COSTA MESA : Senior Citizens Panel Sets Goals for Year

The committee that advises the City Council on issues of importance to senior citizens elected new officers Wednesday and set goals for the year, including a push to improve transportation for elderly people.

Amy Morimoto, a home care worker, is the new chairwoman of the Senior Citizens Committee; Bud Toelkes, a retired postal carrier, is the new vice chairman. Joe Zavala, the legislative chairman for the local chapter of the American Assn. of Retired Persons, is the secretary.

Toelkes said he would like to see a bus shelter at Bear and Baker streets and is studying places in the city where seniors need new bus stops.

Toelkes and other committee members also said they are concerned about senior citizens crossing the road at 19th Street and Pomona Avenue. Many older people cross 19th Street to get to the Costa Mesa Senior Center, Toelkes said. But he said the busy road can be dangerous, especially when cars on Pomona Avenue turn right on a red stoplight while seniors are crossing 19th Street.

Toelkes also said he would like to make a video to show seniors at the center some safety tips for crossing the street.

The committee will meet again on Feb. 16 at the Senior Center. Alternate members are needed for the committee. Anyone who would like to join or who would like to learn more about the committee’s work should call Glen Stroud, the city liaison, at (714) 754-5300.