Scores of seniors visited information booths at Bay Terraces Park for four hours, asking questions of nonprofits and agencies that offer help with transportation, legal issues, healthcare and caregiving, nutrition, technology, volunteering and elder abuse.
The resource fair was the second in a series of community events for seniors organized Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2026 by county supervisor Monica Montgomery Steppe, who partnered with councilmember Henry Foster III for this edition. The previous event happened at the Taiwanese American Community Center in Kearney Mesa.
Montgomery Steppe said adults above 60 years make up 22 percent of San Diego County, adding the number will increase by 16 percent by 2029.
“As our region ages, it’s important that our elected leaders ensure strong coordinated support for older adults,” she said. “This means ensuring access to care, age-friendly housing, reliable transportation, opportunities to work and volunteer, and the resources needed to live with independence and dignity.”
Dennard Clendenin, 78, of National City, stopped driving because of failing vision. At the fair, he learned he could get free, fully covered transportation from San Diego PACE, a care program for seniors operated by the nonprofit, San Ysidro Health.
“PACE gave me some material on how to get around National City,” Clendenin said. “That was most valuable for me.” He said he came to the fair mainly to get information about transportation options for older adults.
San Diego PACE, San Diego County’s Aging & Independence Services and Serving Seniors, the nonprofit that serves lunch to seniors Monday through Friday at the Bay Terraces senior center, were among the many programs at the fair.
Matthew Parcasio of Aging & Independence Services said the county offers more than 30 free programs for seniors. Residents 85 years and older are the fastest-growing age group in the country, he said.
“Our goal is to really help out not only 85-plus, but all of our older adults in our community, stay as independent as possible,” he said.
Parcasio said seniors can call 800-339-4661 Monday through Friday to learn about the agency’s services or to report abuse, including scams. “We don’t want anyone to be fearful or embarrassed that they have been scammed,” he said.
Project Care, the county’s program designed to help isolated seniors stay connected, is open to every senior, Parcasio said.
“If you know someone who lives alone, they can receive a call from Project Care,” he said. Project Care will call to ask how the person is doing and set a schedule for regular check-in calls, he said.
