



                         THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN



                      Quarterly Magazine of the 

                    CALIFORNIA COUNCIL OF THE BLIND



Fall, 2002, Volume 46, No. 4



      Published in Braille, Cassette, Diskette, and Large Print 




                     Catherine Skivers, President 
                          836 Resota Street 
                           Hayward, CA 94545
                           510-357-1986 Res.


                           Executive Office:
                             578 B Street
                           Hayward, CA 94541
                             800-221-6359
                             510-537-7877
                            e-mail ccotb@earthlink.net
                           Fax: 510-537-7830
                           www.ccbnet.org



                 Los Angeles Area Office, John Lopez 
             3925 East 6th Street, Los Angeles, CA 90023 
                             323-780-3500


                   Sacramento Area Office, Dan Kysor
                       225 15th St. 
                         West Sacramento, CA 95691
                             
                            916-371-1514
                                                 Fax 916-371-7630
                       E-mail dan@ccbnet.org 


Please send all address changes to the Executive Office in
Hayward. 




                       Editor: Winifred Downing
                           1587 38th Avenue
                        San Francisco, CA 94122
                             415-564-5798
                     E-mail wmdowning@mindspring.com




Call the CALIFORNIA CONNECTION at 800-221-6359 for an update on
legislation and CCB events Monday through Friday after 4 p.m. and
all
day on weekends.  At these times it is available also in Spanish.



Nonmembers are requested and members are invited to pay a yearly
subscription fee of $10 toward the printing of THE BLIND
CALIFORNIAN. 





If you or a friend would like to remember the California Council
of the
Blind in your will, you can do so by employing the following
language: 

"I give, devise, and bequeath unto the California Council of the
Blind,
a nonprofit charitable organization in California, the sum of
$---- (or
---- ) to be used for its worthy purposes on behalf of blind
persons."

If your wishes are more complex, you may have your attorney 
communicate with the Hayward office for other suggested forms.
Thank
you.



                           TABLE OF CONTENTS

FROM THE EDITOR, by Winifred Downing . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1

REPORT OF THE ACB 2002 CONVENTION, by Catherine
     Skivers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2

CALIFORNIA SIDEWALKS UNDER ATTACK, by Dan Kysor  . . . . . . . .9

NEW DETECTABLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM OFFERS INFORMATION
     TO BLIND AND VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEDESTRIANS, by 
     Rob Cook  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

OPEN LETTER FROM RON BROOKS  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN AT THE ACB 2002
     CONVENTION, by Jeff Thom. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT, by Herb Clayton . . . . . . 21

BULLETIN BOARD, compiled by Keith Black  . . . . . . . . . . . 22

WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU MEET A SIGHTED PERSON  . . . . . . . . . . 25

ISSUES AND CONCERNS REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT 
     OF INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS, by Dr. Tasha l. 
     Dean  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

LEGISLATIVE REPORT, FALL, 2002, by Dan Kysor . . . . . . . . . 27

GDUC WANTS TO KNOW, by Sheila Ssyron . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30

PREVALENCE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEFINTED CONDITIONS . . . . . . 33

CAREER CONNNECTIONS: A LEADERSHIP RETREAT, by 
     Cataherine Schmitt Whitaker . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

NEW REGULATIONS ON THE FREE MATTER PRIVILEGE . . . . . . . . . 34

ACB RESPONSES CONCERNING THE FREE MATTER 
     PRIVILEGE, by Melanie Brunson . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38

OREGON ROMP, by Sheila Styron  . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

AROUND THE STATE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

CCB OFFICERS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

BOARD OF DIRECTORS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42




In accepting material for THE BLIND CALIFORNIAN, priority will be
given to articles concerning the activities and  policies of the
California Council of the Blind and to the experiences and
concerns of blind persons.  Recommended length is under 3 pages;
if space constraints make it necessary to divide an article,
every effort will be made to discuss the matter with the author
before publication. 




                         FROM THE EDITOR

                       by Winifred Downing

     San Francisco, like most urban areas, has both pluses and
minuses for its residents.  The minuses are most of the usual
disadvantages of cities--a large homeless population, parking and
sidewalk congestion, increasing traffic problems, and many gray,
foggy, cold days.  August is usually more unpleasant than is
January.  
     On the plus side, in addition to its many cultural
offerings, readily available public transportation, some
paratransit services for senior citizens and the disabled, and a
strong medical community, there is Camp Mather.  This camp,
located in the mountains above Yosemite Valley, originated when
the damning of the Ptolemy River and the building of the Hetch
Hetchy system took place early in the last century.  When the
construction was completed, the cabins and supporting structures
used by the workers remained, and people who knew about them
began to go to the area during the summer months.  From that
humble beginning developed a truly wonderful site available first
to San Francisco residents, and, on a space-available basis, to
other Bay Area people.  
     Each San Francisco resident can enroll for a week five other
campers for either a cabin or tent site.  Since two of my
children are San Francisco residents with five persons in each
family, we could get together the number of spaces necessary to
enroll my daughter's family from Napa and to bring down two
grandsons who live in Oregon.  We all spent the first week of 
August at the camp.
     On the site itself are volleyball, basketball, badminton,
pingpong, baseball, a swimming pool, a lake, horses to ride, and
classes in nature study and crafts.  Now that the grandchildren
are all old enough for advanced hiking an swimming, groups formed
every day to drive to various places in the area, hike several
miles, and then enjoy swimming, fishing, or just picnicking at
lovely, clear pools with great rocks for jumping and sliding. 
Several of the adults took early morning bike rides for miles to 
the Hetch-hetchy Damn.  In former years, some of them biked to
the top of the Yosemite Valley and then rode 14 miles downhill
into the park.
     Food at the camp is served centrally, 550 meals three times
a day.  One might expect, at that large production rate,
institutional fare; but the food just couldn't be better.  It
isn't gourmet food but just great American choices with a large
salad bar, a vegetarian and meat choice at each meal, luscious
desserts, bread baked right at camp, and a bag lunch that can be
ordered any evening for hikers the following day.  
     Work in the camp is performed mainly by young San
Franciscans 18 to 21 years old, and we were delighted to see a
blind girl so employed.  What we saw her doing was replacing
tissue and paper towels in the large bathrooms throughout the
site.  Also,she had enough vision to make lists of those who
ordered lunches preparatory to next-day hikes.  
     Camp is expensive but less so than would be similar
accommodations anywhere else.  I must confess that I was a wimp
this year and didn't stay in a tent or cabin with the community
bathroom out in the wilderness.  Instead, I bedded down at the
only hotel for miles, and therefore one with prices that reflect
the lack of competition.  My accommodations were adequate but
unusual.  There were no phones in the rooms; no radio or tv, of
course; a wastebasket consisting of a scrub pail with a plastic
bag inside; a night stand by the bed consisting of three
suitcases on top of each other crowned by a bed lamp; and no
chair at all.  The porch outside the room did have two huge
chairs, the bed was very comfortable, and the bathroom had all
the necessary equipment so I was quite happy there.  Each morning
some of my camping family walked the mile to call for me, and we 
walked the mile back in the lovely, early morning air.  The same
process was repeated in reverse around 10 at night.  All day we
spent outside where we watched camp activities, and gossiped and
I indulged my love of reading and knitting.  11 of the 12
grandchildren were present (the college man had to work), and
three of my own children with their spouses were there.  Could
anyone have a more enjoyable summer experience!  
     Now I'm ready to hear more from all of you on your thoughts
and the happenings in your lives.  Don't forget the next deadline
of December 1, 2002.


                REPORT OF THE ACB 2002 CONVENTION

                      by Catherine Skivers

     The 41st convention of the American Council of Blind was
held in Houston, Texas, from June 29 to July 6.  More than 40
Californians found their way to Houston and resided either in the
Adam's Mark or the Hilton Hotel.  If you have had the chance to
talk to each person who attended this outstanding convention, you
will have heard different ideas about which of the great events 
 were most important and enjoyable.  My thanks to Jeff Thom, my
alternate delegate, for help in the preparation of this report. 
     The California Council of the Blind can be proud of the fine
work so many members do in ACB.  Chris Gray, President of ACB,
did an outstanding job conducting meetings and overseeing the
convention, for he has a relaxed and friendly way of greeting and
introducing people.  Jeff Thom was Resolutions Chair and did
excellent work in bringing well prepared resolutions to the floor
and reading them from braille copy.  He was called on quite often
on short notice, and his presentation was appreciated by
everyone.  
     The convention had the usual Pledge of Allegiance and
invocation prior to the beginning of general sessions.  At each
one, there was a drawing held for someone to receive a talking
sign, seven of which were given throughout the convention.  There
were also the customary interesting door prizes provided
predominantly by chapters and affiliates of ACB.  
     Ray Campbell was the new chair of Constitution and ByLaws
this year.  Amendments under consideration are read on one day
and voted on the next, as is the practice in this state.  The
only amendment of substance established the Public Relations
Committee as a standing committee in the Council.  Many things,
including this amendment and the other amendments, will receive
detailed treatment in coming months in The Braille Forum.  I
attended a meeting on public relations on June 29.  ACB had at
least eight press releases this year covering subjects like
accessible currency, the Seven-Eleven decision, Medicare and
Visudyne therapy and the Federal Communications Commission
rulings pertaining to descriptive video.  Publicity at this
convention was the best we have seen in decades.  Not only were
we on worldwide radio through the ACB network but appearances
were made by officers and members on radio and TV stations, the
newspapers and national news networks.  Marvalena Quesada and
Charlie Crawford appeared on a TV program heard predominantly by
Spanish-speaking people, and we were delighted that Marvalena,
with her excellent command of Spanish, was able to speak to many
who otherwise would not have heard of ACB and our convention.  At
our meeting, we previewed some public service announcements which
we hope will be aired on radio and TV stations throughout the
country.  
     The members of the Texas affiliate have an excellent
relationship with city councils, mayors and legislators.  We
heard from city and state officials, who are enthusiastic in
their support of the ACB affiliates in their state.
     The first general session of the convention was held on
Sunday evening, June 30.  Excellent entertainment preceded the
session,  followed by Chris Gray's introduction of Linda
Braithewait, a former soloist with the Mormon Tabernacle Choir
and President of the Utah Council of the Blind in Salt Lake City. 
Titled "A Song in Our Hearts," her presentation recounted her
experiences as a visually impaired person singing and traveling
with the choir for more than 20 years.  We thrilled to her
beautiful voice as she played excerpts from some of the tapes she
has made over the years.  
     Teddie-Joy Remhild is Awards Chair and made several awards
which will be covered in the Forum; and after that, Jim Olsen,
Financial Officer of ACB, made 29 Life Membership presentations. 
I was amazed when it was announced that the California Council of
the Blind had purchased a Life Membership for its president,
Catherine Skivers.  It was a good thing that I was sitting down;
for once in my life, I almost didn't know what to say; but as the
shock wore off, I told everybody that as President of the CCB, I
had thought I knew everything that was going on, but after having
such a surprise kept so quiet, I had to wonder what else was
happening in California without my knowledge.  I have been to
many conventions, both state and national, in my lifetime; but
you can bet that this was one of the highlights in my entire
life, and I thank everyone for this memorable gift. 
     The session continued with the Credentials report presented
by Judi Cannon, Committee Chair, and the calling of the roll by
Donna Seliger, ACB Secretary. 
     Each day's general session was presided over by a different
ACB officer beginning on July 1 with Steve Speicher, ACB Vice
President.  Each meeting began with entertainment to ease us into
a day of many activities.  
     This year's international speaker came from Beijing, China. 
Jia Yang is Vice President of the China Association of the Blind. 
Having received part of her education at Harvard, she speaks
excellent English and is a college professor in Beijing.  The
blindness movement there started in 1933, but it merged with
other disabilities and thus, for many years, lost its identity. 
Recently, however, it has been asserting itself and is trying to
advocate for the needs of the blind, a mammoth task, since 20 %
of the world's blind persons live in China.  China is in a time
of transition, from both economic and external pressures. 
Capitalism has created downsizing in the factories, but people
with disabilities still have an 82% employment rate because of
the Chinese quota system.  The general unemployment rate is 31%.
Though blind persons are now eager to enter into the mainstream,
both therapeutic and health care massage are traditional jobs as
is piano tuning.  Work is progressing on increasing the minimum
wage for people with disabilities.  The word "blind" is used to
spell out the direction of the blindness movement: B is for
belief in the cause, L for leadership, I for information
technology, N for negotiations with others and D for dignity.    
Blind children are less likely to be enrolled for further
education after the first nine years of school than are sighted
children, and enrollment for girls is substantially lower than
for boys.   There is a lack of teachers, of funding, and of
family education about the possibilities for their blind
children.  In spite of these difficulties, there are currently
374 students in high school and almost all will go to college.  A
dinner was arranged for later that day so that people could visit
with Jia Yang.
     Michael Moodie from the National Library for the Blind (NLS) 
spoke next on the digital reader project.  Standards for the
digital reader have been developed, and NLS will begin to
digitize more and more recorded books until actual use begins
which is expected to reach 50,000 readers by 2008.  There will
probably be two machine models, one more complicated that will do
much more than just read and will be valuable for serious readers
with technical expertise and one that will be easier to use for
those who just wish to read books.  NLS had a contest for
industrial  design students to build models of the machines to be
used.  Full production should begin by 2007.  Solid state memory
cartridges will be used for the books, and the players will have
no moving parts, thus making them far less prone to needing
repairs.  Machine models are small, lightweight, but still
expensive, although costs are rapidly coming down.  
     Moodie commented also on Web braille.  There are already
2100 subscribers and 4700 books available.  
     A professor from the Harvard School of Medicine, Division of
Sleep Research, who spoke on sleep studies related to those with
visual impairments, ended this session.  Everyone has a
biological body clock which is related to light, but those with
only a little light perception have no more chance than fully
sighted persons of having sleep disorders.  While Melatonin can
be quite helpful in dealing with problems of sleeping, this is
true only if it is used in the right dosage and taken at
appropriate times.  The medication should be used only under a
doctor's care if positive results are expected.   
     The presiding officer on July 2 was MJ Schmitt, ACB Second
Vice President.  You will have an opportunity to meet her since
she will be attending our fall convention.  We heard from Dr.
Philip Hatlen, Superintendent of the Texas School for the Blind. 
Many of us remember Phil from some of the fine work he did here
in California.  He talked about the way education is changing
today and the importance of developing partnerships in other
areas.  Schools for the blind are assisting public schools in
establishing curricula which will help students get the best
education possible.  The tapes from the ACB convention will be
available, and this presentation is one that you will surely want
to hear.  
     Mark Reichert, Executive Director of the Association for the
Education and Rehabilitation of the Blind and Visually Impaired
(AER)  spoke on the Instruction Materials Accessibility Act,
which has been introduced in both houses of Congress.  In the
House the bill is HR4582, jointly introduced by Congressman Petri
from Wisconsin and George Miller from California.  Senators Dodd
and Cochran introduced S2246 in the Senate.  This bill, which was
drafted by a consortium that included ACB, NFB, AER, AFB, and
representatives of the publishers, would establish a single
computer file format for all K-12 texts, thus enabling the books
to be easily produced in whatever accessible formats are
required.  This is one of those bills where everybody wins, the
publishers because they don't need to follow a myriad of
different state publishing requirements; the state and local
education systems because they can more cheaply acquire textbooks
in whatever formats are necessary and avoid needless litigation
from irate parents; and, most of all, blind and visually impaired
children who will have the books they need when they need them.   
It is important that we get this bill passed this year;
otherwise, it may be embroiled in the larger debate that will be
occurring next year with respect to the reauthorization of the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
     ACB Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs Melanie
Brunson updated the audience on accessible book legislation. 
     ACB scholarship presentations were the next item on the
program, and we were all proud when Rhonda King received the
Floyd Qualls Scholarship.  Having known Floyd personally, I am
sure he would have been pleased with Rhonda's selection.  We
heard from all the scholarship winners who are preparing for a
wide variety of fields that they hope will lead to meaningful
employment. 
     Joanne Wilson, Commissioner, Rehabilitation Services
Administration, Washington, DC, gave us her view of
rehabilitation today.  There must be choice in rehabilitation,
and applicants need to take responsibility for their future. 
They should be empowered with educational preparation and receive 
help from their counsellors to understand what they need to
accomplish their goals.  We must work for accountability,
efficiency and less bureaucracy.  
     Donna Seliger, ACB Secretary, was in charge of Wednesday's
session.  We heard from Dr. Beezie Bentsen, familiar to those who
attend CCB conventions where she has addressed issues concerning
street travel for blind and visually impaired persons.  Her topic
that morning was "What Your Audible Pedestrian Signal Should Tell
You".  Some travelers have difficulty finding where buttons are
located on signaling devices, and determining which crosswalk
signal is indicated.  Spoken messages have proved to be most
helpful, and full sentence messages have been found best.  Two
buttons on the same control pole can be confusing.  As you all
know, Gene Lozano keeps us up to date on what's happening with
pedestrian concerns working closely with Beezie.  
     "Sound Alert Locator Systems" was a topic presented by
professor Deborah Withington, Neuroscientist from Leeds
University, UK, and John Fennah also of the UK.  This is a system
which assists people to find their way in situations like fires
or other emergencies.  We hope to have Mr. Fennah join us at one
of our future conventions.  
     Jenifer Simpson, Federal Communications System Consumer
Information Bureau, Washington, DC, spoke to us about "Talking
TV's and Phones You Can Use."  Ms. Simpson said that phones made
after 1996 should be accessible though there is no private right
of action in these matters.  We need to have more complaints
filed since, if you complain against, say, a cellular phone
manufacturer, the company must answer the complaint within 30
days and provide you with a copy (in accessible format) of the
answer.  The commission has various remedies, including awarding
images, revoking a license and imposing either cease-and-desist
orders or requirements for retrofitting the items in question. 
There are very few disability complaints under Section 255 of the
FCC Act, but they are starting to increase.  Video description
was also discussed.  Major cable and satellite providers must
offer audio-described programming, along with the large, powerful
national TV networks.  Some local channels aren't picking up the
described videos circulated on national channels; it is important
that this problem be reported.  It is possible that the court
will make a ruling on the validity of the FCC regulations on
video description by the end of this year or early next year.
     Susan Crawford moderated a panel entitled" "New Ideas for
IDEA Reauthorization".  The members of this panel felt that IDEA
has not fulfilled what was intended for blind children and
students.  Children do not experience social interaction when
only one blind or visually impaired child is in a class.  Our
work in preparing for the reauthorization act, which will come
before Congress next year, is critical.  A white paper will be
prepared to help in this matter.  
     Eric Sandvold, who records at Talking Book Publishers in
Denver, presented "The Wizardry of Narrating."  His work as an
actor helped him tremendously in developing his narrating skills,
and he enjoys his work thoroughly.  His wife is also a talking
book reader, Martha Pardee.  He treated us to a marvelous
selection from the first of the Harry Potter books.  Though I had
heard a lot about this series, I had never considered reading
books that I thought were for children; but, after hearing that
delightful reading, I have changed my mind and plan some day to
read the whole series and other books Eric Sandvold has recorded. 
His presentation was thoroughly enjoyed by all.  
     Melanie Brunson led the discussion on election reform,
emphasizing the need to advocate for the Senate election reform
language and for strong accessibility standards for voting
systems.  We are hoping for support by the House.  
     July 4th was a busy day beginning with a breakfast held for
Californians where we heard from all the candidates running for
the ACB Board of Directors and the Board of Publications.  
     The general session that morning was under the direction of
Ardis Bazyn, ACB Treasurer.  She introduced Convention Chair
Cynthia Towers who presented representatives from Pittsburgh, PA,
site of the 2003 convention.  All the presidents of affiliates
were presented with a teddy bear as a gift.  The convention will
be held at the Westin Convention Center from July 5th through
July 12th, 2003.  Birmingham, Alabama, will be the meeting place
in 2004, and Jacksonville, Florida in 2006.  The site for 2005
has not been chosen but rumor has it that a site in the West is
being considered.    
     The last half of the morning on July 4th was divided into
three break-out groups: Information Accessibility conducted by
Roger Petersen dealing with technology; Way Finding with Jim
Eccles relating to practices to make travel with guide dog or
cane safer and more convenient; Employment directed by Mitch
Pomerantz, "Finding and Keeping Your Dream Job"; and Building
Healthy Relationships with Pam Shaw concerning developing
strategies to maintain quality relationships.  
     After the California breakfast and the general session, I
attended the luncheon of the ACB Government Employees Where I was
given the honor of becoming the affiliate President.  Teddie-Joy
Remhild is Vice President, Andy Baracco is Secretary, and Skip
Hayes from Virginia is Treasurer so California is well
represented.  
     Then in the afternoon, about a hundred people (134 tickets
were sold) attended the Durward K. McDaniel MacHatters Party.  Ed
Branch did all the shopping for this party, and Peter Pardini and
Rex Ransom handled the bar.  Coletta Davis and Barbara Kron
prepared the plates of food that were served.  Linda Bradley from
Texas did an outstanding job with the announcements, judging the
hat contest,  and just about anything that had to be done.  A
newcomer from the Capital chapter, Bernice Shulman, also helped
judge the hat contest, served food to everybody, sold tickets,
and filled in wherever she was needed.  I have known her husband
Neil for years, but this was the first time I had the chance to
meet Bernice.  Peter Pardini was of great assistance not only
with the party, caring for the bookkeeping tasks, tending bar
when necessary, and helping all over the place, but did a
tremendous amount of work throughout the convention.    
     The all-day business session held on July 5th was conducted
by President Chris Gray.  In the elections held, Alan Beatty from
Colorado, Carla Ruschival from Kentucky, Patrick Sheehan from
Maryland, Brian Charlson from Massachusetts, and Billie Jean
Keith from Virginia were chosen for the ACB Board of Directors.   
 Charles Hodge was named Chair of the Board of Publications, and
elected members were Winifred Downing from San Francisco, Mike
Duke from Mississippi, and Ken Stewart from New York.  
     Charles Crawford, ACB Executive Director reported that we
are working in partnership with several other organizations. 
Accomplishing change is always difficult, though anyone should
understand that blind people need to know things like the
denominations of their money.  We have been talking with the firm
which produces Visudyne and will work hard to deal with how
Medicare decides the issue of providing Visudyne therapy.  We
must continue to strive to bring about a fundamental change in
attitudes of the public.  The ACB turns dreams into reality.  The
staff and the many efforts of ACB members bring successful
results.  Charlie regards The Braille Forum as the best magazine
of its kind in the country and is grateful that the team in the
national office work well together.  He commended Chris Gray on
his handling of the ACB finances.  We will need to rely on
donations in our future, but the most important thing with ACB is
that people come first.   
     Jeff Thom brought many resolutions to us; he deals with
those originated in California elsewhere in this issue, and the
others will be detailed in a future issue of THE BRAILLE FORUM. 
Once again, however, I want to tell you that Jeff did an
outstanding job for ACB and CCB, not only with resolutions but
also with the duties of alternate state delegate. 
     Friday evening was a time for everyone to relax and enjoy
the banquet.  Some of you may be familiar with the television
program "The Weakest Link"; but Friends in Art presented their
version with a show called "The Weakest Blink".  Jonathan Mosen
arranged for the banquet to be heard worldwide on ACB Radio as he
had done with many other features of the convention, including
broadcasts even from the exhibit hall to let blind people
everywhere learn of some of the new products available to
simplify and enrich their lives.  From time to time during the
week, listeners from around the world responded with e-mail
messages.  
     Every day of the convention was crowded with activities.  I
was busy from morning until night with committee meetings and
other events beyond what I can mention here.  I would not have
been able to keep the schedule and accomplish the things I did
without the help of Ed Branch.  Not only did he keep my calendar,
but he made sure I got where I had to be when it was time for me
to be there.   We returned to California on July 6th,  but Ed's
wife Michiko, who had been visiting her mother in Japan, had
returned on July 5th.  I realized the sacrifice both Ed and
Michiko had made in helping me right to the end.  
     I end this report by telling you that going to a national
convention is an experience that I wish each and every one of you
could have.  If you have never attended this event, I urge you to
write a first-timer's letter to the national office early next
year.  I understand that I am once again to be chair of the
Durward K. McDaniel Committee, and once again we will select two
people to have their way paid to attend this convention.  please
don't fail to apply.  You will be amazed at how much you can
learn and how many wonderful people you can meet.  


                CALIFORNIA SIDEWALKS UNDER ATTACK

                          by Dan Kysor

     Several months ago, worldwide viewers of the Cable News
Network, (CNN) were intrigued by a mysterious story about a new
type of mobility device revolutionary to modern travel known as
"It"; end of story.  The story seemed to be the mystery itself.
     Inventor Dean Kamen spent many years and a reported $100
million to produce this mysterious device.  The mystery grew with
much speculation until finally the Segway LLC Corporation
announced the "Segway Electronic Scooter", the first self
balancing, upright scooter which uses several gyroscopes and tilt
sensors to control a person's center of gravity and other
physical attributes.     
     The human operator merely leans forward to begin the
scooter's movement and backward to stop or move backward while
gripping a handlebar which contain a left and right turn grip for
left and right mobility.  The operator stands on a platform
between two parallel wheels approximately 8 inches off the
ground.  
     Currently, the Segway Corporation offers three models.  The
model slated for consumer, "pedestrian", use, is called the
Segway "human transporter, HT"; it is 21 inches wide, 16 inches
long and weighs 69 pounds and would travel on our sidewalks as
"pedestrians.".  The maximum speed of the scooter is 20 mph, but
a 12.5 mph speed governing key is touted by the company to be
used only for sidewalk "pedestrians".  
     The two other Segway models are slightly heavier and the
governing keys on these are set at a higher speed.  These models
are intended to be used by police departments and post offices.
     CCB has led the opposition to the legislation that would
give this device pedestrian status on our sidewalks.  Senator Tom
Torlakson of Concord, Ca, introduced SB 1918 which gained the
support of the California Highway Patrol environmental groups and
San Francisco Mayor Willie Brown.  However, there was also a
large group of organizations opposing this measure including:
AARP, American Council of the Blind, America Walks, Berkeley Rock
Roll, California Congress of Seniors, Californians for Disability
Rights, California Walks, City of Oakland, City of San Jose,
Older Women's League, Senior Action Network, and Walk San
Francisco.
     That it is an innovative device, no one seems to dispute;
but the mystery grows since the Segway Corporation does not offer
any independent safety statistics on this device.  Responding
with the typical California zeal to be first and most innovative,
the entire legislature has been stampeded into mass blind support
of this device.
     As I testified in the Assembly Appropriations Committee,
"This bill nullifies the long-standing protection sidewalks
afford to pedestrians by allowing fast-moving electronic vehicles
on these sidewalks".  Gary A.  Smith, MD. DrPH,  Director of the
Center for Injury Research and Policy at Children's Hospital in
Columbus, OH, chair of the Ohio Commission on the Prevention of
Injury and chair of the Committee on Injury and Poison
Prevention of the Ohio Chapter of the American Academy of
Pediatrics and member of the National Committee on Injury and
Poison Prevention of the American Academy of Pediatrics stated in
his testimony before the Ohio Senate hearing a similar "Segway"
bill that pedestrian injuries are already a major problem in the
United States.  There were 78,000 pedestrian injuries and 4,700
fatalities in the US in 2000.  
     Pedestrian deaths and injuries disproportionately occur to
individuals at the young and old ends of the age spectrum. 
Children are particularly vulnerable given their developmental
immaturity, which is characterized by often impulsive behavior
and poor judgment.  Allowing motorized vehicles on the sidewalk
will require children to negotiate motorized traffic, something
they are developmentally incapable of doing.  Using some basic
assumptions, the calculated amount of force involved in a
collision between a Segway device and a child can be significant
and could easily cause serious injury.  
     SB 1918 goes to the Governor as of this writing; it is
important to note that the bill will allows Segways to be used on
our sidewalks unless local governments decide otherwise.
     Some pedestrian advocates are already drawing up proposals
to ban these devices in their communities.  Despite the boasting
of data by the Segway manufacturer that purport to indicate that
the Segway will not pose a threat to pedestrians, non-existent
crash testing and safety data are being employed to allow the use
of this device on sidewalks and pathways.  Interestingly enough,
the National Association of Governors' Highway Safety Research
(NAGHSR) Board member Fred Zwonechek,  Administrator of
Nebraska's Office of Highway Safety, stated that more testing
under "real world" circumstances needs to be performed.  "The
Segway is an impressive invention with practical applications to
revolutionize personal transportation.  However, we need to
consider the consequences of actually putting it into widespread
use without infrastructure design changes to accommodate such a
device.  If we think we have road rage problems now," Zwonechek
warns, "I can imagine all kinds of scenarios where the use of a
Segway could lead to collisions and confrontations." 
     Passage of SB 1918 will create severe hazards to
pedestrians, including senior citizens, children, the disabled,
blind and deaf individuals, who are not expecting such high-speed
and extremely quiet vehicles on sidewalks.  The Segway's high
speed and noiseless features substantially increase the risk of
injury and even death to pedestrians. 
     In an eleventh hour amendment to the bill, the Assembly
Appropriations Committee required the Segway to have an on-board
horn.  That provision missed the point completely since the
vehicle still cannot be heard.  Rather, the operator is able to
use this horn to force pedestrians out of his or her way. 
     The bill also fails to address whether pedestrians will have
any legal recourse against Segway users, including those who
provide inadequate warning of the approach of the Segway Human
Transporter, or who operate the device in a negligent or reckless
manner and may set a precedent for sidewalk use by other
uninsured motorized vehicles such as scooters. 
     Finally, There are unaddressed issues in Senate Bill 1918
regarding operator license; insurance; training, age, and
behavior of Segway users (DUI provisions, for instance); and
regulation of the equipment that should be required for the
operation of the device (such as helmets and reflectors).  The
fact that this bill allows the Segways to be legal unless local
governments specify otherwise needs further consideration.
     Will the well-being of guide, signal, and service dogs and
of white cane travelers be in jeopardy if the Segway gains the
right to use our sidewalks and pedestrian walkways?  We will not
know until human beings become test subjects.  "This is a story
of corporate greed and reckless legislation," said Bruce
Livingston of the senior Action Network.  "It's a trendy form of
transportation."  
     In Manchester, N.H., a police department spokesman said the
Segway isn't as versatile as a bicycle, And Federal Express has
decided not to pursue the idea of using the Segway.  The Center
for Injury Research and Policy at Columbus Children's Hospital in
Ohio has devoted a Web site to the nationwide effort against the
Segway: http://www.injurycenter.org/segway/segway.cfm
     From the TV Show Saturday Night Live, "Many believe it will
completely revolutionize the way people get hit by cars."  From
Dan Walters of the Sacramento Bee,  "This is one of those times
when California lawmakers should eschew trendiness and, for a
change, think before they act."
     If you would like your community to prohibit the Segway,
please contact my office for a sample proposal: 916-371-1514 or
e-mail me dan@kysor.net 


             NEW DETECTABLE GUIDANCE SYSTEM OFFERS 
          INFORMATION TO VISUALLY IMPAIRED PEDESTRIANS

                           By Rob Cook

     At the 2002 spring convention, CCB conventioneers were the
first group of blind and visually impaired consumers in the
nation to hear about and test the newest device to hit the
pedestrian right of way in many years. Kevin Stockton of Blind
Signs, Inc. brought his detectable directional guidance system
(DDGS) to San Mateo, and nearly everyone who had a chance to
assess the product was impressed to say the least. Now that Blind
Signs (tm) has been exhibited and presented at the 2002 ACB
National Convention in Houston, more and more blind and visually
impaired pedestrians may have the opportunity to safely cross
streets and locate bus stops and mass transit entrances. 
     Blind Signs is a Detectable Directional Guidance System that
was developed by Kevin Stockton of Roseburg, Oregon. The new
product is now available to city public works and highway traffic
engineers and is designed to provide detectable orientation
information to pedestrians who are blind or visually impaired. 
Stockton and his small family of board members call the company
Blind Signs, Inc. because, when Kevin lost his sight, they all
began to truly understand the issues involved with independence
and mobility for blind and visually impaired persons.  
     The DDGS assists pedestrians to more safely negotiate
crosswalks at intersections and transit terminals and to locate
bus stops.  The system consists of a set of stiff, high-grade,
alligator-textured plastic bars that are 3 1/2 inches wide and 24 
inches long.  The bars are slightly less than one quarter inch in
height and are placed in parallel sets of either three or four
bars to denote bus stops or transit entrances and at intersection
crosswalks.  After much research and advice from O&M
professionals, it was determined that four parallel bars would be
highly detectable to demark the central area of a crosswalk and
that three parellel bars would denote a bus stop or a transit
entrance.  
     Both sets of DDGS markers are secured with bars parellel
within a two by two foot area, which has been determined by
access research specialists to be a detectable surface area (an
ADA regulation detectable surface). The street crossing
demarcations are brick red in color and contrast with the normal
cement or pavement in crosswalk zones. The strips marking bus
stops or transit entrances are high contrast yellow, thereby
assisting persons with low vision or those with limited cognitive
or recognition capability to safely travel and locate their stop.
     A durable epoxy firmly secures Blind Signs markers to the
pavement and when hardened, fills the underside cavity with a
concrete-like support.  This epoxy is the same material used to
secure the lane dividers on our state and federal highways and
will hold markers to the pavement from 40 degrees below zero to
220 degrees above.  
     The DDGS bars themselves are made of a proven plastic
material called Centrex, which is both extremely strong and is
flexible enough to adhere at even the most inconsistently paved
or cut corner.  When secured to the pavement, Blind Signs are
highly detectable and non-skid and provide orientation and 
direction towards the crosswalk or bus stop and are virtually
totally resistant to vandal and pedestrian wear. 
     When approaching intersection crosswalks, travelers can
detect the alignment of the four raised bar pattern with their
canes or feet to determine the exact alignment of the associated
crosswalk exit point.  Starting their crossing at or near the
center of the crosswalk should ensure that, if they drift one way
or the other while making the crossing, they remain within the
marked crossing area.  
     Orientation and directional assistance is achieved to an
even greater degree when bus or mass transit stops are being
negotiated via the 3-bar pattern, as it is usually a far shorter
distance to the bus or transit entrance. 
     Hundreds of pedestrians with dissimilar vision and mobility
impairments have been involved in field tests, including dog
guide users and persons in wheelchairs with extreme spinal cord
injuries.  Among those surveyed, there has been nearly unanimous
agreement that Blind Signs would be of great value to vision
impaired pedestrians and without any apparent impact on those
persons who use mobility aids.  During the testing, there was
also virtually no concern expressed about either of the Blind
Signs patterns creating any pedestrian hazard at bus stops,
transit platforms or in crosswalk areas.  
     An important point concerning Blind Signs is the dual
detectability and orientation capacity they incorporate, and
current detectable warning devices do not provide important
orientation information.  At present, however, though Blind Signs
are not an approved substitute for the already required
detectable warning devices (truncated domes) which are mandated
in new construction areas and are required to be in compliance
with the ADA, Blind Signs are acceptable at present to be placed
in the public right-of-way as retro-fit accessibility aids for
vision impaired pedestrians.  Either pattern of the Blind Signs
DDGS products may be used in conjunction with current access
devices or systems (audio crossing signal devices, truncated
domes) to improve the travel and safety of vision impaired
pedestrians.  
     Though California access statutes are about the most
stringent in the Nation, the Blind Signs products may be modified
to comply with all State regulations for detectable surface
devices (full field coloring), and hopes are high that public
works and traffic engineers in many California communities will
take the opportunity to improve the accessibility of their
pedestrian rights-of-way. 
     Probably the most astonishing factor in the Blind Signs
story is the low cost to cities, public works departments and
other public entities that might place this accessibility aid
within the public right-of-way. 
     During the first few days of his O&M training, Kevin
realized that there was no basic signage for vision impaired
pedestrians, and he sought to fix the problem with a simple and
inexpensive solution.  Evidently Kevin has succeededin developing
a wayfinding system that could be deemed basic pedestrian signage
for vision impaired travelers.
     Prior to losing his eyesight in a shooting incident, Kevin
was the owner of a successful construction firm that specialized
in accessible facilities.  After receiving training in blind
skills in Portland, he returned to Roseburg and began the process
of creating a simple and effective solution to the orientation
and safety problems of street travel.  
     After his research, product development and founding Blind
Signs Corporation, Kevin now states, "We can bring safety and
greater access to blind and visually impaired pedestrians for
less money than it costs a city to paint the crosswalks in their
larger intersections.  Simplicity is often the best solution"
says Kevin, and Blind Signs is a prime example of pure
simplicity.  He himself is likewise a unique and positive
example, for he is a citizen who, though having lost his sight,
has returned to the mainstream to assist his peers.  Kevin and
the Blind Signs team invite you to come and talk about his
products at the fall convention in Irvine.  
     For more information on Blind Signs check the Web at
WWW.BLINDSIGNS.COM 


                   OPEN LETTER FROM RON BROOKS

     (Note: This letter appeared on the ACB List of e-mail
correspondents.)

Hi Everyone,
     This is Ron Brooks in Albuquerque.  I've not been paying as
much attention to the cost of adaptive equipment as I should have
because I got behind on work and e-mail, but I was wondering if
anyone has brought up the subject of innovative ways affiliates
can assist.  Now before you all think I'm talking about giving
the stuff away, read on.
     When I lived in California, there were two times I needed
money, and two times I got a no-interest loan which literally
saved me from financial ruin; and one time, it was the push I
needed until the job came through which launched my career, the
one I'm still in ten years later.
     In the first instance, my need wasn't actually adaptive
equipment, but the principles and the CCB's approach could be
applied to technology, so I'll tell the story.
     I was living in San Francisco (a very expensive place to
call home), and I was doing it with roommates and on SSI and
student loans.  Well, at some point, the loans ran out, and my
SSI check of $668 wasn't enough to cover my $467 share of rent,
my $80 share of utilities and phone, food, transportation, etc. 
I was looking for a job, and I had one in my sights, but it was
with a public agency, and the bureaucracy was taking its own
time.  I had pretty much tried everything, and I was literally
making plans to move back home to Indiana to live with family
because I didn't have enough money to pay my rent which was
coming due.  It was a very desperate time for me, and I was
pretty much at my wits' end.
     At this point, someone told me about the CCB's special fund
to help members with a one-time grant for an emergency purpose so
I called CCB and explained my situation.  There was an ad hoc
Crisis Intervention Committee which convened to consider my
request, and the members elected to help me with a grant of $500. 
This grant literally made the difference for me because it put me
over the top for rent and food; and by the end of the next month,
I was employed and made the rent on my own.  Ultimately, I made a
contribution to offset the grant because I felt honor bound to do
so, so for me, this grant worked like a no-interest loan.
     The second time I had a need was for technology.  I had to
have a braille embosser, but the Department of Rehabilitation
wasn't buying.  Someone told me about a not-for-profit
organization called the Blind San Franciscans that would give a
no-interest loan for adaptive technology if the need and use were
appropriate.  In order to get the loan, I had to submit a letter
explaining my need and the purpose for the equipment, and I had
to provide a repayment schedule.  I did this, and the loan was
granted.  It was also repaid in good order.
     In my opinion, purchasing adaptive equipment represents a
huge frustration.  In many states, state agencies won't purchase
equipment; and in all states, state agencies won't routinely
purchase equipment unless doing so is necessary for someone to
proceed toward an employment goal.  At the same time, adaptive
equipment is more expensive than standard equipment, and vendors
of adaptive equipment are typically not in the position or of the
mind to offer any sort of financing, either with or without
interest.
     Furthermore, many blind people are at income levels where
they cannot pass a standard credit screening, either because of
prior poor credit history or because they don't have enough
income to offset the level of credit needed to finance this
fairly expensive equipment.
     This is where I think state affiliates could do more.  State
affiliates could raise funds to establish a revolving loan fund
(something which California has done).  Members could then borrow
against this fund and repay the fund, thereby making money
available for other borrowers in the future. It would also be
nice if vendors like Freedom Scientific and Pulse Data/Humanware
(which are quite large relative to the vendors of yesteryear)
would create personal financing options so that people could
invest in their products.
     Anyway, this is just my two cents on this issue.  Even with
a good salary, it's not easy to fork out several thousand for a
braille display or even $3,000 for a good laptop computer, and if
you're already employed, then that's about your only option right
now.  And if you're not employed, well, it still may be your only
option. 


                     LIBRARY USERS BOOK LIST

                       by Winifred Downing

     At their luncheon at the spring convention of the California
Council of the Blind, the members of the state's chapter of the
Library Users of America spoke of their favorite books.  The list
is given here as an invitation to potentital members and to
attract readers to some really good books.  
     I take the notes, which is far from a fool-proof process. 
Sometimes the reader doesn't furnish the exact words of the title
so that neither the librarian nor I can give the book number;
some readers do not know the authors' names; and sometimes I
can't write fast enough or make errors so that I am not able
later to identify the books given.  I also forget to write the
names of the readers, and I'm usually guessing at the spelling of
their names. I did my best to check where possible, but please
excuse any mistakes I make.  
     Once again, we are indebted to Martin Magid of the San
Francisco Subregional Library for his help in tracking down book
numbers;  but this time, I was able to do some of the work using 
the on-lline catalog.

     Gary Jennings: SPANGLE; rC26041 (suggested by Dan Kysor)
     Richard Russo: NOBODY'S FOOL; RC38730 (suggested by Nancy
Unger)
     Richard Russsso: EMPIRE FALLS; RC52601 (suggested by Martin
Magid)
     Irene Hunt: ACROSS FIVE APRILS; BRJ01696 (suggested by
Sharon Benefiel) 
     Stephen Ambrose: NOTHING LIKE IT IN THE WORLD (railroad
construction and history); RC50872 (suggested by Peter Pardini)
     Annie Proulx: THE SHIPPING NEWS; RC37883 (suggested by Jill
O'Connell)
     Margaret Atwood: THE BLIND ASSASSIN; RC50848 (suggested by
Jil O'Connell)
     James Michener: CARAVANS; RC10890 (suggested by Deborah
Angel)
     J.R.R.  Tokien: THE FELLOWSHIP OF THE RING; RC10975
rerecrrded RC47486 (suggested by Paul Heidhues)
     Robert Ludlom: PROMETHEUS DECEPTION; RC51052 (suggested by
Jewel McGinnis) 
     Herman Wouk: WAR AND REMEMBRANCE RC12390 and WINDS OF WAR
RC13492 (suggested by Ann Kysor)
     John Grisham: THE RUNAWAY JURY RC42334
     David Harry Grinspoon: VENUS REVEALED; RC46319 (Suggested by
Prudence Dicksen) 
     Erik Weihenmayer: TOUCH THE TOP OF THE WORLD; RC51505
     Edmund Morris: THE RISE OF THEODORE ROOSEVELT; RC14168
(suggested by David Jackson)
     John  Grisham: THE SUMMONS; RC53285 (suggested by Connie
Shoeman) 
     Jeffrey Deaver: A MAIDEN'S GRAVE; RC49072 (suggested by Joan
Grove) 
     Thomas Hardy: THE MAYOR OF CASTERBRIDGE; RC22696 (suggested
by Sally Maguire) 
     Sharon Kay Penman: HERE BE DRAGONS; RC23660 and CHILDREN OF
A LION, BOOK 1; rc17118 (suggested by Sheila Styron)  
     Patricia Cornwell: ALL THAT REMAINS; rc35556; BLACK NOTICE;
RC48767; and THE BODY FARM; RC39105 (suggested by Carol Brown) 
     James Joyce: ULYSSES RC1699r (read beautifully by Alexander
Scourby) BR10287; (suggested by Winifred Downing) 
     J. K. Rowling: HARRRY POTTER AND THE SORCERER'S STONE;
RC47260 


       SUMMARY OF ACTIONS TAKEN ON CCB RESOLUTIONS AT THE 
                      ACB 2002   CONVENTION

                          by Jeff  Thom

     Because a future issue of The Braille Forum will include a
report summarizing all the resolutions adopted at the American
Council of the Blind Convention, I decided to provide a more
comprehensive report on actions taken with respect to resolutions
submitted by our organization.  CCB members can take great pride
in the fact that this year,  like most others, our state
submitted more resolutions than any other affiliate.  In fact,
the CCB accounted for approximately one-third of the resolutions
adopted at this year's ACB convention. 
     Accessible Pedestrian Signals:  At last year's CCB fall
convention, we adopted Resolution 2001b-5 that contained a list
of requirements that we believed must be included in local
ordinances with respect to the design and installation of
accessible pedestrian signals, as well as procedures to govern
the process for determining when they will be installed.  In
response to this resolution, ACB adopted Resolution 2002-24 which
included essentially all the requirements contained in the CCB
resolution, except that an amendment was adopted to support the
requirement that a push-button must be pressed for three seconds
in order to activate the accessible pedestrian signal. The
three-second issue was hotly debated both at last year's CCB
convention and at the ACB convention.  No matter which view you
may hold on this issue, it is a tribute to the openness of ACB
and its affiliates that the membership truly sets policy for the
organization. 
     Sidewalks and Bike Lanes:  The CCB continued to show its
leadership in the access area by adopting Resolution 2001b-9 at
the convention last fall.  This resolution sought the adoption of
requirements under which, whenever a bridge or roadway is
constructed or reconstructed, sidewalks would be included, unless
infeasible, and that bike lanes would be separated from the
sidewalk and the roadway.  In response to this resolution, ACB
adopted Resolution 2002-23, recommending  that the U.S.
Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board
(Access Board), the U.S. Department of Transportation and the
U.S. Department of Justice require that, whenever a road or
bridge is constructed or reconstructed in a public right-of-way,
sidewalks shall be included, unless technically infeasible; that
these sidewalks shall be physically separated from bicycle lanes
and roadways; and that the ACB staff and the Environmental Access
Committee work closely with pedestrian, transportation, and
bicycle advocacy organizations to achieve the goals of this
resolution. 
     Money Identifiers:  At the Spring CCB Convention, we adopted
Resolution 2002a-11 urging ACB to seek federal legislation
requiring money identifiers to be loaned free of charge to all
persons who are blind or visually impaired.  In light of the
almost simultaneous filing by ACB of a lawsuit against the U.S.
Department of the Treasury regarding the need to make paper money
accessible to those with visual impairments, and after discussion
with the proponent of the California resolution, it was decided
not to bring this resolution to the ACB convention at this time
but to wait for the situation surrounding the litigation to
unfold.  
     Transcription Manual: CCB Resolution 2002a-14 insisted that
corrective action be taken immediately with respect to the
recently produced INSTRUCTION MANUAL FOR BRAILLE TRANSCRIBING
that contains numerous errors.  Because of some uncertainty about
the number of copies of this manual that have an unacceptable
number of errors and whether corrective action may already have
been taken, the California proponent of this resolution agreed to
withdraw a request for an ACB resolution on this topic.  However,
this matter will be investigated; and there is no doubt that if
any action is appropriate, it will be taken. 
     Library of Congress Mail: CCB Resolution 2002a-15 concerned
the problems caused by the nondelivery of U.S. Postal Service
mail to the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped since September 11, 2001.  The ACB Resolutions
Committee adopted and sent to the floor Resolution 2002-10 which,
although it took a slightly different approach, was generally
intended to further the goals of the CCB resolution.  after a
lively debate, however, Resolution 2002-10 was defeated. 
Elderly Blind Services Grants:  CCB Resolution 2002a-4 opposed a
change to the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 recommended by the
National Council on Independent Living that would require state
plans for the use of elderly blind funds under Title VII Chapter
2 of that act to be certified by state independent living
councils.  In response to this resolution, the ACB adopted
Resolution 2002-6 that instructs its officers, directors, and
staff to take all appropriate actions to oppose the
recommendations of the National Council on Independent Living
with respect to the program pursuant to Title VII Chapter 2 of
the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. 
     AARP: CCB Resolution 2002a-5 urged AARP to produce its
membership materials, including Modern Maturity Magazine, in
accessible formats.  In response to this resolution, ACB adopted
Resolution 2002-03 that demands that AARP provide its membership
materials, including Modern Maturity Magazine, to its blind and
visually impaired members in accessible formats, including
braille, large print, audio cassette, e-mail, and computer disk.
It encourages AARP to promptly implement procedures necessary to
comply with this resolution to avoid potential civil rights
enforcement actions. 
     Blood Glucose Level Testing Devices:  CCB Resolution 2002a-8
sought to require manufacturers of blood glucose level testing
devices to make them accessible to those with visual impairments. 
In response to this resolution, ACB adopted Resolution 2002-0
urging manufacturers of blood glucose level testing devices to
modify their newer and more advanced models so that they are
accessible to, and independently usable by, people who are blind
or have low vision and offering consultation and technical
assistance to manufacturers as these modifications are designed
and implemented.  It urges that Medicare, Medicaid, and private
third party payors provide coverage for these newer and more
advanced devices. 
     Segway Scooter: CCB Resolution 2002a-10 placed CCB on record
as opposing state legislation that would permit use of the Segway
scooter on sidewalks, unless and until it is proved to be safe. 
In view of the fact that Segway legislation had been introduced
in every state Legislature, and S2024, to permit the use of the
Segway in federal areas, had been introduced into Congress, CCB
submitted the resolution to ACB.  In response, ACB adopted
Resolution 2002-04 providing that ACB oppose S2024, urging ACB
affiliates to oppose state legislation permitting operation of
the Segway on sidewalks, and directing its staff and
Environmental Access Committee to initiate a dialogue with Segway
LLC in an attempt to address the safety hazards inherent in the
operation of the Segway. 
     Finally, two other resolutions, sponsored not by CCB itself
but by our own members, deserve mention.  ACB adopted Resolution
2002-16, authored by Roger Petersen, that directs the ACB board
of directors and staff to seek federal legislative or regulatory
changes in order to permit a research laboratory to disclose
diagnostic findings to a research subject. 
     Last, but certainly not least, ACB Resolution 2002-14 was
adopted to honor a charter member of the California Council of
the Blind and a leader in both CCB and ACB, George Fogarty. 
Rather than trying to summarize a resolution concerning such an
outstanding individual, I am including it in full.  Many thanks
to President Skivers for her hard work on drafting this fine
tribute.  
     Whereas, George. L. Fogarty is both a charter and a lifetime
member of the AMERICAN Council of the Blind; and 
     Whereas, George Fogarty has dedicated his life to advocating
on behalf of blind and visually impaired people; and
     Whereas, George Fogarty is a native of California, born on
June 12, 1911; and
     Whereas, although George Fogarty has usable vision, he has
been a lifelong supporter and user of braille; and
     Whereas, George had an outstanding and lengthy career as a
counselor-teacher and job placement officer for the California
Departments of Education and Rehabilitation; and
     Whereas, during these years of service, he started a vending
program at the California School for the Blind to encourage
students to use their skills in mathematics and braille to
increase their socialization skills by working with the public
and to raise their self-esteem; and
     Whereas, this class was especially popular because the
students shared the profits at the end of each school year; and
     Whereas, George assisted hundreds of people to acquire
employment, pioneering the placement of blind and visually
impaired individuals as hospital dark-room X-ray developers,
medical transcribers, shipyard workers and, Internal Revenue
Service employees; and
     Whereas, he served as president and treasurer of his state
affiliate and in various capacities within the American Council
of the Blind; and
     Whereas, he and Lovinia, his late wife of 49 years, worked
tirelessly raising funds during White Cane Week, which were
shared equally between the California Council of the Blind and
the American Council; and
     Whereas, he is, and always has been, most generous in
sharing not only his talents and money, but also in freely
dispensing Jack Daniels and other good libations, as any good
Irishman should; and     
     Whereas, his warm personality and beautiful renditions of
Irish and other music have endeared him to clients and friends
alike; and
     Whereas, he greatly desired to attend the convention in
Houston, but a hearing loss that impedes his participation in
convention activities and his interaction with friends prevented
him from doing so,
     Now, therefore, be it Resolved, by the American Council of
the Blind, in convention assembled this 4th day of July, 2002, at
the Adam's Mark Hotel, in Houston, Texas, that this organization
congratulate George L. Fogarty on his dedication and years of
service on behalf of persons who are blind or visually impaired
and on behalf of the American Council of the Blind, and let him
know that he is loved, respected, and missed at this 2002
convention.


                PUBLIC RELATIONS COMMITTEE REPORT

                        by Herb Clayton 

     Back in July, as the new Chair of the Public Relations
Committee, I convened my first committee meeting which proved to
be informative and productive.  We established our Mission
Statement: 1) Design and implement programs that positively
reflect on CCB and provide and sustain membership and growth for
chapters; 2) Design and implement a video to attract new members
and promote CCB; 3) Develop a media-driven program that will
publicize our upcoming statewide convention; and 4) Develop
speaker bureaus through our chapters statewide to promote
membership and awareness of CCB.
     I realize that this is a very ambitious undertaking;
however, I have no doubt that our committee has the motivation
and commitment to serve the  Council effectively and support its
goals throughout the state.  We are as effective as a Committee
as CCB members make us.  We encourage input and constructive
criticism, which will go a long way toward helping us to exceed
expectations.  Neither I nor my Committee, claim to have all the
answers; but working in partnership with all members of the
organization and implementing the suggestions we receive, we will
raise the bar of excellence for CCB.  
     This fall at the convention, the Public Relations speaker
will be someone from the Marketing/Public Relations industry who
will discuss how chapters can promote themselves to the public
and become more visible.  Stay tuned!
     Upcoming Event: On October 31st, directly after the Board
meeting, the Public Relations Committee will host a Champagne
Halloween and Costume party in the Hospitality Suite.  There will
be a prize awarded to the person who has the funniest, most
provocative, and most creative costume.  Let's make it a real
blast!  Will see you on October 31st.  Happy Halloween!
     Should you have any comments, please phone me at 925-
485-9295.


                         BULLETIN BOARD 

                     compiled by Keith Black

     If you enjoy cross-country skiing, or have a desire to learn
to ski, Sierra Regional Ski for Light (SRSFL) is the place for
you.  SRSFL will hold its 11th annual three-day cross-country
skiing event on March 8-10, 2003 at Tahoe-Donner Cross Country. 
SRSFL will also have three day trips for both visually impaired
children and adults on January 11, February 8, and February 22,
2003.  For details or to obtain an application, contact either
Betsy Rowell, 916-362-5557 or Jeff Thom 916-429-8201.
*****          *****          *****          *****
     A Gift Suggestion for Christmas or Other Occasions: "Our
Favorite Recipes" is a collection of over 200 mouth-watering
recipes compiled by the members of the East Bay Center for the
Blind, a nonprofit organization, in Berkeley, California.  The
book is available in braille (2 volumes with easy wipe-off
covers) or large print for a donation of $25.00 plus $3.00
shipping and handling.  To order a copy, send check or money
order for $28.00 to East Bay Center for the Blind, inc., 2928
Adeline St., Berkeley, CA 94703.  For additional information,
call 510-843-6935.
*****          *****          *****          *****
     The California State University (CSU) Foundation has
received $3.4 million from the estate of longtime Bay Area
resident Dale M. Schoettler to provide scholarships for visually
impaired students at all 23 CSU campuses.  The gift will expand
an existing scholarship program that Schoettler, who himself was
visually impaired, established in 1991 for San Francisco State
and San Jose  State students.  The new endowment will provide at
least 20 $5,000 scholarships annually for legally blind CSU
graduate and undergraduate students who have a minimum cumulative
GPA of 2.8.   For more information, see
http://www.calstate.edu/foundation/Scholarship.shtml
*****          *****          *****          *****
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, May 2002: Reading By
Computer.  Assistive Media is a nonprofit producer of spoken-word
reading materials.  The group's audio programs serve computer
users who cannot effectively read standard print.  Assistive
Media reproduces copyright-approved material from independent
writers and mainstream periodicals (The New Yorker, Harper's,
Wired, Scientific American, Atlantic Monthly, Smithsonian,
Granta, etc.)  These sources provide an eclectic mixture of
interesting and educational material.    Assistive Media won the
1999 Streamers Progressive Award as the best nonprofit Web site
using Real Media.  This free service is located at
www.assistivemedia.org.  
     Piano and Guitar Lessons.  Anyone interested in learning to
play the piano or guitar without using music or braille notation
can get courses on tape from the National Library Service. "Intro
to the Guitar for the Visually Impaired" and "Intro to the Piano
for the Visually Impaired" were both written by Bill Brown.  Each
course consists of four braille-labeled cassettes that come in a
bookshelf-quality album.  To purchase either course directly from
the publisher ($39 including shipping), call 229-249-0628.  Also,
available from the NLS or the publisher are 200 songs taught in
the same fashion by Mr. Brown.  Visit the publisher's Web site at
www.musicvi.com.  
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, June 2002: Herbs and
Spices.  The Crystal Connection/Auntie Arwen's SpiceBlends stocks
exotic or ethnic herbs, spices, botanicals, hot sauces, chili
peppers, massage oils, teas, chai, tisanes, and more.  Visit
www.auntiearwenspices.com.  You can have a transparent braille
label applied over the print one on your spice container by
selecting the "braille label" button before adding the item to
your shopping cart.  
     From The Matilda Ziegler Magazine, August 2002: New
Computers.  Beyond Sight has announced availability of LapTalk,
which offers blind people the power of a computer with the
convenience of a note-taker.  Essentially a screenless laptop
computer with an integrated text-to-speech application, LapTalk
costs about $2,000.  The unit has 250MB RAM, 20GB storage,  and a
modem, and it uses the Windows XP operating system and the Window
Eyes screen reader.  Beyond Sight has also introduced DeskTalk, a
non-portable version of LapTalk, for $995.  Contact Jim Misener,
President of Beyond Sight, at 303-795-6455.  
     Online Games.  ZForm creates fully accessible online games
that allow blind, low-vision and fully-sighted people to play
together on an equal footing.  The company's first game, ZForm
Poker, is a multiplayer online version of five-card draw poker. 
Using sound cues and intuitive keyboard commands, the games are
easy to learn and accessible to both blind and visually impaired
players.  To download a 15-day trial of ZForm poker, visit
http//games.zform.com/signup.php/referrer1233 or, for more
information, www.zform.com.     
     From Dialogue Magazine, Summer, 2002: The Social Security
Administration has published the final regulations implementing
the Ticket to Work Program.  You can find a summary of these
rules at www.ssa.gov/work/ResourcesToolkit/FinalRegs2002.html. 
This site also provides a link to the complete text of the rules. 
     Social Security Administration (SSA) Commissioner Jo Anne
Barnhart delivered the first tickets in the nation as part of
SSA's new Ticket to Work Program.  This occurred in early
February at New Castle, Delaware's Discover Bank.  The Ticket to
Work Program, enacted as part of the Ticket to Work and Work
Incentives Improvement Act of 1999, is designed to help people
with disabilities go to work.  Under the program, Social Security
disability and Supplemental Security Income disability
beneficiaries in Delaware will receive a ticket that may be
redeemed to obtain vocational rehabilitation, job training, and
other support services from a network of employment service
providers.  Delaware is one of the first 13 states to participate
in the Ticket to Work Program, which will be implemented
nationwide by January 2004.  For more information about the
Ticket to Work Program, visit
www.ssa.gov/work/Ticket/ticket.html.  
     The International Association of Assistive Dog Partners
(IAADP), a cross-disability consumer advocacy organization that
assists guide dog, hearing dog, and service dog teams, offers
expanded membership benefits in cooperation with veterinary and
pharmaceutical companies.  IAADP members who are unable to pay
the high cost of diagnostic tests, emergency care, chronic
disease treatment, and surgical intervention can call on the
Veterinary Care Partnership for financial aid.  Corporate
sponsors include Bayer, Fort Dodge Animal Health, Friskies, Iams
Company, and Nutramax Laboratories.  To qualify for support, the
IAADP member's veterinarian contacts the Veterinary Care
Partnership coordinator at Bayer with a request for aid in cases
where the disabled handler cannot meet the cost of the
recommended treatment or surgery.  The medical procedure must
have a high probability of maintaining the working capability of
the assistive dog.  Additionally, Bayer will provide its flea
control product, Advantage, to IAADP members at no cost. 
Veterinary Care Partnership benefits are available only to
disabled handlers of guide, hearing, and service dogs. 
Information and application forms can be found on the Internet at
www.iaadp.org or by calling 586-826-3938.  
                            ********
     A website that has accessible games for the blind can be
found by visiting www.gamesfortheblind.com.  
                            ********
     Laura Mulraney is offering training courses via cassette for
Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.  She also provides
instruction in navigating the Windows 95, 98, Millennium Edition,
and XP operating systems as well as Internet Explorer.  While she
uses specific lesson plans, her material is somewhat informal and
targeted to the individual student's needs.  Those interested in
training will pay $10 an hour.  Students who receive cassettes
may keep the tapes but must return the reusable mailers in order
to receive the next lesson installment.  Ms. Mulraney does not
charge additional fees to answer student questions.  Students
pre-pay an amount based on the number of hours of training they
want.  Her training is independent of any screen reader; she
focuses on the Windows Operating System keystrokes rather than
screen reader-specific keys.  She has taken a variety of computer
classes from several colleges in and around Houston.  For more
information about the courses available, contact Laura Mulraney,
714 North Avenue F, Humble, TX 77338; 281-446-2427; E-mail: 
lauramp@hal-pc.org.  


            WHAT TO DO WHEN YOU MEET A SIGHTED PERSON

     People who use their eyes to receive information about the
world are called sighted people or "people who are sighted." 
Legal "sight" means any visual acuity greater than 20/200 in the
better eye without correction or an angle of vision wider than 20
degrees.  Sighted people enjoy rich full lives, working, playing
and raising families.  They run businesses, hold public office
and teach YOUR children! 
     How Do Sighted People Get Around: People who are sighted may
walk or ride public transportation, but most choose to travel
long distances by operating their own motor vehicles.  They have
gone through many hours of training, at great expense, to learn
the "rules of the road" to further their independence.  Once that
road to freedom has been mastered, sighted people earn a legal
classification and a "Driver's License" that allows them to
operate a private vehicle safely and independently.  
      Sighted people cannot function well in low lighting
conditions and are generally completely helpless in total
darkness.  Their homes are usually very brightly lit at great
expense, as are businesses that cater to the sighted consumer.
     How Can I Best Communicate with Sighted People?  Sighted
people are accustomed to viewing the world in visual terms.  This
means that in many situations, they will not be able to
communicate orally and may resort to pointing or other gesturing. 
They may also use subtle facial expressions to convey feelings in
social situations.  Calmly alert the sighted person to his or her
surroundings by speaking slowly, in a normal tone of voice. 
There is no need to raise your voice when addressing a sighted
person.  Questions directed to the sighted person help him focus
on verbal rather than visual and gestural communication.  
     How Can I Assist a Sighted Person?  At times, sighted people
may need help finding things, especially when operating a motor
vehicle.  Your advance knowledge of routes and landmarks,
particularly bumps in the road, turns and traffic lights, will
assist the "driver" in finding the way quickly and easily.  Your
knowledge of building layouts can also assist the sighted person
in navigating complex shopping malls and offices.  Sighted people
tend to be very proud and will not ask directly for assistance. 
Be gentle, yet firm.  
     How Do Sighted People Read?  Sighted people read through a
system called "Print."  Print is a series of images drawn in a
two dimensional plane.  Because the person who is sighted relies
exclusively on visual information, his or her attention span
tends to fade quickly when reading long texts.  People who are
sighted generally have a poorly developed sense of touch. 
Braille is completely foreign to the sighted person and he or she
will take longer to learn the code and be severely limited by his
or her existing visual senses. 
     How  Do Sighted People Use Compuers?  Computer information
is presented to sighted people in a "Graphical User Interface" or
GUI.  Sighted people often suffer from hand-eye coordination
problems and poor memory.  To accommodate these difficulties,
people who are sighted use a "mouse," a handy device that slides
along the desk top to save confusing keystrokes.  With one
button, the sighted person can move around his or her computer
screen quickly and easily.  People who are sighted are not
accustomed to synthetic speech and may have great difficulty
understanding even the clearest synthesizer.  Be patient and
prepared to explain many times how YOUR computer equipment works.
     How Can I Support a Sighted Person?  People who are sighted
do not want your charity.  They want to live, work and play along
with you.  The best thing you can do to support sighted people in
your community is to open yourself to their world.  These
citizens are vital, contributing members of society.  Take a
sighted person to lunch today!!!


          ISSUES AND CONCERNS REGARDING THE EMPLOYMENT
             OF INDIVIDUALS WITH VISUAL IMPAIRMENTS 

                      by Dr. Tasha L. Dean

     Eleven years ago today, (July 26, 1991) people from across
America gathered to celebrate the signing of the Americans with
Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA), one of the Nation's most
important civil rights laws since the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
     The ADA opened up the true promise of America to people with
disabilities who, for far too long, have found impediments to
achieving an education, finding a job, or just getting around. 
Much has been accomplished in the past 11 years.  Attitudes are
slowly changing, and barriers are slowly coming down all across
America.  Some employers now provide a range of "accommodations"
for employees with disabilities in gaining career opportunities. 
     Although much has been accomplished because of the ADA, our
job is far from done.  People with disabilities, especially
individuals with visual impairments, are far more likely than
other Americans to drop out of high school or suffer from poverty
and unemployment.  They are far less likely to own a home, to use
a computer to explore the Internet, or to vote without the
necessary skills and services. Low rates of employment for people
with visual impairments continue to be a concern in California
and throughout the world.     Numerous articles have been written
which identify barriers to employment; and strategies to address
them have been suggested.  However, people with visual
impairments still experience high rates of unemployment. 
Educational and rehabilitative laws outline critical steps for
success; yet these entities have not been very successful at
circumventing the problem at hand.  Today with improved
technologies, skills, and training, it would seem that students
and young adults with visual impairments would see much improved
employment outcome.  Not only does unemployment remain high,
however,  but even when young people attend postsecondary
institutions at a rate comparable to persons without
disabilities, they have a much higher rate of unemployment
(National Longitudinal Transitional Study, Exceptional Children). 

     The time is now to make a difference.  It has been noted
that poverty, discrimination, less than adequate transition
process, insufficient education and resources, and employers'
lack of awareness of the abilities of people with visual
impairments are rated high among the barriers to employment.  I
realize there is no single factor ensuring success, but with
continued advocacy, improved educational and rehabilitative
practices, and access to assistive technology, the future is
bright for people who are visually impaired.
     More information regarding issues related to career
education and transition services can be obtained by calling
Tasha Dean, New Dimensions at 510-206-8463 or e-mailing her at
tdean2@prodigy.net.


                 LEGISLATIVE REPORT, FALL, 2002   

                          by Dan Kysor 

Greetings from Sacramento!  I have some very exciting things to
report on legislation as the 2001-2002 California legislative
session comes to a close.  As I write this, Senate Bill 105 moves
to the Governor, having cleared both houses of the Legislature. 
In virtually every hearing of our "division bill", it has passed
uncontested with unanimous votes.  Although it won't give us a
commission, it is a hopeful beginning towards better employment
outcomes for the over 70% of persons who are blind and visually
impaired in this state.  
     The bill by Senator John Burton will, if signed by the
governor, Establish a division for the blind within the
Department of Rehabilitation with a deputy director overseeing
the existing blind services staff including rehabilitation
counselors for the blind, counselor teachers and rehabilitation
supervisors.  An interesting aspect is an amendment which really
doesn't relate to a division for the blind per se but establishes
California's adherence to the federal 508 access requirements by
mandating that electronic access to all state of California
information be made accessible to persons with disabilities.  A
similar bill, AB 3035 by Ellen Corbett, was recently signed into 
law by the Governor as Chapter 300 but, because SB 105 has
similar language, our bill, if signed into law, will take
precedence.  This measure would amend the Brown/Bagley/Keen Act
to mandate that all state and local governments must have
materials in their public meetings in accessible formats.
     The longest budget impasse in California history came to an
end with many programs which are not mandated by statutes being
cut back.  As of this writing, we do not know what programs will
be impacted.
     Two pedestrian safety bills were of interest to us this
year, SB 1918 and SB 1555, both by Senator Tom Torlakson.  Senate
Bill 1918 would classify an electronic scooter device as a
pedestrian with all the rights of travel available for
pedestrians.  CCB led the statewide opposition to this measure. 
Please read the article "California Sidewalks Under Attack"
elsewhere in this issue.  The bill cleared both houses and moves
to the Governor.  A special thanks to Gene Lozano and the
Committee on Access and Transportation for all its work in
opposition to  SB 1918.
     Senate Bill 1555 requires that drivers with 2 or more points
on their driving record be given a pamphlet with pedestrian
safety laws including California White Cane regulations.  We
thank Senator Torlakson for taking our white cane amendment. 
That bill also moves to the Governor.
     Our CCB assembly resolution, HR 31 by Sally Havice, passed
earlier in 2002.  This resolution developed from AB 841 which was
withdrawn at our request because of the budget crisis.  The
resolution states the legislature's intent to have the California
Department of Transportation, Caltrans, investigate the
possibility of establishing a Pedestrian Safety Commission and
recognizes the many problems faced by pedestrians in this state
in crossing streets and accessing sidewalks.
     AB 2369 by Simon Salinas would have created a ballot
proposition to fund local governments and their transportation
projects to render them more accessible to persons with
disabilities.  Unfortunately, the measure died in committee. 
     AB 925 by Dion Aroner originally contained a clause which
would have increased the Medi-Cal benefits that employed persons
with disabilities could have received, but it didn't make it into
the final bill.  That bill, however, would require the California
Health and Human Services Agency and the Labor and Workforce
Development Agency, using existing resources, to create a
sustainable, comprehensive strategy to accomplish various goals
aimed at bringing persons with disabilities into employment.  It
would require the Governor to rename and authorize the existing
California Governor's Committee on Employment of Disabled
Persons as the California Governor's Committee on Employment of
People with Disabilities.  The committee would be established in
the Labor and Workforce Development Agency which would specify
the membership and duties of the committee.  The bill would also
require the committee, to the extent that funds are available, to
make grants to counties and local workforce investment boards in
order to develop local strategies for enhancing employment
opportunities for the disabled, and to fund
comprehensive local and regional benefits planning and outreach
programs to assist in accomplishing the goals of the legislation. 
It would include removing barriers to work.
Each local workforce investment board would have to establish at
least one comprehensive, one-stop career center and would impose
various requirements related to ensuring that those one-stop
centers provide universal access to services pursuant to the
federal Workforce Investment Act of 1998 for persons with
disabilities.  If permitted by federal law, the California
Workforce Investment Board and local workforce investment boards
would include disabled individuals.  The Medi-Cal and IHSS
personal care services would, under specified conditions, include
services in the recipient's place of employment and extend these
Medi-Cal benefit coverage provisions indefinitely.  This large,
comprehensive bill is on the Governor's desk. 
     AB2616 by Allen Lowenthal is on its way to the Governor.  It
intends that the Legislature shall recommend to the California
State University system and the University of California system
hire additional Special Education instructors and distance
learning staff for the blind.  This bill was sponsored by the
National Federation of the Blind of California and the California
State University system.
     AB 2326 by Dario Frommer, "Braille Reading Standards" would
create a task force within the Department of Education to
establish criteria for the teaching of braille reading.  The bill
is on its way to the Governor.  
     AB 2444 by John Dutra would mandate the State Personnel
Administration to consider making salaries for teachers,
specialists, and administrators of the state special schools and
diagnostic centers competitive with the salaries of similarly
qualified school teachers, specialists, and administrators who
are employed by the school districts in the area.  The bill is on
the Governor's desk.
     AB 2525 by Hannah Beth Jackson, Voting Modernization, would
require that one accessible voting machine be provided in every
polling place.  The bill moves to the Assembly floor. 
     AB 55 by Kevin Shelley was withdrawn, its substance becoming
part of another bill, since it also related to voting
modernization.  The author was waiting until federal legislation
was adopted creating the funding for these machines but that bill
is still in Conference Committee.
     AB 2784 by Edward Chavez allows optometrists to prescribe
specialized phone equipment to people with disabilities.  It was
signed into law by the Governor and is Chapter 141.
     Proposition 41, created by SB 1227 and introduced by Senator
John Burton, Low Income Housing Funding, will be on the fall
election ballot.  It also creates funding for low income home
ownership and also for additional housing for homeless
individuals.
     AB 1950 by Roderick Wright would provide that uncer specific
circumstances, an employee's probationary period may be extended
but not to exceed six months..  Such an arrangement is made upon
written agreement between an appointing power and the employee
who alleges that he or she has a disability, as defined, and
subject to approval of the agreement by the State Personnel
Board.  The extension is permitted to allow the appointing power
to provide a reasonable accommodation to the employee and to give
the employee the opportunity to demonstrate, before the
probationary period ends, the ability to perform satisfactorily
the essential functions of the position.  The bill, now Chapter
236, was signed into law by the Governor. 
     AB 1800 by Christine Kehoe would have extended places
disabled persons may park using their placards.  The measure died
in committee.
     AB 1844 by Dennis Mountjoy would have doubled the tax credit
for senior and disabled home owners but died early in the 2001-
2002 session.
     AB 2032 by Joseph Canciamilla would have increased jail
times for crimes against persons with disabilities and seniors. 
The bill died in its first policy hearing.  
     AB 2416 by Patricia Bates was withdrawn by the author.  It
would have established an emergency bank of IHSS (In-Home Support
Services) workers who would have had background checks.
     AB 2507 by Rod Pacheco would have eliminated the California
School for the Blind's "Consumer Advisory Council" but my
personal intervention removed this language.  
     AB 1040 by John Dutra, an ADA notification bill, was
withdrawn by the author after much opposition.  CCB helped to
lead that opposition.
     Just a personal note about this session.  I am noticing that
many bills we track end up having their funding removed leaving
merely the intent of the bill to accomplish a particular goal
without the fiscal means or mandate to do so.  This is a
consequence of the $27 billion budget deficit in 2002, and I have
every reason to expect this situation to continue for the near
future.
     On a more positive note, I am proud of our leadership and
participation in the effort to create separate services for the
blind. I am grateful for the CCB members, who showed a phenomenal
outpouring of support by letters and phone calls in favor of the
division bill and other legislation with which the Council was
involved.  As always, I could not do what I do without your
continued help and support.  I urge all of you to vote in this
fall election and to keep in touch with what is going on by
listening to the California Connection (1-800-221-6359 or via e-
mail and on the web.  Feel free, also, to call me at the Capital
office at 916-372-9869.
 

                       GDUC WANTS TO KNOW

                        by Sheila Styron

     It is reported that one out of every three guide dog
handlers has experienced at least one troubling incident of
serious interference or aggressive behavior from nonworking dogs
while the guide dog is working.  These incidents are not always
the result of loose dogs as one might suppose.  A dog might be
tied up outside the door of a business establishment where a
working team cannot pass without putting themselves in close
proximity to a situation where interference with guidework is
practically unavoidable.  
     Once, I was walking down the street  past a sidewalk cafe in
my neighborhood when a dog tied to a table became so agitated at
our passing that it managed to knock the table over as it lunged
after my guide dog.  Fortunately, nothing else happened, but for
many handlers, these incidents have resulted in serious
consequences, including everything from physical injury requiring
expensive medical treatment; psychological trauma for both human
and canine partner sometimes necessitating early retirement for
the guide; and, in the worst case scenario, death.
     Guide Dog Users of California wants to know about your
guidework interference and dog attack experiences.  It is often
valuable, when trying to make one's case with legislators, to
have written accounts from constituents to bring situations into
focus in ways that will both raise awareness and put a human face
on something that might not otherwise be a priority for a
lawmaker who doesn't know what it feels like to be in another
person's situation.  What lawmaker is going to know what it felt
like when my dog and I were aggressively rushed by an offleash
large, snarling dog who came bounding out from behind a counter
in a quaint little shop where this kind of thing should not have
happened.  
     Please help us make California safer for working teams by
sending GDUC your personal experiences.  These acounts in your
own words can make a diffference.  Send your personal dog attack
or guidework interference experiences to Sheila Styron at 1215 N.
Olive Dr. #306, West Hollywood, CA 90069 or call me at
323-822-9872 with questions or other suggestions.  


        PREVALENCE OF INDIVIDUALS WITH DEFINED CONDITIONS

     What is the best general-purpose estimate of the number of
people who are blind or visually impaired in the United States? 
The American Foundation for the Blind (AFB) recommends the
general-purpose estimate that 10 million people in the United
States are blind or visually impaired.  This figure reflects a
merging and rounding of various estimates from federal surveys of
noninstitutional (or community-based) and institutional (mostly
nursing home residents) populations studied in the mid- to late
1990s.  AFB urges investigators to pay attention to the various
other estimates provided in this document, which are appropriate
for specific uses.  The various estimates differ based on the
definitions of visual impairment used, as well as on dates the
data was collected, populations surveyed, and other features of
the data sources. 
     Definition and Scope: This estimate applies to people who
cannot see at all as well as those who have difficulty seeing
with eyeglasses or contact lenses; to those who live in nursing
homes and other institutions as well as in the community; and to
people of all ages. 
     Data Source: Merging of various federal surveys. (See the
estimates that follow for information about specific data
sources.) 
     How many people in the United States who are not in
institutions are visually impaired (have a "functional limitation
in seeing")? 
     In 1994-95, 8.1 million people were estimated to have a
functional limitation in seeing including both those with
"non-severe limitation" ("difficulty seeing words and letters")
and those with "severe limitation" ("unable to see words and
letters"). 
     Definition and Scope: This estimate combines individuals
ages 16 years and over, who are not in institutions, defined as
self-reported or proxy-reported, who have "difficulty seeing
words and letters" (a "non-severe limitation") or are "unable to
see words and letters" (a "severe limitation"). 
     Data Source: Bureau of the Census, Survey of Income and
     Program Participation, 1994-95, How many legally blind
people are there in the United States?  In 1994-95, there were
approximately 1.3 million Americans who reported legal blindness
(a rate of 5 per 1,000).  Of these individuals, 80% (1,040,000)
had some "useful vision" (a rate of 40 per 1,000).  The other 20%
(260,000) had only light perception or less vision (a rate of 1 
per 1,000).  Half of these individuals were totally blind
(130,000), that is, had no light perception (a rate of 0.5 per
10,000). 
     Definition and Scope: "Legal blindness" is a level of visual
impairment that has been defined by law to determine eligibility
for benefits.  It refers to central visual acuity of 20/200 or
less in the better eye with the best possible correction, as
measured on a Snellen vision chart, or a visual field of 20
degrees or less. 
     Data source: Estimate of overall legal blindness is from
National Center for Health Statistics, National Health Interview
Survey, Disability Supplement, 1994 and 1995.  
     How many elderl individuals (aged 65 or older) in the United
States are visually impaired, including those who are blind?  In
1994-95, approximately 5 million elderly individuals not residing
in nursing homes reported a visual impairment.  Of these, 1
million reported a severe visual impairment. 
     Definition and Scope: In this study, visual impairment
refers to individuals who report "difficulty seeing words and
letters in regular print, even with their eyeglasses on"; those
with a severe visual impairment report being "unable" to do so. 
     Data Source: Bureau of the Census, Survey of Income and
     Program Participation, 1994-95. 
     How many nursing home residents in the United States are
visually impaired, including those who are blind?  In 1997,
approximately 26% of all nursing home residents (420,300
individuals) had some level of visual impairment.  Considering
the severity of the vision problem, about 3% were reported to
have completely lost their sight; about 6 percent were reported
as "severely visually impaired," and over 16% were reported as
"partially visually impaired." 
     Definition and Scope: Visual impairment was reported by
nursing staff familiar with the individual residents in the
study's sample.  Responses classified as "any difficulty in
seeing (when wearing eyeglasses)," also indicated whether the
resident's sight was partially impaired, severely impaired, or
completely lost. Almost all were 65 years or older. 
     Data Source: National Center for Health Statistics: National
Nursing Home Survey, 1997. 
     How many visually impaired, blind, and deaf-blind students
are served in special education in the United States?  It is
estimated that in 1998 approximately 93,600 visually impaired or
blind students, 10,800 of whom were deaf-blind, were being served
in the special education program. 
     Definition and Scope: Students reported as being served in
the special education system as visually impaired, ages 0-21
years. 
     Data Source: Multistate sample survey of state special
education representatives, as part of the project, "National Plan
for Training Personnel to Serve Children with Blindness and Low
Vision."  Report available from the American Foundation for the
Blind.  
     Data Report: Estimates of the number of visually impaired
students, their teachers, and orientation and mobility
specialists:  How many legally blind children are there in the
United States?  In 1998-99 there were approximately 55,200
legally blind children. 
     Definition and Scope: "Legal blindness" is a level of visual
impairment that has been defined by law to determine eligibility
for benefits.  It refers to a visual acuity of 20/200 or less in
the better eye with the best possible correction, as measured on
a Snellen vision chart, or a visual field of 20 degrees or less. 
The children referred to range in age from 0-21 years. 
     Data Source: American Printing House for the Blind (APH),
1999.  APH maintains an annual register of legally blind persons
in educational settings below the college level. 


            CAREER CONNECTIONS: A LEADERSHIP RETREAT 

                  by Catherine Schmitt Whitaker

     Recently I attended a work-related leadership retreat.  The
group was composed of supervisors, mid- and senior-level
managers.  At this retreat, we were asked to reflect upon and
discuss in small groups what contributed to our success early in
our career.  I thought it would be insightful to share some of
the salient concepts that were identified.  
     Have a Can-Do Attitude:  When a challenge arises, be willing
to accept it and the risk to accomplish a goal.  Sometimes a boss
sees the potential in an individual and will challenge the
employee to reach beyond his/her comfort zone; or an individual
may request a challenging assignment to demonstrate his/her
capabilities.  The key is to be willing to take a risk to learn a
new task, thus providing abundant opportunity for personal and
professional growth. 
     Being  Willing to Do the "dirty" work:  Some of the best
learning experiences arise from the willingness to do the duties
that no one else wants to do and that are not part of the job
description.  For example, taking minutes at a meeting where no
one volunteers can be a rewarding experience.  Volunteering to
perform the task means that the individual will be more engaged
and learns more from the meeting experience.  There will be a
chance for more interaction with the key leadership who will be
receiving the minutes, and you be seen as a contributing member
of the group.  The more interaction with others, the more
opportunity there is to learn about the organization's culture,
practices and history.
     Listen to What Others Have to Say:  A key to succeeding is
listening in order to understand what is important to others. 
Whether it is listening to the boss and identifying his/her key
goals for the year or to a co-worker to find out what has kept
him/her in the organization for 30 years, it is important to
listen with understanding. Often, lessons are taught indirectly
through the sharing of stories.  Listening can also help identify
and build upon the strengths others can contribute to the group. 
     A Strong Work Ethic Pays Off:  One of the best ways to
create a positive reputation is to follow through on all the
commitments.  It is important not to over-commit.  If a
commitment cannot be accomplished, then be direct about this fact
and explain the barriers to achieving the goal.  
     Taking a moment to reflect upon what has contributed to your
success may be enlightening.  This can be just as valuable for
the mid-career professional as well as the new professional.    


      NEW REGULATIONS ON THE FREE MATTER MAILING PRIVILEGE

     From the Federal Register: July 8, 2002 (Volume 67, Number
130; Rules and Regulations, Page 45061-45064; 39 CFR Part III 
     SUMMARY: This final rule adopts a proposal to amend the
Domestic Mail Manual (DMM) to clarify and simplify the
eligibility standards for free matter for the blind and other
physically handicapped persons in conformance, to the extent
practicable, with similar standards adopted by the Library of
Congress (LOC) for its National Library Service for the Blind and
Physically Handicapped (NLS).  In addition, other standards
applicable to the use of free matter for the blind and other
physically handicapped persons are clarified.
     EFFECTIVE DATE: August 8, 2002.  
     Supplementary Information: Congress established the free
matter privilege in 1904 to provide reading materials for the
blind when sent by public institutions and public libraries as a
loan and when returned by the blind readers to those institutions
     The program was established under the auspices of the
Library of Congress to provide books for use by adult residents
of the United States, including the several States, Territories,
insular possessions, and the District of Columbia.  The Library
of Congress issued standards for making arrangements for
circulation of books (using the free matter privilege) to and
from blind users through libraries designated as local or
regional centers.
    In 1966, Congress expanded the National Books-for-the-Blind
program to include other physically handicapped persons. 
Congress expanded the program to meet the reading needs of
physically handicapped persons who cannot read or use
conventional printed books because of impaired eyesight or other
factors that make these persons physically unable to manipulate
these materials.  Certification by competent authority of
individuals for eligibility to participate in the program was
(and remains today) pursuant to regulations prescribed by the
Library of Congress.  From this time on, the program became known
as the National Library Service for the Blind and Physically
Handicapped.
    Consistent with the intent of Congress embodied in the Act
that created the Library of Congress National Library Service for
the Blind and Physically Handicapped, the Postal Reorganization
Act expanded the free matter privilege to include mail for the
use of the blind or other persons who cannot use or read
conventionally printed material because of a physical impairment. 
The persons must be certified by competent authority in
accordance with the regulations established by the Library of
Congress.  Under the current law, Congress reimburses the Postal
Service for free matter mailings  Accordingly, the Postal Service
is clarifying its eligibility standards for the free matter
privilege to incorporate, as closely as practicable, the
standards devised by the Library of Congress for establishing
eligibility and certification for participation in the National
Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 
    On September 1, 2000, the Postal Service published a proposed
rule in the Federal Register amending the postal standards for
free matter for the blind and other physically handicapped
persons.  Based on comments received, the Postal Service
published a second, revised proposed rule for comment on January
3, 2002  The revised rule contained two major changes.  First, it
eliminated the requirement that organizations maintain individual
records of eligible recipients and made the maintenance of such
records optional.  Second, the new proposal required mailers of
free matter who entered mailings of 200 or more pieces to
register with the Post Office(s) of mailing and to submit
statements of mailing.   A form requiring minimal mailing
information would have been developed for this purpose.  In
addition, the proposal included a provision that the Postal
Service may audit an organization's use of the free matter
privilege.  The proposal explained that this specification was
new to the Domestic Mail Manual but codified existing authority
and practice.
    The Postal Service received eight comments on the January 3,
2002, proposal.  The comments generally supported the overall
goal to clarify standards for eligibility and most expressed
support for or did not object to the clarifying language for
eligibility and certifying authority.  Accordingly, these
proposed standards are adopted without change.  However, one
comment requested that a provision be added that clarifies that
mailings of acceptable matter may be mailed by organizations. 
The Postal Service acknowledges that the comment is correct and
consistent with the standards for the mailing of free matter. 
However, since these circumstances are already addressed by
permitting matter for the use of blind or other physically
handicapped persons to be mailed free of postage, an additional
provision is not incorporated in the new standards.  One comment
supported the proposal in its entirety and one objected only to
any change that would not allow the mailing of cassette talking
machines.  The proposed rule does not contemplate changing the
standards for acceptable matter mailed as free matter. 
Therefore, cassette talking machines and other devices for use by
eligible recipients remain acceptable to be mailed as free
matter.
    There were several common objections to the proposal.  Six
comments objected to the proposal requiring free matter mailers
to submit statements of mailings for mailings of 200 pieces or
more.  Three of the six comments expressed concern about the
additional administrative burden of submitting statements of
mailing, and three comments objected to the proposal that
required an organization to certify on the statements of mailing
that each recipient is eligible to receive free matter.  By law,
free matter may be sent only to eligible persons.  The proposed
certification standard for organizations using the free matter
privilege to mail matter to eligible persons did not change
mailers' obligations.  Nevertheless, the Postal Service has
removed the standards, Certification of Eligible Recipients by
Organizations, and Reporting Mailings, from this final rule to
accommodate the concerns of the comments.  The proposed
requirement for registration and submission of statements of
mailing for large volume mailings was intended to facilitate a
more precise count of free matter volume and appropriation to the
Postal Service to cover the revenue forgone on this mail.
However, in view of the comments, the Postal Service finds that
this need does not outweigh the administrative burden that would
be placed on mailers.  Accordingly, under this final rule,
mailers of free matter will not at this time be required to
submit statements of mailing with free matter mailings of more
than 200 pieces.  Furthermore, the Postal Service has eliminated
the proposal that would have required a mailer to register with
the Post Office(s) of mailing prior to submitting mailings of
over 200 pieces.
     Two comments had concerns about the Postal Service's
definition of advertising.  The two comments misinterpreted the
standard to prohibit material such as a "meeting notice."  As a
general standard for any material sent as free matter, the
material may not contain any advertising.  The Postal Service
does not consider meeting notices and other informational
material as advertising unless it falls within the Postal Service
definition of advertising.  
    The Postal Service also adopts additional standards
clarifying what may be mailed as free matter.  These do not
create substantive changes, but codify existing policies.  
    Three comments expressed concern that the proposed change was
intended to further limit the standards for acceptable matter
mailed as free matter.  To the contrary, the change simply
clarifies section (a) to say "reading matter in braille or
14-point or larger sightsaving type" is eligible to be sent as
free matter.  There was no change in sections (b) through (e)
which list other acceptable matter that may be mailed as free
matter.
    Two comments requested that the Postal Service extend the
standards for free matter to include handwritten letters that are
written or printed in 14-point or larger type.  the history of
the free matter privilege does not support that the intent was to
include handwritten letters.  Section 3404 of Title 39
specifically requires that letters sent using the privilege must
be "in raised characters, or sightsaving type, or in the form of
sound recordings."  Since the Postal Service does not have the
authority to consider such a change, this request is outside the
scope of this final rule.
    Subject to the standards below, matter may be entered free of
postage if mailed by or for the use of blind or other persons who
cannot read or use conventionally printed materials due to a
physical handicap.  The provisions of E040 apply to domestic mail
only.
     Eligibility: The following persons are considered to be
blind or unable to read or use conventionally printed material
due to a physical handicap for purposes of this section:
    a.  Certified participants in the Library of Congress
National Library Service for the Blind and Physically Handicapped 
   b.  Blind persons whose visual acuity, as determined by
competent authority, is 20/200 or less in the better eye with
correcting lenses.  
    c.  Other physically handicapped persons certified by
competent authority as meeting one or more of the following
conditions:
    (1) Having a visual disability, with correction and
regardless of optical measurement, that prevents the reading of
standard printed material.
    (2) Being unable to read or unable to use standard printed
material as a result of physical limitations.
    (3) Having a reading disability resulting from organic
dysfunction and of sufficient severity to prevent their reading
printed material in a normal manner.
    (4) Meeting the requirements of eligibility resulting from a
degenerative, variable disease that renders them unable to read
or use conventional printed material because of impaired eyesight
or other physical factors.  These persons are eligible during the
time in which they are certified by a competent authority as
unable to read or use conventional materials.
    d.  Eligible participants must be residents of the United
States including the several States, Territories, insular
possessions, and the District of Columbia.
     Certifying Authority for purposes of this standard:
    a.  The postmaster may extend the free matter privilege to an
individual recipient based on personal knowledge of the
individual's eligibility.
    b.  In cases of blindness, visual impairment, or physical
limitations, "competent authority" is defined to include doctors
of medicine; doctors of osteopathy; ophthalmologists;
optometrists; registered nurses; therapists; and professional
staff of hospitals, institutions, and public or private welfare
agencies (e.g., social workers, caseworkers, counselors,
rehabilitation teachers, and superintendents).  In the absence of
any of these, certification may be made by professional
librarians or by any person whose competence under specific
circumstances is acceptable to the Library of Congress.
    c.  In the case of reading disability from organic
dysfunction, "competent authority" is defined as doctors of 
medicine and doctors of osteopathy.
    Qualifying Individuals:      The USPS may require individuals
claiming entitlement to the free matter privilege to furnish
evidence of eligibility. 


           ACB RESPONSE TO THE REGULATIONS CONCERNING 
                    THE FREE MATTER PRIVILEGE

                       by Melanie Brunson 

     We are concerned about the intent and potential implications
of this section.  It specifies that "Braille" and "type" are
eligible forms of reading matter.  However, there is no mention
of CD-ROMs, or computer diskettes, which have been accepted by
the Postal Service as eligible for free matter mailing for a
number of years.  It would seem that if the intent of these
revisions is to clarify
and codify current practices, these items should also be listed
along with other types of reading matter.  If these items were
purposely left out in order to impose new restrictions on
eligible reading matter, then we cannot support this provision.
     We believe that by accepting these materials in the past,
the Postal Service has created a presumption that it is
permissible to send such items as free matter.  This presumption
has been confirmed by the actions of the Postal Service for some
time now, and we believe that by affirming this presumption, the
Postal Service has created a constructive right to send these
items as free matter.  Further, we believe that such a right is
consistent with Congressional intent.  In establishing, and later
expanding, the Books-for-the-Blind Program, Congress noted the
types of media that were available at the time to produce reading
materials for people who are blind.  Computer technology could
not have been foreseen and accounted for at that time However,
there is general agreement in the blindness field that such
technologies greatly increase both the quantity and quality of
information that is available to the blind today.  
     Since Congress demonstrated an intent to cover the broad
scope of materials used by the blind at the time the statute was
written, we believe that logic dictates defining that scope here
in a manner that will encompass the entire range of technologies
used to convey information to the blind of our day. This is a
serious omission on the part of the Postal Service. 
     The comments contained in the Federal Register concerning
the rules that would govern free mail as of August 8, 2002,  did
not mention the objections concerning the decision that hand
written material in print that is 14-point or larger cannot be
mailed free to persons who are otherwise eligible for service. 
we must object to the failure of the Postal Service to
acknowledge the fact that many individuals who are eligible to
send free matter do not read braille and do not have access to
typewriters or computers.  These individuals, most of whom are 55
years of age or older and have only recently lost their vision,
can read and write only by using characters that are 14-point or
larger but do so using pens or black markers.  We believe that it
is both shortsighted and discriminatory against older Americans
for the Postal Service to refuse to extend free matter mailing
privileges to the correspondence of these persons.
     For these reasons, we strongly oppose this provision. 
Should this section be implemented as it is written, we will seek
Congressional intervention to obtain a more inclusive rule.
     Section 3.1 Acceptable Letters: This section also fails to
provide for the use of computer diskettes and CD-ROMs, as a means
by which people who are blind or visually impaired can send
letters.  It also fails to allow the free matter mailing of
letters that are handwritten or printed in 14-point or larger
characters.  As we stated previously, we believe these
restrictions on the use of the free matter mailing privilege are
unrealistic and contrary to Congressional intent.  These
omissions should be remedied by the Postal Service before this
rule is implemented. 


                           OREGON ROMP

                        by Sheila Styron

     Guide Dog Users of Oregon's Romp is a gathering I have been
wanting to experience for many years, and I am so glad Dorian and
I finally were able to manage the trip, combining it with a visit
to Dorian's puppy raiser who lives on a Christmas tree farm in
Gig Harbor, Washington.  
     The Oregon Romp was held on the campus of Louis and Clark
College situated in the midst of beautiful woods outside
Portland.  Participants stayed in the dorms taking meals in the
cafeteria;  I almost felt 19 again.  
     There were presentations from schools, a holistic vet, a
representative from the Fish and Game Department, as well as two
inspired offerings by puppy raisers.  They covered issues faced
by raisers in the workplace and pitfalls of dishonesty or
omission in puppy reports with the consequences sometimes
experienced by handlers as a result.  After dinner Saturday
evening, we all sat on the grass outside for a very moving
blessing of the animals and tributes to retired and deceased
guides as well as people affiliated with our community.  Later,
many of us went off to hike, and my group of five had a great
adventure.  
     With no sighted walkers among us but two handlers whose
guides always find the way home, we trudged off through the
forest for quite some distance, none of us having the least idea
where we were going.  We gulped in deep lungfuls of that
incredible Oregon air and with the sun at our backs, kidded about
walking all the way to Idaho, only to find ourselves confronted
by an unpleasant gentleman who informed us that we had found our
way onto private property and must leave immediately.  Well, we
apologized and headed out.  All the way home, we made up scary
stories about our adventure; and by the time our great guide dogs
brought us back to our dorm, we were hysterically high on the
tall tales we had invented about our experience.  Afterward we
"romped,; that is, those who were comfortable doing so let their
dogs run wild up and down the halls of our dorm.  What fur
inspired fun we had at the Oregon Romp.  Needless to say, I
highly recommend next summer's edition to everyone.


                        AROUND THE STATE

     On june 1, the San Francisco chapter offered a Braille Day
on the entry level of the San Francisco public library.  Seated
at tables, members introduced passers-by to braille books and
magazines, slates and styluses of various kinds, a Perkins
brailler, braille games like playing cards, and ways of labeling
foods.  One member demonstrated his BrailleLite, and several
people wrote the names of visitors on cards they could take with
them along with braille alphabets and informational materials.
     Two members had learned how to make simple braille pictures
with various symbols providing much amusement for passing
children.  The children, at an early morning reading session,
heard one of our vivacious young members read them a story.  It
was an altogether delightful day!  


                          CCB OFFICERS 

     (Editor's note: We are indebted to Bernice Kandarian who
updates and corrects the list of CCB officers and board members, 
cluding the number of the term each is presently serving and the
years covered by that term.  We shall publish the list this way
at least in issues just preceding and following elections and
routinely if members wish.  The presence of an asterisk means
that the individual served a partial term before the first full
term.)  

President, Catherine Skivers (00-02, 3rd term)
     836 Resota Street
     Hayward, CA 94545
     510-357-1986 H
     <ccotb@earthlink.net>
1st Vice President, Jeff Thom (00-02, 1st term)
     7414 Mooncrest Way
     Sacramento, CA 95831
     916-429-8201 H
     916-341-820a W
     <jeff.thom@lc.ca.gov>
2nd Vice President, Ken Metz (01-03, 1st term)
     2024-B Andreo Avenue
     Torrance, CA 90501
     310-787-0021 H
     kmetz@socal.rr.com
Secretary, Ardis Bazyn (01-03 1st term)
     500 South 3rd Street, #H
     Burbank, CA 91502
     818-238-9321
     <abazyn@earthlink.net>
Treasurer, Peter Pardini (01-03 1st term)
     267 Cardinal Road
     Mill Valley, CA 94941-3618
     415-381-9211 H
     <peterpar@pacbell.net>
Immediate Past President, Mitch Pomerantz
     1115 Cordova St., #402
     Pasadena, CA 91106
     626-844-4388 H
     213-847-9124 W
     <MPomerantz@mailbox.lacity.org>

                BOARD OF DIRECTORS, jAN. 1, 2002

aL bIEGLER (01-03, 2ND TERM) 
     819 Colusa Street
     Chico, CA 95928-4116
     530-893-8840 H
     <albiegler1@juno.com>
Martin Jones (01-03, 4th term)
     730 Victoria
     San Francisco, CA 94127
     415-469-8048 H
     415-558-2489 W
Jane Kardas (*01-03, 2nd term)
     810 Maple Avenue
     Ukiah, CA 95482
     707-468-5510 H
Rhonda Marshall King (00-02, 2nd term)
     4541 Cyclamen Way
     Sacramento, CA 95841
     916-349-9960
     <jodeanking@earthlink.net>
Barbara Kron (00-02 1st term) 
     May-Nov. 8304 Blue Spruce Way
     Windsor, CA 95492
     707-838-9207 h/fax
      Nov.-Apr. Box 13010, #323
     Yuma, AZ 85366
     520-539-1323 h/fax
     badkron@aol.com
          
Eugene Lozano, Jr. (01-03, 3rd term)
     4537 Sycamore Avenue
     Sacramento, CA 95841
     916-485-8307 H
     916-278-6988 W
     <lozanoe@csus.edu>
Ahmad Rahman (00-02, 2nd term)
     19616 Leapwood Avenue
     Carson, CA 90746
     310-327-0463 H
Barbara Rhodes (00-02 1st term)
     6396 Tamalpais Avenue
     San Jose, CA 95120
     408-268-2110 H
     <brhodes@pacbell.net>
Richard Rueda (01-03 1st term)
     1501 Decoto Road, # 169
     Union City, CA 94587
     510-324-0418 H
     <richr@surfside.net>

                  CCB PUBLICATIONS COMMITTEE

Joan Black, Chair: 4925 Coke Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712; 
     562-630-2304
Keith Black, 4925 Coke Ave., Lakewood, CA 90712; 
     562-630-2304
Bernice Kandarian, Vice Chair:  2211 Latham St. #120, Mountain   
    View, CA 94040; 650-969-1688
Winifred Downing: 1587 38th Ave., San Francisco, CA 94122; 
     415-564-5798
Brian Hall: 5722 Abraham Ave., Westminster, CA 92683; 
     714-894-3497 
Patty Nash, 901 Central Ave. Apt. C, Alameda, CA 94501; 
     510-521-2042
Charles Nabarrete, 239 N. Walnut Dr., West Covina, CA 91790; 
     562-338-8106
Catherine Schmitt: 604 Camaritas Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765;
909-861-2931

