Welcome to the California connection for March 4.
Conference and Convention Preview
Hotel Reservation Information For The 2016 Annual California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention:
(Revised February 23, 2016)
Hotel registration is now open for the 2016 Annual Conference and Convention of the California Council of the Blind (CCB).
The conference and convention will take place Thursday April 7th - Sunday April 10th, 2016 at the Viejas Casino and Resort four-star hotel.
The hotel address is: 5000 Willows Road, Alpine, CA 91901.
To make hotel reservations via phone, call: 800-938-2532, or via
Internet reservation link:.
When making your reservation by phone or online, provide the following reservation conference code: 160413CALI.
Room rates are: Single: $99, Double: $99, Triple: $119, Quad: $139, Suites: $339.
The rates are all-inclusive of guest room tax.
All guests are required to place a $50 incidental deposit per night, it is not charged until check-in and if not used will be returned to the card presented within 3-7 business days. This is a standard hotel practice and all guests are told of this charge at the time the reservation is made and at check-in.
The cut-off date for reserving a room in our block is March 16th, 2016.
Transportation between the hotel and San Diego International Airport, San Diego downtown Amtrak Station as well as San Diego downtown Greyhound Depot can be provided through the hotel discounted shuttle service, Uber, and Lyft.
Information regarding these transportation options will be found in the 2016 Annual Conference and Convention preregistration announcement.
In a separate conference and convention preview, information will be provided about the San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) ADA paratransit services.
Please share this information with chapters and other interested parties.
The CCB looks forward to welcoming you at the Viejas Casino and Resort.
Conference and Convention Preview:
San Diego Paratransit Service For The 2016 Annual California Council of the Blind Conference and Convention:
(February 23, 2016)
To become visitor-certified for San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) ADA paratransit services, passengers are asked to complete the attached form and fax it to ADARIDE.COM at (310) 410-0239.
The information requested on this form will help MTS Access best serve you while visiting San Diego.
You can also call ADARide offices toll-free 1-877-232-7433 (TTY/TDD: 1-310-410-0985) if you need help to complete the visitor form over the phone.
Visitor status will be provided to any individual who is currently ADA-certified by their hometown Paratransit provider for up to 21 days in any 12-month period.
Your local ADA paratransit provider can fax confirmation of your registration to ADARide securely at (310) 410-0239. Please have them indicate the need for MTS ACCESS specifically. Hopefully their confirmation will include vital information like mobility device used, service animal, contact phone, PCA status, etc.
Ideally, the local provider can complete the visitor request form and fax it to ADARide at the number provided above.
You may reserve a ride after you have been visitor-certified as ADA eligible.
To obtain more information about ADARide.com, go to: www.adaride.com
On MTS Access, children five years of age or younger may ride free with a fare-paying adult. While a Personal Care Attendant (PCA) may travel without paying a fare, at least one passenger must always pay a full fare of $4.50 for a single ride. A fare must be paid when an adult or guardian is travelling as the non-paying child's PCA. Likewise, two passengers cannot claim each other as PCAs to avoid fare payment.
Given the large size of the MTS ADA service area, it is divided into four zones.
Passengers may be required to transfer to another vehicle for interzonal travel just as they would likely transfer between the MTS bus and trolley network of services. For example, if you are at the San Diego International Airport, San Diego Greyhound depot, or San Diego Amtrak station you would likely board a paratransit vehicle in Zone 1, and transfer to another paratransit vehicle to complete your trip to Alpine/Viejas Casino and Resort (Zone 3). You are considered receiving a single ride even with an interzonal transfer. Paratransit drivers will accept the fare in cash if paid in exact change. The drivers do not have the ability to make change for passengers.
Please share this information with chapters and other interested parties.
The CCB looks forward to welcoming you at the Viejas Casino and Resort.
Editor's note: If you need assistance completing the paratransit temporary eligibility form you can either call the number provided or call Ed Branch in the CCB office at 800-221-6359.
Convention Door Prizes
Chapters, affiliates and individuals are encouraged to provide door prizes for the 2016 CCB Conference and Convention.
You can bring door prizes to the convention and leave them at the Convention Registration Desk or provide them to the CCB office ahead of time by sending them to California Council of the Blind, 1303 J. Street, Suite 400, Sacramento, CA 95814.
Seeking A Roommate For CCB 2016 Conference and Convention
From John Vandervort:
I will be arriving April 7th . leaving on April 10th. I have a guide dog.
Seeking a non-smoking male roommate, with a guide dog is okay.
Please contact me at (408) 269-2295 between 7 AM to 9 PM.
Seeking A Roommate For CCB 2016 Conference and Convention
From Eric Calhoun:
I will be arriving April 7th . leaving on April 10th.
Seeking a non-smoking male roommate, with a guide dog is okay.
Please contact me at (323) 514-0766 text me or leave a voicemail message.
Seeking a roommate for CCB 2016 Conference and Convention
From Cam Schure: I will be arriving April 7th . leaving on April 10th.
Seeking a non-smoking female roommate, with a guide dog is okay.
Please contact me at (831)372-0626 between 7 AM to 8 PM.
Roommate Request
From Margie Donovan
Greetings, I am looking for a roommate for the upcoming CCB convention. I will be staying from the 7th to the 10th. I have a guide dog and nor problems rooming with another dog, but a nonsmoker please.
If you are interested please email me at Margie.donovan1@outlook.com
Proposed Resolutions and Constitutional Amendments
From Gabe Griffith
It is that time again to start thinking of those resolutions and constitution and bylaws (C&B) proposals. I am still serving as C&B chair and am back as resolutions chair.
For those proposed C&B amendments the deadline is April 1. Please note that this is the week before convention. This is so the committee can discuss them and prepare them for presentation to the members for a first reading on Friday night April 8.
The resolutions deadline will be noon on Friday April 8.
You can submit either resolutions or C&B proposed amendments to me or any member of the relevant committee.
My contact information for these purposes is gabrielgriffith@gmail.com or (925) 768-8195.
I will have access to phone or email constantly in the weeks leading up to convention and during convention
so please don't be late. Late submissions will not be accepted.
The committees thank you in advance for your cooperation and consideration.
Video Magnifier Awards
The Council of Citizens with Low Vision International (CCLVI) announces the Dr. Sam Genensky Video Magnifier Memorial Awards.
A total of 3 video magnifiers will be awarded to children and adults.
To read the award guidelines and complete an on-line application, please visit the web site:
http://www.cclvi.org/dr-samuel-genensky
Applications may be submitted through April 20, 2016 at 11:59 PM EST.
We look forward to receiving your application materials!
ACB Scholarship Stipends
If you are interested in applying for one of the leadership stipends described below, contact President Jeff Thom asap at jeff.thom@ccbnet.org or by phone at (916) 995-3967.
Excerpt from the February issue of the ACB E-Forum
As ACB approaches its 55th year, the path to leadership is expanding with an enhanced emphasis on developing new leaders for the future. A special grant will fund a one-year program bringing 10 ACB members with recognized leadership potential to the July 2016 national conference and convention in Minneapolis.
Two applicants will be selected for the traditional leadership program, the Durward K. McDaniel First-Timers program, which is entering its 20th year.
DKM recipients must satisfy four basic criteria - 18 years of age or older; blind or visually impaired; members in good standing of ACB; and never have attended a national conference and convention.
Eligible applicants must be recommended by the president of their respective ACB state or special-interest affiliates.
The application process consists of submitting two letters and participating in a telephone interview with DKM committee members.
The first letter, submitted by the applicant, will include the objectives in applying to become a First-Timer, a brief summary of the applicant's background and education, participation in affiliate activities and an assessment of how the DKM program will benefit the applicant and his or her community.
The letter from the ACB state or special-interest affiliate president will describe and confirm the applicant's participation in affiliate and community affairs as well as an evaluation of leadership potential. Telephone interviews will be scheduled with all eligible applicants in mid-April.
Additionally, eight applicants will be selected for the new DKM Leadership Award.
Recipients must satisfy three basic criteria - 18 years of age or older; blind or visually impaired; and members in good standing of ACB. The restriction on previous conference and convention attendance is waived.
Eligible applicants must be recommended by the president of their respective affiliates.
The application process for the DKM Leadership Award also consists of submitting two letters and participating in a telephone interview with DKM committee members.
The applicant's letter will include the objectives in applying for the leadership award; a brief summary of the applicant's education and relevant experience; number of years of membership in ACB as well as previous conventions attended, if any; description of one's role as a leader; and an assessment of what one brings to ACB. The affiliate president's letter of recommendation should address the applicant's contributions to the affiliate, ACB and community organizations; and describe the applicant's demonstrated leadership skills and leadership potential.
Telephone interviews will be scheduled for mid-April.
All recipients receive round-trip transportation; hotel accommodation (double occupancy), per diem stipend for meals and incidentals, convention registration fee and reception and banquet tickets.
Recipients are expected to attend the convention from the opening session Sunday evening, July 3, through the Friday evening banquet, July 8, and to participate actively in all convention activities including the daily general sessions, special-interest presentations, seminars and workshops.
Wine Tasting
Join National Braille Press at our Red, White, & Braille Wine Tasting on Saturday, March 12th at the Holiday Inn San Franciscoâ€"Civic Center at 50 8th St.
2VIP Tasting led by Trustee Lisamaria Martinez will be held 3-4pm at $150 per ticket and the General Admission featuring wine and food stations, a silent auction, and a chance to preview NBP's new refreshable braille display, the b2g, will be held 4-6pm at $100 per ticket.
All proceeds will go towards braille literacy.
To learn more visit, http://braillewine2016.eventbrite.com or call (888) 965-8965.
From Dr. Sharon Sacks, Superintendent, California School For The Blind
Celebrating the Life of Colleague & Friend Phillip H. Hatlen
A Memorial & Celebration Ceremony
Sunday, March 13, 2016 California School for the Blind 500 Walnut Avenue Fremont, CA 94536 12-3 PM
CSB Theater Reception to Follow
RSVP to Sharon Sacks by March 4, 2016 at (510)794-3816 or ssacks@csb-cde.ca.gov
Bring a note or photo to place in a memory book to be shared with Phil's children
CSB is easily accessible to BART, about ½ mile east of the station, an easy walk.
Thank you for reading, Have a nice day
