HomeMy WebLinkAboutSC Minutes: 08/03/2023SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
August 3, 2023
SENIOR COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER — Chairperson Salazar called the meeting to order at 4:OOpm.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE — Chairperson Salazar
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Robert Bolster, Charlene Martinez, Kathrynn Penny, Joyce Platt,
Nilo Salazar, Donna Salter, Steve Sherman, and Margaret Swope
EXCUSED: None
ABSENT: None
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
REPORTS FROM SENIOR CITIZENS COMMISSIONERS
Commissioner Platt reported there are many trips waitlisted which shows people want travel.
Commissioner Platt reported on trips provided through the Travelers Club. Club members saw
the Beach Boys at the Hollywood Bowl on July 3 which included fireworks at the end of the
night. On August 6, members will enjoy a cruise day in Marina Del Rey aboard the Hornblower
ship. On August 16, club members will visit the magnificent Hindu Temple, BAPS Shri
Swaminarayan Mandir, in Chino Hills. Next, everyone will have a Japanese style lunch at
Benihanas, followed by a visit to His Lai Temple located in Hacienda Heights. On August 22,
participants will enjoy a sunset luau in San Diego with unlimited buffet. The next general
meeting will be on August 25, with guest speaker, Sergeant Travis from the Arcadia Police
Department.
Commissioner Martinez reported the Bargain Box is open Wednesdays and Saturdays from
10am to 1 pm. Commissioner Martinez asked everyone to donate all those clothing items in their
closet they are no longer using and donate them to the Bargain Box. On Sunday, August 13,
volunteers will be assisting by filling backpacks with essentials needed for mothers to be. The
bags will then be donated to local charities, clinics, and shelters.
Commissioner Penny reported there is a property located on 605 Baldwin Avenue that is
currently vacant, boarded up, and has overgrown weeds and plants in front of the property.
Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) Sara Somogyi responded and said she
would contact code enforcement.
Commissioner Sherman reported the Men's Club is looking for new members. The Men's Club
currently meets every Monday at the Arcadia Community Center to play cards followed by
lunch.
Commissioner Bolster reported he has taken an interest in Wilderness Park and feels the park
should open soon. Commissioner Bolster said he brought his concerns and ideas to Mayor Paul
Cheng.
Vice -Chairperson Swope reported the Friendship Club is doing well. Club members will have a
pizza party at their next meeting. Vice -Chairperson Swope thanked the Recreation Department
for providing a new flyer and copies of the flyers for the Friendship Club to hand out.
Commissioner Salter reported she has enjoyed the City of Arcadia's Concerts in the Park. She
has also enjoyed the Pops Concerts at the Arboretum.
Chairperson Salazar reported the Golden Senior Club members enjoy the weekly exercise and
stretching. Chairperson Salazar asked why the senior club advertisements on page 12 of the
Connection Newsletter have changed. Deputy Director of Recreation and Community Services
(DDRCS) Candice Cheung answered by the Senior Friendship Club meets on Wednesdays;
therefore, their information will be on the top half of the page. The Golden Senior Club meets on
Thursdays, and that is why their information is on the bottom half of the page.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON — None
Council Member Kwan reported she was happy to be back and asked everyone to reach out to
her if there are any questions and concerns. Commissioner Penny responded and asked for an
update on the Southern California Gas Company issue earlier this year on the overcharges on
the utility bill. Council Member Kwan said a letter was mailed to Southern California Gas
Company requesting information on high gas bills and will notify the Commission once a
response has been received.
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Regular meeting minutes of July 6, 2023.
Recommended Action: Approve
It was moved by Commissioner Salter seconded by Commissioner Sherman and unanimously
carried on roll call vote to approve Consent Calendar Item 2.a.
AYES: Bolster, Platt, Salazar, Salter, Sherman, and Swope
NOES: None
ABSENT: None
ABSTAIN: Martinez and Penny
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Presentation on Senior Events and Programs.
Recreation Coordinator (RC) Denisse Bringas introduced herself to everyone and presented a
slide show of the programs and events she is responsible for. RC Bringas began her career in
2018 with the City as Activity Leader I, then promoted to Activity Leader II. RC Bringas was
promoted a second time in 2022 as a Recreation Coordinator and responsible for many of the
senior programs in the Community Center. The following are some of the senior programs she
oversees: The Senior Gift Shop, Luau, Walk & Talk, Senior Cultural Day Camp, Veterans Day
Luncheon, Holiday Brunch, Thanksgiving Feast, Wednesday Movies, Tech Talk, Senior Moon
Festival Luncheon, and more. RC Bringas is also the Departments representative for the
Volunteer Recognition program for seniors and has experience with youth programs, summer
camps, and facility rentals. RC Bringas also makes sure the monthly newsletter, The
Connection, is out on time each month for the public to read.
b. Recreation Supervisor (RS) Gina Hernandez
DDRCS Cheung reported on behalf of Supervisor Gina Hernandez. DDRCS reported there is a
new Chess Club at the Community Center every Thursday from 9:30 to 11:30am. The Chess
Club is slowly growing. DDRCS Cheung reported Mahjong has many new people in attendance
each week. Patrons look forward to playing until 4:30pm every Friday. DDRCS Cheung
reminded everyone about upcoming programs and events. The next event will be Pageant of
the Masters on Friday, August 11, Senior Doheny Beach trip on Thursday, August 18, and lastly
the Senior Health Fair on Friday, September 1, from 10am to 1 pm. The Senior Health Fair will
have many informational booths, health screenings and information, lunch, lecture, and more.
c. Report of Recreation and Community Services Director
Recreation and Community Services Director (RCSD) Sara Somogyi reported the last summer
concert of Concerts in the Park will be held on Thursday, August 3, starting at 6:30pm. It is the
City of Arcadia's 120'h birthday celebration and National Night Out. There will be giveaways,
cupcakes, free T-shirts, and much more.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Salazar adjourned the meeting at 4:50pm to September 7, 2023, at 4:OOpm in the
Recreation Conference Room, 375 Campus Drive, Arcadia.
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Chairper on
Nilo Salazar
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