Veterans’ nonprofit leader Janessa Goldbeck joined Rep. Scott Peters, D-San Diego, Tuesday to announce details of a plan to address elder abuse at the county level.
Peters and Goldbeck were also joined by local doctors specializing in geriatric medicine.
“With the senior population growing and elder abuse rising, we need to put senior safety front and center at the county,” said Goldbeck, a candidate to replace Nathan Fletcher on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors in the Aug. 15 special election. “Whether it’s financial scams or physical violence, I believe our county has a moral imperative to step up protection for the seniors who have given so much to San Diego.”
“This is a strong step to more effectively combat elder abuse in San Diego County and bring greater focus to all the urgent senior services we need to expand,” she said.
A recent county grand jury report identified steps to combat elder abuse, including launching awareness campaigns, securing full funding for senior centers and establishing a central reporting hub. Goldbeck’s plan seeks to address these steps.
Her plan’s pillars are:
- fully funding senior legal protection
- prioritizing adult protective services
- quick action on the grand jury recommendations
Peters described his work securing increased funding for San Diego County’s Elder Abuse and Fraud Prevention Services, including $35.7 million for Aging and Independent Protective Services from 2021-24.
“Effectively addressing the alarming rise in elder abuse requires a strong voice on the county board,” he said. “This plan emphasizes practical, pragmatic steps the county can take to safeguard San Diego’s seniors. I’ll always fight for San Diego’s fair share of funding for senior safety in Washington D.C., but it’s critical to increase the county’s investments too.”
Goldbeck is running for the position vacated by Fletcher when he stepped down following what he describes as an “inappropriate relationship” with a subordinate. The woman in question has alleged sexual assault and harassment, but Fletcher has denied those claims.
Goldbeck is joined by fellow Democrat Monica Montgomery Steppe, San Diego City Council president pro tem, and Republicans Amy Reichert, founder of Reopen San Diego, and Marine veteran Paul McQuigg in running for the seat.
Early voting is underway in the special election, the winner of which will serve out the remainder of Fletcher’s term, which ends in 2027.
City News Service contributed to this article.
