Host of services just for seniors are available

CITY OF SEAL BEACH

The City of Seal Beach offers a host of senior services, including:

• Senior Transportation Services • Meals on Wheels

• Discounts on utility bills, parking and pet licenses

• Senior tax assistance

• Bathroom remodel program

• Friendly visitor program Senior Transportation Services This service change was a result of the unexpected closure of the Keolis’ Orange County facility, which was contracted to operate the city’s senior shuttle and dial-a-ride program. The Keolis Orange County facility closed in June.

As a result, the Dial-a-Ride services has been expanded as follows with California Yellow Cab:

• Operating hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. - 2:30p.m.

• Reservations must be made 24 hours in advance by calling toll-free (877) 224-8294. Reservations made less than 24-hours in advance cannot be guaranteed.

• Only registered eligible riders can partake in this service. To be eligible, the rider must be a Seal Beach resident 60 years and older.

• To confirm whether you are already registered, call California Yellow Cab, Melissa Gomez or Cristina Valle, at (714) 427-2555

• To register as a new rider, contact Iris Lee at (562) 431-2527, ext. 1322 or ilee@sealbeachca. gov or email AskCityHall@sealbeachca. gov.

• There is no cost to use this service.

• Transportation services will be provided to any location within city limits, and up to three miles outside City limits and within Orange County for non-emergency medical purposes. Users may also elect to go to the VA Hospital in Long Beach.

Seal Beach/OC Meals on Wheels During the COVID-19 pan- demic, the Seal Beach Meals on Wheels program has become the lifeline to many seniors by being the sole source of free meal delivery in Seal Beach. The City of Seal Beach Meals on Wheels is offered in partnership with OC Meals on Wheels.

Both homebound meals and congregate meals are available. The homebound program is for seniors who are unable to pick up meals and need assistance with meal delivery and the congregate lunch program is now available for seniors who are able or prefer to pick up meals (five frozen meals). If seniors are interested in participating in either program, they must register first by calling the City’s Recreation Department at (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344.

For homebound individuals 60-plus years of age who are unable to shop and/or prepare meals for themselves, the City of Seal Beach delivers three meals directly to their home: breakfast items, a cold lunch, and a frozen dinner. These meals, which provide 100 percent of the U.S Nutritional Recommended Dietary Allowance, are available five days per week at no cost to the community.

“This program is a testament to the incredible commitment of our staff team which provide the highest level of essential and vital services to our community in need during a major crisis,” said Seal Beach City Manager Jill Ingram.

For more information about this program, contact the city’s Recreation Department at (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344. Discounts for Seniors on Utility Bills, Parking and Pet Licenses There are discounts available for seniors on utility bills, parking and pet licenses. Pet licenses have a 50 percent discount. Most utility bills have a 15 percent discount, and there is a discount for parking. When you pay or sign up for these services make sure to reach out to the city to see what discounts are available.

• Parking Contact: (562) 431-2527, ext. 1310, or via email at parkingpermits@ sealbeachca. gov, new parking permits and renewals can be processed online through the following link: https://www.citationprocessingcenter. com/citizens/sealbeach/ permits

• Pet License Contact: (562) 570-7387, pet licenses are processed through Long Beach Animal Care Services at www. longbeach.gov/acs/pet-laws-andlicensing/ licensing/

Utility Bills Contact: (562) 431-2527 Ext. 1309 or via email at payments@sesalbeachca.gov.

Senior Tax Assistance

Seal Beach offers free assistance for low-income seniors in preparing State and Federal income tax returns. Tax assistance is offered at Fire Station #48, Community Room, 3131 N. Gate Road, Seal Beach, CA 90740 At tax time, appointments are taken on a first-come, firstserved basis. They are scheduled for Monday mornings ONLY from February-April. For more information, call (562) 431-2527, ext. 1344.

SeniorCityzen

Seal Beach recently launched a new program called Senior-Cityzen to support and check in with seniors who are socially isolated as a result of the COVID-19 stay-at-home orders.

The resource allows Seal Beach seniors to connect with city staff (volunteers) who may schedule a call to receive regular check-ins via telephone to chat and/or to receive referrals to community resources during this difficult time.

Seniors that are interested in participating may email Senior-Cityzen@sealbeachca.gov or call (562) 431-2527, ext. 1600.