MAILBAG:

As a board member and former liaison from the City Council, I believe the people of Costa Mesa deserve a different viewpoint as to the operations and procedures at the Costa Mesa Senior Center.

It seems as if the Daily Pilot is only printing the viewpoint of those who are quick to make accusations and false statements regarding the center.

As recently as Dec. 23 (“Senior center needs better management”), one writer makes statements that are so far from the truth they are ridiculous.

The pattern with which the Daily Pilot prints these absurd statements is very troubling and makes one wonder if their purpose is to make news out of something that isn’t there.

As the only nonprofit corporation in this city that is subject to the Brown Act, all finances are transparent and open to the public.

Every dime that is spent at the center is scrutinized by city staff and council. Even the money not given by the city is open for scrutiny.

Reports are given monthly to the city for their review. For anyone to accuse the center, the executive director or the board of hiding funds simply does not know what they are talking about.

One local blogger, who fancies himself to be the “guardian” of everything related to the city, constantly criticizes the operations of our board. He is simply one of those who can’t seem to get their facts straight.

It is so much easier to call people names and make accusations than it is to accept the truth. People need to realize this guy for what he is, some one who is quick with criticism but doesn’t allow any other opinions.

Regarding the statement that the board has “squandered” a $600,000 donation: This statement is so far from the truth it defies any logic.

Where did the writer get this? The donation she is referring to was made to the center several years ago. The board at that time saw fit to form a foundation and put that money into an account to benefit future needs of the center.

I am proud to say that this foundation still has that money in a safe, interest-earning account.

Albert Dixon, the donor, would be very happy to know that the forward thinking board entrusted his donation so that contingencies that may arise are dealt with.

Those records are also open to public scrutiny, just ask.

Very recently the board commissioned a new strategic plan process for the future of the operations of the center.

Part of that plan included a survey, offered to every member, of the center and its operations.

One of the outcomes was the reinstatement of a “Senior Advisory Committee,” which meets to discuss items from the members.

The board reviews ideas and recommendations from that group. Many of the disgruntled voices are simply not happy because we haven’t agreed to every thing that the “SAC,” or others, want.

In fact a lot of the turmoil at the center comes from a very small group of seniors who frankly are upset for no better reason than they do not like our executive director.

One senior actually prides herself on “causing trouble.” She should spend more time creating positive ideas rather than looking for ways to dismantle things.

Bottom line is that the board is very responsive to the needs at the center. We don’t always agree with every senior who complains, but we certainly listen. Every board member is very aware of what happens at the center, and is more than willing to share the programs, finances and operations with any one who wishes.

One of our major functions is to raise funds for the operation of the only senior center in California that is not run solely by the city.

The Costa Mesa funding only accounts for about one-third of our budget. The rest comes from donations.

Our board and executive director work hard all year to raise the rest of the funding. Each board member has contributed their own money to the center.

If the Center Corporation was to turn the operation over to the city, the taxpayers would be looking at close to $1 million to run the operation.

Yes, we do get a sizeable benefit from the city, but consider the cost to the city if we as volunteer board members were not willing to help raise the balance of the funding. The self proclaimed “trouble makers” certainly don’t have the means to raise the money.

The Daily Pilot continues to print negative articles and comments regarding the center.

Do the Pilot and the detractors have any idea what the effect might be on potential donors to the center? I think not.

Outsiders reading these false statements would give second thought to donating, if they only believe what they read in the Pilot.

This makes the job of our director and the board so much harder in raising funds. Many of these detractors are not even members of our center, but are quick to criticize.

I would invite anyone to spend some time at the Costa Mesa Senior Center. We are an award-winning center with programs, classes and activities that benefit a wide range of interests.

The overwhelming majority of members knows and appreciates what is going on at the center. It is so unfortunate that a very minor contingent of seniors is so quick to find fault. This small contingent has made it known that they do not like our executive director.

Could this be clouding their judgment on everything else? The Daily Pilot would make you believe that this is the case.

I believe I speak for our board in saying that we welcome any input and scrutiny from the taxpayers of Costa Mesa.

Our financial records are easily obtained at the city. We provide an annual audit of our “books” and that audit is available to anyone who asks. We have to be transparent as a board and center. The state requires it.

Just because bloggers and critics say we are a “social club” and are hiding things doesn’t make it true.

But of course those making those statements don’t allow for dissenting opinion. I hope the Daily Pilot will start allowing a more open view toward the positive things at the Costa Mesa Senior Center. Let’s start looking at both sides.

MIKE SCHEAFER

Costa Mesa

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Senior center director is an embarrassment

I never thought I would write so many e-mails about a senior center, but I feel duty bound.

I even sent one to AARP to state how horrible [Executive Director] Aviva Goelman runs the center and is rude to seniors but no answer.

The Council on Aging said they can’t do anything. We need an army but no one is up to the task. I am not a member and never will be until Goelman is out.

The board and Goelman can continue to pat themselves on the back even though the center is falling apart and will have to be put under the city ownership or rules soon I fear like all successful senior centers in the county.

The Costa Mesa Senior Center is the laughing stock of all centers.

I just wish we could tell horror stories you would not believe about the center.

Like how Goelman embarrasses seniors in the presence of others. Her sensitivity is non-existent.

She should talk to the senior in private and ask how they could make things better.

I have gone to her office hidden on the top floor. She would not open the door to even hear me. She is an embarrassment to all senior directors who do their job the right way.

A lot of seniors don’t use a computer, but if they have access to one and have their complaints typed by someone you would hear some true complaints like mine.

DARLENE LETNES

Costa Mesa