California
Disability Community Action Network
DISABILITY RIGHTS NEWS REPORT
ADVOCACY WITHOUT BORDERS
Report #110-2007 August 10,
2007 Friday
Goes out to
over 45,000 people, organizations, policymakers across California
To respond to this report
reply to: Marty Omoto at martyomoto@rcip.com CDCAN website:
www.cdcan.us
State Government
* Elizabeth Pazdral New State Independent
Living Council Director
* Pazdral Succeeds Mike Collins Who Took New Job In
Washington DC
* Governor Appoints New Appointments Secretary John Cruz
* Position Important for Filling Governor's Appointees
SACRAMENTO (CDCAN) - Two appointments that have impact on
people with disabilities, seniors, mental health needs and others were
announced Thursday afternoon (August 9) - one by Governor Arnold
Schwarzenegger, and the other by the State Independent Living Council.
[
Note: To find out more information about possible open appointments
or more information about state agencies or commissions, go to the CDCAN
website at www.cdcan.us
and click on "state government" (left side bar on the
homepage). ]
Elizabeth Pazdral Appointed New Executive Director of SILC
David Wilder, Chair of the California State Independent Living Council (SILC)
announced the appointment of Elizabeth Pazdral as the new executive
director of the agency, succeeding Mike Collins, the agency's first
and only executive director. Pazdral, who will begin her duties on
September 1, currently works as a Community Resources Development
Specialist in the Department of Rehabilitation.
She replaces Collins who announced his resignation April 30th, to
become the new executive director of the National Council on Disability
based in Washington, DC (effective June 18th). The National Council
on Disability is an independent federal agency making recommendations to
the President and Congress to enhance the quality of life for all
Americans with disabilities and their families. There are 15 members on
the Council who are appointed by the President and must be confirmed by
the US Senate.
Background of California State Independent Living Council
* The 17 member California State Independent Living Council was originally
established as an Independent Living Advisory Council (ILAC) to the
Department of Rehabilitation.
* In 1992, that role changed when changes to the federal
Rehabilitation Act required states to establish independent Statewide
Independent Living Councils in order to retain federal funding for
independent living services.
* In July of 1996, Governor Pete Wilson signed an executive order which
established the SILC as an independent California state agency.
* Working with the California Department of Rehabilitation, the State
Independent Living Council prepares a "State Plan for Independent
Living" which sets the policy and funding levels for the state's
network of Independent Living Centers and services with continued
public input and outreach to monitor changes in needs, services and
supports.
* The State Independent Living Council monitors the implementation of the
State Plan and coordinates with similar state agencies and councils at the
state and federal levels to increase communication and help assure that
services to people with disabilities are delivered effectively.
* Website is
www.calsilc.org
Mike Collins was the Council's first and only executive director until
Pazdral's appointment was announced on Thursday (August 9). With the
Department of Rehabilitation, with its new director Tony Sauer (who
succeeded Catherine Campisi) the State Independent Living Council develops
and approves the multi-year State Plan for Independent Living and monitors
its implementation. It also coordinates activities with the State
Rehabilitation Council and conducts quarterly meetings around the state to
secure input from the public on disability and independent living issues
and advises the Governor on those issues
Pazdral said that “It is an honor to advance the vision of this Council
which represents several of the important disability communities in
California,“ and added that the State Independent Living Council would
be "...committed to working collaboratively for independent living
that is inclusive of all underrepresented people, creates new leaders, and
champions the Olmstead decision.”
Wilder said that Pazdral "...not only has hands-on experience in
working with people with disabilities at the local level as Executive
Director of the Community Resources for Independent Living in Hayward, CA,
and Independent Living Services Manager in Los Angeles, but she also has
the state level experience.”
In addition, Ms. Pazdral has worked as a Vocational Counselor and taught
socialization and enrichment skills to people with mental illness and/or
history of substance abuse, and adults with developmental disabilities in
Vancouver, British Columbia and Auburn, Washington.
Governor Appoints New Appointments Secretary John Cruz
Also on Thursday (August 9) Governor Schwarzenegger
announced that John G. Cruz would take over as the new appointments
secretary, replacing Ricardo Sarmiento, who resigned unexpectedly on
July 12. The appointments secretary - a little known position in the
Governor's office to the general public, plays an important role in overseeing
the Governor's appointments to commissions, departments, boards and other
entities
The appointments secretary also sets guidelines for
evaluating resumes, interviews and background checks as well as represents the
Governor at public forums which provide opportunities to recruit candidates
for appointment. The position, depending on the appointment being
considered, can have significant impact on people with disabilities, mental
health needs and seniors, low income families and others. The position does
not require approval (confirmation) of the State Senate and pays $133,728 per
year.
Governor Schwarzenegger said that Cruz “...shares my
commitment to excellence and will assist me in continuing to appoint the best
and the brightest individuals from diverse backgrounds in state service.”
Background of Cruz
* Age 56, a Republican, from San Clemente
* Earned law degree from University of Michigan Law School and a BA in
business administration from the California State University, Fullerton
* Since 2005, Cruz has served as a commissioner on the California Gambling
Control Commission (CGCC)
* He has been licensed to practice law in California since 1979 and
specialized in real estate, business and transactional law. I
* In 1992, Cruz founded the law firm of Daehnke & Cruz, where he
practiced until becoming a commissioner for CGCC.
* Previous to that, served as an associate and as of counsel with
several law firms located in Southern California, as well as having his own
private practice.
* From 2002 to 2007, he served as an appointed member to the Federal Service
Impasses Panel, where he worked to resolve impasses between federal agencies
and unions representing federal employees.
* Cruz a former officer and trustee for the Orange County Hispanic
Bar Association and previously served as a member of the Orange County
Sheriff's Department Technical Reserve Program.
* Currently, he is a co-founding and active member of Hispanic 100 and also
serves on the Santa Ana Education Foundation Board of Directors.
Cruz replaces Ricardo Sarmiento, 36, who earlier
this year took over in February as the Governor's appointments secretary, but
resigned his position July 12th, after only five months on the job,
citing personal reasons. There is no further updates or information on
his resignation.
Sarmiento had said he resigned his job because he and his wife are
expecting their first child in the coming weeks and said it was a
personal decision to leave so he could be close to his family.
Given the fact that his wife was pregnant at the time of his appointment
in February, his abrupt departure for the reason of expecting a child
raised some eye brows on what other issues led to his resignation
The Governor's office officially had no further comment on Sarmiento's
departure and Sarmiento declined any further public comment.
OTHER APPOINTMENTS
Other appointments made by the Governor, announced earlier
this month (August 1), that have some impact on people with disabilities,
seniors and others: To find out more information about possible open
appointments or more information about state agencies or commissions, go to
the CDCAN website at www.cdcan.us and click
on "state government" (left side bar on the homepage).
COMMISSION ON THE STATUS OF WOMEN
Impact: Created originally in 1965 as an advisory to
then Governor Pat Brown, and later as an independent state agency in 1971
(legislation signed by then Governor Ronald Reagan), the commission is
responsible to "study, recommend and advise" the Governor and the
Legislature on "inequities in law, practices and conditions that impact
women in California". While not targeted specifically at women with
disabilities or mental health needs, or seniors, the commission has looked at
issues or legislation with that focus. In addition, the commission is charged
with looking at working conditions for women - and women account for a
majority and a continued growing segment of the workforce population that
provides supports and services to people with disabilities, seniors and
others.
* Elmy Bermejo - a Democrat, age 52,
of San Francisco, re-appointed for another term. She has served on the
Commission since 2003. Bermejo has also served as special assistant to Senate
President Pro Tempore Don Perata since 2004 and a partner of Tommy’s
Heavenly Margarita Mix since 2005. Previously, she was a district
representative for Senator John Burton from 1995 to 2004 and district director
for Congresswoman Lynn C. Woolsey from 1993 to 1994. Bermejo is board
president of the Hispanas Organized for Political Equality (HOPE) and a member
of the Women’s Foundation of California.
State Senate approval (Confirmation) required: Yes.
Compensation: $100 per diem (no salary)
Linda DeKoven - a Democrat, age 53, of Los Angeles, re-appointed to the
Commission on the Status of Women. She has served on the Commission since 2006
where she currently holds the position of first vice chair. Since 2002, has
served as president of DeKoven Entertainment, a television production company.
Previously was executive vice president of NBC Entertainment from 1993 to 2000
and, prior to that, vice president of Warner Brothers Television from 1991 to
1993. Member of the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society Board of Directors and the Los
Angeles Zoo Association.
State Senate confirmation required: Yes.
Compensation: $100 per diem
Daniel Zingale - a Democrat, age 47, of Sacramento,
appointed to the Commission on the Status of Women. Has served as chief of
staff in the Office of First Lady Maria Shriver since 2005 and senior advisor
to Governor Schwarzenegger since 2006. From 2003 to 2005 was a member of the
Agricultural Labor Relations Board. Previously served as cabinet
secretary for Governor Gray Davis in 2003. Was founding director of the
Department of Managed Health Care, a department designed to promote patient
rights and a more stable and solvent managed health care industry, from 2000
to 2002. Served as chief executive officer of the AIDS Action Council and AIDS
Action Foundation, a national patient advocacy organization. Prior to that,
Zingale was deputy controller and chief of staff in the Office of the State
Controller Gray Davis.
State Senate Approval (Confirmation) Required: Yes
Compensation: $100 per diem (no salary)
PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION (PUC)
Impact: The Public Utilities Commission oversees state laws regarding
telephone service and other utilities - including programs meant to provide
assistance or access to people with disabilities, seniors and others.
STEPHEN ST. MARIE, PHD, a Republican, age 55, of San Francisco, has been
appointed advisor on policy and planning for the Public Utilities Commission (PUC).
Served in various capacities for the PUC since 2003 and currently serves as
chief of staff to Commissioner John Bohn. From 2003 to 2004, St. Marie was a
public utilities regulatory analyst for the PUC. Previously, he was a
principal for Navigant Consulting Incorporated from 2001 to 2003 and chief
economic consultant for the California Electricity Oversight Board from 2000
to 2001. Prior to that, he held several senior positions with National
Economic Research Associates from 1981 to 2000. Currently serves as president
of the Power Association of Northern California.
State Senate approval Confirmation) required: No
Compensation: .$97,128 per year
(CALIFORNIA) OFFICE OF HOMELAND SECURITY
Impact: agency is an important part of the State's disaster and emergency
preparedness that impacts people with disabilities, mental health needs,
seniors and others in California.
Jay Alan Wierenga - a Republican, age 46, of Fair Oaks,
has been appointed assistant director of communications for the Office of
Homeland Security. Served as communications director for the California
Conservation Corps since March 2007. Previously was a news anchor and talk
host for Newstalk 1530 KFBK from 2003 to 2007 and was a news anchor for KTXL-TV
Fox 40 in Sacramento from 2000 to 2003. Is a member of the Stanford Home for
Children Advisory Board and is a former board member for Big Brothers and Big
Sisters in Sacramento.
State Senate approval (Confirmation) required: No
Compensation: $101,952 per year
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MANY THANKS to Manteca CAPS, Training Toward Self Reliance, UCP, California
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