Bella Comelo, Community Contributor

I've been a resident of San Leandro for the last 21 years. I have an M.A. in Literature from Mysore University and a B. Ed from Bombay University in India.

I have written for weekly magazines and newspapers in India and the U.S. I'm also the author of a children's book called "Raju And The Snake Charmer," which is available on lulu.com and amazon.com.

After working for 44 years, I am pursuing the causes that are dear to my heart. In San Leandro, I have advocated for the Living Wage Ordinance and for the free Links shuttle. I am very much involved in the community and in social justice issues.

I am the Senior Commissioner on the Commission of Aging for the City of San Leandro. I am also the Asian Indian Representative on the Ethnic Pastoral Council of the Diocese of Oakland,  a past Board Member of the East Bay Alliance for a Sustainable Economy, and a present member of the Inter-Faith Committee for Workers' Justice. I am very much excited to be contributing to Patch.com on topics that concern the San Leandro Community, especially the seniors.