Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission approves minutes, reviews work plan and hears community program updates

The Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission on Jan. 21 approved the Nov. 19, 2024 meeting minutes, discussed its annual work plan and heard community program announcements from library and water district representatives.

A motion to approve the Nov. 19, 2024 minutes was made by Commissioner Martin and seconded by Commissioner Gabor. The motion passed; the minutes were recorded as approved with all commissioners voting yes except Commissioner Stern and Chair Ling, who abstained. Commissioner Angel was absent from the meeting.

Why it matters: Commissioners used the meeting to confirm administrative records, review priorities for the coming term and coordinate outreach that affects seniors, including technology workshops, volunteer opportunities and field trips.

Library and outreach programs: Renee Hanson, adult services manager at the Encinitas Library, introduced Anne Hall, the library’s new outreach services librarian, and described upcoming programs aimed at older adults. Hanson announced a US history through protest music program on Wednesday, Jan. 29 at 3 p.m.; weekly AARP‑hosted free income tax‑preparation assistance starting Feb. 7 (Fridays, 10 a.m.–2 p.m.); and a Local Author Showcase on Sunday, March 23. Anne Hall outlined a 3‑D printing workshop (3D Printing 101) on Feb. 9 and March 9 and a new “iPhone for Seniors” series to be offered the first and third Thursdays, 2–4 p.m.

Olivenhain Municipal Water District tours and volunteers: Melody Colombo, representing Olivenhain Municipal Water District (OMWD), invited commissioners and seniors to complimentary public tours of the district’s water treatment and reclamation facilities and the Elfin Forest Recreational Reserve (tours typically run about 8 a.m. to noon); upcoming tour dates include April 10 and July 10. Colombo also described volunteer opportunities for trail patrol and staffing the interpretive center.

Community activation and outreach: Jim O'Hara, a member of the public, introduced himself and urged commissioners to share ideas about ways the commission could be more active and proactive in the city; he invited commissioners to email him with suggestions on an upcoming city council agenda item.

Work plan and commission business: Staff and commissioners reviewed work plan items 1–11. Staff asked commissioners to identify speakers for future meetings; the calendar discussed by commissioners included an April presentation on safe routes to school and cycling safety, a February speaker (Amy Stuck, PhD, RN, Village Encinitas) and the commission’s March work‑plan session. Commissioners discussed partnerships with the Encinitas Rotary Club for a senior service award nomination process (applications open through March 20, eligibility 60+ and Encinitas residency) and the Techie Tutors intergenerational tutoring event on Feb. 1.

Senior center operations and upcoming events: Senior Center Manager Goodsell reported that 475 senior meals were provided in November and 409 in December; 206 one‑way rides in November and 178 in December; and non‑nutrition program registrations of 954 in November and 633 in December. Upcoming events include Creative Corner (Jan. 23), a Winter Wonderland luncheon (Jan. 30), a birthday celebration (Feb. 7), and a mingle event with salsa lessons and a virtual reality experience (Feb. 25). Goodsell also said the city received a $1,500 grant from the San Diego Senior Community Foundation to host seven virtual reality experiences.

Roundtable and next steps: Commissioners exchanged updates on recruitment, county board openings and community relief efforts related to recent fires. Several commissioners urged continued outreach to seniors in high‑risk neighborhoods and suggested incorporating community‑engagement objectives into the commission’s next-term work plan.

Votes at a glance Motion: Approve Nov. 19, 2024 meeting minutes Mover: Commissioner Martin Second: Commissioner Gabor Outcome: Approved (motion passed; Chair Ling and Commissioner Stern abstained; Commissioner Angel absent)