California Connection

June 27, 2008 (Revised July 3rd)

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on June 27, and will be updated on July 11. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Gabe Griffith: In recognition of the independence holiday next week there will not be a connection. Happy 4th of July to all of you and the next connection will be recorded on July 11.

From Jeff Thom: It is with deep sadness that I report another loss from the CCB family. Diana Lui, CCB Capitol Chapter member for almost 20 years, died at the age of 55 of various complications arising out of kidney failure. After a lengthy hospitalization more than two years ago, she fought back to work while on dialysis three times a week. Having known Diana both within our CCB family and as a coworker with the Legislature, I, and those who knew her, can tell you that she was a person of tremendous courage and of great compassion for others. She will be sorely missed. A memorial service is in the planning stages and we will certainly provide details when they become available. >

Cathy Schmitt Whitaker seeks your support as she walks a marathon (26.2 miles) to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team in Training program. We are walking to honor and remember loved ones who have been diagnosed with blood-related cancers. Please visit my secure web page to learn more and make a tax-deductible donation: http://pages.teamintraining.org/los/nikesf08/cschmittWhitaker For additional questions, please call Catherine at 909.816.2131

The Savannah Association for the Blind, Inc. is seeking an executive director. This position will be in Savannah Georgia and will cover 29 counties in the southeastern part of the state. If interested Please send résumé to Dr. J.A. Dandy at drjadandy@yahoo.com or fax resume to (912) 354-1996 in care of Dr. J.A. Dandy.

From Margaret Buchmann-Garcia: Some of us in the Merced area are looking to form a new CCB Chapter! The information and organizational meeting will be held on July 16th at 5:30 p.m. at COVE at 510 W. 25th Street in Merced. Please come and join us! For further information please call COVE at 209-722-8118 or Margaret Buchmann-Garcia at 209-722-5525.

From Walter Chavira: I have a Motorola Q9H and I would like to sell it for $200. It's in good condition. It has all the paperwork and USB cord and charger as well as an extra battery and cover. Call me at 661-361-3983.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

June 20, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on June 20, and will be updated on June 27. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Peter Pardini: The San Francisco Bay Area memorial service for Alice Chavez Pardini will be held on Saturday, June 28th at 1 p.m. at the East Bay Center for the Blind, 2928 Adeline Street Berkeley, CA 94703. If you are planning to attend, please contact the East Bay Center for the Blind at 510-843-6935.

From Frank Welte: Audio Book Club announcement. Are you a lover of recorded books? Our group of fans gets together each month to talk about the books we've listened to. We meet the last Thursday of the month at Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, 2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107, Palo Alto. The next Meeting will be on Thursday, June 26th from 2:00 to 3:30 PM. We'll discuss the book, "The Maltese Falcon", and we'll also share our encounters with other books over the past month. For more information, call Frank Welte at (650) 858-0202 Extension 143, or send Email to fwelte@vistacenter.org

From Walter Chavira: I have a Motorola Q9H and I would like to sell it for $200. It's in good condition, it has all the paperwork and USB cord and charger. Call me at 661-361-3983.

From I-Connect For active adults: Saturday, June 28 – Eat breakfast and enjoy a descriptive movie with new friends and help launch the Center’s new Movie Club in our Tarzana office. To RSVP, call 310-458-3501 X 148 or X 150.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

June 14, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on June 13, and will be updated on June 20. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Jeff Thom: It is with extreme sadness that I report to you that yesterday saw the passing of Alice Chavez-Pardini. Alice was an extremely courageous, loving, intelligent, and sometimes wonderfully zaney person. She took the bad that life had to offer and made the best of it, and she took the good times and made them great. She was a very loving mother and grandmother, and of course a wonderful wife to CCB board member Peter Pardini. I can't recall ever having seen any more loving couple than Alice and Peter. Her passing marked the end of a long fight with cancer. Our deepest sympathies go out to Peter, her daughter Melody whom so many of us know, and her entire family. A memorial service is being planned, to be held at the East Bay Center for the Blind in Berkeley, and we will provide you with details when they become available. Donations in honor of Alice may be made to the East Bay Center for the Blind. For more information, you may call the Center at 510-843-6935.

From Margaret Buchmann-Garcia: Announcing the Grand Opening of the Center of Vision Enhancement (COVE) on Monday, June 23, 2008 at 510 W. 25th Street in Merced, California. The phone number is 209-722-8118. The opening will be from 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. COVE will be a resource center for the blind and visually impaired. Please come and meet us! Also, some of us in the Merced area are looking to form a new CCB Chapter! The information and organizational meeting will be held on July 16th at 5:30 p.m. at COVE at 510 W. 25th Street in Merced. Please come and join us! For further information please call COVE at 209-722-8118 or Margaret Buchmann-Garcia at 209-722-5525.

From Dan Kysor, CCB governmental affairs director: Please note that a new legislative affairs report is available on our toll free line at 800-221-6359 and online at www.ccbnet.org under legislative affairs.

The East LA Chapter will hold their annual Mexican food fundraiser June 21, at 1226 South McBride Ave, in the city of East LA. The cross street is Olympic. Our festivities will begin at 11:00 AM and go until 2:30 PM. The menu will consist of: stake Picado, beans, rice, salad, and pie Ala Mode. Our refreshments will be: margaritas and Modelo Negra $2.00, beer, and wine $1.50, sodas $1.00 and water $.50. Tickets are: adults $12, children six and older $8, and children under six free. We will raffle a joy basket, which will consist of wine and other goodies, and a Hoover vacuum. There will have door prizes galore. The winners do not have to be present. We look forward to seeing old friends and making new friends. If there are any questions or need additional information, please contact Marie Herrera at 818-894-3722.

From Walter Chavira: I have a Motorola Q9H and I would like to sell it for $200. It's in good condition, it has all the paperwork and USB cord and charger. Call me at 661-361-3983.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

From President Jeff Thom: As some of you know, the American Council of the Blind will be holding its second annual auction at the ACB Convention in Louisville on Wednesday, July 8. Last year's auction raised almost $19,000. You can certainly donate or solicit donations for the auction on your own and bring them or have someone else bring them to convention. If you would like a sample letter we can provide it. However, CCB would like to put together some California baskets. If any of you would like to donate items with a California theme like wine, cheese, chocolate covered raisins, maybe a surfboard would be a bit big, but you get the idea, then you can send them to the office at 1510 J. St., Suite 125, Sacramento, 95814. We can then put together the basket and show our California spirit.

The Active Blind Inland Valleys chapter is putting together a paper regarding service provision of paratransit service agencies in the catchment area of Riverside and San Bernardino counties within this next month. Therefore, please send your factual information to Christy Crespin at: crespin@roadrunner.com. Questions include: services provided, not provided, satisfaction with drivers, reservationists, dispatchers and scheduling; if management was contacted, was the resolution satisfactory; do you have written policies on service provision or the subscription process; how and why do you use the paratransit service; have you received appropriate and fair service when making reservations; are you accommodated with a ride when you schedule, and if so, what percentage of time do rides work out; how are various zones dealt with and what is the wait time; have you been denied rides to certain locations within Riverside or San Bernardino counties? Please provide factual, rather than emotional answers to assist us in writing this position paper that will be sent to all agencies involved, city counsel, county supervisors, legislators, and to the CCB. Also, please state which service you are using, and give me your contact information in case we need to speak together to gather more information.

The California Emerging Technology Fund (CETF) is gathering information on how people with disabilities use the Internet, and most importantly, what barriers they face online. CETF plans to use this information to fund projects that will create awareness of accessibility barriers on the Internet. The survey takes only 5-10 minutes to complete, and Californians who complete the survey are eligible for a cash prize. To take the survey, or to read more about it, go to http://www.cforat.org/main_page/Survey.htm

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

May 30, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 30, and will be updated on June 6. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

You are cordially invited to attend our annual Bay View Chapter -- CCB lasagna fund-raiser dinner on Saturday June 7, 2008 at the Lions Blind Center at 3834 Opal Street Oakland from 5: pm to 9: pm. Attitude adjustment hour will begin at 5: pm and dinner at 6: pm along with door and raffle prizes. The cost is: $10.00. Meet old friends and acquaintances and make new ones. Come join the fun, Hope to see you their. Please enter side door at parking lot. To make reservations call Ida Johnson at: (510) 655-1982.

The Active Blind Inland Valleys chapter is putting together a paper regarding service provision of paratransit service agencies in the catchment area of Riverside and San Bernardino counties within this next month. Therefore, please send your factual information to Christy Crespin at: crespin@roadrunner.com Questions include: services provided, not provided, satisfaction with drivers, reservationists, dispatchers and scheduling; if management was contacted, was the resolution satisfactory; do you have written policies on service provision or the subscription process; how and why do you use the paratransit service; have you received appropriate and fair service when making reservations; are you accommodated with a ride when you schedule, and if so, what percentage of time do rides work out; how are various zones dealt with and what is the wait time; have you been denied rides to certain locations within Riverside or San Bernardino counties? Please provide factual, rather than emotional answers to assist us in writing this position paper that will be sent to all agencies involved, city counsel, county supervisors, legislators, and to the CCB. Also, please state which service you are using, and give me your contact information in case we need to speak together to gather more information.

HumanWare and the California Council of the Blind cordially invite you to join us for a "Town Hall Meeting" to publicly share your ideas, comments and suggestions to our company. This informal get together gives everyone an opportunity to speak with us, ask questions and contribute ideas so that we can better serve our customers and agencies. Phil Rance, President of HumanWare, Dominic Gagliano, Vice President of Blindness Sales, Kevin Hughes, Western Blindness Manager and Dave Wilkinson, Product Specialist will be present. New products such as the Victor Stream and a preview of the new Trekker Breeze GPS system will also be demonstrated; Refreshments and light snacks will be provided. We look forward to having you join us at either of the following venues! Friday June 6th - 7:00 PM-9:00 PM. Braille Institute of Orange County, 527 North Dale Avenue, Anaheim, CA 92801. Contact: Thomas Olzak 714-821-5000. Saturday June 7th, 11:30 AM-2:00 PM. Junior Blind of America, 5300 Angeles Vista Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90043. Contact: Kevin Hughes, 800-722-3393 ext. 260.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

May 23, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 23, and will be updated on May 30. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection. The CCB Sacramento office will be closed Monday, May 26th in observance of Memorial Day.

In case you haven’t heard the great news, a federal appeals court ruled in favor of ACB in its currency case this week. The Treasury department could still appeal this decision but this is another huge step in our fight for accessible currency. Congratulations to all on this wonderful victory.

You are cordially invited to attend our annual Bay View Chapter -- CCB lasagna fund-raiser dinner on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Lions Blind Center at 3834 Opal Street Oakland from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Attitude adjustment hour will begin at 5: pm and dinner at 6: pm along with door and raffle prizes. The cost is: $10.00. Meet old friends and acquaintances and make new ones. Come join the fun, Hope to see you their. Please enter side door at parking lot. To make reservations call Ida Johnson at: (510) 655-1982.

From Cathie Skivers: Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger has announced his appointment of Joe Xavier to the position of Deputy Director for Independent Living and External Affairs Division for the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR). Joe will be assuming the full range of duties and responsibilities of the Deputy Director position, including oversight of the Independent Living Unit, Assistive Technology Unit, the Disability Access Section and the Public Affairs Office. He will also, in collaboration with the State Independent Living Council, oversee the development of the federally mandated annual State Plan for Independent Living and monitor its implementation. Additionally, Joe will take on and continue the DOR's vital leadership role in emergency preparedness and providing expert guidance to other state agencies around accessibility and compliance with the American Disabilities Act.

From Frank Welte: I'm pleased to announce the inaugural Meeting of the Vista Center Talking Book Club. Date: Thursday: May 29, 2008. Time: 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM. Location: Conference room, Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Palo Alto.

Here is the agenda for the first meeting.

Introductions.
Discuss the kinds of books you like to read and what books are your most favorite.
Select a list of books to discuss at the next three club meetings.
Set a regular day and time for future meetings.

Please share this announcement with people who might enjoy being part of the club.

To RSVP or for more information, please call me. My contact information is as follows.

Frank Welte
Program Assistant
Vista Center for the Blind and Visually Impaired
2470 El Camino Real, Suite 107
Palo Alto, CA 94306
Phone: (650) 858-0202, ext. 143
Email: fwelte@vistacenter.org

The documentary BLINDSIGHT about 6 blind Tibetan teenagers who climb the northside of Mount Everest, opens May 30 at Laemmle's Sunset 5 in Los Angeles with audio description for one week. Meet the director Lucy Walker who is partially blind on May 30 and May 31 at the 7:00 show and June 1 at the 4:15 show. www.blindsightthemovie.com

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

May 16, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 16, and will be updated on May 23. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From President Jeff Thom: Well, the big day is fast approaching. CCB Treasurer Chris Gray and his decidedly better half will be tying the knot on Sunday, May 18. Our heartfelt congratulations go out to the couple on their wedding.

As some of you know, the American Council of the Blind will be holding its second annual auction at the ACB Convention in Louisville on Wednesday, July 8. Last year's auction raised almost $19,000. You can certainly donate or solicit donations for the auction on your own and bring them or have someone else bring them to convention. If you would like a sample letter we can provide it. However, CCB would like to put together some California baskets. If any of you would like to donate items with a California theme like wine, cheese, chocolate covered raisins, maybe a surfboard would be a bit big, but you get the idea, then you can send them to the office at 1510 J. St., Suite 125, Sacramento, 95814. We can then put together the basket and show our California spirit.

You are cordially invited to attend our annual Bay View Chapter CCB lasagna fund-raiser dinner on Saturday, June 7, 2008 at the Lions Blind Center at 3834 Opal Street Oakland from 5: pm to 9: pm. Attitude adjustment hour will begin at 5: pm and dinner at 6: pm along with door and raffle prizes. The cost is: $10.00. Meet old friends and acquaintances and make new ones. Come join the fun, Hope to see you their. Please enter side door at parking lot. To make reservations call Ida Johnson at: (510) 655-1982.

From the LightHouse for the Blind in San Francisco:

AFFORDABLE TECHNOLOGY SOLUTIONS SEMINAR. June 6, 2008. Panel Presentations: 1 pm - 3 pm, PDST. Vendor Exhibits: 3 pm - 5 pm, PDST 214 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, CA 94102. Join us to discuss accessible software solutions that are no cost or low cost (under $200). This is the fifth in our series of technology workshops which are free and open to the public. Learn about products such as Leopard for Mac, System Access, Microsoft Accessibility tools and other options for screen magnification and screen reading systems. You can participate in one of three ways: Via live audio stream on our website Through a free telephone conferencing service Or come in person and stay for the post-seminar demonstrations. This location is wheelchair accessible. Assisted listening devices and other disability accommodations are available upon request. Please RSVP to attend by calling 1-888-400-8933 or emailing info@lighthouse-sf.org. Instructions for the conference call and live stream will be provided when you RSVP.

I-Connect at Center for the Partially Sighted’s Valley Office at 18425 Burbank Blvd., Suite 706, Tarzana. RSVP at 310-458-3501 X 148. Saturday, May 31st at 10 am

Relationships: Bring your partner, friend or come alone to a discussion about the joys and struggles of relationships. Moderated by Janice Goldhaber, MFT and Vickie Parker, MFT. Light breakfast provided. Free.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

May 9, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 9, and will be updated on May 16. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Jeff Thom: The CCB Board of Directors has voted to send one student to the 2008 American Council of the Blind convention in Louisville, to be held July 5-12. Applications should be submitted to me by May 15, either by e-mail at jsthom@comcast.net or in other format sent to the CCB office, 1510 J. St., Suite 125, Sacramento, 95814. We will cover room, food and transportation costs, as well as your registration costs for the convention. You must be a CCB member to apply, must attend the ACB banquet on Friday July 11, and sit with the California delegation during convention general sessions that occur each morning from Monday through Friday. You are also urged to attend the National Alliance of Blind Students meetings. Finally, you will be asked to write a brief article for the Blind Californian on your convention experience. Applications should specify why you would like to attend and what you believe you will gain from the experience.

From Dan Kysor: Please read or listen to the updated governmental affairs report either online by visiting www.ccbnet.org and clicking on governmental affairs or by calling the toll free line at 800-221-6359 and choosing the legislative line.

The Society for the Blind in Sacramento has several job openings. The Society for the Blind is a 501c(3) non-profit agency dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively and independently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship. The job announcements are as follows:

Position: Communications Instructor, (Formerly Braille Instructor) Non-Exempt/Part-Time. General Description: The essential functions of the job are to teach all aspects and levels of Braille and other communication devices used by blind or low vision clients with special emphasis on enhancement of Braille competence and effectiveness geared towards employment settings and outcomes. For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: Society for the Blind, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. Attn: Marianne Hewitt. Fax: 916-452-2622 E-mail: mhewitt@societyfortheblind.org Application deadline: Until the position is filled. No Phone Calls Please!
Position: Driver/Assistant, Senior Impact Project. Non-Exempt Full-Time For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: Society for the Blind, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. Attn: Michelle Bruns. Fax: 916-452-2622. Email: mbruns@societyfortheblind.org Application deadline: May 15, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Position: Accounting Assistant (Non-Exempt/Full-Time) For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: Society for the Blind, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. Attn: Cherry Flanagan. Fax: 916-452-2622. Email cflanagan@societyfortheblind.org Application deadline: May 16, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Position: Rehabilitation Instructor I, Senior Impact Project. Non-Exempt/Part-Time. The essential function of the job is to provide instruction and information to seniors through training sessions in the client's home and community within the Sacramento, Mount Diablo, and Chico regions. Duties also include giving instruction in daily living skills, as well as orientation and mobility skills. Proficient English grammar and usage. Computer keyboard, computer basics and word processing and database software and some knowledge of Excel necessary. A minimum of five years professional working experience, preferably in the field of blindness rehabilitation or Masters Degree in Orientation and Mobility or a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation teaching. For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: Regina Brink, Volunteer Coordinator. Society for the Blind, 2750 24th St., Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone 916-452-8271 ext. 319. Fax: 916-452-2622.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

May 2, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on May 2, and will be updated on May 9. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Lainey Feingold: In a move praised by state and national blindness organizations, Rite Aid (NYSE:RAD) today announced it has undertaken a nationwide initiative that will benefit Rite Aid customers with visual impairments and other disabilities. As part of the program, Rite Aid has made enhancements to its Web site and has begun installing new point of sale equipment with tactile keypads to protect the privacy and security of all shoppers who have difficulty entering numbers on a flat screen. Today's announcement is the result of collaboration between Rite Aid and major organizations including the American Foundation for the Blind, American Council of the Blind and California Council of the Blind.

The society for the blind in Sacramento has several job openings. The Society for the Blind, located in Sacramento, California, is a 501c(3) non-profit agency dedicated to empowering individuals who are blind or have low vision to live productively and independently by building confidence through training, tools and mentorship. The job announcements are as follows: Driver/Assistant, Senior Impact Project. Non-Exempt Full-Time: For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. Attn: Michelle Bruns. Fax: 916-452-2622. Email: mbruns@societyfortheblind.org Application deadline: May 15, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.

Position: Accounting Assistant (Non-Exempt/Full-Time).
For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: Society for the Blind, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. Attn: Cherry Flanagan. Fax: 916-452-2622. Email cflanagan@societyfortheblind.org Application deadline: May 16, 2008 at 5:00 p.m.
Position: Rehabilitation Instructor I, Senior Impact Project. Non-Exempt/Part-Time. The essential function of the job is to provide instruction and information to seniors through training sessions in the client's home and community within the Sacramento, Mount Diablo, and Chico regions. Duties also include giving instruction in daily living skills, as well as orientation and mobility skills. Proficient English grammar and usage. Computer keyboard, computer basics and word processing and database software and some knowledge of Excel necessary. A minimum of five years professional working experience, preferably in the field of blindness rehabilitation or Masters Degree in Orientation and Mobility or a Master's Degree in Rehabilitation teaching.
For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: Regina Brink, Volunteer Coordinator. Society for the Blind, 2750 24th St., Sacramento, CA 95818. Phone 916-452-8271 ext. 319. Fax: 916-452-2622.

The American Council of the Blind's class action lawsuit seeking to require the Social Security Administration ("SSA") to provide reasonable accommodations to blind and visually impaired individuals encompasses SSA applicants, beneficiaries, recipients and representative payees in communications. To proceed as a class action we must include as plaintiffs actual people who fall into each of these categories. Recently, our plaintiff representative payee suffered the loss of her husband for whom she was acting as the representative. The SSA has now filed a motion challenging our right to act on behalf of blind or visually impaired representative payees since our named plaintiff is technically no longer in this status. We believe and argue that this is wrong but we must also be prepared to add someone now acting as a representative payee to the lawsuit if the court requires it. If you are interested or willing to become a representative payee contact Wondie Russell to learn what is entailed in acting as a plaintiff. All of the attorneys representing ACB and the individuals are acting in pro bono and plaintiffs will incur no legal fees, costs or other personal expenses. Wondie Russell, Attorney | HellerEhrmanLLP | 333 Bush Street | San Francisco, CA 94104 Phone: 415-772-6294 fax: 415-772-6268 email: wondie.russell@hellerehrman.com web: www.hellerehrman.com

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

April 25, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on April 25, and will be updated on May 2. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Dan Kysor, CCB governmental affairs director: Dan would like to take this opportunity to thank all who attended our very successful capitol day at this spring's convention. Many ccb members were able to meet with their legislators. There is also a new Legislative update on the toll free phone line at 800-221-6359 or online at www.ccbnet.org You will find information in this update on csb and other proposed budget cuts and the status of our bills before the state legislature. Also, there is a new downloadable version of the Official Voter Information Guide available from the California Secretary of State online at http://www.voterguide.sos.ca.gov/audio/.

From Ardis Bazyn: The Glendale-Burbank Chapter invites YOU to our Pizza fundraiser at Shakey's Pizza, 1300 N. San Fernando Road, (cross street: Bethany), Burbank, CA; on Thursday, May 1, 2008; 6-9 PM. Menu includes: pizza, chicken, mojo potatoes, salads, and more. A portion of each food purchase will be donated to our chapter.

From Cathie Skivers, Chair, Housing Committee: Forest City Residential Management announces the opening of The Uptown, A Residential Community. This is located in the heart of Oakland. These low cost properties include 665 total units, 499 market rate and 166 affordable housing rates. The first building of the community is in the process of leasing with the second due to begin leasing June 2008 and the third November 2008. Applications are available at The Uptown Resident Services office at 601 William Street, Oakland CA 95612.

From Lainey Feingold: (Washington, D.C.; April 23, 2008) The nation's three major consumer credit reporting companies today unveiled a comprehensive program to provide improved access to important credit information for people who are blind or visually impaired. The initiative, crafted with the American Council of the Blind, its California affiliate and several individual members of the blind community, will help protect the credit information of individuals who cannot read a standard print credit report. Under the plan announced today, Equifax (NYSE: EFX), Experian (EXPN.L), and TransUnion have begun working to make online credit reports and related information accessible through their jointly operated website, AnnualCreditReport.com, the official site to help consumers obtain free credit reports. Accessible credit reports for people with visual impairments will be available online by October 31 of this year. By the end of the year, the companies will also make credit reports available in Braille and other formats at no charge to qualified individuals who cannot access print information. This full agreement is available on line at www.LFLegal.com/2008/04/credit-report-agreement and the entire press release is available on line at http://lflegal.com/2008/04/credit-report-press-release/

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

April 18, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on April 18, and will be updated on April 25. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

Those of you who were unable to attend the Spring 2008 CCB convention missed a wonderful time. The seminars and workshops, the policymaking work of the organization, and the fun had by all made for a great event. However, an excellent spring convention only means that chair Gene Lozano and the convention committee, along with so many others who play such an important part in our conventions, are beginning to work on the fall convention at the Four Points Sheraton in Los Angeles, October 23-26. We urge you to provide ideas, suggestions, and any feedback you might have to the office by e-mail at ccotb@earthlink.net or by phone at 800-221-6359, so that we can continue to improve your conventions.

The CCB Board of Directors has voted to send one student to the 2008 American Council of the Blind convention in Louisville, to be held July 5-12. Applications should be submitted to me by May 15, either by e-mail at jsthom@comcast.net or by other format sent to the CCB office, 1510 J. St., Suite 125, Sacramento, 95814. We will cover room, food and transportation costs, as well as your registration costs for the convention. You must be a CCB member to apply, must attend the ACB banquet on Friday July 11, and sit with the California delegation during convention general sessions that occur each morning from Monday through Friday. You are also urged to attend the National Alliance of Blind Student meetings. Finally, you will be asked to write a brief article for the Blind Californian on your convention experience. Applications should specify why you would like to attend and what you believe you will gain from the experience.

From Cathie Skivers: Wells Fargo Bank has Braille Debit Cards and offers Braille Checking and Savings Account Statements.

There will be a free lecture by Dr. Takeshita. Titled “Cell Phones and other Gadgets” held on Saturday, April 26 at 10a.m. The location will be the Center for the Partially Sighted, 18425 Burbank, #706, Tarzana. Call to RSVP at 310-458-3501 X 148.

The Washington State Department of Services for the Blind is looking for a vocational rehabilitation councilor. This will be a permanent full time position. For more information write to elldrumheller@dsb.wa.gov

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

April 4, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on April 4, and will be updated on April 18. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Gabe Griffith: Due to many of us being in Sacramento next week for the CCB spring convention the next connection will come out on April 18.

From Jeff Thom: Due to a scheduling conflict, Mr. Tony Sauer, The Director of the Department of Rehabilitation will be speaking at the CCB Convention on Friday evening at approximately 8 PM, rather than Saturday afternoon, as currently scheduled. In order to accommodate this change, ACB President Mitch Pomerantz has graciously agreed to change the time for his address to Saturday afternoon at 1:40 PM.

For all of you music lovers in northern California, at the convention we will be auctioning three pairs of tickets for the San Francisco symphony, for Mothers Day and for Fathers Day, with the three highest bidders taking the baton. Bidding will be held during all hours at which the CCB convention registration table is open, beginning at 12 Noon Thursday and ending 5 PM Saturday afternoon.

A Victor Stream Reader, donated by HumanWare Inc., will be given away at the CCB Spring Convention Banquet. You must, however, be there to win.

Again, as part of this spring's convention, we will be holding a drawing for our Annual Sweepstakes fund raffle. Prizes include $ 500 cash, an IPOD and 4 gift certificates to major restaurants of the winners' choosing. All proceeds will benefit the production of the Blind Californian. Tickets are $ 5 each. Only 1,000 tickets will be printed so there is a great chance to win. The drawing will be held at the banquet on Saturday, April 12th, and the winners need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, please contact your chapter president or contact the CCB office directly by calling 800-221-6359. We thank you in advance for your participation in this event.

From Bernice Kandarian, The convention program is now available on the CCB web site at www.ccbnet.org If you have any questions you can contact Bernice by phone at 650-969-3155 or by e-mail at bernice@tsoft.net

From Ardis Bazyn, CCB Membership Chair: I want to remind all of you to sign up for the PR/Membership Breakfast Seminar for Saturday, April 12 at 7 a.m.-8:30 a.m. It is listed on the pre-registration form if you have not sent or called it in already. I hope you designate someone from your chapter to attend. Our special speaker is a good friend of mine in Sacramento, Frances Gracechild. She is a coalition builder for people with disabilities. She will share great tips on how to outreach to people in the community to gain membership and get the word out. I look forward to her presentation and hope we can all give her a great welcome on Saturday, April 12 at our breakfast seminar. Breakfast will be served at 7 a.m. followed by our speaker.

From Gabe Griffith, Chair, Resolutions Committee: It is not to late to submit any resolutions you may want to submit for consideration at this spring's convention. You can submit them by e-mail at gabe@griffith.net by April 9, or by phone at 916-505-8780. We just ask that you include a phone number where you can be reached prior to the convention and if possible whether or not you are planning on attending the convention. The absolute cutoff date for submitting resolutions will be the close of the general session on Friday night so please make sure you contact either myself or one of the resolutions committee members before that time or your resolution will not be able to be considered at this convention.

From Ann Kysor: All new from Guide Dog Users of California, GDUC. Check our new exciting surprises at our exhibit booth while you renew your membership and get in our 50/50 drawing. Meet guide dog users, puppy raisers, and some truly awesome dogs. Open Friday and Saturday.

Job announcement San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind: Adaptations Technology Sales Associate. JOB PURPOSE: The Adaptations Technology Sales Associate is responsible for increasing sales at Adaptations with an emphasis on technology. Core components of the position include: maintaining both Adaptations On-line and the Adaptations eBay store; Evaluating products for inclusion in the Adaptations product line; organizing community events to demonstrate products; strategically positioning Adaptations as a superior informational source in adaptive technology for people who are blind. Read more at: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/sfc/sls/623314464.html

Dining in the Dark, through Opague events is looking to hire persons to be hosts and wait staff for their dining in the dark dining experience at their new San Francisco location. Interested applicants shall have good mobility skills. A fundraiser on April 15th will be the first run through for the San Francisco location. Interested persons need to contact Ben at 310.395.4217.

The astonishing documentary BLINDSIGHT about 6 blind Tibetan teenagers who climb the northside of Mount Everest is at Rafael Film Center with audio description. Visit www.cafilm.org for details.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

March 28, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 28, and will be updated on April 4. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

The $95 room rate for the Spring CCB Convention at the Arden West Hilton has been extended to April first. We would urge all of you to make your reservations by that date. You may make reservations by calling 916-922-4700 or 800-344-4321.

A VictorStream Reader, donated by HumanWare Inc., will be given away at the CCB Spring Convention Banquet. You must, however, be there to win.

Again, as part of this spring's convention, we will be holding a drawing for our Annual Sweepstakes fund raffle. prizes include $ 500 cash, an IPOD and 4 gift certificates to major restaurants of the winners' choosing. All proceeds will benefit the production of the Blind Californian. Tickets are $ 5 each. Only 1,000 tickets will be printed so there is a great chance to win. The drawing will be held at the banquet on Saturday, April 12th, and the winners need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, please contact your chapter president or contact the CCB office directly by calling 800-221-6359. We thank you in advance for your participation in this event.

Luncheon menu change: Friday's Luncheons entree has been amended from Three Cheese Ravioli to Sausage Lasagna.

From Gene Lozano, Chair convention planning committee: Update on Sacramento Arden West Hilton Hotel Swimming Pool, Guide Dog Relieving areas and Harvard Grill restaurant. I wish to inform conventioneers that there have been some changes made to the hotel's swimming pool and guide dog relieving areas.

First, the hotel's Jacuzzi has been removed from the alcove in front of the health club building. The Jacuzzi has been relocated to the left of the swimming pool if you are looking out from the backside of the hotel toward the health club building. Warning: There is no fencing encircling either the pool or Jacuzzi.
Second, the guide dog relieving area is still in the same location behind the health club building to the right where there is a large open grassy area. The change that has occurred is the installation of a wood gate on the right side of the health club building that you must walk through to get to the guide dog relieving area. You will need your hotel room key to open the gate to re-enter the pool area from midnight to 6 a.m. All other times the lock will not be operational. When it is windy, the gate feels heavy and you may need someone's assistance to open it.
Another change that has been made is the elimination of the fence that use to separate the relieving area from the parking lot. Please read the hotel narrative description in the convention program for these and other small changes that have occurred in the physical environment of the hotel.
Also, the Harvard Grill restaurant is under renovation, it is being moved into what was the Folsom ballroom located next to the coffee bar in the main lobby. The restaurant is now operating in the old Brandywine ballroom just across from the Cameo Lounge (the bar). Restaurant meals are also being served in the Cameo Lounge seating area.

From Gabe Griffith, Chair resolutions committee: It is once again time to start thinking about any and all resolutions you may want to submit for consideration at this spring's convention. You can submit them by e-mail at gabe@griffith.net or by phone at 916-505-8780. We just ask that you include a phone number where you can be reached prior to the convention and if possible whether or not you are planning on attending the convention. The absolute cutoff date for submitting resolutions will be the close of the general session on Friday night so please make sure you contact either myself or one of the resolutions committee members before that time or your resolution will not be able to be considered at this convention.

From Tricia Leetz: Roxanne Stallings will be speaking at 2:00 on Thursday April 10th as part of the rehab committee which is joining forces this year with the technology committee. She will speak on advocacy and being a mentor and inspiring others to do so. Don't miss this since building a mentorship program is key to making social change.

The Central Coast Low Vision Council in conjunction with the San Luis Obispo Sexual Assault Recovery and Prevention Center is presenting a FREE self-defense class for people with visual impairments, ages 15 and up. Participants under age 18 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.

When: Saturday, April 5th, 2008
Time: Two Classes, 9 A.M. - 12 P.M. and 1 P.M - 4 P.M.
Location: San Luis Obispo Senior Center
1455 Santa Rosa San Luis Obispo, CA 93401

Please RSVP by Thursday April 3rd. Space is limited!! Contact Thomas Athanasion at 805-783-2007 or Michelle Mason at 805-544-4803.

The astonishing documentary BLINDSIGHT about 6 blind Tibetan teenagers who climb the north side of Mount Everest, opens March 28 in San Francisco and San Rafael. Visit .blindsightthemovie.com for details.

Attention All Interested Parties: Please take advantage of attending the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) Outreach Meeting to discuss the contstruction contracts that will be coming up for bid in May and June. Date: April 3, 2008 6 to 8 PM. Location: Joseph P. Borto Metro Center, 101 8th St., Oakland, CA 94607. Seating is limited: fax your seating reservation containing the following information: your name, your telephone number, your fax number, your email address and your firm name to 510-874-7470. For any questions, call Ruby Smith at 510-464-6324 or Harryu Overstreet at 510-464-6959.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

March 21, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 21, and will be updated on March 28. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

The $95 room rate for the Spring CCB Convention at the Arden West Hilton has been extended to March 25. Assuming rooms are available, we will seek to extend the rate beyond this date, but we would urge all of you to make your reservations by that date. You may make reservations by calling 916-922-4700 or 800-344-4321. A Victor Stream Reader, donated by HumanWare Inc., will be given away at the CCB Spring Convention Banquet. You must, however, be there to win.

Again, as part of this spring's convention, we will be holding a drawing for our Annual Sweepstakes fund raffle. First prize will be $ 500 cash, second prize is an IPOD and third prize is 4 gift certificates to major restaurants of the winners' choosing. All proceeds will benefit the production of the Blind Californian. Tickets are $ 5 each. Only 1,000 tickets will be printed so there is a great chance to win. The drawing will be held at the banquet on Saturday, April 12th, and the winners need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, please contact your chapter president or contact the CCB office directly by calling 800-221-6359. We thank you in advance for your participation in this event.

The menus for the spring convention will be as follows:

April 11, 2008 Friday Lunches
- Hearty Minestrone, Three Cheese Ravioli, Seven layer bar with carmel dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate cookie crumbles.
- Vegetarian Option: Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Feta, Fresh Basil, Artichoke, Garlic and Olive Oil.
Friday Presidents' Dinner
- House salad, Wild Rice blend, Tuscan style chicken cordon bleu, white chocolate crème brulee cheesecake with berry sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Grilled Vegetable Wellington with Sautéed Spinach and a Cognac Butternut Squash Coulis.
April 12, 2008, Saturday Lunches
- Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, Greek marinated chicken, sherbet with a cookie.
- Vegetarian option: Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Feta, Fresh Basil, Artichoke, Garlic and Olive Oil.
Saturday Banquet Dinner
- Napa salad, Roasted red potatoes, sliced roasted strip loin, tuxedo truffle mousse cake.
- Vegetarian option: Saffron Risotto Cakes On Mushroom Ragout with Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables.

Our apologies, the Association for Multi-Cultural Concerns Luncheon was omitted in error from the pre-registration form. The AMC Luncheon is $15 pre registration and $16 if paid for at the convention.

From Tricia Leetz: Come see a first, the CCB players will perform a skit at 2:00 PM on Thursday, April 10th at the convention. The Rehab Committee will be doing this in conjunction with the Technology Committee. This will be some of the finest acting ever as well as being educational for consumers receiving or wanting to receive services through the Dept. of Rehabilitation.

From Dan Kysor: There is an updated legislative update on our toll-free line at 800-221-6359 and on the web at www.ccbnet.org . There is information pertaining to proposed budget cuts to programs of concern to blind and visually impaired Californians plus information on our upcoming capitol day.

From Jeff Thom: In prior years, the CCB has provided a free members-only caucus breakfast for attendees at the ACB convention. Due to budgetary constraints, we are contemplating changing this practice. We would like to ask those of you who are planning to attend this summer's ACB convention whether you would prefer a breakfast as in prior years, except that a price (say around $17) would be charged, or a lunch caucus at which food would not be provided. Please provide responses to the CCB office either by e-mail at ccotb@ccbnet.org or by phone at 800-221-6359.

Bill Gillespie is still looking for a Hamilton Beach microwave. If anyone has one for bill he can be reached at 707-217-5272 or bigbill49@gmail.com

Job Announcement: Society for the Blind a 501c(3) non-profit agency.
Position: Adaptive Technology Instructor (Non-Exempt/Full-Time.)
For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to:
SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818. Attn: Marianne Hewitt. Fax: 916-452-2622. Email: mhewitt@societyfortheblind..org Application deadline: April 15, 2008 at 5:00 p.m. NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE!

DREDF is conducting an investigation into whether people with disabilities whose healthcare is paid by Medi-Cal are experiencing problems in obtaining health care services in California due to architectural access barriers (e.g., stairs, narrow doorways, lack of grab bars) or programmatic access problems (e.g., a health care provider's refusal to reasonably modify office or clinical policies, practices or procedures when needed). If you would like to share your experiences with us and Medi-Cal pays for your healthcare, please contact us by mail, e-mail, fax, or telephone as follows:

Attn: Medi-Cal Healthcare
Access Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc. (DREDF)
2212 Sixth Street Berkeley, CA 94710
Tel: 510-644-2555 ((V/TDD)
Fax: 510-841-8645
E-mail: hmin@dredf.org

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

March 14, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 14, and will be updated on March 21. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

You may make reservations by calling 916-922-4700 or 800-344-4321. Convention topics will include Fire Safety, Digital Talking Books, Advances on Retinal Degenerative Disease Research, Accessibility to Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired students, state and federal legislation. We will provide other details as time goes on. Again, as part of this spring's convention, we will be holding a drawing for our Annual Sweepstakes fund raffle. First prize will be $ 500 cash and second prize an IPOD. Other prizes to be announced, all proceeds will benefit the production of the Blind Californian. Tickets are $ 5 each. Only 1,000 tickets will be printed so there is a great chance to win. The drawing will be held at the banquet on Saturday, April 12th, and the winners need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, please contact your chapter president or contact the CCB office directly by calling 800-221-6359. We thank you in advance for your participation in this event.

The menus for the spring convention will be as follows:

April 11, 2008 Friday Lunches
- Hearty Minestrone, Three Cheese Ravioli, Seven layer bar with carmel dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate cookie crumbles.
- Vegetarian Option: Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Feta, Fresh Basil, Artichoke, Garlic and Olive Oil.
Friday Presidents' Dinner
- House salad, Wild Rice blend, Tuscan style chicken cordon bleu, white chocolate crème brulee cheesecake with berry sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Grilled Vegetable Wellington with Sautéed Spinach and a Cognac Butternut Squash Coulis.
April 12, 2008, Saturday Lunches
- Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, Greek marinated chicken, sherbet with a cookie.
- Vegetarian option: Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Feta, Fresh Basil, Artichoke, Garlic and Olive Oil.
Saturday Banquet Dinner
- Napa salad, Roasted red potatoes, sliced roasted strip loin, tuxedo truffle mousse cake.
- Vegetarian option: Saffron Risotto Cakes On Mushroom Ragout with Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables.

From Gabe Griffith, Chair Resolutions Committee: It is once again time to start thinking about any and all resolutions you may want to submit for consideration at this spring's convention. You can submit them by e-mail at gabe@griffith.net or by phone at 916-505-8780. We just ask that you include a phone number where you can be reached prior to the convention and if possible whether or not you are planning on attending the convention. The absolute cutoff date for submitting resolutions will be the close of the general session on Friday night so please make sure you contact either myself or one of the resolutions committee members before that time or your resolution will not be able to be considered at this convention.

From Dan Kysor: Dan reports that there are budget reductions proposed for the California School for the Blind and needs your help. CSB has played a leading role in the education of blind and visually impaired Californians for more than a century. Our affiliate, CSB Alumni have also Lent strong support to this outstanding institution. We have learned that the Governor's budget proposal calls for a $1.3 million cut in CSB's funding. CSB provides quality educational services for blind students many of whom are multi-disabled. They also provide an excellent outreach program to school districts throughout the state. This program enables students to remain in their own districts, which provides them an education at less cost than those at the residential school in Fremont. We are opposed to these cuts. We believe that imposing this reduction will result in savings that are illusory in nature. This action would almost certainly necessitate the reduction in staff at the school and curtailment of the school's support to school districts through their outreach program. By reducing the outreach services that CSB can provide, it will be more difficult for school districts to find more effective methods, both from an educational and cost viewpoint of working with their population of visually impaired students. Moreover, we are equally concerned that these reductions will also diminish the likelihood that students at CSB who cannot be served by their local school districts, will receive the quality education they so much need and deserve. Please contact the Senate Budget Subcommittee #1 on Education at 916-651-4103 and register your opposition to these proposed cuts.

Dan also has a legislative update on our toll-free line at 800-221-6359 and on the web at www.ccbnet.org

Bill Gillespie is still looking for a Hamilton Beach microwave. If anyone has one for bill he can be reached at 707-217-5272 or bigbill49@gmail.com

From the Center for the Partially Sighted: New free support group for active adults begins in Tarzana. COPE- support group Wednesdays 1-2:30 at CPS Tarzana office. Call Vickie Parker, MFT for details- 818-705-5954 X 221 for more information.

Attn: Medi-Cal Healthcare
Access Disability Rights Education and Defense Fund, Inc. (DREDF)
2212 Sixth Street Berkeley, CA 94710
Tel: 510-644-2555 ((V/TDD)
Fax: 510-841-8645
E-mail: hmin@dredf.org

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

March 7, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on March 7, and will be updated on March 14. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

Its time to start making plans to attend the 2008 CCB Spring Convention at the Arden West Hilton Hotel in Sacramento, from April 10-13. The hotel rate is $95. You may make reservations by calling 916-922-4700 or 800-344-4321. The cutoff date for making reservations is March 18th. Convention topics will include Fire Safety, Digital Talking Books, Advances on Retinal Degenerative Disease Research, Accessibility to Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired students, state and federal legislation. We will provide other details as time goes on. Again, as part of this spring's convention, we will be holding a drawing for our Annual Sweepstakes fund raffle. First prize will be $ 500 cash and second prize an IPOD. Other prizes to be announced. All proceeds will benefit the production of the Blind Californian. Tickets are $ 5 each. Only 1,000 tickets will be printed so there is a great chance to win. The drawing will be held at the banquet on Saturday, April 12th, and the winners need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, please contact your chapter president or contact the CCB office directly by calling 800-221-6359. We thank you in advance for your participation in this event. Most of you will already have received your CCB Spring Convention announcement, although Braille readers may still be awaiting theirs as of the date of this connection. However, if any of you would like an e-mail version of the announcement, just let the office know by e-mail at ccotb@earthlink.net or by phone at 800-221-6359, and it will be sent to you. It is also posted on our website www.ccbnet.org

The menus for the spring convention will be as follows:

April 11, 2008 Friday Lunches
- Hearty Minestrone, Three Cheese Ravioli, Seven layer bar with carmel dark chocolate mousse topped with chocolate cookie crumbles.
- Vegetarian Option: Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Feta, Fresh Basil, Artichoke, Garlic and Olive Oil.
Friday Presidents' Dinner
- House salad, Wild Rice blend, Tuscan style chicken cordon bleu, white chocolate crème brulee cheesecake with berry sauce.
- Vegetarian option: Grilled Vegetable Wellington with Sautéed Spinach and a Cognac Butternut Squash Coulis.
April 12, 2008, Saturday Lunches
- Caesar salad, roasted potatoes, Greek marinated chicken, sherbet with a cookie.
- Vegetarian option: Penne Pasta with Tomatoes, Asparagus, Feta, Fresh Basil, Artichoke, Garlic and Olive Oil.
Saturday Banquet Dinner
- Napa salad, Roasted red potatoes, sliced roasted strip loin, tuxedo truffle mousse cake.
- Vegetarian option: Saffron Risotto Cakes On Mushroom Ragout with Grilled Mediterranean Vegetables.

From Dan Kysor: it is once again the time of year to be planning your visits to your state legislator. CCB's Capitol Day will be on Thursday, April 10th and we will be leaving for the capitol at 9:30 a.m. from the Arden West Hilton hotel lobby. For further information, contact Dan Kysor, CCB Director of Governmental Affairs. He will need to know who all is going to be attending. Dan can be reached at 916-441-2100 or toll free at 1-800-221-6359 or via email at dan@kysor.net

The San Diego Braille Club invites you to enjoy 3 days and 2 nights in Laughlin, Nevada for only $100.00 on May 13th, 14th and 15th, 2008. The trip includes 2 night hotel accommodations at the Riverside Hotel and Resort, round trip bus transportation and 2 meals. The bus departs from San Diego, Riverside or San Bernardino with snacks and beverages aboard the bus. 50% deposit due March 15th and the balance due April 5th, 2008. For more information call Jacqueline Jackson at 619-994-2776.

The 4th Annual “Tee Off For Dogs” golf fundraiser will be held on Monday, May 26 at Coyote Hills golf club. All proceeds will go to ”Guide Dogs for the Blind”. Get more information at the Website www.TeeOffForDogs.org email FFrand@msn.com or phone (714) 662-2397.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

February 29, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 29, and will be updated on March 7. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Gabe Griffith, Chair Resolutions committee: It is once again time to start thinking about any and all resolutions you may want to submit for consideration at this spring's convention. You can submit them by e-mail at gabe@griffith.net or by phone at 916-505-8780. We just ask that you include a phone number where you can be reached prior to the convention and if possible whether or not you are planning on attending the convention. The absolute cutoff date for submitting resolutions will be the close of the general session on Friday night so please make sure you contact either myself or one of the resolutions committee members before that time or your resolution will not be able to be considered at this convention.

From Jerry Arakawa, Chair CCB Convention First -Timers Committee: If you have never attended a CCB convention and would like to attend this spring's convention in Sacramento from April 10th-13th, please send us a letter telling a little about yourself and what you would gain by attending. If you are selected you will need to tell about your experience in the next issue of the Blind Californian, either with a letter or an interview. Letters must be received at the CCB office at 1510 J Street, Suite 125, Sacramento CA 95814, or by e-mail at ccotb@earthlink.net no later than Friday, March 7th. The committee will make a decision concerning the First Timers Award by April 1st.

Editor's note: Dan's last name was inadvertently misspelled in last week's connection. It has been corrected this week. My apologies to Dan. From Dan Kysor: it's the time of year to be planning your visits to your state legislator. CCB's capitol day will be on Thursday April 10th and we will be leaving for the capitol at 9:30 am from the hotel lobby. For further information, contact Dan Kysor, CCB director of governmental affairs. He will need to know who all is going to be attending. Dan can be reached at 916-441-2100 or toll free at 1-800-221-6359 or via email at dan@kysor.net Also, please note that there is updated legislative information on the above toll free number or on the web at www.ccbnet.org

The San Diego Braille club invites you to enjoy 3 days and 2 nights in Laughlin, Nevada for only $100.00 on May 13th, 14th and 15th, 2008. The trip includes 2 night hotel accommodations at the Riverside Hotel and Resort, round trip bus transportation and 2 meals. The bus departs from San Diego, Riverside or San Bernardino with snacks and beverages aboard the bus. 50% deposit due March 15th and the balance due April 5th, 2008. For more information call Jacqueline Jackson at 619-994-2776.

From Frank Welte: Please join us at the LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired, for the fourth in our series of technology workshops, to discuss electronic devices that give the blind and visually impaired access to print documents by means of magnification or Optical Character Recognition. The date is March 7, 2008, and the location is 214 Van Ness Ave., San Francisco, CA 94102. You can participate in this event in-person, via a live audio stream on our website, or through a telephone conferencing service. Please RSVP to attend this event, by calling 1-888-400-8933 or via email at info@lighthouse-sf.org

For those participating via conference call or live stream, instructions will be provided to you when you RSVP.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

February 22, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 22, and will be updated on February 29. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Dan Kysor: it's the time of year to be planning your visits to your state legislator. CCB's capitol day will be on Thursday April 10th and we will be leaving for the capitol at 930 am from the hotel lobby. For further information, contact Dan Kiser, CCB director of governmental affairs. He will need to know who all is going to be attending. Contact him at 916-441-2100 or toll free at 1-800-221-6359 or via email at dan@kysor.net

From the publications committee: The very popular publication developed by the Seniors with Vision Loss Committee, "Failing Sight and the Family Plight,” is available from the CCB office not only in English, but also in Spanish and Chinese. Either call the CCB office at 800-221-6359 or email ccotb@earthlink.net

Job Announcement from San Diego Center for the Blind and Vision Impaired. Job Title: Community Employment Outreach Specialist (CEOS)- (Full-Time Exempt) Send Resume to: San Diego Center for the Blind, 5922 El Cajon Blvd., San Diego, Ca 92115-3816 Or jshephard@sdcb.org Filing Deadline: Open until filled. Qualifications: Minimum bachelor's degree in related field. Experience in public speaking. Demonstrated computer skills. Professional manner and demeanor. Valid CA driver's license and insured vehicle in order to provide outreach throughout the county. For further qualifications for this position contact Jody Shepard at 619-583-1542x114 or jshephard@sdcb.org

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

February 15, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 15, and will be updated on February 22. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

Bill Gillespie is looking for a Hamilton Beach microwave. If anyone has one and would like to contact Bill he can be reached by e-mail at bigbbill49@gmail.com or by phone at 707-217-5272.

Editor's note: the time for this open house was incorrectly reported last week. The time has been changed for this edition.

From Tony Sauer, Director Department of Rehabilitation: It is with great pride that I invite you to join the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) at our upcoming Open House at our new location on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 from 11:30 a.m. until 2:00 P.M. Our historic and newly renovated offices are located two blocks west of the State Capitol at 721 Capitol Mall. We would appreciate you joining DOR staff at the Open House and providing us the opportunity to show you the accessibility features of our headquarters, including: "talking" signs for individuals who are blind and visually impaired; meeting and training rooms that are wired with assistive listening systems for individuals who are hard of hearing; and wide pathways to more readily accommodate individuals in wheelchairs. Building tours will be offered to show you the renovation and historic preservation of our headquarters, as well as award-winning energy-saving features. There will also be demonstrations of computer technology, and educational, hands-on, disability simulation activities. The Open House will continue until 2:00 p.m.

There will be a free seminar on Internet Dating with breakfast and networking on February 23 at 9:30 at the Center for the Partially Sighted in Tarzana. Call 310-458-3501 X 148 for more information.

The Society for the Blind in Sacramento is looking for a communications instructor. The essential functions of the job are to teach all aspects and levels of Braille and other communication devices used by blind or low vision clients with special emphasis on enhancement of Braille competence and effectiveness geared towards employment settings and outcomes. For consideration, please submit your resume along with a cover letter to: SOCIETY FOR THE BLIND, 2750 24th Street, Sacramento, CA 95818, Attn: Michelle Bruns. Fax: 916-452-2622. Email: mbruns@societyfortheblind.org

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

February 8, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 8, and will be updated on February 15. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

Its time to start making plans to attend the 2008 CCB Spring Convention at the Arden West Hilton Hotel in Sacramento, from April 10-13. The hotel rate is $95. You may make reservations by calling 916-922-4700 or 800-344-4321. The cutoff date for making reservations is March 18th. Convention topics will include Fire Safety, Digital Talking Books, Advances on Retinal Degenerative Disease Research, Accessibility to Core Curriculum for Blind and Visually Impaired students, state and federal legislation. We will provide other details as time goes on. Again, as part of this spring's convention, we will be holding a drawing for our Annual Sweepstakes fund raffle. First prize will be $ 500 cash and second prize an IPOD. Other prizes to be announced, All proceeds will benefit the production of the Blind Californian. Tickets are $ 5 each. Only 1,000 tickets will be printed so there is a great chance to win. The drawing will be held at the banquet on Saturday, April 12th, and the winners need not be present to win. To purchase tickets, please contact your chapter president or contact the CCB office directly by calling 800-221-6359. We thank you in advance for your participation in this event.

From Jerry Arakawa, Chair CCB Convention First -Timers Committee: If you have never attended a CCB convention and would like to attend this spring's convention in Sacramento from April 10th-13th, please send us a letter telling a little about yourself and what you would gain by attending. If you are selected you will need to tell about your experience in the next issue of the Blind Californian, either with a letter or an interview. Letters must be received at the CCB office at 1510 J Street, Suite 125, Sacramento CA 95814, or by e-mail at ccotb@ccbnet.org no later than Friday, March 7th. The committee will make a decision concerning the First Timers Award by April 1st.

The CCB scholarship for the 2008-2009 academic year is now available. You can get an electronic copy by visiting http://www.ccbnet.org/scholar.htm by calling the CCB office at 800-221-6359, or e-mailing ccotb@ccbnet.org Remember to follow all the directions. Applications must be completed and submitted to the CCB office by June 15.

From Tony Sauer, Director Department of Rehabilitation: It is with great pride that I invite you to join the Department of Rehabilitation (DOR) at our upcoming Open House at our new location on Wednesday, February 27, 2008 from 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Our historic and newly renovated offices are located two blocks west of the State Capitol at 721 Capitol Mall. We would appreciate you joining DOR staff at the Open House and providing us the opportunity to show you the accessibility features of our headquarters, including: “talking” signs for individuals who are blind and visually impaired; meeting and training rooms that are wired with assistive listening systems for individuals who are hard of hearing; and wide pathways to more readily accommodate individuals in wheelchairs. Building tours will be offered to show you the renovation and historic preservation of our headquarters, as well as award-winning energy-saving features. There will also be demonstrations of computer technology, and educational, hands-on, disability simulation activities. The Open House will continue until 2:00 p.m.

You are invited to a free support group meeting for senior adults with low vision from retinal disease. Join thousands of people around the world for this monthly series of internet Webcasts. Time: Thursday, February 14, 2008 from 1 to 2 PM. Location: Lions Center for the Blind, 3834 Opal ST. Oakland Ca. 94609. Phone: 510-450-1580 x226, Anna E. Ortiz. Reserve your seat via phone by Wednesday February 13.

There will be a free seminar on Internet Dating with breakfast and networking on February 23 at 9:30 at the Center for the Partially Sighted in Tarzana Call 310-458-3501 X 148 for more information.

Legal notice: If you are visually, hearing or mobility impaired using a wheelchair or scooter and have been to or will patronize a California Coffee Bean location between October 24, 2005 - December 10, 2007 you could receive payment from a class-action settlement. If you don't want to be bound by this settlement's monetary provisions or wish to object, you must act before March 15, 2008. To receive payment you must submit a claim by April 15, 2008. A hearing will be held in Los Angeles U.S. District Court MAY 19, 2008 at 1:30 PM to consider this settlement's approval. For more details please contact the settlement administrator at: P.O. Box 9332, Minneapolis, MN 55440-9332, 1-877-625-9332, (TTY) 1-866-430-8983 or visit WWW.COFFEEBEANSETTLEMENT.COM

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

February 1, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on February 1, and will be updated on February 8. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Jeff Thom: I am extremely excited to report on a motion passed by the CCB board of directors approximately two weeks ago. We will be establishing an informal group to be known as "Friends of the California Council of the Blind." The goal is to form a group of individuals who are dedicated to supporting and promoting the mission of the California Council of the Blind. Family members, friends, doctors, corporate CEO's, and everyone in between are welcome. You will be hearing far more in the next Blind Californian about how we intend to get this entity off the ground, but suffice it to say that its success is up to all of us. It may not make a major difference to CCB overnight, but I hope that, as the years go by, it will bring about important positive changes for CCB, not only financially but as a way of tapping into the volunteer spirit of many Californians. In this connection, I'd like to thank many of you, such as our 2nd vice president, Rhonda King, and immediate past president Cathie Skivers, both of whom have a vision for CCB which is always uplifting when I most need it.

From Jerry Arakawa, Chair CCB Convention First -Timers Committee: If you have never attended a CCB convention and would like to attend this spring's convention in Sacramento from April 10th-13th, please send us a letter telling a little about yourself and what you would gain by attending. If you are selected you will need to tell about your experience in the next issue of the Blind Californian, either with a letter or an interview. Letters must be received at the CCB office at 1510 J Street, Suite 125, Sacramento CA 95814, or by e-mail at ccotb@ccbnet.org no later than Friday, March 7th. The committee will make a decision concerning the First Timers Award by April 1st.

From Dan Kysor, CCB governmental affairs director: View Dan's update to the capitol report on our toll free line at 800-221-6359 or online at the Governmental Affairs section of the CCB website. Find out the latest regarding the state budget and other critical state issues.

If you're interested in learning more about accessible cell phones, Joel Isaac will be presenting an overview of accessible cell phones in a free online webinar on February 6 at 11am PST. To pre-register, please go to accessible cell phone presentation.

The CCB scholarship application for the 2008-2009 academic year is now available. You may obtain a electronic copy by visiting http://www.ccbnet.org/scholar.htm or send your application request by e-mail to ccotb@ccbnet.org or by calling the CCB office at 800-221-6359. Remember to follow all the directions. Applications must be completed and submitted to the CCB office by June 15, 2008.

From Ardis Bazyn: Delegates from CCB will be visiting Capitol Hill on February 12. We've been making appointments with representatives. Some are not willing to meet with us since we are not constituents. Please let me know if we can use your name when talking to a scheduler for your representative. Please call me at: 818-238-9321 and give me your name and your representative's name or email me at: abazyn@bazyncommunications.com. Thank you.

From Cathie Skivers: The awards committee wishes to remind everyone that we want your nominations into us by February 15th. The Winter issue of the Blind Californian contains the description of each of the available awards. If you have any questions, please free to call me at 510-357-1986.

James Forbes is working on a benefit CD for the Humboldt Council of the Blind. Bands or artists with visually impaired members are invited to submit songs. All genres of music accepted. The CD is to be released in Sept 08. You can contact James at darkarts66@gmail.com

San Francisco State University (SF State) is seeking a highly skilled, dynamic and strong manager for its Disability Programs and Resource Center (DPRC). Under the general direction of the Associate Vice President for Student Affairs/Director of the DPRC, the DPRC's Managing Director provides day-to-day management of SF State's efforts to implement the principles of universal design, along with federal and state disability-access laws including: Sections 503, 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, the California Fair Employment and Housing Act, California Title 24, and California Government Code 11135. For more information please contact Christine Gordon at cmg@sfsu.edu or by Phone at 415-338-2916.

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) seeks an Analyst in Disability Policy to serve in the CRS Domestic Social Policy Division. To apply online (preferred) visit http://www.loc.gov/crsinfo or call 202-707-5627 to request an applicant job kit. Please refer to vacancy #080018 in all correspondence.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

January 25, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on January 25, and will be updated on February 1. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

Announcing the online 2008-2009 Fred Scheigert Scholarship program through The Council of Citizens with Low Vision (CCLVI): On behalf of the Council of Citizens with Low Vision International, we announce our CCLVI Scholarship Program. Three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 a piece will be awarded for the 2008-2009 academic year. Please share with others the following scholarship information. If there are questions or additional information is required, please e-mail to scholarship@cclvi.org

Applications may be submitted beginning January 1st and all materials must be received by March 1st. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2008-2009 academic year.

To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an on-line application, please visit the web site www.cclvi.org/scholars.htm

Applications will be available to submit on-line until March 1st at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. We look forward to receiving your application materials!

The Eye Care Center at the Southern California College of Optometry announces the "Call for Artists" for "Shared Visions 2008-2009", the fourth annual juried art exhibit by artists who are blind or legally blind. Works selected will be exhibited in the Eye Care Center for a period of one year. The deadline for entries is May 14, 2008. For application and information on entering the fourth annual exhibit, (September 2008- August, 2009), please visit Call for Artists. Contact Rebecca L. Kammer, Southern California College of Optometry, by Phone at 714-449-7473 or by e-mail at rkammer@scco.edu.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

January 18, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on January 18, and will be updated on January 25. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Mitch Pomerantz: On Tuesday, January 15th, Melanie Brunson and I were notified via e-mail that Damar Travel and Cruises was exercising its option giving ACB 90-days notice of intent to cancel the existing agreement between our two organizations. This notice was given subsequent to routine inquiries requested by the ACB Board of Directors at our Teleconference meeting of January 2nd and carried out by Ms. Brunson.

It is regrettable that Damar has unilaterally chosen this action since so many of us participated in and thoroughly enjoyed at least one of the cruises organized by them. Such cruises were made especially worthwhile by the always friendly and helpful David Kronk. Rest assured that this decision was made solely by Damar's two principle partners, David and Marsha Schuman, without prior consultation with me, or anyone else connected with ACB.

Those of you who have sent in deposits for one of the upcoming Damar cruises and wish a refund should contact Damar directly. Also, since cruising has become such a popular form of travel for our members, we would like to contract with another organization which conducts tours for blind and visually impaired persons, or would be interested in doing so. Please forward any information you may have to me directly and off-line at either dmpomerantz@ccbnet.org or mitch.pomerantz@lacity.org

From Constance Griesmer: "For Residents of Pasadena only! The city is making available a Braille pamphlet of the text arguments for and against local measure D which will appear on the Primary Ballot. The pamphlet is bilingual. Residents wishing to receive the Braille copy may call the Accessibility Staff coordinator Mr. Robert Goriski at 626-744-4782.

Applications may be submitted beginning January 1st and all materials must be received by March 1st. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2008-2009 academic year.

To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an on-line application, please visit the web site www.cclvi.org/scholars.htm

Applications will be available to submit on-line until March 1st at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. We look forward to receiving your application materials!

The Society for the Blind in Sacramento is looking for a Daily Living Skills Instructor. The essential functions of the job are to train and to guide clients through courses of instruction designed to help them carry out daily living tasks; to teach skills and techniques to assist clients develop independence, good and effective communication, home orientation and home and personal management. For more information contact The Society at 916-452-8271.

February 2, 2008: 12th Annual Lowenfeld-Akeson Early Years Symposium "Communication: It's the Foundation, Strategies for Teaching Young Children who are Deafblind or Multiply Impaired". Co-sponsored by Blind Babies Foundation, CAPVI, CSB and NCAER. California School for the Blind, Fremont, CA. For information contact Michael McFarland at (510) 446-2229 or mcfarlandmike@blindbabies.org. (Fee; Parent/family scholarships available

IT'S TIME TO REGISTER FOR A FREE BRAILLE BOOK THROUGH SEEDLINGS BRAILLE BOOKS FOR CHILDREN'S 2008 ANNA'S BOOK ANGEL PROJECT! These free books are made possible by donations made to Seedlings in loving memory of Anna Kirstina Bonde who was killed by a drunk driver in 2001. Every blind or visually impaired child is eligible to win one free book per year (please re-register each year.) Blind adults can also register to win one free book per year to read with their children. To register, please visit our website: www.seedlings.org. Click on "Special Projects" and then on "Anna's Book Angel Project" and fill out the form, including the list of books (from our catalog) that you might like to receive. You can also register by using the form in the back of the Seedlings catalog, or by calling Seedlings at 800-777-8552.

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith

January 11, 2008

Welcome to the California Connection, the weekly news service provided in English and Spanish by the California Council of the Blind. This news release has been revised on January 11, and will be updated on January 18. Remember that in order to have a message in on the next connection, please provide the message either to the office or to me directly at 916-505-8780 or gabe@griffith.net by Wednesday before the connection is recorded, or it will need to be placed in the following connection.

From Dan Kysor: The Capitol Report has been updated so check it out on the toll free line at 800-221-6359 under legislation or on www.ccbnet.org under the governmental affairs link.

From the California Secretary of State's Office: To obtain a cassette tape of the “Official Voter Information Guide for February 5, 2008” Call 916-657-2166.

The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) will award three scholarships in the amount of $3,000 each to entering freshmen, undergraduate and graduate college students who are visually impaired, maintain a strong GPA and are involved in their school/local community. Applications may be submitted beginning January 1st and all materials must be received by March 1st. Scholarship monies will be awarded for the 2008-2009 academic year. To read the scholarship guidelines and complete an on-line application, please visit the web site www.cclvi.org/scholars.htm. Applications will be available to submit on-line until March 1st at 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time. We look forward to receiving your application materials!

Washington State Department of Transportation's (WSDOT) statewide Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Office is seeking a highly knowledgeable expert to administer our statewide Title VI Program. This involves development and training of WSDOT's Title VI special emphasis program areas. This position also provides technical assistance and training to WSDOT managers, cities, counties, municipalities, contractors and other sub recipients on Title VI compliance issues, implementation and monitoring. For more information call 360-705-7504.

The WestSide Center for Independent Living is seeking a Program Administrator. The Westside Center for Independent Living (WCIL) helps people living with disabilities maintain self-sufficient and productive lives through non-residential peer support services and training programs. Independent Living promotes self-determination, community living, full participation in community life and access to the same opportunities and resources available to people without disabilities. The Program Administrator is a member of the Center's Management Team and provides direction and oversight in the areas of program development, implementation and evaluation. Interested parties should send cover letters and resumes to Aliza@wcil.org

Thank you for reading,
Gabe Griffith