District 6 Senior Advisory Council

Transportation Options for Seniors

Paratransit from City of Oakland

Must be 70 years or older.

Unable to access public transportation. 

Applications on line or call 510 238 3036 to request an application.

Costs is $3.00 for a coupon book worth $28 in taxi fare

East Bay Paratransit funded by Bart and AC Transit.

Must be unable to ride Bart or AC Transit alone. Not only mobility issues.

Contact 510 287-5000 to schedule an appointment.

1750 Broadway Cost is $4.00 per ride in Alameda County, $8.00 per ride to San Francisco

Available anytime Bart and AC Transit run.

Must make reservations 24 hours in advance.

Go Go Grandparent

Register with home address, phone number and credit card.

Family member is advised of your location. Pick up and drop off.

Call in to schedule Uber or Lyft as opposed to using your phone to schedule a pickup.

$8.00 of each ride deducted from each ride paid by City of Oakland.

Call 1 855 212 4646 to get started.

Alameda Alliance

Free rides to doctor's appointments for medical patients.

• Wilma Chan Highland Hospital
• San Leandro Hospital
• Alameda Hospital

Make reservations 3 days in advance.

Call 1-855-811-7171.

Alameda County Transportation Commission

FREE transportation to and from doctor's appointments in Alameda County with volunteer drivers. Call 925 222-2273.

Mobility Management with Alameda County

FREE!

Call 211 to access non emergency transportation if you have mobility problems.

The Senior Health & Wellness Group plays a crucial role in addressing food insecurity and promoting nutritional well-being among older adults. Our group actively coordinates access to essential food resources, which is vital for maintaining senior health and energy levels. We facilitate partnerships with local organizations to disseminate information on food sources such as theSupplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP),Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs (SFMNP), which run from March - October and meal delivery services. Furthermore, a key initiative is connecting seniors with reliable food pantries and distribution sites, including those operated by organizations like the Food Bank of local areas and smaller, community-based church pantries. By ensuring consistent access to nutritious food, our group helps seniors manage chronic conditions, prevent malnutrition, and ultimately lead healthier, more independent lives.

Physical Fitness Resources for Seniors

Physical activity is critical for everyone, but especially seniors as they age.

Lifespans are getting longer and good health ensures enjoyment of those years.

Being active has been shown to be a protective factor in diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and some types of cancer. Physical activity improves mental health, delay onset of dementia, can prevent osteoporosis and falls. And the social aspect of group exercise, walking or other activity provides added benefit.

The National Institute of Health recommends a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity weekly, or about 30 minutes/day. Below are some resources available to Seniors in our area.

Medicare Advantage Plans

For those that elect to join a Medicare Advantage Plan, gym memberships or discounts are included. Kaiser’s plan is called ONE PASS, Blue Cross offers SilverSneakers. In addition to the gym membership/discount, these plans also offer online fitness classes and videos, social events, etc. Depending on your plan, the included gyms and particular resources will vary. For more information, check with your provider. Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to get help with specific questions about billing, claims, medical records, expenses and more.

Fall Prevention Program

Offered through Spectrum Community Services and held at various locations (Palo Vista Gardens in our area), includes 1 hour classes on a quarterly basis to address factors that can lead to a fall. There is a small fee for the 12 week class ($46 - $64). For more information call (510)881-0300.

AARP

Senior Planet From AARP has free online fitness and wellness sessions on weekdays that you can participate in from home. The AARP Virtual Community Center also has live exercise and wellness classes. AARP’s Staying Fit section has a selection of on-demand exercise videos available to all, some led by well-known fitness instructor Denise Austin. And you’ll find other Pilates, interval training and yoga videos in the Videos on Demand area of AARP Members Only Access.

Oakland Parks and Recreation Rec Centers

Arroyo Viejo Recreation Center 7701 Krause Ave

East Oakland Sports Center 9161 Edes Ave

East Oakland Senior Center

(EOSC) 9255 Edes Ave - located in the Ira Jinkins park, offering a range of activities such as step exercise, line dancing and swimming. Membership is only $12/year - such a bargain!

https://www.oaklandca.gov/topics/east-oakland-senior-center

Ira Jinkins Recreation Center 9175 Edes Ave

Tassafaronga Recreation Center 975 85th Ave

Walking Groups

• Next Door - a great way to share news and information with neighbors. Instantly connect to find a handyman, sell a couch or start a walking club! https://nextdoor.com/

• Meet Up - a variety of group activities available from book clubs to hiking and everything in between. Many walks/hikes during the weekdays have heavy senior attendance https://www.meetup.com/

• Sierra Club - most chapters have a subset of Sierra Seniors with easy hikes https://www.sierraclub.org/sfbay/events

• United Seniors of Oakland and Alameda County https://www.usoac.org/walkable-neighborhoods

Roberta Avant, joined the Senior Advisory Council to represent District 6 and help address the growing needs within the senior community. She believes there is a significant opportunity to gather resources and share valuable information to assist seniors, especially when it comes to nutrition, meals, and groceries. Roberta is passionate about ensuring that no senior has to worry about sacrificing essential needs like food. As a senior herself, she understands the challenges that come with age and is committed to raising her voice and the voices of others so seniors are heard and their concerns are addressed. She sees the Senior Advisory Council as a vital platform to bring positive change and improve the lives of seniors in the community.

Concerned about the city's rise in crime, she was recently considering relocating after robberies in her neighborhood but realized staying and working to improve her community was the better choice. Now retired, Darcy is dedicated to making Oakland safer and more vibrant. She is especially passionate about supporting local businesses and ensuring that residents’ dollars stay within the city. As a homeowner, she is also concerned about crime’s impact on property values. Darcy believes the Senior Advisory Council can address key issues that will benefit everyone in the district, and she is excited to contribute to solutions that will improve life for all Oakland residents.

My name is Sandra aka Sandi Bethune. I am a resident of the Sequoyah Hills neighborhood. During these times of great stress we must consider the impact on our senior community. As a senior, I want to be a part of any effort that identifies and ensures our needs are not forgotten. Who best to know what those needs are? Seniors! So I fully embrace the creation of a Senior Advisory Council to support the unique challenges seniors face. My major concerns are safe and easy sidewalk access, emergency plans, and transportation.

Adriana Cardenas of Leona Heights, is a passionate member of the Senior Advisory Council, driven by a deep care for both seniors and children. Now enjoying her senior years, she has dedicated her free time to giving back to her community. Focused on advocating for safety, healthcare access, and community building, Adriana believes that a unified voice can create greater impact. She values the power of collaboration, knowing that coming together with others who share similar concerns can generate new ideas and foster meaningful change.

Tom Van Demark is a passionate advocate for community, safety, and self-respect. Inspired by Councilmember Kevin Jenkins and Linda, Tom joined the Senior Advisory Council to contribute to the high aspirations of the D6 Council team. Very active in his Maxwell Park, he often hosts gatherings to build stronger connections among neighbors and foster a sense of community. With a deep commitment to enhancing the lives of seniors, He believes the Senior Advisory Council provides an important platform to address the vital issues of aging through the voices of older individuals. Focused on creating a sense of love and belonging, He remains dedicated to improving the quality of life for seniors in the community.

Sarah Flewellen is a retired City of Oakland employee with a long-standing dedication to the city and its neighborhoods. She has always cared about keeping Oakland clean and being a strong voice for others to get things done. Passionate about neighborhood cleanliness, Sarah is committed to maintaining and improving the environment for all. She believes the Senior Advisory Council plays a crucial role in keeping other generations informed and helping seniors understand the importance of cleanliness. A walker at heart, Sarah continues to stay active, even using a cane, and refuses to give up on her mission to make a difference.

Randy Geford of Palo Vista Gardens became interested in senior issues through conversations with neighbors and a genuine curiosity about the challenges seniors face. He is deeply passionate about senior activities and keeping seniors engaged and busy. With a love for writing and a strong desire to help others, Randy takes the time to reach out and check on people in his community. He believes that every community should have a Senior Advisory Council, as senior issues are important enough to be prioritized and addressed.

Daniel Jacko is dedicated to supporting seniors in his community, serving as the caregiver for his 97-year-old mother and assisting four widows in his neighborhood. He joined the Senior Advisory Council because he believes it can be an essential resource for seniors, offering support in times of need. Jacko is passionate about improving the safety and well-being of seniors, especially in Oakland, where many feel unsafe. He is committed to providing information on senior activities, including exercise programs, gardening, senior centers, and paratransit services. In addition to his community involvement, He has a strong passion for gardening, health and fitness, and ministry, particularly prayer. He believes the Senior Advisory Council is a critical platform that can give seniors a voice, offering them support and resources in a way that feels accessible and meaningful. Jacko is excited to contribute to the ongoing efforts to better serve and protect the senior community.

Beverly Jarrett is originally from St. Louis, Mo., and has lived in Oakland since 1985, making the Havenscourt neighborhood of District 6 her home since 1998. A retired educator, Beverly is passionate about teaching and learning, always seeking ways to support her community. She joined the Senior Advisory Committee because she shares the vision of many to help fellow seniors in Oakland. Beverly is particularly focused on transportation issues and the importance of keeping senior centers open, ensuring seniors have access to the resources and support they need.

As a long-time resident and now a senior myself, I understand the challenges our elders face after a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, and service. I’m committed to being part of the solution—advocating for the rights, dignity, and well-being of seniors. Through the Senior Advisory committee work, I aim to help provide vital resources and support around public safety, food insecurity, and social isolation. Seniors deserve to live their lives like they’re truly GOLDEN.

Karen Smulevitz of Pala Vista Gardens, is a dedicated advocate for seniors, always seeking ways to help and support them. With experience in starting and participating in several senior groups throughout Oakland and Alameda County, Karen has a strong commitment to improving the lives of older adults. She believes that when seniors unite and raise their voices together, they can make a real impact. The Senior Advisory Council is an important platform for her to contribute to this cause and ensure that seniors’ voices are heard.

Mrs. Barbara Taylor has spent over four decades uplifting the music industry, African American small businesses, and community organizations. Starting in 1985 at Ivy’s in Oakland’s Jack London Square, she became a champion for local artists and cultural events. In the 1990s, she coordinated African arts programs for the Mandela Institute and went on to support groups like the Bay Area Blues Society, Black Business Listing, Black Expo, and the Berkeley Juneteenth Festival, which she co-coordinated for 20 years.

Founder of Rhythms, a company promoting Black-owned businesses and cultural programs, Mrs. Taylor has also worked with CDA Consulting Group, 100 Black Women Events, and the Multi Ethnic Sports Hall of Fame. Her service has earned her numerous awards from 100 Black Women, Women of Excellence, the Oakland City Council, and Congresswoman Barbara Lee’s office.

A devoted community and faith leader, Mrs. Taylor has served with the Lend A Hand Foundation and Miracles of Faith Community Church. Married to Richard Taylor for 68 years, she is a proud grandmother of Yavair and Kris and honors the memory of her late sons, Ricky and Kenny.

Flora Torrez is passionate about helping seniors and improving the community. With a strong focus on safety, Flora is particularly concerned about the current safety challenges facing everyone in the community. Gardening and staying active are key passions for Flora and she’s committed to keeping busy while making a difference. As an active voice in her neighborhood, Flora is dedicated to advocating for fellow seniors and ensuring their concerns are heard.

Phyllis Williams from the Melrose neighborhood is driven by a strong desire to give back to the community, a passion that began in childhood when she participated in collecting donations for UNICEF on Halloween. Inspired by her father, who encouraged her to collect money for a good cause, Phyllis learned early on the importance of making a positive impact on others. This lesson in giving back has stayed with her throughout her life. Now, as a member of the Senior Advisory Council, she is committed to fostering community and promoting dignity for seniors. She believes the council plays a crucial role in creating spaces where older individuals can be heard and respected, ensuring they continue to contribute to the vibrancy of the community.