Social Change

By Craig Tappa

We must improve the quality of life for senior citizens, veterans and those with poverty-level income.

1. We need to scope and duties of the present Senior Citizen Advisory Committee. Namely, (a) increase committee meetings to once a month; (b) provide computer learning centers; (c) provide a Palmdale enrichment center; (d) provide a more comprehensive seniors page on the city's website; (e) provide a city-sponsored monthly magazine for seniors dealing with consumer education, recreation and healthcare information; and (f) allow one non-senior to serve on the committee to offer expanded resources.

2. We need to assist in the formation of a Mobile Homeowners Advisory Committee to afford owners of mobile homes a more appropriate venue to voice their concerns.

3. We need to assist in the establishment of a homeless shelter in the City of Palmdale in order to better provide for the indigent and improve public safety by providing an alternative to sleeping on the streets and in the parks at night.

4. We need to expand the Meals on Wheels food program to broaden its scope and ensure that waiting lists are reduced so more senior citizens, poverty-stricken and homeless are cared for.

5. We need to work with landlords and property owners to ensure that rents do not spiral upward without a check and balance to ensure the continuation of low-cost housing for poverty-level residents.

6. We need to expand and assist the Families in Action program to better provide single parents and income-challenged families with an alternative for their latchkey children.