Jeanne Wray is upset (justifiably) that times are tough for seniors in our society:
There is a strong possibility the program will be closed down because the county has cut back on the center’s projects. Those who use the program are Alzheimer’s and dementia patients and those who cannot take care of themselves at home.
This includes WWII veterans as well as the disabled. They have no funds to go into a nursing home. Some of these cases involve the use of diapers.
These people cannot be left at home on their own. Their families pay for part of their care.
Then there is our home-delivered meals program, which is almost fundless. The Senior Center feeds some 500-plus seniors a day.
The county has cut this project also. For some, this is the only meal they get for the day and none on weekends.
Obviously, seniors, like other vulnerable people in our society (students, the homeless, the uninsured, the unemployed) are facing massive challenges in a time when governments are slashing programs just as taxpayers and the employed have said “No!” to new taxes.
But Ms. Wray takes it to the next level:
On Dec. 1 on the front-page, another article (“City expands its sports complex”) was printed about a “wonderful” thing that the county has done.
At the Santa Clarita Sports Complex on Centre Pointe Parkway, a half-acre dog park has opened along with plastic bags to pick up the dogs’ droppings.
In addition there are two full-size basketball courts, picnic areas, more seating at the Aquatic Center, a mile of lighted walkways and 200 parking spaces.
This latest expansion will enlarge the complex to 60 acres. In the next few weeks a sand volleyball court will open. Earlier this year a 40,000-square-foot skate park was opened. The city soon will be expanding the dog park and open a BMX bike park and gymnasium.
Does anyone see anything wrong with this, or is it just me?
I sympathize with you Ms. Wray but come on now. Complaining that it’s unfair that the city has built-out the activities center as promised for the entire community at the expense of senior care is like me complaining that the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have deprived funding for California High Speed Rail.
The fact of the matter is, we the people of Santa Clarita do support the senior center, to the tune of $375,000 (and the cost of a giant novelty check) in this year alone.
That’s not to mention the countless hours Santa Claritans spend volunteering at the site.
Maybe I’d be a bit more amenable to your letter if you were complaining about the $200,000 the City just gave to local businessmen to start a Economic Development Corporation whose functions are already performed by the city, COC, and other entities and whose bencharks and deliverables are as clear as mud. You say TimBen Boydston and David Gauny are “for the people,” but the latter vocally supported that taxpayer handout.
As it is, please don’t pick on our tiny dog park and some much-needed recreational space (which also is in deficit) in order to make a point about senior care.
Can’t believe no one has commented on this yet! This was one of the best pieces you’ve ever posted. It’s so easy for spoiled, and needy residents to completely forget civics 101.
seniors, like other vulnerable people in our society (students, the homeless, the uninsured, the unemployed) are facing massive challenges in a time when governments are slashing programs just as taxpayers and the employed have said “No!” to new taxes.
Vulnerable seniors are to be equated the same as the homeless, uninsured, and *gasp* students? False dichotomy alert indeed.
Jeff,
Being a supporter/volunteer for the Senior Center for many years I was a little perplexed at the ladys letter. As you pointed out above, the City has thrown a lot of money to the SCVSC and thankfully so, and while I believe that the Center needs more help I also think that those in need of a dog park, a basketball court, a skatepark, playing fields, etc, etc need help as well. I plan to keep working for ALL the residents of the SCV not just 1 or 2.