East Palo Alto Police Department honors seniors with an annual holiday breakfast

East Palo Alto seniors celebrate the holiday season at the the breakfast given in their honor by the East Palo Alto Police Department. Photo credits-David Rages

The East Palo Alto Senior Center was full of laughter, music, and the smell of hot food at the annual holiday breakfast presented by the East Palo Alto Police Department, where more than 100 seniors and their families gathered to celebrate the season.

City Manager Melvin Gaines opened the program by acknowledging the deep roots and experience in the room. “I am very grateful for our seniors who have so much wisdom and have made so many contributions to our community over the years,” he said, drawing warm applause.

Mayor Webster Lincoln followed with a reminder that the city’s elders remain at the heart of East Palo Alto’s story. “A lot of our founding members of our community are here, so we just want to let you know that you’re not forgotten, and we thank you,” he told the crowd.

East Palo Alto Senior Center Director, Millicent Grant, stands at the podium with her daughter Bridget Grant as they listen to newly elected East Palo Alto Mayor Webster Lincoln. - Photo credit-David Rages

At the center of it all was Millicent Grant, executive director of the East Palo Alto Senior Center. Vice Mayor Ruben Abrica took a moment to thank Ms. Grant, city staff, the East Palo Alto Police Department and the Four Seasons Hotel for their roles in putting on the event and providing the food.

The breakfast, which was served on December 18, was a spread that felt like a holiday brunch: eggs, bacon, pancakes, potatoes, pastries, coffee, and tea, all prepared by the Four Seasons. Police officers and staff served the plates and poured drinks for seniors and their families, moving from table to table, giving residents a chance to interact with them in a relaxed, personal way.

The morning also highlighted the police department’s connection with regional and state leaders. Chief of Police Jeff Liu was presented with certificates of recognition from the office of Congressman Kevin Mullin, delivered by staffer Priscilla, as well as from the office of State Senator Josh Becker, who was not in attendance but sent honors to be read and presented.

Holiday music set the tone throughout the program. The Uelese Family performed Christmas songs that had people nodding along and swaying in their seats. Hula dancers Kalaneti Naufahu and Lizzy Naufahu followed with a graceful performance that felt both festive and calming.

One of the most memorable moments came when San Mateo County Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, who was in attendance, stepped in to help seniors sign up for a new wellness resource. During a presentation from Susie Vick of One Life Counseling, seniors learned about the Music for the Mind program, which provides free, customized MP3 players and headsets for older adults. Vick passed out forms so residents could enroll, and Supervisor Gauthier immediately began helping Chief Liu and seniors fill them out, going table by table to make sure no one was left out.

Then, in the middle of the hula performance, Supervisor Gauthier joined the dancers on the floor, drawing cheers, smiles and a lot of camera phones from the audience. It was one of those small, unscripted moments that summed up the tone of the event: accessible, light-hearted, and centered on connection.

The hula dancing by sisters Kalaneti and Lizzy Naufahu was so inspiring that others in the audience joined them. Photo credits-David Rages

Music continued with a powerful vocal performance from volunteer and Rotary member Mona Lisa Vunipola, who sang “This Christmas” to loud applause and a few quiet sing alongs.

Later in the program, the community’s younger generation of helpers was recognized as well. Bridget Grant, daughter of Executive Director Millicent Grant, received an award for her service to the community during the COVID-19 pandemic. It was presented on behalf of Senator Josh Becker’s office. Her recognition underscored how community service in East Palo Alto often spans generations within the same family.

As the program continued, council members Carlos Romero and Mark Dinan were spotted greeting residents, sharing conversations at tables and taking in the performances along with everyone else.

Near the end of the event, Chief Liu returned to the microphone to make a special announcement: Santa had arrived. Santa entered the senior center to big smiles and laughter, handing out gifts so that everyone in attendance—seniors and their family members—left with something to take home.

By the time the plates were cleared and the coffee cups were empty, the annual holiday breakfast had done more than serve a good meal. It brought together elders, city staff, elected officials, police officers and local partners in one room, turning a simple holiday gathering into a reminder that East Palo Alto’s seniors are seen, appreciated and celebrated.

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