Employer Job Title
Which Boards would you like to apply for?
Senior Citizens Commission: Submitted
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If you or your spouse is retired and receiving a pension, please state source of pension.
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Interests & Experiences
High School, College, Professional, Vocational, or Other Schools Attended.
Please include Major or Field of Study, Dates Attended, Degree and Date of Degree.
Prospect High/1974 Diploma A.S. degree in Early Childhood/C.O.Sequoias/ 1990 attended U.C.Santa Barbara/general ed 1977 Fresno State 2003 B.A. Liberal Studies/Education minor Entrepreneur certificate/adult ed/Del Mar High 2020 Government (SJ) completion/on-line certificate 2026
List any position or office held in any governmental agency, civic, or charitable organization including the dates.
2024-2025 Ad Hoc housing sub-committee presided over by Gina Gates Lopez/Senior Commission of San Jose Black Student Union President/Tulare Union High presided over by principal Howard Berger 2002
San Jose Unified School
District Sub-Teacher
Lilian Koenig
What is the purpose of historic preservation in San José and what is the role of the Historic Landmarks Commission in achieving that purpose? The purpose of preservation is to conserve/protect the architecture of a particular historic district. That includes new development that should conform with those standards. The Landmark Commission must maintain a list of historic structures in San Jose. The Historic Preservation Ordinance includes HP permits to be reviewed by the commission and involve public comment on reconstruction of older buildings. The Alum Rock corridor is an example of o maintaining historic and cultural relevance while developing the area.
Please explain your prior experience with historic preservation, with San José’s public planning processes, and in working with City or other public agency staff.
I have attended (via Zoom) the commission on Landmarks via the public forum. While protecting historic buildings, I have maintained that preserving the environmental surroundings,(setting/landscape) such as magnificent ordinance/non-ordinance trees to be just as important. (On record) During the planing process (per Mr. Burton- Director of PBCode) staff recommendation (memorandum) per development projects, (CEQA, EIR), outweighs the impact to historic districts and comments on City Council considerations to those projects. Public input/comments are also welcomed during the review process which might impact an historic neighborhood.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
What is a major issue facing San José’s older adults and what do you see as the Commission’s role in this issue?
Housing issues are a priority for older adults and the role of a Commissioner is to be a proponent for those who are struggling in this domain. The city council and Housing Commission of San Jose work with the County on issues of veteran homeless struggles and unhoused seniors. While the Senior Commission continues to tackle the un-housed population of older adults, it is an area the Commission must face with additional resources and input. The /ad-hoc committee began last year (2024) should be top priority.
Lilian Koenig
(Optional) Please upload a resume.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
Please describe a leadership role you have assumed within the last five years.
My leadership role as a sub-teacher in various SJ schools; navigating instructions by teachers/staff; attending school board meetings; input on climate change/green spaces on- line/public comment at various board meetings; walking/meeting precincts per candidates; In-home health care for ill mother during Covid; lastly, supervising an autistic adult in various public spaces-all require leadership.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
How would you handle differences in opinions or positions on issues being heard at a Senior Commission meeting?
i have been to many of the Senior meetings which are run by PRNS, who then directs the comment/question period on various agenda items the commission discusses. When there is a difference of opinion the commissioners speak on them when called upon. Discussion takes place and a vote is taken. A quorum needs to be in place for the votes to be counted and recorded. Positions must be heard at the Commission meetings and the individual commissioner is allowed to comment.
Question applies to Senior Citizens Commission
What makes you knowledgeable about senior issues in the community? I myself am a senior citizen who currently resides in senior housing. The Senior Commission had a housing sub-committee presided over by past president- Gina-Gates Lopez-on which I served. The issues pertinent to us were affordable housing/ units available/ and interactions with various non-profits/governmental agencies. Seniors don't always understand how to navigate the housing catalogue/qualifications when searching for living accommodations.
Safety in our communities is another key issue that the Sr. Commission addressed as well as avoiding monetary Scams. I have experienced all of these first hand and have learned some valuable life lessons, of which Seniors should be made aware. I have attended many zoom board/commission meetings, such as Housing/PRNs/Youth Commission/Climate Advisory, Board of Supervisors, and others. It is important to be informed about all subjects affecting our neighbors.
Anything else you would like us to know?
As a technical issue, I often resort to the library for assistance with my lap-top (computer).
Seniors constantly need updates and supports with technology, which includes viruses and security threats. Being independent, seniors are a great benefit to the community via life experience, however ,liife-long learning involves updating our skills while navigating the digital/ virtual world. I'm proof that it is possible.
Retirement Board Questions Only
Lilian Koenig