Seniors press Delano council for repairs, clarity on donations and reimbursement policy

Several Delano residents and senior-center users told the City Council Aug. 4 that the Jefferson Community Center’s air conditioning had been out for almost three weeks, that they have continued to hold activities outdoors, and that they want clarity and reimbursement for small donations used to buy food for monthly birthday events.

Sally Mestas and Fernando Bridal said seniors have been meeting outdoors while the AC is down and asked when it would be repaired and whether the city would reimburse a $75 monthly allowance given for birthday lunches. Bridal said the city had approved donations to the senior center on June 2 (a $700 donation) and on July 21 (an item recorded in the agenda as $2.50), and asked the council to clarify how those donations are being handled.

Pastor David Vivas, speaking during public comment, urged the council to prioritize seniors and said many depend on the center for social activities. “They deserve the very best that Delano can afford to give,” Vivas said. Several commenters noted the heat forecast and the hardship that a prolonged AC outage poses for older adults.

Council members thanked speakers and asked staff to report back. Council Member Osorio specifically requested a staff report on the traffic safety concern that had been raised earlier in the meeting about the Hyatt and County Line Road intersection; he also asked for an update at the next council meeting on the Jefferson Center AC repair status.

No formal council action or vote was taken during the public-comment period. Council members said they would follow up through staff reports and asked staff to clarify donation records and reimbursement status for the senior center.