California Connection weekly newsletters for January 2015.
California Connection January 9, 2015
Welcome to the California Connection for January 9.
Memorial Service For Hazel Harmon
On Wednesday, January 14, a memorial service will be held at 1:00 pm at Eternal Hills Mortuary at 1999 El Camino Real, Oceanside, CA 92054 (760-754-6600).
The casket will be open for an hour and half before the service, then closed. Anyone who wishes may give a eulogy.
Roy will invite guests to his home afterwards for refreshments.
There will be a Mass held on March 2. Same place, at 1:00 pm.
East Los Angeles Chapter Meeting
The East Los Angeles chapter will meet on Saturday, January 10 at the CoCo restaurant located at 2105 Via Campo, Montebello, cross street Wilcox, from 11 am to 2 pm.
We will not meet at the Garcia home this Saturday.
New ACB Affiliate
A new special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind is being organized for people living with cerebral palsy and vision loss.
Meetings will be held by conference call on the last Saturday of the month, starting on January 31, 2015, at 09:59:59 p.m. Eastern time.
To access the conference, dial 1.567.704.1512 and use access code 999999#.
If you are interested in joining the affiliate, contact the following individual by postal mail at
Attention: Mr. Alexander Scott Kaiser
52 Meadowbrook Road Brick Township,
Ocean County, New Jersey 08723-7850,
send me email at alexander.scott.kaiser@bluebottle.com and call him at 1.848.205.0208 and on skype at Skype name: Mister.Alexander.Scott.Kaiser.
A future meeting will be held face to face at the 2015 Annual ACB National Conference and convention in Dallas, Texas.
Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
California Connection January 16, 2015
Welcome to the California Connection for January 16.
CCB Office Holiday Schedule
The Council office will be closed Monday, January 19th in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. national holiday and Tuesday, January 20th for administrative purposes.
Blind Californian Update
From Judy Wilkinson, Editor
Hopefully you lucky email and print readers have been enjoying the Winter issue of the Blind Californian.
Braille readers: National Braille Press mailed out on Thursday, January 15 so keep checking your mailbox.
Tape readers: the news is not so good. Because they were closed for the holidays and have been moving, RFB&D has not yet sent us the CD master. Once they do, Mike Keithley needs to convert to the tape master, so be patient. We truly regret these unforeseen circumstances further delaying the cassette edition.
And by the way, remember the deadline to submit material for the Spring BC is February 15.
Because the CCB phone system is still not in place, please pass on this information to those who may not have access to the email version of The Connection.
CCB Conference and Convention
From Gene Lozano, Chair Conference and Convention Committee
The 2015 California Council of the Blind conference and convention will be held at the Hilton Woodland Hills/Los Angeles (6360 Canoga Avenue, Woodland Hills, CA 91367).
The guest room rate is $85.66 plus tax for a total of $99 all-inclusive per night.
The hotel is accepting reservations at this time by phone (866-288-3310) or via their website (http://www.hilton.com/en/hi/groups/personalized/B/BURWCHF-CCB415-20150415/index.jhtml).
When calling, please mention the California Council of the Blind (CCB) in order to get the $99 all-inclusive room rate.
The nearest airport to the hotel is Burbank, which is 18 miles away. Ground transportation between the Burbank airport and the hotel is SuperShuttle and other van services. Soon, we will provide information regarding Access Services, which is the local Paratransit provider. Access Services can transport visitors between the airport and the hotel.
Please feel free to share this information with others.
New ACB Affiliate
A new special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind is being organized for people living with cerebral palsy and vision loss.
Meetings will be held by conference call on the last Saturday of the month, starting on January 31, 2015, at 09:59:59 p.m. Eastern time.
To access the conference, dial 1.567.704.1512 and use access code 999999#.
If you are interested in joining the affiliate, contact the following individual by postal mail at
Attention: Mr. Alexander Scott Kaiser
52 Meadowbrook Road Brick Township,
Ocean County, New Jersey 08723-7850,
send me email at alexander.scott.kaiser@bluebottle.com and call him at 1.848.205.0208 and on skype at Skype name: Mister.Alexander.Scott.Kaiser.
A future meeting will be held face to face at the 2015 Annual ACB National Conference and convention in Dallas, Texas.
Pacific ADA Update Conference
From Oakland Mayor's Commission on People With Disabilities
Register Now for the Pacific ADA Update Conference Oakland, California - March 15-17th
Early Bird registration Deadline: January 30, 2015
Pre-Conference (ADA Basics): Sunday, March 15, 2015: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Conference: Monday, March 16 - Tuesday, March 17, 2015: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch served both days.
Location: Marriott Oakland City Center 1001 Broadway Oakland, CA 94607
Accommodation requests for the Oakland conference must be received by Friday, February 27, 2015.
For registration questions, contact Sarah Newton-Scott at (916) 498-6969 or sarah@connectccp.org.
Exam Information
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) announces the following exam information.
The exam bulletin for the Office Technician (General) and Office Technician (Typing) open, non-promotional examination is now posted on the www.jobs.ca.gov web site for testing in Central and Southern California (click on the link below for the bulletin).
Office Technician (General and Typing): https://jobs.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/4PB24.PDF
The bulletin states the following important filing information:
Self-scheduling for this examination is offered on a first-come-first-served basis for each written exam date. Please be aware that, although seating is limited and scheduling will conclude once all seats are filled for a specific written exam date, additional self-scheduling dates and test locations may be posted.
Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sacramento County Written Exam Dates: January 23, 2015
Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sonoma County; Napa County; Sacramento County Written Exam Dates:
January 24, 2015
Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
San Francisco Written Exam Dates: January 26, 2015
Please read the exam bulletin thoroughly for additional information regarding this examination opportunity. Additional self-scheduling and written examination dates will be available.
Test locations for other counties are anticipated soon.
Check this bulletin periodically for updates.
Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
California Connection January 23, 2015
Welcome to the California Connection for January 23.
From: President Jeff Thom
I regret to inform you that, due to circumstances entirely beyond the control of the California Council of the Blind, we have been forced to reschedule the April 16-19, 2015 California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
The hotel is unexpectedly going through a complete renovation of meeting space and its restaurant, and this renovation will not be completed until this summer.
At this point in time, we do not know either the date or location of the 2015 Conference and Convention, except that the event will still be held in southern California.
Please do not make hotel reservations or any other arrangements to attend the convention. We will let you know as soon as details become available about the date and location of the convention.
If any of you have already incurred out-of-pocket costs as a result of your plans to attend the conference, such as airfare, and those costs cannot be recouped, you are welcome to inform CCB Administrative Assistant, Ed Branch, either by email at ccotb@ccbnet.org or by telephone (800)-221-6359.
We will evaluate such cost data and let you know if we are able to obtain reimbursement from the Woodland Hills Hilton Hotel.
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
Announcement of Services
Here is information for services including the wake, mass, internment, and reception for Mrs. Garcia who was the cook for and member of the East LA chapter.
Friday, January 23rd
wake from 06:00 PM - 09:00 PM Rosary will begin at 07:00 PM
Location: Guerra-Gutierrez Mortuary 5800 East Beverly Blvd Los Angeles, CA 90022 323-722-1900 cross street is South Gerhart Ave. across the street from Frank's Market and near Fiesta Car Wash
Saturday, January 24th
The mass will begin at 09:30 AM Our Lady Of Solitude Church 4561 East Cesar Chavez Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022 323-269-7248 one block east of the 7 10 Freeway
Saturday, January 24th
Internment Resurrection Catholic Cemetery 966 North Potrero Grande Drive Montebello, CA 90640 323-887-2024 the cross street is Arroyo Drive
Reception at Mrs. Garcia's house 1226 South McBride Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90022 the cross street is Olympic.
The wishes of Mrs. Garcia are:
- no photos or video taping be done at any of these events.
- In addition, Mrs. Garcia requested that people attending any of these events must reframe from wearing all black. Black pants or skirts will be fine so long as the tops or coats are a different color Preferably a lighter color.
- Most of all, do not bring any alcohol and there will not be any alcohol served at the reception.
San Gabriel Valley Chapter Pizza Fundraiser
from Pam Polagi, President San Gabriel Valley Chapter
Please join us for our 30th annual Pizza and Spaghetti Fundraiser on Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.
The cost is only $10.00 per person! You can purchase tickets in advance from any SGV Chapter member or you can pay at the door.
The menu will include pizza, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, regular and diet soda, iced tea, bottled water and dessert. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the VFW Bar.
The fundraiser will be held at the VFW Hall, 825 South Magnolia Avenue, Monrovia (located on the northwest corner of Magnolia and Chestnut).
The Grand Prize is a $200 Target Gift Card, and the lucky winner does not need to be present in order to win. We will be giving away door prizes throughout the day, however door prize winners must be present at the Pizza Fundraiser in order to collect their prize.
50/50 raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the fundraiser.
Bring your family and friends! Everyone is welcome!
If you need more information please contact Obbie Schoeman, Fundraising Chair, at (818) 399-6741.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Since we still don't have telephone access to the Connection, I would appreciate everyone passing the word along regarding the fundraiser, so it won't fall through the cracks from those who usually rely on the telephone for the California Connection.
Thank you very much.
Blind Californian Update
From Judy Wilkinson, Editor
Hopefully you lucky email and print readers have been enjoying the Winter issue of the Blind Californian.
Braille readers: National Braille Press mailed out on Thursday, January 15 so keep checking your mailbox.
Tape readers: the news is not so good. Because they were closed for the holidays and have been moving, RFB&D has not yet sent us the CD master. Once they do, Mike Keithley needs to convert to the tape master, so be patient. We truly regret these unforeseen circumstances further delaying the cassette edition.
And by the way, remember the deadline to submit material for the Spring BC is February 15.
Because the CCB phone system is still not in place, please pass on this information to those who may not have access to the email version of The Connection.
New ACB Affiliate
A new special interest affiliate of the American Council of the Blind is being organized for people living with cerebral palsy and vision loss.
Meetings will be held by conference call on the last Saturday of the month, starting on January 31, 2015, at 09:59:59 p.m. Eastern time.
To access the conference, dial 1.567.704.1512 and use access code 999999#.
If you are interested in joining the affiliate, contact the following individual by postal mail at
Attention: Mr. Alexander Scott Kaiser
52 Meadowbrook Road Brick Township,
Ocean County, New Jersey 08723-7850,
send me email at alexander.scott.kaiser@bluebottle.com and call him at 1.848.205.0208 and on skype at Skype name: Mister.Alexander.Scott.Kaiser.
A future meeting will be held face to face at the 2015 Annual ACB National Conference and convention in Dallas, Texas.
Pacific ADA Update Conference
From Oakland Mayor's Commission on People With Disabilities
Register Now for the Pacific ADA Update Conference Oakland, California - March 15-17th
Early Bird registration Deadline: January 30, 2015
Pre-Conference (ADA Basics): Sunday, March 15, 2015: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Conference: Monday, March 16 - Tuesday, March 17, 2015: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch served both days.
Location: Marriott Oakland City Center 1001 Broadway Oakland, CA 94607
Accommodation requests for the Oakland conference must be received by Friday, February 27, 2015.
For registration questions, contact Sarah Newton-Scott at (916) 498-6969 or sarah@connectccp.org.
Exam Information
The California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) announces the following exam information.
The exam bulletin for the Office Technician (General) and Office Technician (Typing) open, non-promotional examination is now posted on the www.jobs.ca.gov web site for testing in Central and Southern California (click on the link below for the bulletin).
Office Technician (General and Typing): https://jobs.ca.gov/JOBSGEN/4PB24.PDF
The bulletin states the following important filing information:
Self-scheduling for this examination is offered on a first-come-first-served basis for each written exam date. Please be aware that, although seating is limited and scheduling will conclude once all seats are filled for a specific written exam date, additional self-scheduling dates and test locations may be posted.
Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sacramento County Written Exam Dates: January 23, 2015
Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
Sonoma County; Napa County; Sacramento County Written Exam Dates: January 24, 2015
Self-Scheduling Opens: Thursday, January 22, 2015 Location:
San Francisco Written Exam Dates: January 26, 2015
Please read the exam bulletin thoroughly for additional information regarding this examination opportunity. Additional self-scheduling and written examination dates will be available.
Test locations for other counties are anticipated soon.
Check this bulletin periodically for updates.
Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
California Connection January 30, 2015
Welcome to the California Connection for January 30.
From: President Jeff Thom
I regret to inform you that, due to circumstances entirely beyond the control of the California Council of the Blind, we have been forced to reschedule the April 16-19, 2015 California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention.
The hotel is unexpectedly going through a complete renovation of meeting space and its restaurant, and this renovation will not be completed until this summer.
At this point in time, we do not know either the date or location of the 2015 Conference and Convention, except that the event will still be held in southern California.
Please do not make hotel reservations or any other arrangements to attend the convention. We will let you know as soon as details become available about the date and location of the convention.
If any of you have already incurred out-of-pocket costs as a result of your plans to attend the conference, such as airfare, and those costs cannot be recouped, you are welcome to inform CCB Administrative Assistant, Ed Branch, either by email at ccotb@ccbnet.org or by telephone (800)-221-6359.
We will evaluate such cost data and let you know if we are able to obtain reimbursement from the Woodland Hills Hilton Hotel.
Again, we apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused.
CCB Board of Directors Conference Call
The CCB board of directors will be holding a conference call meeting on Thursday February 5 at 7 PM, phone number 712-4323066 and access code 497700.
Due to the lengthy agenda, the meeting will begin right at 7 PM. The agenda is as follows:
- Call to order
- Roll call and introductions
- Review of agenda
- Public comment on Items not on the agenda
- Approval of September 14, Minutes
- Ratification of Board Votes on Website conversion Contract
- Discussion and action on 2015 CCB Conference and Convention
- Proposed Mutt Strut Budget
- Website issues
- OCB Assistance Fund
- Updates (time permitting)
- Adjourn
(Public comment will be permitted on all agenda items. However, during each segment of public comment, each speaker shall be limited to two minutes.
Glendale Burbank Area Chapter Meeting Announcement
On February 7, the Glendale Burbank Area Chapter will have Randy Harken from Nurse Next Door as its speaker. He will tell about services his company offers, non-medical and medical.
On March 7, Jeff Thom will be our speaker on how to advocate - both making complaints and furthering legislation.
On April 4, Jorge Marcus will bring his accessible products.
Our meetings are held from 11 am to 1 pm at the Days Inn Pioneer restaurant at 450 W. Pioneer in Glendale, cross street Pacific.
For questions, email: abazyn@bazyncommunications.com or call (818) 238-9321.
San Gabriel Valley Chapter Pizza Fundraiser
from Pam Polagi, President San Gabriel Valley Chapter
Please join us for our 30th annual Pizza and Spaghetti Fundraiser on Saturday, February 14, 2015, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm.
The cost is only $10.00 per person! You can purchase tickets in advance from any SGV Chapter member or you can pay at the door.
The menu will include pizza, spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, regular and diet soda, iced tea, bottled water and dessert. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased at the VFW Bar.
The fundraiser will be held at the VFW Hall, 825 South Magnolia Avenue, Monrovia (located on the northwest corner of Magnolia and Chestnut).
The Grand Prize is a $200 Target Gift Card, and the lucky winner does not need to be present in order to win. We will be giving away door prizes throughout the day, however door prize winners must be present at the Pizza Fundraiser in order to collect their prize.
50/50 raffle tickets will be available for purchase at the fundraiser.
Bring your family and friends! Everyone is welcome!
If you need more information please contact Obbie Schoeman, Fundraising Chair, at (818) 399-6741.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone there!
Since we still don't have telephone access to the Connection, I would appreciate everyone passing the word along regarding the fundraiser, so it won't fall through the cracks from those who usually rely on the telephone for the California Connection.
Thank you very much.
MUNI Maps
Using maps is a major part of using public transit. That's why the LightHouse is making maps of SF Muni underground stations, maps that convey information through touch and sound.
For the first time a person who is blind can sit in their living room and orient themselves to a Muni station that they plan on visiting, plan a path of travel from the entrance to the turnstiles, to the platform, and then off the train and to the bus stop.
From now until March 31, while supplies last, the LightHouse is making these maps and smart pens available to blind Muni users at no charge. Also, we are demonstrating this exciting technology to interested groups.
If you would like us to present to your organization, if you want to request a set of audio/tactile Muni station maps, or if you want more information call Frank Welte at (415) 694-7363, or send Email to fwelte@lighthouse-sf.org.
Funding provided by a New Freedom Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation administered by the Metropolitan Transportation Commission.
COMMISSION ON DISABILITY COMMUNITY FORUM
Wednesday, February 18, 2014 7:00-9:00 PM North Berkeley Senior Center 1901 Hearst Ave. (at MLK) Multi-Purpose Room
The City of Berkeley's Commission on Disability will hold a Community Forum for public comment and input on issues of access, health, safety, housing, transportation, communication, and economic opportunity. The Commission seeks to focus on the effects and impacts of these issues for people with disabilities living in, working in and visiting Berkeley. The Commission is requesting public comment that will guide the work of the Commission on the topics below and other related matters of interest and concern for people with disabilities.
- Disabled Placard Parking
- Accessible Sidewalks
- Pedestrian Safety
- Developing Citywide Universal Design Policy
- Barriers to Access
- Service Animals Welcome program
- Accessible website and digital media and its relationship to City programs, services and activities
- Disability Services
- How can the City government and citizen's work together to help promote access and inclusion for our disabled community?
- What is Berkeley doing right?
- Where is room for improvement?
- What new possibilities are on the horizon?
Audio Describe Theater
Audio Described Performance of: X's & O's (a football love story) written by KJ Sanchez Directed by Tony Taccone at Berkeley Repertory Theater SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 21 8:00 pm
This is first time Berkeley Rep has offered audio description and it was at the request of legally blind actor Marilee Talkington who is appearing in the show.
Marilee Is one of only two legally blind actors in the country to earn an M.F.A. in acting and is one of the 6 actors in the cast.
She plays 7 different characters from a brain researcher to Midwestern Giants Fan to Teddy Roosevelt.
One of the cast member is also 2 time Superbowl champ Dwight Hicks who played during with Joe Montana.
This show is getting national attention, including an upcoming piece about it on NPR on Superbowl Sunday.
There is a Discount for this evening: 20% off tickets 50% off for those under 30
Discount Code: TEAM
Box Office: 510 647-2949
Website of show: http://www.berkeleyrep.org/season/1415/8241.asp
Be sure to request a headset when you order your tickets
See you at the THEATER!
Pacific ADA Update Conference
From Oakland Mayor's Commission on People With Disabilities
Register Now for the Pacific ADA Update Conference Oakland, California - March 15-17th
Early Bird registration Deadline: January 30, 2015
Pre-Conference (ADA Basics): Sunday, March 15, 2015: 12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Conference: Monday, March 16 - Tuesday, March 17, 2015: 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. Breakfast and Lunch served both days.
Location: Marriott Oakland City Center 1001 Broadway Oakland, CA 94607
Accommodation requests for the Oakland conference must be received by Friday, February 27, 2015.
For registration questions, contact Sarah Newton-Scott at (916) 498-6969 or sarah@connectccp.org.
Thank you for reading,
Have a nice day
