Community services report: summer programs, senior services and a volunteer‑run composting drive highlighted

The City of Temecula’s Community Services Commission reported highlights from August and forthcoming cultural events at the Sept. 9 council meeting.

Dr. Euan Hawkes, chair of the Community Services Commission, said human services programs had more than 1,000 participants in August, citing the summer food service program that provided about 700 meals and a back‑to‑school event that supplied free school supplies to 275 children. Senior services saw nearly 700 participants, with more than 400 using a cool center during hot weather; the senior center will mark its 30th anniversary this week.

Dr. Hawkes also noted volunteer contributions to summer recreation programs, saying volunteers logged 1,600 hours and that a recent mural unveiling, a 9/11 remembrance, an artist reception and Cartoonapalooza were upcoming events.

During public comment, Susan Whittier described a volunteer‑run composting program connected to a community garden and the senior center. She said the program had 40 homes signed up and that organizers had distributed 26 compost buckets and still needed 15 more. Whittier credited Stacy Brown (a city employee) with connecting the garden volunteers to the National Charity League, which has provided mother‑daughter volunteer teams for garden work.

Why it matters: The report underscores volunteer involvement in city programs, growing senior‑center usage and community efforts to expand composting and civic volunteerism.

No council action was required on the report; staff will continue to publicize upcoming events and program opportunities.