[NFBSF] Fwd: Important Update: Berkeley Rides for Seniors and the Disabled Program Cuts

[Daveed Mandell]

Sent from my iPhone

Begin forwarded message:

From: Daveed Mandell <daveedmandell at gmail.com>
Date: April 14, 2025 at 6:59:41 PM PDT
To: Sheela Gunn <sgunn at thecil.org>
Cc: Helen Walsh <diversedisabilitymedia at comcast.net>, Betsy Morris <betsymorris88 at gmail.com>, Pilar Zuniga <pilar at ecologycenter.org>, Emma Martin <emartin at thecil.org>
Subject: Re: Important Update: Berkeley Rides for Seniors and the Disabled Program Cuts

One thing I forgot to add in this note is that the city of Berkeley could charge, say, two dollars per ride.I think that would be fair. No one asked for a free service. No other city provides a free service. I think Berkeley is just looking for  a bunch of excuses, so they don’t have to assist people with disabilities. They are so lax in so many areas with regard to people with disabilities. Oh yes, I think it’s time for a litigation.
Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 14, 2025, at 12:52 PM, Daveed Mandell <daveedmandell at gmail.com> wrote:

I have talked to Victor and Emma and I proposed a transit equity research project but now we need more than ever as Berkeley is cutting a program that is already in equitable and that will be much much worse. We cannot allow this to continue. Berkeley has not been engaging well with people with disabilities for years and now it’s getting worse. It isn’t just about transportation, but certainly transportation is very important for us. We cannot allow Berkeley to cut this program. In fact we have to demand that it increased the program the budget is being cut on our back and it is being done deliberately and wanted and we cannot allow this to continue. We’ve got to stand up and demand better. I think it is time frankly and I don’t like to do this, but I think it’s time to sue the city of Berkeley. I think we need a class action and we need it now.
Sent from my iPhone

On Apr 14, 2025, at 12:15 PM, Sheela Gunn <sgunn at thecil.org> wrote:

Don't know who of you has seen this, but thought you might want to join in the coversation about it.

@Pilar: I know you've talked with Helen and Betsy about this sort of thing, but, if you haven't talked with Daveed, he has a lot of resources and ideas re possible solutions.

Take care, and catch some SUN!
*grin* S
-------- Forwarded Message --------
Subject:    Important Update: Berkeley Rides for Seniors and the Disabled Program Cuts
Date:    Mon, 14 Apr 2025 11:15:00 -0700
From:    Alexander Sing <asing at thecil.org>



Hi Team,

I wanted to share an article published on April 8 by Berkeleyside regarding recent changes to the Berkeley Rides for Seniors and the Disabled (BRSD) program:*Berkeley Rides program for seniors and disabled residents faces cuts* <https://www.berkeleyside.org/2025/04/08/berkeley-rides-for-seniors-and-the-disabled-program-cuts>.

Due to significant budget constraints, the City of Berkeley is scaling back this vital transportation program, which may impact many of the community members we support. Key changes include:

* *Reduced ride vouchers*:
   o Taxi scrip will drop from three $200 vouchers per year to two
     $120 vouchers (a 40% decrease).
   o Wheelchair-accessible van vouchers will also be reduced from
     three to two per year.
* *New applicant waitlist*: The program has reached full capacity, and
 new applicants will be waitlisted moving forward.


These cuts are expected to substantially impact older adults and people with disabilities who rely on these transportation options to access medical care, grocery stores, and other essential destinations. The article also highlights broader concerns about accessible infrastructure and the growing need for equitable transit solutions.

Please read and share the article above.

Best regards,
*Alexander Sing <https://thecil.org/staff/alexander-sing/>* (/pronouns: he/him/)
*Information and Referral Specialist*
*The Center for Independent Living, Inc. (CIL)*
3075 Adeline Street, Suite 100
Berkeley, CA 94703
*Voice*: (510) 841-4776, ext. 3136
*Direct/Text*: (510) 422-5058
*Email*: asing at thecil.org <mailto:asing at thecil.org>
*Website*: www.thecil.org <http://www.thecil.org>


*_Image Descriptions_*:

1. *CIL Logo*: A black circular logo with "CIL" inside, followed by the
 text "Center for Independent Living" and "Access for All" in black.
2. *California ADRC Logo*: A circular logo with three abstract figures
 in purple, yellow, and white encircling each other. Next to it is
 "California Aging & Disability Resource Connection" in purple and
 yellow.
3. *Inform USA Certification Badge*: A circular badge with a blue
 border and a speech bubble icon inside, reading "Inform USA
 certified Community Resource Specialist Aging & Disabilities" in blue.

*Feedback*: Please submit a feedback survey here <https://thecil.org/ir-feedback/>.