Town Council will appoint task force to study services for senior citizens
Charge will include looking at dedicated senior center
Current services spread out
By Nathan R. Huff
Jack Orlove's presentation on Nov. 22 was heard loud and clear by the Los Gatos Town Council, but he wasn't the only one who came forward to press the town to improve senior services.
Jeanne Gamble, a resident of Los Gatos for 50 years and a member of the Saratoga Senior Center, spoke bluntly on the subject. "Los Gatos seniors have made this town," Gamble said. "I believe it's time for you to reciprocate."
The council took the first step in that direction by unanimously agreeing to appoint a council-backed task force to study the needs of local senior citizens, to analyze current services and to recommend improvements.
Before a task force is appointed, town officials and staff intend to work on the group's charter, but the council agreed that the task force should consider all possible options and include funding considerations in its analysis. Current ideas include improving the existing Neighborhood Center, which houses the Senior Drop-in Center and various senior activities; building a dedicated senior center; and possibly connecting the creation of a new center with the building of a new library.
Orlove criticized current senior services as being too scattered, too expensive and too unresponsive to the full spectrum of senior needs. "What we have, in my opinion, is not a viable program," Orlove said.
High on the priority list of several of the meeting's senior speakers was a place seniors could call their own and meet in a non-instructional environment. Rita Baum, former assistant director for a senior center in Phoenix, said many seniors have interests other than "Bingo and Crochet 101."
Baum also emphasized the need to have a full-time director with a background in the field of aging. Senior services are now coordinated by community-services director Regina Falkner, whose responsibilities also include the town's recycling programs, rent mediation, affordable housing and arts activities.
Noting the ever-increasing estimates on the two parking garages the town intends to build downtown--the latest figures put the cost close to $14 million--Baum asked the council to reconsider its priorities. "I hope the council won't spend all it's time thinking about where we're going to park cars," Baum said.
Although council members stopped short of endorsing the idea of a dedicated senior center, they wanted this option included in the task force's analysis. They also asked that the analysis look at funding ideas. Ideas discussed at the meeting included starting senior-led fundraisers, approaching community groups like the Kiwanis Club (to which Orlove belongs), and asking the town to contribute.
Council member Jan Hutchins said time has warmed him to the idea of a senior center. "It's amazing. As I get a little bit older, this topic gets more interesting to me," he said.
Newly elected Vice-Mayor Joe Pirzynski drafted the motion to appoint the task force. "We do owe it to our seniors," Pirzynski said.
Egon Jensen, who was responsible for most of the comparison research on senior services in Los Gatos and surrounding communities, said he applauded the council's decision. "I believe it was a step in the right direction," Jensen said. "Nobody has a crystal ball, but I have high hopes."
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
