HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 08/05/21SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
Thursday, August 5, 2021
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Salter called the meeting to order at 4:OOpm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Vice -Chairperson Mazone
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Michael Cao, Charlene Martinez, Marilyn Mazone, Kathrynn Penny,
Nilo Salazar, Donna Salter, and Margaret Swope
EXCUSED: None
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Salazar, representative for the Golden Age Club reported the club is looking
forward to having their first meeting on September 9 following safety protocol. There are
approximately 25 members who are eager to attend.
Commissioner Martinez, representative of the Assistance League reported the Club is also
looking forward to their first meeting in September. Food will not be allowed in the building.
Commissioner Martinez reported that Operation School Bell had a campership program this
summer where 32 participants were provided supplies, clothing and more. Starting in the fall,
Operation School Bell will begin to take orders and bag the items such as clothing and school
supplies. School personnel will personally deliver the supplies to each child. Commissioner
Martinez reported the Bargain Box is open only on Wednesdays from 10am to 1 pm with the
anticipation of opening to normal hours in September. Donations for the Bargain Box can be
dropped off from 9am to noon every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. Christmas and normal
items will go on sale the first Wednesday in November.
Commissioner Cao, asked if the City would provide booster shots when they become available
or mandated for senior citizens. Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) Sara
Somogyi responded she has no information about the booster shots at this time, however, the
City of Arcadia will do whatever it can to keep the community safe. RCSD Somogyi said
everyone in the Department of Recreation and Community Center has been trained by the
County as a Medical Point of Dispensing (MPOD) site during a public health emergency such as
a pandemic.
Commissioner Swope representative of the Friendship Club said she was not sure if the
Assistance League building would be opening their doors for clubs to meet. Commissioner
Martinez suggested she should contact Kathy Sullivan. Commissioner Swope asked, what
would happen if the Friendship Club were to no longer exist and would the clubs unexpended
savings account go to the City. RCSD Somogyi responded the City supports all senior clubs any
way we can, however, the Friendship Club is not directly affiliated with the City, therefore, the
Club can donate their money to a charity or do what they feel is right for the Club.
Vice -Chairperson Mazone, Travelers Club representative reported the Travelers Club had their
first trip on July 20 to watch the tribute to Neil Diamond with lunch included. Commissioner
Mazone reported the next trip everyone is looking forward to is the VIP tour of the new SoFi
Stadium on August 16. There will be a behind -the -scenes guided tour of the formerly known
Hollywood Park Racetrack. Each traveler will receive a lunch voucher to use at the stadium
snack bar. On September 9, Travelers will take a day trip to Big Bear Lake which includes a
short cruise, followed by lunch, then a visit to the Alpine Zoo. There will also be a trip to San
Diego Balboa Park on September 29. Vice -Chairperson Mazone reported on a few extended
trips, which are trips longer than one day and take place out of state or country. All trips,
including extended trips are listed in the Connection monthly newsletter. Vice -Chairperson
Mazone reported the Travelers Club is currently giving a $50 gift certificate toward any day trip
for members who signed up in 2020. The first general meeting will be held at the Community
Center on August 27 with guest speaker, Laurie Lincoln from Main Street Tours.
Chairperson Salter, reported there is a traffic problem at the Los Angeles County Arboretum.
RCSD Somogyi responded the issue was brought to the City Council's attention at the last
Council Meeting regarding the parking and traffic. City staff has worked with the Arboretum to
address the parking and traffic concerns.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Pro Tern Paul Cheng reported the City of Arcadia's 118th birthday will be celebrated at
Concerts & Movies in the Park on August 5, 2021. Council Member Roger Chandler is also
celebrating a birthday on the same day. Mayor Pro Tern Cheng was happy to announce on July
31, the Santa Anita Little League Juniors team became Souther California State Champions.
They had an undefeated tournament run with their final record of 11-0 against the best teams in
Southern California. This is the first time the Santa Anita Little League team made it this far in a
tournament. Mayor Pro Tern Cheng reported there will be a Community Forum on Homeless on
Saturday, August 7, at the Arcadia Performing Arts Center. Mayor Pro Tern Cheng reported the
Arcadia Police Foundation will be hosting an event in October. The cost per ticket is $50 for
anyone who is interested in attending. Mayor Pro Tern Cheng reported Police Department staff
will be donating blood for Timothy Peabody who is in need of O negative blood on September 4.
If anyone who is interested, the blood donation can be made at City of Hope. Lastly, Mayor Pro
Tern Cheng reported the 626 Night Market is now open. It is a fun place to attend with many
food booths, rides, shows and more.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meetinq minutes of July 1, 2021.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Commissioner Cao, seconded by Vice -Chairperson Mazone and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES:
Cao, Martinez, Mazone, Penny, Salazar, Salter, and Swope
NOES:
None
ABSENT:
None
ABSTAIN:
None
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report of Recreation Supervisor
Recreation Supervisor (RS) Gina Hernandez reported on programs held in July 2021. The
senior lunch program is going well with up to 45 participants each day. Participants meet for
Walk & Talk at the Community Center every Wednesday for a 30-minute leisurely walk with a
staff person. Free virtual presentations are very well attended. In July, there were four virtual
presentations on Type 2 Diabetes, Joint Health & Joint Replacement, Advance Directives for the
Younger Generation & Veterans Benefits for Seniors, and Legal & Financial Planning. RS
Hernandez reported the Billiard Room is open for free play, and Ping Pong is open for free play
in the back patio area at the Community Center.
RS Hernandez reported on upcoming events. Registration for the drive -through Hoedown
Luncheon is open and will take place on September 17. Fall class registration begins Monday,
August 16 for Arcadia residents and August 23 for non-residents. Senior Cinema is back every
Wednesday after lunch at 12:45pm. The Fall Craft Fair will be held at the Community Center on
Saturday, October 23.
b. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director
RCSD Somogyi reminded everyone the Homeless Community Forum will be held on August 7.
The event will take place from 9am to 5pm. Registration is available on the City's website. The
forum can be attended in person or by Zoom. City Department Heads and City Council
members will be present. A community survey is also available online. RCSD Somogyi
mentioned if anyone has questions on homelessness to please contact her directly. RCSD
Somogyi stated the quarterly Peacock Buzz Brochure is finally printed again and will be mailed
to Arcadia residents. The brochure is available online and copies will be available at the
Community Center, City Hall, and the Arcadia Library. There are many classes and special
events coming this fall, including Breakfast with Santa and the Snow Fest.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Salter adjourned the meeting at 4:42pm to September 2, 2021 at 4:OOpm in the
Arcadia Recreation Conference Room located at 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
j2(1 By:
Chairperson Secretary
Donna Salter Gina Hernandez