Senior Citizen Advisory Commission

CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES Naida Tushnet, Chair Phyllis Schmidt, Commissioner Michele Valencia, Vice Chair William Smith, Commissioner Don Darnauer, Commissioner Robert Finney, Commissioner Flora Easter, Commissioner TELECONFERENCE TELECONFERENCE MEETING At 9:08 am, Commissioner Tushnet, called the meeting to order. ROLL CALL Commissioners Don Darnauer, Robert Finney, Phyllis Schmidt, William Smith, Present: Michele Valencia and Naida Tushnet Commissioners Flora Easter Absent: PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Smith led the Pledge of Allegiance. READING OF MISSION STATEMENT Commissioner Finney read the mission statement. Advocate for new thinking and science on aging for the culturally diverse population of Older adults in Long Beach and broaden knowledge in the areas of education, safety, housing, health, transportation, technology and the quality of life. GUEST SPEAKER Tanya Tassi, National Community Center Policy Manager for ActionLink: The Center Action Network reported on the Equality Act for older adults. Page 1 of 3 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES APPROVAL OF MINUTES April 14, 2021 minutes were approved. Motion was made by Commissioner Darnauer, seconded by Commissioner Smith, to approve the April 14, 2021 minutes. The motion was carried by the following vote: Yes: 6 - Don Darnauer, Robert Finney, Phyllis Schmidt, William Smith, Michele Valencia and Naida Tushnet Absent: 1 - Flora Easter STAFF REPORT Recreation Superintendent, Ted Stevens reported that the Long Beach Senior Center was still distributing food to seniors and preparing tax returns. He also reported that the pools are now open. STANDING COMMITTEE REPORTS A. Community Relations - Commissioners Darnauer and Smith - NONE B. Crime Prevention and Safety - Commissioner Valencia - NONE C. Health - Commissioners Valencia and Easter - NONE D. Housing - Commissioner Tushnet - Commissioner Tushnet reported Long Beach is in the process of updating the Housing Element of the Master Plan. This is required by state law and holds for 10 years. The city is seeking input, both through public meetings and written comments. Because this will affect the number of low- and moderate- income units developed, as well as housing for senior citizens, individuals should take advantage of the chance to comment. E. Legislation - Commissioners Finney, Tushnet and Valencia - Commissioner Tushnet reported on a number of proposals that will effect seniors: AB 1400, AB695, SB640, SB 515 & AG 911A F. Technology - Commissioner Finney - NONE G. Transportation - Commissioners Darnauer, Smith, and Easter - Commissioner Smith - NONE UNFINISHED BUSINESS None NEW BUSINESS None Page 2 of 3 CITY OF LONG BEACH WEDNESDAY, APRIL 14, 2021 SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION MINUTES PUBLIC PARTICIPATION Mr. Sive voiced his concerns of LBGQT adults and Ms. Reside voiced her frustrations regarding the Senior Commission Meetings. NEXT MEETING The next General meeting of the Long Beach Senior Citizen Advisory Commission will be held, May 12, 2021at 9 am. ADJOURNMENT At 9:51 am, Commissioner Tushnet adjourned the meeting. THE CITY OF LONG BEACH INTENDS TO PROVIDE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990. IF A SPECIAL ACCOMMODATION IS DESIRED, CONTACT OFFICE CLERK, 48 HOURS PRIOR TO THE SENIOR CITIZEN ADVISORY COMMISSION AT (562) 570-3538, FAX (562) 570-1107, OR email irene.rodriguez@longbeach.gov. Page 3 of 3