LAMORINDA WEEKLY | Dochterman Appointed to Advisory Council on Aging


Cliff Dochterman talks with Vice Mayor Howard Harpham after his nomination to the Advisory Council on Aging Photo Sophie Braccini

Moraga resident Cliff Dochterman may never be done serving his community. After years on the Board of the Moraga Country Club, as the Chair of the San Joaquin County Parks and Recreation Commission, on the Board of the Stockton Chamber of Commerce, and as Worldwide President of Rotary International, the former University of the Pacific executive vice president will be Moraga's representative to the Contra Costa County Advisory Council on Aging (ACOA). The exceptionally sharp and witty gentleman, now in his 80s, has views on what aging residents need and he promises to use his fighting spirit to get that population the attention and services it deserves.

"Residents over age 65 represent about 18.3 percent of Lamorinda's population," Dochterman told the Town Council August 28 as it considered his appointment. "I feel, every day of my life, the issues and the concerns that they have."

Dochterman believes that the first concern is economic. "Will I have enough money to last the days that I still have?" Health care is the second concern he cited. "Will I be a burden on someone?" Accessibility, mobility, transportation and quality of life rounded out his list. "Hundreds of people in our community could be lonely; is there someone there to care?"

The Council asked him a few questions before unanimously appointing him to the ACOA. "What is your view on the role of government in providing senior services?" asked Mayor Mike Metcalf. "Do we have an obligation for our children, for their education?" responded Dochterman. "For some people (government) is their only hope. When people reach a certain age, they may require a little more-maybe a handrail on a city street, the little things that make a difference. We do so much for our children, and that's important, but so many seniors have given their whole lives; we can't turn our backs to them," he said.

ACOA members are appointed to advise the County's Board of Supervisors on all matters associated with the planning, development and administration of programs relating to older adults. Each of the 40 members serves on one or more different committees: health, housing, legislative advocacy, marketing, mental health, and transportation-Dochterman indicated that he is primarily interested in health and transportation, areas in which he is determined to make a difference.