Dear Mayor Nash and Members of the City Council,
I would like to express my appreciation to the City Manager and Council for improving accessibility at City facilities. The removal of ground outlets and the installation of automatic door sensors in restrooms are thoughtful upgrades that benefit seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children.
I also want to thank you for providing transportation to City Council meetings. This is an important step toward increasing civic participation. I respectfully recommend that this service be more widely promoted during senior information sessions, along with offering assistance for registration. While many residents are comfortable navigating online systems, some seniors face barriers due to limited access to or familiarity with technology.
In addition, I strongly encourage the City to prioritize comprehensive training for Senior Center staff as a key step in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for seniors and all residents. Policies alone do not shape people’s experiences. How they are communicated and implemented does. With proper training, staff can better understand the needs of seniors, communicate changes clearly, and apply rules with patience, consistency, and respect.
Recent enforcement of new rules has, at times, led to confusion and distress among seniors. In some cases, individuals were removed from classes without adequate time to understand or adapt to the changes, leaving them feeling discouraged and unwelcome. These situations highlight the importance of equipping staff with the skills to introduce changes thoughtfully and supportively.
If staff receive appropriate training, they will be better prepared to implement policies in a gradual, transparent, and supportive manner. The City has demonstrated flexibility in other areas, such as parking enforcement and the Zero Emission Landscape Equipment (ZELE) Ordinance, where warnings and education are often prioritized before penalties. Applying a similarly thoughtful and well-informed approach at the Senior Center would help build trust, reduce misunderstandings, and foster a more inclusive and respectful atmosphere.
Thank you for your time, consideration, and continued commitment to our community.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
26-Year Menlo Park Resident
Senior Advocate
