Dear Mayor Combs,
You reminded the community that the 2026 election is approaching. Before seeking votes, you must be accountable for your actions. On September 30, 2025, when Belle Haven seniors spoke before Council, you dismissed them.
One senior, visibly nervous and shaking, shared her experience of enrolling in a class only to be told she could not attend. Instead of acknowledging her problem, you compared it to your daughter not getting into a class she liked because she never enrolled. That was not the same. This senior did everything right, and the system failed her.
She is not the only one. I sat next to her and watched her push past fear because she, like many of us, believes the way Menlo Park treats seniors and Belle Haven is unfair. Seniors are showing courage; City leadership must show respect.
Your response showed a greater concern for reelection and praise than for real struggles. A $50 million building does not solve problems when programs exclude residents. Protecting Team Sheeper, despite their failure to engage Belle Haven, only deepened the sense that seniors do not matter.
Maya Angelou once said: “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” On September 30, you showed seniors dismissal. Now you have a choice to show something better.
Meet directly with Belle Haven seniors. Hear their concerns. Take action. Respect, not dismissal, will define your leadership.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
25 year + Belle Haven Resident and Seniors advocate
