May 15th, Capitol Action Day

California State Senator Michael Machado

Assemblymember Lois Wolk

Camisha Grandberry, 1st Runner Up MWC 2008, Mrs. Jesse Unruh, and Ruthee Goldkorn, Executive Director of MWC.



Speaking at the Capitol

May 9-11th, Whole Earth Festival

The Whole Earth Festival, celebrated each year in Davis CA, is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate the earth that we live on. In keeping with the festival's "green" theme, I was able to share how Joni and Friends recycles unused wheelchairs and takes them to the developing world where they are much needed. We met many new friends and encountered a good deal of support. Thanks again to everyone for stopping by!

April 24-25th, Disability Rights in Asia Conference

Top left: Judy Huemann, Director of the Department on Disability Services.

Top right: John Lancaster, Executive Director, National Council on Independent Living.


Bottom second left: Hon. Richard Thornburgh, Of Counsel, K & L Gates, former Attorney General of the United States.

Bottom second right: Akiko Ito, Chief of the UN Programme on Disability for the Division of Social Policy and Development, Department of Economic and Social Affairs. Saowalak Thongkuay, Regional Development Officer for Disabled Persons International in Thailand.

Bottom third left: Venus Llagan, former Chairperson of Disabled Persons International in the Philippines.

Two weeks ago, I attended a conference on disability human rights law in Asia at the University of Washington School of Law in Seattle. I learned how the legal framework of the new UN Convention on Disability Rights is applicable in the United States. To learn more about this new Convention, please visit http://www.un.org/disabilities/.

April 27th, Access Leisure VIP Game

I had a great time awarding medals to VIP athletes at Cal State Sacramento Hornet Stadium.

May 10th, California for Disability Rights Chapter #14

CDR chapter #14 meeting to organize the Sunshine Rally at the Capitol steps.

April 23rd, Sacramento State University

This week is Disability Awareness Week at Sac State University. The theme this year is "Recreation without Barriers." I was fortunate to meet with considerable interest in disability rights and advocacy amongst the crowd.






I was able to share in an interview with a school newspaper about the advocacy work Ms. Wheelchair California does in the state.















Paralympic silver-medal hand-cycle champion Alejandro Albor.

April 17th, Disability Awareness Day at Sacramento City College

Top left: Supported Life Institute
Self-Advocacy Coordination Project
is seeking advisors. If you are interested, please contact Ed Plan at edplon@supportedlife.org or visit http://www.supportedlife.org/

April 16th, Alzheimer's Association Rally

Hundreds of supporters came to the steps of the Capitol in Sacramento on April 16th to stop budget cuts on in-home support services for those affected by Alzheimer's and people with disabilities.

April 12th, Fundraiser Events for India

In May, I will be going with Joni and Friends Wheels for the World program to distribute 200 wheelchairs to people with disabilities in Ongole, India. For the last few months, I’ve been fundraising money to go on the trip. On the top left, whenever we have time, Tad and I spend our Saturday mornings at the Davis Farmer’s Market asking for donations for his sculptures. Tad makes all the sculptures with only his hands and has used his art to contribute to this life-changing cause. Come see him bend sculptures and help support a great cause! We will be at the Whole Earth Festival from May 9-11th at UC Davis.

Below and on the right, my friend Lonna kindly opened up her home for a dinner fundraiser. With the help of some friends, she made delicious Indian food. I met many amazing souls that night. Although we came from different backgrounds, we all had a heart for India. Many of them gave me great insights and financial support. I would like to thank all of them for their generosity!

March 28th, Dinner in Morgan Hill

Dinner in Morgan Hill with Ruthee Goldkorn, Executive Director of Ms Wheelchair California, Nina, Bob and Maureen Hunt, who are organizing the July 4th Gilroy Parade. We had a fun time getting to know each other. I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Bob and Maureen for their generosity in inviting Ruthee and me to be in the parade. We hope you can join us there on the Fourth of July! For more information, please visit www.mhparade.com.