As a proud volunteer of cherished local institution, the Berkeley Nikkei Senior Center (BNSC) program, sponsored by the City of Berkeley out of the North Berkeley Senior Center, I was devastated to witness the City's abrupt firing of program director, Kayo Fisher, and loss of support to the Nikkei community.

BNSC is of immense value in our community, providing seniors with a nutritional lunch program, exercise, singing and other culturally relevant activities. When I started volunteering in 2004 it had already been a vital part of the city's programming for 35 years. Now, two decades later, as it should be celebrating its 55th year of continuous service, this unjustified termination puts the quality and efficiency of services to our community at grave risk.

This cut in funding and dismissal of our Coordinator is not just a loss for our program and volunteer staff, it is a loss for all seniors who rely on this program for social connection, mental stimulation, and community support. Her absence amplifies the concerns that changes in staffing since the pandemic have left the Berkeley Aging Services programs disconnected from the population it serves, resulting in vital community programs like ours losing support and being confused as “renters” of the Center space instead of central programs.

Surprisingly, this action contradicts the City's promise to maintain services for the Nikkei community.  In fact, 35 years ago a similar mix-up occurred, resulting in administrators not initially recognizing our program as a centrally funded, core component of the City’s Aging Services.  After a ground swell in support, then-mayor Loni Hancock assured our community that the program would be recognized as “an ongoing program of the City.”  While she did “not anticipate any similar problems in the future,” it seems we are, sadly, in a similar situation again.

We implore you to consider the 55-year rich history of support, respect, and connection we've offered City of Berkeley senior citizens. We argue for the reinstatement of the Berkeley Nikkei Senior Program as an integral part of the City’s Aging Services at the North Berkeley Senior Center. In addition, we stress the importance of re-appointment of Kayo Fisher as the Program Director at the correct staffing level.

Finally, recognizing the unwarranted termination, we ask for the assurance of back pay for Kayo Fisher. These calls are not just for one individual's job, but for the respect and care of our Nikkei Senior citizens. It is time for the City to acknowledge and value its commitment to our community. We urge you to rectify this situation and uphold the dignity of our seniors. Please sign the petition to ensure that our community continues to receive the essential services it heavily relies upon.