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November 2008
In This Issue
Halloween Brings Creativity and Fun!
Residents Respond to the Election
Community Partners: Hearts Adaptive Riding
New Medi-Cal Cuts Proposed
Quick Links

Did you know Hillside House now has a blog? 
You can read it and see the latest photos at 

http://hillsidehouse.wordpress.com/

California Disability Community Action Network
http://www.cdcan.us/

Hearts Adaptive Riding Program
http://heartsadaptiveriding.org/
 
Special Report: Fire in Santa Barbara

The "Tea" fire, which broke out last week on the campus of Westmont College, has been 95% contained, with total containment expected by this evening (Monday).  210 residences have been destroyed and 9 have been damaged, and many of the 4500 evacuees still await being allowed to return home.  Thankfully, Hillside House was not threatened by the fire, but we send our wishes for a swift return to normalcy to those who were affected.
 

Halloween Brings Creativity and Fun!
   
HalloweenHillside House residents love to have a party, and an excuse to dress up in funny costumes and have a laugh is even better, so Halloween is always a big hit.  This year, residents outdid themselves with wonderful inventiveness - with the loving help of staff - and a great time was had by all.  

The dedicated volunteers of the Assistance League of Santa Barbara came over in costume to help with the festivities and ran a bingo game with real cash prizes.

Residents also enjoyed helping decorate Hillside House with their drawings of ghosts, pumpkins and other Halloween spooks.

For more great Halloween costume photos, check out the News page of our website at: http://www.hillsidehousesb.org/ne_News.html

Residents Respond to the Election
 

Tom Dale Although residents varied in who they thought ought to be the next president of the United States, the excitement on election night was palpable as we waited for the results to come in.  Here are some residents' responses since the election:
Tom: I think Obama is going to do a good job, but I worry about his safety.
Ingelise: I think it's good to have a younger man as President.
Lynne: I was happy to see a black man elected.  I thought I'd never see this.
Al: I'm happy about the election.  I'm hoping Obama will stop the war.
Liz: I didn't vote for Obama.  I'm worried about his tax and war policies.  I was happy about the proposition giving chickens more room in their cages.
James: I'm happy about the outcome.  I just don't like war.
Joan: I was surprised.  I voted for the other guy, but I'm hoping it works better than it is with the guy we have now.

Community Partners: Hearts Adaptive Riding
 

HorsesOne of the many programs in the Santa Barbara community that Hillside House residents enjoy is Hearts Adaptive Riding, which provides horseback riding and horsemanship activities to mentally and physically disabled children and adults.

The benefits of this riding program for developmental disabilities are profound, and it has proven particularly effective for people with cerebral palsy, autism, and numerous cognitive, emotional and health issues.  

From the Hearts Adaptive website and information materials: "Horseback riding is a complex activity that requires integration from many different systems in the body.  From the beginning, riders learn balance, coordination and self-assurance while receiving physical stimulation from the three dimensional movement of the horse.  Posture, strength, and flexibility improve as does independence and a sense of control.

"For movement-impaired disabilities, horseback riding mimics the human motion of walking in a way unreplicated by any equipment.  As the horse moves, the rider is constantly thrown off-balance, requiring that the rider's muscles contract and relax in an attempt to rebalance.
This exercise reaches deep muscles not accessible in conventional physical therapy, creating deeper relaxation, improved reflexes, and decreased spasticity."

Riders learn self-confidence and emotional control as they relate to the horse.  They develop communication skills, improve concentration and sequencing abilities, and experience increased sensory stimulation.  Exercise becomes fun, and riders enjoy the open air.  Also, a horse can take riders out on trails they could not go on in a wheelchair, expanding their world.  And there is something magical about that bond between horse and rider.

New Medi-Cal Cuts Proposed In Governor's Special Session

The Legislature's non-partisan budget watchdog reported earlier this week that the budget shortfall for California will grow to $28 billion by June 30, 2009 (the end of the current budget year), if the Governor and Legislature fail to take action to make changes in spending and revenues. Last week, the Governor issued a proclamation ordering the current Legislature back to Sacramento for a special session to deal with the budget crisis.  He proposed major spending cuts, as well as increases in revenues, to close the growing budget shortfall.

Proposed spending cuts include major reductions, to take effect this budget year, including permanent cuts to In-HomeHillside House Supportive Services (IHSS), Medi-Cal, CalWORKS, Regional Centers, and education (Kindergarten through 12th grade). The Governor also proposed major increases in revenues, including a temporary three year increase to the State sales tax of 1.5%.  The spending cuts proposed by the Governor have major impact on children and adults with disabilities, mental health needs, seniors, low income children and families across the State.  Hillside House currently relies on Medi-Cal reimbursements for 85% of its income.

No decision has yet been reached on the proposed changes to the current budget.  The Governor can - and likely will -  issue another proclamation that calls for a special session of the newly elected Legislature after they take office in December. 

This update comes from information provided by California Disability Community Action Network (CDCAN).

1235 Veronica Springs Rd.
Santa Barbara, California 93105
805-687-0788