I have been trying to find housing for my family (wife, daughter and I). My wife and I are both in wheelchairs.
I originally applied through the Eureka Housing Authority for assistance, both Public Housing and Sction 8, November/December 2008.
I was checking on availability of housing this morning and listening to the Authority's recording it was stated that they had one- and two-bedroom accessible units available.
At the end of the recording I was then directed to a representative of the Housing Authority by dailing "0". I inquired about the housing and mentioned what I was in a wheelchair asking about the recording stating there were units available.
The representative responded that they openings with accessible units for wheelchairs put never seem to find individuals needing them. I reafformed that I was in a wheelchair and my wife was as well as I recorded in the original application.
The representative then stated I will note this in the computer that you are in a wheelchair.
Wow! This last remark just blows me away about providing housing to those looking for it and needing accessibility. Needs of the disabled (wheelchair bound) and how to contact them really needs to be demonstrated there at the Housing Authority. You wouldn't happen to have a vacant seat on the Housing Authority Board, would you?
Charlie Bean
Tuesday, November 17, 2009
Saturday, August 22, 2009
IN HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES
IN HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICESCLAIMS OF MASSIVE FRAUD ARE BOGUS
By Doug Moore 2:00 a.m. August 21, 2009
In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a vital, cost-effective government program that cares for hundreds of thousands of elderly, blind and disabled Californians in their own homes rather than in far-more-costly nursing homes or other institutions. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, it costs taxpayers at least six times less to care for a person under IHSS than for institutional care.
In recent months, however, partisan ideologues, ambitious district attorneys and even some in the media have engaged in a campaign of misinformation aimed at weakening the program.
They claim that there is “massive” fraud in IHSS. They cite recent grand jury reports expressing concern about the lack of program safeguards. They breathlessly repeat details of individual cases of fraud. Some even imply that there must be fraud in the program because IHSS home care providers are represented by unions.
This smear campaign reached its low point on July 2, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told a news conference in Sacramento that the IHSS program is “riddled” with fraud. He cited claims that the fraud rate in IHSS was an unbelievable 25 percent. He bragged that eliminating fraud from the program would save “hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars” and help solve the state's budget crisis.
Following the news conference, the IHSS specialist in the Legislative Analysts Office, Virginia Bella, told reporters: “I've never had anyone tell me where that number comes from.” The Sacramento Bee accused the governor of: “Spouting misleading rhetoric about waste and fraud,” while the San Jose Mercury-News called his allegations: “phantom claims.”
Here's why: In Sacramento County during fiscal year 2006-2007, there were fewer than 400 reports of suspected fraud from more than 17,000 IHSS clients. That's a rate of only about two percent. Of these reports, 31 cases were deemed worthy of prosecution. That means the rate of prosecutable fraud in Sacramento County for that year was approximately two-tenths of one percent.
That's hardly a fraud “epidemic.” (Despite this, Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully was an eager participant in the governor's July 2 dog-and-pony show.) In San Bernardino County, a grand jury found approximately 60 fraud cases a year referred by investigators, in a universe of nearly 20,000 IHSS clients. Even if all 60 cases were eventually proven to be fraud, that would represent a rate of three-tenths of one percent. Even the governor's own “Quality Assurance” survey in 2007 found a less than one percent incidence of fraud in IHSS.
Sadly, the state Legislature bought the governor's unsubstantiated fraud claims hook, line and sinker. The regressive and unfair budget agreement passed late last month will throw nearly 100,000 people out of IHSS. But it also brands all the clients and providers who remain in the program as potential “fraud criminals.”
Under the budget agreement, all home care clients and providers must be fingerprinted — only amputees are exempt. It's a wonder the governor and Legislature didn't demand retinal scans for these unfortunates. In addition, all home care workers, most of whom make little more than minimum wage, must obtain criminal background checks at their own expense.
While any fraud in IHSS is wrong and should be punished, the facts show no evidence of “massive” fraud in the program. The projections of budget savings that will come from these so-called anti-fraud provisions are illusory at best. Yet the majority of Democrats in the Legislature chose to serve as enablers for the governor and his right-wing allies rather than showing the moral courage to stand with IHSS consumers and their caregivers.It is a sad day for California when we treat our elderly, blind and disabled citizens, and those who care for them, like common criminals and call it “reform.”
Moore is executive director of the statewide UDW Homecare Providers Union, which is headquartered in San Diego.
By Doug Moore 2:00 a.m. August 21, 2009
In Home Supportive Services (IHSS) is a vital, cost-effective government program that cares for hundreds of thousands of elderly, blind and disabled Californians in their own homes rather than in far-more-costly nursing homes or other institutions. According to the nonpartisan Legislative Analyst's Office, it costs taxpayers at least six times less to care for a person under IHSS than for institutional care.
In recent months, however, partisan ideologues, ambitious district attorneys and even some in the media have engaged in a campaign of misinformation aimed at weakening the program.
They claim that there is “massive” fraud in IHSS. They cite recent grand jury reports expressing concern about the lack of program safeguards. They breathlessly repeat details of individual cases of fraud. Some even imply that there must be fraud in the program because IHSS home care providers are represented by unions.
This smear campaign reached its low point on July 2, when Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger told a news conference in Sacramento that the IHSS program is “riddled” with fraud. He cited claims that the fraud rate in IHSS was an unbelievable 25 percent. He bragged that eliminating fraud from the program would save “hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars” and help solve the state's budget crisis.
Following the news conference, the IHSS specialist in the Legislative Analysts Office, Virginia Bella, told reporters: “I've never had anyone tell me where that number comes from.” The Sacramento Bee accused the governor of: “Spouting misleading rhetoric about waste and fraud,” while the San Jose Mercury-News called his allegations: “phantom claims.”
Here's why: In Sacramento County during fiscal year 2006-2007, there were fewer than 400 reports of suspected fraud from more than 17,000 IHSS clients. That's a rate of only about two percent. Of these reports, 31 cases were deemed worthy of prosecution. That means the rate of prosecutable fraud in Sacramento County for that year was approximately two-tenths of one percent.
That's hardly a fraud “epidemic.” (Despite this, Sacramento County District Attorney Jan Scully was an eager participant in the governor's July 2 dog-and-pony show.) In San Bernardino County, a grand jury found approximately 60 fraud cases a year referred by investigators, in a universe of nearly 20,000 IHSS clients. Even if all 60 cases were eventually proven to be fraud, that would represent a rate of three-tenths of one percent. Even the governor's own “Quality Assurance” survey in 2007 found a less than one percent incidence of fraud in IHSS.
Sadly, the state Legislature bought the governor's unsubstantiated fraud claims hook, line and sinker. The regressive and unfair budget agreement passed late last month will throw nearly 100,000 people out of IHSS. But it also brands all the clients and providers who remain in the program as potential “fraud criminals.”
Under the budget agreement, all home care clients and providers must be fingerprinted — only amputees are exempt. It's a wonder the governor and Legislature didn't demand retinal scans for these unfortunates. In addition, all home care workers, most of whom make little more than minimum wage, must obtain criminal background checks at their own expense.
While any fraud in IHSS is wrong and should be punished, the facts show no evidence of “massive” fraud in the program. The projections of budget savings that will come from these so-called anti-fraud provisions are illusory at best. Yet the majority of Democrats in the Legislature chose to serve as enablers for the governor and his right-wing allies rather than showing the moral courage to stand with IHSS consumers and their caregivers.It is a sad day for California when we treat our elderly, blind and disabled citizens, and those who care for them, like common criminals and call it “reform.”
Moore is executive director of the statewide UDW Homecare Providers Union, which is headquartered in San Diego.
Tuesday, August 18, 2009
City Council meeting 8/18/09 Public Comments
Hi,
I was listening to your Council Meeting this evening and heard about presenters during the "Public Comment Period" of your agenda that was interesting.
First, I thought it interesting regarding the 14th and Broadway crossing and the signals. As I understand it, this intersection was pointed out as one of concern regarding "Safety" from a study I partially participated in last year.
It was explained to me by a Caltrans Engineer that the signal for crossing the street was set appropriately for pedestrian crossing. When I explained to the engineer that the caution lights flashed prior to me crossing, it was explained that was the way it was supposed to work. This just meant if you were in the crosswalk you needed to get across. It was also explained that it was not right to begin crossing when the caution lights flash.
As an individual using a manual wheelchair, this intersection is one of the most difficult to cross. The crown is steep, three of the curb-cuts are very narrow and the fourth is set back from the road creating further distance to travel. This does not consider the water that sits at the curb-cuts during rain and the roughness of the route that chairs must take, let alone an older individual that is not exactly quick crossing Broadway.
But, I also realize you know this and I have the understanding that Caltrans plans to address this as further development of Broadway is being planned and changed.
***************
The other item that caught my attention was the group from Tri-County Independent Living. This group was just recently formed and has some interesting views. I pretty much agree with most of the thoughts regarding access to various businesses and City facilities that are not accessible (I also understand much can not be done without funding.). But what disturbs me the most are instances such as I presented to the City's Planning Commission a couple of weeks ago (below):
"I realize you may not have anything to do with the new houses built at the very end of 7th Street, particularly the house at 1653 7th Street with a Disabled Parking Space in front of it.
Remembering I am in a wheelchair and when I went past the newly finished homes I noticed the Disabled Parking Space in front of a two story family unit.
I understand that the inside design of these newly finished units are very nice. They have three bedrooms, a master bathroom and a smaller bathroom upstairs, while downstairs there is a small water closet with a toilet, a kitchen, dining and living rooms. Of course, a staircase to get to the second floor is included. (This description comes from a neighbor of the new units.)
I was wondering how an individual confined to a wheelchair would get upstairs. Did they build a ramp? Provide a heavy duty lift? Or did they provide an elevator?
And again, I could be very wrong about the design and layout of the unit built.
I also ask, is the Disabled Parking Space for guests? Or it could be this unit is designed for only ambulatory individuals with disabilities? Of course, this could not be true, because it would be definitely discrimination, yes?
I hope you are smiling and take this with the humor I found in the concern I have for the newly finished units. I know that this could bite the City if you had an individual with a disability wishing to live there because they saw that parking space and discovered it was not designed for a wheelchair.
I also noticed that there is a gate and path from the upper units that provides pedestrian access to 6th Street. The gate and path are not accessible to wheelchairs or many seniors. The gate's handle is too high and the path is made of large cement pads with big gaps in between them sunk in redwood compost, I believe.
Remembering when I first met the planner working on the General Plan, I shared with them how folks built things that supposedly are usable by individuals with disabilities, but in truth were not functional for every day living. This housing project is an example of this. If it is funded with public funds, they should look for advice from individuals like myself or other groups representing people with disabilities. This, I believe could be included in the housing element of the City's General Plan, "Get advice from the user or their community representative."
I admit, I could be wrong in my assumption of the design of the unit I mentioned, but I am very sure of the access provided at the gate.
To correct these kinds of situations from happening, I hope the City looks for more advice from the community of individuals with disabilities. What I described above, I hope is a misunderstanding, but if it isn't, if planners and builders looked for advice from users of accessible needs, much can be saved in the future, yes?
I was listening to your Council Meeting this evening and heard about presenters during the "Public Comment Period" of your agenda that was interesting.
First, I thought it interesting regarding the 14th and Broadway crossing and the signals. As I understand it, this intersection was pointed out as one of concern regarding "Safety" from a study I partially participated in last year.
It was explained to me by a Caltrans Engineer that the signal for crossing the street was set appropriately for pedestrian crossing. When I explained to the engineer that the caution lights flashed prior to me crossing, it was explained that was the way it was supposed to work. This just meant if you were in the crosswalk you needed to get across. It was also explained that it was not right to begin crossing when the caution lights flash.
As an individual using a manual wheelchair, this intersection is one of the most difficult to cross. The crown is steep, three of the curb-cuts are very narrow and the fourth is set back from the road creating further distance to travel. This does not consider the water that sits at the curb-cuts during rain and the roughness of the route that chairs must take, let alone an older individual that is not exactly quick crossing Broadway.
But, I also realize you know this and I have the understanding that Caltrans plans to address this as further development of Broadway is being planned and changed.
***************
The other item that caught my attention was the group from Tri-County Independent Living. This group was just recently formed and has some interesting views. I pretty much agree with most of the thoughts regarding access to various businesses and City facilities that are not accessible (I also understand much can not be done without funding.). But what disturbs me the most are instances such as I presented to the City's Planning Commission a couple of weeks ago (below):
"I realize you may not have anything to do with the new houses built at the very end of 7th Street, particularly the house at 1653 7th Street with a Disabled Parking Space in front of it.
Remembering I am in a wheelchair and when I went past the newly finished homes I noticed the Disabled Parking Space in front of a two story family unit.
I understand that the inside design of these newly finished units are very nice. They have three bedrooms, a master bathroom and a smaller bathroom upstairs, while downstairs there is a small water closet with a toilet, a kitchen, dining and living rooms. Of course, a staircase to get to the second floor is included. (This description comes from a neighbor of the new units.)
I was wondering how an individual confined to a wheelchair would get upstairs. Did they build a ramp? Provide a heavy duty lift? Or did they provide an elevator?
And again, I could be very wrong about the design and layout of the unit built.
I also ask, is the Disabled Parking Space for guests? Or it could be this unit is designed for only ambulatory individuals with disabilities? Of course, this could not be true, because it would be definitely discrimination, yes?
I hope you are smiling and take this with the humor I found in the concern I have for the newly finished units. I know that this could bite the City if you had an individual with a disability wishing to live there because they saw that parking space and discovered it was not designed for a wheelchair.
I also noticed that there is a gate and path from the upper units that provides pedestrian access to 6th Street. The gate and path are not accessible to wheelchairs or many seniors. The gate's handle is too high and the path is made of large cement pads with big gaps in between them sunk in redwood compost, I believe.
Remembering when I first met the planner working on the General Plan, I shared with them how folks built things that supposedly are usable by individuals with disabilities, but in truth were not functional for every day living. This housing project is an example of this. If it is funded with public funds, they should look for advice from individuals like myself or other groups representing people with disabilities. This, I believe could be included in the housing element of the City's General Plan, "Get advice from the user or their community representative."
I admit, I could be wrong in my assumption of the design of the unit I mentioned, but I am very sure of the access provided at the gate.
To correct these kinds of situations from happening, I hope the City looks for more advice from the community of individuals with disabilities. What I described above, I hope is a misunderstanding, but if it isn't, if planners and builders looked for advice from users of accessible needs, much can be saved in the future, yes?
Monday, August 17, 2009
Keep the Public Option for Health Care?
I am not sure it should be the "Public Option" as written, but something that creates true competition between the insurance companies. As it stands presentlly, high medical insurance cost are expended for little in return for moderate income individuals. And then after paying monthly fees one finds out that major costs are not covered completely, or less than what was expected.
There needs to be a system that allows for a doctor to make a mistake and not have such high premiums for malpractice. I am not for removing malpractice suits, but I am forlessing the amount pay out, as well as making it harder to bring such suits - Doctors are human, though some forget to treat patients as individuals looking to understand.
Anyhow, consider something that limits the costs of insurance.
There needs to be a system that allows for a doctor to make a mistake and not have such high premiums for malpractice. I am not for removing malpractice suits, but I am forlessing the amount pay out, as well as making it harder to bring such suits - Doctors are human, though some forget to treat patients as individuals looking to understand.
Anyhow, consider something that limits the costs of insurance.
College of the Redwoods experience/suggestions
Jeff Marsee, President
College of the Redwoods
7351 Tomkins Hill Road
Eureka, CA 95501-9300
Mr. Marsee,
While visiting College of the Redwoods today I discovered some pleasant and unpleasant experiences.
I believe it is best you know that my wife and I are both in wheelchairs from spinal cord injuries. Returning to school is a very positive program for both of us, and College of the Redwoods (CR) has much to offer with the various venues and locations of completing classes for individuals with disabilities.
While visiting the bookstore I found most of the clerks are very helpful, especially, Jen. I was looking for the books that went with the classes I signed up for and the book codes so I could search for them on-line to save money. Jen did the search for me from a list the bookstore had made for the 2009 Fall Term. She was very helpful and her assistance was great appreciated.
Another experience was visiting the Financial Aid office for getting a couple forms completed regarding verification of financial aid my wife and I will received this year. After queuing for nearly 30 minutes I was told I needed my wife’s signature on the form. I explained that I would need to push down to the parking lot and then back up the hill to get this.
I am dumbfounded why I can complete the application for Medi-cal and Food Stamps without my wife, but could not get information my family needed from the Financial Aid office without her signature. I realized it is not the individual’s fault at the window, but this situation could have been dealt with much more understanding and the paperwork I presented could have been reviewed more thoroughly and it would have been recognized my wife’s signature was not needed (Sometimes bureaucracy is over-used in accomplishing ones duties.).
I wish to offer these solutions:
Bookstore: First, I would work to placing the listing of books with their titles and ISBN codes on the CR website. This would allow individuals to access to finding out what books are needed and search for them on line and at the same time save on energy used to drive to CR (Talking on the phone is not always the most accurate way of gathering information. It is also not always the friendliest either).
Secondly, I would work towards an agreement with an on-line book dealer such as Amazon Books in representing CR and being the place to encourage students to purchase their books. I could see a small amount of money being returned to CR from Amazon as part of the agreement. This in turn could possibly save the bookstore money.
Financial Aid Office: Access and service is very important from this office. Today, my first visit I queued behind ten individuals waiting for assistance at a single window. When I returned with my wife’s signature, still only one window was open for assistance and there were 20 individuals waiting for assistance. When there are three or more individuals waiting, it seems that there would be others available to open other windows to serve those needing assistance. People walking or confined to a wheelchair should not have to wait longer than 20 minutes for service.
I would then look to the future and move all student services to lower ground. You have great spaces for disabled parking, but having to climb the hill to receive financial aid and such is very discouraging. What would it hurt to moving all of Student Services to a friendlier location?
College of the Redwoods has a great campus, but I believe there are some simple things that can be done to make it more student oriented for all that wish to attend, including those who use manual wheelchairs. (Almost forgot, I visited a lecture room to take a State exam and the pencil sharpener was upstairs and not accessible. Is there a possibility to place a sharpener where individuals in wheelchairs have to sit?).
Have a great day!
College of the Redwoods
7351 Tomkins Hill Road
Eureka, CA 95501-9300
Mr. Marsee,
While visiting College of the Redwoods today I discovered some pleasant and unpleasant experiences.
I believe it is best you know that my wife and I are both in wheelchairs from spinal cord injuries. Returning to school is a very positive program for both of us, and College of the Redwoods (CR) has much to offer with the various venues and locations of completing classes for individuals with disabilities.
While visiting the bookstore I found most of the clerks are very helpful, especially, Jen. I was looking for the books that went with the classes I signed up for and the book codes so I could search for them on-line to save money. Jen did the search for me from a list the bookstore had made for the 2009 Fall Term. She was very helpful and her assistance was great appreciated.
Another experience was visiting the Financial Aid office for getting a couple forms completed regarding verification of financial aid my wife and I will received this year. After queuing for nearly 30 minutes I was told I needed my wife’s signature on the form. I explained that I would need to push down to the parking lot and then back up the hill to get this.
I am dumbfounded why I can complete the application for Medi-cal and Food Stamps without my wife, but could not get information my family needed from the Financial Aid office without her signature. I realized it is not the individual’s fault at the window, but this situation could have been dealt with much more understanding and the paperwork I presented could have been reviewed more thoroughly and it would have been recognized my wife’s signature was not needed (Sometimes bureaucracy is over-used in accomplishing ones duties.).
I wish to offer these solutions:
Bookstore: First, I would work to placing the listing of books with their titles and ISBN codes on the CR website. This would allow individuals to access to finding out what books are needed and search for them on line and at the same time save on energy used to drive to CR (Talking on the phone is not always the most accurate way of gathering information. It is also not always the friendliest either).
Secondly, I would work towards an agreement with an on-line book dealer such as Amazon Books in representing CR and being the place to encourage students to purchase their books. I could see a small amount of money being returned to CR from Amazon as part of the agreement. This in turn could possibly save the bookstore money.
Financial Aid Office: Access and service is very important from this office. Today, my first visit I queued behind ten individuals waiting for assistance at a single window. When I returned with my wife’s signature, still only one window was open for assistance and there were 20 individuals waiting for assistance. When there are three or more individuals waiting, it seems that there would be others available to open other windows to serve those needing assistance. People walking or confined to a wheelchair should not have to wait longer than 20 minutes for service.
I would then look to the future and move all student services to lower ground. You have great spaces for disabled parking, but having to climb the hill to receive financial aid and such is very discouraging. What would it hurt to moving all of Student Services to a friendlier location?
College of the Redwoods has a great campus, but I believe there are some simple things that can be done to make it more student oriented for all that wish to attend, including those who use manual wheelchairs. (Almost forgot, I visited a lecture room to take a State exam and the pencil sharpener was upstairs and not accessible. Is there a possibility to place a sharpener where individuals in wheelchairs have to sit?).
Have a great day!
Sunday, August 16, 2009
Housing Comments and Thoughts
Shared with HCAOG, RCAA, City of Eureka Planning.
After glancing through the methodology of your Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), I am now more confused, which is okay.
In general, I believe that the RHNA allocates needed housing towards concentrated areas, and in many ways is to restrictive in where the majority of allocations are located. I feel that the allocation plan is too restrictive addressing housing needs mainly for the larger populated areas here on the coast. This to me only places a stronger burden on already over-extended services the cities of Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, and Rio Dell. Yes, there are cities incorporated and unincorporated addressed in the RHNA, but it just seems the only community being addressed in addition to those I noted is McKinleyville.
I also believe that the program does not address the true needs of the County for the very, very low income to have an opportunity to find permanent housing. Housing should be targeting this group in all communities. Individuals should not be forced to move from a very rural community to a community here on the coast, such as Eureka or Arcata. The fact that the County's Housing Authority has a waiting list demonstrates the need for additional housing for the group mentioned.
In addressing the very, very low income, I am also pointing out the needs of the homeless. First, one must admit that there are homeless that will never want to change their situation, this is a given. But we do have a large homeless contingency living in motels that need assistance in changing their situation, not only for the adults, but for the children that are involved and connected to the family.
I believe the County needs to do more outreach to provide for the homeless and their transition into permanent housing. There are areas in Willow Creek, Blue Lake, Redway and Orick that could be developed for very, very low income housing but do not seem to be considered (Of course, I realize that these areas are limited and the development can not only be provided for the very, very low income; development would have to be a mixture of income levels.).
Development of housing in some areas outside of the coast seems more difficult than here on the coast and this should not be an issue. Using Willow Creek as an example, there are a couple individuals in the area who would have liked to add 20 housing units, but because of the restrictions, they dropped the plans. But, I wonder if this same situation was to considered here in McKinleyville or Ridgewood, if the same issues would be brought up? Of course, we shall never know because the actual issues are not known except for the frustration shared to do business with County Planning and so forth.
Returning to the homeless issue, I feel it is wrong that to receive assistance is all located here in the larger cities, but such is life. There are opportunities to assist homeless in the outer communities, yet the resources are very restrictive or limited.
The City of Eureka, Humboldt County and Redwood Community Action Agency worked towards the Multiple Assistance Center (MAC) to serve the so-called needy and homeless and because of funding issues, it has been limited; and, where it is located, even more limited to who is served.
Still, here in the larger cities are where the resources are located and it needs to be utilized much better in serving the County overall. In leaning this way, I believe the Downtowner Motel location would be an location for a "Transitional Housing Program" for the low-income and homeless.
This Transitional Housing Program would address needs such as saving for permanent housing by taking a portion of their limited income and placing it into a kitty for saving up to gain enough to get the first and last month's rent and the deposit usually required. Why here under this program, job training and education will be provided - this will be provided in the form of counseling and if funding is provided on-site.
Use of a Transitional Housing Program and the Downtowner Motel modified would lessen the number of families and individuals living in motels paying nearly 95% of their monthly income. It would promote pride and respect into individuals that are looking to improve their lives - Strict rules for this facility would need to be in place regarding drugs and alcohol, but this is natural for those truly wishing to change.
Just a few thoughts I had.
After glancing through the methodology of your Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), I am now more confused, which is okay.
In general, I believe that the RHNA allocates needed housing towards concentrated areas, and in many ways is to restrictive in where the majority of allocations are located. I feel that the allocation plan is too restrictive addressing housing needs mainly for the larger populated areas here on the coast. This to me only places a stronger burden on already over-extended services the cities of Arcata, Eureka, Fortuna, and Rio Dell. Yes, there are cities incorporated and unincorporated addressed in the RHNA, but it just seems the only community being addressed in addition to those I noted is McKinleyville.
I also believe that the program does not address the true needs of the County for the very, very low income to have an opportunity to find permanent housing. Housing should be targeting this group in all communities. Individuals should not be forced to move from a very rural community to a community here on the coast, such as Eureka or Arcata. The fact that the County's Housing Authority has a waiting list demonstrates the need for additional housing for the group mentioned.
In addressing the very, very low income, I am also pointing out the needs of the homeless. First, one must admit that there are homeless that will never want to change their situation, this is a given. But we do have a large homeless contingency living in motels that need assistance in changing their situation, not only for the adults, but for the children that are involved and connected to the family.
I believe the County needs to do more outreach to provide for the homeless and their transition into permanent housing. There are areas in Willow Creek, Blue Lake, Redway and Orick that could be developed for very, very low income housing but do not seem to be considered (Of course, I realize that these areas are limited and the development can not only be provided for the very, very low income; development would have to be a mixture of income levels.).
Development of housing in some areas outside of the coast seems more difficult than here on the coast and this should not be an issue. Using Willow Creek as an example, there are a couple individuals in the area who would have liked to add 20 housing units, but because of the restrictions, they dropped the plans. But, I wonder if this same situation was to considered here in McKinleyville or Ridgewood, if the same issues would be brought up? Of course, we shall never know because the actual issues are not known except for the frustration shared to do business with County Planning and so forth.
Returning to the homeless issue, I feel it is wrong that to receive assistance is all located here in the larger cities, but such is life. There are opportunities to assist homeless in the outer communities, yet the resources are very restrictive or limited.
The City of Eureka, Humboldt County and Redwood Community Action Agency worked towards the Multiple Assistance Center (MAC) to serve the so-called needy and homeless and because of funding issues, it has been limited; and, where it is located, even more limited to who is served.
Still, here in the larger cities are where the resources are located and it needs to be utilized much better in serving the County overall. In leaning this way, I believe the Downtowner Motel location would be an location for a "Transitional Housing Program" for the low-income and homeless.
This Transitional Housing Program would address needs such as saving for permanent housing by taking a portion of their limited income and placing it into a kitty for saving up to gain enough to get the first and last month's rent and the deposit usually required. Why here under this program, job training and education will be provided - this will be provided in the form of counseling and if funding is provided on-site.
Use of a Transitional Housing Program and the Downtowner Motel modified would lessen the number of families and individuals living in motels paying nearly 95% of their monthly income. It would promote pride and respect into individuals that are looking to improve their lives - Strict rules for this facility would need to be in place regarding drugs and alcohol, but this is natural for those truly wishing to change.
Just a few thoughts I had.
Friday, August 14, 2009
Congressman Thompson's Reply to Health Care Reform Ltr
I have a keen interest in healthcare, both as an individual and as a public servant. My wife Jan is a full-time nurse practitioner in our district and was a hospice nurse for years. I've had government sponsored healthcare in the Army - both here and overseas - and private healthcare with Kaiser Permanente and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Over the years, as a State Senator and U.S. Representative, I've talked with thousands of Northern Californians at length about the times when healthcare has been a blessing and, unfortunately, when it's failed them.
I first ran for office in 1990, and a big part of that decision was because of the challenges of healthcare policy and its importance. This issue has remained in the forefront of my attention ever since. In the State Senate, I passed legislation that required all group healthcare plans to provide preventive healthcare to children, improved healthcare policies in rural areas and supported the development of telemedicine. Since arriving in the House of Representatives, I continued this work by enacting legislation that waives co-pays for colonoscopies and mammograms for Medicare beneficiaries, helps doctors who are called away to service in the reserves or the National Guard, expands telehealth technology, reverses harmful cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians, promotes funding for rural clinics and addresses unfair geographic reimbursement policies that consistently underpay providers in our district.
Unfortunately, many problems like rising premiums, shortages of skilled healthcare workers and a deteriorating long-term fiscal outlook for programs like Medicare have grown worse. These issues are far larger, more complex and more pervasive than almost any others our nation faces. It is no surprise that they have also drawn the most passionate responses.
Some argue that any type of reform would lead to socialism, but the majority of constituents I've heard from want Congress to lower costs, provide access for everyone and improve the quality of care. Most opinions are heartfelt, but a few are startling, such as the writers who want to reject any government involvement in healthcare because it's "socialist" while they themselves are receiving healthcare through Medicare or the Veterans Administration. However, almost every person I talk to or hear from agrees - the current healthcare system needs to be fixed.
While I am a strong proponent of healthcare reform, we need to make sure that we do this right. As you no doubt know, our current healthcare system is not sustainable. In the last 15 years, healthcare spending has jumped 145% to over $2.24 trillion. This is the equivalence of one in every $6 we earn going for healthcare. At current rates, within a decade that figure is expected to rise to one in $5, and within 30 years it will be one out of every $3. Right now, this system is failing us all; from those who can't get insurance because of a pre-existing condition to the families that have coverage but are finding it harder and harder to afford their rising premiums and deductibles. We are on an unsustainable path and most Americans want this corrected.
The House of Representatives is now considering the America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), which presents comprehensive solutions to the healthcare challenges faced by all Americans. This bill includes many of my priorities, such as:
o Better healthcare for everyone by requiring all plans to meet minimum benefits standards, prohibiting denials of coverage based on pre-existing conditions and eliminating co-payments for preventive care visits to a doctor;
o Strengthening Medicare by increasing reimbursement rates for Medicare providers to allow them to continue seeing Medicare patients and closing the "donut" hole in prescription coverage for Medicare Part D;
o Real choice in a health insurance marketplace where consumers can compare different plans, including a public plan option, while still retaining the freedom to keep their current doctor, hospital and plan if they choose;
o Ensuring access to healthcare in rural areas by providing a reimbursement increase to primary care physicians practicing in these communities and expanding telemedicine services to make specialized care available for patients in underserved areas.
As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I helped write parts of this bill, and I know that there is a lot in the bill that will go far toward improving our system. Although the full House of Representatives will not consider H.R. 3200 until September, I voted for this important legislation when it was considered by the Ways and Means Committee on July 17. We needed to advance this bill so that we can continue the work of crafting a comprehensive plan that will fix our healthcare system.
However, it is important to remember that this is the beginning of the process, and there is much work that remains to be done in both houses of Congress before we will reach a final bill. Nevertheless, there is wide agreement that the final version must satisfy these principles:
o Reduce the long-term growth of healthcare costs;
o Provide a choice of doctors and health plans;
o Improve quality of care and invest in prevention and wellness; and,
o Ensure affordable healthcare for all Americans.
Currently there are five bills in Congress to reform healthcare, three in the House and two in the Senate. From these, members of the House and Senate will reconcile differences, make improvements and come up with an even better bill. I think we have a long way to go before we are where we need to be, but H.R. 3200 is an important first step.
Healthcare touches all of our lives in a very personal way. I absolutely understand why so many Americans are concerned about the effectiveness and cost of healthcare. That's why it's so important that you judge the facts of this bill for yourself, particularly when there's been much disinformation. I have attached answers to the most common questions my office has been receiving for your review. Additionally, you can go to the Ways and Means Committee website (waysandmeans.house.gov) to read the bill in its entirety as well as a section-by-section summary. I will continue to update you as this important legislation progresses.
Question: Has Congressman Thompson read the bill?
Answer: I have read and was involved in drafting the bill I voted on. For weeks before the introduction of H.R. 3200, members of the Ways and Means Committee, myself included, met daily to go through the bill line by line and section by section. As a group, we spent 86 hours going over this legislation.
Question: Will health reform force all Americans out of their private insurance plans and into a one-size-fits-all government plan?
Answer: No. H.R. 3200 builds on the current system of employer-based coverage, it doesn't replace it. If you are happy with your current plan, you can keep it. H.R. 3200 includes a public plan that individuals will have the option of purchasing, along with a variety of other private plans. This public plan will be required to be financially self-sustaining, as private plans are, covering its costs through premiums and co-pays.
Question: Does page 16 of the bill require me to join the public plan if I lose my private insurance coverage?
Answer: No one will be required to join the public plan. If you lose your insurance, you will be able to shop for a new plan at an online exchange that includes information on all insurance options. This exchange will bring together information that is currently scattered giving consumers the opportunity to quickly and effectively compare plans to make informed decisions about what coverage works best for them. The provision on page 16 merely requires individuals joining a private insurance plan after 2013 to do so through the exchange.
Question: Are Members of Congress exempt from changes that are being proposed for the rest of the country?
Answer: No. Members of Congress receive the same healthcare options as other federal employees, with a choice of plans from private insurers that vary by benefits, premiums and co-pays. This legislation would affect federal employees in the same ways that it affects everyone else who gets their health insurance through their employer.
Question: Does this bill cover illegal immigrants?
Answer: No. Section 246 of H.R. 3200 explicitly prohibits the payment of affordability credits designed to help low and moderate incomes families purchase insurance to anyone who is not lawfully present in the United States.
Question: Does this bill require seniors to attend mandatory counseling sessions on euthanasia?
Answer: No. H.R. 3200 states that Medicare will reimburse doctors and nurse practitioners for a counseling session with Medicare beneficiaries regarding advanced care planning. This consultation includes a discussion of laws and options regarding living wills, the roles and responsibilities of a health care proxy and other planning resources that may be available for the individual. These consultations are strictly voluntary; the rumor that seniors must attend is false.
Question: Will all small businesses be forced to provide coverage to their employees?
Answer: This bill exempts small businesses with a payroll of less than $250,000 from the requirement to provide health insurance for their workers. Businesses with payrolls above $250,000 that do not provide coverage will be charged a payroll tax that will gradually increase with the size of their payroll. The current version of the bill has this tax will start at 2% for payrolls above $250,000 and increase to a maximum of 8% for payrolls above $400,000, however, there are currently discussions to raise this exemption to $500,000. Proceeds from this tax will go to offset the cost of coverage for individuals purchasing insurance through the exchange. Small businesses that opt to offer insurance will receive tax credits to offset the cost of insurance.
Question: What does this bill do to stop fraud and abuse in Medicare?
Answer: This bill strengthens existing compliance and enforcement tools for Medicare, increases funding to support these efforts and creates new, tougher penalties for individuals who submit false claims or applications to Medicare. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that every $1 we invest in fighting waste, fraud and abuse will yield $1.75 in savings.
Question: Can our nation afford healthcare reform?
Answer: The truth is that the rising cost of healthcare for all Americans is a problem that will not fix itself and that we can't afford to not address. Today, our nation spends one out of every $6 we earn on healthcare. If we don't take action to slow the increase in costs, within a decade we will spend one out of every $5 on healthcare, and within 30 years this will rise to one in every $3. These facts make it clear, the longer we wait, the more it will cost to fix our broken healthcare system.
Question: How much will this bill cost?
Answer: There is no question that there will be significant costs to implement this legislation. The CBO's latest estimate puts the price tag at $1.042 trillion over ten years. Here is how we are going to pay for the bill. First, we are going to address inefficiencies in Medicare and Medicaid and crack down on fraud, waste and abuse in these programs to save $465 billion over the next ten years. Second, we will need to raise $583 billion in revenues to cover the rest of the cost. The Ways and Means Committee proposes to do this through a surcharge on the wealthiest 1.2% of income earners, who have enjoyed a tremendous advantage for the last eight years because of the Bush tax cuts (the average reduction in federal taxes for the top 1% in these tax cuts was $44,622). The Senate is considering other ways to raise these funds, and it is unclear how this issue will be dealt with in the final bill.
Question: Will this plan lead to rationing of healthcare? Will Congress be legislating what care my doctor can or must give me?
Answer: No. I believe that medical decisions should be left between patients and their doctors. Section 1401 explicitly forbids any studies or research called for in H.R. 3200 from being used to either mandate or deny care to a patient in any public or private plan. This research will gather data about what procedures are most effective to give doctors more information to consider when treating patients, not to replace your doctor's judgment with that of a bureaucrat from a private insurer or the government. The bill protects the ability of doctors to do what they think is necessary to help their patients without having to constantly worry about whether they will be reimbursed by an insurance company, which is why this bill has earned the strong support of the American Medical Association.
Question: Why is this bill being "rushed" through Congress?
Answer: Universal healthcare was first proposed by Teddy Roosevelt in 1912. President Harry Truman called for it in 1945. Former Representative John Dingell Sr. introduced a bill to provide universal healthcare in 1947 and his son, Representative John Dingell Jr., has reintroduced a bill every Congress since 1955. So, this is not a new issue and it was supported by both President Obama and Senator McCain in the November presidential election. This particular legislation has been crafted, reviewed and revised repeatedly since the 111th Congress began, and it has been changed to reflect the considerable input from those in the healthcare community, members on both sides of the aisle and constituents. This bill is not being rushed - it is long overdue.
Sincerely, MIKE THOMPSONMember of Congresshttp://www.mikethompson.house.gov
I first ran for office in 1990, and a big part of that decision was because of the challenges of healthcare policy and its importance. This issue has remained in the forefront of my attention ever since. In the State Senate, I passed legislation that required all group healthcare plans to provide preventive healthcare to children, improved healthcare policies in rural areas and supported the development of telemedicine. Since arriving in the House of Representatives, I continued this work by enacting legislation that waives co-pays for colonoscopies and mammograms for Medicare beneficiaries, helps doctors who are called away to service in the reserves or the National Guard, expands telehealth technology, reverses harmful cuts to Medicare reimbursement rates for physicians, promotes funding for rural clinics and addresses unfair geographic reimbursement policies that consistently underpay providers in our district.
Unfortunately, many problems like rising premiums, shortages of skilled healthcare workers and a deteriorating long-term fiscal outlook for programs like Medicare have grown worse. These issues are far larger, more complex and more pervasive than almost any others our nation faces. It is no surprise that they have also drawn the most passionate responses.
Some argue that any type of reform would lead to socialism, but the majority of constituents I've heard from want Congress to lower costs, provide access for everyone and improve the quality of care. Most opinions are heartfelt, but a few are startling, such as the writers who want to reject any government involvement in healthcare because it's "socialist" while they themselves are receiving healthcare through Medicare or the Veterans Administration. However, almost every person I talk to or hear from agrees - the current healthcare system needs to be fixed.
While I am a strong proponent of healthcare reform, we need to make sure that we do this right. As you no doubt know, our current healthcare system is not sustainable. In the last 15 years, healthcare spending has jumped 145% to over $2.24 trillion. This is the equivalence of one in every $6 we earn going for healthcare. At current rates, within a decade that figure is expected to rise to one in $5, and within 30 years it will be one out of every $3. Right now, this system is failing us all; from those who can't get insurance because of a pre-existing condition to the families that have coverage but are finding it harder and harder to afford their rising premiums and deductibles. We are on an unsustainable path and most Americans want this corrected.
The House of Representatives is now considering the America's Affordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200), which presents comprehensive solutions to the healthcare challenges faced by all Americans. This bill includes many of my priorities, such as:
o Better healthcare for everyone by requiring all plans to meet minimum benefits standards, prohibiting denials of coverage based on pre-existing conditions and eliminating co-payments for preventive care visits to a doctor;
o Strengthening Medicare by increasing reimbursement rates for Medicare providers to allow them to continue seeing Medicare patients and closing the "donut" hole in prescription coverage for Medicare Part D;
o Real choice in a health insurance marketplace where consumers can compare different plans, including a public plan option, while still retaining the freedom to keep their current doctor, hospital and plan if they choose;
o Ensuring access to healthcare in rural areas by providing a reimbursement increase to primary care physicians practicing in these communities and expanding telemedicine services to make specialized care available for patients in underserved areas.
As a member of the Ways and Means Committee, I helped write parts of this bill, and I know that there is a lot in the bill that will go far toward improving our system. Although the full House of Representatives will not consider H.R. 3200 until September, I voted for this important legislation when it was considered by the Ways and Means Committee on July 17. We needed to advance this bill so that we can continue the work of crafting a comprehensive plan that will fix our healthcare system.
However, it is important to remember that this is the beginning of the process, and there is much work that remains to be done in both houses of Congress before we will reach a final bill. Nevertheless, there is wide agreement that the final version must satisfy these principles:
o Reduce the long-term growth of healthcare costs;
o Provide a choice of doctors and health plans;
o Improve quality of care and invest in prevention and wellness; and,
o Ensure affordable healthcare for all Americans.
Currently there are five bills in Congress to reform healthcare, three in the House and two in the Senate. From these, members of the House and Senate will reconcile differences, make improvements and come up with an even better bill. I think we have a long way to go before we are where we need to be, but H.R. 3200 is an important first step.
Healthcare touches all of our lives in a very personal way. I absolutely understand why so many Americans are concerned about the effectiveness and cost of healthcare. That's why it's so important that you judge the facts of this bill for yourself, particularly when there's been much disinformation. I have attached answers to the most common questions my office has been receiving for your review. Additionally, you can go to the Ways and Means Committee website (waysandmeans.house.gov) to read the bill in its entirety as well as a section-by-section summary. I will continue to update you as this important legislation progresses.
Question: Has Congressman Thompson read the bill?
Answer: I have read and was involved in drafting the bill I voted on. For weeks before the introduction of H.R. 3200, members of the Ways and Means Committee, myself included, met daily to go through the bill line by line and section by section. As a group, we spent 86 hours going over this legislation.
Question: Will health reform force all Americans out of their private insurance plans and into a one-size-fits-all government plan?
Answer: No. H.R. 3200 builds on the current system of employer-based coverage, it doesn't replace it. If you are happy with your current plan, you can keep it. H.R. 3200 includes a public plan that individuals will have the option of purchasing, along with a variety of other private plans. This public plan will be required to be financially self-sustaining, as private plans are, covering its costs through premiums and co-pays.
Question: Does page 16 of the bill require me to join the public plan if I lose my private insurance coverage?
Answer: No one will be required to join the public plan. If you lose your insurance, you will be able to shop for a new plan at an online exchange that includes information on all insurance options. This exchange will bring together information that is currently scattered giving consumers the opportunity to quickly and effectively compare plans to make informed decisions about what coverage works best for them. The provision on page 16 merely requires individuals joining a private insurance plan after 2013 to do so through the exchange.
Question: Are Members of Congress exempt from changes that are being proposed for the rest of the country?
Answer: No. Members of Congress receive the same healthcare options as other federal employees, with a choice of plans from private insurers that vary by benefits, premiums and co-pays. This legislation would affect federal employees in the same ways that it affects everyone else who gets their health insurance through their employer.
Question: Does this bill cover illegal immigrants?
Answer: No. Section 246 of H.R. 3200 explicitly prohibits the payment of affordability credits designed to help low and moderate incomes families purchase insurance to anyone who is not lawfully present in the United States.
Question: Does this bill require seniors to attend mandatory counseling sessions on euthanasia?
Answer: No. H.R. 3200 states that Medicare will reimburse doctors and nurse practitioners for a counseling session with Medicare beneficiaries regarding advanced care planning. This consultation includes a discussion of laws and options regarding living wills, the roles and responsibilities of a health care proxy and other planning resources that may be available for the individual. These consultations are strictly voluntary; the rumor that seniors must attend is false.
Question: Will all small businesses be forced to provide coverage to their employees?
Answer: This bill exempts small businesses with a payroll of less than $250,000 from the requirement to provide health insurance for their workers. Businesses with payrolls above $250,000 that do not provide coverage will be charged a payroll tax that will gradually increase with the size of their payroll. The current version of the bill has this tax will start at 2% for payrolls above $250,000 and increase to a maximum of 8% for payrolls above $400,000, however, there are currently discussions to raise this exemption to $500,000. Proceeds from this tax will go to offset the cost of coverage for individuals purchasing insurance through the exchange. Small businesses that opt to offer insurance will receive tax credits to offset the cost of insurance.
Question: What does this bill do to stop fraud and abuse in Medicare?
Answer: This bill strengthens existing compliance and enforcement tools for Medicare, increases funding to support these efforts and creates new, tougher penalties for individuals who submit false claims or applications to Medicare. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) has estimated that every $1 we invest in fighting waste, fraud and abuse will yield $1.75 in savings.
Question: Can our nation afford healthcare reform?
Answer: The truth is that the rising cost of healthcare for all Americans is a problem that will not fix itself and that we can't afford to not address. Today, our nation spends one out of every $6 we earn on healthcare. If we don't take action to slow the increase in costs, within a decade we will spend one out of every $5 on healthcare, and within 30 years this will rise to one in every $3. These facts make it clear, the longer we wait, the more it will cost to fix our broken healthcare system.
Question: How much will this bill cost?
Answer: There is no question that there will be significant costs to implement this legislation. The CBO's latest estimate puts the price tag at $1.042 trillion over ten years. Here is how we are going to pay for the bill. First, we are going to address inefficiencies in Medicare and Medicaid and crack down on fraud, waste and abuse in these programs to save $465 billion over the next ten years. Second, we will need to raise $583 billion in revenues to cover the rest of the cost. The Ways and Means Committee proposes to do this through a surcharge on the wealthiest 1.2% of income earners, who have enjoyed a tremendous advantage for the last eight years because of the Bush tax cuts (the average reduction in federal taxes for the top 1% in these tax cuts was $44,622). The Senate is considering other ways to raise these funds, and it is unclear how this issue will be dealt with in the final bill.
Question: Will this plan lead to rationing of healthcare? Will Congress be legislating what care my doctor can or must give me?
Answer: No. I believe that medical decisions should be left between patients and their doctors. Section 1401 explicitly forbids any studies or research called for in H.R. 3200 from being used to either mandate or deny care to a patient in any public or private plan. This research will gather data about what procedures are most effective to give doctors more information to consider when treating patients, not to replace your doctor's judgment with that of a bureaucrat from a private insurer or the government. The bill protects the ability of doctors to do what they think is necessary to help their patients without having to constantly worry about whether they will be reimbursed by an insurance company, which is why this bill has earned the strong support of the American Medical Association.
Question: Why is this bill being "rushed" through Congress?
Answer: Universal healthcare was first proposed by Teddy Roosevelt in 1912. President Harry Truman called for it in 1945. Former Representative John Dingell Sr. introduced a bill to provide universal healthcare in 1947 and his son, Representative John Dingell Jr., has reintroduced a bill every Congress since 1955. So, this is not a new issue and it was supported by both President Obama and Senator McCain in the November presidential election. This particular legislation has been crafted, reviewed and revised repeatedly since the 111th Congress began, and it has been changed to reflect the considerable input from those in the healthcare community, members on both sides of the aisle and constituents. This bill is not being rushed - it is long overdue.
Sincerely, MIKE THOMPSONMember of Congresshttp://www.mikethompson.house.gov
A Visit to 929 Koster Street
I don't know, but everytime I have had to get assistance from 929 Koster Street, I have always left feeling disgusted.
I leave disgusted, not because of the employees, but because of some of the individuals living there needing to take care of themselves better. Looking a a few of the individuals there, they definitely needed help - It is no wonder they haven't got jobs.
I know I am sounding like I am judging here, but in this case, as an individfual in a wheelchair, I have to wonder where and how some of these individuals fell through the cracks of being stronger individuals in our society? I would hope and expect my daughter to do better when she grows up.
Oh, for you not knowing what is at 929 Koster Street, the County Welfare Department is there.
I leave disgusted, not because of the employees, but because of some of the individuals living there needing to take care of themselves better. Looking a a few of the individuals there, they definitely needed help - It is no wonder they haven't got jobs.
I know I am sounding like I am judging here, but in this case, as an individfual in a wheelchair, I have to wonder where and how some of these individuals fell through the cracks of being stronger individuals in our society? I would hope and expect my daughter to do better when she grows up.
Oh, for you not knowing what is at 929 Koster Street, the County Welfare Department is there.
Sunday, August 9, 2009
1653 7th Street
I realize you may not have anything to do with the new houses built at the very end of 7th Street, particularly the house at 1653 7th Street with a Disabled Parking Space in front of it (LOL).
Why am I laughing? Remembering I am in a wheelchair and when I went past the newly finished homes noticed the disabled Parking Space in front of a two story family unit.
I understand that the inside design of these newly finished units are very nice. They have three bedrooms, a master bathroom and a smaller bathroom upstairs, while downstairs there is a small water closet with a toilet, a kitchen, dining and living rooms. Of course, a staircase to get to the second floor. (This description comes from a neighbor of the new units.)
Still laughing, I was wondering how an individual confined to a wheelchair would get upstairs? Did they build a ramp, provide a heavy duty lift, or an elevator?
And again, I could be very wrong about the design and layout of the unit built. I also ask, is the Disabled Parking Space for guests? Or it could be this unit is designed for only ambulatory individuals with disabilities? Of course, this could not be true, because it would be definitely discrimination, yes?
I hope you are smiling and take this with the humor I found in the concern I have for the newly finished units. I know that this could bite the City if you had an individual with a disability wish to live there because they saw that parking space and discovered it was not designed for a wheelchair.
I also noticed that there is a gate and path from the upper units that provides pedestrian access to 6th Street. The gate and path are not accessible to wheelchairs or many seniors. The gate's handle is too high and the path is made of large cement pads with big gaps in between them sunk in redwood compost, I believe.
Remember when you and I first met? I shared with you how folks built things that supposedly are usable by individuals with disabilities, but in truth were not functional for every day living. This housing project is an example of this. If it is public funded, they should look for advice from individuals like myself or other groups representing people with disabilities. This, I believe could be included in the housing element of the City's General Plan, "get advice from the user or their representative.".
I hope you keep a smile on your face and share this with those that are responsible.
I admit, I could be wrong in my assumption of the design of the unit I mentioned, but I am very sure of the access provided at the gate.
Why am I laughing? Remembering I am in a wheelchair and when I went past the newly finished homes noticed the disabled Parking Space in front of a two story family unit.
I understand that the inside design of these newly finished units are very nice. They have three bedrooms, a master bathroom and a smaller bathroom upstairs, while downstairs there is a small water closet with a toilet, a kitchen, dining and living rooms. Of course, a staircase to get to the second floor. (This description comes from a neighbor of the new units.)
Still laughing, I was wondering how an individual confined to a wheelchair would get upstairs? Did they build a ramp, provide a heavy duty lift, or an elevator?
And again, I could be very wrong about the design and layout of the unit built. I also ask, is the Disabled Parking Space for guests? Or it could be this unit is designed for only ambulatory individuals with disabilities? Of course, this could not be true, because it would be definitely discrimination, yes?
I hope you are smiling and take this with the humor I found in the concern I have for the newly finished units. I know that this could bite the City if you had an individual with a disability wish to live there because they saw that parking space and discovered it was not designed for a wheelchair.
I also noticed that there is a gate and path from the upper units that provides pedestrian access to 6th Street. The gate and path are not accessible to wheelchairs or many seniors. The gate's handle is too high and the path is made of large cement pads with big gaps in between them sunk in redwood compost, I believe.
Remember when you and I first met? I shared with you how folks built things that supposedly are usable by individuals with disabilities, but in truth were not functional for every day living. This housing project is an example of this. If it is public funded, they should look for advice from individuals like myself or other groups representing people with disabilities. This, I believe could be included in the housing element of the City's General Plan, "get advice from the user or their representative.".
I hope you keep a smile on your face and share this with those that are responsible.
I admit, I could be wrong in my assumption of the design of the unit I mentioned, but I am very sure of the access provided at the gate.
Eureka General Plan Input - Housing Element
I originally submitted this to the City of Eureka Planning Department on July 25, 2009. I hope others submitted there thoughts!
City of Eureka
General Plan
Housing Element Comments
My comments are based on the May, 2004 Housing Element for the City of Eureka General Plan prepared by Joel Canzoneri, Senior Planner, and, in truth just personal thoughts as an individual confined to a wheelchair for nearly 35 years
Population Characteristics:
I believe that the statistics are interesting and basically a guess. Table II-2 demonstrates “Household Projections – Needs By Income Group”. Even though these are projected numbers, I believe statistics should be shown that represents a percentage of individuals with disabilities and elderly within the City of Eureka that fall into the various income groups listed.
I often wonder if the number of individuals with disabilities and elderly are overlooked because they are living in a Care Home or included in the family as a member because of unavailable housing to provide for independent living without family assistance. I have developed this belief from the various contacts I have come across within the City, false or true, it is a thought and may demonstrate a need for housing that meets the true need of the elderly and individuals with disabilities population.
I believe that separating the individuals with disabilities and elderly out from the general population will promote a stronger effort towards meeting heir needs for independent living. I assume that the numbers provided presently include this.
Employment Characteristics:
Though education, health, and social services are mentioned as the largest sectors of employment, I believe that the health and social services industry is going to grow two-fold within the next tens years. Services that allow individuals to live within the community and be involved in social activities will promote a healthier and stronger community. Future housing development might consider how a new development can address the health of the individual, as well as the community it is being built in that promotes self-employment and various services near the vicinity of new housing concerns.
Motels as Residences:
This is an issue that has a few good and bad points to it in my view:
1. A large majority of the motels listed allowing long-term occupancy do not collect the “Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)”, which in turn means less income for the City. The owners of the various motels also probably depend on the long-term occupancy as a firm and continuous income source not possible to receive from visitors to our area looking for more up-to-date accommodations. (I stayed at a few hotels in my time and I was always charged weekly and the TOT – speaking with a few individuals staying in local motels they have been charged the TOT even paying monthly. I wonder of this is something that needs further investigation.)
2. In truth, the motels are providing a service to the City. In most cases, if not allowing the long-term occupancy there would more than likely be more living on the streets than currently visible today. A large number of these individuals are on welfare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with very limited incomes.
3. Another view regarding the motels accepting long-term occupancy is the fact they charge anywhere from $600 to $800 per month (A SSI recipient receives $850 per month and are no eligible for Food Stamps.) depending on the room and number of individuals in your family/group. The majority of the rooms do not provide cooking facilities and if they do, they are usually primitive an unsafe. Considering this many individuals still must eat out and on limited incomes appropriate meals are hard to come by.
4. If housing was built to provide for a majority of those living in motels the economic base of the City would be greater because less would go to shelter and more would go towards personal health, education and job training, and possible employment having a permanent residence.
Special Needs:
I find it difficult to understand who plans and approves housing needs for the elderly and individuals with disabilities (Are individuals represented on the Eureka Housing Advisory Board?). Through my personal experience I have visited many sites that are supposedly accessible to the people with disabilities. I have come across entrances with doors that swing out on slopes that if you are using a wheelchair carrying anything entering the building is damn near in possible (Many businesses in Old Town are inaccessible due to slopes and widths of doors and in some cases, just no ramps.).
I have seen housing built and modified for individuals using wheelchair, but rented to a disabled person that had no use of the modifications. Along with these apartments or houses there are also parking spaces along the curb that if you are driving a sedan are not usable (ADA has an example of a better designated parking site along curbs that allows for access from a low vehicle.). I can only imagine what the difficulties of an elderly individual has getting out of a low vehicle at a curb using a walker or chair.
Disabled Persons (change this to: “People with Disabilities”):
I have a concern regarding “group homes” and feel it is almost as if individuals with disabilities are encouraged to be in a “group home” and not living independent as possible. I know that there is a big concern regarding “group homes” and isolating individuals with disabilities from complete participation within various activities of our society. In regards to group homes, I recommend contacting Bobbie McKay at the Redwood Coast Regional Center, 525 Second Street, Suite 300, Eureka. (707) 445-0893, ext. 347. Email: Bmckay@Redwoodcoastrc.org
It is mentioned on page 42 of the old plan, the third paragraph, that “The City has adopted Title 24 Access Regulations that contain universal design elements, and this is implemented in the review of all building permits where required.” I believe this should be added to business permits as well, promoting further access or plans to provide access in the near future to all throughout our society (I know many businesses that claim access is not needed because of the “grandfather myth”.).
In regards to building permits, do you have individuals familiar with individuals with disabilities review them prior to approval? I know that I had an opportunity when I was in Aspen, Colorado and Willow Creek, California to do this and changed a few plans to make the outcome serve the community better and in some cases saved the builder money.
Also on page 42 at the bottom, last paragraph that “Currently, disabled persons in Eureka are served by the Humboldt Access Project…..” This is now “Tri-County Independent Living Center, 2822 Harris Street, Eureka. Chris Jones is the Director of this agency and would be a good contact for concerns surrounding individuals with disabilities, (707) 445-8404.”
I mention the Tri-County Independent Living Center, because at this time they do offer assistance as written, but it is limited. Funds are received from the Redevelopment Department to provide ramps for individuals needing them within City limits. This has been a very good program and hope it is continued serving individuals with limited access in and out of their homes.
I understand that there is a “Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)” available for rehabilitate various types of homes at low interest or no cost (I may have a misunderstanding here.). From my experience the most difficult part in finding housing is access to the bathroom and cooking facilities. If funds could be made available through grants and such to remodel bathrooms and kitchens to provide reasonable accommodations the need for overall accessible housing may be reduced. I would make these funds available to individuals owning their homes and owners of rentals (I know there are many individuals that can use this can of assistance, especially of they were recently injured and returned home from a hospital not having the ability to afford modifying their place of residence.).
Note: Throughout the document the phrase “disabled persons” is used. I would recommend using the following terms in its place: “People with Disabilities” or “Individuals with Disabilities”. I prefer “individuals with disabilities” while most may prefer the other, no big deal to me (LOL).
I noticed that the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) has much to do with “transitional housing”, “homeless shelters”, and etc. From personal experience from a visit to their office on 9th and G Streets the access to the Housing Assistance Office was very, very limited, though I could sit outside and beat on the stairs and talk to some one when they came outside. Like it or not, individuals with disabilities need assistance in finding housing and even getting treatment for alcohol/drug issues they may have. RCAA needs to provide friendly access to their facilities they sponsor; this should be a requirement by the City for receiving funds.
I also believe that RCAA (Any organization, actually) and the City should seriously consider developing a Homeless/Transitional Center” using the old “”Downtowner Motel” at 8th and F Streets. It would be located near the bus line, provide access to many veterans needing assistance in moving forward (After the Iraq/Afghan Wars Veterans with disabilities are going to increase. Why not prepare for it now?).
City of Eureka
General Plan
Housing Element Comments
My comments are based on the May, 2004 Housing Element for the City of Eureka General Plan prepared by Joel Canzoneri, Senior Planner, and, in truth just personal thoughts as an individual confined to a wheelchair for nearly 35 years
Population Characteristics:
I believe that the statistics are interesting and basically a guess. Table II-2 demonstrates “Household Projections – Needs By Income Group”. Even though these are projected numbers, I believe statistics should be shown that represents a percentage of individuals with disabilities and elderly within the City of Eureka that fall into the various income groups listed.
I often wonder if the number of individuals with disabilities and elderly are overlooked because they are living in a Care Home or included in the family as a member because of unavailable housing to provide for independent living without family assistance. I have developed this belief from the various contacts I have come across within the City, false or true, it is a thought and may demonstrate a need for housing that meets the true need of the elderly and individuals with disabilities population.
I believe that separating the individuals with disabilities and elderly out from the general population will promote a stronger effort towards meeting heir needs for independent living. I assume that the numbers provided presently include this.
Employment Characteristics:
Though education, health, and social services are mentioned as the largest sectors of employment, I believe that the health and social services industry is going to grow two-fold within the next tens years. Services that allow individuals to live within the community and be involved in social activities will promote a healthier and stronger community. Future housing development might consider how a new development can address the health of the individual, as well as the community it is being built in that promotes self-employment and various services near the vicinity of new housing concerns.
Motels as Residences:
This is an issue that has a few good and bad points to it in my view:
1. A large majority of the motels listed allowing long-term occupancy do not collect the “Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)”, which in turn means less income for the City. The owners of the various motels also probably depend on the long-term occupancy as a firm and continuous income source not possible to receive from visitors to our area looking for more up-to-date accommodations. (I stayed at a few hotels in my time and I was always charged weekly and the TOT – speaking with a few individuals staying in local motels they have been charged the TOT even paying monthly. I wonder of this is something that needs further investigation.)
2. In truth, the motels are providing a service to the City. In most cases, if not allowing the long-term occupancy there would more than likely be more living on the streets than currently visible today. A large number of these individuals are on welfare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with very limited incomes.
3. Another view regarding the motels accepting long-term occupancy is the fact they charge anywhere from $600 to $800 per month (A SSI recipient receives $850 per month and are no eligible for Food Stamps.) depending on the room and number of individuals in your family/group. The majority of the rooms do not provide cooking facilities and if they do, they are usually primitive an unsafe. Considering this many individuals still must eat out and on limited incomes appropriate meals are hard to come by.
4. If housing was built to provide for a majority of those living in motels the economic base of the City would be greater because less would go to shelter and more would go towards personal health, education and job training, and possible employment having a permanent residence.
Special Needs:
I find it difficult to understand who plans and approves housing needs for the elderly and individuals with disabilities (Are individuals represented on the Eureka Housing Advisory Board?). Through my personal experience I have visited many sites that are supposedly accessible to the people with disabilities. I have come across entrances with doors that swing out on slopes that if you are using a wheelchair carrying anything entering the building is damn near in possible (Many businesses in Old Town are inaccessible due to slopes and widths of doors and in some cases, just no ramps.).
I have seen housing built and modified for individuals using wheelchair, but rented to a disabled person that had no use of the modifications. Along with these apartments or houses there are also parking spaces along the curb that if you are driving a sedan are not usable (ADA has an example of a better designated parking site along curbs that allows for access from a low vehicle.). I can only imagine what the difficulties of an elderly individual has getting out of a low vehicle at a curb using a walker or chair.
Disabled Persons (change this to: “People with Disabilities”):
I have a concern regarding “group homes” and feel it is almost as if individuals with disabilities are encouraged to be in a “group home” and not living independent as possible. I know that there is a big concern regarding “group homes” and isolating individuals with disabilities from complete participation within various activities of our society. In regards to group homes, I recommend contacting Bobbie McKay at the Redwood Coast Regional Center, 525 Second Street, Suite 300, Eureka. (707) 445-0893, ext. 347. Email: Bmckay@Redwoodcoastrc.org
It is mentioned on page 42 of the old plan, the third paragraph, that “The City has adopted Title 24 Access Regulations that contain universal design elements, and this is implemented in the review of all building permits where required.” I believe this should be added to business permits as well, promoting further access or plans to provide access in the near future to all throughout our society (I know many businesses that claim access is not needed because of the “grandfather myth”.).
In regards to building permits, do you have individuals familiar with individuals with disabilities review them prior to approval? I know that I had an opportunity when I was in Aspen, Colorado and Willow Creek, California to do this and changed a few plans to make the outcome serve the community better and in some cases saved the builder money.
Also on page 42 at the bottom, last paragraph that “Currently, disabled persons in Eureka are served by the Humboldt Access Project…..” This is now “Tri-County Independent Living Center, 2822 Harris Street, Eureka. Chris Jones is the Director of this agency and would be a good contact for concerns surrounding individuals with disabilities, (707) 445-8404.”
I mention the Tri-County Independent Living Center, because at this time they do offer assistance as written, but it is limited. Funds are received from the Redevelopment Department to provide ramps for individuals needing them within City limits. This has been a very good program and hope it is continued serving individuals with limited access in and out of their homes.
I understand that there is a “Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)” available for rehabilitate various types of homes at low interest or no cost (I may have a misunderstanding here.). From my experience the most difficult part in finding housing is access to the bathroom and cooking facilities. If funds could be made available through grants and such to remodel bathrooms and kitchens to provide reasonable accommodations the need for overall accessible housing may be reduced. I would make these funds available to individuals owning their homes and owners of rentals (I know there are many individuals that can use this can of assistance, especially of they were recently injured and returned home from a hospital not having the ability to afford modifying their place of residence.).
Note: Throughout the document the phrase “disabled persons” is used. I would recommend using the following terms in its place: “People with Disabilities” or “Individuals with Disabilities”. I prefer “individuals with disabilities” while most may prefer the other, no big deal to me (LOL).
I noticed that the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) has much to do with “transitional housing”, “homeless shelters”, and etc. From personal experience from a visit to their office on 9th and G Streets the access to the Housing Assistance Office was very, very limited, though I could sit outside and beat on the stairs and talk to some one when they came outside. Like it or not, individuals with disabilities need assistance in finding housing and even getting treatment for alcohol/drug issues they may have. RCAA needs to provide friendly access to their facilities they sponsor; this should be a requirement by the City for receiving funds.
I also believe that RCAA (Any organization, actually) and the City should seriously consider developing a Homeless/Transitional Center” using the old “”Downtowner Motel” at 8th and F Streets. It would be located near the bus line, provide access to many veterans needing assistance in moving forward (After the Iraq/Afghan Wars Veterans with disabilities are going to increase. Why not prepare for it now?).
Friday, August 7, 2009
State IHSS Budget Cuts?
During the past couple of months our State Governor Schwarzenegger has charged that fraud and integrity was out of control within the In-Home Supportive Services Program. Later this charge had been proven in part, mostly wrong. Yet, because of this initial charge, there has developed a climate that the In-Home Supportive Services Program needs more program integrity and investigating of possible fraud by its users.
Under the disguise of cutting services to the most needy and vulnerable of this State’s population, the elderly and individuals with disabilities, our State legislatures voted to pass Assembly Bill 1x4 as amended by the Senate July 23, 2009. This bill requires reducing assistance to many throughout the State, though some, hopefully, will be able to adjust to not having minimum services such as cleaning the house, meal preparation and cleanup, laundry, and etc.
These may seem minor, but they could lead to more poor health conditions than necessary within the elderly and people with disabilities community
What’s difficult to understand, especially after all the debate about needing to make cuts in the budget that will hurt, our State Legislatures approved to fill 67 positions to work in our Capitol. Twenty-five of these positions to be filled this fiscal year and the remaining forty-two positions to be filled in fiscal year 2010-2011. These positions are to work in the State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services to develop program integrity and fraud prevention within the In-Home Supportive Services program.
The funding for these positions will total $3,004,000 (50/50 State and Federal funding.). In addition to this, our State Legislatures have appropriated $10 million for the purpose of fraud investigations and additional program integrity efforts related to the In-Home Supportive Services Program. This is to be distributed to the Counties after they have developed an approved plan to address fraud and program integrity surrounding the In-Home Supportive Services Program of the County.
If our State Legislatures really wanted to curtail fraud and promote the program integrity of the In-Home Supportive Services Program they would not hire the 67 positions planned to be filled in the Capitol of Sacramento. They would invest this funding on top of the $10 million into the In-Home Supportive Services Program at the County level to investigate fraud and develop program integrity.
Our County programs do not need more tiers of management in the Capitol, but need more support on the ground in the County from the State!
Who am I? My name is Charlie Bean. I am a Triplegic, one of those that will more than likely lose my In-Home Supportive Services, which is okay for me. But is it okay for others much worse off than I am Senator Wiggins and Assemblymember Chesbro?
Under the disguise of cutting services to the most needy and vulnerable of this State’s population, the elderly and individuals with disabilities, our State legislatures voted to pass Assembly Bill 1x4 as amended by the Senate July 23, 2009. This bill requires reducing assistance to many throughout the State, though some, hopefully, will be able to adjust to not having minimum services such as cleaning the house, meal preparation and cleanup, laundry, and etc.
These may seem minor, but they could lead to more poor health conditions than necessary within the elderly and people with disabilities community
What’s difficult to understand, especially after all the debate about needing to make cuts in the budget that will hurt, our State Legislatures approved to fill 67 positions to work in our Capitol. Twenty-five of these positions to be filled this fiscal year and the remaining forty-two positions to be filled in fiscal year 2010-2011. These positions are to work in the State Department of Health Care Services and the State Department of Social Services to develop program integrity and fraud prevention within the In-Home Supportive Services program.
The funding for these positions will total $3,004,000 (50/50 State and Federal funding.). In addition to this, our State Legislatures have appropriated $10 million for the purpose of fraud investigations and additional program integrity efforts related to the In-Home Supportive Services Program. This is to be distributed to the Counties after they have developed an approved plan to address fraud and program integrity surrounding the In-Home Supportive Services Program of the County.
If our State Legislatures really wanted to curtail fraud and promote the program integrity of the In-Home Supportive Services Program they would not hire the 67 positions planned to be filled in the Capitol of Sacramento. They would invest this funding on top of the $10 million into the In-Home Supportive Services Program at the County level to investigate fraud and develop program integrity.
Our County programs do not need more tiers of management in the Capitol, but need more support on the ground in the County from the State!
Who am I? My name is Charlie Bean. I am a Triplegic, one of those that will more than likely lose my In-Home Supportive Services, which is okay for me. But is it okay for others much worse off than I am Senator Wiggins and Assemblymember Chesbro?
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Community Choice Act Ltr to Senators/Congressman
This is the letter forward to Senator Feinstein and Boxer, as well as Congressman Thompson - basically just changed a couple words in the letter sent the President looking for inclusion of the Community Choice Act in future Health Care Reform bills.
I am very concerned about our Health Care System and appreciate the fact it is being discussed. As an individual in a wheelchair from a spinal cord injury (35 years), when I did work I experienced many difficulties in receiving appropriate health care insurance and now, as an individual depending on Medicare and Medicaid I recognize even more concerns with the coverage.
I have received many emails representing the President’s office and the Democratic Party, but not one of them pointed out actual policies and regulations that are going to be used to promote Health Care Reform as you speak of in your public speeches. This frustrates me and at the same time does not allow for honest debate – debate currently being offered by the public is only partial truths and they do nothing but alienate people against one another.
One large concern I have is getting the “Community Choice Act (Senate Bill 683 and House Bill 1670)” included in any new “Health Care Reform Bill” currently being proposed. The Community Choice Act provides an alternative and will fundamentally change our long term care system and the institutional bias that now exists towards the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The Community Choice Act establishes a national program of community-based attendant services and supports for individuals with disabilities, regardless of age or disability.
I believe you and the President have created much needed discussion regarding Health Care in our country, but I also believe that individuals also deserve a choice when they do need assistance whether or not they live in their homes or in a nursing home. I encourage you to include the Community Choice Act in future discussions regarding Health Care Reform.
Have a great day!
I am very concerned about our Health Care System and appreciate the fact it is being discussed. As an individual in a wheelchair from a spinal cord injury (35 years), when I did work I experienced many difficulties in receiving appropriate health care insurance and now, as an individual depending on Medicare and Medicaid I recognize even more concerns with the coverage.
I have received many emails representing the President’s office and the Democratic Party, but not one of them pointed out actual policies and regulations that are going to be used to promote Health Care Reform as you speak of in your public speeches. This frustrates me and at the same time does not allow for honest debate – debate currently being offered by the public is only partial truths and they do nothing but alienate people against one another.
One large concern I have is getting the “Community Choice Act (Senate Bill 683 and House Bill 1670)” included in any new “Health Care Reform Bill” currently being proposed. The Community Choice Act provides an alternative and will fundamentally change our long term care system and the institutional bias that now exists towards the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The Community Choice Act establishes a national program of community-based attendant services and supports for individuals with disabilities, regardless of age or disability.
I believe you and the President have created much needed discussion regarding Health Care in our country, but I also believe that individuals also deserve a choice when they do need assistance whether or not they live in their homes or in a nursing home. I encourage you to include the Community Choice Act in future discussions regarding Health Care Reform.
Have a great day!
Community Choice Act/Health Care Reform Ltr. to Obama
I am very concerned about our Health Care System and appreciate the fact it is being discussed. As an individual in a wheelchair from a spinal cord injury (35 years), when I did work I experienced many difficulties in receiving appropriate health care insurance and now, as an individual depending on Medicare and Medicaid I recognize even more concerns with the coverage.
I have received many emails representing the President’s office and the Democratic Party, but not one of them pointed out actual policies and regulations that are going to be used to promote Health Care Reform as you speak of in your public speeches. This frustrates me and at the same time does not allow for honest debate – debate currently being offered by the public is only partial truths and they do nothing but alienate people against one another.
One large concern I have is getting the “Community Choice Act (Senate Bill 683 and House Bill 1670)” included in any new “Health Care Reform Bill” currently being proposed. The Community Choice Act provides an alternative and will fundamentally change our long term care system and the institutional bias that now exists towards the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The Community Choice Act establishes a national program of community-based attendant services and supports for individuals with disabilities, regardless of age or disability.
I believe as President you have created much needed discussion regarding Health Care in our country, but I also believe that individuals also deserve a choice when they do need assistance whether or not they live in their homes or in a nursing home. I encourage you to include the Community Choice Act in future discussions regarding Health Care Reform.
Have a great day!
I have received many emails representing the President’s office and the Democratic Party, but not one of them pointed out actual policies and regulations that are going to be used to promote Health Care Reform as you speak of in your public speeches. This frustrates me and at the same time does not allow for honest debate – debate currently being offered by the public is only partial truths and they do nothing but alienate people against one another.
One large concern I have is getting the “Community Choice Act (Senate Bill 683 and House Bill 1670)” included in any new “Health Care Reform Bill” currently being proposed. The Community Choice Act provides an alternative and will fundamentally change our long term care system and the institutional bias that now exists towards the elderly and individuals with disabilities. The Community Choice Act establishes a national program of community-based attendant services and supports for individuals with disabilities, regardless of age or disability.
I believe as President you have created much needed discussion regarding Health Care in our country, but I also believe that individuals also deserve a choice when they do need assistance whether or not they live in their homes or in a nursing home. I encourage you to include the Community Choice Act in future discussions regarding Health Care Reform.
Have a great day!
Monday, August 3, 2009
Fingerprinting/Timesheets Ltr to Representatives
I am sharing my letter that I am sending to Speaker Bass, Senator Steinberg, Assemblymember Chesbro and Senator Wiggins of California. I hope that others on this mailing list takes the opportunity to send your representatives in the State your views regarding the need of fingerprinting and the new timesheets that was recently passed under SB 19 X4 affecting the IHSS program (You may differ regarding my letter, but that is okay.).
Subject: SB 19 X4 (Ducheby) – Fingerprinting IHSS Recipients/Providers and Timesheets
As an individual paralyzed from a Spinal Cord Injury for 35 years and who has used the In-Home Supportive Services Program from time to time; I believe that requiring “Fingerprinting of IHSS Recipients and Providers” is unreasonable and in the long-run will only cost the State and other agencies more money.
It may be true that providers will pay for their own fingerprinting and background check (Which is usually paid for by the employer.), but even this is a little more than what is needed in my opinion. Considering the “Provider” in many situations is a relative of the individual they are assisting (Originally, the IHSS program was started to supplement loss income caused from caring for relatives.), fingerprinting for a criminal background is more than likely not important to the recipient.
Under SB 19 X4 (Ducheny) if we have a relative assisting us and they have a criminal background, will they not be able to assist us? The requirement for fingerprinting a provider should be left as it is, the recipient’s choice (Refer to I-24-04 (09/10/98) Fingerprint brochure – Humboldt County number?).
Requiring recipients to get fingerprinted is also a great blunder of the Governor. Not only because individuals under the IHSS program are more likely receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but who will pay for it? Current SSI recipients are well below the poverty level and in many cases barely paying the rent if they live away from their relatives. Having discovered that a recipient has a criminal record will they be denied services?
It is also being required to replace the current timesheets being used with new timesheets with spaces for the index fingerprint. Here one only has to question what is needed to do this. Besides spending more money on printing the timesheets needed to meet this; but the cost of having ink available when the timesheet is being completed (May not be that difficult, but really is this necessary?). What is going to be done with the old timesheets, more unused forms in a warehouse?
Replacing the old timesheets is just another example of something that does not improve the system and costs more money, but also discourages appropriate time keeping. It also demonstrates a lack of understanding of the program and how the timesheets are used.
The requirement of fingerprinting recipients and providers will in the long-run only cause an undue burden on individuals needing assistance to stay out of the nursing homes and a bigger cost to the State tax-payer in the long-run!
If our State legislatures wish to reduce costs to the IHSS program, get the user involved so the program can be reduced without losing services that individuals need to live as independently within their community as possible.
Subject: SB 19 X4 (Ducheby) – Fingerprinting IHSS Recipients/Providers and Timesheets
As an individual paralyzed from a Spinal Cord Injury for 35 years and who has used the In-Home Supportive Services Program from time to time; I believe that requiring “Fingerprinting of IHSS Recipients and Providers” is unreasonable and in the long-run will only cost the State and other agencies more money.
It may be true that providers will pay for their own fingerprinting and background check (Which is usually paid for by the employer.), but even this is a little more than what is needed in my opinion. Considering the “Provider” in many situations is a relative of the individual they are assisting (Originally, the IHSS program was started to supplement loss income caused from caring for relatives.), fingerprinting for a criminal background is more than likely not important to the recipient.
Under SB 19 X4 (Ducheny) if we have a relative assisting us and they have a criminal background, will they not be able to assist us? The requirement for fingerprinting a provider should be left as it is, the recipient’s choice (Refer to I-24-04 (09/10/98) Fingerprint brochure – Humboldt County number?).
Requiring recipients to get fingerprinted is also a great blunder of the Governor. Not only because individuals under the IHSS program are more likely receiving Supplemental Security Income (SSI), but who will pay for it? Current SSI recipients are well below the poverty level and in many cases barely paying the rent if they live away from their relatives. Having discovered that a recipient has a criminal record will they be denied services?
It is also being required to replace the current timesheets being used with new timesheets with spaces for the index fingerprint. Here one only has to question what is needed to do this. Besides spending more money on printing the timesheets needed to meet this; but the cost of having ink available when the timesheet is being completed (May not be that difficult, but really is this necessary?). What is going to be done with the old timesheets, more unused forms in a warehouse?
Replacing the old timesheets is just another example of something that does not improve the system and costs more money, but also discourages appropriate time keeping. It also demonstrates a lack of understanding of the program and how the timesheets are used.
The requirement of fingerprinting recipients and providers will in the long-run only cause an undue burden on individuals needing assistance to stay out of the nursing homes and a bigger cost to the State tax-payer in the long-run!
If our State legislatures wish to reduce costs to the IHSS program, get the user involved so the program can be reduced without losing services that individuals need to live as independently within their community as possible.
Wednesday, July 29, 2009
Hearing Rights Pamphlet
Responding to what I received at the bottom as a reponse to my inquiry to Assemblyman Chesbro about receiving the "Hearing Rights" pamphet quarterly for every one in my family.
Dear Ms. Moss,
After reviewing how my representatives voted (Senator Wiggins and Assemblyman Chesbro), I am not to positive they considered other cost saving initiatives that the State of California could do to appropriately use pubic funds.
My original inquiry about the "Hearing Rights" pamphlet mailed out quarterly to individuals receiving Medi-Cal was an attempt to look at a part of waste our Government does every day in doing business.
I understand that this came about because of a lawsuit, referencing "Jackson vs Rank" that required this to all those receiving Medi-Cal.
What I don't understand is why it is sent to every member of a family, even a child that can not read, or even understand what the pamphlet is for. This is a waste, and I can't believe the intent of the lawsuit was that every recipient of Medi-Cal was to get this, especially a child.
On top this, every time an individual visits a social services office you are handed a group of pamphlets with the same information - You visit the office a couple times a month, you get the same information, and then,it is even mailed to your home after you have been approved or denied services.
What is the cost for this?
This is one thing that needs to be reviewed. If our State Government is truly concerned about costs and receiving a valued use of public funds, the "Jackson vs Rank Lawsuit" needs to be revisited.
I hope that my two State Representatives consider this as a goal in actually saving our State money in how business is conducted.
You folks have a great day!
Charles L. Bean
From: "Gail.Moss@asm.ca.gov"To: charles.bean@yahoo.comSent: Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:00:50 PMSubject: From the office of Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro
Dear Mr. Bean:
I apologize for the delay in obtaining an "official" response with regard to your inquiry regarding the quarterly insert sent on behalf of Medi-Cal.
Below is the "official" response from the Department of Health Care Services:
"Hearing Rights" brochure being sent out: Pursuant to the Jackson v Rank lawsuit, DHCS must send these brochures out to all Medi-Cal beneficiaries quarterly.
Thank you for this opportunity to be of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices in the future with any comments or inquires.
Sincerely,
Gail Moss, Executive Secretary to Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro
Sonoma County District Office
Dear Ms. Moss,
After reviewing how my representatives voted (Senator Wiggins and Assemblyman Chesbro), I am not to positive they considered other cost saving initiatives that the State of California could do to appropriately use pubic funds.
My original inquiry about the "Hearing Rights" pamphlet mailed out quarterly to individuals receiving Medi-Cal was an attempt to look at a part of waste our Government does every day in doing business.
I understand that this came about because of a lawsuit, referencing "Jackson vs Rank" that required this to all those receiving Medi-Cal.
What I don't understand is why it is sent to every member of a family, even a child that can not read, or even understand what the pamphlet is for. This is a waste, and I can't believe the intent of the lawsuit was that every recipient of Medi-Cal was to get this, especially a child.
On top this, every time an individual visits a social services office you are handed a group of pamphlets with the same information - You visit the office a couple times a month, you get the same information, and then,it is even mailed to your home after you have been approved or denied services.
What is the cost for this?
This is one thing that needs to be reviewed. If our State Government is truly concerned about costs and receiving a valued use of public funds, the "Jackson vs Rank Lawsuit" needs to be revisited.
I hope that my two State Representatives consider this as a goal in actually saving our State money in how business is conducted.
You folks have a great day!
Charles L. Bean
From: "Gail.Moss@asm.ca.gov"
Dear Mr. Bean:
I apologize for the delay in obtaining an "official" response with regard to your inquiry regarding the quarterly insert sent on behalf of Medi-Cal.
Below is the "official" response from the Department of Health Care Services:
"Hearing Rights" brochure being sent out: Pursuant to the Jackson v Rank lawsuit, DHCS must send these brochures out to all Medi-Cal beneficiaries quarterly.
Thank you for this opportunity to be of assistance. Please do not hesitate to contact our offices in the future with any comments or inquires.
Sincerely,
Gail Moss, Executive Secretary to Assemblyman Wesley Chesbro
Sonoma County District Office
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Support Oberstar's transportation overhaul
I would like to see a transportation bill passed that addressed improvements for all modes of transportation needs. I believe upgrading our current transportation infrastructure will be expensive, but it needs to be started today to create employment, as well as modernize ways Americans travel.
I would support Representative Oberstar's transportation overhaul and expect a large return as that which came from the building of America's transportation system in the 60s.
I would support Representative Oberstar's transportation overhaul and expect a large return as that which came from the building of America's transportation system in the 60s.
Monday, July 27, 2009
City housing thoughts - limited
City of Eureka
General Plan
Housing Element Comments
My comments are based on the May, 2004 Housing Element for the City of Eureka General Plan prepared by Joel Canzoneri, Senior Planner, and, in truth just personal thoughts as an individual confined to a wheelchair for nearly 35 years
Population Characteristics:
I believe that the statistics are interesting and basically a guess. Table II-2 demonstrates “Household Projections – Needs By Income Group”. Even though these are projected numbers, I believe statistics should be shown that represents a percentage of individuals with disabilities and elderly within the City of Eureka that fall into the various income groups listed.
I often wonder if the number of individuals with disabilities and elderly are overlooked because they are living in a Care Home or included in the family as a member because of unavailable housing to provide for independent living without family assistance. I have developed this belief from the various contacts I have come across within the City, false or true, it is a thought and may demonstrate a need for housing that meets the true need of the elderly and individuals with disabilities population.
I believe that separating the individuals with disabilities and elderly out from the general population will promote a stronger effort towards meeting heir needs for independent living. I assume that the numbers provided presently include this.
Employment Characteristics:
Though education, health, and social services are mentioned as the largest sectors of employment, I believe that the health and social services industry is going to grow two-fold within the next tens years. Services that allow individuals to live within the community and be involved in social activities will promote a healthier and stronger community. Future housing development might consider how a new development can address the health of the individual, as well as the community it is being built in that promotes self-employment and various services near the vicinity of new housing concerns.
Motels as Residences:
This is an issue that has a few good and bad points to it in my view:
1. A large majority of the motels listed allowing long-term occupancy do not collect the “Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)”, which in turn means less income for the City. The owners of the various motels also probably depend on the long-term occupancy as a firm and continuous income source not possible to receive from visitors to our area looking for more up-to-date accommodations. (I stayed at a few hotels in my time and I was always charged weekly and the TOT – speaking with a few individuals staying in local motels they have been charged the TOT even paying monthly. I wonder of this is something that needs further investigation.)
2. In truth, the motels are providing a service to the City. In most cases, if not allowing the long-term occupancy there would more than likely be more living on the streets than currently visible today. A large number of these individuals are on welfare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with very limited incomes.
3. Another view regarding the motels accepting long-term occupancy is the fact they charge anywhere from $600 to $800 per month (A SSI recipient receives $850 per month and are no eligible for Food Stamps.) depending on the room and number of individuals in your family/group. The majority of the rooms do not provide cooking facilities and if they do, they are usually primitive an unsafe. Considering this many individuals still must eat out and on limited incomes appropriate meals are hard to come by.
4. If housing was built to provide for a majority of those living in motels the economic base of the City would be greater because less would go to shelter and more would go towards personal health, education and job training, and possible employment having a permanent residence.
Special Needs:
I find it difficult to understand who plans and approves housing needs for the elderly and individuals with disabilities (Are individuals represented on the Eureka Housing Advisory Board?). Through my personal experience I have visited many sites that are supposedly accessible to the people with disabilities. I have come across entrances with doors that swing out on slopes that if you are using a wheelchair carrying anything entering the building is damn near in possible (Many businesses in Old Town are inaccessible due to slopes and widths of doors and in some cases, just no ramps.).
I have seen housing built and modified for individuals using wheelchair, but rented to a disabled person that had no use of the modifications. Along with these apartments or houses there are also parking spaces along the curb that if you are driving a sedan are not usable (ADA has an example of a better designated parking site along curbs that allows for access from a low vehicle.). I can only imagine what the difficulties of an elderly individual has getting out of a low vehicle at a curb using a walker or chair.
Disabled Persons (change this to: “People with Disabilities”):
I have a concern regarding “group homes” and feel it is almost as if individuals with disabilities are encouraged to be in a “group home” and not living independent as possible. I know that there is a big concern regarding “group homes” and isolating individuals with disabilities from complete participation within various activities of our society. In regards to group homes, I recommend contacting Bobbie McKay at the Redwood Coast Regional Center, 525 Second Street, Suite 300, Eureka. (707) 445-0893, ext. 347. Email: Bmckay@Redwoodcoastrc.org
It is mentioned on page 42 of the old plan, the third paragraph, that “The City has adopted Title 24 Access Regulations that contain universal design elements, and this is implemented in the review of all building permits where required.” I believe this should be added to business permits as well, promoting further access or plans to provide access in the near future to all throughout our society (I know many businesses that claim access is not needed because of the “grandfather myth”.).
In regards to building permits, do you have individuals familiar with individuals with disabilities review them prior to approval? I know that I had an opportunity when I was in Aspen, Colorado and Willow Creek, California to do this and changed a few plans to make the outcome serve the community better and in some cases saved the builder money.
Also on page 42 at the bottom, last paragraph that “Currently, disabled persons in Eureka are served by the Humboldt Access Project…..” This is now “Tri-County Independent Living Center, 2822 Harris Street, Eureka. Chris Jones is the Director of this agency and would be a good contact for concerns surrounding individuals with disabilities, (707) 445-8404.”
I mention the Tri-County Independent Living Center, because at this time they do offer assistance as written, but it is limited. Funds are received from the Redevelopment Department to provide ramps for individuals needing them within City limits. This has been a very good program and hope it is continued serving individuals with limited access in and out of their homes..
I understand that there is a “Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)” available for rehabilitate various types of homes at low interest or no cost (I may have a misunderstanding here.). From my experience the most difficult part in finding housing is access to the bathroom and cooking facilities. If funds could be made available through grants and such to remodel bathrooms and kitchens to provide reasonable accommodations the need for overall accessible housing may be reduced. I would make these funds available to individuals owning their homes and owners of rentals (I know there are many individuals that can use this can of assistance, especially of they were recently injured and returned home from a hospital not having the ability to afford modifying their place of residence.).
Note: Throughout the document the phrase “disabled persons” is used. I would recommend using the following terms in its place: “People with Disabilities” or “Individuals with Disabilities”. I prefer “individuals with disabilities” while most may prefer the other, no big deal to me (LOL).
I noticed that the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) has much to do with “transitional housing”, “homeless shelters”, and etc. From personal experience from a visit to their office on 9th and G Streets the access to the Housing Assistance Office was very, very limited, though I could sit outside and beat on the stairs and talk to some one when they came outside. Like it or not, individuals with disabilities need assistance in finding housing and even getting treatment for alcohol/drug issues they may have. RCAA needs to provide friendly access to their facilities they sponsor; this should be a requirement by the City for receiving funds.
I also believe that RCAA (Any organization, actually) and the City should seriously consider developing a Homeless/Transitional Center” using the old “Downtowner Motel” at 8th and F Streets. It would be located near the bus line, provide access to many veterans needing assistance in moving forward (After the Iraq/Afghan Wars Veterans with disabilities are going to increase. Why not prepare for it now?).
General Plan
Housing Element Comments
My comments are based on the May, 2004 Housing Element for the City of Eureka General Plan prepared by Joel Canzoneri, Senior Planner, and, in truth just personal thoughts as an individual confined to a wheelchair for nearly 35 years
Population Characteristics:
I believe that the statistics are interesting and basically a guess. Table II-2 demonstrates “Household Projections – Needs By Income Group”. Even though these are projected numbers, I believe statistics should be shown that represents a percentage of individuals with disabilities and elderly within the City of Eureka that fall into the various income groups listed.
I often wonder if the number of individuals with disabilities and elderly are overlooked because they are living in a Care Home or included in the family as a member because of unavailable housing to provide for independent living without family assistance. I have developed this belief from the various contacts I have come across within the City, false or true, it is a thought and may demonstrate a need for housing that meets the true need of the elderly and individuals with disabilities population.
I believe that separating the individuals with disabilities and elderly out from the general population will promote a stronger effort towards meeting heir needs for independent living. I assume that the numbers provided presently include this.
Employment Characteristics:
Though education, health, and social services are mentioned as the largest sectors of employment, I believe that the health and social services industry is going to grow two-fold within the next tens years. Services that allow individuals to live within the community and be involved in social activities will promote a healthier and stronger community. Future housing development might consider how a new development can address the health of the individual, as well as the community it is being built in that promotes self-employment and various services near the vicinity of new housing concerns.
Motels as Residences:
This is an issue that has a few good and bad points to it in my view:
1. A large majority of the motels listed allowing long-term occupancy do not collect the “Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT)”, which in turn means less income for the City. The owners of the various motels also probably depend on the long-term occupancy as a firm and continuous income source not possible to receive from visitors to our area looking for more up-to-date accommodations. (I stayed at a few hotels in my time and I was always charged weekly and the TOT – speaking with a few individuals staying in local motels they have been charged the TOT even paying monthly. I wonder of this is something that needs further investigation.)
2. In truth, the motels are providing a service to the City. In most cases, if not allowing the long-term occupancy there would more than likely be more living on the streets than currently visible today. A large number of these individuals are on welfare or Supplemental Security Income (SSI) with very limited incomes.
3. Another view regarding the motels accepting long-term occupancy is the fact they charge anywhere from $600 to $800 per month (A SSI recipient receives $850 per month and are no eligible for Food Stamps.) depending on the room and number of individuals in your family/group. The majority of the rooms do not provide cooking facilities and if they do, they are usually primitive an unsafe. Considering this many individuals still must eat out and on limited incomes appropriate meals are hard to come by.
4. If housing was built to provide for a majority of those living in motels the economic base of the City would be greater because less would go to shelter and more would go towards personal health, education and job training, and possible employment having a permanent residence.
Special Needs:
I find it difficult to understand who plans and approves housing needs for the elderly and individuals with disabilities (Are individuals represented on the Eureka Housing Advisory Board?). Through my personal experience I have visited many sites that are supposedly accessible to the people with disabilities. I have come across entrances with doors that swing out on slopes that if you are using a wheelchair carrying anything entering the building is damn near in possible (Many businesses in Old Town are inaccessible due to slopes and widths of doors and in some cases, just no ramps.).
I have seen housing built and modified for individuals using wheelchair, but rented to a disabled person that had no use of the modifications. Along with these apartments or houses there are also parking spaces along the curb that if you are driving a sedan are not usable (ADA has an example of a better designated parking site along curbs that allows for access from a low vehicle.). I can only imagine what the difficulties of an elderly individual has getting out of a low vehicle at a curb using a walker or chair.
Disabled Persons (change this to: “People with Disabilities”):
I have a concern regarding “group homes” and feel it is almost as if individuals with disabilities are encouraged to be in a “group home” and not living independent as possible. I know that there is a big concern regarding “group homes” and isolating individuals with disabilities from complete participation within various activities of our society. In regards to group homes, I recommend contacting Bobbie McKay at the Redwood Coast Regional Center, 525 Second Street, Suite 300, Eureka. (707) 445-0893, ext. 347. Email: Bmckay@Redwoodcoastrc.org
It is mentioned on page 42 of the old plan, the third paragraph, that “The City has adopted Title 24 Access Regulations that contain universal design elements, and this is implemented in the review of all building permits where required.” I believe this should be added to business permits as well, promoting further access or plans to provide access in the near future to all throughout our society (I know many businesses that claim access is not needed because of the “grandfather myth”.).
In regards to building permits, do you have individuals familiar with individuals with disabilities review them prior to approval? I know that I had an opportunity when I was in Aspen, Colorado and Willow Creek, California to do this and changed a few plans to make the outcome serve the community better and in some cases saved the builder money.
Also on page 42 at the bottom, last paragraph that “Currently, disabled persons in Eureka are served by the Humboldt Access Project…..” This is now “Tri-County Independent Living Center, 2822 Harris Street, Eureka. Chris Jones is the Director of this agency and would be a good contact for concerns surrounding individuals with disabilities, (707) 445-8404.”
I mention the Tri-County Independent Living Center, because at this time they do offer assistance as written, but it is limited. Funds are received from the Redevelopment Department to provide ramps for individuals needing them within City limits. This has been a very good program and hope it is continued serving individuals with limited access in and out of their homes..
I understand that there is a “Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)” available for rehabilitate various types of homes at low interest or no cost (I may have a misunderstanding here.). From my experience the most difficult part in finding housing is access to the bathroom and cooking facilities. If funds could be made available through grants and such to remodel bathrooms and kitchens to provide reasonable accommodations the need for overall accessible housing may be reduced. I would make these funds available to individuals owning their homes and owners of rentals (I know there are many individuals that can use this can of assistance, especially of they were recently injured and returned home from a hospital not having the ability to afford modifying their place of residence.).
Note: Throughout the document the phrase “disabled persons” is used. I would recommend using the following terms in its place: “People with Disabilities” or “Individuals with Disabilities”. I prefer “individuals with disabilities” while most may prefer the other, no big deal to me (LOL).
I noticed that the Redwood Community Action Agency (RCAA) has much to do with “transitional housing”, “homeless shelters”, and etc. From personal experience from a visit to their office on 9th and G Streets the access to the Housing Assistance Office was very, very limited, though I could sit outside and beat on the stairs and talk to some one when they came outside. Like it or not, individuals with disabilities need assistance in finding housing and even getting treatment for alcohol/drug issues they may have. RCAA needs to provide friendly access to their facilities they sponsor; this should be a requirement by the City for receiving funds.
I also believe that RCAA (Any organization, actually) and the City should seriously consider developing a Homeless/Transitional Center” using the old “Downtowner Motel” at 8th and F Streets. It would be located near the bus line, provide access to many veterans needing assistance in moving forward (After the Iraq/Afghan Wars Veterans with disabilities are going to increase. Why not prepare for it now?).
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Require Mail-in Ballots
Thinking about ways that the State of California may save money, having all elections require mail-in ballots may save a few million dollars.
Every year, local Humboldt County media points out the cost of General and Special Elections and how the costs seem to go up every year. I am under the assumption that the State and Federal Government reimburses some of the costs associated with the elections, depending on if they are for the State only, or National.
I also understand that the volunteers working the poll sites receive stipends for their participation. (Kind of changes the meaning of volunteering, yes?)
I read an article from the SFGate dated 10/2008 that over half of voting Californians voted by mail. In some parts of San Francisco and surrounding areas polling Districts are mail-in ballots only, allowing for better service to larger voting Districts.
It seems to me that the State of California would be in a "win- win situation" requiring all voters here to vote by mail. It would save money not having the need for all the polling sites using the equipment and volunters needed. You also would not have the extra cost of making a facility accessible to the various types of disabilities as required (Of course, if you haven't noticed, not all polling sites are accessible. Hopefully, individuals with disabilities wishing to vote are better informed and vote by mail.).
Anyhow, I believe voting by mail as a requirement may save more money than expected and not only saving at the time of an election but also on personal costs needed full-time.
There are those that feel this may have it's troubles, yet the troubles have already been demonstrated in our current system. Required mail-in ballots are coming. Why not start today and incorporate it in our future endeavors so it does not become mandatory as it has for how votes are collected at polling stations?
Every year, local Humboldt County media points out the cost of General and Special Elections and how the costs seem to go up every year. I am under the assumption that the State and Federal Government reimburses some of the costs associated with the elections, depending on if they are for the State only, or National.
I also understand that the volunteers working the poll sites receive stipends for their participation. (Kind of changes the meaning of volunteering, yes?)
I read an article from the SFGate dated 10/2008 that over half of voting Californians voted by mail. In some parts of San Francisco and surrounding areas polling Districts are mail-in ballots only, allowing for better service to larger voting Districts.
It seems to me that the State of California would be in a "win- win situation" requiring all voters here to vote by mail. It would save money not having the need for all the polling sites using the equipment and volunters needed. You also would not have the extra cost of making a facility accessible to the various types of disabilities as required (Of course, if you haven't noticed, not all polling sites are accessible. Hopefully, individuals with disabilities wishing to vote are better informed and vote by mail.).
Anyhow, I believe voting by mail as a requirement may save more money than expected and not only saving at the time of an election but also on personal costs needed full-time.
There are those that feel this may have it's troubles, yet the troubles have already been demonstrated in our current system. Required mail-in ballots are coming. Why not start today and incorporate it in our future endeavors so it does not become mandatory as it has for how votes are collected at polling stations?
Friday, June 19, 2009
TAKE ACTION TO TELL SACRAMENTO:
Take the Road to A More Caring California & Fight the State Budget Cuts!!!
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? HELP US LINE ROUTE 101 FROM EUREKA THROUGH ARCATA WITH SIGNS. WE WANT VISIBILITY FROM OLD TOWN THROUGH HSU! SOME SIGNS CAN BE PROVIDED OR BRING YOUR OWN WITH A PERSONAL MESSAGE.
WHEN: 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Fri., June 26
WHERE: Various locations along Rte. 101, including Broadway/5th Street in Eureka
It’s time for a shift of direction in this State and for elected officials to stand up for seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, care providers, social service providers, educators and all the people, services & programs that make this a great place to live for everyone! We need elected officials who will look at all options for a balanced budget, including new revenue sources.
The massive cuts being proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger & supported by many in Sacramento will gut our social services, education, care for our most vulnerable and much more AND WILL NOT BE COST-EFFECTIVE EITHER!!!
IF YOU AREN’T PART OF THE CHANGE, YOU’RE PART OF THE PROBLEM!
To participate, volunteer, or for further information, call Tri-County Independent Living at(707)-445-8404
HOW CAN YOU PARTICIPATE? HELP US LINE ROUTE 101 FROM EUREKA THROUGH ARCATA WITH SIGNS. WE WANT VISIBILITY FROM OLD TOWN THROUGH HSU! SOME SIGNS CAN BE PROVIDED OR BRING YOUR OWN WITH A PERSONAL MESSAGE.
WHEN: 5:15 p.m. to 6:15 p.m., Fri., June 26
WHERE: Various locations along Rte. 101, including Broadway/5th Street in Eureka
It’s time for a shift of direction in this State and for elected officials to stand up for seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, care providers, social service providers, educators and all the people, services & programs that make this a great place to live for everyone! We need elected officials who will look at all options for a balanced budget, including new revenue sources.
The massive cuts being proposed by Gov. Schwarzenegger & supported by many in Sacramento will gut our social services, education, care for our most vulnerable and much more AND WILL NOT BE COST-EFFECTIVE EITHER!!!
IF YOU AREN’T PART OF THE CHANGE, YOU’RE PART OF THE PROBLEM!
To participate, volunteer, or for further information, call Tri-County Independent Living at(707)-445-8404
Sunday, May 17, 2009
State Budget
I was sitting here wondering "Why don't State Employee Unions put up more of a fight regarding cuts to services?"
It seems that the State can cut all they want on services for people with disabilities and elderly, as well as our educational system here in the State. Yet, you do not see the numbers of State or County employees decreasing.
Sure, the Governor of California states they will lay-off 5,000 State employees, but are these individuals going to be without jobs or just moved to an unfill position?
It seems that the State can cut all they want on services for people with disabilities and elderly, as well as our educational system here in the State. Yet, you do not see the numbers of State or County employees decreasing.
Sure, the Governor of California states they will lay-off 5,000 State employees, but are these individuals going to be without jobs or just moved to an unfill position?
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Support Funding for Centers for Independent Living
To: Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer
I am writing to urge you to support funding for Centers for Independent Living in the stimulus bill.
I am writing to let you know how deeply concerned I am about the Senate decision to eliminate stimulus funding for Independent Living Centers (ILC). ILCs play a critical role in assisting people with disabilities in living independently, gaining employment and living in the community rather than institutions.
In California, there are 29 Independent Living Centers located throughout the state. California’s Independent Living Centers provide information and referrals, direct services, systems advocacy, employment development, personal assistant referrals, housing assistance, peer support, independent living skills training, assistive technology advocacy, and many other services.
Centers all across the nation play need to play a critical role in making sure that people with disabilities are not left out of the opportunities for employment that the stimulus will create.
Make sure that YES WE CAN includes People with True Disabilities!
Sincerely,
Charles Bean
I am writing to urge you to support funding for Centers for Independent Living in the stimulus bill.
I am writing to let you know how deeply concerned I am about the Senate decision to eliminate stimulus funding for Independent Living Centers (ILC). ILCs play a critical role in assisting people with disabilities in living independently, gaining employment and living in the community rather than institutions.
In California, there are 29 Independent Living Centers located throughout the state. California’s Independent Living Centers provide information and referrals, direct services, systems advocacy, employment development, personal assistant referrals, housing assistance, peer support, independent living skills training, assistive technology advocacy, and many other services.
Centers all across the nation play need to play a critical role in making sure that people with disabilities are not left out of the opportunities for employment that the stimulus will create.
Make sure that YES WE CAN includes People with True Disabilities!
Sincerely,
Charles Bean
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Reduce H-1B Visas
Senator Boxer, Feinstien and Congressman Thompson,
I am concerned about the opportunities being opened for more foreign workers to be imported into our country.
At this time, we should not be importing or allowing a larger number of H-1B Visas to bring foreign workers into our country. We should be working on stimulating our economy through providing jobs for those already here in the country.
In order to meet the needs of our country, though those already here in the country legally, I would hope to see more opportunities promoting education and more training opportunities for those just entering and those currently in the workforce.
As an individual, disabled, I believe there are human resources already here in the States to fill many positions with the appropriate training. We often overlook resources in front of our noses, and knowing from my personal experience, there are many disabled and abled human resources not properly being used, or given the opportunity.
I may be incorrect in my observations, but I know appling for jobs on an average of two a week for the past two years, I feel bringing more individuals into the States under the H-1B visa program only lowers my opportunity to become self-reliant and off the social welfare system.
So, I request as an individual, you to consider cutting back on increasing H-1B visas and increasing the opportunities needed by providing more for education and training opportunities to meeting a change economic system facing a new world.
Sincerely,
Charles Bean
I am concerned about the opportunities being opened for more foreign workers to be imported into our country.
At this time, we should not be importing or allowing a larger number of H-1B Visas to bring foreign workers into our country. We should be working on stimulating our economy through providing jobs for those already here in the country.
In order to meet the needs of our country, though those already here in the country legally, I would hope to see more opportunities promoting education and more training opportunities for those just entering and those currently in the workforce.
As an individual, disabled, I believe there are human resources already here in the States to fill many positions with the appropriate training. We often overlook resources in front of our noses, and knowing from my personal experience, there are many disabled and abled human resources not properly being used, or given the opportunity.
I may be incorrect in my observations, but I know appling for jobs on an average of two a week for the past two years, I feel bringing more individuals into the States under the H-1B visa program only lowers my opportunity to become self-reliant and off the social welfare system.
So, I request as an individual, you to consider cutting back on increasing H-1B visas and increasing the opportunities needed by providing more for education and training opportunities to meeting a change economic system facing a new world.
Sincerely,
Charles Bean
Friday, January 30, 2009
Keep CIL's Funded
To our represetatives in Washington, DC,
Hi! My name is Charlie. As a constituent and a person with a disability, I am requesting the Senator/Congessman support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Centers for Independent Living enable people with disabilities participate in, and contribute to society. Independent Living has been under funded for too many years. There are areas in our state that do not receive Independent Living services.
With this funding Centers can serve more people with disabilities to maximize their independence and economic self-sufficiency. CIL’s play a leading role in helping people with disabilities transition from nursing homes to the community, with significant savings to the state and federal government.
This funding will also allow more people with disabilities the opportunity for employment. This is a smart investment for the country and I strongly encourage you to support the Independent Living program funding included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Thank you for your strong support!
Charlie Bean
Hi! My name is Charlie. As a constituent and a person with a disability, I am requesting the Senator/Congessman support the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act with employment opportunities for people with disabilities.
Centers for Independent Living enable people with disabilities participate in, and contribute to society. Independent Living has been under funded for too many years. There are areas in our state that do not receive Independent Living services.
With this funding Centers can serve more people with disabilities to maximize their independence and economic self-sufficiency. CIL’s play a leading role in helping people with disabilities transition from nursing homes to the community, with significant savings to the state and federal government.
This funding will also allow more people with disabilities the opportunity for employment. This is a smart investment for the country and I strongly encourage you to support the Independent Living program funding included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Thank you for your strong support!
Charlie Bean
Friday, January 23, 2009
Approve A Budget!
Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro
Senator Patricia A. Wiggins
I am writing to urge you to take action to help reach a final budget agreement that will address the ongoing state budget deficit. As you are aware, State Controller John Chiang recently called for immediate action on the part of the Governor and the Legislature to reach a consensus for the current fiscal year and Fiscal Year 2009-2010 and announced that California will face an enormous cash flow deficit that will begin on February 1st of this year.
More specifically, I am concerned about his reports that our State is showing no signs of any economic recovery and that California will face a $346 million cash flow deficit by the end of February and a projected $5.2 billion shortfall by the end of April. This amount may exceed $10 billion by July, which is particularly alarming since we have failed to make progress in meeting the $41.6 billion deficit projected over an 18-month period ending June 2010.
In response, the State Controller is proposing to delay payments for programs and services that are not mandated by the California Constitution, Federal law, or court rulings and may be forced to issue registered warrants in the immediate future. Although he will issue payments for some of these programs, I am concerned about the ways in which the cash flow shortage will impact the state economy, certain programs and services for seniors and people with disabilities, and state agencies that administer programs if the State Controller is obligated to implement his proposed plans.
I understand that the Governor and Members of the Legislature have political and ideological differences that impede a budget agreement, but these differences pale in comparison to the tragic human and economic consequences of continued impasses. Accordingly, I respectfully urge you to do all that you can to help vulnerable populations and our diminishing state economy that threatens the lives and well being of all Californians.
Sincerely,
Assemblymember Wesley Chesbro
Senator Patricia A. Wiggins
I am writing to urge you to take action to help reach a final budget agreement that will address the ongoing state budget deficit. As you are aware, State Controller John Chiang recently called for immediate action on the part of the Governor and the Legislature to reach a consensus for the current fiscal year and Fiscal Year 2009-2010 and announced that California will face an enormous cash flow deficit that will begin on February 1st of this year.
More specifically, I am concerned about his reports that our State is showing no signs of any economic recovery and that California will face a $346 million cash flow deficit by the end of February and a projected $5.2 billion shortfall by the end of April. This amount may exceed $10 billion by July, which is particularly alarming since we have failed to make progress in meeting the $41.6 billion deficit projected over an 18-month period ending June 2010.
In response, the State Controller is proposing to delay payments for programs and services that are not mandated by the California Constitution, Federal law, or court rulings and may be forced to issue registered warrants in the immediate future. Although he will issue payments for some of these programs, I am concerned about the ways in which the cash flow shortage will impact the state economy, certain programs and services for seniors and people with disabilities, and state agencies that administer programs if the State Controller is obligated to implement his proposed plans.
I understand that the Governor and Members of the Legislature have political and ideological differences that impede a budget agreement, but these differences pale in comparison to the tragic human and economic consequences of continued impasses. Accordingly, I respectfully urge you to do all that you can to help vulnerable populations and our diminishing state economy that threatens the lives and well being of all Californians.
Sincerely,
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
House American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.
To: Mike Thompson, Dianne Feinstein, Barbara Boxer
Please support S.1 and the House American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These vital bills will provide desperately needed assistance to states and local governments to protect critical services and benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Many states are now in the process of cutting or eliminating disability services. Many of these actions will put people with disabilities at grave risk.
The pending legislation will help states maintain health and long term supports for Medicaid recipients with disabilities; provide a one time payment of $450 to SSI recipients, the poorest of Americans; give school systems billions of dollars to support special education and early intervention services; support job training through the vocational rehabilitation program; create and renovate low income housing and upgrade the implementation of Social Security programs by reducing the unacceptably long waiting period for eligibility determinations.
It is known that there are many Americans suffering through this prolonged recession. People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable of our citizens that are feeling this pain. Please help right our economy and protect vital services to those in desperate need. Please vote for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Sincerely,
Please support S.1 and the House American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. These vital bills will provide desperately needed assistance to states and local governments to protect critical services and benefits to children and adults with disabilities. Many states are now in the process of cutting or eliminating disability services. Many of these actions will put people with disabilities at grave risk.
The pending legislation will help states maintain health and long term supports for Medicaid recipients with disabilities; provide a one time payment of $450 to SSI recipients, the poorest of Americans; give school systems billions of dollars to support special education and early intervention services; support job training through the vocational rehabilitation program; create and renovate low income housing and upgrade the implementation of Social Security programs by reducing the unacceptably long waiting period for eligibility determinations.
It is known that there are many Americans suffering through this prolonged recession. People with disabilities are among the most vulnerable of our citizens that are feeling this pain. Please help right our economy and protect vital services to those in desperate need. Please vote for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.
Sincerely,
Monday, January 19, 2009
Humboldt plans for inauguration day
I feel it is a great day to be remembered; one more positive event to look back at in the future.
Many can remember when JFK made his inauguration speech and when he was shot. We also remember the shooting of his brother Robert. As well as Martin Luther King at his motel. (These are just a couple things that quickly come to mind.)
Thinking about these three gives me and I believe, many others hope for opportunties towards equality amongst the various diverse groups we have here in the States. They represented dreams and thoughts of the times which are only now being realized with Obama being elected as our President as one example.
The celebration happening for this event is an opportunity to reflect back on our past, but also to look forward to the possible opportunities that may happen if we believe in hope and work together towards common goals as a community.
We should look back at the past events and build on our mistakes and accomplishments to create a stronger community we have here in Humboldt.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11489438
Many can remember when JFK made his inauguration speech and when he was shot. We also remember the shooting of his brother Robert. As well as Martin Luther King at his motel. (These are just a couple things that quickly come to mind.)
Thinking about these three gives me and I believe, many others hope for opportunties towards equality amongst the various diverse groups we have here in the States. They represented dreams and thoughts of the times which are only now being realized with Obama being elected as our President as one example.
The celebration happening for this event is an opportunity to reflect back on our past, but also to look forward to the possible opportunities that may happen if we believe in hope and work together towards common goals as a community.
We should look back at the past events and build on our mistakes and accomplishments to create a stronger community we have here in Humboldt.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11489438
Sunday, January 18, 2009
More needy, Fewer Resources
They have been running out of resources for assisting the poor, elderly and disabled for many years. And if one thinks about it, just in the past thirty years or so, it has always been the strongest threat to cut services to the poor, elderly and disabled.
I believe that it is a part of our system that has failed many times over. They are using old ideas for guiding the poor out of poverty, assisting the elderly to live out their lives with dignity; and, segregating the disabled from complete participation within society with respect.
Why shouldn't they cut the programs offered to the three groups mentioned?
Many, except for the elderly have probably looked towards being gainfully employed; but what is left without the appropriate education are minimum wage paying positions. And still, there are few of these positions available (Locally opportunitties are lost through recent closures, as well as the blocking of possible opportunities for employment by stores wanting to relocate.).
Instead of cutting funds to help the groups mentioned, why not stop the waste performed by our government: guards watching over parking lots, security systems installed that truely were not needed (At least not until other problems have been addressed), high per diem expenses to government representatices, etc.
Our State is trying to do too much in a big hurry to meet new goals regarding energy and protecting the environment (Important topics, though we may be over doing it in some cases,). Yet, it has forgotten that in meeting these high goals appropriate training and restructuring of our society is needed to include the poor, elderly and disabled.
The poor and disabled need to speak out more about accelerated training to meet future needs of our society. While advocating for additional training, create more partnerships between the organizations to provide services needed.
These organizations providing assistance to the poor, elderly and disabled can not do it alone. Individuals from the groups need to get involved and want to change their situation.
Core family involvement needs to become stronger. Families can no longer state that the government will assist you 100%. The family has to be able to take more responsibility for their siblings, poor or disabled, as well as watching out for the their elders.
We need to work together to reach common goals and get through this time of financial hardship.
http://www.times-standard.com/letters/ci_11478453
I believe that it is a part of our system that has failed many times over. They are using old ideas for guiding the poor out of poverty, assisting the elderly to live out their lives with dignity; and, segregating the disabled from complete participation within society with respect.
Why shouldn't they cut the programs offered to the three groups mentioned?
Many, except for the elderly have probably looked towards being gainfully employed; but what is left without the appropriate education are minimum wage paying positions. And still, there are few of these positions available (Locally opportunitties are lost through recent closures, as well as the blocking of possible opportunities for employment by stores wanting to relocate.).
Instead of cutting funds to help the groups mentioned, why not stop the waste performed by our government: guards watching over parking lots, security systems installed that truely were not needed (At least not until other problems have been addressed), high per diem expenses to government representatices, etc.
Our State is trying to do too much in a big hurry to meet new goals regarding energy and protecting the environment (Important topics, though we may be over doing it in some cases,). Yet, it has forgotten that in meeting these high goals appropriate training and restructuring of our society is needed to include the poor, elderly and disabled.
The poor and disabled need to speak out more about accelerated training to meet future needs of our society. While advocating for additional training, create more partnerships between the organizations to provide services needed.
These organizations providing assistance to the poor, elderly and disabled can not do it alone. Individuals from the groups need to get involved and want to change their situation.
Core family involvement needs to become stronger. Families can no longer state that the government will assist you 100%. The family has to be able to take more responsibility for their siblings, poor or disabled, as well as watching out for the their elders.
We need to work together to reach common goals and get through this time of financial hardship.
http://www.times-standard.com/letters/ci_11478453
MLK Unity March, January 19
Maybe I am wrong, but MLK Day is not representing one race, it is representing many races and classes of people working towards equality throughout our society.
Yes, we may have differences, but the "Unity March" is for promoting common goals amongst people of different beliefs and understanding working together.If you take a look around you (As well as at ourselves), we all have a long ways to go before equality and fair opportunities are afforded to all throughout our community.
The Unity March represents past accomplishments and recognizes work is still needed towards the future for all of us to have equal opportunity without discrimination.
Join the March and show your support for what it represents, not just one group or class, but all celebrating and working for a better community and society.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11484257
"argumentum wrote: You make a good case. One question. Will the words of Bill Cosby encouraging African-Americans to take responsibility for themselves be mentioned during the Unity March or at the event at the Adorni Center?"
I doubt it will be worded as Cosby presented it, but no matter how it is worded, we all need to take responsbility and stop blaming others for our difficulties that cause the misunderstandings.
I read Cosby's recent book "Come On People" and though he targets African-Americans for taking more responsibility, we can all take his advice.
I have the book here, if some one wants to read it.
Yes, we may have differences, but the "Unity March" is for promoting common goals amongst people of different beliefs and understanding working together.If you take a look around you (As well as at ourselves), we all have a long ways to go before equality and fair opportunities are afforded to all throughout our community.
The Unity March represents past accomplishments and recognizes work is still needed towards the future for all of us to have equal opportunity without discrimination.
Join the March and show your support for what it represents, not just one group or class, but all celebrating and working for a better community and society.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11484257
"argumentum wrote: You make a good case. One question. Will the words of Bill Cosby encouraging African-Americans to take responsibility for themselves be mentioned during the Unity March or at the event at the Adorni Center?"
I doubt it will be worded as Cosby presented it, but no matter how it is worded, we all need to take responsbility and stop blaming others for our difficulties that cause the misunderstandings.
I read Cosby's recent book "Come On People" and though he targets African-Americans for taking more responsibility, we can all take his advice.
I have the book here, if some one wants to read it.
Saturday, January 17, 2009
Save the CCC
This is just another example of poor management in our government service from the top. They are always speaking of investing tax dollars into programs that develop income back to make-up some of the expense.
The CCC is one of those programs, not only in receiving actual money for the partnerships developed, but for the long-term out-comes many members of the Corps have become.I was listening to my Foster Father once telling a story about the work the CCC's had done around Fish Lake. To me, it was impressive knowing how it was before and is now because of the work done over 50 years ago that we are benefitting from to day.
Our Government Representative should take a step back and reconsider how they do business in serving the needs of the people. As a disabled individual, I see a lot of waste in programs offered and often provide suggestions on how to save money and still provide the same service (Also, some services are more than what is needed.).
Our State, as well as our Federal government needs to reconsider how they do business in providing services. One of the first places to begin is at the top, especially with per diem for our Representatives - 55 cents a mile for use of your private vehicle? We don't get paid this for driving back and forth to work, though we can clasim tax deductions; why not he same for our Representatives.
I hope more write to our Reps to keep the CCC.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11459345
The CCC is one of those programs, not only in receiving actual money for the partnerships developed, but for the long-term out-comes many members of the Corps have become.I was listening to my Foster Father once telling a story about the work the CCC's had done around Fish Lake. To me, it was impressive knowing how it was before and is now because of the work done over 50 years ago that we are benefitting from to day.
Our Government Representative should take a step back and reconsider how they do business in serving the needs of the people. As a disabled individual, I see a lot of waste in programs offered and often provide suggestions on how to save money and still provide the same service (Also, some services are more than what is needed.).
Our State, as well as our Federal government needs to reconsider how they do business in providing services. One of the first places to begin is at the top, especially with per diem for our Representatives - 55 cents a mile for use of your private vehicle? We don't get paid this for driving back and forth to work, though we can clasim tax deductions; why not he same for our Representatives.
I hope more write to our Reps to keep the CCC.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11459345
Thompson Blasts Bush Admin About Drilling
I agree in part that off-shore oil drilling may be a problem and there is the chance of an oil spill leaving a long undetermined list of environmental damage, as well as human health issues.
I feel that oil available to supply our needs for 100 days is not worth the risk to the area's environment or health of the people.I do have a concern with a most recent Bill Thompson has introduced (I believe it is H.R. 204) about banning oil drilling off the northcoast. My concern is the wording of the complete Bill in regards to the development of alternative energy from the ocean in the area (Wave, hydro, etc.).
I have read about more jobs being made available to the local population, but how is this true? I understand that jobs on an oil well platform are specialized. Do we have a population of people here trained to work on a drilling platform? Or, even individuals here willing to?
Most of the workforce will be brought in from the outside, as it was for Pelican Bay in Crescent City. Yes, local businesses benefitted, but by how much in the long run?
I don't believe we should totally ban oil drilling, but I feel we should concentrate more on alternative energy sources that are available or are being developed first. More needs to be done in regards to allowing drilling, we don't know the effects.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11478433
"Fred Mangels wrote: We've been drilling oil, onshore and offshore, for decades, Skippy. We know the effects. We had a big spill off of Santa Barbara decades ago. Yes, it was a mess, but it was cleaned up and the area is thriving now. It has been for sometime. It is considered a prime place to live by many."
You are correct Fred, we do know the effects and the outcome in other areas. But, we should not take these incidents as truth to what will happen in our area.
As mentioned in the news article, there is one of only four upwelling ecosystems in the world. This upwelling brings nutrient rich water from the ocean floor to the surface and is vital to maintaining the fisheries that support the state's $200 million fishing industry. It probably supports much more than the fishing industry, but is not mentioned.
Every part of the world there are different ecosystems (Why are we rich in Coastal Redwoods?) that depends on various needs for life. Should we believe that since it is now okay for Santa Barbara, it will be okay for our area? Is the ecosystem the same in Santa Barbara as it is here?
I am not an environmentalist or a biologist, I just feel we need to know more about how oil drilling will effect our area, with or without an oil spill.
I feel that oil available to supply our needs for 100 days is not worth the risk to the area's environment or health of the people.I do have a concern with a most recent Bill Thompson has introduced (I believe it is H.R. 204) about banning oil drilling off the northcoast. My concern is the wording of the complete Bill in regards to the development of alternative energy from the ocean in the area (Wave, hydro, etc.).
I have read about more jobs being made available to the local population, but how is this true? I understand that jobs on an oil well platform are specialized. Do we have a population of people here trained to work on a drilling platform? Or, even individuals here willing to?
Most of the workforce will be brought in from the outside, as it was for Pelican Bay in Crescent City. Yes, local businesses benefitted, but by how much in the long run?
I don't believe we should totally ban oil drilling, but I feel we should concentrate more on alternative energy sources that are available or are being developed first. More needs to be done in regards to allowing drilling, we don't know the effects.
http://www.times-standard.com/localnews/ci_11478433
"Fred Mangels wrote: We've been drilling oil, onshore and offshore, for decades, Skippy. We know the effects. We had a big spill off of Santa Barbara decades ago. Yes, it was a mess, but it was cleaned up and the area is thriving now. It has been for sometime. It is considered a prime place to live by many."
You are correct Fred, we do know the effects and the outcome in other areas. But, we should not take these incidents as truth to what will happen in our area.
As mentioned in the news article, there is one of only four upwelling ecosystems in the world. This upwelling brings nutrient rich water from the ocean floor to the surface and is vital to maintaining the fisheries that support the state's $200 million fishing industry. It probably supports much more than the fishing industry, but is not mentioned.
Every part of the world there are different ecosystems (Why are we rich in Coastal Redwoods?) that depends on various needs for life. Should we believe that since it is now okay for Santa Barbara, it will be okay for our area? Is the ecosystem the same in Santa Barbara as it is here?
I am not an environmentalist or a biologist, I just feel we need to know more about how oil drilling will effect our area, with or without an oil spill.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Resonses to questions
Sure!
What has been your motivation to become involved in advocacy for disability/accessibility issues? My motivation comes from my past experience working with community activities that provided better opportunities for ALL in the Klamath-Trinity Area. As it relates to the disabled, my advocacy is present to promote a better understanding of the diverse needs of unique individuals that are a valuable part of our society. I personally don't like others making decisions for me without asking "What is it you need?" or, "How can you be helped?" Too many decisions are made for the disabled without including their thoughts. I try to look at the needs from the disabled view, as well as the so-called abled needs, and, from this it creates opportunities for all to work and live together.
In what ways have you been active? Currently I have been active as a member of the County of Humboldt In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Board and some with the Tri-County Independent Living Center (Though I think more needs to be done here.). I also try to attend various public meetings regarding housing; future community development projects such as the Broadway/Hwy. 101 feasibility study being done for safety; attending County Supervisor's meetings when I have the opportunity, especially if a topic has drawn my attention; and most important, I am in the public eye both physically and through letters sharing my thoughts on issues and activities throughout our area, as well as in our State and Federal governments.
If I see there may be a problem or issue towards access, I identify it for reconsideration, both verbally and through letters. It is important to look at things not only from my wheelchair's needs, but as needs of the many first and how the disabled can be included, not segregated as is often done presently
How receptive have various entities been, such as the City Council when you attend meetings to bring up issues? Most have been receptive on the outside, though I often get the feeling that I wasted my time. I also get the feeling "I know what you need already, though I will listen to you your view, my mind is already made up!" This is at many meetings where I am in the audience. I feel HTA and HCAOG needs better representation of the disabled in their meetings and on their Boards. Oh yeah, the Northwest Committee for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities could really use some assistance in getting the word out for those who can think for themselves.
I must admit though that attending the meetings is a positive way of promoting our issues, but there are not enough disabled attending meetings. Being the only one,or maybe having just a couple others is not always beneficial because they don't say anything.
Often working with the staff directly, not the County Supervisors or City Council more is accomplished. I know from experience, I have pointed out problems with access and offered a solution at the same time and the issue was corrected. This is something we as disabled need to remember when addressing a concern about access, and it is to offer a solution.
In what ways do you think people with disabilities in this community can increase their say in city government or county government matters? Be more visible to our representatives and members of society. Because an event is not geared towards disabled only, participate anyhow by getting involved with the coordination and development of the activities (Remember not everything is about our disability.). Volunteering is a start and is needed greatly throughout our different communities. Be sure though, if you say you are going to do something, follow through with it, as well as have a back-up if you are unable to do it. Not everything can be accomplished as we want it to be, but if we live up to our commitments, better impressions towards the disabled will appear. Bottom line, more disabled need to be involved in the community and though we differ in opinions, speak with one voice addressing society as a whole, not just any one particular disability.
What do you think would be a good direction for an Accessibility Advisory group? I have mostly, always felt that any form of government should have a representation of the disabled on their Board. This individual must show their disability because it is often the disability that is most visible as well as segregated from complete involvement in our society (education recreation and employment are a few examples.).
The only direction we can go is up! And in order to go up, we need to improve opportunities for the disabled throughout the various departments of our governments and parts of our society. Saying this, I expect to get the most common response from our Representatives: "We provide all the opportunities you need, but no one has stepped forward to assume them."
This is often true, yet it is also a cop-out. An Advisory group should be providing education and solutions for the betterment of the community and society involving not only the disabled, but the abled as one. It should involve representation of the Council/Staff/non-disabled/Disabled in the group. Our goal should be towards providing solutions to promoting more involvement of the disabled throughout society. Identify interests and positions, not only for employment, but community involvement disabled can fill and are needed by the community that provide respect and dignity for all involved.
You think I answsered these well enough?
What has been your motivation to become involved in advocacy for disability/accessibility issues? My motivation comes from my past experience working with community activities that provided better opportunities for ALL in the Klamath-Trinity Area. As it relates to the disabled, my advocacy is present to promote a better understanding of the diverse needs of unique individuals that are a valuable part of our society. I personally don't like others making decisions for me without asking "What is it you need?" or, "How can you be helped?" Too many decisions are made for the disabled without including their thoughts. I try to look at the needs from the disabled view, as well as the so-called abled needs, and, from this it creates opportunities for all to work and live together.
In what ways have you been active? Currently I have been active as a member of the County of Humboldt In-Home Supportive Services Advisory Board and some with the Tri-County Independent Living Center (Though I think more needs to be done here.). I also try to attend various public meetings regarding housing; future community development projects such as the Broadway/Hwy. 101 feasibility study being done for safety; attending County Supervisor's meetings when I have the opportunity, especially if a topic has drawn my attention; and most important, I am in the public eye both physically and through letters sharing my thoughts on issues and activities throughout our area, as well as in our State and Federal governments.
If I see there may be a problem or issue towards access, I identify it for reconsideration, both verbally and through letters. It is important to look at things not only from my wheelchair's needs, but as needs of the many first and how the disabled can be included, not segregated as is often done presently
How receptive have various entities been, such as the City Council when you attend meetings to bring up issues? Most have been receptive on the outside, though I often get the feeling that I wasted my time. I also get the feeling "I know what you need already, though I will listen to you your view, my mind is already made up!" This is at many meetings where I am in the audience. I feel HTA and HCAOG needs better representation of the disabled in their meetings and on their Boards. Oh yeah, the Northwest Committee for the Employment of Persons with Disabilities could really use some assistance in getting the word out for those who can think for themselves.
I must admit though that attending the meetings is a positive way of promoting our issues, but there are not enough disabled attending meetings. Being the only one,or maybe having just a couple others is not always beneficial because they don't say anything.
Often working with the staff directly, not the County Supervisors or City Council more is accomplished. I know from experience, I have pointed out problems with access and offered a solution at the same time and the issue was corrected. This is something we as disabled need to remember when addressing a concern about access, and it is to offer a solution.
In what ways do you think people with disabilities in this community can increase their say in city government or county government matters? Be more visible to our representatives and members of society. Because an event is not geared towards disabled only, participate anyhow by getting involved with the coordination and development of the activities (Remember not everything is about our disability.). Volunteering is a start and is needed greatly throughout our different communities. Be sure though, if you say you are going to do something, follow through with it, as well as have a back-up if you are unable to do it. Not everything can be accomplished as we want it to be, but if we live up to our commitments, better impressions towards the disabled will appear. Bottom line, more disabled need to be involved in the community and though we differ in opinions, speak with one voice addressing society as a whole, not just any one particular disability.
What do you think would be a good direction for an Accessibility Advisory group? I have mostly, always felt that any form of government should have a representation of the disabled on their Board. This individual must show their disability because it is often the disability that is most visible as well as segregated from complete involvement in our society (education recreation and employment are a few examples.).
The only direction we can go is up! And in order to go up, we need to improve opportunities for the disabled throughout the various departments of our governments and parts of our society. Saying this, I expect to get the most common response from our Representatives: "We provide all the opportunities you need, but no one has stepped forward to assume them."
This is often true, yet it is also a cop-out. An Advisory group should be providing education and solutions for the betterment of the community and society involving not only the disabled, but the abled as one. It should involve representation of the Council/Staff/non-disabled/Disabled in the group. Our goal should be towards providing solutions to promoting more involvement of the disabled throughout society. Identify interests and positions, not only for employment, but community involvement disabled can fill and are needed by the community that provide respect and dignity for all involved.
You think I answsered these well enough?
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Over done Mailings
Wes/Patricia,
I just received a pamphlet from the California Department of Health Care Services titled "Your Hearing Rights - A guide to Medi-Cal fair Hearing".
I am one of those that will be hurt from deductions that may happen to the poor, elderly and disabled (Spinal Cord Injury - 34 years), and seeing various forms of waste upsets me. Receiving the above noted pamphlet every three months (2 pamphlets; one for me and one for my daughter) to me is a waste.
Individuals receive notice of their rights every time they visit the county Welfare Office, as well as in the mail and this seems part seems to be in excess of what is actually needed. If the State wants to cut services to the poor, elderly and disabled, they should first look at how they do business. This is just one example.
I hope this service of mailing out the same pamphlet every three months is looked into and stopped in the name of using public funds in ways that are more efficient.
Thank you,
Charlie Bean
I just received a pamphlet from the California Department of Health Care Services titled "Your Hearing Rights - A guide to Medi-Cal fair Hearing".
I am one of those that will be hurt from deductions that may happen to the poor, elderly and disabled (Spinal Cord Injury - 34 years), and seeing various forms of waste upsets me. Receiving the above noted pamphlet every three months (2 pamphlets; one for me and one for my daughter) to me is a waste.
Individuals receive notice of their rights every time they visit the county Welfare Office, as well as in the mail and this seems part seems to be in excess of what is actually needed. If the State wants to cut services to the poor, elderly and disabled, they should first look at how they do business. This is just one example.
I hope this service of mailing out the same pamphlet every three months is looked into and stopped in the name of using public funds in ways that are more efficient.
Thank you,
Charlie Bean
Monday, January 12, 2009
"Opening the Wings of the Sun Through Internet Love"
On March 12, 2002, a company named "HouLei's English School (formally known as 'HouLei')" was visited by reporters of CCTV-10. This is a privately "woman-owned" business located in BaoTou, Kun Area, Inner Mongolia, P.R. China. HouLei's English School has become known outside of China through a pen-pal program started between seven schools located in Humboldt -Trinity Counties of northern California. Through this exchange there has been friendship and culture shared between the students. Two newspapers, called "The Kourier" and "The Hoopa People" serving the eastern communities of Humboldt and western communities of Trinity counties report activities related to some activities surrounding Houlei and her husband.
*Also HouLei and her husband's picture is displayed in a local restaurant called "Laura's" in Hoopa, and can be found in a couple businesses where Charlie frequently visits when in the Willow Creek/Hoopa area communities. What might attract such interests of two individuals from totally different lifestyles and countries? To answer this question, it should be told from the beginning of a young woman's beautiful love story, sharing thoughts and feelings of all those near her...............
I. Unfortunately, an accident broke the first love and dreams of a young middle school teacher.
One day in spring of 2000, a common family's daughter of BaoTou, HouLei, received a letter from her Internet lover. He said, "He would fly to Beijing from San Francisco, California in the early part of June, 2000." It was a great surprise to her family, for the family members did not believe in her Internet "Affair or dream." The Internet was very new to them, as well as for trusting foreigners (not knowing any, but only through heresay); and, it was felt that their daughter was chasing after a love that was not true.
But HouLei, believing in her new Internet friend and distant lover had expected her family's feelings. Even though her family felt different, she never deterred from her faith in the person she had been communicating with, nor her fate in life. She knew from communicating with this individual that believing in fate and trusting others would change her life considerably. This was an opportunity that needed to be trusted and followed through with. No matter what the outcome, good or bad, it was believed to be her destined fate!
Before this time, HouLei's life was simple and closed. The accident several years ago took all her dreams, and also buried her first love. That was in the Spring of 1993, she had just graduated from Inner Mongolian Normal University not more than half year, and was a young flower blossoming into a beautiful young lady.
She went for an outing with her new-found boyfriend who had just been introduced to one-another and known each other for a short time. This outing, in the beginning, was one of her happiest days of her life, they rode horses, walked and enjoyed the green grass of the country. Sharing thoughts and feelings that only two young lovers would know about. After spending the whole day together on a joyful outing with her first love, they drove for home.
Suddenly, they were in a single car accident caused by an unknown malfunction in controlling the vehicle. Instantly, two of the three passengers, including her boyfriend, were killed leaving HouLei alone in the car seriously injured. At the time, HouLei was unaware of the seriousness of her injury, fortunately there was an emergency rescue group at the scene. After being treated it was discovered that she had injured her "Spinal Cord" and would be left as a paraplegic the rest of her life. HouLei with peak and pine face cried her heart out sadly. The 22 year-old HouLei traveled around from hospital to clinic throughout China to find a cure for her paralysis for 3 years, without obvious effects of returning the use of her legs again. In May of 1996, HouLei returned to BaoTou.
Disappointed with all the promises received from so-called experts to heal her paralysis. At this time, it was time to face her future and a serious problem; "How to live the rest of her life?" At first, she learned knitting from her mother, then relating the books to study, invented new designs. Later she learned to make tapestries which were so nice that all the family appreciated them and were happy for her. It was the first time for her to gain any kind of happiness and recognition from working at something after the injury. Then in September, 1996, she opened a fashion shop. Every time there were new beautiful clothes, she would like to try them on first, and then introduce them to the right people. When she saw what was recommended to these individuals look well on them, she would feel very happy and pleased for them. From knitting to selling clothes, everything was fresh for her. Earning a large amount of money was not important, but having something to do that contributed to her life, as well as others was rewarding. In 1997, HouLei entertained the thought, "Why not help children with their English?" Especially since her major was in "Teaching English" at college and she was originally working as an English teacher when injured. She decided to offer and hold an English class.
At first, there were only six children. Communicating with these students, she felt rarely content, the students only paid attention to her teaching and spoken words. Nobody seemed to consider her different from the "so-called abled bodied" person. With this beginning, her teaching became more affective. Through word of mouth, the students increased more and more. Until June of 2000, she had gone from 6 to 200 students. Her income had improved very much, compared to what she had been paid working as a full-time teacher, fashion shop owner, and so forth.
II. Contact on line, making new friends through the unreal world of the Internet.
HouLei's material life was not poor, but the world of her spirit was empty. HouLei always felt she was different from others, such as, taking a walk with others, going out alone to shop or with friends to a film or restaurant. She could only sit in the wheelchair wait for assistance to get around, usually provided by her mother. And very often when they were out, those around her would say, "Why do such people of this kind appear here (Often referencing 'Why do disabled people come out where we have to see them?')?" Before her friends had been more boys than girls, now she had nobody. Yes, there were a couple friends, but not friends for sharing close relationships. Friends that usually visited out of pity. She was eager to communicate with people close to her and contact others to be a part of society. Later she bought a computer to connect with others on-line.When she came home after classes, she sealed herself off from others to the unreal Internet to look for her own world.
The first day, HouLei learned to surf on line. Discovering "Yahoo Clubs" she found a club for "disabled." This provided her an avenue to ask many questions and to accept her own limitations. She wanted to know more about settling her paraplegic situation and how others lived and coped with their lives. Through Internet searches, she came up with over 80,000 web-site addresses regarding spinal cord injuries, individual's lives and general day to day problems and solutions. HouLei, at first could not believe the amount of information available. More than one person could ever read. She decided to pick five individuals from a list provided by a "Yahoo Person Search) with common interests. HouLei chose five individuals to contact; one of them was Charles from California. Through this chance meeting and occasion, HouLei got to know this net friend who calls himself "Charlie." The two of them became quick friends and began to communicate very quickly through the Internet. So, now there was one more friend in HouLei's flat life. Though they could not see each other face to face, they could share their thoughts. Their situations in life were very similar, that is, they were both confined to wheelchairs after an injury. Charlie always enlighten Houlei, he seemed very considerate and humorous. While talking through the Internet, he often joked to her and made up funny topics to talk about. Little by little, they talked congenially. From this time on, besides in her daily so-called real life, Houlei had one more expectation to look forward to: "In that unreal space, on the other side of the world; there was a foreigner friend whose age, older than hers, whose experience more than hers, whose fervency of the life better than hers." What he shared with Houlei, was just like going to school for her. Houlei could learn a lot from him.
Houlei's mood improved after she got the computer and connected on line, also she became more and more convertible. She and Charlie established set times to meet on line, sometimes several times in a day. If there was a day she did not talk to him, it seemed that the life lacked something; and those around her could see this. After a time, it was felt they knew each other as close relatives, and got to know each other more and more. Gradually, Houlei had developed special feelings for Charlie. When the brother knew it, he tried to persuaded her not to care too much. He felt this was a problem for her, "Because things on the Internet were unclear and misleading. If you take this affair too seriously, when you lose it, you will feel a loss. If you do not believe in him from the beginning, and you lose him, you won't be hurt." But Houlei thought, "My life has already been this way, no extravagant hopes for marriage or life. Sure there are a couple of girl-friends, but they only visit once or twice per year. I still nearly live as in a vacuum bag. Only this guy from the Internet talks to me all the time. Even just talking about trivial matters, it brings me warm and intimate feelings, and attracts me to be close to him." In this unreal world Houlei found a release of her feelings, she was tasting true spiritual happiness for the first time since her injury. With this new found happiness she beamed with much satisfaction. Seeing this, her mother asked (with concern for her feelings and desires), "What did Charlie talk to you about?" HouLei answered spoiledly, "You'd better not ask me such things. No matter what, it's something good." Mother could feel her daughter's excitement and cares. And thought to herself in a happy surreptitious way, "She is in another world of her own. A very happy one!"
III. Be head over heels in love��the story which could not happen happened!
One Sunday after Houlei finished communicating with Charlie, she received a very special E-mail. Houlei was very excited to tell her mom shyly, "Charlie proposed to me formally." This was the first person to demonstrate love of any kind for her after the accident. One of Houlei's friends knowing this, realized the matter was getting more serious. She asked, "How much can you trust the sweet words written to you on the Internet? She also advised, "That there are so many people who act as different sexes to play jokes or tease others. You must be sure not to believe too much. He could be unreal. Like many who give themselves a romantic nickname. Who knows if they are male or female?" But Houlei responded with, "There's nothing in my life now, only a computer.
During the day I hold class, think of nothing. But during the night time, it is not a real life that I have to share with the opposite sex my own age as a friend, nor a possible husband. What I feel from him through the Internet has given my life back!" So when Houlei went outside or had contact with others, "She often carried in her heart one person. An individual in a far distant place who cared her, she smiled to herself secretly!" After the time of meeting Charlie on the Internet, since before the accident, expressions of happiness on her face and in her heart were easily seen. She was really in love. During these days, she was very reluctant to leave the Internet, except teaching, She spent most of her time on line everyday. The number of times she typed "Charlie's name each day," could not be counted.
Suddenly one day, the Emails she sent out all disappeared. She tried it the second day, still no messages, the third day, the fourth day..................every day was the same. "Did horrible things have to happen?" Houlei said to herself, "My life will go back to like the past seven years? Or maybe something happened to Charlie?" Everyday she was on pins and needles worrying about Charlie and her future. The family also worried for her, they tried to persuade her, "That alls well, just as in others' words, "people talking through the Internet would disappear after they felt bored. No one would bother another." But Houlei did not give up, eveyday she was at the computer anxiously looking for a message from Charlie. She insisted on turning the computer on at the same time as usual to wait for Charlie's appearence.
On the fifth day, when she turn the computer on, wah! A message which made her so excited showed up. It was from Charlie! He said, "My computer had broke-down and was finally just repaired by a friend." When he saw so many messages from Houlei, he answered back with many E-mails happily! Houlei's heart was set at rest. After the storm of no contact with Charlie, the Hou family returned to normal. One morning, the telephone of Hou family rang. Her mother picked it up, but could not understand the peron on the line. Thinking it was a wrong number, she planned to hang up. Just then, it came to her that HouLei had an American friend through the Internet and called her brother to the phone. What the brother found was, it was really someone speaking English. Houlei hurried to the phone and found it was Charlie. Charlie said, "I remembered your numberand wanted to talk to you. Our time difference is about 15 hours. Here, it is night, and there it is day time, right? I had figured the time difference and thought it was about your time to get up from bed. So I thought I would give you a call." HouLei felt he was a considerate guy. Charlie was afraid that HouLei could not understand his English and spoke very slowly. While talking, Houlei jokingly asked, "Can you sing a song for me?" Charlie then really sang for her, but not very well. However, Houlei felt what he sang was interesting and pleasant to listen to. The telephone broke the quietness of the Hou family. A foreign figure from the other side of the world started to appear in their imagination's. Listening to his voice, he would not look too ugly, Houlei guessed. At the same time, Charlie asked for Houlei's photos. HouLei also shared that her mother wanted photos of him. They exchanged photos and with Charlie's photos, there was a short note:
"Lei, I am watching TV now, but I can not concentrate on it. You are forever in my thoughts and heart. What are you doing now? From when we started to communicate, I have noticed a kind of fresh feeling in my heart. This is the best feeling one can have in the world! It makes me very happy and excited, and sometimes sad. But fills me full of hope for our future. Thank you for staying in my thoughts and heart. You are the most beautiful person ever to touch my heart. Love you always Lei!
Yours forever, Charlie"
Willow Creek, California, USA--Charlie's hometown.
It was October, Charlie and Houlei fell deeper in love.
IV. Romance marriage, respecting the life force which shocked both sides of the ocean.
Charlie thought he should share something with friends, not hide it. Then he went tohis favorite place to socialize, telling his friends that he would be going to China! The friends could not believe it and said, "Right! You are going to China? You can't do that?" Charlie responded with, "Yes, I am. I really love the girl I have been talking about!" Friends stated, "No way! Charlie, it is untrue, you would drop everything you have in America to go to China for an Internet fantasy? Leave your family, friends, that's too crazy!" Charlie said, "I must do this. I must follow my heart." Before leaving, Charlie shared with HouLei the ticket numbers and flight number through Internet -- This is the first scene of this article shown on television. The hero of an Internet love story from America, would go out from the unreal space into a Chinese common family. Because of that, the Hou family had a meeting. It was felt that it was a 50/50 chance that he would come. "We will go to Beijing to meet him. If he does not arrive, we can use the trip as a holiday." For Charlie's arrival, there was much be done. HouLei was always helped by her mother to take care of herself. But Charlie had shared with HouLei about being very independent and the things he did on his own. This made the Hou family take a look at their house and they changed a lot to make things more convenient for a wheelchair to get around. Also, new bedroom furniture was purchased to be used by a person in a chair easier. According to Houlei, "She wanted to change everything from old to new, just like preparing to be a bride and new wife." The whole Hou family was filled with happy longing. On June 4th, 2002, at Beijing Capital Airport, the Hou family waited for the appointed arrival time on their tip-toes with much expectation. While their minds and hearts where filled with thoughts of wonder and expectation, time passed slowly.
At last, the plane expected had arrived! There were many passangers, but there was no Charlie in sight. Worried about this, Houlei tried to ask someone on the plane about her expected guest, "Was there someone in a wheelchair on the plane?" They all said, "They did not notice, so they were unsure. Not sure?" Everyone was anxious now, for someone in a wheelchair should be conspicuous, so they wondered about what does "not sure" mean? They dare not think it over continuely, they all closed their eyes for a moment. Charlie had teased Houlei through the Internet, "May I kiss you?" "No!," HouLei answered, "You can't. This is not Chinese habit." Houlei called to mind and pondered about what Charlie talked to her on the Internet with closing eyes, she expected the words would come true. While waiting with reverence and awe second by second, it made the Hou family mentally and in theirs hearts with torment. While waiting, each of them also imagined a picture of an American in the chair with opened eyes, but the unreal sky was still muddy. Not knowing how much time had past, suddenly an American in a chair appeared slowly and brightened their eyes! When the whole family moved forward to meet him, the words Houlei and Charlie had prepared to say, seemed lost. Only word Charlie said was, "Hello." Houlei's eyes were wet, as if a dream, an unbelievable dream, had come true!" Though the one they planned to meet had already seen, the Hou family had another worry: "Such a big guy, how to serve him? One Houlei was busy enough for everyone. They wondered if they could handle another disabled person in their lives or not?" But after they heard what Charlie had to say, they were all surprised. Charlie said, "Besides coming to China to marry your daughter HouLei, I came to help her become independent." He did not only talk, but also had a plan. "After they got married, they bought a new house immediately and moved to live on their own. They then need not count on the family for everyday assistance." Charlie is just really he said.
After Charlie and Houlei transacted their marriage on June 19th, a reception was held on July 1st, 2000. They moved to their new home within the first year. Before Charlie's coming, Houlei had hoped to be independent, a break from others' taking care of her. To live on her own, but she thought it would be impossible, only a dream. But after they have lived together for around one year, with Charlie's help and "reform", Houlei can really take care of herself.
Because Charlie joined in the classes HouLei teaches, students have increased greatly.
In November, 2000, they set up a private school, "Houlei's English School of Kun Area, Baotou." There are almost 500 students presently and more always looking for new classes to be strated. Houlei has no self-contemptuous feelings for being disabled person. Charlie and she always take walks together through the street themselves, talking and laughing on the way. There are often many people who show respect and praise of their accomplishments. It has filled their hearts with warmth from the sun. Charlie told the reporters, "There is an incogitable power in every disabled individual. As long as you dare to hope, your strength and power could be as big as your dreams. He said, He had applied his personal time and energy to insure the opportunity to contribute to forest fire prevention and work while employed with the USDA, Forest Service. By doing so, it demonstrated to others that 'though there are limitations to what a disabled may do, nothing is impossible." Through contributions of time, many changes have been made to allow access for disabled in many fire camps throughout the United States. Charles' romantic love story and marriage has caused attention by a couple local media sources in is home area. "The Kourier" and "The Hoopa People" newspapers often publish articles about Charlie and Houlei's lives when submitted. Charlie and Houlei are loved by people throughout the Klamath-Trinity Area of Northen California.
There are 7 schools which have exchanged pen pal letters with their school. The purpose of the pen pal letters is to promote friendship and encourage the use of English. This year Charlie has started a new business called "HouLei's Language and Consulting Service Co., Ltd." Through the business it is hoped to encourage more English classes and promote future growth to Baotou economically and socially.
*Also HouLei and her husband's picture is displayed in a local restaurant called "Laura's" in Hoopa, and can be found in a couple businesses where Charlie frequently visits when in the Willow Creek/Hoopa area communities. What might attract such interests of two individuals from totally different lifestyles and countries? To answer this question, it should be told from the beginning of a young woman's beautiful love story, sharing thoughts and feelings of all those near her...............
I. Unfortunately, an accident broke the first love and dreams of a young middle school teacher.
One day in spring of 2000, a common family's daughter of BaoTou, HouLei, received a letter from her Internet lover. He said, "He would fly to Beijing from San Francisco, California in the early part of June, 2000." It was a great surprise to her family, for the family members did not believe in her Internet "Affair or dream." The Internet was very new to them, as well as for trusting foreigners (not knowing any, but only through heresay); and, it was felt that their daughter was chasing after a love that was not true.
But HouLei, believing in her new Internet friend and distant lover had expected her family's feelings. Even though her family felt different, she never deterred from her faith in the person she had been communicating with, nor her fate in life. She knew from communicating with this individual that believing in fate and trusting others would change her life considerably. This was an opportunity that needed to be trusted and followed through with. No matter what the outcome, good or bad, it was believed to be her destined fate!
Before this time, HouLei's life was simple and closed. The accident several years ago took all her dreams, and also buried her first love. That was in the Spring of 1993, she had just graduated from Inner Mongolian Normal University not more than half year, and was a young flower blossoming into a beautiful young lady.
She went for an outing with her new-found boyfriend who had just been introduced to one-another and known each other for a short time. This outing, in the beginning, was one of her happiest days of her life, they rode horses, walked and enjoyed the green grass of the country. Sharing thoughts and feelings that only two young lovers would know about. After spending the whole day together on a joyful outing with her first love, they drove for home.
Suddenly, they were in a single car accident caused by an unknown malfunction in controlling the vehicle. Instantly, two of the three passengers, including her boyfriend, were killed leaving HouLei alone in the car seriously injured. At the time, HouLei was unaware of the seriousness of her injury, fortunately there was an emergency rescue group at the scene. After being treated it was discovered that she had injured her "Spinal Cord" and would be left as a paraplegic the rest of her life. HouLei with peak and pine face cried her heart out sadly. The 22 year-old HouLei traveled around from hospital to clinic throughout China to find a cure for her paralysis for 3 years, without obvious effects of returning the use of her legs again. In May of 1996, HouLei returned to BaoTou.
Disappointed with all the promises received from so-called experts to heal her paralysis. At this time, it was time to face her future and a serious problem; "How to live the rest of her life?" At first, she learned knitting from her mother, then relating the books to study, invented new designs. Later she learned to make tapestries which were so nice that all the family appreciated them and were happy for her. It was the first time for her to gain any kind of happiness and recognition from working at something after the injury. Then in September, 1996, she opened a fashion shop. Every time there were new beautiful clothes, she would like to try them on first, and then introduce them to the right people. When she saw what was recommended to these individuals look well on them, she would feel very happy and pleased for them. From knitting to selling clothes, everything was fresh for her. Earning a large amount of money was not important, but having something to do that contributed to her life, as well as others was rewarding. In 1997, HouLei entertained the thought, "Why not help children with their English?" Especially since her major was in "Teaching English" at college and she was originally working as an English teacher when injured. She decided to offer and hold an English class.
At first, there were only six children. Communicating with these students, she felt rarely content, the students only paid attention to her teaching and spoken words. Nobody seemed to consider her different from the "so-called abled bodied" person. With this beginning, her teaching became more affective. Through word of mouth, the students increased more and more. Until June of 2000, she had gone from 6 to 200 students. Her income had improved very much, compared to what she had been paid working as a full-time teacher, fashion shop owner, and so forth.
II. Contact on line, making new friends through the unreal world of the Internet.
HouLei's material life was not poor, but the world of her spirit was empty. HouLei always felt she was different from others, such as, taking a walk with others, going out alone to shop or with friends to a film or restaurant. She could only sit in the wheelchair wait for assistance to get around, usually provided by her mother. And very often when they were out, those around her would say, "Why do such people of this kind appear here (Often referencing 'Why do disabled people come out where we have to see them?')?" Before her friends had been more boys than girls, now she had nobody. Yes, there were a couple friends, but not friends for sharing close relationships. Friends that usually visited out of pity. She was eager to communicate with people close to her and contact others to be a part of society. Later she bought a computer to connect with others on-line.When she came home after classes, she sealed herself off from others to the unreal Internet to look for her own world.
The first day, HouLei learned to surf on line. Discovering "Yahoo Clubs" she found a club for "disabled." This provided her an avenue to ask many questions and to accept her own limitations. She wanted to know more about settling her paraplegic situation and how others lived and coped with their lives. Through Internet searches, she came up with over 80,000 web-site addresses regarding spinal cord injuries, individual's lives and general day to day problems and solutions. HouLei, at first could not believe the amount of information available. More than one person could ever read. She decided to pick five individuals from a list provided by a "Yahoo Person Search) with common interests. HouLei chose five individuals to contact; one of them was Charles from California. Through this chance meeting and occasion, HouLei got to know this net friend who calls himself "Charlie." The two of them became quick friends and began to communicate very quickly through the Internet. So, now there was one more friend in HouLei's flat life. Though they could not see each other face to face, they could share their thoughts. Their situations in life were very similar, that is, they were both confined to wheelchairs after an injury. Charlie always enlighten Houlei, he seemed very considerate and humorous. While talking through the Internet, he often joked to her and made up funny topics to talk about. Little by little, they talked congenially. From this time on, besides in her daily so-called real life, Houlei had one more expectation to look forward to: "In that unreal space, on the other side of the world; there was a foreigner friend whose age, older than hers, whose experience more than hers, whose fervency of the life better than hers." What he shared with Houlei, was just like going to school for her. Houlei could learn a lot from him.
Houlei's mood improved after she got the computer and connected on line, also she became more and more convertible. She and Charlie established set times to meet on line, sometimes several times in a day. If there was a day she did not talk to him, it seemed that the life lacked something; and those around her could see this. After a time, it was felt they knew each other as close relatives, and got to know each other more and more. Gradually, Houlei had developed special feelings for Charlie. When the brother knew it, he tried to persuaded her not to care too much. He felt this was a problem for her, "Because things on the Internet were unclear and misleading. If you take this affair too seriously, when you lose it, you will feel a loss. If you do not believe in him from the beginning, and you lose him, you won't be hurt." But Houlei thought, "My life has already been this way, no extravagant hopes for marriage or life. Sure there are a couple of girl-friends, but they only visit once or twice per year. I still nearly live as in a vacuum bag. Only this guy from the Internet talks to me all the time. Even just talking about trivial matters, it brings me warm and intimate feelings, and attracts me to be close to him." In this unreal world Houlei found a release of her feelings, she was tasting true spiritual happiness for the first time since her injury. With this new found happiness she beamed with much satisfaction. Seeing this, her mother asked (with concern for her feelings and desires), "What did Charlie talk to you about?" HouLei answered spoiledly, "You'd better not ask me such things. No matter what, it's something good." Mother could feel her daughter's excitement and cares. And thought to herself in a happy surreptitious way, "She is in another world of her own. A very happy one!"
III. Be head over heels in love��the story which could not happen happened!
One Sunday after Houlei finished communicating with Charlie, she received a very special E-mail. Houlei was very excited to tell her mom shyly, "Charlie proposed to me formally." This was the first person to demonstrate love of any kind for her after the accident. One of Houlei's friends knowing this, realized the matter was getting more serious. She asked, "How much can you trust the sweet words written to you on the Internet? She also advised, "That there are so many people who act as different sexes to play jokes or tease others. You must be sure not to believe too much. He could be unreal. Like many who give themselves a romantic nickname. Who knows if they are male or female?" But Houlei responded with, "There's nothing in my life now, only a computer.
During the day I hold class, think of nothing. But during the night time, it is not a real life that I have to share with the opposite sex my own age as a friend, nor a possible husband. What I feel from him through the Internet has given my life back!" So when Houlei went outside or had contact with others, "She often carried in her heart one person. An individual in a far distant place who cared her, she smiled to herself secretly!" After the time of meeting Charlie on the Internet, since before the accident, expressions of happiness on her face and in her heart were easily seen. She was really in love. During these days, she was very reluctant to leave the Internet, except teaching, She spent most of her time on line everyday. The number of times she typed "Charlie's name each day," could not be counted.
Suddenly one day, the Emails she sent out all disappeared. She tried it the second day, still no messages, the third day, the fourth day..................every day was the same. "Did horrible things have to happen?" Houlei said to herself, "My life will go back to like the past seven years? Or maybe something happened to Charlie?" Everyday she was on pins and needles worrying about Charlie and her future. The family also worried for her, they tried to persuade her, "That alls well, just as in others' words, "people talking through the Internet would disappear after they felt bored. No one would bother another." But Houlei did not give up, eveyday she was at the computer anxiously looking for a message from Charlie. She insisted on turning the computer on at the same time as usual to wait for Charlie's appearence.
On the fifth day, when she turn the computer on, wah! A message which made her so excited showed up. It was from Charlie! He said, "My computer had broke-down and was finally just repaired by a friend." When he saw so many messages from Houlei, he answered back with many E-mails happily! Houlei's heart was set at rest. After the storm of no contact with Charlie, the Hou family returned to normal. One morning, the telephone of Hou family rang. Her mother picked it up, but could not understand the peron on the line. Thinking it was a wrong number, she planned to hang up. Just then, it came to her that HouLei had an American friend through the Internet and called her brother to the phone. What the brother found was, it was really someone speaking English. Houlei hurried to the phone and found it was Charlie. Charlie said, "I remembered your numberand wanted to talk to you. Our time difference is about 15 hours. Here, it is night, and there it is day time, right? I had figured the time difference and thought it was about your time to get up from bed. So I thought I would give you a call." HouLei felt he was a considerate guy. Charlie was afraid that HouLei could not understand his English and spoke very slowly. While talking, Houlei jokingly asked, "Can you sing a song for me?" Charlie then really sang for her, but not very well. However, Houlei felt what he sang was interesting and pleasant to listen to. The telephone broke the quietness of the Hou family. A foreign figure from the other side of the world started to appear in their imagination's. Listening to his voice, he would not look too ugly, Houlei guessed. At the same time, Charlie asked for Houlei's photos. HouLei also shared that her mother wanted photos of him. They exchanged photos and with Charlie's photos, there was a short note:
"Lei, I am watching TV now, but I can not concentrate on it. You are forever in my thoughts and heart. What are you doing now? From when we started to communicate, I have noticed a kind of fresh feeling in my heart. This is the best feeling one can have in the world! It makes me very happy and excited, and sometimes sad. But fills me full of hope for our future. Thank you for staying in my thoughts and heart. You are the most beautiful person ever to touch my heart. Love you always Lei!
Yours forever, Charlie"
Willow Creek, California, USA--Charlie's hometown.
It was October, Charlie and Houlei fell deeper in love.
IV. Romance marriage, respecting the life force which shocked both sides of the ocean.
Charlie thought he should share something with friends, not hide it. Then he went tohis favorite place to socialize, telling his friends that he would be going to China! The friends could not believe it and said, "Right! You are going to China? You can't do that?" Charlie responded with, "Yes, I am. I really love the girl I have been talking about!" Friends stated, "No way! Charlie, it is untrue, you would drop everything you have in America to go to China for an Internet fantasy? Leave your family, friends, that's too crazy!" Charlie said, "I must do this. I must follow my heart." Before leaving, Charlie shared with HouLei the ticket numbers and flight number through Internet -- This is the first scene of this article shown on television. The hero of an Internet love story from America, would go out from the unreal space into a Chinese common family. Because of that, the Hou family had a meeting. It was felt that it was a 50/50 chance that he would come. "We will go to Beijing to meet him. If he does not arrive, we can use the trip as a holiday." For Charlie's arrival, there was much be done. HouLei was always helped by her mother to take care of herself. But Charlie had shared with HouLei about being very independent and the things he did on his own. This made the Hou family take a look at their house and they changed a lot to make things more convenient for a wheelchair to get around. Also, new bedroom furniture was purchased to be used by a person in a chair easier. According to Houlei, "She wanted to change everything from old to new, just like preparing to be a bride and new wife." The whole Hou family was filled with happy longing. On June 4th, 2002, at Beijing Capital Airport, the Hou family waited for the appointed arrival time on their tip-toes with much expectation. While their minds and hearts where filled with thoughts of wonder and expectation, time passed slowly.
At last, the plane expected had arrived! There were many passangers, but there was no Charlie in sight. Worried about this, Houlei tried to ask someone on the plane about her expected guest, "Was there someone in a wheelchair on the plane?" They all said, "They did not notice, so they were unsure. Not sure?" Everyone was anxious now, for someone in a wheelchair should be conspicuous, so they wondered about what does "not sure" mean? They dare not think it over continuely, they all closed their eyes for a moment. Charlie had teased Houlei through the Internet, "May I kiss you?" "No!," HouLei answered, "You can't. This is not Chinese habit." Houlei called to mind and pondered about what Charlie talked to her on the Internet with closing eyes, she expected the words would come true. While waiting with reverence and awe second by second, it made the Hou family mentally and in theirs hearts with torment. While waiting, each of them also imagined a picture of an American in the chair with opened eyes, but the unreal sky was still muddy. Not knowing how much time had past, suddenly an American in a chair appeared slowly and brightened their eyes! When the whole family moved forward to meet him, the words Houlei and Charlie had prepared to say, seemed lost. Only word Charlie said was, "Hello." Houlei's eyes were wet, as if a dream, an unbelievable dream, had come true!" Though the one they planned to meet had already seen, the Hou family had another worry: "Such a big guy, how to serve him? One Houlei was busy enough for everyone. They wondered if they could handle another disabled person in their lives or not?" But after they heard what Charlie had to say, they were all surprised. Charlie said, "Besides coming to China to marry your daughter HouLei, I came to help her become independent." He did not only talk, but also had a plan. "After they got married, they bought a new house immediately and moved to live on their own. They then need not count on the family for everyday assistance." Charlie is just really he said.
After Charlie and Houlei transacted their marriage on June 19th, a reception was held on July 1st, 2000. They moved to their new home within the first year. Before Charlie's coming, Houlei had hoped to be independent, a break from others' taking care of her. To live on her own, but she thought it would be impossible, only a dream. But after they have lived together for around one year, with Charlie's help and "reform", Houlei can really take care of herself.
Because Charlie joined in the classes HouLei teaches, students have increased greatly.
In November, 2000, they set up a private school, "Houlei's English School of Kun Area, Baotou." There are almost 500 students presently and more always looking for new classes to be strated. Houlei has no self-contemptuous feelings for being disabled person. Charlie and she always take walks together through the street themselves, talking and laughing on the way. There are often many people who show respect and praise of their accomplishments. It has filled their hearts with warmth from the sun. Charlie told the reporters, "There is an incogitable power in every disabled individual. As long as you dare to hope, your strength and power could be as big as your dreams. He said, He had applied his personal time and energy to insure the opportunity to contribute to forest fire prevention and work while employed with the USDA, Forest Service. By doing so, it demonstrated to others that 'though there are limitations to what a disabled may do, nothing is impossible." Through contributions of time, many changes have been made to allow access for disabled in many fire camps throughout the United States. Charles' romantic love story and marriage has caused attention by a couple local media sources in is home area. "The Kourier" and "The Hoopa People" newspapers often publish articles about Charlie and Houlei's lives when submitted. Charlie and Houlei are loved by people throughout the Klamath-Trinity Area of Northen California.
There are 7 schools which have exchanged pen pal letters with their school. The purpose of the pen pal letters is to promote friendship and encourage the use of English. This year Charlie has started a new business called "HouLei's Language and Consulting Service Co., Ltd." Through the business it is hoped to encourage more English classes and promote future growth to Baotou economically and socially.
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