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Since last Friday, the city has offered the Senior Center as a cooling center for people to enjoy air conditioning, cold water and even games while taking refuge from temperatures potentially passing 110 degrees mid-week.
Free transportation is provided through Pleasanton Paratransit Services to the cooling center for those ages 60 and older or ADA qualified. Call 931-5365 to schedule a ride.
The center was originally intended to be available from last Friday through today; however, unexpected rises in temperature have prompted the city to extend the program until Wednesday, July 3, according to Raymond Figueroa of the Community Services Department.
Turnout over the weekend was “very modest” said Figueroa, noting that it often takes three to four days of extreme heat for turnout to a cooling center to increase.
The cooling center is located in the Senior Support Program offices, adjacent to the Senior Center, 5353 Sunol Blvd., because the main area of the Senior Center is closed for annual maintenance. While the offices are in the same building, they are not the usual location offered by Pleasanton as a cooling center, which Figueroa felt may have kept some from taking advantage of the facilities since the heat wave has struck.
He also commented that many may be finding other ways to combat the heat, such as attending programs at the Pleasanton Public Library, visiting the mall or seeing movies.
The National Weather Service has issued an Excessive Heat Warning in the area, cautioning citizens to remain indoors, drink plenty of liquids, and schedule strenuous activities in the evening or early morning.
The air-conditioned Senior Center, prepared with board games and magazines, is ready to accommodate an influx of people seeking refuge from the sweltering outdoors during the next few days.
