A Century of Wisdom and Memories

County Public Housing Resident Celebrates Centennial Birthday

December 17, 2024 – Last month, Jose Samaniego, a long-time resident at one of the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) East County Senior Public Housing Sites located in East Los Angeles, celebrated his 100^th birthday with lively Spanish music, dancing, cake, and sharing memories of his sports playing days. In recognition of his milestone of a birthday, he was awarded a certificate from LA County Board Supervisor Hilda L. Solis. 

Mr. Samaniego was born November 29, 1924, in Jalisco, Mexico, and has been a resident at the senior site for over 24 years. Samaniego loves the proximity of living in East Los Angeles and fills his days taking walks around the block with his caretaker Santos, and visiting pets in the neighborhood. He attributes exercising to his secret of keeping him so young. From a young age, Mr. Samaniego was a well accomplished soccer player and enjoyed riding his bicycle anywhere and everywhere. His current form of exercise other than his strolls around the neighborhood, include dancing to music that he plays on his portable radio.

Living at one of the County’s public housing sites for so long, Mr. Samaniego is happy that he can feel like part of a community as well as have many amenities available. From knitting and gifting items, to wearing his favorite hat out on his walks, the comfortability and amount of independence he has where he is living is what he appreciates.

Having spent years working in various roles, from factories and painting houses, to working at a special needs school, once I retired, I was especially grateful to have found somewhere to live that is both comfortable and affordable,” said Mr. Samaniego.

“The LACDA takes pride in providing supportive services to its public housing residents that allow them to age in place and improve their quality of life,” said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. “Mr. Samaniego’s story is one that we hope for all of our residents, and a testament that the services provided to our residents do make an impact on their lives.

”The Resident Services Program (RSP) operates at the LACDA's public housing sites, with a mission to assist with self-sufficiency and improve the quality of life for all residents, that spans over 6,000 children, families, seniors, and persons with disabilities through the delivery of quality programs and services. Services for seniors include case management, home delivered meals, transportation, cultural activities, light exercise, safety and financial workshops, and field trips. Many of the programs are facilitated by local community partnerships.