key challenges: loss of COVID-era funding, volunteer shortages, and fear among undocumented/non-English-speaking residents. The group expressed interest in a formal cooperative network with the city acting as convener and fiscal agent. Commissioner suggested connecting with high schools for food drives and volunteer credit.
• Priority Projects Discussion:
  • Commissioners reviewed a list of projects across six priority areas: Plan Sustainability, Personal Protection, Housing Security, Health & Wellness, Transportation, Social Connection.
  • Must-haves for Year 1 (2025-2026):
    • Emergency preparedness workshops (2.11) and cybersecurity/technology education (2.7, 2.8).
    • Transportation subsidies (care driver program and Uber subsidy) (5.1, 5.2).
    • Social connection activities (6.1, 6.2).
    • Educating older adults on housing protections (3.1, 3.2).
    • IHSS informational workshops (4.2).
  • Nice-to-haves for Year 1 or Year 2: Alzheimer’s/dementia training (4.3), walking audits (5.3), ADA access plan (5.4), and neighborhood traffic calming programs.
  • Year 1 focus on coordination with city departments (e.g., Transportation & Engineering, Community Development) was emphasized.
  • New suggestions: Add intersection safety to transportation items; promote ADU utilization for seniors; beautify the city and senior center; include phone tree for emergency check-ins.
• Bylaws: Draft age-friendly bylaws exist internally and will eventually require legal review and council adoption.
• Next Steps: The commission ran out of time; the remaining discussion (including prioritization of all items) will continue at the next meeting (March 20, 2025).

Public Comment on Age-Friendly Item

• Darlene Jeannie Evans praised the project list but urged the commission to establish clear timelines and incorporate youth-senior collaboration, such as joint beautification projects near the high school.

Other Action Items

• 7B & 7C: Commission Priorities Update and Crime Update were tabled to the next meeting by motion (passed unanimously).

Commission Reports & Announcements

• Commissioners thanked staff for new nameplates.
• Expressed interest in participating in the Cherry Festival parade (tentatively June 7, 2025) and inviting County Supervisor Lena Tam for a lunch meeting.
• Reported on the post-gas leak community meeting at the Marina Center (December 2024 gas leak); suggested having snacks/water on hand at evacuation centers.
• Noted the need for updated ADA-compliant handicap parking spaces at the senior center and fixing the video system.
• Highlighted that a recent city beautification request was quickly addressed.

Key Outcomes

• The Age-Friendly Implementation Plan discussion will continue at the March 20, 2025 meeting to finalize year-by-year priorities.
• Staff will investigate and report back on: Cherry Hill Detox Center status, housing rehabilitation funding loss, and the feasibility of a phone tree system.
• The City’s legal and transportation departments will be engaged as needed.
• The meeting adjourned at 12:09 PM.