San Leandro Senior Commission Meeting - April 21, 2026

Note: The meeting agenda, minutes, and transcript consistently list the meeting date as Thursday, April 16, 2026, at 10:00 AM. However, the instruction for this summary directs the use of April 21, 2026. This summary uses the specified date.

The Senior Commission of San Leandro met to discuss routine approvals, receive staff updates on senior services and budget reductions, and take action on several items including parade participation, age-friendly initiative progress, and a planned lunch series with seniors. The meeting lasted from 10:01 AM to 11:40 AM with 8 commissioners present.

Consent Calendar

• Approved (8-0-0): Draft minutes of the March 19, 2026 Senior Commission meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Cindy Arrington, Community Outreach Coordinator at SOS Meals on Wheels, expressed gratitude for the commission's participation in Community Champions Week, calling it "one of the best ones we've had in several years." She also voiced support for continued partnership with the city.

Discussion Items

7.A. Participation in 2026 Cherry Festival Parade

• The commission confirmed interest in participating in the parade, scheduled for the first Saturday in June (June 6, 2026). Valerie Nicolas, Human Services Program Assistant, provided logistical details: a Friday decoration session at the MV Transportation lot, and parade day on Saturday with a flex ride shuttle.
• A 250th anniversary red, white, and blue theme was suggested by Commissioner Brennan. Commissioner Lopez Nacario proposed custom t-shirts for commissioners. Commissioner Dillon recommended distributing informational postcards or flyers during the parade to promote the senior center and commission.
• The commission also discussed past issues with limited booth space at the post-parade resource fair; staff will verify availability of a dedicated table this year.
• It was agreed to extend an invitation to the Human Services Commission to join the parade (capacity permitting: 13–14 passengers).
• Final theme and logistics will be decided at the May commission meeting.

7.B. April 2026 Age-Friendly Initiative Priority Projects Update

• Pedro Naranjo presented progress across six priority areas: Plan Sustainability, Personal Protection, Housing Security, Health & Wellness, Transportation, and Social Connection.
• Plan Sustainability: Participated in Kaiser's Aging Well Resource Showcase (March 24); upcoming events include the BASID Spring Health Fair (April 18) and Downtown Farmers Market (April 29). Submitted a Kaiser community health grant proposal to sustain the senior grocery delivery program, and an Alameda County RFP to fund digital education, cooking programs, health workshops, community events, and the Rainbow Seniors program.
• Personal Protection: Piloting a Senior Support Evacuation Program in coordination with MV Transportation, fire, police, emergency services, and public health. Also launching memory kits through library partnership.
• Transportation: Detailed six short-term recommendations for Flex Rides program improvements: (1) incorporating minimum dwell time and driver breaks into schedule; (2) updating published schedules/maps; (3) displaying legible, accessible route info in shuttles; (4) upgrading technology for better data collection (new TripShop equipment installed); (5) strengthening outreach to housing, disability, and faith organizations; (6) piloting twice-monthly rider orientations ("Transportation Tuesdays") already initiated.
• Discussion included concerns about wave stops (flag-down stops) being eliminated for safety and schedule reliability. Staff noted that unsafe wave stops are being phased out; safe alternatives are being assessed case-by-case.
• The ride care program (door-to-door medical appointment rides) is continuing with about 4–5 volunteers; demand remains high.
• Commissioner McMichael-Cady reported on the Alameda County Age-Friendly Council meeting, noting collaboration on preserving services amid Medicaid and Mental Health Services Act funding changes.
• Social Connection: Senior day trips continue—a recent trip to Hiller Aviation Museum (13 seniors) and an upcoming trip to USS Hornet (April 24).

7.C. Lunch with Seniors in May

• The commission decided to start the lunch series in June rather than May, to allow time for coordination with Spectrum (meal provider).
• The plan: invite San Leandro City Council members for the June lunch, then Supervisor Tam's office for July, and consider other special guests for subsequent months. After five events (June–October, with August recess), the commission will assess effectiveness.
• Lunches will be held immediately after regular commission meetings.

Key Outcomes

• Approved: Consent calendar minutes.
• Approved: Participation in 2026 Cherry Festival Parade; staff to finalize theme and logistics at May meeting.
• Approved: Lunch with seniors series to begin in June 2026, with city council as first guests.
• Referrals: Commissioner Brennan requested agendizing an item on Alameda County Health Services budget cuts' impact on San Leandro programs. Commissioner Comelo requested inviting a representative from the San Leandro Improvement Association to discuss safety and beautification for seniors downtown.
• Next Steps: Commissioner Lopez Nacario will help decorate a table for the June 30th Senior Resource Fair (baseball theme). Staff will continue grant applications and Flex Rides improvements. A new commission group photo will be taken in May.