I call the meeting of April 16th, 2026 Senior Commission to order.

The time is now 1001.

Those that can please stand for the pledge of allegiance.

Oops.

Oh, for yeah, it's behind us, sorry.

Okay.

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.

Okay.

Mr.

Secretary, could you please do the roll call?

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Chair Watcheson?

Here.

Vice Chair Comelo?

Commissioner Dillon?

Here.

Commissioner Lopez Nacario.

Here.

Commissioner McMichael Cady.

Here.

Commissioner Brennan.

Here.

Commissioner Pena.

And Commissioner Gopar Krishnan.

Yeah.

Also in attendance are human services program assistant Valerie Nicholas and Senior Commission Secretary Pedro Naranjo.

Thank you.

Do we have any announcements from the Secretary at all?

I do not have any.

Okay, and I do not either.

However, I do have this.

Please silence any devices that would prove 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.

Thank you.

Item three, this consent calendar.

I will accept a motion to approve the draft minutes of the senior commission meeting of March 19th, 2026.

Okay, Commissioner Brennan.

Second.

Commissioner Comello.

Roll call, please, Mr.

Secretary.

Thank you, Madam Chair.

Chair Watchison?

Yes.

Vice Chair Comelo?

Commissioner Dillon.

Here.

Commissioner Lopez Nacario.

Here.

Commissioner McMichael Cady.

Yes.

Commissioner Pena.

Yes.

Commissioner Brennan.

And Commissioner Gopar Krishnan.

Yes.

The motion carries.

Thank you.

City staff reports and announcements.

I'm going to turn the meeting over to Pedro.

However, I would ask that you hold all questions regarding any item on this report until the end of the report.

Thank you.

Thank you very much.

Wanted to provide an update regarding the vacant seats for district five.

So we're still accepting and we're still promoting.

And so help us get the word out if you know.

I know some of you have mentioned that you have access to people in your networks.

Feel free to share that information with them.

We we have a flyer that we created.

I'll go ahead and send it, email it to everyone so that you all have it, and you can use that as you can reference that as you're talking to people.

Regarding department updates, as you know, the city has been going through our mid-year budget adjustments, and as part of that, there has been uh reductions that every department has made.

And so um during our May Senior Commission, our human services director uh Jessica Lobidan will be here to provide an update regarding the budget reductions for the human services department and any implications associated with that.

Okay.

As far as uh senior uh services, I always like to bring some pictures to help put a face to a lot of the good work that uh that is um provided here uh for our older adults, and so um what you see on the screen here is um uh day trip number five, which was to the Hiller Aviation Museum, and this was on Friday, March 20th.

We had 13 seniors, one staff member went out to the museum in San Carlos.

Um participants uh took a self-guided tour around the museum and were able to participate in a flight simulator, which looks like it was a lot of fun.

It's a really funny.

If you recall, this is this can this activity was ranked among one of the highest in terms of combating isolation and just exposing seniors to the wonderful assets that we have here in the Bay Area.

So here's you see a few more pictures.

Lots of fun, people smiling.

On Friday, March 27th, the team hosted a karaoke event with for seniors.

This was an activity that has been requested in the past, and uh we had 26 participants on the first day.

We shared snacks and folks were invited to sing along to sing a song of their choice.

So I understand that these are going to continue.

And so if you are a karaoke person or an aspiring person, a karaoke person, please come and join us.

Um it looks like they had a lot of fun.

Published karaoke.

Yeah.

When is the next one?

TBD.

TBD?

It's TBD.

Yeah.

Um we'll make sure you know.

Yes.

Uh there's yeah, more pictures.

Yeah, people really enjoyed it.

Yeah, yeah.

They got up there and saying.

It's a good era.

Yeah, right.

Singing makes people.

Yes.

Yes, yes, yes.

They're having a good time.

Um Spectrum and SOS Meals on Wheels.

Um we had a community champions week um on Thursday, March 19th.

Thank you for all of you who were able to be here.

Um, so on that day, we uh this uh to spot we did the two spotlight programs hosted here at the senior center and to showcase the wonderful work from Spectrum and SOS Meals on Wheels.

Uh community champions, um, including commissioners, former city uh former city council members, and several other uh dignitaries as well as department staff were invited to partake in the lunch as well as right along for meal deliveries.

So again, thank you for those of you who were able to participate.

As you can see, our mayor was here, and um you all uh have should have a manila envelope in front of you with uh pictures from the event.

So again, thank you again for participating and supporting that event.

As far as uh upcoming events, um we have a few, we have a lot of things happening, but a few that I want to highlight.

Uh one is um, as you all recall, um last year we hosted um a volunteer appreciation event, and so uh all of you received an invitation during the last commission meeting.

Um you should have yours today.

Um so this year's event is scheduled for Monday, April 20th.

Uh, we hope that many of you can join us for this festive and meaningful event.

This is an opportunity to thank our valued volunteers that support much of the efforts that support our older adults.

The event will include refreshments, music, and art activity, and lots and lots of good fellowship and appreciation for all the help that we get.

Without our volunteers, there's no way that we would be able to do all the wonderful things that we're able to provide our community.

And so we're excited about that.

We're hoping we're we're um hoping that many of you can join us.

It's gonna be a lot of fun.

And um also quickly approaching, we have the uh the annual senior resource fair, uh, which is scheduled for uh June 30th from 10 to 1.

You should have a flyer of the event in your packet.

Uh this year's theme is take me out to the resource fair.

The sort of uh baseball sort of uh feel to it.

And so um, so just to give you a sense of what's gonna be happening that day, uh we are asking our vendors to participate in the baseball theme for uh to sorry to participate in the baseball theme uh for the event by decorating their table and to wear theme attire.

Uh there will be prices for the top two most spirited vendors.

Um and staff would like the uh commissioner, the senior commissioners uh to help select the the winners.

Uh the winners will receive a voucher for uh free entry into the 2027 senior resource fair.

Oh other ways that you can help.

Uh we would like to set up uh the commissioner table at the main entrance next to the check-in table, depending on availability, and so commissioners can assist and greeting vendors as well as attendees and hang out, pass out swag and raffle tickets.

Uh essentially we want you to be part of the check-in team and welcome everyone to the event.

Uh setup will be at 8:30 in the morning.

Uh, we would appreciate any assistance uh at the time andor during the event.

Um the event is scheduled to conclude at 1 p.m.

Okay.

Uh lastly, I'll say uh few months ago uh commissioner uh Gopak Krishnan brought up the 250-year anniversary and sort of uh an effort to uh have uh uh people share their stories, and so we um are moving forward with that.

Um and we um actually see this as an opportunity to engage uh our young people and uh have it be an intergenerational opportunity.

And so the idea is for us to uh schedule time in our computer lab, promote this in advance, inform people so that they can come in and then uh have uh young people there to help people get into the website and kind of navigate through it.

Um that's also an opportunity where I think it would be great for you all if you're available and interested to come in and one submit your entry, but also help any additional folks that may need some assistance.

And so I think we're looking at doing that um sometime in in May or June.

So more details to come, and um our our uh program services coordinator Ileana Gray is taking the lead on this, and so she contacted the youth commission and we're we're waiting to hear back from them.

Okay, and that concludes my report.

Okay, anybody have any questions, uh comments?

So can you put this um that uh champion big photos on the on the um terminal uh whatever that uh say and the TV uh TV screen?

Yeah, that would be nice because they don't know who we are.

People don't know who we are.

Yes, so that would be a good thing, and also if you can clean that area of the terminal this is called terminal, right?

What is it called?

Screen, the screen, and have some decoration, young people, they know how to decorate.

So if I can decorate it, uh right, if you want, I can help um and uh put their photos there, that would be good.

It's saying senior commission.

When is that of senior commission, right?

No, isn't it?

Is it complete?

I don't think all the questions are not photo for you there, that means yeah.

So what's missing on commission?

This one.

That's a responsible.

I wasn't there, so it's not my thoughts.

There's only six commissioners in the photo as well.

That doesn't matter.

Well, if you want everyone to know the names of the who they are, then we should all be helpful.

Then we should take it.

That's the point.

Yeah, but in the meantime, we can put this.

We can have a new one when everyone is present.

That's not a bad idea to post the photo with the full commission.

Yes, yeah.

So two things.

One is um the idea with the TV monitors is to use them to promote the things that are coming up, but it's also a very good opportunity to showcase um many of the programs that are being offered, right?

Um, just like right here.

If you put a word age-friendly also, if you can put it up on that uh screen, that would be good.

Okay, yeah.

So again, so the idea is to have to utilize it to promote uh uh work, what we're doing, and so I like the idea of uh showing some of these pictures from the from the from this event as well as others.

And I think at the last meeting we did talk about uh updating our senior commission uh group shot.

We just haven't had an opportunity because not everybody has been here.

Um we are missing one person, so it's up to you all if you want to wait until that uh seed gets filled, or if you want to take one before that.

Um someone is always absent, one person so have there should be put in any if you have the photos.

We both said Photoshop.

AI if you have some people have it.

I think the last one wasn't it.

The whole quorum, then we can have another one.

So my suggestion is if everybody if we know that we're gonna take the picture in May, right?

So if maybe in May after the meeting, we could take a picture.

Add it as an agenda item so people remember to uh to get dressed.

I'll remind you all.

Yeah, I'll make sure that I send that in the email.

Yeah, or my footage.

Yeah, thank you.

Thank you for that suggestion.

Thank you.

So we can question question on the uh 250th.

What will the seniors be inputting at the computer terminals?

So they have four options.

You can upload a video of yourself.

There's a question saying what do you want America to be in the next 250 years?

That was what I was going to say about and then they have a picture of video song.

That's a problem.

And very will be showcased.

Very it'll be stored in the uh government library in the Congress, yeah.

Story core was just there for many years.

That's different.

This is only for America 250.

It is a what?

It's only for America turning 250 years this year.

This is yes, Commissioner Dillon.

Uh the May meeting, excuse me, is scheduled uh lunch with supervisor lean at plays into the idea at all.

So it's gonna be a far as getting together for the program.

Yeah, I have an update regarding the lunch for seniors later, then we'll we can talk about the the schedule.

But yes, the idea is the conversation was to start doing those senior those uh lunches with seniors.

Okay.

Is there any further questions in regards to what uh we just talked about for the updates and that?

No, okay.

All right, at this time we have public comments.

Um the public is invited to make comments on items that are not listed on our 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 meeting may, I'm sorry, your item may be taken under consideration for future discussion, or it may be referred to the appropriate department.

We ask that when you address the commission, you please stand if possible, state your name if you desire for the record, and please speak clearly and project.

Thank you.

So we do have one.

I'm sorry, the other person left.

Okay, yeah, please.

My name is Cindy Arrington.

I'm a community outreach coordinator at SOS deals on wheels.

Came today just to observe and to also um acknowledge all of you who participated in the champions week.

This was one of the best ones we've had in several years.

Oh right.

So we really thank you, and we're so excited about partnering with the city of Salyandra to do better greater things.

Thank you.

Mr.

Secretary, did we have any e-comments?

We did not receive any e-comments, and the commission was informed uh on Wednesday, April 15th.

Thank you.

We have no presentations this month, so we're moving on to item seven, which are action items, and I will turn this over to Pedro.

Thank you, ma'am chair.

So we are quickly approaching another important event here in San Leandro, which is our very beloved Cherry Festival.

As you all recall, I believe it was the last two years this commission has participated in the event, specifically in the parade.

Um in collaboration with MB Transportation.

So we've gotten very creative about leveraging the shuttle one to have transportation during the parade, but also to uh really promote what you who you all are and also um promote the the flex rights program.

So we uh uh dates come in.

So I I asked Valerie to to come and join us and tell us a little bit more about that day and maybe even engage you all in a conversation regarding your interests and ideas.

So good morning.

Um so for those who were here last year, you kind of know the drill.

Um so last year we you know came together um uh brainstorm on a theme, um decided as a group.

Um and with that, about a day or uh I th I think a day before the parade, uh, whoever can make it is invited to come with us to the MV transportation lot to help with decorating one of our flex ride shuttles according to the theme that you all decide on.

Um and then the following day, Saturday, um when is it this year?

June is it June 5th this year, June 6th?

Um the first Saturday in June always um we meet at the uh it's usually at the Bart station, one of the parking lots near the San Leandro Bart station.

Um and you know, whoever whoever's participating, you're welcome to ride in the shuttle through the parade.

We take turns maybe walking and riding in the shuttle, interacting with with the crowd.

Last year we had a very generous donation from uh Ghirardelli, so we were able to hand out some chocolates to the folks uh you know who are who are watching the parade.

I don't know if we'll have that this year because we just got a donation from them and uh it's it's all gone now.

Um yeah, just a really fun day.

Um so I'll have a uh I'll have a sign-in sheet going around.

You can let us know or let let me know or let us know um if you're able to help with decoration.

I don't have the the details of that yet, but like I said, it's usually the Friday before the parade, sometime maybe in like the the afternoon uh of the Friday before.

Um also if you'll need help with transportation to the cherry festival, uh, usually what happens is one of uh the staff members will meet you here at the senior community center.

We'll use one of the city cars to bring folks down to the downtown area.

Um it's a it's a good option for some folks who you know maybe you don't drive or maybe um you're worried about parking in the area, it can get pretty crowded.

Uh, we're there early enough, so it's not too bad.

But anyway, you can let us know if you'll need transportation help to and from the festival.

Um and then of course if you would like to participate in the in the parade.

Um so I'll I'll have this going around as we as we're chatting.

Um, but if you know if you all are okay, or if anyone has any ideas, um well, number one, do we want to participate this year in the parade?

Um it's a decision to be made.

Um, and if so, any ideas around the theme or you know, something that you'd like to see this year um that you maybe haven't seen or have we haven't done in previous years that we've participated.

Right?

So I we want to discuss that now.

Okay.

Yes, Commissioner Brennan.

It's 250.

So maybe we should do something slightly patriotic.

You know, red, white, and blue theme, whatever that is.

I'm not I'm not over flag waving, but you know, patriotic still works.

Okay.

Um I suggest that we have everyone agrees that we have a t-shirt.

Um maybe blue or we are celebrating that uh centenary year.

250.

250 is so I have a blue, uh red and white t-shirt and with senior commission.

They it will cost I don't think it will cost more than 25 dollars, right?

T shirt.

I don't know.

What do you know?

Yeah, yeah.

Just putting it out.

If you'll want if we don't want that is fine.

Of course, the budget.

Okay.

Anyone else?

Yeah, show me Commissioner Shalin.

That's right.

Can we um last year when we're giving out the I'm a senior, so I forgot.

Uh when we're giving her the chocolates, can we give out these folders of the commission the senior center?

Because a lot of the older people or you know, younger people, I was just randomly talking.

They didn't know about this.

Isn't possible to, you know, while you're walking, you know, can't even be doing uh a flyers.

Flyers to the seniors.

Absolutely, it's a great idea.

The postcards would also work well.

Anything yeah, a postcard is probably better than a flying.

Yeah, whatever.

Just information that this exists because so many of them don't know, right?

They come out just for you know we have a booth though, right?

We'll have a I don't know.

So yeah, thank you for that.

Um so uh following the parade is usually the resource fair, and then all kinds of entertainment and activities and so forth.

So yes, we um in the past we have had a booth.

I believe we're gonna have a booth as well.

So at the booth we'll have all types of information, but as you know, as you can imagine, not everybody that participates in the parade also participates in the resource fair or the activity.

So um, yeah, some thinking around how we can promote and get the information out during the parade, I I think would be helpful.

It's a good idea.

I I believe last year that you only had one table.

That's why we didn't participate last year as a group.

That is correct.

Uh yeah, because you didn't have room for us.

So I guess our participation in the cherry festival, as far as that part's concerned, would be predicated on whether or not you're going to have more than one table.

Yes, for that for that component, correct, right?

Yeah.

Or assign it in time slots.

Well, that was the problem.

They they didn't really need us.

That's nice last year.

Yeah, so last year what happened was that there was such a high demand for uh vendors that wanted to exhibit that there was uh less less space and less yeah, so because of that, we actually uh instead of having our own human services table, we had we were combined with other city departments.

And so I don't know, we maybe at the next meeting that we can provide an update regarding what that's looking like.

So that's the reason why we weren't able to have as many staff members and as many of you all there at the at the at the table.

So our our participation in the actual cherry festival part of it, the the vendor part is gonna be predicated on whether or not we're space, you know, we're needed.

But the parade is a completely separate entity and generally speaking, um if you want to not drive as uh Valerie was saying, um they do support transportation down to the bus.

And then last year also they very kindly brought us back.

Anyone that wanted to just come back and just you know, leave.

So that's that alternative.

I like the 250th red, white, and blue stuff, but I think maybe we need to think and bring back additional ideas of how we can manage that in May.

If that's agreeable with everyone, maybe think out, think out how can we how can we look 250th, if you want.

And obviously the decorations now last year I think the decorations were provided by we purchased by what?

We we purchased the decorations.

Okay.

So would that happen again this year?

Budget allowing.

I think so.

Yeah, yeah.

Okay.

All right.

Any other questions right now?

Okay, the right idea.

On the if we get a single table also, is it possible to just put a computer there with the 250 things and people in common actually upload their stories?

That's what we have to be seniors.

Is that is that okay?

Is that what a computer uh you mean a laptop or something?

Yeah, and like we are doing this in May in New York.

We actually there's a carnival of some sorts.

We've got a computer there, and anybody comes can upload their studio fabric.

So we gave them, but it's not only seniors, but others too.

Yeah, let me find out what's what is the status of the tables and you know capacity, and um, and if it is, then at the like uh Chair Watcherson suggested we have a follow-up conversation and pin down what our ideas are gonna be, and at that point I could let you know whether we if we have a our own table.

I think there's more uh a higher probability that we can do that.

If we don't have our own table, then the space is gonna be very limited because we get like half a table or even a quarter table.

And at that point, we probably what we would probably want to do is promote some of the senior services that we provide.

Yeah, yeah.

Okay, Chair, I think the member of the public return, do we want to reopen uh item five?

Just query to see if there was a comment there.

I'm sorry, do what uh the member of the public return do we want to reopen item five at least they have a comment member of the public that was absent.

Oh return.

She came back.

No, I she missed.

Sorry, she missed that's good.

That's why I asked any other comments on the cherry festival participation.

So we will roll that over to um next month to May and finalize, correct?

Yes, just to be clear in terms of next steps.

Uh I'll go ahead and get more information regarding the resource part of the event.

Uh there were some suggestions regarding a theme of the 250th that we'll revisit.

I'm hearing Chair Watchinson uh invite other ideas at the May meeting.

Um we'll go ahead and confirm with MV Transportation that we will uh participate.

Sorry, can you we wait and thank you?

So we'll confirm with ME Transportation that we're gonna be participating this year, so we can reserve a vehicle, and um, and then as far as the decorations, uh the costs tend to be minimal, so we can go ahead and take those on.

I will say that we don't have a budget for additional more costly items, so we're gonna have to be very mindful of that and creative with how we um you know how we showcase in a in a cost efficient way.

And then lastly, I do want to ask a question.

Um, in the past, we have invited the human services commissioners to participate in this event and join us.

Uh is that something that we want to continue doing this year?

And I will say that the only limitation that we have there is that the shuttle that we have the the capacity is is 13 to 14.

13 to 14 passengers, 14 passengers?

Is it 14?

Yeah, 14 passengers.

So I think with eight of you being here, even if even if we even if we have full participation by this commission, I think there's still room to invite a few other members.

Uh historically, we haven't had the whole commission, the whole human services commission participate.

Um, I believe that one, two, maybe three members will participate, but who knows?

This year might be different.

So is it okay if we extend an invitation to the human services commission?

Okay.

I'm seeing the heads not, yes.

I walked last year.

I'm not sure that's gonna happen this year, depending on how many feels okay.

Yeah, right.

Thank you.

Valerie, is that helpful?

Yes for now?

Okay, we'll have you come back next next year.

Sure, sure.

Okay, great.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Okay, item 7B, the April 2026 age friendly initiative priority project update.

Pedro, please.

Thank you, Chair.

Uh so yes, uh want to provide a few updates regarding some activity uh that has transpired since our last commission meeting.

And as a reminder for the commissioners and members of the public, uh we embarked on this journey uh many years ago to uh create uh an age-friendly action plan for the city of San Leandro.

So our city council adopted it as part of that community participatory process.

Um so you see those on the screen, those include plan sustainability, personal protection, housing security, health and wellness, transportation, and social connection.

Within each of those six priorities, there are dozens of uh great activities and projects that we have been uh implementing at the right side of that chart.

You see uh the table which shows uh the you know if the project has initiated, if it's ongoing, if it's a if it's complete, and then to the far right is the target timeline that we discussed as part of this process.

As you can see, we've made very good progress um since the adoption of the plan.

Many of these activities have already been completed, uh many of them are ongoing.

And so, next, what I would like to do is to provide uh an update regarding some uh key activities that have either occurred in the last month or will be happening um in the upcoming weeks.

So, in the area of planned sustainability, which includes implementing structures and systems, for example, funding, staffing, partnerships that are necessary for our long-term success of the age-friendly uh initiative.

Um, one of the priorities, as you recall, was to for us to increase our uh frequency and increase promotion of the resources and programs that are available uh through senior services, and so we've been doing that.

Um on March 24th, uh we participated in uh Kaiser's aging well resource showcase.

And so um we're very grateful for Kaiser because this is the first time that they held this event.

Um they uh it was it was by invitation only, which means that they um prioritized and and sort of hand selected the vendors that they wanted um at this event.

And so it was the first the first event that they do, it was uh it was a rather small event, but what I what I hear from staff is is that it was a great opportunity to connect uh with members of the community for sure, but the the huge bonus there was that um Kaiser employees, um doctors, nurses, uh uh case managers, health educators were invited to participate in the event.

So it provided staff an opportunity to promote those our services to providers who then are going to be hopefully sharing that information with their patients because it was a smaller event, you know, sometimes there's these big events and there's so much happening, and you're just handing out information.

Uh this was a little different.

Um, so this is a lot of conversation.

You really first staff really had an opportunity to be able to dive deep and you know get to know people and also be able to take have the time to be able to explain things to them and and and make those connections.

And so we we had a very good experience, it's it's furthering our partnership with Kaiser, and we we look forward to being invited to participate in next year's event.

Uh this Saturday, right?

Saturday, is the uh the annual BASID Spring Health Fair to be held.

We participated in this event in the past, as many of you know, we have a great partnership here with with Vasib uh who provide drop-in services here a couple days a week, and and they partner with us in many of the different ways.

So we will be at their event this Saturday.

Um again, great opportunity to connect with the community and share information.

Uh we have some wonderful volunteers that are gonna be uh volunteer, I believe that's gonna be there helping us with um interpretation.

And so um, so that's also another wonderful event that I want to invite you all.

I know I extended the invitation during the um during the March meeting.

Um we have discussed this being a great opportunity for the commission to support uh outreach efforts.

And so if you are um, I know it's right on the corner, but if you are uh available and interested in helping us uh promote our services at that event, we can we can always use your help.

So feel free to contact me directly um after the meeting.

Similarly, uh we uh are our um our downtown farmers markets are back.

Uh if you've been to these events, they're a lot of fun.

They're at the the parking lot at the San Leandro Main Library.

Great vendors, a lot of resource information.

Sometimes there's even entertainment and great food.

So if you haven't been to one of these, please please uh uh I would encourage you to participate.

Um I believe they're every Wednesday um from two to seven, I believe.

And so we are going to be at the downtown farmers market on April 29th.

So again, I would like to extend an invitation to all of you.

Um if you're available and interested in helping us at that event, uh, please contact me.

It's always great when our staff is out there promoting our services.

It goes a long ways with the volunteers are saying it, and I think it goes a long ways when you all are there also helping promote.

So please let me know if you're interested in available.

Um development.

So we are getting creative with our budgets, right?

Um because of the budget reductions that we are looking at, but also in an effort to continue to operationalize our age funding plan on all the activities that we have and sustain many of the services.

Uh, we're being more proactive about uh identifying funding that can support our work.

And so I'm happy to sub uh to report that we submitted a uh a proposal to Kaiser Permanente for their community health grant uh which will help sustain the uh senior grocery delivery program that we initiated as part of this age-friendly work.

And as you may, as you may recall, we we are piloting the the program this year through a collaboration with the Vietnamese American Community Center of the Spay.

And so this funding will help us continue that program by offsetting the cost uh uh pertaining to the food.

Okay, the cost pertaining to the transportation is actually uh coming out of our ACTC funding through measure BB.

Uh, but this would help offset the cost of the food.

And so we I think uh submitted a good proposal.

Uh we should be hearing back from Kaiser in early June.

So I'll keep you all updated.

Um Alameda County Social Services recently released a request for proposals uh within their area agency on aging specifically for senior services.

Uh so we are working right now on that proposal, and we um will be submitting it by the deadline, which is April 30th.

And so we are looking again at this being an opportunity to enhance and sustain some of our existing services that we have found to be very popular here and very effective.

And these include the digital education programming that we did with tech exchange.

If you recall, we did uh about uh four workshops.

We had over 79 people participating in those workshops.

Every person received a free refurbished laptop.

We want to uh include that in the proposal as well as um uh cooking programs.

So cooking programs are very popular here.

Uh we um we want to uh increase the number of cooking programs that we offer here, and so um so that's in the proposal.

Um interestingly, both of those programs happen to be uh programs that have traditionally had a waiting list.

Um so they fill up very quickly.

We have had people on the waiting list, and so we um we want to do more of that.

Uh we also are including um the uh the support that we need to continue doing our monthly health education workshops.

Um you recall, we've had like the California Higher Patrol has been here, we do veterans workshops, there's there's health care workshops, health education, so we incorporated that into the proposal, and then uh our community events here are very important, right?

As a way to combat isolation and really promote this the work that's happening here.

Uh so we are including that proposal in the proposal, and then lastly, we have a wonderful rainbow seniors program here uh that we think uh can benefit from some additional support, and so we uh are including that in the proposal as well.

Again, we're submitting it on the 30th, we'll hear back um from Alameda County, I think in June, and so I will continue to keep you all updated on that.

Maybe let's hope we do.

There's a lot of problems.

Yeah.

Um so and then lastly, I want to I want to just say as part of this uh priority, uh we have been engaged with the Alameda County Age Friendly Council, and I participate in those meetings.

I know that Commissioner uh McMichael Cady also uh participates in those meetings last month.

Uh they're usually virtual, uh, but last month was an in-person meeting that unfortunately I wasn't able to make, but uh Commissioner McMichael Cady did attend, so I I asked her if she can provide just a quick update about how that meeting went.

Yes, we need to see everybody in person because we usually have I don't know, there was a real negative slant.

We had a long talk about Medicail and what's happening with Medicaid, and then another one about uh I guess there was a Behavioral Health Services Act that was governing the funds for behavioral health services, and it's now changed to the Mental Health Services Act, and so funding for prevention has kind of gone away, a lot of it, which is kind of a trend right now.

But I would say the overall takeaway is there's a lot of collaboration.

I sit in this senior services council meetings and the age-friendly meetings and here and on another commission.

You see the same faces over and over, and they're good people, and there's a lot of advocacy for seniors and with the measure W funds for a lot of programs are being continued that otherwise would not have.

So I think with everybody working together, and that was the take home if everybody working together with staging a lot of the programs.

You know, meals and wheels is able to continue serving people without a wait list.

I've seen the amount of groceries, mercy brown bag went down, but now they're going back up again.

And so things are being salvaged with a lot of collaboration between the various agencies and commissions and coalitions and whatever.

So that was my takeaway.

Thank you.

Thank you for that update.

And so moving on to uh our personal protection priority, which includes uh protecting physical, psychological, and financial safety of residents of all ages, whether at home, in public, or across cyberspace.

Um piloting our uh senior support evacuation program.

If you all recall, we've talked about this.

Uh, and so the idea is that we would provide some um support to seniors who during an evacuation need support with transportation.

This would be when the city activates a shelter.

And oftentimes that shelter will be either here or at the Marina Community Center.

And so we went ahead and included this as part of our contract with MB transportation.

So we have that in the contract.

We have the resource.

And so we have been trying to engage key partners, which include obviously MB Transportation.

We want to have somebody there from the Alameda County Fire Department.

We want to have somebody there from the San Leandro Police Department.

Of course, our staff, our emergency services coordinator with the city with the city of San Leandro.

And then also some staff from the Alameda County Public Health Department who also sit on the Access and Functional Needs Committee.

If you all recall, we were participating in that in that committee as well.

And so we have all the right people committed to help with this pilot program or the design of this program.

And so the only challenge that we've been having, as you can imagine, with many busy people with busy schedules, it's hard to get everybody in one place.

And so we we want to make sure that each of those key partners is at the first meeting, right?

The first meeting is very important.

So we are looking to schedule that first meeting.

We're hoping I'm hoping that it happens in April.

And so we I participated in the first healthy brain initiative, Alzheimer's Association community convening.

I believe it was in January.

And so the second convening is happening actually right now.

And Lily Liliana Gray, our human services program coordinator is representing us.

And so the second convening will build on the outcomes from actually February to February meeting.

Similar to the age-friendly council meetings, you see many of the same people, which is not a bad thing.

And it presents opportunities for us to collaborate.

So we're hoping that we can support this larger effort while still identifying opportunities for us to bring some of these resources here to San Leandro, in particular here to the senior community center.

So we look forward to uh hearing what uh what Liliana uh brings back, and uh we'll provide an update about that during the May meeting.

Um related to that, we um the library applied for a grant that they received uh to initiate um a program uh with memory kits, and so the library is looking to host uh a presentation or multiple presentations in May.

Uh we will help them promote and encourage our patrons to attend.

Uh we also talked about scheduling a separate meeting for just our patrons uh where we either try to schedule uh a ride for folks or schedule a session around the flex shuttle schedule so that we can transport people to to the library.

Um and so um uh I think it's a great program, great opportunity for us to uh partner with the with our colleagues at the library, um uh leverage the resources that are available at that site and see if there's an opportunity for us to bring some of that here to the senior community center.

What exactly are memory kits?

So it's um so my understanding, and I think that like in our activity room we would be a great place to be able to do that.

Um it's a variety of different uh exercises and games that just help with with memory, yeah.

And so um, and so yeah, so there are some resources that that I think are gonna be made available.

I think it's an opportunity to bring people together also, you know, to help people socialize, have some fun, and and just continue to help us all keep those keep our brains working.

In the area of transportation, which includes providing affordable, reliable transportation that takes into account residence mobility and cognitive differences and personal destination needs.

As you all know, we went through a process of assessing our flex rights program.

Um and as part of that assessment, um, we surface various uh recommendations that we are sort of seeing as opportunities for there to be some short-term uh adaptations, sort of midterm and then long term.

And so I want to provide you an update regarding some of these uh short-term recommendations that we are considering that we have been uh discussing with our transportation uh provider.

Uh so as a reminder, we conducted this assessment uh for a few reasons.

The first reason is the current design of the program was based on an assessment that was done in 2020.

So that's now what six years ago?

Yeah, okay.

Um a lot changed in six years, a lot has happened in six years, including the pandemic.

And so we just we felt that it was time to revisit uh the design.

This the second reason is because we while we're happy and we believe that the program is providing a really good service to many of our older adults here in San Leandro, we believe that the program has a lot more potential.

And so the objective is for us to uh work to increase the membership of the program, but also the utilization of the services.

Okay.

Um third objective, I would say, uh if I can add one more, is we also are are committed to improving the quality of the services.

Okay, and that's part of the you know, part of understanding what's working well, where there are some challenges that we may need to fine-tune that would one better meet the needs of the participants, but also increase membership and increase utilization, right?

And so um, so that's a little bit of context as far as the some short-term recommendations, uh, as you can see there from item number one is for us to look at incorporating the minimum dual time and driver breaks into the schedule.

So, what does that mean?

That means that when a shuttle pulls into a designated stop, all right, that one, the shuttle stops every single time, right?

And two, that there is a sort of a standard around how long the shuttle is going to wait at that stop before it leaves, right?

Um, so that's really important because if writers know that, then they will plan accordingly and make sure that they're there at the designated time, and but also we will ensure that if somebody gets there at the right time, that the driver doesn't leave them behind because uh because maybe they didn't see them there when they were driving by, you know, and so um so it'll it'll help with uh having a more you know realistic schedule um of the the route.

So that's so and then the other thing too is um uh breaks haven't been scheduled in the as part of the schedule, right?

Uh so and so people need to take breaks, right?

And so if if a break is taken, uh as you can imagine, then there's then there's an impact on the the timing or the schedule for that day, and so we want to we want to just go ahead and be proactive about building that those needs into the actual schedule.

I know that uh, you know, because I know the stop times and downtown, like by CVS, that's one of the things, and so many times, and we gotta make it clear that the people have to be there because the poor guy comes in and we have to announce that the person's in the store, and they go over to Safeway too.

And a lot of times they're trying to find the person and they can't find them, and they've gone somewhere else, and they can only wait, you know, they can't wait forever.

And I think a lot of the older community either they forget or uh don't realize that this guy is there for them.

Yes, yeah, so that's that's a good point.

Thank you for saying that because one of the good things about this program is that we have uh drivers and a service that really wants to meet the needs of individuals, and so what we've learned is sometimes in trying to do a good thing and meeting the specific needs of one individual, there's a ripple, right?

And there's an impact on the great the larger program and then possibly other people.

And so as part of this process, what we're trying to do is standardize the operation so that the service is more consistent and people can have a better sense of what they what they can expect.

Um nobody wants to use an unreliable system, right?

That creates all kinds of other inconveniences.

So we we want to try to increase the reliability so that there's trust in the program, and then there obviously with trust, there's more uh utilization.

I know this is something I don't know whether it is possible, but I was thinking um there are some people who cannot come to the city as a because they are sort of housebound, they cannot walk to the bus stop.

So is there a way to accommodate that maybe that shuttle pick up those um when we have big events to pick up those people who are housebound?

So not in this next year, uh, but that is something that that came up in our assessment as far as looking at different approaches and different sort of formats and and and considering the fact that if you look at the the route schedule, there's 15 routes in each of the bi-directional routes, but uh oftentimes there's a big distance, right, uh between routes.

And so the the ride care program, right?

It came out of sort of this need for there to be more um uh a different type of to address a different type of need.

Obviously, there's some limitations with how much we can do, you know, with that program.

So I'll say, yes, we're we're flagging what you just said, and we're for the future we're looking at uh we're looking at uh considering and exploring other options.

We don't know what those are yet.

I'll get to something in uh in a second regarding data.

So um, and actually I'll jump there right now.

Item number four here is um has to do with updating the technology to increase the capacity to gather, organize, and report valid and reliable utilization data.

So what that means is that um we want to make sure that that the that we are that we have good data, reliable data to be able to make informed decisions regarding the design of this program, which would include what Commissioner Comeno just brought up about the the you know the design.

We have we have data, uh, but I will say that because of some technology challenges, some operational challenges, um, it's not complete.

And so it's hard to make big changes in the program, you know, when you don't have the the data um solid enough to be able to inform those decisions.

So a a main priority of ours for this next year is to make sure that we have really good data that we will inform future designs.

Um we've already taken some steps in that direction to ensure that that happens.

Uh one of those steps is um the program that we use to to capture that data is is through a program called TripShop.

And so the trip shop equipment itself, the software program, uh just recently was was upgraded in each of the shuttles.

Uh one of the challenges that we're having was that it was it was it wasn't connecting online or it was working or there was some issue.

It was probably a few years old, right?

So it needed to be updated, like like many of our laptops and computers and televisions, and so now we have new equipment in each of the shuttles.

Um additionally, there's been more intentionality with training, right?

Training.

So the the drivers have gotten training, and we staff has gotten training on utilizing the system.

Our staff has gotten also is getting trained on the system as well.

And so um, and so we're we're looking forward to seeing what what data we have in front of us uh after this year to help inform some of the changes, uh, midterm to long-term changes.

So I had two points.

Uh a couple of months ago, we had uh update comment about uh flagging uh these flex, right?

So how are we getting rid of those?

Yeah, thank you for that question.

So there was uh what are we calling wave stop, right?

So there was a there was a uh sort of an element of the program that was uh referred to as a wave stop.

And so what a wave stop was, and again, I I come back to uh there was there was sort of uh a customized service done for an individual that that what we found had other implications, and I can talk a little bit more about that in a second.

But the idea was that if you were along the route, so there's there's uh there's there's four bidirectional routes to the program, right?

Two on the side side of town, two on the north side of town, and basically what you have is two two shuttles kind of coming across four shuttles kind of traversing different parts of the the city.

Each route has 15 stops, and you probably all have seen some of these or or um around town, and so uh as I mentioned earlier, some of them are half mile apart from each other, maybe more.

And so what uh was happening years back was that if there was a uh flex rides participants along that path, that individual could wave the shuttle down, and the shuttle would pull over and pick them up.

Um nice thing to do, helpful thing to do, possibly for that individual, but what we learned is that it has other implications that then uh resulted in us having to seriously revisit that concept.

So uh some of those implications included um safety, you know.

Um the the 15 stops that we have designated have been designated because our transportation experts have gone out there and have studied the area and assess that that is a safe stop, uh not just for uh one person, but for everyone, right?

Our shuttles are equipped with a wheelchair lift, so so they go they ensure that that stop is us is a stop in which a person with a disability would be able to access, right?

Um and so uh out of concern for some of those stops not being safe for the rider, there's also a safety implication for the driver, right?

If the driver pulls over in an area that is not safe, there's a hazard to that individual, and let and let alone to other drivers in the community.

Okay, so um, so that's the the number one reason is safety.

The second reason is if you can imagine if there are multiple wave stops along the way, there's no way that the shuttle is going to get to the to the to the schedule destination site by the time that we are promoting our schedule, and so it creates it creates other issues.

And so we didn't want to just eliminate that completely because we know that that people need some additional support.

So what we're doing right now is we're saying to people if you have used or the uh the wave stop, sort of the prior wave stop system, we're asking them to contact us so that we can have our transportation expert go out and assess that area, and until we find out until we do the permanent sort of redesign of the program, we're allowing some flexibility to allow certain stops to be considered designated wave stops, but only after they have been determined to be safe.

Okay, not all wave stops are gonna be safe, as you know.

So there are stops where we've had to say that is not gonna be safe.

Here may potentially be some other alternatives, maybe there's some other resources and things of that sort.

Thank you.

So the other thing is we had a presentation a couple of months ago from what was the right care.

So are we not continuing them?

And that's all what uh vice chair was talking about.

I don't remember, remember somebody who comes to the house and picks you up, takes you to a doctor's appointments and stuff like that.

Yes, we do we do have that program.

Um it's it's operating.

We we we have a a good number of people that have signed up for the program.

I don't know if things have changed logo, you correct me if I'm wrong, but I think the last time we had about four volunteers, four four or five volunteers.

Yeah, and so long time.

And so you can imagine there's a big demand for that program.

And so that program came out of this age-friendly work as well.

It came out of us knowing that there's some gaps with our transportation systems and needs, and so uh so we need more volunteers so that we can provide more rights, but yes, the program is still operating, and it actually was submitted as part of our ACTC proposal for next year.

So if it gets some if it gets approved by uh the Alameda County Transportation Commission, we will be able to continue that program and hopefully find ways to continue to expand and increase the services.

Yeah, because that could have the house volume.

It is working great, man.

I'm glad you were there, but we can expand it.

We need more than we get we need more volunteers.

All the demos.

Self-driving cars.

Yeah, don't they have to be 70 or up to have that individual pickup like that?

60 in a for the participants, 60 in a okay.

And for doctors are pointing, but maybe in the future it can be for bringing people to the senior center for some big uh events that are happening in uh centers so that people can move people can with visibilities can um participate.

Yeah.

Um is it okay if I can go back to the list?

Absolutely.

And so two, so two and three are about being, I think, more um user-friendly.

So two is about updating published schedules and maps and actively promote updated materials to members and the broader public using age-friendly communication channels.

Um the the map I think is great.

The schedule is great, but we've we have we got some we've received feedback from individuals that it might not it's not always user-friendly, especially during the beginning stages of somebody trying to get familiarized with the program.

Once you understand it right and you use it, yeah, it makes a lot, it makes more sense.

But initially it can be a little confusing, and as we all know, if things are confusing and not helpful at the beginning, folks tend to not continue, right?

So we're we're investing there.

Um three is uh collaborate with current riders and accessibility specialists to identify best practices for displaying large, legible and accessible versions of route schedule maps and the dispatch number inside each bus in different languages.

Again, kind of related to making sure that the information uh is is helpful.

We talked about four already.

Uh five is we are looking to continue strengthening promotion, education, and enrollment coordination with the disability serving organizations, senior housing developments, and the faith and faith-based organizations.

And so part of this has to do with again increasing the promotion of the program, ensuring that folks feel uh are aware of it, figuring out what we as staff can do to streamline the enrollment process and sort of the the initiation process.

And as part of the initiation process, uh item six that you see there is um exploring uh piloting twice monthly orientation right along uh that new riders can join to learn how to use the service.

That's a good idea.

And so um people have to feel comfortable, right?

And feel uh knowledgeable.

And um, so we've we've had events here where we where the shuttle has been at the front of the facility, and we have really just had it in the front and invited people to come and just get in the shuttle and see what it looks like and see what it feels like.

And so this takes it at another level with in which they would actually be able to get in the shuttle, see what a route looks like, see what the stops are, and you know, um get to know the drivers and you get to know staff, and so um I'm sharing this all the information, I'm sharing all this information and trying to provide details, but the expert is really here.

So Valerie, is there anything else that you would like to add about any of these?

No, I mean uh the twice monthly orientation that would be in addition to the monthly um information and assistance sessions that I already do.

Um is something sort of new that I implemented and we're calling it transportation Tuesdays.

Um and so I do those info sessions the same day that we have the representatives of AC Transit Services present here to enroll folks into the senior clipper card program.

Um so the goal is to just make it an easy one-stop shop, right?

You come in for assistance with flex rides um information, and then you can also go ahead and you know get your senior enroll in the senior clipper card program, leave with your senior clipper card that day, and also be able to speak directly with the representative about you know getting to know how to use the the clipper card system and the trend the Bay Area Transit system.

Are we ever gonna write the you know how I mentioned writing the flux uh so that we can, I mean, I I have a lot of seniors in my building, but you know, I can't state to them how easier where they need to go or how it needs to happen, unless I know and I've written it.

Are we ever gonna visit that?

Or that's like I mean, we are going to be launching the seniors, the the the twice monthly orientation.

Could that be an opportunity to do that?

Yeah.

Yeah.

Yeah.

As soon as I I get that started, I'll share the information on Vedo.

And you I mean, you're always invited to to do that, or if you want to schedule one specifically for members of this in your commission to do a ride along.

We can certainly do that too.

Okay.

Okay, sorry.

So continuing with my idea, is it possible for you to contact more or these other self-driving cars?

I'm serious because it's a backlog of you know, a couple of weeks of people not being able to.

Uh, because we have Zooks, we have Vemo, we have uh people mobility, these are all self-driving cars that we can actually use for things.

Is it possible to contact them and ask them if they're interested, even as a pilot?

Yeah, I think that's a it's a great idea, and I think that um it's worth at least having a conversation with our provider about.

Okay.

If I could make a comment, this came up in the planning commission a couple of years back, and there's downstream implications of that.

Like where do the Waymo Waymo cars or go to sleep at night?

Where do they get recharged?

Yeah, you know, you gotta, it's a systemic thinking of how to handle that part of transportation for the city of San Leandro and maybe the surrounding areas.

Uh so that it's not an easy question, it's a very tough question, but the technology is starting to come to a point where we need to be asking those questions.

Right.

And we do have, I mean, Vemo has obviously done San Francisco very well, they have the place, but they've also now got permission to go up to the airport, San Francisco Airport.

So they have systems in place.

And it'll be good for from the economic point of view to get, you know, something that's for long term.

Yes, thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you so much for that feedback.

I know that we have members of the public here.

Doing public comment, we'll we'll continue in case you have any any thoughts or or questions.

And so I'll end this section with uh some final comments.

Um as you can see, there are some opportunities, right, that we have in front of us to support um some improvements to the to the program.

We are trying to be thoughtful and intentional about some of these, the incorporation of some of these recommendations.

And so any any change that we make, we want to be thoughtful about how we're communicating that to writers.

Sometimes there's there's implications that sometimes we don't know about.

And and because of that, we want to be it's gonna be a gradual process, but we want it to be a very thoughtful and intentional process.

And so um we will continue to bring this item to this commission.

The feedback is great, the ideas are great, things that we haven't thought about.

And so um we'll uh yeah, we look forward to we look forward to our next steps.

Yes, last question.

Oh, I thought we were I'd held questions till the end.

Yeah, you're doing good.

Well, the end of the thing is one I could actually do it.

So 2.5.

Um, have we thought about um coordinating somehow with the police um community advisory board to have them hold a meeting here in the center senior center so they can get more public comment and their meeting from the senior community?

Um because the 2.5 is uh is coffees with the police department.

But I'm just wondering if the community if the police community advisory board it is really a a better or a good um input towards the police department.

Just a thought.

Uh thank you for bringing that up.

We haven't talked about that.

Um I don't think that's come up in our in our meetings.

The item that you see there is as as a result of the recommendation that came out of the H Valnee plan.

Oh, am I on the wrong like 2.9?

Uh 2.9.

That's the police.

Yes, I'm sorry, 2.9 is what I was doing.

We already had it, right?

Yeah, so we um so the idea with this activity was to invite uh members of our police department.

Right.

Our chief, our captains, our lieutenants, our officers.

Um coffee the coffee with the cop is something that the the police department already does.

And so we hosted one event here at this site.

I think some of you participated.

And so my point here is to share the senior input to the police community advisory board, you know, to kind of get a meeting of the minds there on the input to the police.

Um the coffee things are great, but I'm just the board is another um team of people that we might be able either this board or just the community community here in the center, might be able to.

Yeah, that I would say probably is a it's a broader is a different discussion.

Yeah, and a broader discussion that this that this commission would need to have about it.

So you're talking much as we have done going to recreation and going to Yeah, I don't know if that means that we have a joint session or but I was just thinking, can the can the cab meet here so that the senior members really hear the discussion and can contribute directly.

I suspect perhaps not a broadly representative group of seniors go to where the uh cab meets right now.

And I think they meet in the evening.

Yeah, in the downtown.

Yeah, are you speaking about the advisory board?

Now there's two of them now.

I go to the uh they call it now community police review board.

So they're two totally different things.

I'm looking for the community advisory board because that that's on policies on how they would deal.

So this ties to evacuation, a tie to um um safety, it ties to a lot of things, but just that we get good input.

So I'll I'll just leave that as a potential tool.

Yeah, so on that be my recommendation would be if the commission is interested in having a further conversation about that, so that then I can go and ask questions regarding that meeting and the structure and how how much flexibility they have to be able to move units around.

I would say I recommend that you agendize the item.

Okay.

I can I just bring up um under the our target years.

This is at year two.

Are we considering this year two or year one still?

This is year two.

We're in year two.

Yeah, that's why I circled it on my still have one more item on the um yes, this is actually fairly quick.

So the last the the last priority here is social connection priority, which includes combating the epidemic of isolation and loneliness through creative, varied opportunities for trust building, social interaction, and shared learning.

And so, as part of this work, we amended our contract with MV Transportation to include our senior day trips, and you saw some great pictures of the trip that happened on March 20th to the uh aviation museum in San Carlos.

And so the next trip is scheduled for April 24th.

Um next Friday, and it's gonna be to the USS Hornet and Alameda.

So fun times.

I know Valerie has participated and have that in some of the at some of these.

And so I would um encourage you all at some point to maybe even participate in it, see what it's like.

A Hornet had a heavy walking experience.

And that concludes my age-friendly update.

Okay, thank you.

Um we had someone that was trying to speak, but I do need to let you know that at this time the only items that you can address are the ones we just went over.

You cannot bring in any things that's not on our agenda or that hasn't been discussed so far.

So did you have something you wanted to?

Yes.

Um I'm sorry.

I've been thinking the flex bus.

The only runs on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday.

I heard that it used to be Monday through Friday.

I'm sorry, uh, we can't hear you, and I apologize.

Monday through Friday instead of just Monday, Wednesday, not Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday right now.

And it'd be Monday, Tuesday, you know, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, too.

That's so I can address that because yes, you can.

Some people want to you know join activities here, and some classes are Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

So, and and we have to be careful that we've already had the discussion.

Um, I can provide some additional information regarding that related to the update that I provided.

Yes, and then we're gonna have to move on.

Okay.

So um, so that's connected back to the long longer term uh design of the program.

Currently, we operate the program three days a week.

We've always wondered and considered the possibility of a of a five-day model.

That five-day model would have to be justified with data that shows that there's a demand um or that the utilization would require you know additional days, and then um also there's a budget implication here because then if you're going from three to five days, obviously there's an additional cost.

So that would impact the proposal that we submit to ACTC on an annual basis.

Just to clarification, I think there's a hidden question here, which is is the bus schedule out of sync with class scheduling here at the center.

If you're scheduling classes Monday, Wednesday, Friday, but the bus isn't in sync with that causes of mismatch.

I think that's a more hidden issues.

And I would say that's part of what we're looking at as far as the long-term design.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

All right.

Uh yes, I have sorry.

I mean, you said cooking classes.

How do you have cooking?

How do you have to fire or whatever?

And hot plates.

Do you know more details about how that works?

Uh no, I'm I'm not sure, but I know they bring in their own hot plates.

Yeah, there's a kitchen, isn't it?

They don't utilize the easy.

Yeah, the the classes take place in in one of these rooms.

Arts and crafts.

Sounds like maybe they use hot plates or the the invect invection or an end, yeah, invection.

I'll plug in.

They get very creative.

They do a lot actually with some very basic limited cooking resources.

But the food smell is amazing when they're cooking.

Sometimes you sometimes get invited to taste some of the food.

That's nice.

That's really good.

When's the cooking class?

All right.

Moving on to lunch with seniors in May.

Pedro?

Thank you.

Thank you.

So I have an update.

I have a suggestion and an update.

So we've talked about bringing back this uh the tradition, the tradition that the senior commission had or a practice where uh you all would have uh lunch with the seniors that participate in the senior lunch program here that is offered by Spectrum.

I think we all got a taste of that uh in March when we participated in Champions Week.

You know, many many of us participate in that event.

Uh we had a chance to sit down and have a conversation and enjoy a meal with our our participants.

And so this it's been uh recommended for some time now to consider bringing that back.

And so I think we all kind of everybody agreed that we we want to do that.

And so um so my suggestion is that we that we that we that we that we do the lunch with with seniors um from June through the end of the year.

So we can do one in June, one in July, August, we have recess, right?

And then there's um September, October, so there's five days, I think, before the end of the calendar year.

Um December, we usually we should we should go on recess because of the holidays.

And so that um and then we target who uh so as part of this process, the idea is for us to all go in there and interact with the seniors, but also to invite uh some special guests to join us on those days.

And so the idea has been to invite some of our elected officials.

Um we talked about inviting Supervisor Tam's office, and so and so my recommendation here is that because it's gonna take some coordination with Spectrum.

Obviously, there's gonna be more meals and kind of coordinating who's gonna come and and so forth.

And so my recommendation is that we give ourselves a little bit of time to make sure that we can do all that effective planning and and coordination with Spectrum and that we target the month of June.

I think it would be wise for us to invite our city council members in June.

Uh those that you know those that that can and are interested in participating, and then um in July, look to bring uh supervisor Tam's office.

We can use some of our time at the next meeting or the one after that to think a little bit more about who we want to invite for the subsequent months.

So that would be that's my thought, my recommendation.

So I'd be having the lunch in May.

So we're not gonna have it in May.

Okay, so this will start in June.

Okay.

I didn't hear what you said.

Oh, I was just saying I like the idea.

I think it's good.

And then uh so then we do those five, and then we come back in January and we assess how effective was it?

Did the seniors enjoy it?

Was it was it easy to coordinate?

Did we have enough special guests that participated?

And then at that point we can decide whether this is something that we that you all would like to continue doing in 2027.

So should the special guests be like elected officials or should they be like right care or you know, any of the other services that you're providing because that probably is useful.

Yeah, that's a good question.

I I think the I the initial idea came out of elected officials because obviously the elected officials are responsible for making very important decisions on behalf of that there's budget.

Um but I I think that's a good idea.

That's a very good question.

At some point, it might not be elected officials, it might be key individuals or I don't know, you know, partners, partners, yeah.

Yeah, yeah.

Yeah, they did that last year.

They had some same council members come at different times.

Yeah.

And it worked, they the seniors really liked it.

Yeah.

Any other comments?

So the downtown farmers market uh um I know obviously we don't have enough stuff.

Is there any way to put our flyers there every Wednesday?

Just put them there and not have mad or something, women woman.

We're not sure.

Yeah, I'm not sure.

We can ask does the city have a permanent table?

No.

No.

It's only been it's usually it's mostly vendors, and then they invite you know certain or different groups, they're different leaks, and there's only a a certain number of slots.

Sometimes it's the library, you know, sometimes the library, sometimes it's recreation, and then other times it's us.

And again, that might be one um unfortunately our staff can't be at every farmers market.

Um again, that can be a wonderful opportunity for the commission if there are if there are days during that schedule where you all may be available to be at the farmers market, uh either in an informal manner, you know, with materials and you know, walking around and distributing that information with with um you know with folks, uh, or even we can look at maybe even a scene there there's a table that can be reserved for you all.

And so I think that's a wonderful idea, wonderful opportunity for you all to be engaged.

I guess the question I would have is do you have do we have to be there the entire five hours?

No.

No.

In the past when we participate, is there is there a specific time or I'm assuming it's based on people ability?

Uh the farmers market, I think it's from actually from four to seven, and then we'll get there, you know, a little after three, four for setup.

Um sometimes we stay the whole time, sometimes we might leave a little early depending on on the crowd, right?

As it as it starts to dwindle down.

So if we ever did that, we you know, one way to do it is to do shifts.

So some of you all can be there, you know, for the first couple hours and then another shift for last two.

Do specific to the the farmers uh Pacific is it Pacific Market Association.

But I don't know if they also have information from other entities.

Yeah.

So just to wrap up the closing loop on the lunch with seniors, because that's the item we've got to do.

Oh, sorry about that.

So I thought we were done.

So I'll go ahead and uh we'll we'll plan on uh starting this in June uh with an invitation to our city council members from San Diego, and then followed by um Supervisor TAM's office in July.

Um during the subsequent meetings, we'll have more discussion regarding who those special guests can be for the following months, and then come January we'll assess to see if this is something that we want to continue to do.

Is that directly after this meeting or is that on another day?

I'm sorry, what would we schedule them for directly after this meeting?

That would be my suggestion.

Because that worked that worked very well with the champions week where we finish this meeting and then we just transition over there.

So that would yeah, that would be my suggestion.

I request that we continue item 7C with a list of the months and then whether it's been assigned to a group or a date or uh you know, or null, you know, just so we can look at it and see ah, here's the schedule so we can at least allow another hour in our day planning forward.

So yeah, you're are you asking that we keep it on the agenda when you prepare the next agenda that it have the next five months in it, you know, and say you know, none no lunch planned or you know, meeting with um Spectrum, meeting with supervisor Tam, no lunch plan, no lunch plan, you know, just so we can mark our calendars.

Yeah, so my recommendation because we want to be mindful of what we actually have on the agenda.

Um but I like your idea.

But my recommendation is that we actually include that in the minutes.

Fine, the book.

Yeah, so that was it's documented documented somewhere.

Is it what I hear you say?

I just don't want to be booking myself.

Yeah, I think in the minute, I think the minutes is very appropriate for something like that.

Okay, any other questions?

Sorry.

I'm sorry.

This is still on seven B and C, right?

Yeah, we're we're done there.

So we're down to eight.

Okay, so we're at the commission reports and announcements.

Um okay, so first of all on regarding the resource fare, uh I'll be happy to get decorations for our table.

I guess baseball theme, correct?

Yes.

Um I thought, were you gonna pass something around on that?

I'm sorry.

No, okay.

All right.

So that needs to be agendized again for next month so that we can decide who's going to help out.

Sure.

Okay.

Um also um let's see.

Oh I read in the paper this week that um they are doing, and I'm not sure don't remember exactly where this is, but I understand that there's a senior center that is doing tango, and I know we offer tango classes here.

Um, but it's actually specifically geared for people with um mobility issues like um MS and uh that but um I'm sorry, the other the other it's in my head, I can't think.

Uh okay, so anyway, uh I guess it helps with uh their mobility.

So anyway, uh I guess it helps with uh their mobility.

It's uh uh way for them to learn how to reuse balance and that kind of thing.

So I thought that was just kind of interesting.

I don't know.

I know we have a tango class here, but I don't know if it offers any of that kind of thing.

So I just thought I'd throw it out there because it it's a helpful thing for healthy.

Yeah, um otherwise, thank you to our um SOS heels on wheels for joining us today.

And we had a good meeting, I think, and I'm done.

So yes, I'm gonna come to you.

Oh, I'm just you said I'm done.

I thought you were ready to gavel up.

No, no, no, no.

You're done.

I am okay.

So uh Commissioner Lopez Dakaria, do you have any uh things you'd like to do?

I intended the community please review board meeting last night.

I'm sorry, I I'm having trouble with community please review board last night.

I attended that their meeting is always the night before ours.

And um there was a lot of public concern over uh you know what was released about the chief and and what happened with the gentleman there, and basically what came down about that is uh they're still investigating a guy with the gentleman that got dropped off in Oakland and the Chiefs uh situation, they just consider it's it's a wash, it's already finished, it's investigated.

And then they went over um their military um things that they have gotten uh like the drones and how many times they used it, um how many times uh they had to use the the Mend VAC and the bean big shotgun and and all that, and um that they've always been in you know the policies they went through the policies that some things are being changed in the state, so they have to update their policies, and that's basically was about it.

And that didn't include the taser or firearms, that was just the military stuff that they have.

Thank you.

That's it.

Commissioner Pena.

Oh, well, um, I guess most of you know that I I the put my name in the hat for the appointment for district two that was uh vacated and uh didn't get it, but it was a very uh exciting and interesting uh opportunity to be interviewed in public council members and the mayor, and um so James Aguilar uh is representing District 2 uh till the end of December and then decide if he'll run for it.

I'm sure he will.

So um he'll do a great fine job, very fine young man.

Um so he'll be representing district two.

He's uh gonna do a great job.

And I think Victor Aguilar is actually running for Congress taking um stolos seats.

So that is to see open as well.

That's fine.

That was it.

Thank you.

Yeah, uh Commissioner Brennan.

Um I had previously mentioned uh the uh question about the impact of the Alameda County Health Service Medicare budget shortfall.

I think it was alluded to.

And have we gotten any more specifics about how that shortfall might impact programs in San Little?

Don't forget we can't make a discussion out of it.

So I'm asking if there has been staff report or anything that would be a report coming to us.

I don't know.

Can we can't talk about this?

If you want to agendize something.

How do I agendize it?

I have to send it separately, because I did mention this before.

So it didn't appear on the agenda.

You see what I'm saying?

Okay.

Then you and Pedro need to get together.

Sorry about that.

No, that's okay.

And it was referred to immediately.

So the question I will propose that to be agendized will be how does the Alameda County Health Services cuts by the decreased Medicare funding effect programs in Sam Leander?

There you go.

So that will be so I'll provide some guidance regarding agenda agendized agenda items and how you can make a request.

So you can always email uh Chair Watcheson and myself uh between meetings to let us know that there's an item that you would like to include in the agenda.

Uh Chair Watchison and I will then determine whether there's there's uh there's uh space and time in the agenda uh to include it.

Um you can also during the meetings, as you just said right now, mention your interest in agendizing an item, and we can follow up with you accordingly afterwards.

agenda items and how you can make a request so you can always email uh chair watcheson and myself uh between meetings to let us know that there's an item that you would like to include in the agenda uh chair watchison and i will then determine whether there's there's uh there's uh space and time in the agenda uh to include it um you can also during the meetings as you just said right now mention your interest in agendizing an item and we can follow up with you accordingly afterwards so just to say that's that's usually the process that you can take if you there's a specific item that you would like to include if in a meeting you're just mentioning your interest in something that's not uh that's not a specific request right so we have to have it has to be a specific request thank you okay is there anything else that's it okay commissioner camella well you know we need to have something called um um coffee with the commissioners which we have not done for a long time and also we used to have a forum uh on one subject remember we used to have forum and used to invite people and that was quite popular uh maybe next year we should think of bringing that back the other thing is I would like to invite uh everyone agrees a member of the San Leandro San Leandro uh improvement association that is that does downtown they have got this ambassadors um safety and uh what have they called safety ambassador um so that seniors feel safe and um and what they are planning to do about the safety and beautification of salute I think by way of beautification there's a lot of improvement uh but the buildings belong to the to someone else not to the city so they have I think they are having some problem about getting it coordinated so I think we should know about it and especially of the safety of a seniors shopping downtown so if we can invite one of the members of that San Leandro Improvement Association okay if you would like to have that agendized for another meeting yeah then you then talk to Pedro about yes okay thank you anything else um and uh that's it I've already talked to about the TV domino yes okay and just sort of again a reminder for agenda items contact both of us yeah send an email to both of us or talk to us at the same time thank you okay commissioner Dillon uh well I was at the uh spectrum uh lunch and then went on a ride along for meals on wheels and it was um uh I appreciate the opportunity and I want to thank a thank you for for the wonderful work you do um with uh Spectrum and um and meals on wheels was they were uh very attentive to the um the clients and there it seemed like there was a really good uh um connection and and carry through for services so I it was really great I was glad I had the opportunity to do it so thanks for arranging it okay okay thank you uh commissioner mcmucky I don't have any comments okay commissioner shellini um so I I I want to echo whatever the judge said and I also want to know what the mechanism uh but the second thing uh is the housing thing I know uh vice chair had talked about us taking the walkthrough to the through the housing uh place uh and I don't know where that is the transitional housing yeah the transition housing so I'm wondering what that is um and the other thing is again there are um companies which are coming up which do what we call um tiny houses but mobile so again it's a new startup and they're you know interested in you know seeding it in cities so if you want to even think about you know for housing for uh um seniors you know have an option thank you so if you'd like something agendized again sorry I'm gonna put up aside all right thank you all for your comments okay there being no further business to come before the senior commission I will entertain a motion to adjourn the meeting of April 16th 2026 Commissioner Shalini second Commissioner Brennan roll call please thank you madam chair uh chair watchison yes yes commissioner Dylan Commissioner Lopez Nicario yes commissioner Michael Cady yes commissioner Brennan yes commissioner penya yes and commissioner copakrishnan yes motion carries all right that being the case the meeting is adjourned at 11 40