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Residents demand answers after senior-center dismissal; city says personnel matters confidential
Summary
Public commenters asked why a longtime senior-center employee was dismissed and urged restoration of meals, exercise classes and trips; city staff said the reason cannot be discussed publicly and described funding limits that constrain rehiring and paid facility support.
Cassie Mira Salazar, president of El Comite de Guadalupe, asked the Recreation Commission to explain why a longtime senior-center employee was dismissed, saying the worker “was really a wonderful person” who led activities and was “very reliable.”
The commission did not address personnel details. A staff member told the meeting the reason for the dismissal “cannot be discussed publicly.” Commissioners asked attendees to describe the specific activities they want to restore so the commission can explore feasible options under current budget constraints.
Why it matters: seniors and volunteers said meals, exercise classes, crafts and field trips were important social supports. Residents said the loss of programming leaves many without regular social contact and prompted urgent requests that the city either restore services or identify volunteers to continue them.
At the meeting, attendees described core activities they want restored. “We had the exercise... and, of course, the meals,” resident Andre Cortez said, adding that the dismissal was “a shock for us.” Cortez and others listed crafts, field trips, pottery and intergenerational events as priorities.
Staff response and funding limits: a city staff member said the Guadalupe senior center “has been funded by the city's general fund for the last 2 and a half years” and noted some earlier programs (including a van service) ended in 2023 when an outside provider left. The staff member said the city currently lacks budget authority to fund a building attendant and that many facility-rental and attendant functions remain unfunded.
What the commission will do next: Commission members asked seniors to provide a short list of the activities they most want so the commission can assess feasibility, advocate for volunteers or seek grants. Commissioners cautioned that rehiring a paid recreation manager or full-time building attendant is unlikely in the immediate budget window; staff estimated 18–24 months before the city could realistically reestablish a funded position without new revenues.
The meeting closed without a staffing decision; commissioners said they will follow up and encouraged community members to submit written priorities that would guide advocacy to city council.
