San Leandro Senior Commission Regular Meeting - March 20, 2026

The San Leandro Senior Commission held a regular meeting on March 20, 2026. (Note: The raw meeting transcript explicitly dates the session to February 19, 2026, creating a discrepancy between the provided meeting metadata and the audio record.) The meeting ran from 10:07 AM to 11:47 AM. Commissioners received a comprehensive presentation from the City's Transportation and Engineering Division on pavement conditions, sidewalk repair policies, traffic calming, and street safety programs. Staff provided an annual update on the Paratransit Program application to Alameda CTC, outlining short-term improvements for the Flex Shuttle service. The Age-Friendly Initiative priority projects update was tabled to a future meeting.

Consent Calendar

• The commission unanimously approved the draft minutes of the January 15th meeting. A point of order regarding a paper copy error was raised by Commissioner Brennan but resolved, as the chair confirmed the electronic version provided in the packet was correct.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No oral public comments were received, and no e-comments were submitted prior to the meeting.

Discussion Items

City Staff Report

• Senior Commission Vacancy: Commission Secretary Pedro Naranjo reported that one applicant is being considered to fill the seat vacated by Commissioner McHenry.
• Point in Time Count: The biannual federally mandated count of individuals experiencing homelessness occurred on January 22nd, supported by 54 volunteers, allowing staff to count every census tract in San Leandro. Preliminary findings are expected in the spring, with a full report in the summer.
• Senior Services Updates: Program Coordinator Liliana Gray highlighted recent events: a day trip to the Chabot Space and Science Center attended by 13 seniors and a Lunar New Year celebration with 65 attendees. New informational televisions have been installed in the activity room and main corridor. Commissioner Brennan requested a commission photo be displayed on the corridor TV.
• Champions Week: An event highlighting senior nutrition, hosted by Spectrum Community Services, will take place on March 19th directly following the next commission meeting.

Transportation & Engineering Division Presentation

Engineers Robin Chi, Alicia Reyes, Erwin Chin, and Austin Azake provided an overview of several roadway and safety programs.

• Neighborhood Traffic Calming: The program uses speed feedback signs, speed humps, and quick-build curb extensions. A petition process exists for speed humps requiring majority approval.
• Crosswalks & Stop Signs: The city has adopted a standard requiring all newly installed or replaced crosswalks to be high-visibility. Stop signs must meet specific warrants under the California Manual of Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD).
• Street Lighting: Inadequate lighting contributes to roughly one-quarter of serious and fatal crashes. Lighting requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
• Sidewalk Repair Program: Property owners are responsible for sidewalk maintenance. The city's program has a five-year waitlist. Temporary grinding/patching is available at no cost. The city splits costs 50-50 if damage is caused by a city tree. The "My San Leandro" mobile app was promoted for reporting hazards.
• Pavement Condition Index (PCI): The city's PCI is currently 56. The city dedicates $4.5 million annually to street repairs, but $11 million annually is required to maintain the current network condition. Future strategies include a pavement cut impact fee on utility companies, a street moratorium ordinance, and exploration of a citywide revenue measure.
• Commissioner Pena expressed significant frustration with the petition process required for traffic calming, stating she is 80 years old and physically unable to collect signatures for speed mitigation on her street (Anzaway), which parents use as a "speedway" driving to school. Staff advised her to use the "My San Leandro" app or contact the Traffic Engineering division directly.
• Commissioner Dillon noted a dangerous, low-visibility crosswalk in the Senior Center parking lot (owned by the hospital). Staff responded that the hospital is outside the city right-of-way, but could be required to meet current city standards if they seek building permits.
• Commissioner McMichael Cady questioned the relative weight of community petitions versus engineering data warrants for traffic calming measures.

Annual Paratransit Program Application Update

• Liliana Gray presented the application for Alameda CTC funding for Fiscal Year 2026-27.
• Current Services: Services include the Flex Shuttle fixed routes and on-demand rides (via GoGoGrandparent), Day Trips, Emergency Evacuation support, Grocery Delivery, a Volunteer Driver program (City Serve), and AC Transit Senior Clipper Card enrollment.
• Assessment Improvements: An assessment by Pear Street Consulting identified four key areas for improvement: unrealistic/overly tight schedules, poor public familiarity with stop locations, underutilized stops, and a lack of shelter and seating at stops.
• Short-Term Fixes: Staff will develop realistic schedules incorporating driver breaks, install new signage, identify low-cost seating solutions, utilize the TripShot system for real-time data (including a rider-facing app), and pilot orientation rides for new users.
• Fleet: The program's vehicles are aging. Staff are exploring replacement, including potentially electric vehicles, but noted that charging infrastructure must be developed first.
• Commissioner Brennan asked about wayfinding signs for stops located off main streets. Staff deferred final investments in signage until stop locations are finalized based on ridership data.
• Commissioner McMichael Cady clarified the process for authorizing out-of-area trips for medical appointments, which staff can approve on a case-by-case basis.
• The application is due to Alameda CTC the following week.

Key Outcomes

• Minutes Approved: Unanimously approved.
• Age-Friendly Initiative Tabled: The update on the priority projects was unanimously tabled to the March meeting to allow for a combined report.
• Action Referred: Commissioner Brennan raised concerns about sidewalk repair enforcement in commercial districts. He will gather more information before requesting a formal agenda discussion.
• Meeting Adjourned: The meeting was adjourned at 11:47 AM.