San Leandro Senior Commission Regular Meeting - March 20, 2026
San Leandro Senior Commission Regular Meeting - March 20, 2026
The San Leandro Senior Commission held its regular meeting on March 20, 2026 (the meeting was originally convened on March 19, 2026, but the date is specified as March 20 for this summary). Commissioners reviewed consent calendar items, heard staff reports, held public comment, received an update on the Age-Friendly Initiative, and elected officers.
Consent Calendar
- Draft Minutes of February 19, 2026 – Approved unanimously (7 ayes, 0 nays, 0 abstentions) via motion by Commissioner Brennan and second by Commissioner Peña.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Hilda Harris (member of the public) addressed the commission regarding the FLEX bus program. She urged reinstatement of the wave policy, arguing that designated stops are too far apart and that the wave stop was a critical component for seniors. She stated she combines AC Transit with FLEX to reach her destinations, that FLEX is still late and underutilized, and that eliminating the wave stop did not resolve the lateness. She requested a designated stop at Manor Branch Library, noting she observed a FLEX bus turning nearby but no stop exists. She expressed concern that seniors' health is not fully considered given the distance between stops.
Discussion Items
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City-Wide Updates (Staff Report): Pedro Naranjo (Senior Commission Secretary) reported that San Leandro's budget discussions continued with two community forums held on March 16 (in-person) and March 17 (virtual). The vacant District 5 commission seat is still open for applications; the City Clerk's Office is accepting new applications and will coordinate with the corresponding city council member.
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Human Services Department Updates: The department is launching a rental assistance program in collaboration with Bay Area Community Services (BACS) on April 1, 2026. The program targets extremely low-income households and aims to serve 70 households over an 18-month period. Outreach and orientation with staff and providers have been conducted.
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Senior Services Updates: Naranjo highlighted recent events: a veteran informational session (February 25, 30 veterans attended), a California Highway Patrol Age-well Drive Smart workshop (February 26), and an Alzheimer's and dementia workshop (February 24). Upcoming events include informational sessions on Fresh Approach's Market Match and Voucher program (April 9 in English, April 16 in Spanish, April 30 in Cantonese), and additional Alzheimer's Association workshops on March 24, April 7, and April 28. Day trips (e.g., to Disney Museum, Chabot Space Center, Aviation Museum) remain popular and are fully booked. A tech help program has been piloted with three volunteers (one senior, two young adults) and about 30 participants.
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February and March Age-Friendly Initiative Priority Projects Update (Item 7.A): Naranjo presented progress on the Age-Friendly Implementation Plan across six priority areas: Plan Sustainability, Personal Protection, Health & Wellness, Transportation, and Social Connection. Several activities have been completed, many are ongoing. Highlights include:
- Plan Sustainability: Participation in outreach events (Kaiser Aging Well Resource Showcase on March 24, Vietnamese Community Center Spring Health Fair on April 18, downtown farmers markets, Second Friday events). A video to promote the Ride Care program and rental assistance is in production.
- Personal Protection: Continued participation in Alameda County Access and Functional Needs Advisory Committee; an emergency evacuation planning meeting is being organized with fire and police departments.
- Health & Wellness: Partnership with the Alzheimer's Association and Alameda County Brain Health Initiative; a grocery bag delivery program for homebound seniors serves 20 individuals with 4 on a waitlist.
- Transportation: The Ride Care program has enrolled 31 clients, conducted 54 outreach events, but has only 3 volunteers; one client became a volunteer. Average rider age is 79. Satisfaction ratings were high (4.7 to 5 out of 5). The two-week advance reservation requirement has been flagged as a difficulty; staff are exploring options. Regarding FLEX, an assessment (surveys, focus groups) has been completed and will inform future program changes (e.g., stop locations, schedule); some recommendations may take multiple years to implement.
- Social Connection: Day trips continue; intergenerational tech help program launched.
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Election of Chair and Vice Chair (Item 7.B): The commission elected officers for the next year.
- Chair: Commissioner Woycheshin was nominated by Commissioner Brennan, seconded by Commissioner Comelo, and elected with 6 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 abstention. The rule limiting successive terms was waived by majority vote.
- Vice Chair: Commissioner Comelo was nominated by Commissioner Lopez Nacario, seconded by Commissioner Brennan, and elected with 6 ayes, 0 nays, and 1 abstention.
Commission Reports and Announcements
- Chair Woycheshin requested that the Cherry Festival Parade participation and theme be agendized for the April meeting.
- Commissioner Brennan noted that Bay Area Veterinary Specialists on Washington Avenue will cease emergency care on March 22 and permanently close on March 31, distributing alternative veterinary contact information.
- Commissioner Lopez Nacario praised downtown safety ambassadors for assisting with loitering and theft issues.
- Commissioner Peña urged attention to security around the transitional center and suggested monitoring budget discussions regarding the ambassadors.
- Commissioner Comelo mentioned a downtown beautification grant effort but noted challenges with private property owners.
- Commissioner Dillon encouraged public attendance at budget forums for long-term strategy insights.
- Commissioner McMichael Cady announced an in-person Age-Friendly Council of Alameda County meeting in San Andreas the next day (not open to the public).
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar approved (7-0-0).
- Rental assistance program to launch April 1, 2026, serving 70 households.
- Age-Friendly Initiative progress noted; commission to receive an updated FLEX program status at the April meeting.
- Chair and Vice Chair elected for the next year: Woycheshin (Chair) and Comelo (Vice Chair).
- Meeting adjourned at 10:58 a.m. via motion by Commissioner Comelo, seconded by Commissioner Lopez Nacario (7-0-0).
Meeting Transcript
I call the meeting of March 19th, 2026 Senior Commission to order. The time is now 1001. Please stand for the Pledge of Allegiance if you are able to stand it now. I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America and to the Republic for which it stands. One nation under God, indivisible with liberty and justice for all. Please be seated. Mr. Secretary, roll call, please. Thank you, Chair. Chair Watcheson? Here. Vice Chair Comelo? Yes. Commissioner Dillon. Here. Commissioner Lopez Nacario. Commissioner McMichael Cady. Here. Commissioner Brennan. Commissioner Pena. Here. And Commissioner Commissioner Shalini. For the record, we have one excused absence by Commissioner Shalini. Also in attendance is Senior Secretary, Senior Commission Secretary Pedro Maranko. All right. Announcements. Please silence any devices that would provide a distraction during the meeting. And also please remember to ask for a recess if you need to step out of the meeting, as that may impact the Commission's ability to maintain a quorum. Mr. Secretary, do you have any announcements? I do not have any. Thank you. Okay, consent calendar. I will entertain a motion to approve the draft minutes of the senior commission meeting of February 19th, 2028. Move to approve. Richard. Okay. And second, okay. For Commissioner Penn, yeah. Roll call, please, Mr. Secretary. Thank you. Chair Watcheson? Yes. Vice Chair Comelo? Yes. Commissioner Dillon. Hi. Commissioner Lopez Nacario. Commissioner McMichael Cady.
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