HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 04/01/21SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, April 1, 2021
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Salter called the meeting to order at 4:05pm via Zoom.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairperson Salter
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Charlene Martinez, Ralph Martinez, Kathrynn Penny, Nilo Salazar,
Donna Salter
EXCUSED: Marilyn Mazone
A motion was made by Chairperson Salter seconded by Commissioner Salazar and
unanimously carried to excuse Commissioner Mazone.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner R. Martinez, Member at Large, is doing well and mentioned there are only a few
condominiums left for sale on Las Tunas Avenue. Commissioner Martinez mentioned there will
be a lot more traffic in the area.
Commissioner Salazar, representative of the Golden Age Club reported it has been over one
year since the Golden Age Club held a meeting. Commissioner Salazar reported he called
everyone from the club to check and ask how everyone was doing. Commissioner Salazar was
happy to report most club members have received their first COVID-19 vaccine and a few are
waiting for their second. Commissioner Salazar asked if there was an update when senior clubs
will be able to open. Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) Sara Somogyi said
there is no information on the status of community centers, or places that hold large gatherings.
Even though, the Los Angeles County is moving to orange tier, there is still no determination
when things will open to normal capacity.
Commissioner C. Martinez, representative of the Assistance League reported the Bargain Box
will be opening every Wednesday starting in April from 9am to 1 pm. The Bargain Box is
accepting donations every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesdays from 9am to noon at Savers.
Commissioner Martinez reported Make a Difference Week was a success. Gifts cards were
given to students and families to be able to shop for clothes and supplies. Make a Difference
Week also provided Staples gift cards to schoolteachers and staff, including a personal note of
encouragement for each of them.
Commissioner C. Martinez reported some of her senior friends and neighbors were very happy
to receive their first COVID-19 vaccine at the Arcadia Community Center.
Chairperson Salter reported she received her COVID-19 vaccine and is waiting for everything to
get back to normal.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meeting minutes of January 7, 2021.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Chairperson Salter, seconded by Commissioner R. Martinez, and carried on roll
call vote to approve consent calendar item 2.a.
AYES: Commissioners R. Martinez, C. Martinez, Salter, Penny, and Salazar
NOES: None
ABSENT: Commissioner Mazone
ABSTAIN: None
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report of Recreation Supervisor
RCSD Sara Somogyi reported on programs held from January through March 2021. The
Drive-in Valentine's Bingo was held in February with 46 participants. St. Patrick's Day Luncheon
had 105 participants signed up. Over 1,800 participants registered for virtual classes. Over
1,200 monthly Connection newsletters have been mailed. RCSD Somogyi reported the
Community Center has held a variety of popular virtual presentations with positive feedback.
Many participants have requested virtual seminars to continue when the center opens again.
Attendance for virtual seminars range from 13 participants up to 173 participants. RCSD
Somogyi reported Coffee and Treats event will be held each month for customers to drive -up,
say hello to staff, and get their free coffee and pastry.
b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director
RCSD Somogyi reported the Recreation and Community Services Department in collaboration
with the Harold Christian Health Center have been operating pop-up vaccine clinics at the
Arcadia Community Center in order to get as many people in the City of Arcadia vaccinated.
RCSD Somogyi reported the Recreation and Community Services Department will be working
with the Arcadia Fire Department and the Department of Health Services by having staff visit
over 500 homebound senior residences to ask if they need a vaccine or are interested in having
a vaccine. The Arcadia Fire Department will provide a mobile vaccine clinic service to those
individuals interested in receiving a vaccine.
RCSD Somogyi reported on the Homeless Resource Hub (HRH). The HRH provides services
such as free showers, laundry services, food, job training, clothing, medical services, and two
case managers who assist with getting individuals experiencing homelessness to get connected
with a variety of services. RCSD Somogyi reported the City is exploring the option of bringing 15
tiny homes for individuals experiencing homelessness. RCSD Somogyi reported there is
currently a proposed plan to renovate New Castle Park. Online surveys have been available in
order to receive community input. The revised park plan will be presented to the Recreation and
Parks Commission on April 14, 2021, and to City Council in May.
RCSD Somogyi is happy to report the City will hold Concerts and Movies in the Park on August
5 and August 12. The popular groups Cold Duck and The Answer will be performing.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Salter adjourned the meeting at 4:30pm to July 1, 2021. Location to be determined.
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