Dear City Council,
I hope this message finds you well. I am writing to follow up on the petition submitted in May 2024 by Roberto Lopez, which was signed by senior center participants, East Menlo Park residents, and myself. The petition, addressed to City Mayor Cecilia Taylor and City Manager Justin Murphy, raised important concerns regarding the space allocated for senior programs, as well as issues with furniture and the restoration of equipment.
On June 20, 2024, City Manager Justin Murphy promised to meet with the seniors once a month to address their concerns. However, it has now been 219 days since that meeting, and we have not heard from City Manager Justin Murphy, Library and Community Services Director Sean S. Reinhart, or any City Council members.
I am not surprised that the city continues to ignore people of color. There is a long history of discrimination against East Menlo Park residents. For instance, the project manager (who is also the City Manager) overseeing the construction of the Belle Haven Community Campus did not prioritize the well-being of the neighbors living next to the campus. We, as a community, had to organize to ensure that our quality of life was not negatively impacted. Furthermore, it has taken more than seven months to finally introduce classes for working adults, highlighting the city’s lack of urgency in addressing community needs.
The City Council often makes proclamations about equity, but actions speak louder than words. Unfortunately, it appears that the council is ignoring the concerns of residents who are people of color and elderly, despite their significant contributions to our community.
I kindly request an update on the status of this petition and urge you to take meaningful steps to address these ongoing concerns. These issues are vital for the well-being and quality of life of our senior community members, and it is imperative that their needs are prioritized.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. I look forward to your response and any updates you can provide.
Sincerely,
Arlene Navarro
