Community Speaks Out In Rancho Cucamonga

Over 100 concerned citizens came out to discuss and voice their opinions on the Governor's proposed budget cuts to home care at the Rancho Cucamonga Community Forum hosted by SEIU-ULTCW at the Goldy S. Lewis Community Center on Thursday (June 26).

The forum included a panel discussion on the particulars of the budget and the challenges faced by homecare workers.  The panel included Julie Williams, a systems change advocate, Paul Lane, an IHSS consumer and radio host, Ola Famutimi, a homecare provider and Cheryl Reagan, a member of Clergy and Laity United.

Also making an appearance was Norma Torres, the Mayor of Pomona and candidate for the 61st Assembly District.

Following the discussion, attendees took to computers to email their legislators to stop the cuts.

Some quotes from the event:

Julie Williams: "These cuts will adversely affect our lifestyle and really squeeze us at a time when gas and food prices are so high."

Paul Lane: "If these cuts go into effect, how will I get help?  They (the legislators) have never sat in our chairs, they have never had our disability."

Ola Famutimi:  "I have two children with sickle cell anemia.  It's hard out there.  The simplest thing we can do for a human being is to help them feed and clothe themselves in their own home."

Cheryl Reagan: "What has been proposed is not moral.  It is not just for people to live without basic care and services."