Carlsbad Senior Commission adopts 2026 calendar and work plan; staff reports on center upgrades, programs and donations

The Carlsbad Senior Commission on Oct. 23, 2025 voted unanimously to approve its 2026 meeting calendar and to accept the 2026 senior commission work plan. Commissioners present—Chair Angus, Vice Chair Shui and Commissioner Dylan—voted to approve both items; two commissioners (Fitzpatrick and Ross) were absent. Staff also presented the second biannual update on the 2025 senior commission work plan and related Parks and Recreation Department projects.

“On Nov. 7, 2024, the Senior Commission accepted the 2025 work plan and requested a biannual status report,” the department presenter said as staff reviewed the Master Plan and action items carried into the commission’s work plan. Staff said the strategic action plan and the Age Friendly Carlsbad action plan remain the guiding documents for senior-related projects.

Staff reported program and facility updates: the Monroe Street pool renovation and Veterans Memorial Park projects are under construction or advertised for bids; Stagecoach and Calavera Hills pickleball courts are in final design; Robertson Ranch Park is in preliminary design. Restrooms at the senior center were modified to better meet ADA requirements, including relocating soap dispensers, paper towel and seat cover holders to accessible positions. The Carlsbad Connects app was updated to improve customer service and reporting of maintenance needs.

Staff highlighted programming and partnerships for seniors: popular digital and technology classes by instructor Mike McMahon (one recent class drew 40 in person and 51 Zoom participants); Friendship Builders facilitated conversations on life transitions and loneliness (facilitator Kim Hsieh); the fourth annual Older & Bolder expo in late September hosted more than 50 vendors; and the city has new partnerships with Circulate San Diego to provide transit workshops and possible field trips.

On funding and donations, staff said the City Council approved a $185,000 donation from the Mingi estate on Sept. 23; miscellaneous revenue items were listed as well. Staff also said an allocation of $1 million in a House appropriations committee bill related to a rail-trenching project was included earlier this year but that the federal appropriations process has stalled.

Nutrition and program notes: staff said the county continues to administer nutrition reimbursements under a contract valid through April 2027; the senior center expanded multicultural meal options and activities and now provides captions for monthly movie screenings. Staff noted proposed fee schedule increases were not adopted because many seniors are on fixed incomes.

Volunteering and service delivery: staff said Meals on Wheels, the city’s meal contractor, co-locates elder care services at its new facility so meal drivers can connect clients to on-site care navigators and local resources. The transportation program reported stable usage; class attendance was strong following summer, with roughly 5,452 class attendances reported in the recent period.

Why it matters: the calendar and work plan set the commission’s priorities and meeting schedule for next year; the department updates show active projects and ongoing senior services that affect accessibility, programming and funding. The commission set a next meeting date of Feb. 26, 2026.