Caregiver class, Village Encinitas guide and senior scholarships highlighted at Encinitas meeting

At the May 19 meeting of the Encinitas Senior Citizen Commission, community speakers outlined direct-service ideas for older residents and staff reported on senior-center usage and scholarships.

Vicky Kaufman, representing the San Diego Botanic Garden, described a two-hour class for family caregivers on July 13 that will use sensory activities to support people with dementia. Kaufman said the program will charge a small fee to cover handouts and materials from the Alzheimer’s Association and that flyers and online registration are available.

Jesse Hanwit, speaking as president of Village Encinitas, said the nonprofit received a $3,000 community grant and requested the commission collaborate on producing a printed resource guide listing transportation, food access, housing and vendor referrals; Hanwit asked that Commissioner Smith act as a liaison.

Pam Schwarz from the Encinitas Library summarized ongoing adult programs (weekly smartphone help classes, Red Cross blood drives, author events, art classes and language conversation groups) and directed residents to the library website and flyers for registration.

Chair Ling and Manager Goodsell described a $10,000 contribution from the Ensenus project that will fund a senior scholarship program intended to subsidize registration for programs: the program provides up to 50 percent off qualifying fees and up to $300 per qualifying senior per fiscal year, with applications available online and at the senior center.

Manager Mickelson reported April facility and program metrics: more than 7,000 facility visits across community center spaces in April, about 528 gym entries, roughly 1,300 banquet-hall visits, 550 registered recreation participants, 501 senior meals served and 173 one-way transportation rides. Staff noted upcoming events and a series of arts-oriented day trips supported in part by a Previs Foundation grant.

Chair Ling reminded commissioners that City Council will consider the commission’s work plan on May 27 and that the senior service award recipient will be recognized at a City Council meeting on June 10.

The commission approved the April 21, 2026 minutes by touchscreen vote during the meeting and then adjourned at 3:54 p.m.