Senior Commission Regular Meeting - March 19, 2026

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.

Yes.

Commissioner Pena.

Yes.

And Commissioner Bannon.

Yes.

The motion carries.

Okay.

City staff reports and announcements.

Mr.

Secretary.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Good to see everybody again.

I just have a few updates at City Department and Senior Services levels.

At the city level, as you all may know, the City of San Leandro's budget discussions continue.

And there were two community engagement forums that were held just this past uh week.

The first one was an in-person meeting on March 16th, and the second one was a virtual meeting on March 17th.

These forums are an opportunity to learn more about the budget, ask questions, and share input before the fiscal year 27-27 year, which starts on July 1st of this year.

Also, as you all know, we have a uh vacancy in our commission for district five at the last meeting.

I think I might have shared that there was one applicant that was being uh considered.

Um latest update from our city clerk's office this past week indicates that they may need to reopen uh or revisit uh applications.

Uh so as I understand at this time uh they are open to receiving applications.

So if you know anybody who resides in district five, please encourage them to uh to apply.

The city clerk will be in contact with the corresponding um uh city council member uh to work through the next steps.

So I will continue to provide information as it comes my way.

Um at the department uh level uh a few meeting meetings ago.

I shared that we um were uh getting ready to launch our rental assistance program in collaboration with Bayer Area Bay Area Community Services.

Short uh they go by BECS, and so uh we uh entered into a contract with them.

Uh we've been uh uh in the process of doing the outreach and community engagement uh work, and so as part of this work, they've been working with uh various nonprofit organizations, many of them here in San Leandro, uh, to uh ensure that they know about this program and so that they can help uh provide referrals to um eligible uh individuals.

The program is geared for folks that are extremely low income.

So BACs has given us an intake form to determine whether an individual may be eligible, along with a referral form.

So we conducted an orientation with our staff and our providers a few weeks ago.

We're continuing to connect them with other partners that we have here in San Leandro.

The overall goal of the program is to serve about seven 70 households within an 18-month period.

And the program is scheduled to launch on April 1st.

So right around the corner, it's just been some good progress, and we're looking forward to sharing more updates in the future.

Regarding our senior services, I have some pictures here to show of some uh recent events.

So on February 25th, we hosted a veteran informational session in partnership with the VA's off the VA outreach specialist as well as Alameda County Veterans Service Office.

Pack room.

We had uh I think it happened here in this room, if I'm not mistaken.

And we had about 30 veterans attend to learn what resources and valuable information is available.

Uh we have invited them to attend the resource fair, and we'll hopefully have more informational sessions.

So this is a really really good event.

Um we had um uh on February 26th, uh, we offered a California California Highway Patrol H Well, Rice Smart class uh in partnership with the California Highway Patrol.

Uh it is a class designed to give uh seniors the tools to safely continue driving as well as information on how to maintain their lifestyle, even if driving is no longer safe for them.

Uh we have invited them to attend our resource fair and we'll as well and hope uh to host more classes in the future.

So, again, very um well-received workshop, and then also we uh conducted uh an understanding uh uh Alzheimer's and dementia workshops, as you can see, also very well attended.

Um so, yeah, lots of great activities there.

A few more pictures here of our CHP H well Drive Smart uh workshops.

And then we've been mentioning uh the day trips, right?

That came out as a result of our age-friendly work.

Um they continue to be very popular.

Everyone is filled.

Um, and so this the one in February was uh to the Disney Museum Museum in San Francisco, and as you can see, it's always good to see a good turnout.

It's always good to see smiling, happy faces, um, good opportunity for our seniors to interact with one another and be in fellowship, but also um socialize and just go out and experience some of the great things that we have here in the Bay Area.

And so those are a few of the of the events that um that have happened in the course of the last uh month.

Um coming up, we have uh we're hosting uh an informational informational sessions on fresh approach, uh fresh approaches market match and the voucher program.

Uh the market match program is designed to help CalFresh recipients maximize their benefits, uh customers who spend their CalFresh uh benefits, uh also known as SNAP or food or food stamps, uh, at participating farmers markets can double their food dollars.

And so we are uh this has been very popular in the last couple years that we've been offering it, and so we are planning to conduct um uh three informational sessions, um, one in English on April 9th, one in Spanish on April 16th, and one in Cantonese um on April uh 30th.

And so um, so we're looking forward to those events as well.

And then lastly, uh I'll share that we uh continue our partnership with the Alzheimer's Association to offer in-person educational classes for people and caregivers uh who may be uh facing Alzheimer's disease and or dementia.

Uh and so I included in your packet uh I think two or three flyers um with information regarding these upcoming events.

Uh the first one, as you saw, was uh February 24th on Alzheimer's uh understanding Alzheimer's Alzheimer's and dementia.

Um there's one on March 24th, which is uh the topic is building brain healthy habits, one on April 28th, uh focus on money managing money, a caregivers guide to finances, and then another one on April 7th, um, which is the 10 warning signs of Alzheimer's.

Uh so lots of good stuff happening.

All this will be probably also promoted through our monthly calendars as well as Facebook.

But if you have anybody in your network that can benefit from this, please feel free to share that information.

And so that that concludes my report, Chair.

Okay, I'm sorry.

When did you say the Alzheimer's was?

Is it on?

I think it's July 7th.

July 7th.

Uh then it's July 7.

Okay, sorry.

Okay.

Yes.

Commissioner Commissioner Brennan.

Yeah, I just wanted to ask Pedro in the um in the budget discussions of senior service group.

Is there uh any impact of the county's cutback, proposed cutbacks on um social service Alameda County Health?

You know, is there any direct impact on our programs?

I haven't seen and I haven't I haven't been in any conversations regarding any direct impact to our budget, uh, although I will say that we are studying the matter further because as you know, the way we operate this center is in collaboration with other public and nonprofit organizations that may be receiving uh from funds from uh from the county.

Um and so there may be an indirect impact.

Um and I actually have heard of one one of our one of our nonprofit partners who has informed me that that um that there was some funding they were getting from social services that they've been notified they would not be getting in the future, and so they're pursuing other um other uh grant making opportunities.

That memo I forwarded um offline to you was it's still proposed, so I haven't seen any final decision by the county to of what they're have you heard anything, yeah.

It's constantly evolving.

I mean, they're getting the measure W funds.

I I don't know, the triple A keeps telling us no, nothing's being cut, but obviously, and I'm seeing the impact when I do Mercy Round, but they have far less to do them before the Alameda County Food Bank is not given the nation.

So it's filtering down.

Yeah, so I would say um if you have information, if I if I come across information regarding some of those um budget uh meetings, for sure.

Let's make sure that we share it with each other.

But yeah, thanks for bringing that up.

Yes, can you I heard that uh the budget for the security, the security person who's having that is being cut by some thousands, so I'm not sure if that is true or not.

Yeah, so it's as part of our budget reduction process, we're having to take a look at um you know where we can uh make some cuts.

So one of the areas that we are exploring is um revisiting the amount of time that we have the security guard here and really looking to see how we can uh maximize that individual during peak times.

If you've been here at the center, you know that there's there's very busy times and there's not so busy times, and so we uh we're looking to see how we can do some um some cost savings in that area, uh, but at the same time ensuring that during the peak times or during the times that we have found based on our just our experience here that we need to have somebody here, uh we would be prioritizing that time.

Commissioner McDillan.

Um so there is a there before July, there's also the healthy living for brain and body March 24th.

Okay.

So there's two more things.

Okay, thank you.

And regarding that, uh is there a fee to attend?

I see that there's a registration, but I don't see a fee.

Yeah, those are usually the usually our our our health education classes are all free.

Free to attend.

Yeah, but you have to have to register.

Yeah, thank you.

We probably won't turn anybody away if they come.

We want as many people as possible here, but it does help with planning to make sure that we have enough chairs and uh as we're coordinating with uh facilitators that we can let them know how many handouts um to consider bringing.

Yeah, so please register regarding the resource fare.

Do you have a date for that?

Uh yes.

We I think we're working on the flyer, but it's usually in June.

It's usually the last week in June.

And I'm gonna have to follow up with you all about that because I do not want to give you an incorrect date.

I just like to get things on the calendar so I don't schedule something for that day.

Yeah, I don't think I appreciate that.

Okay, thank you.

So moving on to public comments.

The public is invited to make comments on items that are not listed on the agenda at this time.

Public comments are limited to two minutes per speaker, subject to adjustment by the chair.

The commission is unable to respond to your concerns today as they are not agendized.

Your item may be taken under consideration for future discussion, or it may be referred to the appropriate department.

When you address the commission, please stand, state your name if you desire for the record, and please speak clearly and project.

Thank you.

We do have a member of the public here today.

Good morning.

Good morning.

Good morning.

My name is Hilda Harris.

And we already talked about FLEX, I think a couple of months ago.

I'm going back to that.

I do believe that the wave policy needs to be reinstated.

The wave policy was a critical piece of the FLEX program because the designated stops are so far apart.

No designated stops have been added.

Correct me if I'm wrong.

I pay AC transit and I combine that with FLEX in order to get where I need to go.

Because if I take the first Flex bus, I don't get downtown until almost 10 o'clock, which means I've lost more than an hour of time taking care of patients.

Flex needs to have a designated stop as a manor branch library.

I went to an event there a few weeks ago, and even though Flex had told me there is no stop there, I saw the Flex turn the corner right there at Farnsworth and Manor as I went and as I went back home.

That bus turns right there.

So why there's not a stop there, I don't know.

The Flex buses are still late and underutilized.

So clearly eliminating the wave stop was not the reason, or it may have been a reason, but it's clearly not the reason because they continue to be late.

The flex buses, I use them because of the convenience, because I already walk a distance to get to where I wave the bus.

So it's not just about money, but I also want to say that when I use AC transit, I pay them three dollars, plus I also use Flex to get closer to my home.

I believe that seniors health is not really being given its full consideration because the AC transit bus stops are close to each other, but yes, the uh designated stops for the seniors are far apart, and that is why there was a wave stop.

Okay, I'm sorry, your time is up.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Um okay, we're on to presentations.

We do not have any today.

Action, yes, sir.

Sure, just uh regarding the e-comment.

Uh I want to just inform the commissioners and the public that uh no e-comments were received for this meeting, and the commissioner was informed on Wednesday uh March uh March 18th of this year.

Okay, sorry.

All right, on the seven action items, 7a, February 2026 and March 2026 age-friendly initiative priority projects update.

Uh and chair, please wait until the end of the presentation to ask questions in order to facilitate this discussion.

The chair will call on each commissioner in turn to ask questions and give their ideas for the priority projects provided in this update.

Secretary, Ms.

Pedro.

Thank you, Chair.

Uh so happy to provide the update if you recall from our February meeting.

We had a jam pack agenda, so we decided to uh table the February uh meet uh updates.

So what you're gonna hear today is a combination of February uh and and March.

And so um so again, as a reminder, uh we produced uh an age-friendly plan which which uh identifies uh six priorities, and so those six priorities are uh on the screen as you can see it's plan sustainability, personal protection, housing security, health and wellness, transportation, and social connection.

From that came uh a few dozen uh activities that we've been working on.

Um we've planned um in the course of the five years.

Uh thank you, Commissioner Brennan, for suggesting at a previous meeting that we add another column to this chart indicating which of these activities uh been completed.

Um previously, I think we just had started ongoing and target year.

So as you can see, there's there's a few checks, a few marks on the completed uh columns, which which indicates that we're making some really good progress here.

Um some of them continue to be ongoing, and as you can see, some of them we haven't started because um uh we've most of them actually they haven't started because we projected them to start in the latter part of the uh the five year plan.

And so um, so yeah, so making making good progress there.

Um I will go ahead and um and provide some some key developments uh over the the course of the last uh couple months.

Uh so in the area of plan sustainability, uh which includes implementing structures and systems uh like uh funding, staffing and partnerships uh necessary for the long-term success of our age-friendly San Leandro initiative as part of that.

As you know, we had a lot of discussions about the importance of communication uh and promotion to ensure that people know about the services that are available and can utilize them.

And so we've been very active in that area, uh, as you have heard from previous presentations and as far as the last couple months, uh some activity that has that has taken place uh includes on February 10th of this year.

I did it I conducted a presentation uh with the San Leandro uh Qanus Club about about our department, but uh, but as part of that, obviously, a lot of the the services that we provide here with senior services and NH friendly.

On March 24th, uh we uh have been invited.

Uh this is by invitation only.

Uh, we were invited by Kaiser to participate in their aging well resource showcase.

And so staff will be out there um promoting the services that we provide.

Uh additionally, on April 18th, uh we are going we will be participating in the Vietnamese community center of East Bay Spring Health Fair.

Uh, we participated in that event in the past.

It's been a great opportunity to connect with uh with uh members of the community and obviously in support of our of our partnership with Vasib.

Um the downtown farmers markets have been also a really good opportunity to promote and interact with folks, and so we uh will be at the April 29th, as well as the June 17th uh farmers markets.

Um last year we also participated in the the second Friday events.

Uh, if you if you're aware, the second Fridays in downtown uh San Leandro and so we'll be there on May May 8th, uh, which is AAPI Fest, July 10th, which is the San Leandro Pride, September 11th, which is land heritage, and December 4th, which of course is a wonderful night.

And so we'll be at all those events.

Um we're happy we're excited about that.

Um I will say, and I will I will invite all of you, as I have in the past.

If you are available for any of those dates, uh if you're interested in joining us uh and helping us promote uh one, the commission, age-friendly and senior services, uh please let me know.

I'm happy to put you in contact with the staff member that is uh responsible for for leading that outreach effort so that we can get you prepared uh in advance.

It's always good to have commissioners out there um interacting with the public and and obviously um supporting the our promotional efforts.

Uh lastly, in terms of promotional efforts, we um have been working with our our part two of our partners who have expressed interest in producing a video um that will allow us to be able to promote um uh good work that's happening here in San Leandro, but also uh hopefully um it leads to more people uh being referred to some of these programs.

So we're gonna be we're gonna be uh working with our communications team to uh produce a video short video for the for the ride care program, uh which you all you all met the staff members and you heard a uh presentation about that in the last uh couple meetings ago.

And then also, as I mentioned, we have we're kicking getting ready to launch the rental assistance program.

So we're interested in producing a video for that as well.

Can I say something?

Sure.

Uh that um right care um program uh it needs to be a little revamped because I personally called and they said, Oh, it uh two weeks ahead you have to book the ride, and when we book that uh tell them about uh call them about the right, which I need uh two weeks forward, they say, Oh, it's already all the whole week is booked.

So there is something that has to be changed a little bit.

So I just wanted to let you know about it.

Yeah, no, thank you for that.

And actually, I have an update about ride care that I'll share uh shortly.

Um is it okay if we come back to that?

Okay, yeah, thanks.

Yeah, but yeah, there is a there, yeah.

Yeah, it needs to be a little updated.

Yeah, and then the things for us to okay, thanks.

Uh in the area of personal protection, which includes protecting the physical, psychological, and financial safety of residents of all ages, whether at home, in public or or across cyberspace, uh we continue to participate in the Alameda County uh access and functional needs advisory committee.

Uh, we had a meeting on uh January uh 20 that was actually focused on uh emergency preparedness, and then as you can see from the slide there, um, and I think I believe I I've sent information regarding um the uh the personal emergency preparedness training uh that occurred this past week.

Um and so I saw a video somewhere about the training that took place, it looked like it was well attended.

Um, and so um so that's what's occurred in that area.

Um the next is uh to schedule a presentation from the city's transportation and engineering division to the senior commission, as you all know and remember recall.

We had a great presentation done by our um by my colleagues uh last month.

Um and then lastly in that area, engaged partners to explore emergency evacuation support for seniors and people with disabilities, and so uh we've been uh working on identifying the right people to uh engage in that process.

And so um just recently I was able to confirm participation from an individual from our uh fire department, uh actually two individuals from a fire department, uh, one individual who oversees the emergency services from our police department, uh my staff will be there, um uh NV Transportation will be there, and then we have a couple um uh individuals who who also are part of the Alameda County Access and Functional Needs Committee with the public health department who will participate in that planning meeting.

Um more to come on that.

Uh in the area of health and wellness, which includes ensuring San Leandro seniors have affordable, equitable access to physical and mental health care, especially the basic needs of food, clothing, and hygiene.

Uh we've been in partnership with the um the Alameda County Brain Health Initiative and the Alzheimer's and Dementia Association.

Uh we actually participated as uh planning committee members of um uh convenings that are took a couple committees uh that are being planned in this area.

The the first one took place on uh February 27th.

I attended that one.

Um our public health department uh uh deputy director was there providing some statistics regarding uh Alzheimer's and um here in Alameda County, uh get opportunity to network with the with other providers.

And so um, so that was the first convening.

Um there was some ideas about continued work that we can all do to support uh uh the communities in in this area.

The second convening is scheduled for um April uh 16th.

Uh I won't participate in that one because that's the same day as our commission meeting.

And so Liliana Gray, who is our senior services coordinator, will represent us at that convening.

And so these are good opportunities, right, to network with other organizations that are doing work in this area so that we can see um one just learn more about this topic, but also um try to try to uh leverage opportunities to bring in some of the existing resources that are that are available at a kind of county-wide level here to San Leandro.

Um and then um regarding our our uh food food programs.

And so over the years we've been uh noticing that uh a trend with um uh uh older adults not being able to uh go to food pantries to pick up their food due to uh mobility limitations uh as a result of getting older or a chronic health issue and so we we piloted this program um so the idea is that there's um a grocery bag delivery that is actually uh uh um implemented uh the first and the third Wednesday of the month with individuals who meet the eligibility and really the eligibility is that they're homebound um for uh mobility limitations and so currently we have uh with the the the capacity for that program is 20 people at one time so we are at capacity we have 20 people we have four people on the waiting list um and so um so far the feedback that we've gotten from people is really good uh folks are very grateful for the program very happy with the service and very happy with the groceries that are being provided a couple more here uh in the area of transportation which includes providing affordable reliable transportation that takes into account residence mobility and cognitive differences and personal destination needs um so this is where we get to right care um so the ride care program has been launched um they've been really active with outreach um as of a couple weeks ago they they had already conducted 54 outreach events uh in san leandro and um 31 clients have been enrolled uh where we are a little short right now is with the volunteers as you can imagine it's hard to get volunteer uh folks to to volunteer for this program but we're happy to say that we have uh three that have been enrolled uh interesting kind of uh uh highlight story is that one of the uh we have an uh an additional volunteer who's uh an another an individual who's interested in volunteering who actually was a initially a participant of the program um really appreciated really benefited from the program uh and now is in a position where he can now volunteer and kind of pay it forward and so we might have uh four volunteers soon um but yeah outreach is being done in many uh senior living centers or senior senior sites like the Fargo uh the senior center the main library uh we did a uh uh uh city serve administered a uh a survey and so we um we we learned that uh the average age of the riders is 79 years old okay so we are reaching that that higher age uh participants um they we asked them to rate their satisfaction with the services and the ratings were uh five five out of five rating on satisfaction um uh uh 4.8 out of five in professionalism 4.8 out of five in responsiveness um 4.7 tailor to needs 4.7 ease of access 4.7 communication accessibility overall experience uh was rated 4.8 uh and then the question would you recommend this program to others uh 4.7 out of five uh so in general good feedback obviously there's still always opportunities and and areas where we can where we can grow and and one of those areas of growth is what commissioner comedo just brought up uh we did receive feedback that participants felt that it was difficult to um to have to make a reservation uh with um with two two weeks advanced notice they said it's it's a bit far in advance uh they wish this was available uh they also they also wish it was available in other areas but yeah they so we are so we got the feedback regarding the the two weeks um we're looking into that as you know the uh city service looking into that to see if there's any any way that they can that they can minimize that I did ask during the meeting if the the two week advance was uh uh sort of a a standard across other other sites or or if that was just here in San Leandro and they confirm that it's in all their sites um and so I think part of that has to do with the time that they need to be able to get the one get the volunteers and schedule it and make sure that everything's gonna work well as far as the bookings getting filled um as you can see we have we have we have um 31 clients but three volunteers so it's it's hard to it's hard to make every every ride or every trip happen right when you have when you have uh higher demand than you do supply so um so part of the reason so hence the reason for why we're gonna do this video hence the reason why they're at many of these outreach events and so um so yes so thank you for that comment and just to just uh just know that we you know they are working on it does just the do the people answering the phone for Citizer um have a way of recommending an alternative or do they just say sorry we can't help

As far as the bookings getting filled um as you can see we have we have we have um 31 clients but three volunteers so it's it's hard to it's hard to make every every ride or every trip happen right when you have when you have a higher demand than you do supply so um so part of the reason so hence the reason for why we're gonna do this video hence the reason why they're at many of these outreach events and so um yes so thank you for that comment and just to just uh just know that you you know they are working on it does does the do the people answering the phone for Citizer um have a way of recommending an alternative or do they just say sorry we can't help you no I I would say that um because as you may recall from the presentation that they did they provide this service but they also provide a variety of other services and so um and so that yeah they would they would they would try to uh explore other options for that individual yeah and and so um so yeah that's that's part of what they do um okay and then lastly social connection priority which includes uh combating the uh epidemic of isolation and loneliness through creative varied opportunities for trust building social interaction and shared learning um as you know we amended our contract with uh ME transportation so we get to use the shotos uh for the for the day trips um there's a you know in January we went to the Chabot Space Center February as you heard earlier at the Walt Disney family museum and in March is it going to be a trip to the aviation museum in San Carlos and so in San Carlos yes it's fantastic the hill that's a fantastic one yeah yeah um lastly here um you all recall during our age friendly process we wanted to explore more intergenerational programming opportunities and so um uh so why they while this necessarily wasn't set up with that intent it it seems to be kind of gravitating toward becoming something an opportunity uh an intergenerational uh opportunity and so um as a result of just uh observations and and feedback and and requests that we've been getting from our seniors with uh continued tech support uh one of our staff members launched uh the tech help program um very informal up uh uh sort of opportunity for people to come and just get some help with the technology whether that be issues with the cell phone or like I don't know how to you know how open my email or this thing's not starting and you know I don't know what to do and so we we're piloting the program right now so currently we have uh three volunteers uh one is a senior and the other two are uh young adults so um in their early 20s and so again this is the it seems to be there seems to be an opportunity to more intentionally uh outreach to younger adults or teenagers that may want to uh support this program uh we've had about 30 participants uh most common themes are basic functions with smartphones organizing files downloading and using apps uh and so um with increased demand also comes uh increased um capacity and so we are always looking for volunteers so if you want to volunteer or you're interested in or you know somebody that's that's techie that would like to volunteer um please um please send them over uh to us um and so um and so yeah so that that concludes my age friendly report how does how does the tech help work do they just advertise we have assistance on site during these hours yes um I don't have a flyer with me right now I think it's there might be one on the flyerwall but yeah there's there's a specific uh dates and times where okay we will have somebody here um and so I've I've seen it um taking place in the computer lab um a few times and so um so we're you know we're excited about that and uh grateful for the volunteers that we have even though right now it's just three I think uh I was a computer only male computer room any other questions okay at this time at this time I invite the public you have a two minute uh comment if you would like to make a comment about what we just talked about the age friendly is there anything that you wanted to comment on or ask about I'm not sure that I don't know about these days or where's that information is it talking about the day trip on the 20 tomorrow to an athonic or aviation museum in Harlem.

Is it talking about a day trip on the 20th?

Tomorrow.

To an appointment or aviation museum in Harlow.

Okay.

Yes.

And I don't think I have that information.

Okay.

So I'm happy after the meeting.

I'm happy to talk with you about the day trip and how you can sign up for those.

And then I'm also also happy to follow up on the previous comments that you made earlier.

Yeah.

Thank you.

Okay.

Yes.

Commissioner Brennan.

You had mentioned Flex in your report, I believe, somewhere.

Previously, you had talked that there uh at a previous meeting you had said there was a an assessment boy on the locations and routes.

Is there any progress on that?

Yeah.

Yes.

So we uh completed the assessment uh with our consultant uh who administered uh surveys uh focus groups and there was uh ongoing input and feedback.

Um an assessment was was produced, and so uh we're using that assessment to uh inform the design of the program um in years to come.

So um so as part of that we did get some feedback regarding um some some destined some areas in in San Leandro where we should consider uh it being a destination stop.

Uh we um we got we got feedback that I that we are now using that assessment to kind of forecast what are some modifications that we can make next year to be able to improve make some improvements increase increase the quality of our services.

Some of those findings, some of those recommendations are not possible in year one, right?

Um we talked about like that last meeting we talked about seating uh and how and how we have to determine which stops are going to be removed, which are going to be added.

Um there was conversations about our recommendations to uh shorten the schedule, make the schedule more more user-friendly, and so and so some of these some of these will require further study, right?

Um in order for us to make those decisions, and that's why they may not happen next year, but they'll happen shortly after that.

And when is the flex year?

Is it is it um calendar year or do they have a fiscal year?

Yeah, thank you.

So the so the flex year would be uh it would be uh it's a fiscal year.

So it'd be July through June.

Okay, thanks.

Yeah.

So um, so what I can do at the at our at our at our April meeting, I can provide an update regarding where we are with our application to Alameda County, as well as which recommendations we believe we'll be able to implement in year one, and so that folks can also see what we're considering from for year two and year three.

That's exactly what I was hoping for.

Thank you.

Yeah, yeah.

So we're totally so just to come back.

We're we're we did a significant amount of work to get feedback from individuals.

We're using that assessment to guide or to help inform the uh the future designs of the of the program, knowing that's gonna be different iterations, right?

Because not all recommendations will be able to be implemented on time, and then along the way, right?

We'll we'll learn new things, and so we we will we'll be um considerate of that as well.

So, yeah, okay.

Okay, all right, so um on to 7B, which is the election of the chair and vice chair.

If you recall, we used to do this in July, however, it was moved when the hand new handbooks were updated.

So March is the month.

And um so I do need to read you this.

No member can serve more than one successive full term of one year as chair or vice chair, provided that this limitation may be waived upon affirmation vote of a majority of the members, which means that if you want to nominate the person who's already the chair and the vice chair, then that can be done if the uh majority of our commission agrees.

So first of all, I will open that uh nominations for commission chair.

Thank you.

Yes, Commissioner Brennan.

So if you're willing to serve, I would nominate renominate you uh to continue for a year.

Okay.

Any other nominations?

I think oh second, okay.

Are there any other nominations?

All right, then um process.

So we need a majority vote to enable that to continue for a further year, is that correct?

That's right.

So if uh so there's no other nomination once we once we discuss the chair nominations, then we will take it to vote.

I would need a motion, uh a second, and then we'll take it to vote.

Okay, so go ahead.

We need a motion for what we just have the nomination to the second.

Oh, then you need a separate motion to waive the rule.

Oh the one year rule.

No, no.

So we to formalize the appointing appointment of the chair, we need somebody to nominate Chair Watchinson serving as chair for one more year, another person to second it, and then we'll have to take it to vote.

Okay, so you've had the nomination here.

The second has come from Commissioner Camello.

Yeah, and now I have to agree to take on the process.

Yeah, yeah, of course.

I thank you very much.

You honor me for doing that.

I really appreciate it.

Uh yes, I will.

So now we'll take it to a vote.

Yes, now take a vote.

Right.

Uh I don't think I can vote for myself.

So we'll do uh Vice Comelo?

Yes.

Uh Commissioner Dillon?

Aye.

Commissioner Lopez Nacario?

Aye.

Commissioner McMichael Cady?

Yes.

Commissioner Brennan?

Yes.

And Commissioner Benya.

Yes.

The motion carries.

Okay.

All right.

Now the nomination for Commission Vice Chair.

Again.

Yes.

Commissioner.

I nominate Bella.

Okay.

That's Commissioner Lopez Nicario.

And then a second.

Actually, uh we should see if there's any other discussion or any other nominations.

Yes, I um I will.

But okay.

I would second.

Okay.

We'd need a second for the nomination, and then we can move on now, right?

To ask if there's any other nominations.

Yes, first ask if there's any other nominations.

Okay, are there any other nominations for vice chairs?

If the nominated candidate is willing to serve for another person.

Yeah.

This is very confusing.

I'm sorry.

Okay.

All right.

Commissioner Camello, are you willing to serve for another year for vice chair?

Thank you.

Okay.

We'll get this yet.

15 years later.

Okay.

All right.

So now where are we?

I'm sorry, you got me very confused.

So we have uh so we have a nomination for uh Commissioner Camello and a second.

And then we have uh a second, but don't you want to confirm that there's no other nominations for the vice chair?

Vote?

Okay, so there's no other uh nominations.

Then we have uh we have a motion by Lopez Nicario?

Right, and then a second by who's second uh did somebody second the motion?

I'll second the motion now.

We can do a vote.

Okay.

Well actually now we have to see if yes, and I believe she said she said yes.

Okay.

Okay.

So now we need the vote.

Yes, yes.

And now I can vote.

Yes.

Uh so Chair Watchison?

Yes.

Uh Commissioner Dillon.

Aye.

Commissioner Lopez Nakario?

Yes.

Commissioner McMichael Cady?

Yes.

Commissioner Brennan.

Yes.

And Commissioner Benya.

Yes.

The motion carries.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you all.

For putting your trust in us one more year.

We're gonna get done early, see?

Okay.

All right.

Commission reports and announcements.

Um, first of all, Mr.

Secretary, I would like to ask that you add the Cherry Festival Parade to our April agenda, please.

And I guess we also need to think about what the theme is the theme.

I remember we did theme last year, so did we decide our theme, or was the theme decided by the Cherry Festival?

Um so my my advice is that we discuss it during the April meeting?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

Okay.

I think it's true.

Yeah.

Yeah, but again, in uh yeah, no, I know.

I didn't I wasn't going to discuss it now, but I wanted to know if not only our participation, but what our theme should be, should be agendized for April.

Yes, I can.

Okay.

Okay, and then um I have a little kind of sad announcement, at least I think it is.

Um the Bay Area Veterinary Specialists on Washington Avenue is ceasing emergency vet care on March 22nd, and they're permanently closing on March 31st.

So I'm handing out information from them.

Are you familiar with the place?

We don't have anybody nearby, then you'd have to go to free month or other.

Well, if anybody, if anybody needs emergency care, they're they're closing.

So there's a a list of alternative um veterinary uh specialists that you can use.

I just thought I'd bring it up.

Live a block from them.

Yeah.

So how to go through the party that's I know some people some people don't use it, but I just wanted to let make you aware that this is what's happening.

If anybody says, where can I go?

You they're closing.

You have to go to the dust.

South on Washington.

Yes.

Is building a brand new building.

Well, I can only tell you that is their statement right there.

It's directly from them.

The problem is I'm not sure which one it is.

Oh, I'm sorry.

It's the one that is next to the um gas station and the Chinese uh museum and the convalescent hospital.

Across from Barra's across from Borough's Delhi.

Okay, so the one I'm talking about is also on Washington.

It's down by the high school and the car wash.

Really?

Um right before grant.

Um, that's not it.

What I'm saying is it's not listed here, and they're in the process of building a brand new veterinary building.

Oh, okay, good.

And in what used to be their rear parking lot, and then they're gonna tear down the building in front and make that the parking lot.

Okay.

So I'm saying that's and that guy also owns the one that's on East 14th Street.

So I don't know if it's an emergency.

I know we're not supposed to be discussing this because it's not agendized.

Okay.

Sorry.

If anybody wants any more information after the meeting, I'm very happy to give it to you because I live there, okay.

The one their grant is called a Royal Veterinary Clinic.

Okay, all right.

Thank you.

Okay.

And for my closing statement, age is a state of mind with beauty in wrinkles and in the wisdom that comes with the with time.

Now yes, I'm going to call on each person now to give if they have any comments.

Uh Commissioner Lopez Nacario.

Okay, um, I just wanted to add that we have the um safety ambassadors downtown, and they're a great assistants, they'll walk people into their cars, but they've helped because I worked at the CVS there, and they've helped us a great deal with people coming in and trying to steal and Vagrist hanging out.

They are good.

They're real good.

Is that it?

That's it.

Okay.

Uh Commissioner Pena.

I wanted to that you mentioned that.

Excuse me.

Well, a follow-up on that.

You know, I I don't get downtown very often, but um, I have seen uh those ambassadors a few times helping some people um people who are kind of loitering.

Yeah, um, but follow the budget discussions because I think there's uh some um discussion about like that's not those okay.

We can't have a no no I just say um just got watch the the budget discussions as they come along.

Okay, thank you.

Anything else?

Okay, uh Commissioner Brennan.

So I'm I just like like to raise the issue of attention to security around the transitional center.

It's been noted that there have been some issues, and I just like uh the appropriate parties did you want to have that agendized for next month?

No, I think it's just in normal process, it's nothing we can address, it's just part of the process.

Okay, Commissioner Camello.

It is also about downtown San Leandro.

Um trying to get a grant and uh do some beautification uh near area and the downtown area, but I learned that the hardware that this building that belonged to private uh um owners, right?

And we cannot do anything.

I mean, it is risky to do something because we are labeled to get um if something is being done to beautify and it it goes against the wishes of the owners.

So that is a big handicap, so I think the city has to do something about it and beautify it, make it more um safe for the people.

That's my comment.

Okay, Commissioner Dillon.

Well, I'd also like to recommend people to tune in to the um the budget uh process.

Uh I was at one of the meetings this past week, and uh you know it was very interesting.

You input is um welcome, and you know, can you ask questions and kind of get more clarity on how the budget's being um handled uh regarding kind of a a little bit of a long-term strategy?

So that's it.

Okay, thank you.

And Commissioner McMichael Cady.

I just want to mention the problem, the age firm and the council for Alameda County is having their in-person meeting in San Andreas tomorrow.

They do one every year, I guess, in person and do some planning out.

So I don't think it's open to the public, but I'll take notes.

Thank you.

Anything else?

No.

All right.

There being no further business to come before the senior commission, I'll entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting of March 19th, 2026.

I Commissioner Camello.

I move.

And second is Commissioner Lopez Nacaria?

Yeah.

Mr.

Secretary Roll Call, please.

Thank you, Chair.

Chair Watcherson?

Yes.

Vice Chair Comelo?

Yes.

Commissioner Dillon.

Commissioner Lopen Nacario.

Yes.

Commissioner McMichael Cady.

Yes.

Commissioner Brennan.

Yes.

And Commissioner Pena.

Yes.

The motion carries.

Okay.

Thank you.

So I know the meeting has been sorry.

Okay, the meeting is adjourned at 10 58.