Sierra Seniors radio show February 5th, 2011

Sierra Seniors-sharing information for the well-being of seniors in and around the Motherlode.  Presented by the Tuolumne County Commission on Aging. The Commission on Aging is an informed voice in the community, to advise, support and advocate on any or all matters affecting the aging in Tuolumne County.

1450 KVML AM  9:05am-9:30am

Written by: Roberta Goodwin
Host: Cathie Peacock

Today’s Guests: 1) Darin Grossi, Deputy Director of Transportation Services, Tuolumne County Transportation Council and 2) Cathy Metcalf of Tuolumne County Transit

Topic:  Transportation

Cathie: OK you two, for our listeners, tell us a little about yourself, what do you do, also what you like to do - when you're not working - for fun etc.

Darin: I've been here 17 years, came from Southern California to raise my family.  I have a 17 year old boy, a 15 year old girl, and another child at Soulsbyville Elementary. 

Cathy: I grew up here, went off to college and came back 5 years ago.  I have three kids, a college age to a 7 year old.  It's so wonderful to come home.

Cathie:  A while ago, I had a gripe to you folks and submitted a letter.  I received immediate gratification and a resolution.  Both of you helped and I want everyone to know that if you have a complaint or a concern, do not hesitate to contact these people.

Darin:  Good to know.  If we are aware of a problem, we can help, hopefully. 

Cathie: How does someone contact you?

Cathy: Call me at 532-0404. 

Cathie:  How about this new “Tuolumne Tomorrow”?

Darin: It’s where we take a look at how the county might grow.  The senior population, in particular, y'know, it's important because where people choose to live affects their lifestyle later on.  They can evolve to being transit-dependent or home-bound.  It’s important to think out 20 years, not five, when looking at a place to retire.  But that’s hard to do when all your life you've longed to live in a certain place or setting.  

Cathie:  Cathy, are these the things you hear, that some services don't exist?

Cathy:  As Darin said, mobility-dependence is the biggest concern.  We just don't plan or think of these things.  I recently encouraged my father-in-law to try our system, and he was so pleased how easy it was, that our drivers and employees were so gracious and considerate.  And we have a “Transit Ambassador” system, which means we can send someone along with you if you need assistance, who will spend all day with you if you like, to help you get familiar with our system. 

Cathie:  Tuolumne Tomorrow is what exactly?

Darin: Tuolumne Tomorrow is the regional blueprint planning process for directing future growth and quality of life in Tuolumne County, by coordinating land use, transportation, housing, economic development, and environmental protection. The decisions made today will affect residents for ten, twenty and fifty years into the future. And it's not just for seniors, it’s for everyone, including young kids, it’s multi-faceted.  We have a series of meetings coming soon; the first is Feb. 14^th from 1-4 PM in Groveland.  Everyone is encouraged to attend.  We need to hear from the public, we need their input, to plan for our growth.  For a long time now, we've had increasing needs with decreasing funds.  Because we're a “slow-growth” county some of our changes may not be visible yet, but I'm always listening so please give us your input.   

Cathie: Thank you both for appearing on our show.

Darin and Cathy: Thank you for having us. 

Cathie:  I'd like to thank our sponsor today: Seniority Lifecare at Home, 209-532-4500.  And of course, Mark Truppner of KVML, who always makes sure our show runs smoothly. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

http://www.tuolumnetomorrow.com
The purpose of Tuolumne Tomorrow is to create a plan for the future of Tuolumne County. The Blueprint Planning Committee created these Guiding Principles, which provide direction for future policies and objectives:

• Provide for an adequate supply of housing opportunities and choices.
• Create safe, healthy, walk-able and vibrant communities.
• Promote distinctive, attractive communities with a strong sense of place.
• Increase the quantity of Mixed Use land uses.
• Minimize the impacts to natural resources.
• Provide a variety of transportation choices.
• Reduce the region's greenhouse gas emissions.
• Make development decisions predictable, fair and cost effective.
• Provide for an adequate supply of commercial, industrial, recreational and tourism uses.

First Round of community workshops:

• February 14, 2011 at Groveland Community Hall, 1 pm - 4 pm
• February 15, 2011 at Elks Lodge in Sonora, 1 pm - 4 pm
• February 15, 2011 at Jamestown Elementary School, 6 pm - 8:30 pm
• February 16, 2011 at Veterans Memorial Hall in Tuolumne City, 6 pm - 9 pm
• February 17, 2011 at Twain Harte Elementary, 6 pm - 9 pm

Tuolumne County Transportation Council
email: transcouncil@tuolumnecounty.ca.gov
http://portal.co.tuolumne.ca.us/psp/ps/TUP_TC_TRANS_COM/ENTP/h/?tab=DEFAULT
Business Address: 2 South Green Street, Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-533-5601

Tuolumne County Transit
Call 532-0404 for information about Tuolumne County Transit
http://www.tuolumnecountytransit.com/about.html
Business Address: 13033 Sanguinetti Road, Sonora, CA 95370
Phone: 209-532-0404