EDITORIAL

There’s really no need to question it. Our senior population is

increasing -- not only in Huntington Beach, but nationwide. And it’s up

to us -- as citizens and taxpayers -- to do something about not only

finding enough activities for them but places to congregate and

socialize, as well.

Huntington Beach officials have set aside $150,000 to study the

feasibility of turning the bankrupt Pacifica Hospital and Tower into an

expanded senior center. The city’s goal is to purchase the five acres

comprising Pacifica, as well as an aquatic facility and two-acre park.

The need to replace the Michael E. Rodgers Seniors’ Center, at the

corner of 17th Street and Orange Avenue, has been evidenced in the past

when seniors taking dance classes were relegated to a cramped side room

because workers had to set up the auditorium for an event that night.

There just isn’t enough room.

For decades, seniors have flocked here for social and support

services. But in 1998, city officials began looking for ways to expand

the two-acre center. Currently, about 6,000 people use the senior center

each month, including veterans and other groups. Sometimes, space is

rented to non-senior groups for events, taking up much-needed activity

space.

Center officials have said more residents than ever have reached their

golden age. In 1990, about 30,000 people, or 16%, were over the age of 55

in Huntington Beach. That total is expected to rise to 36,000 by 2010.

Center officials want to be prepared because the Baby Boomers are also

coming up in age.

The Pacifica site could offer everything these seniors need. Besides

the much-needed space, the site is also centrally located near the Five

Points Shopping Center, would have access to public transportation and is

surrounded by senior housing.

The city’s study, however, is only in its infancy stages. It could

take months to really determine if Pacifica is the right site, and by

then, another buyer could come in.

Huntington Beach should act swiftly, but cautiously.