Mr. Hernandez, Thank you for bringing your concerns to our attention.
Some of the classes at the Senior Center have waitlists and are in high demand. We have relayed to seniors that if three or more classes are missed, seniors may be removed from the class roster. If there is no communication with senior center staff, we do want to allow spaces not being regularly used to be offered to others on the waitlist. If seniors let us know that they are out sick or away for a few days, we have no problem saving their space. However we will have to remove them from the class if they are traveling for long periods of time. Again, this is to allow others to participate in the wonderful classes that we offer.
There has been a reduction in the number of classes being offered by Foothill college at BHCC. The City receives a list of classes from Foothill college each quarter based on their availability of instructors. Over the last few quarters, this list has been reduced. BHCC can only select from what is provided to us. We have not restricted or cancelled any Foothill classes. We will continue to work with the college to provide enrichment classes to the Belle Haven seniors.
The registration procedure at the senior center is followed by all programs in the Library and Community Services Department. Participants are able to enroll two weeks before each session begins. Staff are able to assist. At the senior center, the staff do all of the registration for the seniors. What may have seemed as a change to some of the seniors is the need to come back to enroll at the beginning of the new session. Because some of the classes change and the senior center continues to grow with new attendees, it is important for each senior to register for the next class at the beginning of each session. Staff are unable to automatically enroll seniors in classes for the next session. For the last year, staff have been making reminder announcements leading up to registration dates each session. I will continue to make sure these reminders are given at the end of each session as well.
I do understand that these classes are an important part of the seniors lives and something that they look forward to attending every day. The staff will continue to be available to answer any questions that they have and are open for ideas of open activities to have in the community space for those who may be on a waitlist.
Thank you again for your feedback.
[cid:CMP_Email_Logo_100dpi_05d92d5b-e8e3-498f-93a6-d0da509bd602111111111.png]
Natalya R. Jones
Library and Community Services Manager
Arrillaga Family Gymnasium
600 Alma St.
tel 650-330-2271
menlopark.gov
From: Eduardo Lopez Hernandez
Sent: Monday, September 29, 2025 4:03 PM
To: _CCIN ; Murphy, Justin I C ; Arden Margulis ; Alberto Tinajero ; Alberto Tinajero Sr. ; Consuelo Blanco ; Arlene Navarro ; original.areli@gmail.com
Subject: Urgent Concerns from Seniors Regarding Recent Changes to Senior Center Classes
Dear City Manager Justin Murphy and Council Member Cecilia Taylor,
I am writing to bring to your attention a number of serious concerns shared with me today by several seniors at the Senior Center. The seniors were informed by Supervisor Rondell Howard they would be expelled from classes if they missed three sessions. Understandably, this policy has caused distress and confusion among many, who feel the environment at the Senior Center has become increasingly stressful and less welcoming.
In addition, they expressed disappointment over the cancellation of free classes previously offered through Foothill College. They do not understand why access to programs and services seems to be getting more restricted, rather than more supportive.
Another issue raised is the new registration policy. In the past, previous staff would ensure seniors were registered for their classes and supported through the process. Now, under the direction of Supervisor Rondell Howard, seniors are being asked to re-enroll every two months. This has created unnecessary confusion and barriers. The question many are asking is: why the change? Why are we making life harder for our seniors?
It is important to recognize that these classes are more than just recreational activities. They are a vital part of the health, well-being, and social connection for many older adults in our community. Classes provide structure, purpose, and emotional support, helping to prevent isolation and maintain cognitive and physical health. Making these programs harder to access undermines the very purpose of a Senior Center.
Additionally, many seniors are now on a waiting list just to join classes. I understand these changes may be due to reduced space, but it is important to acknowledge that the seniors do not have the same dedicated space as they did in the old building. This lack of space is directly impacting access to programs and creating additional stress for participants who rely on these services for their daily well-being.
Many of these individuals are juggling additional responsibilities outside of the Senior Center and feel their ability to participate is being unfairly limited. Some have voiced that they feel their rights are being disregarded, and have begun to question whether the Citys intention is to phase out services for seniors altogether.
In light of these concerns, the seniors are respectfully requesting a meeting with both of you to discuss these recent changes and to better understand the Citys plans for senior services. Since many lack transportation, they request that the meeting be held at your beautiful Belle Haven Community Campus (BHCC), and that a Spanish interpreter be provided. Please note that I will not be serving as an interpreter.
Thank you for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
Eduardo L. Hernandez
Menlo Park Resident and Belle Haven Seniors Advocate