Senior advisory committee seeks age‑friendly planning, more transportation and programs

Colette Clark delivered the Senior Citizens Advisory Committee’s 2025–26 annual report, describing membership, outreach accomplishments, and goals for 2026–27 focused on age‑friendly community design and senior programming.

Clark reviewed accomplishments including improvements to the Encore newsletter (expanded digital access and translation), the senior needs assessment (225 responses), partnerships with senior living providers and outreach programs, and volunteer activities. She highlighted practical fixes such as the creation of a shared reading‑glasses box at the center and the return of laptops funded by the Senior Education Foundation.

The committee’s goals for 2026–27 include promoting an age‑friendly environment (walking loops, seating and shade), coordinating services and communication across partners, expanding programming by one to three new offerings yearly, and addressing transportation gaps that limit seniors’ access to the center and services. Clark described the San Ramon Senior Express van (currently $5 each way) and Go San Ramon ride‑match options as existing tools but said coverage gaps remain in parts of Dhy Valley.

Council members asked about Zoom/virtual classes, tax preparation (AARP program), scam‑prevention talks, and partnerships for mental‑health referrals; staff described quarterly presentations with the San Ramon Police Department and outreach partner groups for referrals. Council members also requested copies of survey questions and invited SACE to bring mobility materials to upcoming meetings.

What happens next: Staff and the SACE will continue collaboration on transportation options, outreach, and programming; transportation staff will present Mobility Matters and related materials at the April senior advisory meeting.

Ending: The council received the report and reappointed committee members; no council action was required at the meeting.