CA UCP/CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY ADVOCACY NETWORK
ACTION ALERT #08-2003
January 13, 2003 - Monday morning

Transportation, Lodging and Other Information for 1/15 & 1/16 Hearings In Sacramento

This update contains information on lodging and transportation for those people -
especially those requiring special needs,  interested in attending the ASSEMBLY Budget Subcommittee hearings January 15 and possibly 16, 2003 (Wednesday and Thursday).  This is not meant to a complete directory of lodging options - but just some ideas for people interested - especially those with special needs.  Please note that Sacramento has very limited transportation options available for people with special needs, however the Sacramento County Paratransit services are available to out of town people (see below). The limited transportation options might be reason enough for self-advocates and families with children with disabilities who plan on staying the night for the hearings, to choose lodging that is within walking distance of the State Capitol.

WHEN ARE THE HEARINGS IN SACRAMENTO?
There are two hearings THIS (week of January 13th) so far that will be considering the $10 billion in proposed cuts to the current budget (covering the period from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003) that the Governor proposed in December. The hearings for the entire budget proposal for 2003-2004 that the Governor released Friday, January 10, won't be held until probably beginning in March.  The Senate has not yet scheduled their hearings - it is possibly that the hearings on January 15th and 16th will be done jointly with the Senate.
* JAN 15 - WEDNESDAY
What: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
Time: not set yet - "upon the call of the chair"
Where: State Capitol, Room 4202
Note: dates and times are subject to change, so always check latest information.

JAN 16 - THURSDAY
What: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
Time: not set yet (will be held only if business was not completed the day
before and meeting is "upon the call of the chair")
Where: State Capitol, Room 447

HOTELS
* Sheraton Grand Hotel (downtown Sacramento) 1230 J Street, Sacramento 95814
(located J and 13th Streets)
Phone: (916) 447-1700  [this is the direct hotel line - you can also reach
reservations at this #]
Reservations Only: 1-800-325-3535
Special Rates: State government rate is $84 (based on availability) but requires
some ID that you are a government worker. Normal rates range between $200-300
Special Needs/ADA: This hotel has several ADA compliant rooms, however none of
their beds are on frames (the mattresses are on a wood platform or box), which
makes it very very difficult for those requiring the use of a Hoyer Lift.  They
might be able to accommodate special requests.
Note: This hotel is about 2-1/2 blocks from Capitol - nice short walk.  I walked
it - the walkway is safe, wheelchair accessible, with curbside cuts.   This hotel
is a block behind the Hyatt Regency. Good very accessible cafe and   restaurants
within the hotel.

* Hyatt Regency Hotel (downtown Sacramento)
1209 L Street, Sacramento, 95814 (L and 12th Streets)
Phone: (916) 443-1234  [direct line to hotel - can also reach reservations at
this number]
Reservations Only: 1-800-233-1234
Special Rates: $84 to $99 government rate, however you must have ID that shows
you are a government employee.  Senior rate (62 or older) is $99, all based on
availability.  Regular room rate is about $202 per night/per room.
Special Needs/ADA: Has several ADA compliant rooms, but none of their beds are on
frames (sits on wood platforms or box) for people who need the use of a Hoyer
Lift.  Hotel staff did indicate they thought they could come up with bed frames
for individuals who may need them.
Distance From Capitol: This hotel is caddy corner across the street from the
Capitol.  Easy 5 minute walk (no barriers for someone in a wheelchair)

* Clarion Hotel (downtown Sacramento)
700 16th Street, Sacramento, 95814
Phone: (916) 444-8000 [direct line]
Reservations Only: 1-800-221-2222
Special Rates: Senior rate (over 50-59) is 10% off approximately and (over 60)
20% off.  AAA rate is $63 (depending on availability).  Regular rate for rooms is
about $79 or so.
Special needs/ADA - Some rooms have beds that are on frames, some do not.
Distance From Capitol: Not within easy walking  distance to  the Capitol, and the
room quality is far  lower than the Sheraton or Hyatt.  In addition,
accessibility within the hotel grounds and to rooms is not as easy as the other
hotels.  However, if you have a car or take taxi, this hotel is okay (in terms of
distance to Capitol)

* Doubletree Hotel
2001 Point West, Sacramento (across from Arden Fair Mall)
Phone: 916/929-8855 [direct line]
Reservations Only: 1-800-222-8733
Special Rates: State government rate is between  $99, regular rate is between
$129-299 depending on availability.  To get government rate, need to have
something that indicates you are a government employee, though they seem less
strict than the Hyatt and Sheraton.
Special Needs/ADA: They appear to have at least SOME rooms that have beds on
frames, however the  front desk and reservations was not sure.  They do have ADA
compliant rooms - fairly standard.
Distance To the Capitol: This hotel is about 10-15 minutes driving distance from
the Capitol. depending on traffic.  You will need a car or taxi.

* Radisson Hotel
500 Leisure Lane, Sacramento  (off of Highway 160 - about 10-15 minutes from
Capitol)
Phone: 916/922-2020 [direct line]
Reservations Only: 1-800-333-3333
Special Rates:  $129 per night, however they have only very very limited number
of rooms.
Special Needs/ADA: no walk in showers; beds DO sit on bedframe
Distance To the Capitol: This hotel (slightly closer to the Capitol than the
Doubletree) is about 10-15 minutes driving distance to the State Capitol,
depending on traffic.

* Holiday Inn Capitol Plaza
300 J Street, Sacramento 95814 (3rd and J Streets)
Phone: 916/446-0100
Special Rates: AARP/AAA is about $95, while government rate is about $92, with
regular rates running at about $115 - depending on availability.
Special Needs/ADA: Beds sit on boxes.  Hotel is adjacent to downtown shopping
mall which includes theaters, restaurants, shops that are generally accessible.
Distance to the Capitol: The hotel is about 7-1/2 blocks from the Capitol, and
not within easy walking distance.

LODGES/MOTELS (SAMPLING OF PLACES NOT TOO FAR)
* Travelodge-Capitol Center Motel
1111 H Street, Sacramento, CA 95814  (located at 11th and H Streets)
Phone: 916/444-8880
Rates: Approximately $69 (includes free parking and continental breakfast)
Distance From Capitol: About 5 blocks.  Would not advise walking that after it is
dark.

* Super 8 Motel - Discovery Park
221 Jibboom (off the I-5 Richards Blvd exit)  Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916/442-7777
Rate: Approximately $55
Distance From Capitol: About 10-15 minutes.  Need to use car/taxi.

* Motel 6 Old Sacramento North
227 Jibboom (off the I-5 Richards Blvd exit) Sacramento, CA 95814
Phone: 916/441-0733
Rate: Approximately $44 (for one person).
Distance From Capitol: About 10-15 minutes, depending on traffic. Need use of a
car or taxi.

TRANSPORTATION
* PARATRANSIT SERVICES (SACRAMENTO COUNTY)  - Paratransit WILL provide services
to visitors!
- Reservations:  (916) 429-2009, ext. 338 (Ed Hawkins) or the same phone number
but select option #3 (customer advocacy and assistance). Reservations open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM daily (including Holidays). Reservations should be made 1 to 2 days before desired ride date. If you wait until 1 day ahead, you need to call by 5
PM. Paratransit in Sacramento unfortunately is unable to provide same day service. BEFORE calling reservations, please have addresses and phone numbers of where you need to be picked up - and the destination of where you are going. (Have pen/pencil and paper ready to take down information).  IF you encounter any problems in trying to reserve a ride, please contact Marty Omoto (916) 446-3204, at UCP.
- Fare: Require exact change upon boarding - standard fare (1 way trip) is $2.00.
Airport trips is $8 each way.  Premium fare could be charged if ride requires
special arrangements.  Attendants ride for free. [Note: there is a fare increase that may have gone into effect]
- Paratransit Operation Hours: 6:00 am to 12:30 AM daily, including holidays.
Services are also available for those people visiting the city who are ADA
qualified (including attendants) for 21 days or less (if you are visiting beyond
21 or more days in a given year, you will have to apply for services as a
resident). First and last ready times is 6 am and 12:30 daily inlcuding holidays.
- Pick-up: 1/2 hour after "ready time". Immediate boarding is required upon
arrival or driver can record trip as "no-show".
- Cancel Line: Open 24 hours. Cancellation must be made at least 2 hours before
pickup to avoid future denial of Paratransit services.
* SUPERSHUTTLE - DOES provide limited service in Sacramento, including van
service for people who require special assistance (wheelchair).  If you need a
van - called an "A Van" or "accessible van", you need to make reservations a day
or two in advance. NOTE:  Supershuttle only provides service to and from the
Sacramento airport (or FROM Amtrak Station TO the Sacramento Airport, if that
makes sense). Supershuttle does not, for example, provide service from a hotel to
the Capitol.  To make reservations (regular van or the "A Van", please call
1-800-258-3826.  Cost is about $11 one way.
* TAXIS - to/from downtown to/from the airport costs about $30 (the airport is
about 20 minutes away from the Capitol). Taxi services for people with special
needs are very hard to find, if not totally unavailable.
* LOCAL BUS AND LIGHT RAIL SERVICES - all are accessible for people with special
needs.  Contact Sacramento Regional Transit (916) 321-2877 and TDD line for
hearing Impaired is (916) 483-4327 for specific routes and times.

MEDICAL EQUIPMENT
* We have confirmed some local vendors on the availability of rental wheelchairs, hoyer lifts and medical equipment that people may need in an emergency. If you find you will need any of these things, please contact Marty Omoto as soon as possible (see below for email and phone numbers).

PARKING
* There is a public parking garage across the street from the State Capitol,
located on L Street (you would enter from 10th Street).
* There is public parking available at the Hyatt Regency Hotel on L Street (enter
the parking garage at 12th Street). Cost in either lot is between $12 to 20 for
the day.
* There is metered street parking along L Street, though normally those spaces
are taken early during the day.  There are limited designated "handicapped" parking spaces.
* For those driving in vans and have special needs, you are advised to come to the
Capitol early enough to find parking (either on the street or in the parking
garage across the street).
* There is all day parking for $9 per vehicle at open air public parking lot at 7th and L Streets (enter from 7th street). No in and out privileges.

ENTRY INTO THE CAPITOL & INFO
* Entry into Capitol for the public is from L Street (North side) only. There is an xray machine to inspect bags and other carried items and a metal detector at the entrance. Photo id is not needed. The entrances is wheel chair accessible - no steps either side). You can only exit from that entrance too.
* Hearing Rooms - Ask the security guards at either entrance for directions to the hearing room (as of now, there is a different room for each day)
* Balcony seating - The hearing room in Room 4202 has additional seating in the balcony, that can only be entered by going to the FIFTH floor (make right off the elevator) to the end of the hallway and entering the appropriate marked door. Very limited seating up there for wheelchairs. There is NO balcony seating in Room 447.
* Restrooms - located near the hallway just before the ramp begins toward the hearing room 4202 doors on both the 4th and 5th floor. Restrooms for hearing room 447 are located near the elevator.
* Cafeterias - Two cafeterias, neither easy to get to for those in wheelchairs. One small cafeteria is on the 6th floor. Once you reach the 6th floor, turn to your right and head up steps to cafeteria (which will be to your left). Those in wheelchairs will need to use lift to get to higher level on the 6th floor. There is larger cafeteria located in the basement of the old part of the Capitol. That is reached from the first floor - and heading toward the Rotunda (those in wheelchairs will need to use ramps that are located near the North or South entrances on the first floor. There are no signs indicating there is a ramp - ask the Capitol security people if you cannot find it. In the hallway on the first floor on either side of the Rotunda - in the old section of the Capitol - take elevator down to the basement cafeteria.  Cafeteria is entered from the Rotunda area of the Capitol in the basement (the entrances is across from the Capitol Bookstore)
* Several water fountains located on each floor of the Capitol.
* Public Phones - Basement of the old or "restored" section of the Capitol, and
also near the 6th Floor Cafeteria in the new/annex section of the Capitol.  Other
public phones are available on certain floors of the new ("annex") section of the
Capitol.
* ATMS - Two ATM machines (Wells Fargo and Golden One Credit Union) are available
for public use in the basement of the Capitol (old or restored section).  Not
certain if the basement area in the restored section will be open to the public
on Saturday.
* Cameras/Video Cameras - Allowed in the Capitol, BUT no picture taking is
allowed in the committee hearing rooms UNLESS you receive PRIOR permission from
the Committee Chair.
* Safety Issues: Though the building is safe, please exercise caution and care when going to the restrooms or areas of the Capitol that may seem deserted.
* Cell Phones - Allowed in Capitol, but ALL cell phones MUST be turned OFF when
entering and remaining in the committee hearing rooms. The Capitol is VERY strict
on this rule and persons.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO AND WHEN?
* The time is NOW! We are looking at a long term, consistent, coordinated statewide advocacy effort based in every legislative district!
* Check out the latest UCP/California Community Advocacy Network Action Alerts that are specific to a hearing (such as the hearings this week in Sacramento) or to particular letter writing effort (see separate alert for letter writing - #09-2003) If you belong to an existing organization - check with them and get them to coordinate actions with others in the state. See UCP/California Community Advocacy Network Alert #6-2003.

NOTE: This is a report for Californians with developmental (& other disabilities),
families, providers and other advocates from the California Coalition of United
Cerebral Palsy Associations. If you would like to get on this distribution (and conversely, get off of it) please send an email with that request to: martyomoto@rcip.com. Please allow some time to be removed from the list (it takes time to delete names from distribution listing). Additions can be added immediately.  Please also send announcements of meetings, and any alerts or legislative reports you or your organization sends out etc. Sharing information is part of our organizing effort. Please feel free to forward/copy this (attribution is nice).  Thanks! Remember - we are all in this together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Marty Omoto, Legislative Director
CA Coalition of United Cerebral Palsy Associations
1225 8th Street Suite 480 Sacramento, CA 95814
916/446-3204  FAX: 916/446-3206 email: martyomoto@rcip.com
Coalition Chair: Michael Williams (UCP of the Golden Gate)
Immediate Past Chair: Ron Cohen (UCP LA and Ventura Counties)

CA UCP/CALIFORNIA COMMUNITY ADVOCACY NETWORK
ACTION ALERT #07-2003
January 13, 2003 - Monday morning

ACTION NEEDED: COME TO SACRAMENTO FOR ASSEMBLY BUDGET HEARING 1/15

WHO SHOULD ACT AND RESPOND TO THIS CALL TO ACTION?
* People with developmental (and other disabilities) people with cognitive
disabilities and their families and providers, advocates
* People with mental health needs and their families, providers, advocates
* People with low incomes, providers and advocates
* People who are Medi-Cal recipients, seniors, their families, providers, direct
care staff, advocates, and other organizations

WHEN ARE THE HEARINGS IN SACRAMENTO?
There are two hearings THIS (week of January 13th) so far that will be considering the $10 billion in proposed cuts to the current budget (covering the period from July 1, 2002 to June 30, 2003) that the Governor proposed in December.
* JAN 15 - WEDNESDAY
What: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
Time: not set yet - "upon the call of the chair"
Where: State Capitol, Room 4202
Note: dates and times are subject to change, so always check latest information.

JAN 16 - THURSDAY
What: Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services
Time: not set yet (will be held only if business was not completed the day
before and meeting is "upon the call of the chair")
Where: State Capitol, Room 447

WHO IS ON THE ASSEMBLY BUDGET SUBCOMMITTEE?
This subcommittee has 3 Democrats and 2 Republicans and is a subcommittee of the Assembly Budget Committee, which will also review what this subcommittee does before actions on the Governor's proposal is voted on by the full Assembly.
* CHAIR:
Assemblywoman Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) [previous member of this committee]
* VICE CHAIR:
Assemblyman Ray Haynes (R-Murrieta) [new member elected November/former senator]
* Assemblyman Mervyn Dymally (D-Compton) [new member elected November]
* Assemblywoman Loni Hancock (D-Berkeley)  [new member elected November]
* Assemblyman Robert Pacheco (R-Walnut)  [previous member of this committee]

BACKGROUND
* The Assembly Budget Subcommittee #1 on Health and Human Services, chaired by
Assemblywoman Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park) covers budget issues impacting programs
for people with developmental and other disabilities, mental health, seniors,
people with low incomes, In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), SSI/SSP, health care including Medi-Cal). The hearings on Jan 15 and 16 will review the Governor's proposed $10 billion in cuts to the CURRENT year budget (that took effect July 1, 2002 and ends June 30, 2003).
* It is not certain yet whether the Senate will hold their hearings jointly with
the Assembly or separately at a different date and time. If held separately, we will issue an alert for those hearings too.
* Hearings on the proposed 2003-2004 budget that the Governor submitted January 10 won't be held until probably early March.

IS IT IMPORTANT TO GO TO THE HEARINGS THIS WEEK?
* YES! Though, given the short time frame, most people coming will be from the
Northern California area - but people from other parts of the state should come
if possible. This is yet another step towards building a permanent,powerful and
effective grassroots network that can make change.
* It is very very important for policy makers to see the faces and hear the
voices of people whose services, supports and programs could be cut or
eliminated.
* Even if you only sit and listen - that helps! Please attend! Time to speak
(testify) will be very very limited, so keep your remarks brief and to the point.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I BE THERE? WHERE SHOULD I GO?
* A time for the hearing might be announced later on Monday (1/13). We will send out word when a time is set. Until then, plan to be in Sacramento as early Wednesday morning as possible.
* We are organizing a briefing/orientation just prior to the hearing time on
Wednesday morning to brief and answer questions, provide some talking points,
discuss strategy and ideas to self-advocates, families, direct care workers,
providers and others.
* We have not yet set a time or location yet, until a time for actual hearing is set. It will either be outside the Capitol (west steps area) or in the Capitol cafeteria basement or possibly in a meeting room across the street from the Capitol.  Final details will be released late Monday. Watch for it!

WHAT SHOULD I BRING AND WHAT SHOULD I SAY OR DO?
* See separate Alert for information about lodging, transportation, etc (UCP/California Community Advocacy Network Alert #08-2003)
* The briefing/orientation being held prior to the hearing will have suggested
talking points, and other information for you to consider using.
* We do not know how the hearing will be conducted - and how much time will be
allowed for public testimony, but normally, time for people to make comments is
very, very limited and not everyone may have the chance to speak.
* People should focus, (and very very briefly), on the critical need for the
specific critical services or supports THEY are receiving and that they depend
and need. Providers and workers can focus (briefly) on the specific services and
supports they provide, perhaps even naming a specific family or person the
service is critical for.
* Avoid being rude. Avoid lecturing or making general or rhetorical statements.
* Whether you are in the audience or able to speak - bring and hold up (for the
entire hearing) the picture of the person you are speaking for - or of a person
who needs these services who could not be at the hearing, or a picture of a
person who receives the services or supports you provide.

WHAT ELSE CAN I DO AND WHEN?
* The time is NOW! We are looking at a long term, consistent, coordinated statewide advocacy effort based in every legislative district!
* Check out the latest UCP/California Community Advocacy Network Action Alerts that are specific to a hearing (such as the hearings this week in Sacramento) or to particular letter writing effort (see separate alert for letter writing - #08-2003) If you belong to an existing organization - check with them and get them to coordinate actions with others in the state. See UCP/California Community Advocacy Network Alert #6-2003.

NOTE: This is a report for Californians with developmental (& other disabilities),
families, providers and other advocates from the California Coalition of United
Cerebral Palsy Associations. If you would like to get on this distribution (and conversely, get off of it) please send an email with that request to: martyomoto@rcip.com. Please allow some time to be removed from the list (it takes time to delete names from distribution listing). Additions can be added immediately.  Please also send announcements of meetings, and any alerts or legislative reports you or your organization sends out etc. Sharing information is part of our organizing effort. Please feel free to forward/copy this (attributionis nice).  Thanks! Remember - we are all in this together.

FOR MORE INFORMATION
Marty Omoto, Legislative Director
CA Coalition of United Cerebral Palsy Associations
1225 8th Street Suite 480 Sacramento, CA 95814
916/446-3204  FAX: 916/446-3206 email: martyomoto@rcip.com
Coalition Chair: Michael Williams (UCP of the Golden Gate)
Immediate Past Chair: Ron Cohen (UCP LA and Ventura Counties)