Share |

Marty Omoto Commentaries

Periodically commentaries will be sent out by CDCAN about the state of our community. The commentaries hold insight into what we, as a community, must do not only to protect ourselves, but also to fight for our rights.

It's about hope

Marty Omoto's commentary in defense of the proposed suspension of the Lanterman Developmental Services Act during the first month of the Schwarzenegger administration in 2003.

It's about the rights of people with disabilities

An interview by Dave Tibbs of the UCP of the Golden Gate of Marty Omoto of CDCAN touching on issues affecting us all.

The Other California

Marty Omoto looks at two different Californias; one with opportunity and potential, one without.

Fixing a hole

It is easy to justify almost anything but justifying something is not the same thing as doing what is right. The Legislature and Governor are considering proposals without public hearings or detailed scrutiny is wrong.

Remembering the past

A lesson in advocacy taken from our past experiences.

Bad things happen when good people stand by

A story ran about the assault on a man with cerebral palsy by a woman while by-standers stood by, watched, and did nothing.

State Controller needs to correct SSI/SSP payment information

State Controller John Chiang distributed incorrect information about delayed payments for certain services which needed to be corrected.

Defying Gravity; policymaking needs to change, NOW!

After 9 consecutive years of budget deficits, spending cuts and cost containment measures one would think a change in policymaking would have already happened.

Schwarzenegger says proposal to suspend Lanterman and cut services "A mistake on my part."

Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger admitted in a press conference his initial proposals to suspend the Lanterman Act and to cut services for people with developmental disabilities "...was a mistake on my part."

Remembering Congressman Matsui

Marty Omoto remembers the life's work and dedication of congressman Robert Matsui.

Self-determination and abuse of emergency regulations

It is a a peculiar trend with the Schwarzenegger Administration where one step forward in advancing rights for people with disabilities and seniors seems to be accompanied by two steps back by reducing funding and taking away rights.

Fiscal Responsibility: more than just balancing a budget

California is now 38 days without a budget with no end in sight to the stand-off in the State Senate.

Unpleasant budget speak

The use of different words can create an artificial reality which allow policymakers to speak of unpleasant proposals, bad and even horrific ideas one would not dare not speak in public.

Day of Rememberance: California Memorial Project & Lives that Matter

This commentary refers to memories of how California treated people who were buried in unmarked graves in state institutions.

Advocacy is about lives that matter

We should not allow any report or document to somehow control our commitment to rights or limit our vision for the future or diminishing our hopes for the people we love.

Praying for time

The difficult times have been a part of our community since the 1990s when those first budget cuts occurred. We lagged behind others when times were good and somehow ended up in front when times got bad.

Keeping the promise made 35 years ago

Reprint of the opposing view guest editorial in response to a column regarding the Governor's proposals impacting children and adults with developmental disabilities.

Many thanks regarding my sister Sheri Omoto Chapman

I wanted to take this time to express my family's deep appreciation for the many messages, emails, cards and notes of condolences and prayers on the passing of my sister, Sheri Omoto Chapman, who died unexpectedly on February 4, 2005 at the age of 47 years.

An exceptional moment in the California legislature

Every Californian would have been proud at the level of debate in the state legislature: the sincerity of values, the passion of beliefs, and the respect shown.

Unexpected passing of a beloved son

Parents aren’t supposed to outlive their own children and when it happens, it seems there is a heavier burden of loss and a deeper feeling of emptiness and sadness that never fades away.

Words matter in a movie as do words and actions in Sacramento

Marty Omoto discusses the pain words cause from the big screen and from state and nation's capitols. Words such as "reduction," "rate freeze," "cost containment," "controlling costs," "quality assurance," "cost participation," are all used by our state's and nation's leaders which should not be ignored.

African proverb: When you pray, move your feet

This commentary and action alert is about the issue of revenues – and the need also to raise it. More importantly, it is really about fairness.

The fight for justice now!

Marty Omoto writes about the life's work of Cesar Chavez and the importance of doing what is right.