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Josh Cable has 17 years of experience as a writer and editor for newspapers, B2B publications and marketing organizations. His areas of expertise include U.S. manufacturing, lean/Six Sigma and workplace safety and health. An Orange County jury has ruled that GEICO must pay nearly $23 million in damages to a Newport Beach, Calif., man who sued the insurance company for breach of contract after it delayed payment of a $400,000 claim. In October 2009, GEICO policyholder Omar Dauod was involved in a collision with a motorist who ran a stop sign, according to an article the Orange County Register. The other driver’s insurance coverage had a maximum payout of $100,000. In April 2012, Dauod filed an underinsured-motorist claim with GEICO for his policy limit of $400,000, and he provided documentation showing that he had incurred $125,000 in medical bills and more than $600,000 in lost wages since the accident, according to Dauod’s lawsuit. “His medical treatment included medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for a dastardly injury, thoracic outlet syndrome, related to the accident by all treating medical professionals,” the lawsuit asserts. Eighteen months after Dauod filed his claim with GEICO, the insurance company paid him the $400,000, but only after an arbitrator ruled in Dauod’s favor. From the time that Dauod filed an underinsured-motorist claim in April 2012, his lawsuit alleges that GEICO engaged in a series of stall tactics and legal games. For example, for the first five months, the insurer “did not subpoena or request records, did not contact treating doctors, did not contact accident witnesses, did not interview any witnesses to the wage-loss claim or request a statement [from Dauod or his wife, Gina] in accordance with the policy [and] did not request a medical examination authorized under the policy,” according to the complaint. After the first five months, GEICO requested “spurious and irrelevant documents,” such as paperwork that Dauod’s lawyers already had provided, the lawsuit alleges. On Aug. 23, 2012, Dauod demanded arbitration. “Once arbitration was demanded, defendant GEICO embarked upon an extended and frivolous round of litigation, designed to frustrated and delay resolution of the case to keep the money with GEICO and not allow plaintiffs the benefit of their bargain,” the lawsuit alleges. In December 2014, Omar and Gina Dauod filed a lawsuit against GEICO in the Superior Court of California for Orange County. Gina Dauod later withdrew her claim. Earlier this month, an Orange County jury determined that GEICO unreasonably delayed payment of Omar Dauod’s policy benefits. The jury awarded Dauod $9.96 million for past economic and non-economic damages, including the loss of two homes and his loss of business as a real estate developer, in addition to mental suffering and emotional distress. On top of that, the jury awarded him $13 million in punitive damages. GEICO’s attorneys indicated that they would appeal the verdict, the Orange County Register reported.

U.S. Sens. Gary Peters and John Thune said they are exploring legislation that would pave the way for the development of self-driving vehicle technology. Peters, a Democrat from Michigan, and Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, issued a joint statement asserting that “the slow pace of regulation could become a significant obstacle to the development of new and safer vehicle technology in the United States.” “As we seek to identify areas where Congress should assist innovators in bringing this new technology to our roads, we will work closely with our colleagues, interested safety and mobility advocates, and other leaders in automated-vehicle technology to find solutions that enable the safe testing and deployment of self-driving vehicles and assure public confidence,” the senators said. “We both recognize that public policy must adapt to this new, rapidly changing technology to ensure the federal government maintains safety while leaving room for innovators to reach their full potential.” Peters and Thune said they’d like to propose a joint bill in 2017, although they don’t have a specific timetable yet. “We are particularly interested in ways to improve regulatory flexibility for testing and development of self-driving vehicles without changes to regulations that would affect conventional autos,” the senators said. “Our effort will also include a discussion on the existing patchwork of laws and regulations and the traditional roles of federal and state regulators.” In March 2016, the Senate Commerce Committee, which has legislative jurisdiction over the Department of Transportation (DOT), held a hearing on automated-vehicle technology and organized a Senate exhibition of self-driving technology from Volkswagen, Tesla and other manufacturers. In September 2016, DOT issued guidance for autonomous-vehicle development that included a 15-point safety assessment for manufacturers. In early 2017, the agency announced that it has designated 10 pilot sites to encourage testing of autonomous-vehicle technology. Peters, co-founder of the Senate Smart Transportation Caucus, introduced bipartisan legislation that was included in the 2015 highway bill, allowing states to invest federal dollars in complementary vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I) technology. Thune is chairman of the Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation. “More than any other automotive technology in history, self-driving vehicles have the potential to dramatically reduce the more than 35,000 lives lost on our roads and highways every year and fundamentally transform the way we get around,” the senators said. “Ensuring American innovators can safely develop and implement this technology will not only save lives but also solidify our nation’s position as the world leader in the future of mobility.”

Renegade Parts Washers has announces the release of a new automatic top load parts washing system that will enable body shop, fleet maintenance and engine repair operations to boost their level of quality repair. The Renegade Model TMB-5500 Parts Washer Solvent-Free System functions like a dishwasher to clean a broad range of parts and components covered with grease, oil or lubricants. With speedy cycle times, the wash zone features a spray manifold to deliver high pressure force and high temperature cleaning performance consistent with manufacturers’ parts quality compliance, warranty and certification programs. Automation features include PLC programmable wash cycle timer and heater timer. Increased automation allows the operator to multi-task, and reduced labor costs impact cost of operations. Rugged stainless-steel construction means low maintenance but delivers high performance batch after batch. The Renegade TMB-5500 Parts Washers are designed to work with specially formulated, solvent-free detergents for maximum cleaning without residue buildup and lower environmental impact. The Renegade detergent wash medium discharges zero hazardous waste to the environment; it’s considered industrial waste in the same category as your mop water. Furthermore, there are no harmful VOCs, and zero solvent vapors eliminate solvent odors. For more information, call (800) 774-7900 or visit www.renegadepartswashers.com.

Safe Drive Systems, a New York City-based developer and distributor of anti-collision radar systems, said it has introduced “the world’s most sophisticated platform for avoiding chain-reaction traffic accidents.” “Our new radar-enhanced RD-140 Super Premium tracks brake lights in the car ahead and also spots pedestrians even in harsh weather, when the driver’s vision can be compromised,” said Roy Aaron, an industry consultant for Safe Drive Systems. The system includes radar decoding technology that automatically flashes the rear brake lights several times per second when it senses that a crash might occur, Aaron explained. “Flashing the brake lights, of course, enables drivers of vehicles trailing behind to recognize that the vehicle in front of them is in the process of stopping due to an emergency,” Aaron added. “This early warning is designed to significantly reduce the chance of a crash that could, in turn, result in a chain-reaction pileup.” Because the back lights are activated even before the driver presses on the brake pedal, drivers who are immediately behind have a longer period to react, according to the company. RD-140 Super Premium also senses the presence of pedestrians at a distance of up to 460 feet away, even at night or when visibility is impaired due to inclement weather conditions such as rain, storms, fog, or snow. It filters out glare from the sun that can constitute a real danger, especially in sun-belt states, according to the company. “This advanced system also contains all the enhancements built into veteran SDS devices, including danger warnings in the event of an impending crash, tailgating and swerving out of lane,” Aaron added. The radar system is based on an advanced processor that functions as its brain, collating statistics from sensors and processing the information in order to activate warnings in real time. The screen and keyboard feature a user-friendly interface that also provides visual warnings and allows the driver to enter data, according to Safe Drive Systems. In addition to the radar and the decoder, the system includes a seven-watt loudspeaker that sounds warning alarms. RD-140 Super Premium can be installed in any vehicle manufactured since 2006, according to the company.

The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) is praising U.S. Sen. Orrin Hatch for bringing up the Promoting Automotive Repair, Trade, and Sales (PARTS) Act during a recent meeting of the Senate Committee on Judiciary. The PARTS Act, which Hatch reintroduced in April 2017, would specify that it’s not an act of infringement for an alternative parts supplier to sell an aftermarket collision repair part once 2.5 years have elapsed from the date of the design patent. The previous enforcement period was 14 years. Last fall, DePaul University College of Law professor Josh Sarnoff published a white paper asserting that the PARTS Act is necessary to preserve a competitive marketplace for aftermarket parts. Hatch submitted the white paper for the record at the April 18 Senate Judiciary Committee hearing. “PCI applauds Senator Hatch for raising the importance of the PARTS Act to the competitive aftermarket parts industry during today’s hearing,” said Nat Wienecke, senior vice president, federal government relations, for the Property Casualty Insurers Association of America. “Consumers should have the choice between original equipment manufactured parts or alternative sources of non-OEM parts to replace the cosmetic exterior parts of a car that are commonly damaged in an auto crash.” Stuck in committee since last April, the PARTS Act “would protect the patent law consumer repair right for exterior, non-structural, non-safety-related exterior collision repairs for motor vehicles,” PCI explained. “Without this right, consumers may be forced to purchase much more expensive parts from the original equipment manufacturers, and the cost of those parts could make repairs not economically viable forcing the consumer to replace their car,” said Wienecke. “As the cost of auto repair is increasing, the availability of quality aftermarket, or new, non-branded automobile collision parts can save families money.”

Audi became the first company to demonstrate an automated vehicle in New York, at an event near Albany. Audi offered rides and demonstrations of Audi Highway Pilot technology – Society of Automobile Engineers Level 3 automation – to legislators, their staffs, media and other stakeholders. The vehicle is capable of automated driving at posted highway speeds when specific conditions are met. Two trained engineers were in the vehicle to monitor the system and ensure safety – one in the front seat and one in the back. Audi’s demonstration vehicle already has safely logged thousands of miles on limited access highways across the United States, according to the automaker. “Audi, with the partnership of forward-thinking states like New York, are at the forefront of defining the future of transportation,’’ said Scott Keogh, president of Audi of America. “That kind of innovation only happens with industry and government working hand-in-hand toward a shared goal of safer roads.” New York recently selected Audi of America as the first company approved to perform autonomous vehicle testing in the state after Gov. Andrew Cuomo announced that the state was accepting applications from companies interested in testing or demonstrating autonomous vehicles on public roads. New legislation included in New York’s FY 2018 budget allows for testing autonomous technology through a year-long pilot program. Audi’s vehicle routing information for the Albany demonstration was pre-approved by the New York State Police and its application was approved by the Department of Motor Vehicles. State Police review the route to be taken, and are required to supervise the demonstration.

Miller Electric Mfg. Co. and Hobart, both subsidiaries of ITW (Illinois Tool Works), have earned upgrades in their quality certification. The quality management systems of both Miller and Hobart have been registered to Quality System Standard ISO 9001:2015. Miller and Hobart are among the few organizations in their industry that have globally transitioned and upgraded to the new ISO 9001:2015 standard, which is a process approach certification that emphasizes sharing organizational knowledge, risk assessment, top management leadership and improvements. The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) develops international standards such as ISO 9001 and is an independent, international agency with a membership composed of 165 national standards bodies. “This achievement demonstrates that as an organization we met and fulfill the ISO 9001:2015 requirements and continue to make quality a priority,” said Deb Arfstrom, quality systems manager for Miller. “This can be seen through our employees who take time to focus on how they can improve products and processes for our end users. Their ideas, efforts and dedication are what make our quality system effective – and one that continues to be recognized as being ‘best in class.’ It takes hard work and dedication to embrace and achieve certification, and the results add value to the organization and ensure customer satisfaction.” In 1993, Miller became the first manufacturer of welding and cutting equipment to be registered to the ISO-9001 standards, according to the company. ISO 9001:2015 specifies requirements for a quality management system that demonstrates an organization’s ability to consistently provide products and services that meet customer and applicable statutory and regulatory requirements, and aims to enhance customer satisfaction through the effective application of the system. “Miller and Hobart continue to recognize that customer satisfaction is foremost,” Arfstrom said. “Our dedicated loyalty to continuously improve products ensures satisfied customers, on-time delivery and quality products.”

Anyone looking for a job in automotive service now can find Auto Care Association postings by using Google’s new job-search engine, Google for Jobs. For job seekers, the integration streamlines the job search by displaying career opportunities from the Auto Care Careers website and multiple employment sites in one place. It also helps more people find work by bringing greater exposure to the career opportunities in the automotive service industry. When employers post jobs to the Auto Care Careers website, the jobs are automatically searchable through Google for Jobs, creating even greater exposure, the association said. The Google for Jobs application appears before Google’s standard search results, prioritizing the positions over other employers, job boards and staffing agencies that don’t have an established partnership with Google. “The Auto Care Association is excited that Google for Jobs will help streamline the job-search process and create quality connections between employers and candidates in the auto care industry,” the association said.

The Auto Care Association has released the Digital Auto Care Factbook 2018 and the Digital Auto Care Factbook & Lang Annual 2018. In this 27th edition, readers will find: An updated summary of “Key Economic Indicators 2013-2017” by Northwood University An extended Industry Forecast through 2020 by IHS Markit (new) An updated Program and Retail Distribution Summary by Babcox Media An updated “Global Automotive Aftermarket Review” by Jefferies Profiles for DIY-DIFM Consumers, and updated Replacement Rates by IMR (new) Insights into Delayed Maintenance, Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTC Telematics) by IMR (new) Updated U.S. New and Total Vehicle Registrations by IHS Markit An updated Hybrid Vehicles Summary by IHS Markit Updated “U. S. and Global Aftermarket Dynamics” by Northwood University Updated Global Registration summary by IHS Markit An update on the Canadian Automotive Aftermarket recap by DesRosiers Overview of two new reports on Mexico and China (new) “The auto care industry is going through rapid transformation on multiple fronts,” said Bill Hanvey, president and CEO of the Auto Care Association. “From the change in parts demand due to an aging vehicle population and new vehicle technology, to changes in distribution though industry consolidation and e-commerce, the trends in the industry are forming and changing at a dizzying pace. The Auto Care Association has conducted months of research to deliver our members the most pertinent data they can use to make key business decisions, for the 27th year in a row.” The online format allows readers to turn pages with the click of the mouse, locate data with the comprehensive “word search” feature and print a copy of the entire publication. The Digital Auto Care Factbook contains: Key economic indicators Channel Forecast Model Financial profiles, acquisition and merger activities DIY consumer and vehicle demographics Replacement rates for motor vehicle parts and jobs Information on key auto care segments U.S. motor vehicle registrations, operating costs and miles traveled State summary statistics Global economic and automotive data including vehicle registrations by country U.S. trade data for selected motor vehicle products and top-ranked import/export countries Information on the Canadian, Mexican and Chinese auto care industries The Lang Annual section contains: Sales volume analysis of 80 key products Service market product volume by major type of service outlet DIY product volume by major type of retail outlet Number of jobbers in the U.S. and by geographic area Distribution analysis by five major channels Changes in vehicle mix Bay population by major service outlet groups Analysis of growth by major auto care segment: – Service market – DIY market – Domestic vehicle market – Foreign vehicle market – Distribution channels – Vehicle type – Service market – DIY market – Domestic vehicle market – Foreign vehicle market – Distribution channels – Vehicle type Forecasts of key auto care trends, including: – Domestic and foreign share of light vehicles – Average age of foreign and domestic light vehicles Auto Care Association members received a complimentary copy of the Digital Auto Care Factbook 2018 as a member benefit, along with three guest passes. While members can purchase additional copies at $450, the non-member price is $1,750. The Digital Auto Care Factbook & Lang Annual 2018 also is available for $895 to Auto Care Association members and $2,695 for non-members. To order any of these digital publications, visit www.autocare.org/factbook2018 or contact member services at (301) 654-6664.

Understanding how advanced driver-assistance systems work is a key aspect of diagnosing problems with the technology – and avoiding replacing parts that aren’t causing the system issues. On the I-CAR Repairability Technical Support portal, I-CAR explains that there are two types of park-assist systems: park assist and active park assist. “Park assist uses sensors in the rear and/or front bumper covers to sense the distance between the vehicle and the object,” I-CAR explains. “Active park assist uses the same sensors in the front and rear bumpers. However, there are generally more sensors used.” Typically, those additional sensors are located in the sides of the bumper or in the fender. While park assist normally only makes a sound and/or displays an image to show the distance between the vehicle and the object, active park assist will engage other vehicle systems to physically park the vehicle. Park-assist systems typically use ultrasonic sensors, according to I-CAR. “An ultrasonic sensor uses sound waves to detect the distance to an object,” I-CAR explains. “The sensor sends out and receives the sound wave after bouncing off a detected object. The time it takes for the sound wave to return determines the distance the object is from the sensor.” For more, read I-CAR’s “Understanding the Park Assist System.”

While the stated goal of developing driverless vehicles is to make our roads safer, the OEMs are concerned that autonomous technology will have the unintended consequence of making drivers even less engaged in the driving process than they are now. “The semi-autonomous features that are the building blocks of tomorrow’s driverless cars were designed to compensate for inattentiveness behind the wheel,” Keith Naughton writes in the Bloomberg article “Robots Are Ruining Your Driving Skills.” “Instead, they may be enabling drivers to place too much faith in the new technology.” That has the automakers “terrified,” one consultant tells Naughton in the Bloomberg article. In our glued-to-our-smartphone culture, is it any wonder that driver-assist systems – from lane-departure warning to automated emergency braking – already are so popular? “Surveys have shown consumers are fond of semi-autonomous features because they take the stress out of stop-and-go traffic and alleviate the monotony of long trips,” Naughton writes. “But the freedom afforded by the new aids has invited abuse by drivers who treat the technology as if it’s fully capable of taking control, with little or no human input necessary. YouTube videos have emerged showing daredevil drivers hopping in the back seat as they trick the technology to believe they have hands on the wheel.” Mike Harley, group managing editor at Kelley Blue Book, tells Naughton that driver-assist technology is making drivers “lazier and less attentive.” “Most of today’s digital ‘driver assistance’ features are designed to overlay basic driving skills, which relaxes the driver’s sense of responsibility,” he says. For more, read “Robots are Ruining Your Driving Skills.”

The Database Enhance Gateway (DEG) has recognized industry partner PPG as the longest-standing platinum sponsor of the online industry resource for five years and counting. The ongoing financial contributions from PPG and continued support extended to the DEG team help to allow all industry professionals to access the free service. The DEG accepts submissions from estimating system end-users who have questions about potential errors, omissions and inaccuracies found within collision industry estimating programs. This service is especially helpful to users seeking a resolution to address labor times, missing parts information and clarification to estimating programs. The DEG works directly with representatives of the information providers to address inquiries and resolve issues in a timely fashion. With nearly 12,000 inquiries to date, the DEG has a proven track record in successfully addressing industry-generated concerns that result in changes to the estimate database. In addition to inquiry processing, the DEG publishes a weekly Estimator Tip that is accessible for free to everyone on their website and is also distributed through the Society of Collision Repair Specialists and the Alliance of Automotive Service Providers. “PPG has been a longtime supporter of DEG because we believe in standing behind solutions that bring meaningful value to the industry,” said Domenic Brusco, senior manager, industry relations at PPG. “With a history of support that extends to many different trade organizations, it’s really important that PPG supports resources that we feel confident can help customers in their business. The DEG has proven its effectiveness in seeking answers that help improve the estimate quality, and this positively impacts our customers as they construct their repair orders. PPG has many shop clients who utilize this service from the DEG, and who have expressed the positive value they receive from the initiative.” End-users who would like to submit an inquiry or who are looking for more estimating resources should visit http://www.degweb.org.

DeVilbiss Automotive Refinishing has introduced the new TEKNA Clearcoat Spray Gun, which is designed to spray the latest generation higher-solid clearcoats with remarkable efficiency and ease. TEKNA Clearcoat is the latest edition to a series of material-specific, premium spray guns from DeVilbiss. The TEKNA Clearcoat gun features an all-new TE25 high efficiency air cap – the latest generation of DeVilbiss air caps, engineered to produce even material distribution and uniform atomization. The TE25 offers painters better control and seamless overlapping of clearcoat to provide improved gloss levels from finishes, while using noticeably less material. This lightweight gun is anodized inside and out for corrosion and scratch resistance. The TEKNA Clearcoat kit also includes an HV30 (HVLP) air cap, HAV-555 digital gauge, disposable cup adapter, color ID rings and gun wrench, as well as 1.2mm, 1.3mm and 1.4mm fluid tips. The new TEKNA Clearcoat guns will begin shipping on Aug. 14, 2017, and are now available for pre-order in the U.S. and Canada. For more information, visit www.autorefinishdevilbiss.com.

The Alliance of Automotive Service Providers of New Jersey (AASP-NJ) will hold its 13th annual Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing on Sept. 18 at the Colonia Country Club in Colonia, N.J. The event, which pays tribute to former board member and influential association member Lou Scoras, also raises money for a scholarship in his name, helping to engage and inspire the next generation of automotive technicians. As one of the association’s most popular events, the outing typically hosts more than 100 players and dozens of sponsors. “The golf outing always has a great turnout, of both players and supporters,” Executive Director Charles Bryant said. “Lou was so important to this industry and to so many people, and this is a great opportunity for everyone to relax, have some fun and support an outstanding cause.” As the event moves into its 13th year, AASP-NJ President Jeff McDowell said the golf outing has become a tradition for those who attend. “Every year we get to go out on the links, and it’s always a very successful event that I think Lou would’ve been proud of,” he said. “We have a great time, and it’s good seeing familiar faces come out, as well as some new ones.” Registration for the Lou Scoras Memorial Golf Outing begins at 10 a.m., followed by an 11:30 a.m. lunch and a 1 p.m. shotgun start. The tournament will conclude with a cash bar, dinner and prizes starting at 5:30 p.m. Registration forms for participants and sponsors are available at www.aaspnj.org, or by contacting Bryant for more details at (732) 922-8909.

In partnership with Spectra Premium Industries Inc., the APC Series is proud to announce that Spectra Premium will join as the Official Temperature Control provider for the series. In addition to this partnership, Spectra Premium will be the official event sponsor of the Canada Day weekend event at Delaware Speedway slated for June 29, 2018. Spectra Premium, founded in 1989, is based out of Boucherville, Quebec, and currently employs more than 1,500 employees across North America. As an automotive manufacturer, Spectra Premium is engaged in the design, engineering, manufacturing and distribution of key automotive and heavy-duty parts for the aftermarket and original equipment manufacturers. Beyond its involvement with day-to-day automotive parts, Spectra Premium is heavily involved in motorsports, notably with the design and manufacturing of several high-performance all-aluminum racing radiators. These radiators are newly available for this 2018 season, including two racing radiators specifically designed for the APC Series: the RR1500 for the GM Crate Motor and the RR1501 for the Ford Crate Motor. In addition to these motorsports radiators, Spectra Premium Industries Inc. was the first radiator manufacturer to be granted the CAPA 601 Certification. This CAPA 601 radiator standard is a quality certification that confirms the radiator passed rigorous testing to ensure the part will be equivalent to the car company brand radiator for the collision replacement industry. Spectra Premium is a North American leader in aftermarket automotive cooling systems, fuel delivery, engine management, climate control and undercar products. The company’s mission is to develop and provide premium automotive and heavy-duty parts that are the choice of original equipment manufacturers and automotive technicians. Every Spectra Premium employee is committed to achieve this mission via a global manufacturing and distribution network supported through top customer service and after-sales support. Delaware Speedway will play host to the Spectra Premium 100 as part of the Canada Day weekend on Friday, June 29. The historic half mile is located just outside of London, Ontario, and has played host to many exciting moments throughout the series. Six events were previously held at the facility. Andrew Gresel has been the most successful thus far in series competition at Delaware Speedway by claiming three victories and another top three performance. Other previous winners include Brandon Watson, Jesse Kennedy and Cole Powell, all claiming one series victory at the ½ Mile.

More than 40 food banks across the country will be able to help ensure that at-risk kids in their communities do not go hungry this summer, thanks to a five-week nationwide food drive by Caliber Collision Centers that resulted in a record-breaking 3.2 million meals. Over the past six years, Caliber Collision’s annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive has collected thousands of pounds of food and over $1.2 million in cash, resulting in more than 10.1 million meals for food banks in the communities it serves across 17 states and the District of Columbia. Caliber Collision’s Food Drive is an all-volunteer, grassroots effort by its 10,600 associates, who rallied and challenged their local communities, business partners and each other to donate cash and food to support local food banks. “We are proud of the passion and dedication of our associates who are driven to give back to their local communities,” said Steve Grimshaw, CEO of Caliber Collision. “It is this commitment to serve that inspires our teammates to continue breaking Caliber’s Rhythm Restoration Food Drive record, year after year, to help combat childhood hunger.” Caliber’s Food Drive is the largest effort in the collision industry, according to the company. Colorful food collection bins and displays were set up at Caliber’s 500-plus locations to inspire teammates, partners and customers to donate food items. The centers also engaged their local communities through a variety of fundraising events such as car shows, auctions, dunk tanks, head shaving, pie throwing and other fundraising opportunities. “On behalf of the hungry in our communities, we thank all the Caliber associates and generous donors,” said Francie Cooper from the Tarrant Area Food Bank in Texas, one of the more than 40 nationwide food banks supported by Caliber’s efforts. “One out of five children in the U.S. worry about where they will get their next meal, especially during the summer. We couldn’t do what we do to help these children and their families without Caliber’s amazing and generous support.”

Global Finishing Solutions has announced the promotion of Steve Love to manager of the parts and filters sales department. Love has been with GFS since 2014, working within the industrial sales business unit. Love began his career with GFS as an estimator, and in 2016 was promoted to the position of estimating manager. In this role, Love not only gained management experience but also worked internally to develop process improvements. “I am honored to take on this new role as the parts and filters manager at GFS,” said Love. “I look forward to bringing new ideas, opportunities and growth to our distribution partners and our customers.” Added GFS President James Faragher, “Steve’s experience with GFS and his leadership qualities have proven his dedication to achieving short- and long-term goals for the benefit of the company and our customers. I am confident that Steve will be an excellent fit in this role and will continue to strengthen our position in the parts and filters market.” In his new role, Love will work closely with internal departments, distribution channels and with GFS’s strategic accounts to continue to develop their parts and filters business unit.

Safe drivers who are in accidents caused by others often see auto insurance rate hikes, according to recently released research by the Consumer Federation of America (CFA). The research analyzed premium quotes in 10 cities from five of the nation’s largest auto insurers. Among the cities tested, drivers in New York City and Baltimore pay out the most for doing nothing wrong, and customers in Chicago and Kansas City also face average increases of 10 percent or more when another driver crashes into them. “Innocent drivers who don’t cause accidents should not be charged more because someone else hit them,” said J. Robert Hunter, CFA’s director of insurance and the former insurance commissioner of Texas. “Most people know that if they cause an accident or get a ticket they could face a premium increase, but they don’t expect to be punished if a reckless driver careens into them.” CFA called on lawmakers around the country to prohibit such penalties on innocent drivers. “Penalizing safe drivers hit by another car is not only very unfair; it also discourages them from filing legitimate claims,” said Hunter. “Lawmakers and regulators need to protect consumers from being punished when they’ve done nothing more than use the policy they have already paid for.” At least two states already prohibit such penalties. While drivers in eight of the 10 cities tested by CFA can be surcharged if they’re hit by another driver, CFA research found that consumer protections in California and Oklahoma prevent insurance companies from raising rates on drivers in those states when they are involved in an accident that was not their fault. Some Companies More Unfair Than Others There are significant differences in the way the five companies CFA tested treat customers after accidents they did not cause. Progressive used the not-at-fault penalty most aggressively, surcharging drivers in every test where such an increase is not prohibited by state law. GEICO and Farmers sometimes raised rates by 10 percent or more for not-at-fault accidents. Allstate occasionally penalized drivers who did not cause the accident, while State Farm never increased premiums for these accidents. Being Hit by Another Motorist Costs More for Lower Income Drivers The increases charged for not-at-fault accidents vary from customer to customer, even for the same company in the same city. CFA’s research over recent years has consistently found that good drivers with certain socio-economic characteristics that suggest lower incomes generally pay more for auto insurance than higher-income drivers with the same driving record. This pattern holds when it comes to penalizing drivers for accidents in which they were not at fault. Comparing two good drivers, whose only differences reflected their individual socio-economic circumstances rather than their driving safety record, CFA found the following: Higher-income drivers paid $78 more on average after a not-at-fault accident Moderate-income drivers paid $208 more on average after a not-at-fault accident Higher-income drivers faced a 6.6 percent penalty on average after a not-at-fault accident Moderate-income drivers faced a 9.6 percent penalty on average after a not-at-fault accident Excluding State Farm customers, who were never penalized, the average surcharges jumped to $99 (8.3 percent) for higher-income drivers and $264 (12.1 percent) for moderate-income drivers. Premium Hikes for Not-At-Fault Accidents Adds to the Unaffordability of Auto Insurance Identified by Recent Federal Insurance Office Study According to CFA, more than 18 million residents living in 845 ZIP codes across the country face basic auto insurance premiums that have been deemed unaffordable by the United States Treasury Department’s Federal Insurance Office (FIO). For drivers living in states where insurance companies can charge more for not-at-fault accidents, some good drivers find premiums even further out of reach, despite having done nothing wrong. The FIO report, released in its first Auto Affordability Study in January and available here, calculated the average premium charged to drivers in underserved ZIP Codes across the country for state minimum limits liability insurance, the insurance coverage required in every state but New Hampshire. More than 18 million Americans live in ZIP codes where the average premium for basic insurance is more than 2 percent of the median household income in that community. Because most drivers have not been involved in a recent accident, the average premiums identified in the study are lower than the actual premiums drivers are likely to face when insurance companies penalize them for having been hit by another driver who caused an accident. That would leave auto insurance even more unaffordable for many good drivers who are already struggling to comply with state insurance mandates. “We already have a severe problem in this country, because so many Americans live in communities where auto insurance is unaffordable,” said Douglas Heller, an insurance expert who conducted the research along with CFA’s Michelle Styczynski. “State leaders should at least prevent insurance companies from punishing good drivers for having the bad luck of being in the vicinity of someone else’s bad driving.”

To ensure an ultra smooth surface, use Transtar’s Pit-Fill Spot Putty, a single-component, polymer-based system that air dries to a sandable, durable finish in minutes. Designed for use in filling scratches, pinholes, low spots, blemishes, sanding marks and other surface imperfections, Pit-Fill Spot Putty has excellent adhesion to bare metal, galvanized, aluminum and over other properly prepared existing finishes. Once cured, it can be sanded to a featheredge and accepts virtually all paint finishes. It features minimal shrinkage and an ultra-smooth consistency. Benefits include: Excellent adhesion to a wide variety of substrates Dries in minutes and is easy to apply Ready to sand in half the time of other spot putties Superior adhesion and featheredging properties Excellent hold-out with minimal shrinkage Durable, polymer-based system Easy-to-close container keeps material clean Ergo dynamic package helps reduce waste and is easier to handle than larger tubes For more information about Transtar’s products and services, visit www.tat-co.com.

From aftermarketNews.com With the rise of Uber and alternate transport options for consumers, OEMs are rightfully concerned about the impact the increased usage of these options will have on consumers’ interest in purchasing future vehicles. A new report from the Automotive Connected Mobility (ACM) service at Strategy Analytics, “Impact of Ride Sharing Frequency on Vehicle Purchase Intention,” has found that ridesharing usage may not negatively impact the future vehicle purchase intention of current vehicle owners. Key report findings include: Ridesharing usage actually increased the likelihood that current vehicle owners would purchase another vehicle within the next five years. This was true across the U.S., Europe and China. Frequent ridesharing users who also own their own vehicle had greater transportation needs than those who don’t. Ridesharing fills a niche that is convenient but will not supplant their personal vehicle. Millennials that had no children and used ridesharing at least once a week were less likely to purchase another vehicle within the next five years than all respondents who had children. “The question of how emerging transportation options like ridesharing and car-sharing will impact vehicle sales is a very complex one to answer,” said Chris Schreiner, report author and director of syndicated research, User Experience Innovation Practice (UXIP) at Strategy Analytics. “Issues of cost, convenience, usability, privacy, type of journey and length of journey all impact transportation choices. Frequent ridesharing users do not seem likely to delay their next vehicle purchase, but it is still possible that they might choose a less expensive or lower-class vehicle. Alternatively, they may choose to downsize their fleet from three vehicles to two.” Kevin Nolan, vice president of UXIP, added, “However, it is prudent to note that external factors such as ridesharing competition reducing end-user costs, expanded availability and autonomous taxis, all have the ability to negatively affect consumers’ future purchase decisions.” Click here for the report.

The Automotive Service Association (ASA) has announced that it will present a live broadcast of Carm Capriotto’s Town Hall Academy Live during its Annual Business Meeting & Conference May 2-4 in Orlando, Fla. Each Friday at noon EST, Capriotto hosts a live discussion on Facebook on different topic affecting shop owners. The event, sponsored by Blue Collar Technologies, will feature a panel discussion on the importance of preserving state periodic motor vehicle inspections (PMVI). The panel will include Robert L. Redding Jr., ASA’s representative in Washington, D.C.; Joe Batista, vice president of sales and business development for Parsons Corp.; and Sybren van der Pohl, an ASE Master L1 technician and owner of Adolf Hoepfl & Son Garage in Houston. Capriotto, host of the award-winning “Remarkable Results Radio” and producer of AutoInc. magazine’s popular podcast series, “AutoInc. Audio,” will moderate the discussion. Panelists are expected to present background on the history of PMVI programs and, citing studies, explain their value and effectiveness, as well as offer ways that states without programs can begin establishing their own. In addition, the panel will field questions from the live audience. “ASA is excited to provide this Town Hall on vehicle safety inspections to the repair community,” said Redding. “We only have 15 state vehicle inspection programs in the United States. And with new vehicle technologies moving into the market, inspection and maintenance are critical pieces to assuring America’s highways are as safe as possible. ASA is committed to protecting state inspection programs and advocating that other states consider establishing programs.” The Town Hall Academy Live event will take place from noon to 1 p.m. on Friday, May 4, at the Disney World Swan & Dolphin Hotel and Resort. Limited seating will be available. For those unable to attend the ASA Annual Meeting, you can view the Facebook live event by visiting http://bit.ly/thalive “Blue Collar Technologies is excited to partner up with ASA and Remarkable Results Radio on such an important subject like PMVI,” said Pete Rudloff, owner of Blue Collar Technologies, which designs and builds the FlexCheck Auto digital inspection software suite. “The value of state-mandated PMVI is often hard to calculate, but I think it’s simple common sense that we need to save these programs to keep the roads safer.”

In an interview with a Dallas TV station, Matthew and Marcia Seebachan – who recently won a multi-million-dollar negligence lawsuit against John Eagle Collision Center – talk about their harrowing ordeal and what the verdict means to them. They tell Fox 4 reporter James Rose that they hope the verdict will save the lives of others who might be driving compromised vehicles and not know it. The Fox 4 piece also features their attorney, Todd Tracy, who doesn’t mince words when he says, “The insurance companies bully there body repair shops … by sitting these saying, ‘If you don’t do it our way, we’re not going to pay you.’” The news piece also includes a quote from a State Farm representative, who asserts that the allegations in a separate but related lawsuit against the insurer are “not supported by the facts.”

Repairify, Inc., makers of the asTech diagnostic device, have signed an agreement with Certified Collision Group (CCG) that calls for asTech to be the preferred provider of diagnostic and vehicle electronic repair services for CCG and their national collision repair network. “At asTech, we protect people’s lives by ensuring proper repair of automotive electronic systems,” said Dan Young, vice president of sales and marketing of asTech. “We recognized early on that CCG’s unique model of a network driven by independently-operated certified repair centers is similarly focused on protecting their customers by producing safe and proper repairs each and every time. We’re excited about the opportunity to partner with an organization committed to OEM certifications and using OEM repair procedures to fix cars the right way.” asTech states that it uses only OEM factory scan tools operated by ASE Certified Master Technicians. asTech secures the vehicle build data on every car. The build data provides asTech technicians access to all of the modules on the car. Within minutes of completing the diagnostic service request, asTech sends a report to the repair facility that lists the OEM tool used, the number of modules read, key repair recommendations, and all of the diagnostic trouble codes and issues identified during the diagnostic process. “Our whole goal is to keep the car in the production lane at the shop,” said Young. “Using OEM tools, asTech is be able to perform reprogramming and recalibrations while the car stays at the CCG repair center.” Added CCG President and CEO Bruce Bares, “The combination of CCG’s proven platform requiring advanced repair capabilities through OE certifications, leading B2B partner KPI results, and having rapidly yet very selectively grown into 30-plus states clearly led us to aligning with the industry’s top diagnostics services provider. We are excited about the partnership with asTech, knowing we’ll both continue to scale rapidly and that it’s built to last.” In addition to receiving a special incentive on the purchase of a new asTech device, CCG shops will also have access to online and in-person training. asTech and CCG will continue to collaborate together to provide instructional training to their rapidly growing network of OEM certified collision repair centers.

Even though it seems scanning has stolen the spotlight from aluminum repair lately, aluminum repair is still a big deal in the collision repair industry. Ever since the introduction of the all-aluminum F-150, collision repairers have had to get training on repairing aluminum because it’s different than steel. Some have also had to get additional tooling and equipment. And aluminum is not a passing fad – more and more automakers will be introducing this metal into their vehicles in order to hit government-mandated fuel efficiency requirements. The 2017 BodyShop Business Industry Profile gives us some confidence that things are trending in the right direction when it comes to aluminum repair. Approximately 61 percent of you said you currently feel prepared to perform aluminum repairs. Also, 69 percent of you said either you or someone in your shop has had aluminum training in the past year. In an industry that sometimes falls victim to the “I’ve been doing this for 30 years” mentality, the fact that repairers are actively seeking training is a good thing. For more results from the 2017 Industry Profile, read the May issue of BodyShop Business.

Insurance Auto Auctions, Inc. (IAA) has announced the construction of a new facility near Fort Worth, Texas. The new branch, scheduled to open in November 2017, is strategically located north of the Dallas-Fort Worth area and complements IAA branches in Grand Prairie and Wilmer. This is the 16th IAA location in the state of Texas. “This expansion will provide the flexibility to respond to the growing inventory needs of current and future customers as well as offer a wider vehicle selection for buyers,” said John Kett, CEO and president of IAA. “The location will also ensure critical reserve capacity for catastrophic events.” The new 200-acre state-of-the-art facility will include 18,000 square feet of office, run and drive and warehouse space. The office space will include multiple conference rooms and offices that will be available for IAA’s insurance customers to use for training claims adjusters on site. In keeping with IAA’s environmental philosophy, the branch will incorporate enhanced sustainability features, including using recycled asphalt and concrete for resurfacing as well as the use of recycled water for landscaping. For a full listing of all IAA’s 170-plus locations in North America, visit www.iaai.com/locations.

A judge recently sentenced 30-year-old Michael Young of Sacramento, Calif., to more than 10 years in state prison for leading a fraud scheme that bilked insurers out of an estimated $500,000. California authorities assert that Young and several others filed multiple insurance claims after crashing cars into each other or filing claims on vehicles with existing damage, an illegal practice known as “paper collisions.” According to California Highway Patrol detectives, Young’s fraud ring operated in the Sacramento area between 2014 and early 2016, filing dozens of claims ranging with a number of insurance companies. The individual claims ranged between $5,000 and $40,000. In most cases, the scofflaws used false identities to register and insure the vehicles involved in the fraudulent claims, and accomplices followed scripts when communicating with insurers, according to California authorities. Some defendants allowed their identities to be used for compensation and then cashed checks issued in their names. The ring grew as friends and family members were recruited, according to investigators. “California is ground zero for auto insurance fraud, and every policyholder pays for these crimes through higher auto insurance rates,” said Insurance Commissioner Dave Jones. “This organized-crime ring was brought down by the hard work of our detectives and the California Highway Patrol. Our investigative partnerships with law enforcement partners and district attorneys are critical to eradicating insurance fraud.” Young was arrested in April 2016, and charged with numerous felonies, including insurance fraud, possession of stolen vehicles, identity theft and possession of firearms by a convicted felon. The case is being prosecuted by the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Detectives are seeking three at-large suspects with outstanding warrants and asking for the public’s help to find them. The suspects are: Jazlyn Ladana Burrell, 20, of Vallejo; Lavina Louise Nunally, 26, of Sacramento; and Desiree Patricia Vasquez, 22, of Sacramento.

CARSTAR North America announced that NASCAR champion Jeff Gordon will help kick off the the 2017 CARSTAR North America Conference where, for the first time, both U.S. and Canadian networks will be represented. The conference, themed 1NE CARSTAR, will be held Aug. 23-25 in Charlotte, N.C., home of NASCAR. The events will be held at the Westin Hotel as well as the NASCAR Hall of Fame and Charlotte Motor Speedway. It will open with a special welcome dinner Wednesday night, then shift gears to focus on strategic planning, management education sessions, panel discussions, vendor partner networking events, motivational speakers, an insurance industry forum and CARSTAR Vendor Expo held at Charlotte Motor Speedway, It will close with the annual awards presentation. Gordon, four-time NASCAR champion, current NASCAR on FOX analyst and longtime Axalta ambassador, will join the opening night festivities as the keynote speaker, presented by Axalta. Axalta is a leading paint supplier for CARSTAR North America. CARSTAR joined Driven Brands, Inc. in 2015 and, in 2016, integrated with CARSTAR Canada to become CARSTAR North America. Driven Brands is headquartered in Charlotte, and the CARSTAR Conference will showcase the Queen City and all it has to offer as well as the racing environment Charlotte is known for throughout the country. “We’re going to be in Charlotte for the largest MSO network event of the year, so it’s perfect to have one of NASCAR’s biggest stars be a part of our event,” said Michael Macaluso, president, CARSTAR North America. “Jeff’s success on the track has earned him a tremendous number of fans and accolades, but his work off the track on behalf of children in need is even more remarkable. We’re thankful to Axalta for their support on making this a truly special evening.”

At the request of the Refinish Distributors Alliance (RDA), Jeff Wildman, manager of OEM and industry relations for BASF, will present a webinar called “The Increasing Influence of OEMs on the Collision Industry.” Available only to body shops that are customers of RDA members, the webinar is scheduled for 2 p.m. Eastern time on May 23. GoToWebinar will host the online event. “Among industry associations, OEM collaborations, networking with colleagues throughout the industry and research conducted by BASF, everyone is reaching the same conclusion,” said Wildman. “OEM repair procedures are critical to proper repairs because ‘simple repairs’ no longer exist.” Wildman will provide details on the changes in the collision industry, the extent of OEM influence and how it will continue to affect collision centers. He also will talk about the impact of technology, what it means to get a safe repair and how suppliers and distributors can support collision centers to properly repair vehicles and provide a positive customer experience for vehicle owners. After the presentation, the audience will better understand that: Vehicles continue to get more complex due to technology and electronics. There is no such thing as a “simple repair,” due to advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS). OEMs are becoming more involved in response to customer demand for safer vehicles. It is absolutely critical for collision centers to follow OEM repair procedures, have the proper training and use the proper equipment. Wildman has been in the collision repair industry for more than 25 years. Currently, he is the BASF representative at industry and OEM meetings, and supports BASF’s global position with OEMs in North America. Wildman also is a member of the board of trustees for the Collision Industry Foundation. Wildman first gave the presentation to RDA members in March, after which the presentation has been requested for an extended audience. For information on registering for “BASF Presents: The Increasing Influence of OEMs on the Collision Industry,” contact RDA or an RDA member.

36 Shares Share 36 Email Academics, advocates and activists met for a panel discussion at UC Irvine to hash out the pros and cons of a proposal to build a desalination plant in Huntington Beach, with environmentalists once again warning it would damage marine environments and raise water bills. “There is nothing simple about desalination,” said panelist Ray Hiemstra, associate director of Orange County Coastkeeper, an environmental organization focused on water quality. Coastkeeper went to court in November to challenge approval for the project granted in October by the State Lands Commission. Additional approvals still need to be secured for construction to begin. Representing the builder of the Huntington Beach plant, vice president Scott Maloni of Poseidon Water said water bills have only gone up by $4.50 a month in Carlsbad, where a Poseidon desalination plant has been operating for two years. But not all regional efforts to rely on desalination have proven expedient, some UCI panelists warned. Professor Newsha Ajami, director of Urban Water Policy at Stanford University, reminded the audience Dec. 6 that Santa Barbara authorities commissioned a desalination plant during a drought in the 1980s, but the drought was over by the time it was built and then it was no longer needed. In 2015, the plant was reactivated at a reported cost of $71 million. Ajami posed the question: Why pay higher prices for desalinated water on a permanent basis if it’s only needed during the occasional drought? Maloni countered that, “A drought is not a reason to build a desalination plant.” Instead, he said, the plant’s chief benefits are providing a reliable source of local water to reduce dependence on imported water. Also, the plant enables water managers to diversify water sources beyond groundwater, storm water and recycling. One Source Among Many The $1 billion Huntington Beach site could be expected to provide about 10 percent of the county’s water supply, Maloni said. While contesting the plant, Coastkeeper does not oppose all desalination projects, Heimstra said. A proposed desalination operation in Dana Point, which would draw from underground sea water and serve an area that imports 90 percent of its water, has not been challenged by Coastkeeper. But in general, Hiemstra said, desalination should be a “last resort” when other methods are not available or have been exhausted. “We want conservation, recycling, storm water capture – all these are easier, cheaper things to get done first,” he said. Conservation, in particular, remains a viable tool in Orange County, where he said 60 percent of Orange County water still goes to landscaping. In San Diego, “Conservation has been very effective,” said Jeremy Crutchfield, senior engineer for the San Diego County Water Authority. But he added that conservation eventually reaches a limit. The region is now embracing potable reuse, also known as toilet-to-tap, and is pondering a future second desalination plant in Camp Pendleton, he said. In Huntington Beach, Poseidon’s plant would sit at the intersection of Pacific Coast Highway and Newland Street. According to environmentalists, it would be destructive to fish and their eggs that get sucked into the plant’s intake pipes. But Maloni said Poseidon technologies will enable compliance with California policy requiring protective measures for marine life. The Challenges of Maintenance From an engineering standpoint, the bigger issue is maintenance of the plants, according to panelist Sunny Jiang, a UCI professor and desalination researcher. She said the “reverse osmosis” technology planned for the Huntington Beach plant needs consistent monitoring. Still, she said, “The technology is mature and ready.” Another concern was whether a second desalination plant in Southern California would spur more localities to turn to desalination, setting back gains in water conservation. Maloni said that only select locations are viable for desalination plants, so that, “You’re not going to see the coast of California littered with desalination plants.” In Orange County, the Huntington Beach proposal has become embroiled in a debate about the Latino population’s support for desalination as a water strategy. In 2016, two authors wrote an opinion piece for Voice of OC in which they said a poll by a think tank showed Latinos support the proposed plant in Huntington Beach. But local Latino activists from Huntington Beach contested the validity of those findings in response. This year a Latino community organization, LULAC, formally endorsed the Huntington Beach site. One assumption that hasn’t been questioned by any parties weighing in on the desalination plant is the role of climate change in intensifying the discussions around water sources. “Climate change is putting extreme pressure on the urban water supply and water cycle,” Ajami said on Wednesday. Maloni agreed: “It’s getting drier.” Amy DePaul is community health editor at Voice of OC. She can be reached at [email protected].

According to the Prison Policy Initiative, on any given day there are about 630,000 people confined in local jails around our country and, of those, 443,000 are in pre-trial confinement. That is 70 percent! And why are they in custody before trial? Some are considered either to be dangerous to others or a flight risk, but the strong majority stay confined because they don’t have access to enough money to make bail. What difference does that make? Tragically, many of them will unnecessarily lose their jobs, which means that their families will not be able to make their rent payments which, in turn, frequently contributes to the break-up of families. The law says that there are only two factors in determining whether people should be held in custody before trial. The first is whether they likely will appear at court for their trial, and the second is whether, in the meantime, they are a threat to other people. Straightforwardly, and speaking from first-hand experience, judges live in fear of releasing someone who then goes on to harm witnesses or other people. So is the answer never to release anyone? Well no, not only is that not Constitutional or even fair, it is also impractical because we don’t have the jail space. So this puts us into a situation in which risks must be assessed. So is money a good indicator of either of these two issues? Not really. The main indicators instead are the type of charges that people are facing, and whether they have close ties to the community, such as a job, a family with children in school, and the person’s past history of convictions and/or failures to appear in court. Presently there is a bill in Sacramento, Senate Bill 10, to change our bail system away from bail and toward a system that individually addresses each person’s individual issues. This is more like the federal system, and we all should want it to pass. Why? Today, if people are charged with even misdemeanors, it is common for them to be required to post $5,000 or even $10,000 in bail. That means that they will have to pay a bail bond company a non-refundable ten percent of that bail, which in those cases would be $500 or $1,000. Honestly, if I had to, I could quickly pay even more than that. But many people cannot. And it is wrong for people to be kept in pre-trial confinement simply because they do not have access to that kind of money – particularly since having access to money is not an indication of propensities to be dangerous or a flight risk. By the way, the further result of the large numbers of pre-trial confinement is that many prisoners who have already been tried and convicted and are serving their sentences are released early due to jail overcrowding. Not an equitable situation. The new bill would require each county to have a detention release officer who would gather information about all detainees and then prescribe individual conditions for them to be released. For example, maybe some people would be required to wear an electronic ankle bracelet that would broadcast their location. If it was removed, or if they went into areas that were prohibited to them, an alarm would go off. That furnishes both good accountability as well as good deterrence! Or others who had substance abuse or mental health problems could, as a condition of their release, be required to begin programs to address those issues. And, since it is simply wrong unnecessarily to punish anyone before they are convicted, Liberty also would be a winner. So please contact your members of the Legislature and request that they support SB 10. All of these common sense responses would help everyone concerned, except the bail bond industry. Judge Jim Gray (Ret.) ran as the 2012 Libertarian candidate for Vice President, along with Governor Gary Johnson as the candidate for President Quote of the week: “My reading of history convinces me that most bad government results from too much government.” Thomas Jefferson More of these columns are now on Facebook and LinkedIn at judgejimgray, Twitter at judgejamesgray, and wordpress at [email protected]. Please visit these sites for past editions, and do your part to spread the word about the importance of Liberty! Opinions expressed in editorials belong to the authors and not Voice of OC. Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue or others please contact Voice of OC Involvement Editor Theresa Sears at [email protected]

Editors Note: Today, as we as prepare to celebrate the birth of our nation and the defense of the freedoms that bring us all together, please take a moment to read the greatest story ever written, the Declaration of Independence. While the United States of America is still very much a work in progress, our founding document represents a moving statement of what free people can achieve. Lets also remember the fighting men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice to guard our freedom. IN CONGRESS, JULY 4, 1776 The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation. We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world. He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good. He has forbidden his Governors to pass Laws of immediate and pressing importance, unless suspended in their operation till his Assent should be obtained; and when so suspended, he has utterly neglected to attend to them. He has refused to pass other Laws for the accommodation of large districts of people, unless those people would relinquish the right of Representation in the Legislature, a right inestimable to them and formidable to tyrants only. He has called together legislative bodies at places unusual, uncomfortable, and distant from the depository of their Public Records, for the sole purpose of fatiguing them into compliance with his measures. He has dissolved Representative Houses repeatedly, for opposing with manly firmness his invasions on the rights of the people. He has refused for a long time, after such dissolutions, to cause others to be elected, whereby the Legislative Powers, incapable of Annihilation, have returned to the People at large for their exercise; the State remaining in the mean time exposed to all the dangers of invasion from without, and convulsions within. He has endeavoured to prevent the population of these States; for that purpose obstructing the Laws for Naturalization of Foreigners; refusing to pass others to encourage their migrations hither, and raising the conditions of new Appropriations of Lands. He has obstructed the Administration of Justice by refusing his Assent to Laws for establishing Judiciary Powers. He has made Judges dependent on his Will alone for the tenure of their offices, and the amount and payment of their salaries. He has erected a multitude of New Offices, and sent hither swarms of Officers to harass our people and eat out their substance. He has kept among us, in times of peace, Standing Armies without the Consent of our legislatures. He has affected to render the Military independent of and superior to the Civil Power. He has combined with others to subject us to a jurisdiction foreign to our constitution, and unacknowledged by our laws; giving his Assent to their Acts of pretended Legislation: For quartering large bodies of armed troops among us: For protecting them, by a mock Trial from punishment for any Murders which they should commit on the Inhabitants of these States: For cutting off our Trade with all parts of the world: For imposing Taxes on us without our Consent: For depriving us in many cases, of the benefit of Trial by Jury: For transporting us beyond Seas to be tried for pretended offences: For abolishing the free System of English Laws in a neighbouring Province, establishing therein an Arbitrary government, and enlarging its Boundaries so as to render it at once an example and fit instrument for introducing the same absolute rule into these Colonies For taking away our Charters, abolishing our most valuable Laws and altering fundamentally the Forms of our Governments: For suspending our own Legislatures, and declaring themselves invested with power to legislate for us in all cases whatsoever. He has abdicated Government here, by declaring us out of his Protection and waging War against us. He has plundered our seas, ravaged our coasts, burnt our towns, and destroyed the lives of our people. He is at this time transporting large Armies of foreign Mercenaries to compleat the works of death, desolation, and tyranny, already begun with circumstances of Cruelty & Perfidy scarcely paralleled in the most barbarous ages, and totally unworthy the Head of a civilized nation. He has constrained our fellow Citizens taken Captive on the high Seas to bear Arms against their Country, to become the executioners of their friends and Brethren, or to fall themselves by their Hands. He has excited domestic insurrections amongst us, and has endeavoured to bring on the inhabitants of our frontiers, the merciless Indian Savages whose known rule of warfare, is an undistinguished destruction of all ages, sexes and conditions. In every stage of these Oppressions We have Petitioned for Redress in the most humble terms: Our repeated Petitions have been answered only by repeated injury. A Prince, whose character is thus marked by every act which may define a Tyrant, is unfit to be the ruler of a free people. Nor have We been wanting in attentions to our British brethren. We have warned them from time to time of attempts by their legislature to extend an unwarrantable jurisdiction over us. We have reminded them of the circumstances of our emigration and settlement here. We have appealed to their native justice and magnanimity, and we have conjured them by the ties of our common kindred to disavow these usurpations, which would inevitably interrupt our connections and correspondence. They too have been deaf to the voice of justice and of consanguinity. We must, therefore, acquiesce in the necessity, which denounces our Separation, and hold them, as we hold the rest of mankind, Enemies in War, in Peace Friends. We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these united Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States, that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. — And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, and our sacred Honor. New Hampshire: Josiah Bartlett, William Whipple, Matthew Thornton Massachusetts: John Hancock, Samuel Adams, John Adams, Robert Treat Paine, Elbridge Gerry Rhode Island: Stephen Hopkins, William Ellery Connecticut: Roger Sherman, Samuel Huntington, William Williams, Oliver Wolcott New York: William Floyd, Philip Livingston, Francis Lewis, Lewis Morris New Jersey: Richard Stockton, John Witherspoon, Francis Hopkinson, John Hart, Abraham Clark Pennsylvania: Robert Morris, Benjamin Rush, Benjamin Franklin, John Morton, George Clymer, James Smith, George Taylor, James Wilson, George Ross Delaware: Caesar Rodney, George Read, Thomas McKean Maryland: Samuel Chase, William Paca, Thomas Stone, Charles Carroll of Carrollton Virginia: George Wythe, Richard Henry Lee, Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Harrison, Thomas Nelson, Jr., Francis Lightfoot Lee, Carter Braxton North Carolina: William Hooper, Joseph Hewes, John Penn South Carolina: Edward Rutledge, Thomas Heyward, Jr., Thomas Lynch, Jr., Arthur Middleton Georgia: Button Gwinnett, Lyman Hall, George Walton

Will the Newport Beach City Council meet in closed session Tuesday to discuss the process for hiring a new city manager? That’s the question after residents Jim Mosher and Susan Skinner emailed the City Clerk’s office Sunday and warned the city is violating state transparency laws by attempting to discuss the hiring process in closed session. City Attorney Aaron Harp wrote back Monday morning and said the closed session complies with the Ralph M. Brown act, the state’s 65-year-old transparency law regulating local governments. Voice of OC Open Government Consultant Terry Francke disagreed. “And while a local body can go into closed session to talk about a specific person or persons, whom they’re considering for a hire, if they don’t have anyone specific in mind, if they’re just talking about the process, that is not the basis for the closed session in the Brown Act,” Francke said in a Monday phone interview. City Clerk Leilani Brown, who put the item on the agenda, Monday attached a memo to the closed session item on the agenda recommending it be cancelled. An employee at the clerk’s office said Brown told her the item “most likely” won’t remain in closed session. “My understanding is that there was a complaint made to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office related to an alleged Brown Act violation. The City Attorney’s Office received confirmation from the District Attorney’s Office that they will not be pursuing the matter due to insufficient evidence related to the allegations made in the complaint,” Brown’s letter reads. Her letter continues, “However, since I was directed by the City Council to manage the hiring of the executive search firm and in the interest of transparency, I am recommending that the Closed Session item be cancelled.” Senior Deputy District Attorney Ray Armstrong wrote an email to Skinner and said the situation doesn’t warrant an investigation. “After reviewing the matter, we have determined that there is insufficient evidence to warrant intervention by the District Attorney’s Office at this time. As you are undoubtedly aware, the code does provide for the private enforcement of the Brown Act, should you wish to pursue this matter further,” Armstrong wrote Monday afternoon. Additionally, there’s a public item on the agenda for the city to sign a contract with a recruitment firm to help the city narrow its search for city manager candidates. Last month, City Manager David Kiff announced he is retiring later this year after 20 years with the city and nearly 10 years as its city manager. Harp, in a Monday afternoon email to Voice of OC, echoed what the clerk’s office said. “Sounds like she doesn’t need to go to Closed Session. However, looks like recruitment of executive search firm is still on calendar,” Harp wrote. Spencer Custodio is a Voice of OC reporter who covers south Orange County and Fullerton. You can reach him at [email protected].

0 Shares Share Email The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC. For Immediate Release: October 6, 2017 Contact: Michael Henning [email protected] (916) 319-2065 Quirk-Silva Student Success Bill Becomes Law (SACRAMENTO) –Assembly Bill 584 (AB 584) by Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva (D-Orange County) was signed into law, by Governor Jerry Brown. AB 584 will help students improve their academic performance and make information about postsecondary education, and financial aid more widely available. This new law will bring together resources in Orange County for the purposes of improving academic performance, and providing information to underserved populations of Orange County. “Orange County students overall, outscore, outperform, and outrank the state average on standardized testing and other measures of achievement, but minority students in the Anaheim, Garden Grove, and Santa Ana school districts are far more likely to drop out of high school,” said Quirk-Silva. “We have witnessed an education achievement gap, which is fueled by poverty, language and cultural barriers, lack of advocacy, and limited education support outside of the school system.” “As a teacher for over 30 years, I know it is more crucial than ever that we provide a high quality education for students and provide students with resources in order to support a well prepared workforce, safer communities, and a thriving economy,” said Quirk-Silva. On April 13, 2017 the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) stated in their support that, “Cal-SOAP is a unique program that provides intensive educational services to public school students in historically underserved areas and districts, helping thousands of young Californians prepare for college through 14 existing regional consortia. Expanding this program to include a new consortium in Orange County would allow CSAC and our regional partners to serve many more students in need of these services.” More information about the bill can be found here. And for further information, I invite you to visit my website. ### Voice of OC posts press releases to provide readers with information directly from organizations. We do not edit or rewrite press releases, and encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information. To submit a press release email [email protected].

1 Shares Share 1 Email On December 13, the Anaheim Elementary School District can redeem its past behavior by approving New Century as the charter school operator of Palm Lane School. In January, 2015, parents of 332 students at Palm Lane Elementary School submitted signed petitions to the AESD under California’s Parent Trigger Law because the school had posted failing student outcomes for over a decade. The district, more loyal to the status quo than improving student outcomes, sued the parents to block their attempt to transform Palm Lane into a charter school. The district lost that litigation, but in the meantime, Palm Lane School did not improve. According to data provided by the state, 82.73 percent of Palm Lane students in 2017 failed to meet grade level in English Language Arts (fewer than 20 percent are reading at grade level), and 86.95 percent failed to perform at grade level in math. The district should be embarrassed by its behavior as found by the trial court. In response to the Parent Trigger petition, the district established a “defective practice” in which “valid signed petitions were not counted,” and then it accused parents of not having enough valid signatures. The trial court also found that the district engaged in “feigned and contrived ignorance” of the identity of lead parents in order to claim that petitioners had not complied with a technicality in the law that required disclosure of lead parents. Rejecting these falsehoods, the trial court ordered the AESD to proceed with the trigger petition, and the appellate courts affirmed on these and other grounds. That’s where we are now. Under the law, petitioning parents selected New Century to operate Palm Lane as a charter school. Almost immediately, a misinformation campaign began against New Century by word of mouth in which parents were informed that New Century would charge extra to attend Palm Lane charter, weed out low-performing students, not offer special education, speech therapy or other services that are legally required, and not provide credentialed teachers, none of which is true. This misinformation has been repeated in phone calls to parents by persons who say they represent the district. The district denies knowledge about this misinformation campaign, but one wonders how the callers were able to target parents of Palm Lane without access to district records. Under the law, the district’s board must approve New Century before Palm Lane charter can open, but that should be a no brainer since the track record and reputation of New Century’s leadership makes it likely that student outcomes will improve at Palm Lane as soon as it takes over. It appears that staff will recommend approval, giving the school board a chance to redeem itself. The hearing on the New Century approval is December 13 at Anaheim Elementary School Board headquarters. The public should come to support the brave parents of Palm Lane. Robert Loewen is chairman emeritus of the Lincoln Club of Orange County. Opinions expressed in editorials belong to the authors and not Voice of OC. Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue or others please contact Voice of OC Involvement Editor Theresa Sears at [email protected]

5 Shares Share 5 Email The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC. Environmental Remediation Project Update: February 1, 2018 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carrie Braun (714) 904-7042 [email protected] Below please find updates on the environmental remediation project that required the County of Orange to temporarily close a portion of the Santa Ana River Trail from Memory Lane/Garden Grove Boulevard in Orange to Taft Avenue/Ball Road in Anaheim beginning January 22. Project Status Updates: Debris Removed (Jan. 22 – 26): Approximately 62 tons (Jan. 22 – 26): Approximately 62 tons Human Waste Removed (Jan. 22 – 26): Approximately 400 pounds (Jan. 22 – 26): Approximately 400 pounds Needles Removed (Jan. 22 –28): Approximately 2,290 needles (Jan. 22 –28): Approximately 2,290 needles Number of Tents (Jan. 22 – Feb. 1): Decrease of approximately 30 percent (Jan. 22 – Feb. 1): Decrease of approximately 30 percent Arrests Made (Jan. 22 – Feb. 1): 34 arrests (Jan. 22 – Feb. 1): 34 arrests Individuals Referred/Transported by the County to Shelter (Jan. 22 – Feb. 1) : 27 individuals (14 to the Courtyard Transitional Center, 2 to Bridges at Kraemer Place, 1 to the Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program, 10 to non-County shelters) (Jan. 22 – Feb. 1) 27 individuals (14 to the Courtyard Transitional Center, 2 to Bridges at Kraemer Place, 1 to the Orange County Armory Emergency Shelter Program, 10 to non-County shelters) Total Individuals Connected to More Permanent Housing Solutions through City Net (July 1, 2017 – Jan. 31, 2018): 202 individuals For information about the environmental remediation project, read the County of Orange press release distributed January 8. Additional information on project progress will be shared on a weekly basis. For more information about the County of Orange, visit www.ocgov.com. ### Voice of OC posts press releases to provide readers with information directly from organizations. We do not edit or rewrite press releases, and encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information. To submit a press release email [email protected].

2 Shares Share 2 Email The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC. P R E S S R E L E A S E Date: February 1, 2018 Contact: Molly Nichelson (714) 541-7734 [email protected] County of Orange Social Services Agency Warns of Facebook Phishing Scam Orange County, CA – The County of Orange Social Services Agency (SSA) is warning residents of a phishing scam on Facebook that attempts to obtain cardholder information of CalWORKs, CalFresh, and General Relief clients throughout California. The California Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) Cardholder Call Center has received complaints that “someone” posted a comment on Facebook advising cardholders to call a scam phone number – (877) 449-7795 – and provide their card number and PIN so that their benefits could be posted right away. This is a phishing attempt to obtain cardholder information. Please note that this phone number is NOT affiliated with the County of Orange Social Services Agency and clients are advised to NOT give out their personal information. Please remember that SSA will never ask for your personal information (EBT card number, PIN, date of birth, and Social Security Number) in an email, text message or via any social media platform. While SSA is not aware of any Orange County clients being impacted by this phishing scam at this point in time, we encourage SSA clients to protect their personal information. If you have called the phone number in the Facebook post and provided personal information, it is recommended that you file a report with your local police department. You may also call the California EBT Customer Service Helpline at (877) 328-9677 or contact your assigned case worker. ### Voice of OC posts press releases to provide readers with information directly from organizations. We do not edit or rewrite press releases, and encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information. To submit a press release email [email protected].

55 Shares Share 55 Email A decade ago when I was hired as a faculty member in the Rancho Santiago Community College District I was proud to be part of a team of faculty, staff and administration that put the well being of our community’s students first. It was clear when Chancellor Raul Rodriguez arrived in 2010 that priorities shifted. Immediately it became obvious students were not a priority. While he’ll be the first to blame someone or something for the problems under his watch, his excuses have worn thin. At the same time he was working on a special project to help Saudi Arabian college students, Santa Ana College students had to resort to selling hot dogs to save their classes from being cut. While dozens of employees were laid off, Chancellor Rodriguez gladly accepted $2500 a month for seven years (yes, that’s right – seven years) to pay for his relocation to Orange County from Northern California. And after he told faculty they had to work more for less, his relocation expenses were added to his base salary to boost his pension which was later deemed illegal. There are many more examples of hypocrisy under Rodriguez’s leadership, but it’s the health of our students that has been compromised and prompted me to finally express my outrage. Santa Ana College serves over 30,000 students. The student health center is a vital part of the campus and is staffed with medical personnel to assist students with a variety of services from emergencies to routine visits – visits that they may not be able to afford on their own. Students pay a mandatory health fee for the staffing of the health center which includes a medical doctor and nurses on site. For more than a month now the hours at Santa Ana College’s health center have been cut from over 30 hours a week to 13. Anyone needing medical assistance on a Tuesday or Friday will be turned away. On the other three days there is minimal staffing, often without a medical doctor. The disregard for students’ health is about as low as the leadership can go in the Rancho District. Using taxpayer dollars for ventures abroad and salary spiking is one thing, but attempting to save money at the expense of the health of our community’s students lowers the bar to a level this District has never seen before. Chancellor Rodriguez has shown this community he has no problem singling out groups. He informed his own employees that women and Jews were unable to travel to Saudi Arabia to participate on his special project. As a Jewish woman I found this statement despicable and as an employee I felt unworthy that I was part of a group singled out. I can only hope that because Santa Ana College students are often poor and underrepresented that Chancellor Rodriguez doesn’t feel they too are unworthy. Renee Miller was a Professor, Disabled Students Program and Services at Santa Ana College for eleven years before her retirement in December. Opinions expressed in editorials belong to the authors and not Voice of OC. Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue or others please contact Voice of OC Involvement Editor Theresa Sears at [email protected]

3 Shares Share 3 Email Orange County Supervisor Todd Spitzer says the botched prosecution of confessed mass murderer Scott Dekraai is reason enough for voters to oust longtime county district attorney Tony Rackauckas. “If a district attorney is prosecuting the worst mass murder in Orange County history and is systematically removed from that case for cheating and fabricating information and not turning over evidence … does that person deserve to get reelected? When OJ Simpson was acquitted in Los Angeles, the district attorney lost his job,” Spitzer said in an interview for the “Inside OC with Rick Reiff” public affairs program. Next year’s DA race is shaping up as a battle royal between bitter political foes Rackauckas and Spitzer. Dekraai pleaded guilty to killing eight people in a Seal Beach hair salon in 2011 but in pursuing the case the DA’s office and sheriff’s department became embroiled in a jail informant controversy that resulted in judicial reprimands, retrials, removal of the death penalty option for Dekraai, calls for Rackauckas’ resignation and even a “60 Minutes” expose. Rackauckas has maintained that the “snitch scandal” is overblown and has defended his office’s actions. He has a standing invitation to appear on “Inside OC” but has so far declined. Spitzer contrasted Rackauckas with Sheriff Sandra Hutchens, who announced she will not seek reelection next year in the wake of the informant controversy as well as a high-profile jail escape: “She had the ability to understand that the county was more important than her political career.” A former prosecutor, Assemblyman and reserve Los Angeles police officer, Spitzer has been tagged “Ready, Fire, Aim” for his brash style and pilloried as “Armed and Unhinged” on a Facebook page. Spitzer brushed aside concerns over whether he has the temperament and judgment for the DA’s job, saying critics who have observed him in the “political arena” incorrectly assume “that skill set transfers over to district attorney… I have excellent judgment, I’m incredibly fair, I know the difference between right and wrong and I don’t have to cheat to get convictions.” He said “the political elite” oppose his candidacy because “they’re so used to a county where political corruption has been swept under the rug … There are a lot of fat and happy politicians, a lot of fat and happy insiders, who don’t want a real prosecutor in this county.” Spitzer defended his citizen arrest of a man in a Wahoo’s Fish Taco two years ago. Spitzer retrieved a loaded gun from his car and handcuffed the man, who he said was trying to evangelize him and acting erratically. Deputies answering Spitzer’s 911 call briefly detained the man before releasing him without charges. “If I went in the restaurant and just split, I took off, left all those people … and he hurt people, you and others would say, ‘Oh my God, Todd Spitzer’s a prosecutor and trained police officer and he abandoned it because he was only thinking of himself.” The county fought requests by Voice of OC for Spitzer’s county correspondence about the incident and attempted to depose Voice Publisher Norberto Santana. A judge ordered the county to release emails and pay the Voice $121,396 in legal fees. Spitzer said the decisions on how to deal with Voice of OC were made by the county counsel, not him. Spitzer addressed many topics in the wide-ranging interview, airing in two parts this week and next on PBS SoCal, KDOC and Cox. The first episode is also on YouTube. Show times are at www.rickreiff.com. Spitzer criticized turf battles between sheriff deputies and county firefighters, notably over whose helicopters should respond to which calls. “We need as many helicopters as possible (in emergencies). “Who cares if they’re green or if they’re red?” Spitzer said. “I’m looking at the sheriff’s department, I’m looking at the Fire Authority, and I’m saying, ‘Knock this off, we expect you to be professional.’” Spitzer said inter-agency coordination, or lack of it, is a subject of an investigation into the public safety response to October’s canyon fires in Anaheim. The blaze torched 9,000 acres and destroyed or damaged some 60 homes. Spitzer suggested that the state’s early prisoner release program and reduced sentencing have increased the “criminal element” among the homeless: “We can’t let that (Santa Ana) riverbed be Orange County’s skid row. I’m not going to allow it.” But Spitzer said he has also promoted “empathetic and compassionate” policies to treat, shelter and assist the homeless, including this year’s opening of the 200-bed Bridges at Kraemer Place in Anaheim: “Nobody wants these shelters and I said, ‘Put it in my district,’ and it’s been a phenomenal success.” Spitzer said the public has soured on law enforcement since he was a prosecutor in the 1990’s. A decade later he served two years as senior deputy AD before Rackauckas fired him. “The juries loved us. They trusted us, they trusted the police officers,” Spitzer said. “I came back in 2008 and now jurors are telling me during jury selection, ‘You can’t trust police officers, they lie. The district attorney’s office, you know they cheat.’ I was beside myself.” Spitzer, 57, said Orange County is suffering “civil unrest” similar to what he saw growing up in Montebello east of downtown LA: “We had riots in East Los Angeles in 1968 and we had riots in Anaheim in 2012 … We don’t have any particular ethnic group that’s a majority in Orange County and we’re now a melting pot and we’re having all of the same kind of social and urban problems that you see in big cities.” Rick Reiff is Editor at Large, Orange County Business Journal, Host, Producer, “Inside OC” on PBS SoCal Opinions expressed in editorials belong to the authors and not Voice of OC. Voice of OC is interested in hearing different perspectives and voices. If you want to weigh in on this issue or others please contact Voice of OC Involvement Editor Theresa Sears at [email protected]

The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC. For Immediate Release Media Contact: Joe Camero (949) 563-8353 [email protected] COX COMMUNICATIONS SHOWCASES “CONNECTED INDEPENDENCE” SENIOR SMART HOME Event demonstrates nextgen technology for seniors who want to age in place via telemedicine, virtual reality, smart safety products LAKE FOREST, Calif. – April 19, 2018 – Cox Communications partnered with senior living experts today to showcase a new era in digital living that provides older adults with the ability to age in place in their own homes. According to AARP, nearly 90 percent of adults ages 65 and older prefer aging in their current home rather than move to an assisted living or retirement community. Cox outfitted a single-family home in Lake Forest with smart home technology for the “Connected Independence” senior smart home event, which included senior living experts and internet-enabled smart devices demonstrating how seniors can use new technology to live safely, independently and more comfortably at home while providing their adult children and caregivers with peace of mind. “Smart home technology can help families avoid the wrenching decision and the expense of moving an aging parent to an assisted living facility,” said Ryland Madison, director of product marketing, Cox Communications. “A connected home ensures seniors can continue their daily routine while maintaining – and even enhancing – their quality of life in their own home.” The event featured national and San Diego-based senior living innovators, businesses and experts. More than 35 interactive demonstrations, powered by Cox Communications’ broadband network, ran simultaneously throughout the home, including: Virtual reality – the Rendever virtual reality platform allows seniors to virtually “travel” to their favorite destinations if they are unable to physically – the Rendever virtual reality platform allows seniors to virtually “travel” to their favorite destinations if they are unable to physically Telemedicine sessions –Trapollo telemedicine services let doctors diagnose and treat seniors from the comfort of their home. –Trapollo telemedicine services let doctors diagnose and treat seniors from the comfort of their home. Double Robotics Telepresence Robot – Provides a way to check on older adults when their loved ones can’t be there in person. People can see and be seen as they steer the robot via remote control from anywhere in the world. – Provides a way to check on older adults when their loved ones can’t be there in person. People can see and be seen as they steer the robot via remote control from anywhere in the world. “The future of caregiving” – Demonstrations by Alison Jacobson, The Safety Mom, on how connected devices can assist with caregiving. Demonstrations by Alison Jacobson, The Safety Mom, on how connected devices can assist with caregiving. Smart Window/Door Sensor – Wireless device detects when doors and windows are opened. – Wireless device detects when doors and windows are opened. Pill Dispensers – Helps seniors stay on schedule with their medications. Helps prevent forgotten dosages or mixed medications, and sends audible and visual alerts up to 30 minutes before pills are scheduled to be taken. – Helps seniors stay on schedule with their medications. Helps prevent forgotten dosages or mixed medications, and sends audible and visual alerts up to 30 minutes before pills are scheduled to be taken. Readable Voice Mail – Sends transcripts of voice messages to email – Sends transcripts of voice messages to email Clarity P300 Handset Landline Telephone – Makes sounds louder and easier to understand. Seniors can call people by pushing a photo button. – Makes sounds louder and easier to understand. Seniors can call people by pushing a photo button. GeniCan – Garbage can that scans items as they’re thrown away. The GeniCan app builds a shopping list based on what needs to be replaced, and schedules home delivery through Amazon Dash. – Garbage can that scans items as they’re thrown away. The GeniCan app builds a shopping list based on what needs to be replaced, and schedules home delivery through Amazon Dash. Parrot Pot – Seniors never have to worry about their plants again. The Parrot Pot gives plants the right amount of water at the right time. This smart flowerpot has four sensors that monitor light, temperature, and soil moisture and fertilizer levels in real time. The simple app even has a database of over 8,000 plants to give seniors advice on how to help their favorite flowers thrive Additional stations included a Wi-Fi Slow Cooker, Wi-Fi vacuum, Wi-Fi cat (Joy for All Orange Tabby Cat), electronic pet feeder, electronic fork that tracks eating habits, smart door locks and video cameras, glass break sensors, water/flood sensors, motion sensors and other safety devices. “By connecting healthcare providers, caregivers and families to innovative care services through the smart home environment, families can prolong the quality of life at home, and lower healthcare costs without sacrificing peace of mind,” Madison said, adding that reliable high-speed internet is essential for multiple devices to work properly at the same time. Cox Communications continues to aggressively invest in its network as well as new ventures such as healthcare and Internet of Things to better power smart homes, smart businesses and smart cities of the future. Cox has invested $15 billion in its infrastructure in the past 10 years and is investing another $10 billion in the next five years to bring fiber closer to homes, increase speeds and improve products. About Cox Communications Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet, telephone and home security and automation services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and digital media advertising. Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in broadband, voice and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For 10 years, Cox has been recognized as a best operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc’s Top 50 Companies for Diversity 12 times. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com and www.coxmedia.com. ### Voice of OC posts press releases to provide readers with information directly from organizations. We do not edit or rewrite press releases, and encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information. To submit a press release email [email protected].

The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC. Panel on Solutions for the Homeless Sponsored by League of Women Voters of Orange Coast Homelessness is the major social issue of our time. Almost daily we read stories about moving the homeless from one place to another--but moving them around is not a solution. The public is invited to a panel on March 27 at 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. to learn about real solutions to this intractable problem. Held at University United Methodist Church at 18422 Culver Drive in Irvine, speakers include: Becks Heyhoe, Manager, Housing, Orange County United Way Heather Stratman, CEO of the Association of California Cities of Orange County Tom Hatch, City Manager of the City of Costa Mesa Helen Cameron, Administrator for Jamboree Housing — Permanent Housing Christine Collins, Moderator, Social Policy Chair for the League of Women Voters of Orange Coast. Ms. Heyhoe will describe the new mission and programs at United Way which focus on the homeless. Ms. Stratman will discuss the informational and round table events organized by the her organization, as well as their advocacy efforts. Mr. Hatch will speak about Costa Mesa’s work “in the trenches” of his city. Finally, Ms. Cameron will summarize Jamboree Housing’s permanent housing for the homeless, with special emphasis on its housing for the disabled and mentally ill. Every speaker will bring his or her expertise to what’s ahead for the homeless people of Orange County. There will be an interpanel discussion, followed by questions from the audience. Doors open at 6:30 and light refreshments will be served. Reservations are required using the online link or by phone message at 949-451-2212 including name, phone number and e-mail address. The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, encourages informed and active participation in government, works to increase understanding of major public policy issues, and influences public policy through education and advocacy. We are a non-profit membership 501c-4 organization. Voice of OC posts press releases to provide readers with information directly from organizations. We do not edit or rewrite press releases, and encourage readers to contact the originator of a given release for more information. To submit a press release email [email protected].

59 Shares Share 59 Email Former Santa Ana Police Chief Carlos Rojas has filed a lawsuit against the city, claiming he was forced to resign after whistleblowing and as part of a concerted effort by the mayor and police union president to push him out. Rojas claims in his lawsuit, filed Sept. 26, that he reported a number of alleged illegal activities by Mayor Miguel Pulido, including allegations that Pulido charged $25,000 to medical marijuana dispensaries competing for permits. Rojas claims neither the city nor Orange County District Attorney officials did anything about his complaints. “I have reviewed the lawsuit and vehemently deny all of the allegations made by Mr. Rojas against me,” Pulido said in a statement through the city’s spokesperson. Rojas also claims to have “engendered the wrath” of the city’s police union, specifically union president Gerry Serrano, for cracking down on officer misbehavior and disciplining police officers who violated the law while at work. Rojas claims Serrano met with city council members and candidates before the November 2016 election and offered them political support in exchange for signing an agreement that they would terminate then-city manager David Cavazos and Rojas. “I’m shocked and dumbfounded that Rojas would make such false accusations and continue to damage our city and community,” Serrano said in an email. Cavazos was ousted in January on a 4-2 vote of the City Council. Rojas resigned in April. Rojas, who is now police chief for the Bay Area Rapid Transit System (BART) in San Francisco, was with the Santa Ana Police Department for 27 years and was appointed chief in May 2014. Early on, he had the support of most of the City Council. But many of the department’s officers came to oppose Rojas, with their union saying he was failing to fully staff the department, hurting morale among the rank-and-file, and failing to address growing violence. Officers also viewed him as unfair in his discipline, including his firing of three officers who were charged with crimes in an infamous 2015 pot shop raid. During last year’s election, Rojas’ leadership came under fire from the police union, which spent over $400,000 backing Pulido, Councilmen Juan Villegas and Jose Solorio and a fourth candidate who didn’t succeed, and opposing Councilmen Vicente Sarmiento and Roman Reyna. In his lawsuit, Rojas recounts alleged conversations between Serrano and councilmembers, including Reyna, who ultimately lost the election and was replaced by Villegas. Sarmiento was re-elected. The lawsuit doesn’t say how Rojas knows the conversations occurred. According to the complaint, Serrano’s plan was to get support among City Council members to fire Cavazos, then get rid of Rojas, who could not be fired directly by the City Council. “Serrano also said that if Reyna would do this then the POA [Police Officers’ Association] would support him – ie., do everything it could to get him re-elected,” the complaint states. “Conversely, Serrano said if Reyna would not do this, then the POA would do everything it could to see that he was not re-elected.” He also claims Serrano has held a grudge against him since 2001, when Rojas replaced Serrano as the department’s public information officer, and because of a 2012 incident when Rojas disciplined Serrano. Serrano, in an email to a reporter, said “the truth, that the Police Officers Association knows is he was incompetent and had lost the confidence of the rank and file; a vote of No Confidence was initiated, personnel matters were mismanaged and he was unable to implement an effective community oriented policing philosophy. “In his tenure, violent gang crime went through the roof and in closing what was once a nationally recognized police department saw officers leaving to other agencies something that never occurred before,” Serrano continued. Rojas also claims to have reported illegal activity by Pulido multiple times. In one instance, Rojas claims to have overheard a conversation between councilmembers Sarmiento and Sal Tinajero in which they “expressed amazement that Pulido had taken plans from the State of California regarding some type of power/electrical generating plant, deleted the State of California’s name and sold the plans to the Mexican government,” information Rojas said he reported to the DA. He also claims to have received reports from a resident that Pulido was taking money from illegal marijuana dispensaries so they could continue to operate without enforcement, and the mayor was charging dispensaries that wanted a permit $25,000 for preferential treatment. According to the complaint, in October or November 2015, Pulido directly asked Rojas to enforce the law against a specific illegal marijuana dispensary and called the Police Department to ask about issuing a permit to another dispensary. A federal lawsuit filed against the city in 2015 made similar allegations that Pulido and other city officials have financial ties to certain medical marijuana dispensaries in the city and have been directing police to shut down their competitors. That lawsuit, which the city ultimately settled for $100,000, argued Pulido financially benefited from a collective and “intervened to warn that collective when [city] action was pending, was observed at the collective and intervened with police officials on behalf of the collective.” At the time, Pulido said those accusations were “unequivocally and categorically false.” The lawsuit also claims Pulido allegedly collected “rent” from various Santa Ana businesses and from small city-owned parking lots. Officials with the FBI, IRS and California Attorney General’s Office did not immediately respond to questions about whether they are investigating Pulido for such allegations. According to the lawsuit, Rojas reported the issue with marijuana dispensaries to both the city and the DA but neither took action. The city, through spokeswoman Alma Flores, declined to comment on Rojas’ lawsuit and its allegations. In his complaint, Rojas also pointed to lawsuits by three DA investigators who are claiming employment retaliation, who have each alleged interference in corruption investigations by Rackauckas to protect political allies, including an alleged investigation into Pulido. DA spokeswoman Michelle Van Der Linden said in an emailed statement the DA’s office “has always taken seriously any allegations of public corruption and has never ignored any such complaint, certainly not from a police chief.” “As a police chief he, of course, has the full authority to conduct such an investigation,” the statement continues. Van Der Linden noted the office does not confirm or deny the existence of any investigations. “It is unfortunate that a law enforcement officer would state his speculation in this manner without any supporting facts,” Van Der Linden said. Contact Thy Vo at [email protected] or at 415-484-9286. Follow her on Twitter @thyanhvo.

The following is a press release from an organization unaffiliated with Voice of OC. The views expressed here are not those of Voice of OC. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Carrie Braun Public Information Manager (714) 788-8060 [email protected] County Commemorates One-Year Anniversary of The Courtyard, County’s First Year-Round Homeless Shelter Santa Ana, CA (October 5, 2017) — Today, the County of Orange commemorated the one-year anniversary of its first County homeless shelter, the Courtyard Transitional Center in Santa Ana. Board of Supervisors Vice Chair Andrew Do, First District, who was instrumental in bringing the Courtyard to fruition, visited with staff and residents at the shelter to signify the milestone. “The Courtyard was a response to a homelessness crisis in the Santa Ana Civic Center, and it has made a significant impact on the lives of the individuals who have taken advantage of the resources provided,” said Supervisor Do. “We have seen tremendous success in the last 12 months, with more than 153 people from the Courtyard connected to housing and more than 125 who are employed. I have no doubt that we will continue to see people coming to the Courtyard as the first step in ending their homelessness.” The Courtyard Transitional Center (Courtyard) is a 400-bed shelter located at the former Santa Ana Transit Terminal that opened on October 5, 2016. Through contracts with The Midnight Mission and Kingdom Causes, Inc., also known as City Net, the Courtyard provides amenities like meals, showers, restrooms, laundry service, and intensive case management to people experiencing homelessness in the Civic Center and surrounding area. Annual operating costs for the shelter were $1.4 million for the first year, and will increase to $1.65 million for the second year under a renewed contract with The Midnight Mission providing enhanced case management services. Since opening, the Courtyard has provided 129,145 shelter bed-nights, with an average of 356 individuals staying at the Courtyard per night. More than 201 community service groups have provided 329,707 meals to Courtyard residents in the last year, which translates to $982,526 in meal donations. Additional data can be found in the attached infographic “The Courtyard By The Numbers.” “It is with the support of the community through volunteering and providing meals that we are seeing the impact the Courtyard has made,” said Board of Supervisors Chairwoman Michelle Steel, Second District Supervisor. “We are proud that other counties across the nation are looking to replicate the model in their community.”

Anaheim Mayor Tom Tait talks about how the City of Anaheim has approached homelessness, given the fact that most federal and state funds go to the County of Orange. The answer, Tait, said has come from the non-profit sector, providing things like drug treatment, jobs programs, basic sheltering and affordable housing. Yet Tait said big employers like Disneyland and the County of Orange both need to step up on the issue.

This article has been updated to include a video of the encounter. The Orange County Sheriff’s Department may change a policy that resulted in a deputy threatening to arrest a Voice of OC reporter for trying to watch officers remove a homeless activist from the Board of Supervisors public meeting room. “We will take a look at this and potentially allow members of the media to stay” if the supervisors’ meeting room needs to be cleared out in the future, said Sheriff’s Department spokesman Lt. Lane Lagaret. The issue never should have come up in the first place, said Terry Francke, general counsel to the open government nonprofit Californians Aware and Voice of OC consultant. “The reporter wasn’t just there warming his seat,” said Francke. The encounter happened at Tuesday’s supervisors meeting when activist Mohammed Aly refused to leave the public speaker’s podium when his three-minute time limit ended. Board Chairwoman Michelle Steel declared a 10-minute recess and then ordered the room cleared. Aly stayed at the speaker’s microphone as sheriff’s officers approached him. Voice of OC reporter Nick Gerda tried to stay in the room to film how the officers dealt with Aly and what was said. With the rest of the public out of the room, Sheriff’s Deputy Kevin Taylor, who is in charge of security at the board meetings, threatened to arrest the reporter if he didn’t leave too. Gerda identified himself as a reporter trying to document a possible arrest. “You could be part of the arrest also,” Taylor replied. Gerda ultimately left before the confrontation with Aly was resolved. Francke said Gerda had a legal right to stay in the meeting room and report and film what was happening. Gerda said he was trying to report how officers would get Aly to leave the microphone, including any potential use of force. “Recess is different from adjournment,” Francke said. A recess “doesn’t make the board room private property” and if reporters continue working while the room is being cleared it “doesn’t make them trespassers.” “The public has a right to know” what happens during a recess, he added, “because they (supervisors) could be violating the Brown Act” by meeting secretly in violation of California’s 64-year-old open meeting law. “That (board) room is specifically designated as a meeting room,” Francke said. “It’s designed for the public to witness things.” County Counsel Leon Page strongly disagreed. He said the reporter was properly ordered to leave “because the board was not in session and the meeting was not being conducted. “There was nothing to report on,” he said. “The board meeting room is not a public forum where members of the public have a right to be when the board is not in session.” Page said the goal in clearing the room was to keep everyone safe and get Aly to leave the microphone without officers having to physically remove him. Aly said afterwards he left because officers threatened to shock him with a Taser and told him it would be “painful.” Page said there was a “very successful resolution” of the encounter because there was “no arrest, no one got hurt, no one’s rights were violated.” “It was textbook from my perspective,” he said, with officers “dealing with a very difficult situation.” Clearing everyone from a Board of Supervisors meeting happens so rarely that Carrie Braun, the county spokeswoman, said it likely has been more than a decade since the last time it happened based on the memories of well-informed staff. Santa Ana Mayor Miguel Pulido, in October, 2014, cleared the council room before the meeting even started and subsequently cancelled it when a man would not abide by his order to remove a hat with an obscene statement directed at police. But in that case reporters were allowed to stay throughout the entire clearing out process and a reporter who was outside when it started was allowed to come in and watch. Lagaret said Taylor and other Sheriff’s personnel receive no training in open meeting laws before being assigned to provide security at Board of Supervisors meetings. Lagaret said officers rely on the law enforcement training they receive throughout their careers with the department. He said Taylor made the decision to require everyone, including Gerda, to leave as a “safety decision.” “That’s why they told him (Gerda) to leave,” said Lagaret. “It was a deputy’s decision to do it just for public safety.” Asked how the public could learn what happened if reporters are barred from the scene, Page said they could talk to him and to Aly. The board also has cameras inside the meeting room but the county has a policy banning release of the footage. Page rejected a Voice of OC request to view video of officers dealing with Aly. Kari Schumaker, the county’s custodian of records, wrote in an email the film was exempt from disclosure “because the security videos depict law enforcement security procedures and are records of intelligence information and the public interest in nondisclosure of the security video substantially outweighs the public interest in disclosure. The decision not to release this material was made by Leon Page, County Counsel.” Gerda captured part of the officers encounter with Aly by filming through a window but an officer moved in front of the window at one point, obscuring what was going on and there was no way to hear what was being said. Before ordering the room cleared, Steel could be seen conferring with Paul Walters, a former Santa Ana police chief and city manager who now is chief of staff to Supervisor Lisa Bartlett. Steel did not return phone calls about how and why she made her decision to clear the room. Walters said he relayed information to Steel from the deputies about how they planned to proceed. You can contact Tracy Wood at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter: @TracyVOC.

Orange County continues to face a stark accountability crisis. Apparently, District Attorney Tony Rackauckas and his federal counterparts have had serious issues maintaining a working relationship on political investigations. It seems the two sides don’t trust each other. By his own letter – the result of a great reporting scoop this past weekend by a Voice of OC reporting corps alumnus, Adam Elmahrek, who now reports for the LA Times – Rackauckas said he was threatened by federal officials with Obstruction of Justice charges and got no cooperation from the IRS on investigations. Now, in a world as shadowy as law enforcement investigations, it’s hard to know exactly what’s really going on here between these agencies and why they don’t work well together. Yet the result is much less hazy: Orange County politicos get a free pass. We all know Rackauckas’ record on political investigations and enforcement is the equivalent of a diet soda. But Orange County residents also should be asking some hard questions about where are the feds? And what about state authorities? At this morning’s Board of Supervisors meeting, we can expect County Supervisor Todd Spitzer – who is running for DA in next month’s primary election – to criticize Rackaucakas over the issues with federal law enforcement authorities and the politicization of investigations in Orange County under his tenure. And this week, in the closest thing to a head-on debate – Orange County’s Hispanic 100 will sponsor a program featuring separate Q&A sessions with both Rackauckas and Spitzer, Thursday morning at the Newport Beach Country Club. Now, consider that Spitzer himself is under intense attack from his colleagues over his own politicization of the homelessness issue in Orange County, which landed the County of Orange in federal court last month and left every city at risk of having their cities’ anti-camping ordinances invalidated. Spitzer also all but destroyed the longtime tradition of “District Prerogative” (where supervisors stood unchallenged in their home districts) by going out and criticizing his colleagues on their vote to set up emergency homeless shelters in some of America’s most affluent communities. Today, Supervisors’ Chairman Andrew Do describes the board’s governing philosophy with the phrase, “we’ll do whatever we want.” The rushed vote to house homeless was ironically set up in large part by Spitzer’s own pushing for evictions along the Santa Ana riverbed, which just as promised by advocates left the County of Orange exposed in federal court – because as they’ve been warned since 2015, officials don’t offer adequate sheltering. Note that Spitzer was the supervisor who was inaugurated in 2012, with more experience than virtually any county supervisor in history, called out the homeless situation as “shameful” and then did nothing about it for several years until encampments spread to epic proportions. Today, his strategy is to call out U.S. District Judge David O. Carter as unreasonable for calling on county supervisors to do their job and provide regional leadership on citing a few simple shelter sites for homeless. Indeed, this past week, the best county supervisors could do was inspire south county mayors – already under fire for offering no shelters but instead shuttling homeless individuals to central county – to devise a plan for sheltering homeless in remote canyon communities. That plan, while supported by Supervisor Lisa Bartlett for further study, came under immediate criticism from Spitzer and Supervisor Shawn Nelson – who both correctly called it out as unreasonable. Yet what continues to be unreasonable is to expect any city official to accept any sort of county run shelter given the county’s inability to construct any low-end affordable housing. Without a system of care in place, city officials will avoid shelters, knowing they are stepping up to be a dumping ground for the most challenged individuals in society. Who can blame them? There is more and more talk about just taking the county out of the affordable housing business altogether and establishing a regional joint powers authority – a Housing Construction Authority – that could issue bonds and most importantly work on a regional basis to ensure equity on housing…instead of excuses. Now, last week, I seemed to publicly frustrate a few officials – most visibly Irvine Mayor Don Wagner – during a panel discussion at UCI on the root causes of homelessness where I appeared as a speaker and put a lot of the blame for the homelessness crisis at the feet of politicians. Politicians are great at helping the public avoid critical debates and kicking the can down the road. Instead, they often tackle the easy – like increasing funding for law enforcement – as opposed to the hard – like dealing with hard cases that fuel law enforcement spending in alternative ways. Wagner publicly lamented that despite my critiques, he had spent the whole day with south county mayors trying to hammer out a solution to homelessness. He forgot to tell the crowd that the south county solution was to send homeless to the canyons. A recent UCI-United Way study on homelessness, which jumpstarted a real discussion here in Orange County on the issue this past year, showed in stark detail how we pay more as taxpayers to criminalize homelessness rather than fund solutions. Yet report authors didn’t take the next step and ask why do those funding allocations – law enforcement as opposed to housing, health and human services – get approved year after year? That’s up to journalists and the public. It’s an uncomfortable and complex discussion. But at least it’s real. Now political leaders like Wagner, who seems like a generally good guy and is responsive to the press corps, are in many ways a reflection of ourselves. We often want simple answers. We need to press for more.

A stream of angry residents showed up to the county Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday to demand that supervisors stop the evictions of homeless people who are camped along the Santa Ana riverbed until housing options are available. Advocates, including the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, have been protesting the county’s actions to evict people from the riverbed as part of a project to replace a homeless encampment with boulders and sand for public works projects. And in recent days attorneys with the ACLU and other groups have filed lawsuits to stop the evictions and seizures of property. The scene at the supervisors’ meeting, with 18 people speaking during the public comment portion, is yet another indication that this issue will not be dying down soon. Among the speakers was Atty McLellan, a student at Chapman University, who said she and other students are “outraged” at how county officials are treating homeless people at the riverbed. “It’s just another attempt to try to hide the growing homelessness problem in Orange County,” she said. Officials have been seizing people’s property when they’re away accessing food and medical treatment, advocates say, with new county fencing requiring disabled people to walk a mile to the nearest opening to leave the encampment. “Our clients are treated with less respect and have less security than the pile of boulders” that have been placed there, said Sabyl Landrum, an attorney with the Legal Aid Society of Orange County. The county crews are working at a section of the riverbed between Chapman and Orangewood avenues, in the city of Orange. The people who were once camped there have either moved to the other side of the river or further down, away from the county workers, a Voice of OC reporter observed Tuesday afternoon. There has been a palpable sense of confusion in recent days, as activists, spectators, reporters, workers and sheriff’s deputies visited the riverbed with no one seeming to know what will happen next. Under the bridge at Chapman Avenue, some people continue to camp in the dry riverbed itself, with a path of wooden pallets acting as a makeshift bridge over a large pool of water to the rocky bank. At the supervisors’ meeting, advocates said supervisors should stop the evictions until they make more serious progress in their plan to end homelessness, which calls for expanding permanent affordable housing with support services. Supervisors have devoted very little county discretionary spending toward the effort, they said. “It is shameful what you’re allowing” to happen in the riverbed, said Anaheim resident Jeanine Robbins. She said she called the office of Supervisor Shawn Nelson, who represents her area, last week and was assured he would get back to her by the end of the week. But that didn’t happen, despite her follow-up calls, she said. “I live in his area, and I cannot get [a hold] of my representative,” Robbins said. “The public is quickly losing faith in this board.” Despite the comments from their constituents, none of the five supervisors – who were all either present at the meeting, or in Nelson’s case participating by phone – responded to their concerns. The only reaction was stern warnings from Chairwoman Michelle Steel to audience members, telling them not clap for the speakers. In their response to the lawsuit filed by the ACLU Friday, county officials dispute claims that their fencing has trapped homeless people, and Nelson has called such claims “dishonest” and “ridiculous.” The case is now before U.S. District Judge David O. Carter, who will decide Thursday at a 10 a.m. hearing whether to issue an emergency restraining order against the county. Meanwhile, the county officials are facing a second lawsuit over their handling of the riverbed evictions, which was filed Monday by attorneys Carol Sobel, Brooke Weitzman, and others. The suit, on behalf of Tammy Shuler and other homeless residents of the riverbed, argues that the county has illegally “seized personal property and largely destroyed it without an opportunity for the rightful owner to reclaim it,” in violation of rulings by the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals. The suit alleges that when the county seizes property, the county requires its owner to travel 22 miles away to a location in Lake Forest to pick it up. And the pick-up center “is only open one hour on one day a week, and then only by prior arrangement.” Weitzman told supervisors Tuesday that the county’s notice posted in riverbed “has the wrong address” for where to pick up property. “This is unreasonable and inhumane,” she said. (Click here to read the second lawsuit.) Sobel, the lead attorney in the suit, is known for challenging local government actions against homeless people and winning. She was a lead attorney in the historic Jones v. City of Los Angeles case, in which the 9th Circuit ruled that it was unconstitutional for the city to punish homeless people for sleeping on the street when shelter beds were unavailable. She also represented homeless people in a case that led to a 2012 ruling by the 9th Circuit that placed restrictions on government’s ability to seize homeless people’s possessions. Nick Gerda covers county government and Santa Ana for Voice of OC. You can contact him at [email protected].

The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) requires state and local governments, including Homeowner Associations (HOAs), to provide "reasonable accommodations" to individuals with disabilities, including recovering addicts who are not currently using drugs. In recent years, the cities of Newport Beach, California and Boca Raton, Florida had to pay millions of dollars to sober home owners after city ordinances improperly regulated them in violation of the ADA. Fearful of a similar fate, state and local governments have been reluctant to regulate sober homes, which means no mandatory registrations, certifications or inspections. In fact, the California legislature explicitly declared that it is state policy to "encourage" the development of recovery residences to meet local need. (Has Code § 11834.20.) Thus, the well-appointed recovery residence that's owned by a humanitarian to help recovering addicts transition back into society is protected by the ADA. But so is the con artist's co-ed dorm that stuffs nine addicts into three bedrooms without any standards or supervision, while receiving kickbacks from corrupt treatment providers. That’s why Congress should urge the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to issue a new Joint Statement on the ADA and the Fair Housing Act (FHA) to allow local governments to uphold national standards and best practices in sober homes for the protection of residents in recovery. The DOJ and HUD issued such a clarification back in November 2016, but their joint statement was weak and ambiguous, and only added to the confusion. In addition, Congress should pass H.R. 5100, the Recovery Home Certification Act of 2018, sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight (R-CA) and Rep. (Anna Eshoo D-CA), which would establish quality standards for sober homes. The ADA is not the only well-intended federal law being misused by those looking to profit on the misery of others. Together, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and Mental Health Parity Act ensure that addiction relapse is always covered as an essential health benefit, with no yearly or lifetime limitations. When you combine these unlimited benefits with insurance that reimburses treatment providers on a fee-for-service basis, you create a financial incentive for corrupted providers to keep the patient in an endless cycle of rehab. An unintended consequence of our current reimbursement model is that all of us pay more for health insurance and, even worse, vulnerable individuals leave corrupt providers in ambulances and body bags. The cruel irony is that many families with health insurance have later discovered that their plans’ generous benefits unwittingly contributed to their loved one’s demise. Ironically, the possible solution to this problem of unintended consequences lies within the very same Affordable Care Act. The ACA changed Medicare to reduce payments to providers with high failure rates, or “excess readmissions,” while providing bonuses to providers that achieve high scores on patient outcome and care experiences. But this policy of linking quality to payment does not apply to private insurers who pay for drug rehab services. When policymakers decide the future of the Affordable Care Act, they should extend Medicare’s outcome-based reimbursement model to the world of private insurance payments for drug rehabilitation. Devising a formula similar to Medicare’s that financially favors the good providers could shutter rogue operators who market aggressively with false promises and illicit benefits to patients, then siphon precious resources into treating and encouraging unlimited relapses. Prosecutors and law enforcement officers are doing their part to hold accountable those who spread this poison into our communities, but we cannot arrest our way out of this opiate epidemic. Rehabilitation is a crucial part of the solution, but for it to work, we need the federal government to change its policies that promote fraud, abuse and relapse and instead encourage a lasting sobriety. Dave Aronberg was elected State Attorney for Florida’s 15th Judicial Circuit in November 2012, and was re-elected without opposition in 2016. He leads a team of 120 prosecutors and 220 staff in Palm Beach County. Aronberg was born in Miami and attended public schools before going on to graduate with honors from Harvard College and Harvard Law School. In 2000, Aronberg was selected as one of 15 White House Fellows from across the country. In this non-partisan position, he served in two presidential administrations as a Special Assistant to the Secretary of the Treasury Department for international money laundering, including the laundering of terrorist assets. Aronberg was elected to the State Senate in 2002 as its youngest member and served until 2010. Focusing on criminal justice and consumer protection issues, he passed major identity theft and port security legislation and received national attention for working to close loopholes in our sex offender laws.

MANAMA: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), home-base of the Line 6 Expansion Project, is pleased to announce that it has secured commitments of c. US$ 700 million from Export Credit Agency (ECA) supported facilities to finance Line 6 Expansion Project. The facilities are made-up of a dual tranche of c. US$ 310 million and c. EUR 315 million SERV Guaranteed Export Credit and c. EUR 50 million Euler Herms Guaranteed Export Credit. The SERV-backed facility will fund the Company’s Power Station 5 (PS5) wherein General Electric (GE), EPC contractor, will provide three 9HA gas turbines, three steam turbines and three heat recovery steam generators (HRSGs). This facility will have a 15-year tenor and the principal amount will be repaid over 12-year period. The Hermes-backed facility will finance the Power Distribution Systems (PDS) where Siemens will construct and commission High Voltage electrical network and provide Gas Insulated Switchgear (GIS) up to 220kV. This facility will have a 14-year tenor and the principal amount will be repaid over 12-year period. “Securing the Export Credit Financing for Power Station 5 and Power Distribution System is a strong vote of confidence in Line 6 Expansion Project. We look forward to work with the Swiss and German Governments as well as with GE and Siemens to progress with Line 6 as per schedule,” Shaikh Daij Bin Salman Bin Daij Al Khalifa, Alba’s Chairman of Board of Directors, said. JPMorgan Chase Bank, N.A. is acting as the ECA coordinator to assist the Company in arranging the ECA facilities. Further information will be provided in due course. Expected to start metal production in early 2019, Line 6 Expansion Project will boost the per-annum production by 540,000 metric tonnes upon its full ramp-up, bringing Alba’s total production capacity to 1,500,000 metric tonnes per annum to make Alba the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter.

BIC, Sakhir: Record crowds and action-packed racing are the highlights as Sebastian Vettel won the Formula 1 Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix under the stars in Sakhir. Nearly 100,000 fans flocked to the floodlights of the Bahrain International Circuit over the weekend, with families making up 1 in 5 racegoers. The racing action was as hot online as it was in the Middle East, with fans across the globe enthralled with the 2017 FIA Formula One World Championship® so far. Over the weekend there have been 138 million impressions across all of Formula 1’s social media platforms including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, which drove 11 million video views. A video of Kimi Raikkonen walking through the Bahrain desert after suffering engine failure was the most popular video on Facebook and Twitter, with the video, which resembled a western movie, reaching more than 2 million fans on Facebook and generating 780k impressions on Twitter: https://www.facebook.com/Formula1/videos/796272613863056/ An impressive night-time photograph of the dazzling Bahrain International Circuit was the fans’ favourite on Instagram, with the post generating 1.3 million impressions: https://www.instagram.com/p/BSwJGzQFGwW/ “It’s always exciting to watch Formula 1 under the stars, and we’re delighted to have been able to share that special experience with so many children and families watching from the sold out stands today,” Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations, Formula 1, said. “Bahrain was the first racing destination for Formula 1 in the Middle East, and across the weekend you could feel how the enthusiasm for the sport and the drivers has grown in the region since 2004. “Fan engagement and excitement hasn’t just been limited to the track however, with millions of people across the world using Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to get closer to the action. “It’s our aim to make the sport more accessible and engaging for fans at the track and at home, and we look forward to the next few Championship races in Europe.” The 2017 Formula 1 VTB Russian Grand Prix is next on the calendar, with practice, qualifying and the race taking place between Friday 28th April and Sunday 30th April 2017.

Manama: Microsoft announced the names of the six finalist teams which will compete in the Imagine Cup Bahrain Finals 2017, with a chance to represent Bahrain in the regional round and to move to the Worldwide Finals in Seattle, USA and walk away with a cash prize of $100,000. Imagine Cup, which was first held in 2003, has since become a global phenomenon. This year, the Bahrain National Finals round of the premier competition will take place on April 19, 2017 at ART Rotana Amwaj Islands Bahrain. Held in strategic partnership with Tamkeen, and supported by partners including Start-up Bahrain, Ministry of Youth and Sports, United Nations Development Program Bahrain (UNDP) and Corporate Hub 9 (CH9), the competition will provide a platform for young developers of Bahrain to showcase innovative, world-changing solutions before industry experts. Roadshows for Imagine Cup Bahrain were conducted across various universities, and teams Influx, Anon Coders, O’LINA , Feminspire, Team1 and ARH from the University of Bahrain were selected to represent the Kingdom in the competition. The winning team gets BHD 2,500 followed by second and third runners up to receive BHD 1,500 and BHD 1,000 respectively. One out of these 6 teams will also be selected for the ‘Incubation Award’ a 3-month technical and business consultation opportunity. “Located at the heart of the region, Bahrain is a country abundant with opportunities. It has grown significantly over the past decade, establishing a well-set business and entrepreneurial infrastructure,” Sherif Tawfik, Country General Manager, Microsoft Bahrain and Oman, said. “We thank our partners for their support in landing and hosting Imagine Cup competition that endorses the spirit of innovation in line with Bahrain Vision 2030, equipping the talented youth with necessary skills that will allow them to thrive in a dynamic global environment, and improve economic competitiveness.” This year, Microsoft Azure cloud is a compulsory component of submitted solutions. Imagine Cup this year is no longer bound by project categories such as Innovation, Citizenship or Gaming; and is instead focused on purely the use of Technology. All projects will be scored by the panel of expert judges from various industries, followed by announcement of the winning team. The finalists will cover an array of topics through their projects, competing to represent Bahrain on a global platform and a chance to win the much coveted Imagine Cup trophy. In total, more than 1.75 million students from over 190 countries have participated in the event, which has evolved over the years. Students at the competition get a chance to network with many other young, passionate people, and establish valuable connections. The event aims to provide the youth of Bahrain with an opportunity to think about their strengths and weaknesses, and learn about the importance of creativity by leveraging technology and ultimately contribute towards a smarter future.

BIC, Sakhir: After splitting the first two races of the season with Mercedes’s Lewis Hamilton, Vettel was eager to strike back and it was the star pair once again battling in the end for all the glory. This time it was the scarlet red of Ferrari taking the chequered flag as a brilliant series of fireworks lit up the night sky above Sakhir. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister presented Vettel the winning driver’s trophy. Gulf Air CEO Maher Salman Al Musallam also handed over trophies, as did Minister of Youth and Sports Affairs Hisham Al Jowder and Bahrain Motor Federation Vice-President Shaikh Salman bin Isa bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa. Vettel’s win ended the recent run of success for Mercedes in the Kingdom, as they had won every year since the event was switched to a night race. But Vettel had other plans and he claimed his third triumph in Bahrain after previously winning twice with his former team Red Bull Racing, while also securing the 44th triumph of his career. The German gained the lead from pole-sitter Valtteri Bottas during a safety car period early on in the race. At the re-start, he managed to stave off his rival and eventually built a comfortable advantage of over 10 seconds from the rest of the pack. But Vettel was made to sweat a bit over the final 10 laps as a charging Lewis Hamilton was closing in from behind. It was too much of a task, however, as Vettel had built a big enough lead to cruise to the chequered flag. Vettel crossed the finish line with a winning time of one hour 33 minutes 53.374 seconds. Hamilton, who had been given a five-second time penalty for impeding Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo in the pit lane, had cut the gap to 6.660 seconds by the end. Bottas had to settle for the final podium place 20.397s back in third. “The car was really amazing to drive and I had a good feeling yesterday,” said Vettel during his post-race interview on the podium. “For many laps it really worked well. It was just a pleasure. Lewis was threatening towards the end, and with the traffic you never know. But it was a very controlled race, and the car was simply a dream today.” Ferrari’s Kimi Rakkonen finished fourth 22.475s from his teammate. He was followed by Red Bull Racing’s Daniel Ricciardo (+39.346s) in fifth and Williams’s Felipe Massa (+54.326s) in sixth. Force India’s Sergio Perez (+62.606s) was seventh and Haas’s Romain Grosjean (+74.865s) rounded out the top eight. Nico Hulkenberg of Renault and Perez’s teammate Esteban Ocon were the last two to claim points. Classified 11th to 14th were Pascal Wehrlein of Sauber, Daniil Kvyat of Toro Rosso, Jolyon Palmer of Renault and Fernando Alonso of McLaren. Not classified were Sauber’s Marcus Ericsson, Toro Rosso’s Carlos Sainz, Williams’s Lance Stroll, Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, Haas’s Kevin Magnussen and McLaren’s Stoffel Vandoorne. The Bahrain Grand Prix was the third round of the 2017 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Racing resumes on April 30 with the Russian Grand Prix.

Hidd: APM Terminals Bahrain, the operator of Khalifa Bin Salman Port (KBSP), is embarking on digital transformation of the port with a new General Cargo Terminal Operating System (GC-TOS) to optimize operational efficiency and customer experience. The new system, which will initially focus on digitizing KBSP’s maritime services followed by General Cargo and Billing, will be key to driving greater transparency and turnaround times, resulting in faster and efficient cargo flow at the Kingdom’s world-class commercial port. The implementation of the GS TOS is a critical first step by APM Terminals towards digital transformation to improve the management data between the port, cargo owners, shipping lines and other stakeholders. With this, the planning capabilities of the port will get enhanced through a centralized information portal including cargo booking and movement, documentation, pre-arrival notifications to name a few. This will further facilitate immediate improvements in terminal productivity and customer service. “The rapidly changing maritime landscape calls for continuous investments and transformations in port operations and logistical solutions, to satisfy customer requirements and growing general cargo volumes. Integrating digital solutions into our transshipment operations will help catalyze the collaboration and coordination among the many stakeholders and help us to manage activities at the quay, yard and gate,” Mark Hardiman, CEO/Managing Director of APM Terminals Bahrain. “Most importantly, it will maximize efficiencies for the entire supply chain providing stakeholders real-time data and insights, transparency and reliability; creating business value for them. This will further increase port’s competitiveness helping KBSP achieve its ambition of becoming the region’s leading transshipment centre of the Upper Gulf.”

MUHARRAQ: A transparent and efficient system at the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) can help in developing the national economy according to the aspiration of the Kingdom’s Vision 2030, says leading businessmen. “We have been able to put in place an efficient and transparent system at the BCCI in the past four years which could only ensure the economic development through the active participation of the board of the Chamber,” Khalid Al Zayani, 1st Vice Chairman of the BCCI told the business seminar held in Muharraq. Mr Al Zayani, while addressing 150 businessman and owners of the businesses from the Asian communities assured them full support during the next term of the BCCI board (2018-22) and urged business community, largely from the small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) sector, to take part actively in the BCCI calendar events. “We as the BCCI board members are there to serve, support and help the businesses as Chamber is the largest and the oldest business community platform in the Kingdom of Bahrain. We believe in clean and straightforward plan and Inshallah we will continue to serve with the same passion and enthusiasm,” Mr Al Zayani, who is the third generation of among successful business families in the Gulf region. The meeting was third business seminar being organised by a panel led by Mr Khalid Al Zayani, with active participation of panel members including Mr Sajid Sheikh, the BCCI Executive Director and the Chairman of the Bahrain Asian Traders Committee, Mr Isa Abdulrahim Al Rafaei, Treasurer of the BCCI, Mr Ahmed bin Hindi, Head of the ICT Committee at the BCCI, Mr Ahmed Bin Sabah Al Saloom, Chairman SME Development Society and others. Mr Al Zayani, who is also Chairman of the Al Baraka Islamic Bank (ABIB) highlighted the existing potential in the Asian markets including Pakistan. “Pakistan’s economy has very promising future as the ABIB’s success story speaks volume of existing potentials and growth indicators of Pakistan economy.” “The ABIB now have over 270 operating branches across Pakistan and is a source of thousands of high caliber jobs for Pakistanis,” he added. Mr Sajid Sheikh, Chairman of the BATC said that over the past eight years as BCCI Director he was able to address many issues confronted by the business community especially the SMEs. The region, Mr Sheikh said, is going through challenging time so is Bahrain, and we need to prepare ourselves to brave the situation in 2018 and beyond. “With record low oil prices and squeezed income, the public sector will come up with various steps to meet the deficit and at this stage the private sector needs to be careful and well prepared,” he said, adding that the BCCI had disbursed almost BD300,000 to support the small businesses and keep their wheel of business moving. “The BCCI had advertised in the local papers yet there was not a single case from Pakistan community,” he regrets saying that without businesses participation the BCCI would not able to support them. Referring to the BATC role in the past four years, he said that he worked very closely with the 17 embassies and the missions from the Asian communities. Mr Sheikh urged the SMEs owners to benefit from the existing 351 activities which are now open for foreigners. “This has happened due to the hard work of the BCCI and with the support of Mr Zayed Al Zayani, the Minister of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, who listened to the recommendations of the BCCI. Asian business community showed their confidence in the leadership of Mr Al Zayani and his panel and assured them the full support in Chamber elections due in three-month’s time. Mr Saloom in his remarks said SME Development society would continue to serve the businesses. “We have just opened three incubators to support the businesses and we will setup two support centers each in Riffa and Muharraq to reach out the businesses. Chaudhary Mohammed Akram, owner of Manama Food Industry and other businesses in his remarks applauded the role of the leading business families, like Al Zayanis, in the development of the national economy. He also assured Mr Sajid Sheikh for a full support from the Pakistan and other Asian communities and urged the business owners to vote for Mr Al Zayani’s panel who are contesting BCCI elections for a great cause. Mr Ashraf Bhinder, a Pakistani businessman also welcomed the BCCI panel members to the seminar.

Manama: As 37% of survey respondents in the Middle East and Africa region cited a skills gap as the main barrier to cloud adoption, Microsoft urges for a cloud future by sharpening their skills in Microsoft Azure, through the company’s cloud trainings and certifications. Azure trainings and certifications run as a blend of scheduled and on-demand online courses, covering generalised and niche, cloud-focused subject areas for getting up to speed with Azure. IT Pros can choose to learn in Massively Open Online Courses (MOOCs) with labs, or study for a test and take a certification exam. Completing any MOOC includes a digital certificate of completion, and passing a certification exam earns IT Pros the related certification and its digital badges. “Microsoft’s cloud trainings allow IT professionals to broaden their horizons by gaining practical, instantly applicable cloud skills,” said Necip Ozyucel, Cloud & Enterprise Business Solutions Lead, Microsoft Gulf. “Whether beginner or expert, we have the course to help them level up in their cloud career. We have invested heavily in Azure training, because our global reach and Azure’s versatility means it is a platform that can fit any need, no matter the business scale, no matter the industry; so, anyone who takes our courses will learn things that relate directly to their existing job and allow them to add value. Our trainings will show you guide IT Pros to build hybrid or open-source solutions, and the courseware provides tactile learning experiences that you can employ immediately, while earning technical certifications that prepare you for rewarding career advancement.” A recent worldwide survey conducted by Microsoft showed a marked increase in the salaries of cloud professionals, as companies recruit for their digital transformation journeys. The survey also noted that 37% of respondents in the Middle East and Africa region cited a skills gap as the main barrier to cloud adoption. “In the GCC, governments have initiated bold economic-development visions centred on technology,” said Ozyucel. “Much of the activity in the private and public sectors around these programmes – especially given the emerging constraints of the petrochemical price dip – is about doing more with less. In the context of digital transformation, that means cloud, so the surge in demand for cloud specialists is to be expected.” An IDC forecast from 2015 projects that by 2020, more than one in three IT positions worldwide will be cloud related and that the cloud-readiness of professionals will start to have a significant impact on operations. The report also suggested IT employment worldwide will grow by around 4% every year up to 2020, and that all growth will occur in cloud-related positions. “Azure training courses ready participants for Microsoft Certified Professional exams, which allow them to earn the kind of accreditation that opens new doors. Acquiring cloud skills has become a critical component in organisational success. Our certifications will enable IT experts to reimagine their firm’s IT infrastructure, preparing them for a competitive digital future,” added Ozyucel. But it is not just infrastructure that can be transformed in the Azure cloud. With their newfound skill base, Azure professionals will be able to show their organisations and customers how to build transformative solutions from Microsoft’s tried and tested AI platforms. Business intelligence and analytics solutions can reinvent customer engagement strategies. Natural-language processing modules can automate and streamline customer service through chat-bots; and communications tools can ensure that organisations keep their employees connected and collaborating, wherever they may be in the world. An IDC White Paper sponsored by Microsoft Corp. shows global demand for “cloud-ready” IT workers will grow by 26 percent annually through 2015 and onwards, with as many as 7 million cloud-related jobs available worldwide. According to the study, IT hiring managers report that the biggest reason they failed to fill 1.7 million open cloud-related positions in 2012 was because job seekers lacked the training and certification needed to work in a cloud-enabled world. “Training is one of the best investments you can make in your career,” said Ozyucel. “Azure Certifications can be the first step in your journey towards cloud expertise. Then you will be in a better position to add value to your employer’s business or to help your customers with their own journeys to digital transformation, where they can benefit from Microsoft Azure’s global coverage across 36 regions.”

WASHINGTON: Aluminium Bahrain B.S.C. (Alba), the Bahrain-based aluminium smelter, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with International Bechtel Co. (Bechtel) to explore further opportunities of growth with Line 6 Expansion Project, which will result in Alba becoming the world’s largest single-site aluminium smelter. His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, the Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Prime Minister attended the MoU signing ceremony between Alba and Bechtel, which was held during the reception organised by the Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) in collaboration with American Chamber of Commerce and the U.S.-Bahrain Business Council on 30 November 2017 in Washington DC. Other cross-sector trade agreements were also signed between Bahrain and U.S. companies during the reception. The MoU was signed between Alba’s Chief Executive Officer, Tim Murray and the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bechtel Group Inc. Brendan P. Bechtel during the reception. “Alba is one of the industrial cornerstones of the Kingdom of Bahrain. We are deeply committed to the Kingdom’s Economic Vision 2030 and proudly partake in the development of the society in which we operate,” Tim Murray, Alba’s CEO, said. “Alba and Bechtel have a long-standing business partnership. We are excited at exploring further opportunities with Bechtel, which will consolidate Alba’s status as one of the most modern and largest single-site smelters in the world.” Bechtel currently is the Engineering, Procurement, and Construction Management (EPCM) contractor for Alba’s landmark Line 6 Expansion Project.

MANAMA: Al Hawaj and Dali Haute Perfumerie Paris launch the latest fragrance from Salvador Dali, the Daligramme Collection in Bahrain. Jean Pierre Grivory, President and Director-General of Cofinluxe S.A which holds the world-renowned perfume brand of the master surrealist artist Salvador Dali, graced the event. The Daligramme Collection is a set of fragrances that were created by four perfumers as an olfactory interpretation of the passionate love between Salvador Dali and his wife, Gala. The bottle designs were extracted from Dali’s “Daligrams” which is said to be the lovers’ secret alphabet code which he created and dedicated to Gala. The Daligrams are composed of eight enigmatic and stylized characters the great artist made from their initials. Four perfumers: Mathilde Bijaoui, Amélie Bourgeois, Alexandra Carlin, and Véronique Nyberg, imagined the Daligrams as mysterious and intimate letters, and five secret messages from Dali to Gala. The five fragrances were: Ma Muse, Ma Flamme, Ma Vie, Ma Reine, and Ma Force. The Daligrammes Collection is a celebration of the life and love of the master artist with his Muse through special fragrances. They are available at Al Hawaj outlets all over Bahrain.

MANAMA: The Board of Directors of the Central Bank of Bahrain led by Chairman Mohammed Hussein Yateem has reviewed the anti-money laundering and terrorist financing laws during its its fourth meeting for 2017. The Board reviewed the topics on the agenda. The Board reviewed the performance report of the bank, the developments in the financial sector for the fourth quarter and the financial performance report of the bank until the end of October 2017. The Board approved the bank’s budget for 2018. The Board also approved the news appointments, license fees for financial institutions licensed to provide financial services to the financial sector, and briefed the Board on the reports on the sovereign credit rating of the Kingdom of Bahrain and the development of work in the joint assessment of the Kingdom of Bahrain on the procedures in place to combat money laundering and terrorist financing laws.

MANAMA: Microsoft announced the appointment of Saif Hilal Al Hosni as the Country Manager for Microsoft Bahrain and Oman. In his new role, Al Hosni will spearhead Microsoft’s efforts to assist public and private-sector organisations in Bahrain and Oman and with their digital transformation journeys, as both countries continue to implement their long-term economic-reform programmes. After joining Microsoft in 2009, Al Hosni spent over 8 years and held key positions in the public-sector to drive the company’s mission of empowering organisations to achieve more. Most recently he was the Regional Manager for Small and Mid-Market Solutions and Partners (SMSP), leading Microsoft’s Public-Sector team. He has previously served as the IT Director at Oman’s Ministry of Finance. “Saif steps into his latest role at a critical juncture for the region,” said Sayed Hashish, Regional General Manager, Microsoft Gulf. “Economic diversification is in full swing in Bahrain and Oman, and we believe he is just the right person to strengthen Microsoft’s business with clients in sectors such as government, financial services, and oil and gas, as well as continuing the company’s ongoing efforts to enhance the skill sets of the region’s future technology professionals.” “Microsoft has a long and strong tradition in the public and private sectors of Bahrain and Oman,” said Saif Al Hosni. “Digital transformation, powered by the intelligent cloud and the intelligent edge can build a responsive, modern workplace that allows organisations to engage customers, empower employees, optimise operations and transform their business models. With Microsoft’s holistic security platform, business applications and technologies, I look forward to working closely with our customers on these transformative journeys – contributing to the social and economic growth in both countries.” Saif’s areas of expertise cover IT management, ICT strategy and sales. He currently holds multiple national-level leadership positions, such as Vice President of the Oman Olympic Committee and Head of the Finance Committee for Oman IT Society. He also serves on the Advisory Board of the College of Science at Sultan Qaboos University; the Advisory Board for Information Systems at the College of Economics and Political Science at Sultan Qaboos University; and the Industry Advisory Committee for Majan College. Saif has 22 years of experience in technology solutions, predominantly in Oman and the Arab Gulf region. He holds a Master’s degree in Information Systems from the University of Portsmouth, UK and a Bachelor’s degree in Engineering in Information Technology from the University of Staffordshire, UK.

Manama: Bahrain’s biggest annual shopping event, the Autumn Fair, is set to return to the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from 24 January to 1 February 2018. Held under the patronage of the Bahrain Ministry of Industry, Commerce and Tourism, the popular consumer show offers a wide range of fashion, accessories, household appliances, home décor, cosmetics, specialty food and more from around the world for sale at competitive prices. More than 750 exhibitors from 18 countries are set to converge at the largest show of its kind in Bahrain to form a 15,400 square metre retail extravaganza. Show organisers UBM AEM expect over 160,000 visitors to attend the Autumn Fair 2018 over the 9-day period. “The Autumn Fair is celebrating its 29th year in Bahrain with a massive range of goods and potential bargains. Visitors can look forward to discovering new-to-market products exclusively at the show in addition to returning customer favourites from across the globe. The colourful and friendly atmosphere is suitable for the whole family to enjoy,” Yaqoob Ali UBM AEM project manager, said. “There is also a strong business-to-business element at the show. The Autumn Fair acts as an important sourcing venue for local companies, and wholesale agreements and new partnerships will be established during the course of the exhibition. Numerous local businesses also regularly take part, and many offer special deals to visitors,” he added. Entry and timings: Entry to the Autumn Fair 2018 is BD 1. Tickets can be purchased during show opening hours from kiosks at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Children under the age of 12 years will be admitted free of charge. The exhibition will open from 12 pm–10 pm on 24 January, 10 am–2 pm and 4 pm–10 pm on 25 January, 12 pm–10 pm on 26 January, 10 am–2 pm and 4 pm–10 pm on 27, 28, 29 and 30 January, and 10 am–10 pm on 31 January and 1 February. On 28 and 29 January from 10 am–2 pm the exhibition will open to ladies only.

By Carol McIntire Editor CARROLLTON – With a span of three hours Friday, two people died as a result of injuries sustained on highways in Carroll County. The Carroll County Sheriff’s Department is investigating a crash on SR 9 that claimed the life of a Carrollton man and the New Philadelphia Post of the Ohio State Highway Patrol (OSP) is investigating a crash on SR 171 that claimed the life of a Magnolia woman. The county 911 dispatch center received a call at 3:36 p.m. about the accident on SR 9 between Moccasin and Mackel roads. While emergency personnel were on the scene at that crash, the dispatch center received a call at 6:35 p.m. about the SR 171 crash. Sheriff Dale Williams said Benjamin J. Wallace, 38, of 559 Garfield Ave., Carrollton, was driving a 2004 Ford F-250 pickup south on SR 9 around a curve on a hill when he lost control of the vehicle. The truck went left of center and off the left side of the roadway, down an embankment and struck two trees. Wallace was pronounced dead at the scene. Sheriff deputies responded to the accident on SR 171, which occurred just east of New Harrisburg on a knoll. The accident scene was cleared and two victims transported to Aultman Hospital prior to the case being turned over to OSP. Sgt. Bill Bower of the OSP said Jacqueline Wanner, 61, of 2401 Hillwood St., Magnolia, died as a result of injuries she sustained in the accident. “At this point, I don’t know if she died en route to the hospital or after she arrived at the hospital,” Bower said. “We are continuing to investigate.” Ashley Semrock, 27, of 259 Park Ave., Carrollton, was injured and transported to the hospital. Bower said Wanner was driving a 2016 Honda Civic east on SR 171. Semrock was driving a 2010 Mazda 6 west on SR 171. “Semrock told us she swerved to miss a deer and her vehicle went left of center,” Bower said. “When it did, the vehicle struck the Civic driven by Wanner head-on.” There were no passengers in either vehicle. Bower said since the scene was cleared prior to OSP arriving at the scene, an OSP reconstructionist will reconstruct the scene to determine details of the crash. “He will use the physical evidence at the scene and download information from the vehicles to determine the speed of the vehicles prior to the crash, braking information and seat belt usage,” he said. The deaths were the first two highway fatalities in the county in 2018.

Carroll County Prosecuting Attorney Steven D. Barnett warns the county’s senior citizens to be aware of the potential for scam phone calls asking seniors for their Medicare card numbers. The Prosecutor reminds seniors that if they are on Medicare, their Medicare card number is their Social Security Number. In many cases, criminals have attempted to get your Medicare number over the phone by creative means to use it to gain access to your financial accounts and steal your identity,” said Barnett. U.S. Department of Justice statistics show that people over age 65 lost over $2.6 million in 2014 alone from these types of scams. Barnett said there have been no referrals made to his office and that he is not aware of any current scams in the county regarding Medicare fraud. However, Barnett warns seniors to be vigilant and know that scammers have been known to target seniors by phone requesting their Medicare card numbers under false pretenses. The scammer tells the unsuspecting senior that they want to verify a senior’s Medicare coverage by requesting their Medicare number. The scammer will often tell the senior that without the Medicare number there may be delays in medical treatment or that their benefits are in jeopardy. The calls appear to be valid as coming from Medicare or a Washington, D.C. area code, but turn out to be phony and made from fake caller I.D.’s. Barnett said Medicare representatives will never call you regarding your current or future Medicare numbers. “If you receive a call like this, you should hang up immediately. If you listen to any of their pitch, it might enhance your possibility of being taken in,” said the Prosecutor. To better protect seniors from identify theft, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) will be mailing new cards in April 2018 to meet congressional deadlines for replacing all Medicare cards by April 2019. New cards will be mailed and they will have a new account number that will no longer use a person’s social security number, the Prosecutor explained. Those persons having questions should call the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services at 1-800MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or to report fraud or abuse at 1-800-HHSTIPS (1-800-447-8477).

Eugene James Stanchina, Jr., 79, of Brunswick, formerly of Amsterdam, died Monday, April 23, 2018, in Brunswick. Born June 15, 1938, in Amsterdam, he was a son of the late Eugene and Louise Zanotelli Stanchina. Eugene was an Army veteran and a retired electrical technician. He was a member of St. Ambrose Church in Brunswick. He is survived by his beloved companion, Dody Cress; two sons, James (Amanda) Stanchina of Richfield and Douglas J. Cress of Jacksonville, FL; daughter, Tina Stanchina of Brunswick; and two sisters, Dolores Tulodeski and Jo Anne Dent, both of Amsterdam. A memorial service will be held April 27 at 11 a.m. in Dodds Funeral Home of Amsterdam with Fr. John McCoy officiating. Visitation will be Friday from 10 a.m. until service time.

60 YEARS AGO From 1957 FPS Files Mary Stahler, daughter of Mrs. Roxie Stahler of Rt. 1, Minerva, and Mark Slabaugh, son of Mr. and Mrs. Glen Slabaugh of Rt. 4, Carrollton, were named Carroll County’s Outstanding 4-H Girl and Boy at the 107th annual Carroll County Fair. Kenneth Jones, owner of Al’s IGA Foodliner, purchased both the grand champion and reserve champion steers, along with five other 4-H steers, at the junior livestock sale at the 1957 Carroll County Fair. The grand champion Hereford steer, raised by Don Michael and weighing 955 lbs., sold for 55 1/2 cents per lb. with the reserve champion 855-pound Hereford steer, exhibited by Don’s brother, Carl Michael, brought 43 cents a pound. The Carrollton High School band was invited to give a marching band demonstration at Capital University in Columbus. Walter Mills, owner of Mills Jewelry, purchased the former Sterling Drug Store at 88 W. Main St. from W. R. Scott of Carrollton. 50 YEARS AGO From1967 FPS Files Cynthia Drake, 18, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Howard Drake Jr. of Rt. 2, Carrollton, and Danny Shawver, 18, son of Mr. and Mrs. Curtis Shawver of Rt. 2, Scio, were honored as Carroll County’s Outstanding 4-H girl and boy at the 117th annual Carroll County fair. Huff Construction of Dellroy was awarded the contract to construct a new library building at Malvern schools. For the second straight year, Miss Mary Breckenridge, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Dewey Breckenridge of R.D. 1, Malvern, was crowned as Carroll County Dairy Princess. With a 26-14 victory over the host Cadiz Cardinals, the Carrollton Warriors got back into the win column to give them a 2-2 record for the 1967 season. Carrollton’s senior fullback Bill Carpenter scored three touchdowns to raise his point total to 36 for the season. 40 YEARS AGO From 1977 FPS Files The five candidates for Carrollton High School’s 1977 homecoming queen were Lori Bright, Cindy Clark, Anne Johnston, Sudie Kelch and Tammy Williamson. The 260-acre Washington Twp. Sierra Vista Farms, owned by R. H. S. Kaufman, was auctioned for $302,588. The Carrollton Garden Club was awarded a Certificate of Appreciation for its Dogwood ’77 tree project. The Carrollton freshman football team picked up its first win of the season with tailback Marvin Bright in the scoring spotlight, scoring all four of Carrollton’s TD’s and piled up 137 yards on the turf. 30 YEARS AGO From 1987 FPS Files Carrollton Village Council purchased the property at 136 W. Main St., owned by Bob Herron, for $4,900 for an additional municipal parking lot. Missy Richards and Michael Varble were selected as Malvern High School’s 1987 homecoming football queen and king. Kim Wrana was crowned Conotton Valley High School’s homecoming football queen. Tammy Marshall reigned as Springfield High School’s homecoming queen. Members of the Warrior’s Cross Country team who placed 2nd in the AAA division competition included Mike Frase, Brian Flanagan, Jay Watts, Mike Hutson, Mike Joseph, Todd Miller and Art Pfund. 20 YEARS AGO From 1997 FPS Files The Starkey farm, located on Moreen Rd., Mechanicstown, and owned by Roger and Carolyn Starkey, won the Ohio Conservation Farm Family award. Mrs. Shirley McCreary, a longtime member of the Carrollton Music Study Club and former local music teacher and church organist, received the Community Recognition Musicians award given by the Carrollton Music Study Club. Lacy Papai and Brandon Strawder were named Students of the Month for September at Carrollton High School where both were seniors and active in speech and Showstoppers. Danny Princic and Greg Brady finished one-two in a triangular cross country race at Louisville with times of 17.08 and 17.28, respectively, to improve Carrollton’s 4-0 record in the Northeastern Buckeye Conference. 10 YEARS AGO From 2007 FPS Files A new layer of shiny pavement brick greeted motorists on S. Market St. in Minerva, marking completion of a nearly $324,000 street improvement project. John Dendak’s guitar playing scarecrow entry won the Scarecrows on the Square contest in Carrollton. Honored at the 2007 Carroll County Farm Bureau meeting were Darlene Smith, who received the Educator of the Year Award, and Bobbi Jo Tinlin, recipient of the Excellence in Agriculture award. Vickie Nign and Mariellen Watson received the Carrollton Music Study Club’s “Musicians of the Year” award. Miss Tyrrea White was crowned the 2007 Malvern High School homecoming football queen.

Sandy Valley High School’s 2017 homecoming will be held this Friday evening when the Cardinals host the Strasburg Tigers. Alana Hill and Brad Smith, both seniors, have been selected as the 2017 fall homecoming queen and king. Members of the court are Katherine Brown and Caleb Everetts, freshman attendant and her escort; Regan Finnicum and Benjamin Cappillo, sophomore attendant and escort; Ashlyn Humphrey and Carl Cordia, junior attendant and escort, and Courtney Snyder and Robert Schreffler, senior attendant and escort. The queen and king and court will also be honored at a dance to be held Saturday evening at the Sandy Valley Wellness Center with the theme being Miami Nights.

By Nancy Schaar FPS Correspondent DELLROY -Hundreds of people filled The Bluffs (formerly Atwood Resort and Conference Center) Sept. 27 for the grand opening of the new drug and alcohol treatment facility. The Bluffs staff began training early last month. The first group of patients (28) have been in residence since then. Fifty-two staff members operate the facility. Chief Executive Officer Dr. Richard Foster began his duties at The Bluffs in July and started training with only 10 staff members. More people are working there now and as patients are added, more employees will be added as well. Full capacity will be 160 patients and more than 200 employees. The 104 hotel rooms were transformed into two patients per room suites. Employee offices, which include nursing rooms where medications are kept behind locked doors, and security rooms, used to carefully monitor every patient 24 hours of the day, are placed throughout the patient wings for hands on care from the staff. Commissioners auctioned the hotel, chalet and 75 acres in August 2016. William Burns of Youngstown purchased the property for $1.1 million. It took longer than expected to get all the financing in line but, after a few stalled attempts, Addiction Campuses purchased the property from Burns and announced the plans to use the facility as a top of the line recovery center for addictions, including alcohol, opioids and other drugs. Burns and his grandfather attended the grand opening celebration Wednesday. Burns said he was glad it had a happy ending. “I know there will be good things accomplished here,” he said. Foster comes with more than 25 years of experience, predominately in drug and alcohol treatment. His most recent work was at a patient-centered program in Pittsburgh. New sprinkler systems were installed. The pool still needs some work and the kitchen had to be completely gutted and new equipment was installed. A final inspection must be completed before it can be utilized. Both will be operating by October. During this time, the Bluffs has had meals catered from the Dellroy Drive In, the Bistro, and Ponderosa in Carrollton. There will be three registered nurses and two licensed practical nurses on each shift. Security is already in place. Fifty security cameras were installed inside the building and another 50 are being installed on the outside. According to Foster, security is a top priority and patients are monitored at all times. “We use internal staff and will not have outside contracted security,” said Foster. The recovery coaches work all three shifts and carefully monitor each patient. The north wing is now known as New Beginnings and patients will spend their first week there in the detoc facility. Officials contracted with a local ambulance service, if needed, and Aultman Hospital is on contract for further medical help if it is deemed necessary. Defib units have been installed through the building. The former snack bar was transformed into a small reading library for their patients. Exercise rooms with state-of-the art equipment are being used. A phone room is set up and patients are encouraged to call family members or friends or other support figures in their lives and can do so for two hours each day. There are no private rooms, and all rooms have been made into two person suites for their patients. According to Amanda Pearson, human resource officer, room mates are put together by the date of the admission to the facility and similar addictions are placed together as well. “We focus on mind, body and spirit. There are so many activities that can help patients’ bodies recover and are available at The Bluffs. A special daily session is held every day under the biggest tree on the lawn. Patients love being outside and everyone loves the view. It is so calming and peaceful,” said Pearson. “We hear frequently from patients as they view the facility that they don’t have views, quiet, or peace like this where they come from.” Patients are in their rooms by 10 p.m. Most spend time writing in their journals. Room checks are a constant activity by security. Pearson said rates for the 30 days recovery period range from $22,000 to $26,000 per month. Most insurance companies cover the treatment and some patients are private pay. Ohio limits this type of treatment for Medicaid or Medicare patients only through 16 bed facilities so they will not have Medicaid or Medicare patients and there will never be court mandated drug abuses at The Bluffs, according to officials. “This is for people who want help. They want to recover. They want to change their lives. They are here because they want to be here,” said Pearson. The golf course is not being maintained but will be transformed next spring with new sod and new articifial turf on the greens. The celebration included welcoming speeches by Foster, Owner Brent Clements and Kevin Hoggatt from Senator Rob Portman’s office. Tours were provided and visitor questions were answered. Director of Public Relations for The Bluffs Brian Sullivan was a bit overwhelmed at the very large turnout. “We hoped residents would come out to see what we have here. We are thrilled that so many county officials are here and everyone seems pleased at the changes that have been made. This is wonderful and so much more than we expected,” said Sullivan. Fireworks for Recovery lit up the sky over Atwood Lake at the end of the evening. Patients of the facility mingled with county officials and many residents and spoke of the difference they know their treatment here will make in their futures. Patients praised the beauty and quietness of the facility and spoke of the breathtaking view of the lake from their balconies.

Augusta elementary students and staff are once again showing they have big hearts. The students are participating in a Change Challenge in memory of the former school librarian, Melonie Garrett, who passed away this past summer. The change collected will go into a fund known as Books in Honor of Mrs. Garrett and used to purchase books for hurricane victims in Texas and Florida. Augusta second grade teacher Rochelle Jenkins kicked off the challenge with an assembly to honor Garrett and discuss the devastation hurricanes can cause. As of Sept. 22, students and staff collected $1,528.83. Augusta may be a small school, but we are mighty!” said Jenkins.

By Nancy Schaar FPS Correspondent MALVERN – Village officials expressed safety concerns during the Oct. 5 council meeting because the village does not have a dependable working fire siren in the village at this time. It was noted during the session, there is one siren that works sometimes but the other sirens are not working at all. “Cost for one is $25,000 plus installation. We don’t have the money. Maybe we could put up a big thermometer to help with donations,” said Council Woman Kathy Ritter. It’s too late in the year to submit any grant applications but council members agreed something has to be done. The new siren would rotate and would cover more than three fourths of the village. Fund raisers were suggested. Solicitor Chad Murdock said that might not be such a good idea because every dollar would have to be accounted for and earmarked for the siren project. If the project fell through, every dollar would have to be returned to the donor. The old siren is 70 years old. In an unrelated matter, Mayor Bob DeLong expressed concern about someone cutting trees in the park. DeLong says it looks like someone is adding another nine holes to the frisbee golf course, but no one has been given permission for the project. The path being cut isn’t big enough to get the village mowers through and stumps of trees are being left that are about a foot in height. And that is unsafe for several reasons, according to DeLong. Anyone with information is asked to contact the mayor or Administrator Marcus Benson. “We’re not opposed to the idea but we need to know who is doing it, and we need a say in how it is done,” said Benson. Fiscal officer Ashley Ring said she would like to get the 2018 budget prepared and do one appropriation for it if it can be done by the end of the year. Previously the village approved a temporary measure of appropriations until the final one could be approved in early spring. “I’d like to do it just once,” said Ring. Ring announced several updates were made to the village website. This includes ordinances for grass, junk cars, trash on property, a calendar for pavilion rentals at the park and more. In other business council: – PURCHASED a utility trailer at auction to use for hauling village equipment at a cost of $2,300. – RECEIVED and returned a surveillance camera because it was not a wireless unit. A complete refund was received. – ANNOUNCED the meeting minutes will be placed on a new bulletin board in village hall. – REMINDED residents leaf collection is underway and leaves will be picked up every morning through the end of November.

Nominations are being accepted for the Carrollton High School Athletic Hall of Fame for the class of 2018. Those eligible for nomination include former athletes, coaches, community members who have given unselfishly of their time to Carrollton athletics and high school teams. To be considered for induction, the athlete or team must have been out of school for 15 years. The 15-year rule does not apply to former coaches and community members. Nomination forms are located on the Carrollton Schools website, www.carrolltonschools.org. Click on the athletics link. The nomination forms are located on the right hand side of the page. Completed forms should be submitted to the athletic office at Carrollton High School, located on Third St., Carrollton, or to Curt Hensley by calling 330-605-4959. Deadine is Nov. 1.

To the Editor, On behalf of the Relay for Life Committee of Carroll County we would like to express our sincere thanks to all of those that attended our 2nd Annual Bark for Life, Light up the Beach event August 19, 2017 at Atwood Lake Beach. Your support is greatly appreciated. We appreciate the survivors who were present for our opening ceremonies. Your strength and courage gives us hope to continue our fight. There was fun and games for everyone including our canine companions. This year we had 22 dogs participate. The winners of our dress up contest were: 1st Mia Owner Rebecca Tripp, 2nd Saucy Owner Sue Sargeant, 3rd Magic Owner Diane Moore, 4th Mugs Owner Tom Rainsberger, and 5th Fiona Owner Pam Amstutz. Winners of the Talent contest were: 1st Mugs Owner Tom Rainsberger, 2nd Fiona Owner Pam Amstutz and 3rd was a family affair with Marshal, Mason and Magic Owner Diane Moore. Ann Ghezzi was recognized for registering the most dogs-four. Thank you all for your participation and making this event such a success. We had a great time while raising funds for American Cancer Society. At this time we wish to thank our sponsors: Agland Country Store of New Philadelphia, St. Kitts Veterinary Clinic of Magnolia, Sure Fix Auto of Dellroy and the Dellroy Drive In. We wish to thank the following businesses for donated items: Gooding’s Nursery, Carrollton Farmer’s Exchange, Atwood Lake Boats-Marina West and Atwood Dairy Bar. Also, a “BIG THANK YOU” to Atwood Lake Park and the Muskingum Water Shed Conservancy District for the use of their facilities and assisting us with our event. Special thanks to Kara Musser, Aaron Stump, Heather Lebold and Mitchell Gray. Heather, your assistance with the games and the kids was a big help and was greatly appreciated. To our DJ, Sean and Arlinia Kennedy, the committee is forever grateful for all that you do for Relay. You guys are awesome and do a fantastic job. Thank you. Thanks again to all that helped and supported this event. Wendy Rainsberger for the Relay For Life Committee of Carroll County To the Editor: The past few weeks we have heard about how NFL sport athletes have been kneeling and not standing for our anthem. They are doing it in protest and because of injustice. This started out with one person and has spread like a cancer. How many of us have suffered some sort of injustice in our lives? Did we blame our country or our flag? There have been so many men and women who gave their lives or been hurt fighting for this awesome country. To me, when they show this action of disrespect, they are spitting in the face of each patriot who sacrificed and gave so much. I, too, like President Trump, love my country and feel anger at this action. If you have a beef with this country and not happy, leave! Quit coming against this country that I love and has given me and so many others so much! This is not the way or the proper avenue to voice your self-absorbed issues. Love this country or leave it! Kathryn King Scio, OH

An tragic incident at the Sun Dial Restaurant in Atlanta has left one family experiencing unimaginable grief. The restaurant, which sits on the 72nd floor of the Westin Peachtree Plaza hotel, has a rotating floor that offers customers a panoramic view of the city. According to police, Charlie Holt, 5, ventured away from his family’s table and got stuck in between the wall and a table as the floor was rotating. “His whole body was caught between maybe four to five inches of space. His head took the brunt of the injury,” said Atlanta police Sgt. Warren Pickard. The floor shut off automatically. The Westin security staff and employees dislodged Holt and he was rushed to the hospital with head trauma injuries. He eventually died. #DEVELOPING: A little boy dies after getting stuck in rotator @SunDialATL + tonight we're told OSHA is now investigating. Stay w/@wsbtv. pic.twitter.com/R3MRYcybLh — Nefertiti Jáquez (@NefertitiWSB) April 15, 2017 His family released a statement reading, “The family asks for prayers and privacy right now to come to terms with this tragedy. No words can express their loss. If you have a loved one, please give them an extra hug today.” Holt and his parents were visiting from Charlotte. They only came to the Sun Dial for lunch since they were staying at another hotel. “We know they were the last customers for the lunch crowd, and it’s just very tragic,” Pickard said. The restaurant has since closed until further notice. The hotel manager, George Reed, released a statement saying, “There was a tragic accident at the hotel involving a young boy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” He continued, “As soon as we learned of the accident, we immediately responded until emergency personnel arrived. We are working with the authorities as they look into this tragic accident and we will continue to assist them in any way we can. Words cannot express the depths of our sorrow. Our thoughts remain with the family.” Also On Global Grind:

A group of Michigan school staffers are in hot water after a video of them surfaced having an extremely inappropriate conversation. The New York Post reports that teachers and at least one secretary from Bangor High School were caught on video happily discussing which students they would rather have sex with, marry, or kill. The staff can be overheard in the video naming the students, including special-needs kids, as they played the salacious game at a local gin joint. In the six-minute video, which was filmed by a customer and posted to YouTube, one man can be heard saying, “I would totally marry [student’s name] because she likes the Tigers and she never even brought up that I was wasted on the bus trip … she can keep secrets.” On Monday, two teachers received a written reprimand and the school secretary resigned after the video hit YouTube. Amanda Reprogal, the mother of a special-needs student mentioned in the video, told reporters, “I would like to see people being held accountable. There are some criminal charges being pressed. I’m not sure how that’s going to go, but I don’t want to see anybody lose their job, but this is not OK, you got to go.” Check out the lewd video above.

Horrifying footage of a plainclothes NYPD sergeant using a stun gun on a pregnant teenager in the Bronx is making its rounds on the internet. Police were reportedly called to the Wakefield apartment due to an unrelated asthma attack when they came across two boys fighting on the fourth floor. Dailene Rosario, 17, who lost a baby during child-birth late last year, says two female cops were also trying to get inside her apartment because it’d been reported she and her sister were fighting. At that time, a male officer was able to cuff her and pull her into the crowd of cops. From NY Daily News: Rosario said she first emerged from her apartment because her boyfriend and brother were fighting in the hallway over a video game, but went back inside. She said two female officers knocked on her door, trying to get inside because of a report — false, she said — that she and her sister were fist-fighting. A male officer cuffed her, she said, and she was pulled into the crowd of cops. “And then somebody was pinching me, and I ended up getting Tased,” she said. One female officer claims the obviously pregnant Rosario pushed her into a door frame, attempted to evade arrest, and screamed, “I don’t want to talk to you,” “Yo, why are you cuffing me?” and “I didn’t do anything.” Rosario ended up spending the night in custody and “was arraigned Saturday on resisting arrest and disorderly conduct charges and released, records show.” As for being tased, she says, “I was screaming I was pregnant. The female officers, when they first came up, my sister told them I was pregnant.” “I could have lost my baby due to the Taser, anything could have happened,” she continued. The site adds, “Witness Danielle Lopez, 33, said the cops should have known Rosario was pregnant. ‘She’s four months pregnant. She has a belly. You can tell. I was disgusted,’ Lopez said.” Thankfully, her baby seems to be just fine. See it all go down in the video above.

Joy Lane — the ex-girlfriend of the man suspected of killing a man and broadcasting the murder in Cleveland, Ohio — is finally speaking up. The suspect, Steve Stephens, 37, cited Lane and his mother as one of the reasons he shot Robert Godwin Sr., 74. Lane has now texted a message to CBS News, breaking her silence. She said: “We had been in a relationship for several years. I am sorry that all of this has happened. My heart & prayers goes out to the family members of the victim(s). Steve really is a nice guy… he is generous with everyone he knows. He was kind and loving to me and my children. This is a very difficult time for me and my family Please respect our privacy at this time.” Actual photo of Steve Stephens, homicide suspect's, actual vehicle. Please call 9-1-1 if seen. Plate not yet available. pic.twitter.com/hn8a8nQEAP — Cleveland Police (@CLEpolice) April 16, 2017 Police reported that Stephens randomly shot and killed Robert Godwin, Sr. on the 600 block of East 93rd Street. Stephens recorded the incident on Facebook Live with one of the videos showing Stephens approaching Godwin, Sr. on the street. He makes the 74-year-old man say “Joy Lane” before shooting him to death. In another video, Stephens said, “She’s the reason why I’m making this video. She is the reason what’s about to happen today.” Stephens also said that he’s already killed more than a dozen people. Officials are still investigating the situation and searching for Stephens. We’ll keep you updated as more news surfaces. Also On Global Grind:

The culture wars have been at the center stage of our political discourse for some time now, and it’s about time we contextualize them. While it is true that people voted for Trump due to cultural anxiety, they also did so out of a deep dissatisfaction with the so-called “establishment”. Their political choices may be misplaced, but the anger of these voters is not unfounded—the system has failed them. The U.S. has the highest inequality of any developed country and a staggering lack of economic mobility. Despite what some may assert, our politicians are largely to blame for these characteristics of our neoliberal state. As a liberal on campus, I believe that to solely focus on the social issues and identity politics that brought Trump to power is misguided, to say the least. The most visible priority for Democrats for the past two decades has been the defense of minorities and women. While commendable change has been achieved on this front–from the election of the first black president to the attainment of marriage equality–it is not the only one that should matter. Liberal politicians have used identity politics disingenuously to highlight the otherwise vague line between them and their Republican counterparts. Trump’s actions are despicable, but us liberals helped create this monster For instance, billionaire plutocrats supported Barack Obama, and Obama repeatedly served their interests. He bailed out Wall Street and allowed bankers to have the biggest bonuses in history in the middle of the Great Recession. He promised to end the wars that fed the military industrial complex, but he expanded them instead. Moreover, he aggressively pushed for the Trans-Pacific Partnership, which Paul Krugman and Joseph Stiglitz, who are both Nobel Prize recipients in economics, criticized for serving the rich and hurting consumers. However, Obama was able to retain the support of his liberal base with socially progressive policies like the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell and the signing of the Lily Ledbetter Fair Pay Act. The Clintons, Nancy Pelosi, and the rest of the Democratic establishment are equally–or perhaps even more–guilty, but we give them a break because they make a big show out of championing diversity and protecting minorities. In reality, their economic policies hurt everyone, including women, African Americans, Asian Americans, religious minorities, Latinx, the LGBT community, immigrants, and yes, the white working class, too. Trump’s actions are despicable, but us liberals helped create this monster and enabled the economic injustice that exists today in the United States by excusing unacceptable economic policies because of favorable stances on high profile social justice issues. We ought to remember that Vanderbilt is part of this national conversation. Politics matter to students on our campus, and this involvement alone is commendable. However, our political discourse must be expanded. Though we should march on campus and denounce Trump’s stances on immigration and LGBT rights (among many others), we need to consider a lot more when evaluating candidates. We ought to acknowledge that the Democratic party is broken, and that us, Vanderbilt students, from our position of privilege, can and must do something to help fix it. Jorge Salles Diaz is a senior in the College of Arts and Science. He can be reached at [email protected].

If you’re reading this, then you’re probably panicking about finding a place to eat for Valentine’s Day. Whether you’re looking for a casual date spot, a romantic evening, or just a night out with your friends, we have you covered. Romantic Date 5th and Taylor: Located about 15 minutes north of campus, this classy eatery has the perfect ambience for a Valentine’s dinner with someone special. Speaking from experience, the food is fantastic, serving mainly meat-based upscale American food. The bill will be a bit pricey, but it is well worth it for a fancy meal with your date. J. Alexander’s: For great American food or some good sushi that isn’t one of the typical Vandy spots (i.e. Nama), make the five minute walk from Towers or Branscomb to J. Alexander’s. Just a short walk up West End, the dim lighting, elegant decoration, and great food will make for a romantic night that won’t leave you quite as bankrupt as 5th and Taylor. Casual Date The Flipside: Serving fun twists on chicken dishes including a peanut butter and bacon-topped chicken breast, The Flipside is casual enough to enjoy a relaxing evening with a friend or someone you’re just getting to know. The food isn’t too expensive and it’s located in beautiful 12 South, where you can enjoy a scenic walk after or grab some dessert at Jeni’s or Five Daughter’s Bakery. Amerigo: Another nearby option, Amerigo is located a few blocks from 21st Avenue on West End. Serving mostly Italian food, the pasta is incredible and the appetizers are a must. All at an affordable price and with a laid back atmosphere, Amerigo is perfect for a casual dinner that won’t require a commute. Group Date Monell’s: A Nashville staple, Monell’s specializes in serving large groups, so the more the merrier. Serving classic Southern comfort food such as fried chicken and potatoes, it’s hard to beat this place if you’re looking for a relaxing night with your friends. Listening Room Cafe: For dinner and a show, look no further than Listening Room Cafe. Enjoy typical Southern fried chicken dishes or choose one of their excellent sandwiches while enjoying a number of local singer/songwriters with your meal. Listening Room is a great way to get out and enjoy the local music with your friends without St. Valentine staring you in the face all night. Bonus Regardless of your situation, White Castle is taking reservations for their 26th annual Valentine’s Day celebration. The menu will include sliders, shrimp nibblers, strawberry and cream waffles and more, and they will offer hostess seating and tableside service. It’s basically the perfect Valentine’s Day.

One suite of students has been relocated for the remainder of the semester, no other cases are confirmed During the week before Thanksgiving break, students in Carmichael Towers reported bed bugs in their suite. According to Jim Kramka, senior director of housing operations for ResEd, a student in the suite provided a picture of the insects, and the pest control team confirmed that they were bed bugs, prompting ResEd to take action. “The way that we respond is that we have a protocol,” Kramka said. “We go to room and do a visual inspection, to see bugs directly or see some sign. If we see them or signs of them, then we know we do have them and we move into treating the rooms. If we don’t see bed bugs, then we put some monitoring devices in the rooms and come back and check on them every other day, looking to see if we attracted any bugs. Sometimes we don’t because someone got other bites, like mosquitos, and there are no bed bugs. In this case, the resident took a picture and sent it to us, and the pest control team confirmed that we had a bed bug, so we started our protocol to eradicate them.” The treatment process for bed bugs requires the residents to evacuate their rooms for seven days and leave behind all belongings that may be affected by the insects so that the infestation cannot spread, including clothes and books. The residents may only bring a few articles of clothing after they have been properly laundered and basic toiletries that can be visually inspected for bed bugs. This process began just before Thanksgiving break. Only the room of the resident who reported the infestation was evacuated and treated before break, and then the entire suite was treated during break once it was vacant in order to minimize the inconvenience to students. Upon the residents returning to campus, the treatment proved to be unsucessful, and so the residents have since been moved to another undisclosed residence hall until the end of the semester. Since the treatment began, students in an adjoining suite also suspect bed bugs in their rooms and have accepted offers to move residence halls until the rooms are inspected and treated. While there are rumors of other infestations in Towers, only one case has been reported as of now. Additionally, rumors that there were bedbugs in Central Library were started when The Slant, Vanderbilt’s humor and satire publication, reported that there were bedbugs around the library. In reality, library staff found bedbugs in a breakroom in the basement over a month ago. The room was immediately sealed off and treated, and 170 monitors were installed throughout the library to assure that the bugs did not spread, according to Valerie Hotchkiss, University Librarian. The testing period ended last Monday, with the library being found to be “completely clear of any infestation.” “Libraries are important places for study, contemplation, and congregation,” Hotchkiss said. “We want our students to feel comfortable and safe in our libraries.” The Slant has since updated their post to reflect the changes. Bed bugs, while annoying, carry only minor medical implications. There is no known human transmission of disease through bed bugs. However, their bites can cause welts to form and some people may experience allergic reactions. Bed bugs are also largely active at night, meaning that one is likely to wake up with bites if they have an infestation. “People don’t like bugs and they don’t like getting bitten,” Kramka said. “The bites, even though they are not transmitting a disease, cause some people to react more than others. Some people get large welts and blisters, but those cases are very rare. In general, they are not considered a health problem; they are an annoyance problem.” In terms of prevention, bedbugs can be nearly impossible to spot. “Prevention is really difficult because bedbugs are small,” Kramka said. “They seek out humans. They are attracted by body heat and by carbon dioxide. That is why they are called bed bugs. You are a stationary target, you’re warm, and you’re exhaling carbon dioxide. So if they are around, they will find you.” Bedbugs became a more frequent problem in the U.S. during the early 2000s, due to resistance to insecticides and increased travel. At Vanderbilt, two or fewer cases has been the norm since Kramka began working here around 17 years ago. As far as diagnosing an infestation, Kramka suggested that students first go to the Student Health Center. “I think the thing for students to do if they suspect that they have bed bugs, and typically that is going to be welts when they wake up, maybe more than one bite, maybe in a line, a straight line or a curved line, they would then want to go to Student Health just to take a look because it is not necessarily a bed bug bite,” he said. Kramka compared the bedbugs situation on campus to an incident of head lice on campus a few years ago. When a few students reported cases of head lice, the campus was panicked, but out of 100 students who took the university up on complimentary checks for lice, none were carrying the pests. “I do understand the concern and the fear of getting it,” Kramka said. “They are not uncommon, and it has nothing to do with being dirty, it just happens, and bed bugs are just like that.” However, if a student does believe that there are bedbugs in their residence, they should report it to their area maintenance supervisor as soon as possible, Kramka said. “Early reporting is a great help to us,” he said.

HoF talent and longevity: hard to copy the Patriot’s success. The New England Patriots are playing in their NFL record 10th Super Bowl. Bill Belichick and Tom Brady are arguably the best Coach/Quarterback combination to ever play the game. They are finishing a remarkable 17th season together. Every team in the league envies the Pats position: top talent in the most critical spots and long term stability. Poaching of talent from other teams is key to Patriot’s record As Phins News previously noted (here), the Patriots have repeatedly poached top talent from other teams, certainly including the Dolphins. Who can forget Wes Welker? Two former Dolphins will play for the Pats Sunday: Chris Hogan and Mike Gillislee. Of course, they were ‘poached’ from the Bills, who found treasure in our trash… Dolphins brass will be keeping a close eye on this game. The Patriots have quite a few of their key players set to become free agents this next month. Miami could create a double whammy, poaching a talented, productive player, while leaving the Pats with one less. Both teams have tight 2018 CAP numbers, but the Phins have a bit more CAP flexibility. It could well be Patriots payback time for the Dolphins The Pats will have 15 UFAs next month, less any resigned before then. Of those, the Phins should be interested in proven starters at positions of need and seeking their first FA contract. With those criteria in mind, the Patriot players to keep an eye on are: OT Cameron Fleming RB Dion Lewis RB Rex Burkhead LB Marquis Flowers CB Malcolm Butler. Each of those players at their respective positions would fill a need on our team. We definitely need another Offensive Lineman, Running Back and Linebacker. Of those players, I am particularly intrigued by OT Cameron Fleming and LB Marquis Flowers. Both RBs Lewis and Burkhead are productive players. Lewis is a bit too similar to Drake’s running style and likely outside of our price range. Burkhead could be a nice complement to Drake, similar to Damien Williams. However Miami has shown an ability to draft quality running backs even in later rounds. The best football software providers are betting that they will try that path again to find another running back. Cameron Fleming is a solid pass blocking Right Tackle Cameron Fleming is 25 years old, has played in this league for 4 years, and started 20+ games. Previously a backup for LT Solder and RT Cannon, he got his chance to start when Cannon was put on IR. He has been the Pats starting RT down the stretch. His career-high 78.1 overall PFF grade is a byproduct of above average pass protection and serviceable run-blocking. PFF ranked him 28th in pass-blocking efficiency at 95.5. That included 10 total pressures (6 hurries, 0 hits, 4 sacks) on 191 pass-blocking snaps. He earned a just above average grade on his run blocking. PFF rank is 25th OT overall. Cannon is expected to reclaim his starting role with the Pats. That would likely make Fleming’s price tag a bit too high for the Patriots to re-sign him as a backup. It’s likely Sunday will be his last game with them. On the other hand, rumors abound that Miami will rescind the 5th year, $9.3 mil option on starting (and former 1st round pick) RT Ja’wuan James. They may either waive him or try to renegotiate a lower price. James has very similar stats, PFF graded 80.0 overall (17th ranked OT), and play characteristics. However, the FA OT list is considered terrible by most and other teams may well be willing to offer James substantially more. If Miami actually rescinds James option, Fleming could well be a less expensive RT replacement. Marquis Flowers is a Cover Line Backer, exactly what we need Marquis Flowers is also 25 years old and in his fourth season. Late this season, when Donta Hightower went down with an injury, Flowers finally got his chance to start. He filled in quite well, with 32 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 1 forced fumble, proving to be a cornerstone of the Patriots defense. Flowers has shown the speed and athletic ability to spy Quarterbacks and play pass coverage, something the Dolphins could clearly benefit from. He could be a very nice addition to our linebacking group. What are the rest of the Miami Dolphins News fans thoughts of signing one of these Patriot free agents in March? Leave This Blank: Leave This Blank Too: Do Not Change This: Your email: Comment on Facebook Related posts:

With tape, context is key, one off play studies can be misleading The Miami Dolphins have had one of the worst back-to-back Offensive performances in franchise history. Why? How? Questions about the offense dominates the Fins news cycle. I have my take, the Dolphins brass another, and the pro sportswriters theirs. Since the comments of Phinsnews readers have been just as diverse, I decided to break down every play from last week, so the tape can speak for itself. With as little preamble as possible, here’s every offensive play in the 1st Quarter. The 2nd and 3rd Quarters will come in two follow up articles. I’m trying to say clear of a football version of War and Peace. 1st play of 1st drive: The Saints defensive alignment initially shows itself as protecting against the pass with 4 beyond the box. But this is a ruse as the Safety is creeping up pre-snap, and on the snap of the ball the defense attacks the run. The draw play is meant to take advantage of a “D” playing the pass. With this call the Saints are saying we don’t believe you can or will throw. This play dies not because of the Offensive Line, but because the numbers aren’t there and the Saints call Gase’s bluff. Maybe you could say Anthony Steen could have done a better job, but the blitzing Safety and free Linebacker was more than enough to shut this play down even if he did. Summery: D.O.A My Two Cents: Saints know Gase’s tendencies or just got lucky. 2nd play of 1st drive: The Saints play run again–like the Jets, this will be a theme. The Mike Backer hesitates for a split second wary of a draw. Excellent play call, design, and segue. The MLB hesitation runs him into a pick and opens a window for DeVante Parker to make the grab and pick up the first. The only failing is Laremy Tunsil who gets beat inside and allows Cutler to get a thud. Otherwise, the line provides excellent protection. Gase has the initiative and takes advantage. Summery: Nice set up with previous play. This is the Gase we have come to expect. My Two Cents: Saints fall victim to a good call and fear of the run game. 3rd play of 1st drive: With seven are in the box, an 8th as a Peeping Tom, and the corner on the LOS, the defense is fixated on the short. So far it’s been 3 plays and the defense have given up the mid and deep and committed to the short and run in each. Gase runs one of his signature plays, the WR screen. Stills bobbles the ball and the split second is enough for the LB to make the play. Summery: Saints attack short, and unlike the previous play, Gase attacks the defenses strength and not its weakness, dramatically lowering the play’s chance of success. My Two Cents: Kenny Stills bobbles the ball, and the defensive alignment severely limit the play’s potnetial. 4th play of 1st drive: Despite 5 on the LOS, the Saints defense overall backs off, but leaves the middle of the field open. Excellent protection, a good throw into a tight window by Cutler shows that the Offense can make the defense pay for not respecting the pass. Summery: Saints presented a weak spot in the middle of the field against 3 talented wides, this high percentage football. My Two Cents: Gase attacks weakness and not strength, which brings rhythm and success. 5th play of 1st Drive: Nine in the box, Saints go all in at stopping the run. Gase has been having good results against the defenses weakness. Despite the lucky results, the same isn’t often said when 8 blockers go against 9 in the box, and one of those blockers can’t block. One of the most blatant holds you’ll ever see gets missed, which makes the Jermon Bushrod hold coming up even more frustrating. Julius Thomas misses a chip, and only by luck does the play net positive yards. This is a very, very low percentage play, even with a top 10 OL. Summery: I’ve said it before, there was a meme on this play that was very funny, but incredibly inaccurate given the realities. Gase begins to bang his head into a wall here. This theme will continue. My Two Cents: Why not audible into a pass or run a play action? How can the staff not see the Saints are going all in against the run play after play? Didn’t they watch the tape on the Jets game? 6th play of 1st Drive: Despite a 3 wide set, the Saints put 8 in the box and immediately run blitz. Summery: 3 wides against 8 in the box and the Saints AGAIN attack the run says it all. My Two Cents: You ask your weakest O-Linemen to help the Center, then peal off and beat the LB to the spot, and then despite the LB’s leverage, you want him to make the block? Might as well stick a bottle rocket in my rear end and expect me to land on the moon. The fact the Gase calls this play and Cutler doesn’t, or can’t, audible out is the foundation of this offenses failure. This is a very low percentage play… for a team other than the 90′ Dallas teams. P.S. The holding penalty sucks, but that’s what big uglies often do when they get put into poor situations. 7th play of 1st Drive: Child, please…. Summery: I actually felt physical pain on this call. My Two Cents: Please send me whatever Gase was smoking on this one… “Hey they been stacking the box all day, let’s run the Wild Cat. Yeah, yeah, that’s the ticket!” P.S. Mr. Gase every play counts. 8th play of 1st Drive: Saints have a severe edge with Offense behind on 1st and 20. Despite unfavorable conditions the pass blocking is excellent and this should have been the 1st down call. Summery: Wild Cat was panic and reaching. This is smart football. My Two Cents: Gase far to often throws downs away. Hig percentage football is high precentage for a reason. 9th play of 1st Drive: Despite 5 on the LOS, 3rd and long is played smart by the Saints with an over, zone scheme. You should watch the line play a couple of times. Tunsil misses the seal, which begins a trend in the second Qtr. While James lets inside pressure, it plays to the strength of the play and aids the play. Summery: This should have been 3 and out. The wasted 1st down play leaves this reception short of the first, but a penalty gives Miami a huge break. My Two Cents: Gase threw away 1st down, and this new set of downs wasn’t earned. I’ll take it, but poor choices that put Miami in this situation will continue. 10th play of 1st Drive: 8 blockers v.s 9 in the box. Two Tight End set with only one of them who can block is meant to win with 8 blockers v.s. 9 defenders, who have been gunning for the run nearly every play… what could go wrong? Summery: Guess who misses their block? My Two Cents: How many games will it take Gase to realize basic football? Confucius says: He who has fewer blockers, with one who among them who can’t block, doesn’t have a winning fortune cookie. 11th play of 1st Drive: 7 in the box that attack at the snap. Hello, the crazy pills have worn off for a play and the right play is called to take advantage of the Saints call and alignment. Summery: This should be every play till the Saints back off and respect the throw. My Two Cents: Hey, maybe instead of one of those classic suicide runs into a loaded box, why not use a throw-away a play away to throw a 20+ yard pass? Food for thought. 12th play of 1st Drive: Saints start to show respect with a semi balanced looked. Given the next 3 of 4 calls, this was designed to force feed Thomas. If not, Culter misses a wide open Anthony Fasano. On a side note, James get hit with lumber and beaten bad with a power move. Otherwise, the OL hold up nice. Summery: Gase is predictable as 95% of the time his plays work 5 yards or less. My Two Cents: Either Cutler or Gase messed this up. 13th play of 1st Drive: Saints have 7 in the box against 6 Dolphins blockers. Question of the day: If I put my two tackles on one side does that give a hint to where I’m going with the ball? Answer: of course you schmuck. Summery: Defenders set up outside edge blockers too cut off outside lanes and have a LB set up backside for stop the cutback… because we run Outside Zone. If you add this alignment to the offense having one less blocker than defenders in the box, as well as the fact that you are telling the D you are running with a loaded setup, only the senseless would think this is a winner. My Two Cents: Why? 14th play of 1st Drive: Thomas gets open on a broken coverage due to overly aggressive defense. Saints had the second worst Pass Defense for a reason. Given that this was a one off, it’s was a lucky break. 15th play of 1st Drive: 5’8” corner beats 6’5” Tight End on a jump ball and even the best pay per head services are shocked. Summery and Two Cents: See above… ‘Nuff said. I’m not going to give a long diatribe on who, what, where, why, and how. I’ll simply say this is the standard M.O. of this offense. It’s not a winner. Go Fins!!! Leave Blank: Do Not Change: Your email: P.S. picking up a six pack of Red Bull to finish Qtrs 2 & 3. Comment on Facebook Related posts:

Great coaches make opposing teams deal with a player’s strengths Miami Dolphins struggles are my pain. If you cut me, aqua blood will pour from my veins. So as the Fins continue to get pummeled with injuries, I appear more like a pale mummy than red-blooded man, these days. Not only has Rookie LB Raekown McMillian and QB Ryan Tannehill been knocked out for 2017, but injuries have raged up and down the roster. Thankfully, none of these have been season-enders. While everyone from the best bookie service to the guy who picks up the jerseys and jock straps knows, the NFL is all about ‘next man up’, this philosophy is far easier said than implemented. But Adam Gase is the lifeline I hold onto. Given the understanding that great coaching is about putting players in position to win by making opposing teams deal with their strength and not their weaknesses, I see a light in the darkness. That’s why I’m death-gripping the hope that we are on the verge of an amazing display of coaching. Is Gase great? 2017 will go a long way to proving he is… should he succeed How easy would it have been for Jimmy Johnson to have over-looked Zach Thomas or Jason Taylor‘s strengths in the face of their weaknesses? Neither was a prototype: too small and too thin. But Johnson didn’t, and they became legendary players. Now, it’s not to say that Mike Hull or Sam Young is the next anything. I’m just saying that both are in the NFL for a reason, because both have strengths. I’m also not saying that good coaches can win with mules against those who have thoroughbreds. Rather, good coaches can turn a few mules into stallions. How frustrating is it that the Dolphins can’t seem to get a break from the pile up of injuries? Ja’Waun James and Neville Hewitt have bad shoulders; Isaiah Ford has had knee surgery, and Francis Owusu is dealing with a knee injury; Jay Ajayi and Malcolm Lewis have had concussions; Reshad Jones has a bad calf; Leonte Carroo, Kenny Stills, and Jordan Westerkamp are sidelined due to hamstrings; Mike Pouncey‘s career is on the fence with his hip; Ted Larsen is done for some time with a torn bicep; Rashawn Scott has a bum foot; and Nate Allen is unable to practice due to a groin injury. The million dollar question now is, is there someone on the roster behind them who can hold the fort down till they return? At least one thing is for sure, Miami hasn’t sat on their hands when something bad happens. Miami quickly went out and coaxed Jay Cutler out of retirement and also signed free agent linebacker Junior Sylvestre. Unfortunately, the sober side says: Cutler retired because no one else wanted to give him a chance at a starting gig, and Sylvestre has zero NFL game-time experience. Then again, I don’t have the vision of Gase. So what does he see? Man, what I wouldn’t give for a peek! If Miami can foster talent in the middle of the roster it would be great asset going forward It’s funny–not in a ha-ha way– that the off-season appeared to bring in a decent amount of depth. However, after a brutal couple of weeks of injuries, that depth is now as thin as a balding man’s hairline–no offense M.J. Thankfully the staff has a plan to compensate. For example: Even though Miami has Kiko Alonso and Lawrence Timmons, who can both play Middle Linebacker, the staff appears to prefer keeping them at OLB. Daddy know best. The staff sees the NFL’s evolution into more of a passing league as devaluing the ‘Mike’, who will be on the field less than the Outside Linebackers. Given this, they want their two best Linebackers in Alonso and Timmons on the field more. So they are staying primarily outside. At the moment, the Dolphins have been using Hull as the starting Middle Linebacker. Hull is a gritty player entering his third year in the league. After going undrafted out of Penn State, he got some playing time last season, due to injuries, and filled in admirable. However, he’s on the small side and still needs to significantly improve on getting off blocks faster and more consistently. But, that’s an issue that can be compensated with scheme. See Sam Mills and Zach. Great teams have great chemistry brought about by great coaching Again, yes both those LB’s were far more talented, but Hull’s weaknesses can be mitigated and his strength focused on. In addition, Miami has stated that they will continue to look for other options at the Linebacker position and have not ruled out anything including a trade. Eagles. Eagles. Eagles and MLB Mychal Kendricks? But let’s say they have to go with Hull as their best option… can they scheme it up to work? Chris Perkins from Sun Sentinel had a interesting observation that he was unable to elaborate on it due to the Dolphins not wanting there tricks on display before game time. He said on Twitter, “Mike Hull at MLB… interesting formations & personnel groupings so far… would face harsh penalties for revealing tho”. I’m a believer in Matt Burke. Call it instinct, or a hunch, or wishful thinking. But he reminds me of Gase on the defensive side of the ball. And given the success they had on defense at practice Sunday, there are hints of good things to come. Yeah, it could have been terrible Offensive Line play, but I really liked a lot of what I saw from those grunts against the Falcons, especially given that Laremy Tunsil and Ja’Wuan James was out. In 2016 there was a disaster of injuries with far less talent than this year. Last season the team found a way to use the depth as starters and fight it’s way to a very unexpected birth in the playoffs. Can Gase and Co. do it a second time against a tougher schedule? We’ll find out soon if Gase is great or not. I for one have the champagne on chill. Go Fins!!! Leave Blank: Do Not Change: Your email: Comment on Facebook Related posts:

Autism is easy to misunderstand, misinterpret, and mislead. My son is the master of disguise, and the best way to understand our kids is to assume nothing. That is, assume only that they are kids, children, teens—silly, loving, intelligent—and, well, simply put, no different than any other kid. Everything I have been told about autism is wrong. Everything I know about autism I have learned from my son with autism. He loves me just like his typical siblings love me, he cries when he misses me, and he smiles when we are together again. He cannot speak. He has never been able to express his favorite color, or cartoon, or game. My heart longs to know him, to know the little everyday things: to know that he has favorites; to know that he likes the food I serve him; to know if he is happy; and to know that he loves me. But he finds a way. Always adapting, my son finds a way to let me know what is on his mind and surprises me with his creative way of reaching me. Now it is my job to reach others. I must interpret for the world what my son is telling me. He speaks to me with his eyes. In a single look, I can tell what he is thinking: I know when he is hungry, when he has a migraine, when he wants to take a bath, and when he wants a hug. My letter to my nonverbal son: I Can Hear You With My Heart. I can hear you with my heart. I listen with my eyes because you speak to me with your soul. A glance from you tells me what you need: your requests for food, attention, hugs, if you are in pain, sad, or depressed. All of your inner thoughts become mine through a bond we forged while you were still growing inside me—a bond that has strengthened and evolved due to necessity. For your survival, we must grow closer. I must be on high alert at all times: ready to feed you when hungry, hug you when you are sad, play a game with you when no one else knows you want to interact. As you sit there in silence, I must know what message you are sending me. “Mommy, I am lonely,” your eyes tell me. So, I color with you. “Mommy, I am in pain,” your eyes tell me. So I hug you, but my hugs are not strong enough. You want squeezes and deep pressure. You seek what you need, as we all do. All people have desires and needs, you are no different. You squeeze me and I look into your eyes and say, “Ouch! Too hard!” but I know what you are telling me. You are no different than any other teen: the puberty, the hormones, the temperament. I think of your older brother and his daily needs, and how his needs are being met, and yours are not. I think of your brother at school, talking to pretty girls and laughing. While you notice pretty girls, all you can do is smile and blush. I think of your brother and how he plays football at school. He and the other boys running, hitting, yelling, and laughing. You have the same need to run, hit, yell and laugh, but your needs are not met. You attempt to find your own outlet: rough squeezes, hits on our arms, pulling on teachers, and tackling your peers. But, you are misunderstood and disciplined and eventually expelled from school. Alone, at home, we sit together, we work together, we learn together. Writing today’s vocabulary words in your notebook while sitting at the kitchen table, you pause to look up at me with appreciative eyes. I hear what your eyes are telling me. My own eyes swell up with tears, “I love you too, baby. Someday you can go back to school and be with your friends.” My heart breaks that only I can hear your voice: the sorrow, missing interaction, friends, and being a child on the playground, running, chasing, laughing, and feeling free. Tirelessly, I fight to be heard. You are a loving and beautiful boy, and someday others will understand your strong squeezes for the communication that it is, and not misunderstand it as misbehavior. They are your outlet, your way of venting….your brother tackles on the football field, you tackle us on the couch. The neighborhood kids run through the streets, ride on their bicycles, and whiz by on scooters in front of our house, in front of your window. They yell and scream, and they fight and misunderstand each other. This is growth and accepted as a part of adolescence. Yet, it leaves you wondering. You wonder why when you make loud sounds that strangers make, even at school, you are told to “shhh.” You wonder why when you protest as other children so often do, your mom is called to bring you home. Together we wonder when the world will see that you are just a child behaving like a child. I see you for who you are. I love you for who you are. And I admire you for never giving up. For the way you keep smiling, laughing and loving. Take pride in who you are my sweet child, for you are a genuine soul. I love you and I can hear you speaking to my heart. Colleen Nagle Tryner is the parent of a 19-year-old son with nonverbal autism. She resides in Illinois, were she diligently researches communication and how to teach her son skills including self-help, academics, independent life skills and ASL to name a few. Together, Colleen and her son spend their days together, learning from each other. Colleen is continuing her own education having returned to college last year. Learning American Sign Language, she has been successful in teaching her son beginner ASL. She began homeschooling her son when he was 12 years old. She has documented her journey in numerous articles shared among the community of parents of disabled children, lectured at colleges to courses full of future doctors, teachers, therapists, and psychologists. She has a large following of her personal journey across social media sites, referred to as: Autism Sign Language. This article was featured in Issue 62 – Motherhood: An Enduring Love

As we all know, no two children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder are alike. Experts agree, children with autism learn differently and have a wide range of developmental and educational needs. Unfortunately, teachers and support staff are often unfamiliar with the special needs of kids diagnosed with autism and struggle to teach them effectively. And, too often, administrators and teachers don’t fully understand the autism diagnosis and deem meltdowns and other communication challenges as “bad” behavior. This typically makes it a huge challenge for families to find the “right” educational fit. All kids deserve to be surrounded by people who believe in them, understand them, and support their needs. Children with autism can be compared to little trees who need special care in order to blossom, develop and reach their full potential. We recognize the desire to find schools for autistic children where a child can grow, be understood, accepted, and learn effectively with the guidance of professional school staff fully-trained in dealing with special needs children. Here at Autism Parenting Magazine, we strive to change the way children with autism are treated and educated. If you are in search of an autism friendly school, please take a look at the following list of autism schools and education facilities that make children special needs a priority. Download FREE PDF Copy of Autism Schools and Education Facilities – The Ultimate Guide Click here to download your FREE PDF United States of America (USA) Alabama Oxford Learning Alabama Birmingham Tutoring 1401 Doug Baker Blvd Suite 105 Birmingham, Alabama 35242 Telephone: 205.980.5745 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/alabama-birmingham/ Oxford Learning Alabama Pelham Tutoring 349 Huntley Pkwy Pelham, AL 35124 Telephone: 205.620.2373 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-alabama-pelham/ Bob Jones High School 650 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: (256) 772-2547 Fax: (256) 772-6698 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4281 Columbia Elementary School 667 Balch Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-430-2751 Fax: 256-430-2794 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=430 Discovery Middle School 1304 Hughes Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-837-3735 Fax: 256-837-1573 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4309 Heritage Elementary School 11775 County Line Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-772-2075 Fax: 256-772-6580 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4310 Horizon Elementary School 7855 Madison Pike Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-464-3614 Fax: 256-464-3689 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4311 James Clemens High School 11306 County Line Road Madison, AL 35756 Phone: 256-216-5313 Fax: 256-216-5314 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4641 Liberty Middle School 281 Dock Murphy Dr. Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-430-0001 Fax: 256-430-0282 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=431 Madison City Schools First Class Pre-K Center 74 Nance Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-824-8080 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4797 Madison Elementary School 17 College Street Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-772-9255 Fax: 256-461-8300 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4314 Mill Creek Elementary School 847 Mill Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-774-4690 Fax: 256-774-4691 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4313 Rainbow Elementary School 50 Nance Road Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-824-8106 Fax: 256-824-8110 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4316 The Academy 11306 County Line Road Madison, AL 35756 Phone: 256-216-5313 x 95073 Fax: 256-216-5314 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4315 West Madison Elementary School 4976 Wall Triana Highway Madison, AL 35758 Phone: 256-837-1189 Fax: 256-837-1258 w: http://www.madisoncity.k12.al.us/Default.asp?L=0&LMID=&PN=Schools2&DivisionID=&DepartmentID=&SubDepartmentID=&SubP=School&SchoolID=4317 Arizona Devereux Arizona Contact Us 2025 N. 3rd Street, Suite 250 Phoenix, AZ 85004 (602) 283-1573 – Phone (480) 443-5587 – Fax w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=az_contact Oak Creek Ranch School David Wick, Jr., Headmaster P.O. Box 4329 West Sedona, AZ 86340 Toll-free: 1-877-554-OCRS w: http://www.ocrs.com/index.ph Arkansas Oxford Learning Arkansas Conway Tutoring 2225 Prince Street, Suite 5 Conway, Arkansas 72034 Telephone: 501.329.3232 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/arkansas-conway/ California Chartwell 2511 Numa Watson Road Seaside, CA 93955 Phone: (831) 394-3468 Fax: (831) 394-6809 [email protected] w: http://www.chartwell.org/support-us/contact Dublin Kendall Center 5601 Arnold Road Suite 100 Dublin, California 94568 tel: (925) 833-7789 w: http://www.tpathways.org/contact.html Devereux California P.O. Box 6784 Santa Barbara CA, 93160 (805) 968-2525, ext. 1266/1202 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sb_contact Devereux California 6980 Falberg Way Goleta, CA 93117 (805) 968-2525, ext. 1266/1202 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=sb_contact Modesto Kendall Center 1115 14th St.Modesto, CA 95354 tel: 209.572.2589 fax: 209.572.1461 w: http://www.tpathways.org/contact.html Sacramento Kendall Center 2775 Cottage Way, Suite 8 Sacramento, CA 95825 tel: 916.489.1376 fax: 916.489.1386 w: http://www.tpathways.org/contact.html Tracy Kendall Center 510 Whispering Wind Dr. Suite 110 Tracy, CA 95377 tel: 209.832.7756 fax: 209.832.7942 w: http://www.tpathways.org/contact.html Elk Grove Kendall Center 7801 Laguna Blvd. Suite 100 Elk Grove, CA 95758 tel: 916.683.1109 fax: 916.683.1140 w: http://www.tpathways.org/contact.html Land Park Academy 2751 Wilmington Ave. Sacramento, Ca 95820 916.427.2273 916.427.1071 (fax) [email protected] w: http://capitolautismservices.com/LPA/contact.html Capitol Autism Services 1901 Royal Oaks Drive, Suite 201 Sacramento, Ca 95815 916.923.1789 w: http://capitolautismservices.com/LPA/contact.html Capitol Autism Services 120 Independence Circle, Suite D Chico, CA 95973 Phone: 530.228.9500 Fax: 530.267.4848 [email protected] w: http://capitolautismservices.com/LPA/contact.html The Bay School 1026 Capitola Road, Santa Cruz, CA 95062. E-mail: [email protected] Phone: (831) 462-9620 Fax: (831) 462-9616 w: http://www.thebayschool.org/contact/ ABC School Sacramento 4540 Harlin Drive Sacramento, CA 95827 P: (916) 364-7800 Ext 112 F: (916) 364-9928 [email protected] w: http://www.appliedbehaviorconsultants.com/Locations/Northern-California/Sacramento ABC School Ontario 2234 E 4th St, Ontario, CA 91764, USA Phone: 909-204-4142 w: http://www.appliedbehaviorconsultants.com/ School of Education UC Davis One Shields Avenue Davis, CA 95616 Telephone: (530) 752-0757 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://education.ucdavis.edu/footer-quick-link/location-and-contacts Gevirtz School University of California Santa Barbara, CA 93106-9490 Telephone: 805-893-5492 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://education.ucsb.edu/about/contacts Oxford Learning California Elk Grove Tutoring 9261 Laguna Springs Drive Suite 120 Elk Grove, California 95758 Telephone: 916.683.1115 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-california-elk-grove/ Leeway School 9 North Almansor St. Alhambra, CA 91801 Phone: (626) 308-4521 Fax:(626) 284-8176 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.leewayschool.com/#contact Colorado Denver Academy 4400 E. Iliff Ave. Denver CO, 80222 Main: 303.777.5870 Admissions: 303.777.5161 [email protected] Devereux Colorado 8405 Church Ranch Blvd. Westminster, CO 80021 (800) 456-2536 (303) 466-7391 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=co_contact Humanex Academy 2700 S Zuni St, Englewood, CO 80110 Phone: (303) 783-0137 Fax: (303) 783-9159 w: http://www.humanexacademy.com/contact-us/ Oxford Learning Aurora Tutoring Southlands Mall in SE Aurora 6235 S Main St Suite 210 Aurora, Colorado 80016 Telephone: 303.928.7644 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-aurora/ The Joshua School 2303 E Dartmouth Ave. Englewood, CO 80113 Tel: (303) 758-7171 w: https://www.joshuaschool.org/contact Connecticut The Glenholme School 81 Sabbaday Lane Washington Connecticut 06793 Phone 860-868-7377 Fax 860-868-7894 w: http://www.theglenholmeschool.org/ The Woodhall School PO Box 550 58 Harrison Lane Bethlehem, CT 06751 [email protected] main: 203 266-7788 fax: 203-266-5896 Admissions: [email protected] Alumni: [email protected] w: http://woodhallschool.org/contact/ The John Crosland School 5146 Parkway Plaza Blvd. Charlotte, NC 28217 Telephone: 704-365-5490 [email protected] w: http://johncroslandschool.org/contact-us/ 1393 Boston Post Road Westbrook, CT 06498 (860) 399-6247 [email protected] http://www.oxfordacademy.net/ Forman School 12 Norfolk Road, P.O. Box 80, Litchfield, CT 06759 Phone: 860.567.8712 Fax: 860.567.8317 w: https://www.formanschool.org/page.cfm?p=1014 AIS Magnet School 201 University Blvd, Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: 203-778-7462 w: https://sites.google.com/danbury.k12.ct.us/ais/home Ellsworth Avenue School 53 Ellsworth Avenue, Danbury, CT 06810 Telephone: 203-797-4740 Fax: 203-830-6527 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/ellsworth-avenue-school-2/ Great Plain Elementary School 10 Stadley Rough Rd. Danbury, CT. 06811 Phone: 203-797-4749 Fax: 203-830-6581 w: http://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/elemweb/gpweb/GPS/HOME.html Hayestown Ave. School 42 Tamarack Ave, Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: 203-797-4771 Fax: 203-830-6505 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/hayestown-avenue-school/directions King Street Campus Elementary School 151 South King St, Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: 203-797-4744 Fax: 203-830-6596 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/ksc_elementary_school/directions Mill Ridge Primary School 49 A High Ridge Road Danbury CT 06811 Phone: 203-797-4781 Fax: 203-830-6583 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/mrp/ Morris Street Elementary School 28 Morris Street Danbury, Ct 06810 Telephone: (203) 797-4809 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/morris-street-elementary/ Park Avenue Elementary School 82 Park Ave, Danbury, CT 06810 Phone: 203-797-4764 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/park_avenue_school/directions Pembroke Elementary School 34 1/2 Pembroke Rd. Danbury, CT 06810 Telephone: 203-797-4751 w: http://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/elemweb/pemweb/peweb/Welcome.html Shelter Rock School 2 Crows Nest Lane, Danbury, CT 06810 Phone: 203-797-4778 Fax: 203-830-6586 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/shr-website South Street School 129 South Street Danbury, CT 06810 Phone: (203) 797-4789 w: http://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/elemweb/sssweb/SSS/Home.html Stadley Rough Elementary School 25 Karen Rd. Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: 203-797-4774 Fax: 203-830-6520 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/str/ Broadview Middle School 72 Hospital Avenue Danbury, CT 06810 Phone: (203) 797-4861 Fax: (203) 790-2856 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/broadview-middle-school/ Rogers Park Middle School 21 Memorial Dr. Danbury, CT 06810 Phone: 203-797-4881 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/rpms/ Westside Middle School Academy 1 School Ridge Road Danbury, CT 06811 Phone: 475-329-6700 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/wsmsa/contact-us Danbury High School 43 Clapboard Ridge Rd. Danbury, CT 06811 Telephone: (203) 797-4800 w: http://www.danbury.k12.ct.us/dhsweb/main/index.html Alternative Center for Excellence 26 Locust Avenue Danbury CT 06810 Phone: 203-797-4762 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/ace-web/ Western Connecticut Regional Adult & Continuing Education 10 Crosby Street, Danbury, CT 06810 Phone: 203-797-4731 Fax: 203-731-8288 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/werace/ Early Childhood Center 17 Cottage Street, Danbury CT 06810 Phone: 203-797-4990 w: https://sites.google.com/a/danbury.k12.ct.us/mrec/ Delaware The Centreville Layton 6201 Kennett Pike Centreville, DE 19807 Tel (302) 571-0230 Fax 302.571.0270 w: http://centrevillelayton.org/contact/contact/ Appoquinimink School District 118 S. Sixth Street Odessa, DE 19730 Telephone: (302) 376-4128 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Alfred G. Waters Middle School 1235 Cedar Lane Road Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 449-3490 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Appoquinimink High School 1080 Bunker Hill Road Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 449-3840 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Appoquinimink Preschool Center 502 S. Broad Street Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 376-4400 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Brick Mill Elementary 378 Brick Mill Rd. Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 378-5288 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Bunker Hill Elementary 1070 Bunker Hill Road Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 378-5135 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Cedar Lane Early Childhood Center 1221 Cedar Lane Road Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 449-5873 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Cedar Lane Elementary 1259 Cedar Lane Road Middletown, DE 19709 131259 Telephone: (302) 378-5045 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Meredith Middle School 504 S. Broad Street Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 378-5001 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Middletown High School 120 Silver Lake Road Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 376-4141 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Old State Elementary School 580 Tony Marchio Drive Townsend, DE 19734 Telephone: 302-378-6720 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Olive B. Loss Elementary School 200 Brennan Boulevard Bear, DE 19701 Telephone: (302) 832-1343 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Redding Middle School 201 New Street Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 378-5030 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Silver Lake Elementary School 200 E Cochran Street Middletown, DE 19709 Telephone: (302) 378-5023 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Spring Meadow Early Childhood Center 611 Campus Drive Middletown, DE 19734 Telephone: 302-378-6760 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Townsend Early Childhood Center 10 Brook Ramble Lane Townsend, DE 19734 Telephone: (302) 378-9960 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Townsend Elementary School 126 Main Street Townsend, DE 19734 Telephone: (302) 378-5020 w: http://www.apposchooldistrict.com/maps/district/ Florida Devereux Florida 5850 T.G. Lee Blvd., Suite 400 Orlando, FL 32822 407.362.9210 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=fl_contactus College of Education 140 Norman Hall, PO Box 117040, Gainesville, FL 32611-7044 Number: 352-392-0726 w: https://education.ufl.edu/help-and-support/ Oxford Learning Florida Largo Tutoring 35-12931 Walsingham Rd Largo, Florida 33774 Telephone: 727.595.1538 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-florida-largo/ Oxford Learning Florida Ocoee Tutoring 286 Moore Rd Ocoee, Florida 34761 Telephone: 407.901.0901 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-florida-ocoee/ Oxford Learning Florida Palm Harbor Tutoring 3412 East Lake Road Palm Harbor, Florida 34685 Telephone: 727.475.9980 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-florida-palm-harbor/ Oxford Learning Florida South Brandon Tutoring 3212 Lithia Pinecrest Rd. Suite 102 Valrico, Florida 33596 Telephone: 813.689.6527 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-florida-south-brandon/ The Vanguard School 22000 Hwy 27 Lake Wales, FL 33859 Phone: (863) 676-6091 Fax: (863) 676-8297 w: https://www.vanguardschool.org/about/contact-us-and-campus-map The Carrie Brazer Center for Autism & Alternative Approaches, Inc. South Dade Campus 16905 SW 100th Ave Miami, Florida 33157 Tel: (305) 234-0490 Fax: (305) 234-0491 w: http://www.cbc4autism.org/bnbform.html The Carrie Brazer Center for Autism & Alternative Approaches, Inc. Sunset Campus 7530 Sunset Drive Miami, Florida 33143 Tel: (305) 271-8790 Fax: (305) 271-8789 w: http://www.cbc4autism.org/bnbform.html DeSoto County High School 1710 East Gibson Street Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (863) 494-3434 Fax: (863) 494-7867 w: http://dhs.desotoschools.com/ DeSoto Early Childhood Center 318 N Wilson Avenue Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: 863-494-9303 / 863-494-4222 ext.178 w: http://ecc.desotoschools.com/ DeSoto Middle School 420 E Gibson St Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (863) 494-4133 Fax: (863) 494-5894 w: http://dms.desotoschools.com/ Family Service Center 310 West Whidden St Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (863) 993-1333 Fax: 863) 993-9181 w: http://fsc.desotoschools.com/ Memorial Elementary School 851 E Hickory St Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (863) 494-2736 Fax:(863) 993-2202 w: http://mes.desotoschools.com/ Nocatee Elementary School 846 SW Shores Ave Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (863) 494-0755 / (863) 494-4326 Fax: (863) 494-3264 w: http://nes.desotoschools.com/ West Elementary School 04 W Imogene St Arcadia, FL 34266 Phone: (863) 494-3155 Fax: (863) 494-3689 w: http://wes.desotoschools.com/ Georgia The Howard School 1192 Foster Street, NW Atlanta, GA 30318 Phone (404) 377-7436 Fax (404) 377-0884 w: http://www.howardschool.org/ The Cottage School 700 Grimes Bridge Rd, Roswell, GA 30075 High School: 770-641-8688 Middle School 770-640-8037 Fax: 770.641.9026 w: http://www.cottageschool.org/apps/contact/ Cumberland Academy of Georgia 650-A Mt. Vernon Highway NE Atlanta, GA 30328 Telephone: 404.835.9000 Monday – Friday 8AM – 3PM w: https://cumberlandacademy.org/ The Schenck School 282 Mt. Paran Road NW Atlanta, GA 30327 Phone: 404-252-2591 Fax: 404-252-7615 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.schenck.org/ Joseph Sam School 280 Brandywine Blvd. Fayetteville, GA 30214 P: 770.461.5894 F: 770.461.5223 w: http://josephsamsschool.org/contact/ Idaho Oxford Learning Florida Idaho Meridian Tutoring 3327 North Eagle Road Suite 100 Meridian, ID 83646 Telephone: 208.608.5061 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-idaho-meridian/ Illinois Brehm 950 South Brehm Lane Carbondale, IL 62901 Phone: (618) 457-0371 [email protected] w: http://www.brehm.org/contact-us/ New Hope Academy 6289 W. Howard St. Niles, IL 60714 Phone: (847) 588-0463 Fax: (847) 588-0464 w: http://www.nhaweb.com/ Soaring Eagle Academy 800 Parkview Blvd Lombard, IL 60148 Phone: 630.323.2900 Fax: 630.323.2936 Email: [email protected] w: http://soaringeagleacademy.org/contact-us/ Indiana Behavior Analysis Center for Autism 1 11902 Lakeside Drive Fishers, IN 46038 P 317-288-5232 F 317-288-5229 [email protected] w: http://thebaca.com/contact-info/ Behavior Analysis Center for Autism Prep 9929 E. 126th St. Fishers, IN 46038 P 317-436-8961 F 317-436-8966 [email protected] w: http://thebaca.com/contact-info/ Behavior Analysis Center for Autism Z 6704 Central Blvd. Zionsville, IN 46077 P 317-769-4335 F 317-769-4337 [email protected] w: http://thebaca.com/contact-info/ Behavior Analysis Center for Autism Hart 53633 County Road 7 Elkhart, IN 46514 P 574-343-2001 F 574-343-2156 [email protected] w: http://thebaca.com/contact-info/ Fortune Academy 5626 Lawton Loop E. Dr. Indianapolis, IN 46216 (317) 377-0544 w: https://www.thefortuneacademy.org/ Indiana University School of Education 201 N. Rose Avenue Bloomington, Indiana 47405-1006 Phone: (812) 856-8500 Email: [email protected] w: http://education.indiana.edu/about/contact.html Oxford Learning Illinois Naperville Tutoring 3075 Book Road, Suite 119 95th Street Shops Naperville, Illinois 60564 Telephone: 630.355.1600 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/illinois-naperville/ Oxford Learning Illinois Palatine Tutoring 764 West Euclid Avenue Regency Plaza Palatine, Illinois 60067 Telephone: 847.963.9900 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/illinois-palatine/ Oxford Learning Illinois Skokie Tutoring 8816 Gross Point Rd Skokie, Illinois 60077 Telephone: 847-470-1985 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-illinois-skokie/ Noblesville High School 18111 Cumberland Rd Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone: (317) 773-4680 Fax: (317) 776-6289 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/8 Noblesville East Middle School 1625 Field Dr Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone: (317) 773-0782 Fax: (317) 776-6261 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/9 Noblesville West Middle School 19900 Hague Road Noblesville, IN 46062 Phone: (317) 776-7792 Fax: (317) 776-7797 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/10 Hazel Dell Elementary 3025 Westfield Road Noblesville, IN 46062 Phone: (317) 773-2914 Fax: (317) 773-2916 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/17 Hinkle Creek Elementary 595 South Harbour Dr Noblesville, IN 46062 Phone: (317) 776-0840 Fax: (317) 776-6267 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/12 Noble Crossing Elementary 5670 Noble Crossing Parkway Noblesville, IN 46062 Phone: (317) 773-2850 Fax: (317) 773-2854 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/15 North Elementary 440 North 10th St Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone: (317) 773-0482 Fax: (317) 776-6274 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/14 Promise Road Elementary School 14975 Promise Rd Noblesville,IN 46060 Phone: (317) 773-7060 Fax: (317) 773-7058 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/1 Stony Creek Elementary 1350 Greenfield Pike Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone: (317) 773-0582 Fax: (317) 776-6270 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/13 White River Elementary 19000 Cumberland Rd Noblesville, IN 46060 Phone: (317) 770-2080 Fax: (317) 770-2081 w: https://www.noblesvilleschools.org/Domain/16 Sheridan High School 24185 Hinesley Road Sheridan, IN 46069 Phone: 317 758-4431 Fax: 317 758-2406 w: http://www.scs.k12.in.us/ Sheridan Middle School 3030 West 246th Street Sheridan, IN 46069 Phone: 317 758-6780 Fax: 317 758-2435 w: http://www.scs.k12.in.us/ Sheridan Elementary School 24795 Hinesley Road Sheridan, IN 46069 Phone: 317 758-4491 Fax: 317 758-2409 w: http://www.scs.k12.in.us/ Hamilton Heights High School 25802 State Road 19 Arcadia, IN 46030 Phone: 317-984-3551 Fax: 317-984-3554 w: http://www.hhschuskies.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=9 Hamilton Heights Middle School 420 West North Street Arcadia, IN 46030 Phone: 317-984-3588 Fax: 317-984-3231 w: http://www.hhschuskies.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=11 Hamilton Heights Elementary School 25150 State Road 19 Arcadia, IN 46030 Phone: 317-984-3547 Fax: 317-984-3540 w: http://www.hhschuskies.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=13 Hamilton Heights Primary School 25350 State Road 19 Arcadia, IN 46030 Phone: 317-984-1530 Fax: 317-984-1544 w: http://www.hhschuskies.org/site/Default.aspx?PageID=15 Frankton Elementary School 1303 East State Road 128 Frankton, IN 46044 Phone: (765) 754-7545 Fax: (765) 754-8598 w: http://www.flcs.k12.in.us/schools/frankton-elementary-school/fes-contact-information Frankton Jr. Sr. High School 610 Clyde Street Frankton, IN 46044 Phone: (765) 754-7879 Fax: (765) 754-8594 w: http://www.flcs.k12.in.us/schools/frankton-jr-sr-high-school/fjshs-contact-information Lapel Elementary School 2865 South State Road 13 Lapel, IN 46051 Phone: (765) 534-3101 Fax: (765) 203-9931 w: http://www.flcs.k12.in.us/schools/lapel-elementary-school/les-contact-information Lapel Middle School 2883 South State Road 13 Lapel, IN 46051 Phone: (765) 534-3136 Fax: (765) 203-9937 w: http://www.flcs.k12.in.us/schools/lapel-middle-school/lms-contact-information Lapel High School 1850 South 900 West Lapel, IN 46051 Phone: (765) 534-3036 Fax: (765) 203-9943 w: http://www.flcs.k12.in.us/schools/lapel-high-school/lhs-contact-information Kansas Heartspring 8700 East 29th St N, Wichita, KS 67226 Phone:316.634.8700 Toll Free:800.835.1043 w: https://www.heartspring.org/ Kentucky Oxford Learning Kentucky Louisville Tutoring 12338 A Shelbyville Road NEW LOCATION Louisville, Kentucky 40243 Telephone: 502.785.4416 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-louisville/ University of Louisville Louisville, KY 40292 Telephone: (800) 334-UofL (8635)/ (502) 852-5555 w: http://louisville.edu/contact.html Massachussets Devereux Massachusetts 60 Miles Road, P.O. Box 219 Rutland, MA 01543-0219 Phone: (508) 886-4746 Fax: (508) 886-4773 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ma_contact May Institute Randolph School 41 Pacella Park Drive, Randolph, MA 02368 781.437.1300 [email protected] w: http://randolphschool.mayinstitute.org/ May Center School for Autism & Developmental Disabilities 511 Main Street, West Springfield, MA 01089 413.785.5462 [email protected] w: https://www.mayinstitute.org/autism-schools/West-Springfield/our-school.html 10-R Commerce Way, Woburn, MA 01801 781.932.3565 [email protected] w: https://www.mayinstitute.org/autism-schools/Woburn/our-school.html The New England Center for Children, Inc. 33 Turnpike Road Southborough, Massachusetts 01772-2108 U.S.A. Telephone:508-481-1015 Fax:508-485-3421 w: https://www.necc.org/ Kentucky The de Paul School 1925 Duker Avenue Louisville, KY 40205 Phone (502) 459-6131 Fax (502) 805-0505 w: http://www.depaulschool.org/contact/ Maryland Chelsea School 2970 Belcrest Center Drive #300 Hyattsville, MD, 20782 United States Telephone: 1-240-467-2100 w: http://chelseaschool.edu/contact-chelsea-school/ Kennedy Krieger Institute 707 North Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 Main Number: (443) 923-9200 Toll-Free Main Number: (800) 873-3377 w: https://www.kennedykrieger.org/ Ivymount 11614 Seven Locks Road, Rockville, MD 20854 Phone 301-469-0223| Fax 301-469-0778 w: http://www.ivymount.org/ The Summit School 664 East Central Avenue Edgewater, MD 21037 410-798-0005 Fax: 410-798-0008 [email protected] w: http://thesummitschool.org/ Massachusetts Eaglehill School P.O. Box 116 242 Old Petersham Road Hardwick, MA 01037 Phone: 413.477.6000 Fax: 413.477.6837 w: http://www.eaglehill.school/page Riverview School 551 Route 6A, East Sandwich, Massachusetts 02537 PHONE: (508) 888-0489 FAX: (508) 833-7001 [email protected] http://www.riverviewschool.org/page Carroll School 25 Baker Bridge Road, Lincoln, MA 01773 Phone: 781-259-8342 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.carrollschool.org/contact-us Landmark School 429 Hale Street P.O. Box 227 Prides Crossing, MA 01965 Main Phone: 978-236-3010 Fax: 978-927-7268 [email protected] w: http://www.landmarkschool.org/directory/staff Landmark School Elementary Middle School 167 Bridge Street P.O. Box 1489 Manchester, MA 01944 Phone: 978-236-3100 Fax: 978-526-1482 w: http://www.landmarkschool.org/directory/staff Landmark School Elementary High School 412 Hale Street P.O. Box 227 Prides Crossing, MA 01965 Phone: 978-236-3010 Fax: 978-921-0361 w: http://www.landmarkschool.org/directory/staff Michigan Ann Arbor Academy 1153 Oak Valley Dr Ann Arbor, MI 48108 Phone: (734)747-6641 Fax: (734) 747-9994 E-mail: [email protected] Office Hours: 8:30 am – 3:00 pm w: http://www.annarboracademy.org/contact_us.html Chatfield School 231 Lake Drive Lapeer, Michigan 48446 Phone (810) 667-8970 Fax (810) 667-8983 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.chatfieldschool.org/Contact-Us.aspx Missouri Miriam: The Learning Disability Experts 501 Bacon Avenue St. Louis, MO 63119-1512 Phone: 314-968-3893 w: http://www.miriamstl.org/contact-us/ New Jersey Alpine Learning Group 777 Paramus Road, Paramus, NJ 07652. USA Phone: 201-612-7800 Fax: 201-612-7710 w: http://alpinelearninggroup.org/general-information Chatham School 21 Lum Avenue Chatham, N.J.07928 Principal Diane Gagliardi E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (973-635-1700) w: http://www.eclcofnj.org/contact.html Devereux New Jersey 286 Mantua Grove Road, Bldg. #4 West Deptford, NJ 08066 (856) 599-6400 – Telephone (856) 423-8916 – Fax w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=nj_contact Ho-Ho-Kus School 302 North Franklin Turnpike Ho-Ho-Kus, N.J.07423 Principal Vicki Lindorff E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (201-670-7880) w: http://www.eclcofnj.org/contact.html Community Personnel Services, Inc. (CPS) 54 Fairmount Avenue Chatham, N.J. 07928 Director Alison Chernela E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (973-738-1030 x129) w: http://www.eclcofnj.org/contact.html P.R.I.D.E. Center (Florham Park) 100 Passaic Avenue Chatham, N.J. 07928 (NOTE: GPS/navigational systems use Florham Park, N.J. 07932) Director Dot Libman E-mail: [email protected] Tel: (973-635-1705 x24) w: http://www.eclcofnj.org/contact.html P.R.I.D.E. Center (Paramus) 403 Sette Drive Paramus, N.J. 07652 Director Neal Watson E-mail: [email protected] Tel: 973-524-0057 w: http://www.eclcofnj.org/contact.html Spectrum 360 1 Sunset Avenue, Verona, NJ 07044 6 Regent Street, Livingston, NJ 07039 973-509-3050, FAX 973-509-3060 973-509-3050, FAX 973-740-2021 w: http://tcischool.org/spectrum360# The Forum School 107 Wyckoff Ave, Waldwick, NJ 07463 Phone: (201) 444-5882 Email: [email protected] w: http://theforumschool.com/contact-us/ Princeton Child Development Institute 300 Cold Soil Road Princeton, NJ 08540 Phone: 609-924-6280 Fax: 609-924-4119 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.pcdi.org/contact-us/ Somerset Hills Learning Institute 1810 Burnt Mills Road Bedminster, NJ 07921 Phone: 908.719.6400 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.somerset-hills.org/contact-us/ Oxford Learning New Jersey Allendale Tutoring 33 W. Allendale Ave Allendale, New Jersey 07401 Telephone: 201.962.7777 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/new-jersey-allendale/ Bloomingdale Avenue School (Grades K-2) 200 Bloomingdale Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016, USA Phone: 908-709-6969 E-mail: [email protected] http://www.cranfordschools.org/Domain/10 Brookside Place School (Grades K-5) 700 Brookside Pl, Cranford, NJ 07016, USA 700 Brookside Place Phone: 908-709-6244 w: http://www.cranfordschools.org/Domain/14 Hillside Avenue School 125 Hillside Avenue Cranford, NJ 07016 Phone: 908-709-6229 Fax: 908-709-6752 http://ctsd.schoolwires.net/Domain/13 Lincoln School 132 Thomas Street Cranford, NJ 07016 Phone: 908-7090-6223 w: http://www.cranfordschools.org/Domain/8 Livingston Avenue School (Grades 3-5) 75 Livingston Ave. Cranford, NJ 08901, USA Phone: 908-709-6248 w: http://www.cranfordschools.org/Domain/12 Orange Avenue School 901 Orange Avenue, Cranford, NJ 07016 Phone: 908-709-6257 Fax: 908-272-3025 w: http://www.cranfordschools.org/Domain/9 Walnut Avenue School (Grades K-2) 370 Walnut Ave. Cranford, NJ 07016, USA Phone: 908-709-6253 w: http://www.cranfordschools.org/Domain/11 The Deron School of New Jersey I 1140 Commerce Avenue Union, NJ 07083 Phone: (908) 206.0444 w: http://deronschool.org/ The Deron School of New Jersey II 130 Grove Street Montclair, NJ 07042 Phone: (973) 509.2777 w: http://deronschool.org/ Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 57 US Highway 1 New Brunswick, NJ 08901-8554 Phone: 732-662-2664 w: http://newbrunswick.rutgers.edu/ Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey 195 Little Albany Street New Brunswick, NJ 08903-2681 Phone: 732-235-CINJ (2465) w: http://www.cinj.org/ School of Nursing Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Ackerson Hall 180 University Ave Newark, NJ 07102 Phone (973) 353-5293 w: http://nursing.rutgers.edu/directions/ Rutgers School of Nursing Health Sciences Campus Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey Stanley S. Bergen Building (SSB) 65 Bergen St, Newark NJ 07107 Phone: 973-972-4307 w: http://nursing.rutgers.edu/directions/ Rutgers Environmental and Occupational Health Sciences Institute 170 Frelinghuysen Road Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone: 848-445-0200 Fax: 732-445-0131 Email: [email protected] w: https://eohsi.rutgers.edu/ Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy 160 Frelinghuysen Road Piscataway, NJ 08854-8020 Phone: 732-662-2664 w: http://rumaps.rutgers.edu/location/william-levine-hall-ernest-mario-school-of-pharmacy Robert Wood Johnson Medical School Piscataway Campus 675 Hoes Lane West Piscataway, NJ 08854 w: http://rwjms.rutgers.edu/about_rwjms/campus_directions.html Robert Wood Johnson Medical School New Brunswick Campus 125 Paterson St. New Brunswick NJ 08901 Tel: (732) 235-6200 / 6201 w: http://rwjms.rutgers.edu/about_rwjms/campus_directions.html School of Health Professions Newark Campus Stanley S Bergen Bldg – Rm 149 65 Bergen Street Newark, NJ 07107-1709 w: http://shp.rutgers.edu/About/directions.html School of Health Professions Scotch Plains Campus 1776 Raritan Rd Scotch Plains, NJ 07076-2928 (908) 889-2483 w: http://shp.rutgers.edu/About/directions.html School of Health Professions Piscataway Campus 675 Hoes Lane Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone (732) 235-4444 Fax (732) 235-4820 w: http://shp.rutgers.edu/About/directions.html School of Health Professions Stratford Campus University Educational Center, Suite 2105 40 East Laurel Rd. Stratford , NJ 08084 Phone: (856) 566 – 6456; Fax (856) 566 – 6458 w: http://shp.rutgers.edu/About/directions.html Rutgers School of Public Health – New Brunswick 683 Hoes Lane West, Room 110 Piscataway, NJ 08854 Phone: 732-235-4646 Fax: 732- 235-9599 w: http://sph.rutgers.edu/admissions/directions/directions-newbrunswick.html Rutgers School of Public Health, Newark location Stanley S. Bergen Bldg 65 Bergen Street, Room 701 Newark, NJ 07101 Phone: 973-972-7212 Fax: 973-972-8032 w: http://sph.rutgers.edu/admissions/directions/directions-newark.html Rutgers Health Sciences at Newark 65 Bergen Street Newark, NJ 07107 Phone: 732-445-INFO (4636) w: http://rbhs.rutgers.edu/directions_rhsc.shtml New Jersey Medical School 185 South Orange Avenue, Newark, New Jersey 07103 w: http://njms.rutgers.edu/about_njms/directions.cfm Rutgers School of Dental Medicine 110 Bergen Street Newark, NJ 07101-1709 Phone: (973)972-7370 Email: [email protected] w: http://sdm.rutgers.edu/about/directions.html New York Ascent School for Autism 819 Grand Boulevard Deer Park, NY 11729 Phone: (631) 254-6100 Email: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] w: http://www.ascentschoolforautism.org/contact.html Autism Services, Inc. 4444 Bryant Stratton Way, Williamsville, NY 14221 Phone: 716-631-5777 Fax: 716-565-0671 w: http://friendsofasi.org/contact-us/ Devereux New York 40 Devereux Way Red Hook, NJ 12571 (845) 758-1899 – Telephone (845) 758-1817 – Fax w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ny_contact Imagine Academy for Autism 1458 East 14th Street, Brooklyn, NY 11230 Phone: 718.376.8882 Fax: 718.998.1018 w: http://imagineacademyforautism.org/About-Us/Contact-Us.aspx The Kildonan School 425 Morse Hill Road Amenia, New York 12501 Telephone: (845) 373-8111 w: http://www.kildonan.org/page.cfm?p=349 The Gow School 2491 Emery Road South Wales, NY 14139 Phone: 716 652 3450 Fax: 716 652 3457 w: https://www.gow.org/page.cfm?p=690 Oxford Learning New York Staten Island Tutoring 1817 Hylan Blvd Staten Island, New York 10305 Telephone: 718.987.9200 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-new-york-staten-island/ Clarence High School 9625 Main Street Clarence, NY 14031 Telephone: (716) 407-9020 w: http://www.clarenceschools.org/Domain/8 Clarence Middle School 10150 Greiner Road Clarence, NY 14031 Telephone: (716) 407-9206 w: http://www.clarenceschools.org/Domain/9 Clarence Center Elementary 9600 Clarence Center Road Clarence Center, NY 14032 Telephone: (716) 407-9150 w: http://www.clarenceschools.org/Domain/10 Harris Hill Elementary 4260 Harris Hill Road Williamsville, NY 14221 Telephone: (716) 407-9175 w: http://www.clarenceschools.org/Domain/11 Ledgeview Elementary 5150 Old Goodrich Road Clarence, NY 14031 Telephone: (716) 407-9275 w: http://www.clarenceschools.org/Domain/13 Sheridan Hill Elementary 4560 Boncrest Drive East Williamsville, NY 14221 Telephone: (716) 407-9250 http://www.clarenceschools.org/Domain/12 Gersh Academy West Hempstead Campus 307 Eagle Ave West Hempstead, NY 11552 Telephone: 516-986-9580 w: https://www.gershacademy.org/admissions/school-locations Gersh Academy Hauppauge Campus 358 Hoffman Lane Hauppauge, NY 11788 Telephone: 631-232-3855 w: https://www.gershacademy.org/admissions/school-locations Allen Creek Elementary 3188 East Avenue Rochester, New York 14618 Phone: 585.267.1200 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/allenCreek.cfm Jefferson Road Elementary 15 School Lane Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1300 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/jeffersonRoad.cfm Mendon Center Elementary 110 Mendon Center Road Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1400 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/MCE.cfm Park Road Elementary 50 Park Road Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1500 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/parkRoad.cfm Thornell Road Elementary 431 Thornell Road Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1700 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/thornellRoad.cfm Barker Road Middle School 75 Barker Road Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1800 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/BRMS.cfm Calkins Road Middle School 1899 Calkins Road Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1900 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/CRMS.cfm Pittsford Mendon H.S. 472 Mendon Road Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1600 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/mendon.cfm Pittsford Sutherland H.S. 55 Sutherland Street Pittsford, NY 14534 Phone: 585.267.1100 w: http://www.pittsfordschools.org/sutherland.cfm North Carolina The Mariposa School 203 Gregson Drive Cary, NC 27511 919 – 461 – 0600 Phone 919 – 461 – 0566 Fax [email protected] w: http://www.mariposaschool.org/contact-us Oxford Learning North Carolina Cary Tutoring 1229 NW Maynard Road Maynard Crossing Shopping Centre Cary, North Carolina 27513 Telephone: 919.462.3330 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/north-carolina-cary/ Oxford Learning North Carolina Raleigh Tutoring 4701 Creedmoor Road Suite 107 Raleigh, North Carolina 27612 Telephone: 919.615.1363 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/north-carolina-raleigh/ Hill Tutoring of Raleigh 6500 Falls of Neuse Road, Suite 130 Raleigh, NC 27615 Phone: 919-489-7464 (select “2”) Email: [email protected] w: https://www.hillcenter.org/contact#.WHSoRBt974Y Noble Academy 3310 Horse Pen Creek Rd Greensboro NC, 27410 Telephone: 336.282.7044 w: http://www.nobleknights.org/ Summit School 2100 Reynolda Rd. Winston-Salem, NC 27106 Telephone: 336-722-2777 w: http://www.summitschool.com/about-summit/call The Fletcher School 8500 Sardis Road Charlotte, NC 28270 Phone: 704-365-4658 Fax: 704-364-2978 [email protected] w: http://www.thefletcherschool.org/contact-us/ The Hill Center of Durham 3200 Pickett Road Durham, NC 27705 Phone: 919-489-7464 Email: [email protected] w: https://www.hillcenter.org/contact#.WHSoRBt974Y Just Right Academy PO Box 3523, Chapel Hill, NC 27515 or 4723 Erwin Road, Durham, NC 27705 Telephone: 919-932-0360 w: http://justrightacademy.org/contact-us/ Ohio Haugland Learning Center 7690 New Market Center Way, Columbus, OH 43235 Phone: 614-602-6473 Fax: 614-602-6493 E-mail: [email protected] The Autism Academy of Learning 110 Arco Drive Toledo OH 43607 US Phone: 419-865-7487 w: http://www.theautismacademy.org/contact-us.html Oklahoma Oxford Learning Oklahoma Tulsa Tutoring 7715 East 91st Suite B Tulsa, Oklahoma 74133 Telephone: 918.250.5500 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/oklahoma-tulsa/ Oregon New Leaf Academy PO Box 6454 Bend, OR 97708 Email: [email protected] Toll-free: 877.820.5050 Local: 541.318.1676 w: http://www.newleafacademy.com/contact-us.asp Pennsylvania Camphill Special School (Beaver Run: Lower, Middle, High Schools; Meadowsweet Waldorf Kindergarten) 1784 Fairview Road Glenmoore, PA 19343 USA Phone: 610.469.9236 Fax: 610.469.9758 w: http://camphillspecialschool.org/contact/ Camphill Special School (Transition Program at Beaver Farm) 551 W Seven Stars Road Phoenixville, PA 19460 USA Phone: 610.469.9236 Fax: 610.469.9758 w: http://camphillspecialschool.org/contact/ Devereux Center For Effective Schools 2012 Renaissance Boulevard King of Prussia, PA 19406 Phone Number (610) 542-3057 Fax Number (610) 542-3087 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=ces_contact Devereux Center for Resilient Children 444 Devereux Drive, Villanova, PA, 19085 Phone: (866) 872-4687 Email: [email protected] w: https://www.centerforresilientchildren.org/home/contact-us/ Devereux PA Adult Services Division National Headquarters 444 Devereux Drive Villanova, PA 19085 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=cont_form Devereux Pennsylvania 230 Highland Avenue Devon, PA 19333 Call us toll-free at 800-345-1292 or Nora Pizzi at 610-788-6565. w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_contact Devereux Pocono Mary Seeley, Executive Director 1547 Mill Creek Road Newfoundland, PA 18445 (570) 839-6140 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=pa_pocono_center PACE School District Services Moon Classroom 1720 Hassam Road Moon Township, PA 15108 [email protected] Important Numbers: Administrative Fax 412-244-0100 Supervisor 412-342-4364 w: http://www.paceschool.org/schools Pace School & Pace Administrative Offices 2432 Greensburg Pike Pittsburgh, PA 15221 [email protected] Important Numbers: Administration 412-244-1900 Administrative Fax 412-244-0100 Educational & Clinical Program Fax 412-244-1902 w: http://www.paceschool.org/schools Career Focused Middle/High School 2432 Greensburg Pike Pittsburgh, PA 15221 [email protected] w: http://www.paceschool.org/schools Spectrum Charter School 4369 Northern Monroeville PA 15146 Phone: (412) 374 8130 Fax: (412) 374 9629 w: http://www.spectrumcharterschool.org/contact/ Camphill Special School (Transition Program at Beaver Farm) 551 W Seven Stars Road Phoenixville, PA 19460 USA Phone: 610.469.9236 Fax: 610.469.9758 w: http://camphillspecialschool.org/contact/ Camphill Special School (Beaver Run: Lower, Middle, High Schools; Meadowsweet Waldorf Kindergarten) 1784 Fairview Road Glenmoore, PA 19343 USA Phone: 610.469.9236 Fax: 610.469.9758 w: http://camphillspecialschool.org/contact/ 83 Sugartown Road Malvern, Pennsylvania 19355 T: 610-644-1754 F: 610-644-6679 E: [email protected] w: http://thephelpsschool.org/ Green Tree School 1196 East Washington Lane, Philadelphia, PA 19138 Phone: (215) 866-0200 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.greentreeschool.org/index.php/contact/ St. Anthony School Programs 2000 Corporate Drive, Suite 580, Wexford, PA 15090 Toll Free: (844) 782-5437 Local: (724) 940-9020 Fax: (724) 940-9064 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://stanthonykids.org/contact.php Rhode Island Groden Center North Day Program & Family Services 86 Mount Hope Avenue Providence, RI 02906 401-274-6310 w: http://grodennetwork.org/contact/# Groden Center South Day Program 2 St. Vincent dePaul Street Coventry, RI 02918 401-615-2600 w: http://grodennetwork.org/contact/# Early Intervention 203 Concord Street, Suite 335 Pawtucket, RI 02860 401-525-2380 w: http://grodennetwork.org/contact/# The Center for Early Childhood Education (Preschool) 30 Livingston Street Providence, RI 02904 401-421-1673 w: http://grodennetwork.org/contact/# Download FREE PDF Copy of Autism Schools and Education Facilities – The Ultimate Guide Click here to download your FREE PDF South Carolina Glenforest School 1041 Harbor Dr, West Columbia, SC 29169 Phone: 803.796.7622 Fax: 803.796.1603 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.glenforest.org/ Trident Academy 1455 Wakendaw Rd. Mount Pleasant, SC 29464 Phone: 843.884.7046 Fax: 843.881.8320 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.tridentacademy.com/ Tenessee Currey Ingram Academy 6544 Murray Ln, Brentwood, TN 37027, USA Phone: (615) 507-3173 Fax: (615) 620-6255 w: http://www.curreyingram.org/page/admission/contact-and-directions Bradford Special School District 106 West Front Street O. Box 220 Bradford, TN 38316 Phone: 731-742-3180 Fax: 731-742-3994 w: http://www.bradfordssd.schoolinsites.com/?PN=Contact Texas Devereux Texas Treatment Network League City Campus 1150 Devereux Drive League City, TX 77573 (281) 335-1000 or (800) 373-0011 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=tx_directions Devereux Texas Treatment Network Victoria Campus 120 David Wade Drive P.O. Box 2666 Victoria, TX 77902 (361) 575-8271 or (800) 383-5000 w: http://www.devereux.org/site/PageServer?pagename=tx_directions The Monarch School 2815 Rosefield Dr. Houston, Texas 77080 Phone: (713) 479-0800 Fax: (713) 933-0567 w: http://www.monarchschool.org/contact-us Great Lakes Academy Phone: 972-517-7498 x 103 Fax: 972-517-0133 E-Mail: [email protected] Address: 6000 Custer Road Building 7 Plano, Texas 75023 w: http://www.greatlakesacademy.com/contact.htm Oxford Learning Frisco Texas Tutoring 8811 Teel Parkway Suite 250 Frisco, TX 75034 Telephone: 972.325.1195 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-frisco/ Oxford Learning Texas Austin South Tutoring 4301 W William Cannon Dr Ste B220 Austin, TX 78749-1489 Telephone: 512.892.7323 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/texas-austin-south/ Oxford Learning Texas Garland Tutoring 5435 North Garland Ave. Garland, Texas 75040 Telephone: 972.675.9505 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/texas-garland/ Oxford Learning Texas Mansfield Tutoring 111 West Debbie Lane Suite 103 Mansfield, TX 76063 Telephone: 817.458.4822 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-texas-mansfield/ Oxford Learning Texas Plano Tutoring 4152 W. Spring Creek Parkway Suite 160 Plano, Texas 75024 Telephone: 972.599.1850 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-texas-plano/ Oxford Learning Texas Round Rock Tutoring 1780 Round Rock Ave Suite 200 Round Rock, Texas 78681 Telephone: 512.265.2448 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-texas-round-rock/ Oxford Learning Texas Sugar Land Tutoring 11929 University Blvd Suite 2E Sugar Land, Texas 77479 Telephone: 832.532.0124 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-texas-sugar-land/ Oxford Learning Texas The Woodlands Tutoring 3091 College Park Dr., Suite 305 College Park Plaza Shopping Centre The Woodlands, Texas 77384 Telephone: 936.271.1700 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/texas-the-woodlands/ Utah McKay School of Education 301 MCKB – BYU Provo, UT 84602 Dean’s Office: 801-422-3694 Student Services (Advisement): Telephone: 801-422-3426 w: http://www.education.byu.edu/deans/mission.html Oxford Learning Utah Riverton Tutoring 2582 W 12600 S. Riverton, Utah 84065 Telephone: 801.613.9343 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-utah-riverton/ Vermont The Greenwood School 14 Greenwood Lane Putney, VT 05346 Phone: (802) 387-4545 [email protected] w: http://www.greenwood.org/contact-greenwood-school/ Virginia Little Keswick School P.O. Box 24 Keswick, VA 22947 Telephone: 434-295-0457 Fax: 434-977-1892 w: http://www.littlekeswickschool.net/contact-information-2/ The Founders Center Christ United Methodist Church 6818 W. Grace Street Richmond, VA 23226 Phone: (804) 355-1011 Fax: (804) 355-0932 w: http://thefounderscenter.org/contact/ Oakwood School 7210 Braddock Road Annandale, Virginia 22003 TEL: (703) 941-5788 FAX: (703) 941-4186 e: [email protected] w: http://www.oakwoodschool.com/ Oxford Learning Virginia Chesapeake Tutoring 805 N Battlefield Blvd., Unit 123 Knell’s Ridge Square Chesapeake, Virginia 23320 Telephone: 757.547.9797 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/virginia-chesapeake/ Spiritos School 400 Coalfield Rd, Midlothian, VA 23114 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.spiritosschool.com/ Virginia Institute of Autism 943 Glenwood Station Lane, Suite 201 Charlottesville, VA 22901 Phone: 434-923-8252 Fax: 434-817-2939 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.viaschool.org/contact/ Washington The Kingsbury Center 5000 14th Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20011 Phone: 202.722.5555 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.kingsbury.org/ The Lab School of Washington 4759 Reservoir Road, NW Washington, DC 20007-1921 Telephone: 202-965-6600 w: https://www.labschool.org/page/Home Canada Foothills Academy 745 37 St NW Calgary AB T2N 4T1 Telephone: 403 270 9400 w: http://www.foothillsacademy.org/ Oxford Learning Beaumont Tutoring 5021B-52 Avenue Beaumont, Alberta T4X 1E5 Telephone: 780.929.1626 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/beaumont-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Calgary Crowfoot Tutoring 202-60 Crowfoot Cres. NW Calgary, Alberta T3G 3J9 Telephone: 403.262.6335 https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/calgary-crowfoot-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Calgary South Tutoring 12445 Lake Fraser Drive SE Bay 500 Calgary, Alberta T2J 7A4 Telephone: 403.278.1786 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/calgary-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Calgary West Tutoring 6404 Old Banff Coach Road SW Calgary, Alberta T3H 2H3 Telephone: 403.246.4631 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/calgary-west-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Edmonton South Tutoring 3840 Gateway Boulevard Edmonton, Alberta T6J 7A9 Telephone: 780.988.3186 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/edmonton-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Edmonton West Tutoring #250, 6655 178 Street MarketPlace at Callingwood Edmonton, Alberta T5T 4J5 Telephone: 780.433.0078 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/edmonton-west-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Grande Prairie Tutoring 101-10055 120 Ave Grande Prairie , Alberta T8V 8H8 Telephone: 780.830.0570 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/grande-prairie-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Sherwood Park Tutoring #112A-101 Granada Boulevard Sherwood Park, Alberta T8A 4W2 Telephone: 780.417.3066 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/sherwood-park-tutoring/ Oxford Learning St. Albert Tutoring 107 – 1 Hebert Road St. Albert, Alberta T8N 2E7 Telephone: 780.460.6709 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/st-albert-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Burnaby Tutoring 111-6125 Sussex Avenue Burnaby, British Columbia V5H 4G1 Telephone: 604.565.5877 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/burnaby-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Coquitlam Tutoring 206-1194 Lansdowne Drive Coquitlam , British Columbia V3E 1J7 Telephone: 604.464.3090 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/coquitlam-tutoring/ Oxford Learning North Vancouver Tutoring 101-1975 Lonsdale Avenue North Vancouver, British Columbia V7M 2K3 Telephone: 604.990.8850 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/north-vancouver-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Richmond Tutoring 200-7380 Westminster Highway Richmond, British Columbia V6X 1A1 Telephone: 604.233.5566 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/richmond-tutoring/ Oxford Learning South Surrey Tutoring #205-15149 Hwy 10 Panorama Shopping Village Surrey, British Columbia V3S 9A5 Telephone: 604.575.1494 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/south-surrey-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Vancouver Kerrisdale Tutoring 2115 W. 38th Ave. Vancouver, British Columbia V6M 1R8 Telephone: 604.266.6000 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/vancouver-kerrisdale-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Vancouver Kitsilano Tutoring 306-2083 Alma Street Vancouver, British Columbia V6R 4N6 Telephone: 604.563.2000 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/vancouver-kitsilano-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Victoria Tutoring 203-1595 McKenzie Ave. Victoria, British Columbia V8N 1A4 Telephone: 250.477.5550 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/victoria-tutoring/ Oxford Learning West Vancouver Tutoring 1760 Marine Drive Suite 202 West Vancouver, British Columbia V7V 1J4 Telephone: 604.922.5566 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/west-vancouver-tutoring/ Venture Academy 101-1865 Dilworth Drive, Suite 338 Kelowna, British Columbia, Canada V1Y 9T1 Phone: (250) 491-4593 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.ventureacademy.ca/contact_us/ Kenneth Gordon Maplewood School 420 Seymour River Place North Vancouver, BC V7H 1S8 Tel: 604 985-5224 Fax: 604 985-4562 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://kgms.kgms.ca/contact/visit-us/ Maplewood Alternative High School 420 Seymour River Place North Vancouver BC V7J 1S8 Tel: 604 985-5224 Fax: 604 985 4562 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://maplewoodhigh.ca/contact/visit-us/ PALS Autism School 2409 East Pender Street Vancouver, BC V5K 2B2 Tel: 604-251-7257 Fax: 604-251-1627 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://palsautismschool.ca/site/contact-us/ Oxford Learning Winnipeg Tutoring 3025 Ness Avenue Unit J Winnipeg, Manitoba R2Y 2J2 Telephone: 204.944.0898 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/winnipeg-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Bedford Tutoring 540 Southgate Drive Suite 203 Bedford, Nova Scotia B4A 0C9 Telephone: 902.405.4116 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/bedford-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Halifax Tutoring 6270 Quinpool Road Halifax, Nova Scotia B3L 1A3 Telephone: 902.423.4484 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/halifax-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Hammonds Plains Tutoring 21 Glen Arbour Way Willowbrae Childcare Academy Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia B4B 0L8 Telephone: 902.423.4484 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/hammond-plains-tutoring/ Landmark East School 708 Main Street Wolfville, Nova Scotia B4P 1G4 Canada Phone: (902) 542-2237 Fax: (902) 542-4147 Toll-Free Admissions Inquiry Line: (800) 565-5887 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.landmarkeast.org/contact/ Chisholm Academy 1484 Cornwall Road Oakville, Ontario Canada L6J 7W5 Telephone: (905) 844-3240 Fax: (905) 844-7321 w: http://chisholmacademy.com/contact/ Shoore Center 801 Eglinton Avenue West, Suite 201 (Eglinton & Bathurst) Toronto, Ontario M5N 1E3 Telephone: (416) 781-4754 Fax: (416) 781-0163 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.shoorecentre.com/contact Robert Land Academy 6727 South Chippawa Road Wellandport, Ontario, L0R 2J0 Telephone: 905-386-6203 Fax: 905-386-6607 w: https://www.robertlandacademy.com/contact Wildwood Academy 2250 Sheridan Garden Drive Oakville, Ontario L6J 7T1 Telephone: (905) 829-4226 Fax: (905) 829-2318 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://wildwoodadmin.wixsite.com/wildwood/formmap Montcrest School 4 Montcrest Blvd. Toronto, ON M4K 1J7 Phone: 416 469 2008 Fax:416 469 0934 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.montcrest.on.ca/index.cfm?pagepath=Contact&id=12598 Willow Wood School 55 Scarsdale Road Toronto, Ontario M3B 2R3 Phone: (416) 444-7644 Fax: (416) 444-1801 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.willowwoodschool.ca/content/contact/index.php Applewood Academy 72 Orchard Drive Belleville, Ontario K8P 2K7 Telephone: 613 962-1042 Request a phone call Fax: 613 967-3998 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://applewoodacademy.com/contact/ Oakwood Academy 2150 Torquay Mews Mississauga, ON L5N 2M6 Telephone: +1 (905) 814 0202 Email: [email protected] w: https://www.oakwoodacademy.ca/page/about-oakwood/contact-us- Kohai Educational Centre 41 Roehampton Avenue Toronto, Ontario M4P 1P9 Telephone: 416.489.3636 Fax: 416.489.3662 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.kohai.ca/contact/ Heritage Academy 207 Bayswater Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K1Y 2G5 Phone: 613-722-0133 Fax: 613-722-7881 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.heritage-academy.com/contact Magnificent Minds 47 Glenbrook Avenue, Lower Level Toronto, Ontario Telephone: 647-404-6349 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.magnificentminds.ca/ Don Valley Academy 4576 Yonge Street Suite 408 Toronto, ON M2N 6N4 Telephone: (416) 223-7561 Fax: (416) 223-0065 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://donvalleyacademy.com/contact-us/ Bright Start Academy 4630 Dufferin Street. Suite 318. Toronto, ON. M3H 5S4 Phone: (416) 514-1415 Fax: (416) 514-1410 E-mail: [email protected] Brighton School 240 The Donway West (Lawrence & Don Mills) Toronto, Ontario M3B 2V8 Phone: 416-932-8273 Fax: 416-850-5493 w: http://www.brightonschool.ca/contact-us/address-phone/ The Lighthouse Learning and Development Centre 219 Old Yonge Street, Aurora, ON L4G 6J6, Canada Telephone: 905-727-6666 w: https://lhldc.com/contact-us/ Oxford Learning Ajax Tutoring 475 Westney Road North Ajax Market Place Ajax, Ontario L1T 3H4 Telephone: 905.683.6660 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/ajax-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Ancaster Tutoring 1172 Wilson St.W. Unit 7 Ancaster, Ontario L9G 3K9 Telephone: 905.304.4440 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/ancaster-tutoring/ Oxford Aurora Tutoring 129 Pedersen Drive Unit 3 Aurora, Ontario L4G 0E3 Telephone: 905.503.0678 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/aurora-tutoring/ Oxford Barrie Tutoring 331 Bayfield Street Barrie, Ontario L4M 3C2 Telephone: 705.727.9090 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/barrie-tutoring/ Oxford South Barrie Tutoring 431 Huronia Road Unit 11 Barrie, Ontario L4N 9B3 Telephone: 705.792.9600 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/barrie-south-tutoring/ Oxford Bolton Tutoring 7-1 Queensgate Blvd Bolton, Ontario L7E 2X7 Telephone: 905.857.2803 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/bolton-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Bowmanville Tutoring 200 King Street East Unit #2 Bowmanville, Ontario L1C 1P3 Telephone: 905.419.2428 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/bowmanville-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Bradford Tutoring 483 Holland Street West Unit H6 Bradford, ON L3Z 0C1 Telephone: 905.775.3000 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tutor-bradford/ Oxford Learning Brampton Fletcher’s Meadow Tutoring 9-17 Worthington Avenue Fletcher’s Meadow Plaza Brampton, Ontario L7A 2Y7 Telephone: 905.495.2727 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/brampton-fletchers-meadow-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Brampton North Tutoring 28-380 Bovaird Dr. Conestoga Square Brampton, Ontario L6Z 2S7 Telephone: 905.846.1660 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/brampton-north-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Brampton South Tutoring Brampton, Ontario L6Y 4M3 Telephone: 905.457.5094 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/brampton-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Brampton Springdale Tutoring 55 Mountainash Rd. Unit # 25, Springdale Plaza Brampton, Ontario L6R 1W4 Telephone: 905.799.9662 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/brampton-springdale-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Brooklin Tutoring 1012-5969 Baldwin Street South Brooklin, Ontario L1M 2J7 Telephone: 905.655.9500 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/brooklin-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Burlington Tutoring 2180 Mountain Grove Avenue Burlington, Ontario L7P 2J3 Telephone: 905.332.1212 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/burlington-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Burlington South Tutoring 5014 New Street Burlington, Ontario L7L 1V1 Telephone: 905.632.8444 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/burlington-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Cambridge Tutoring 800 Franklin Boulevard Cambridge, Ontario N1R 7Z1 Telephone: 519.624.8762 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/cambridge-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Collingwood Tutoring 336 Hume St. Collingwood, Ontario L9Y 1W3 Telephone: 705.445.6022 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/collingwood-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Courtice Tutoring 1414 King Street East Unit #6 Courtice, Ontario L1E 3B4 Telephone: 905.723.6999 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/courtice-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Georgetown Tutoring 7-324 Guelph Street Halton Gate Plaza Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4B5 Telephone: 905.877.3163 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/georgetown-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Georgetown Tutoring 7-324 Guelph Street Halton Gate Plaza Georgetown, Ontario L7G 4B5 Telephone: 905.877.3163 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/georgetown-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Kingston Tutoring 793 Blackburn Mews Kingston, Ontario K7P 2N6 Telephone: 613.384.7323 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/kingston-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Guelph Tutoring 204-511 Edinburgh Road South Guelph, Ontario N1G 4S5 Telephone: 519.826.5365 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/guelph-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Kingston East Tutoring 10-235 Gore Road Kingston, Ontario K7L 5H6 Telephone: 613.549.7327 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/kingston-east-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Kitchener Tutoring 1425 Weber Street East Kitchener, Ontario N2A 3A7 Telephone: 519.896.7281 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/kitchener-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Kitchener South Tutoring 1193 Fischer-Hallman Road Unit 350 Kitchener, Ontario N2R 0H3 Telephone: 519.744.7860 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/kitchener-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Kleinburg Tutoring 9600 Islington Avenue Unit A5 Woodbridge, ON L4H 2T1 Telephone: 905.552.8777 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/kleinburg-tutoring/ Oxford Learning LaSalle Tutoring 5844 Malden Road Unit 24A Town Centre Plaza LaSalle, Ontario N9H 1S4 Telephone: 519.966.0682 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/lasalle-tutoring/ Oxford Learning London Byron Tutoring 208-1240 Commissioners Rd West London, Ontario N6K 1C7 Telephone: 519.472.3321 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/london-byron-tutoring/ Oxford Learning London North Tutoring 580 Fanshawe Park Road East Unit 3 London, Ontario N5X 1L1 Telephone: 519.645.0651 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/london-north-tutoring/ Oxford Learning South West Tutoring 509 Commissioners Rd W London, ON N6J1Y5 Telephone: 519.473.0375 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/london-south-west-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Maple Tutoring 2937 Major Mackenzie Drive Maple, Ontario L6A 3N9 Telephone: 905.417.3322 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/maple-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Markham Boxgrove Tutoring 86 Copper Creek Drive Unit 3, Markham Boxgrove Plaza Markham, Ontario L6B 0P2 Telephone: 905.471.0133 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/markham-boxgrove-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Markham East Tutoring 2-9275 Highway 48 Markham, Ontario L6E 1A1 Telephone: 905.201.2700 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/markham-east-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Markham South Tutoring 213-5005 Steeles Ave East Toronto, Ontario M1V 5K1 Telephone: 905.201.8372 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/markham-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Milton South Tutoring 741-743 Main Street East Milton, Ontario L9T 3Z3 Telephone: 905.693.9978 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/milton-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Mississauga Erin Mills Tutoring 3185 Unity Drive 2nd Floor Mississauga, Ontario L5L 4L5 Telephone: 905.369.6610 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/mississauga-erin-mills-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Mississauga Central Tutoring 204-640 Eglinton Avenue West Mississauga, Ontario L5R 3V2 Telephone: 905.502.0699 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/mississauga-central-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Mississauga Clarkson Tutoring 1684 Lakeshore Road W Unit 20 Mississauga, ON L5J 1J4 Telephone: 905.855.3521 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/mississauga-clarkson-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Mississauga Meadowvale Tutoring 204-6750 Winston Church Boulevard Mississauga, Ontario L5N 4C4 Telephone: 905.824.6680 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/mississauga-meadowvale-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Port Tutoring 347 Lakeshore Rd East Unit 5 Mississauga, Ontario L5G 1H6 Telephone: 905.891.2500 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-port-credit-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Newmarket Tutoring 212-16775 Yonge Street Newmarket, Ontario L3Y 8J4 Telephone: 905.954.1100 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/newmarket-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Niagara Falls Tutoring 6837 Thorold Stone Road Niagara Falls, Ontario L2J 1B2 Telephone: 905.353.8500 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/niagara-falls-tutoring/ Oxford Learning North Bay Tutoring 1-343 Airport Rd. North Bay, Ontario P1B 8W8 Telephone: 705.472.0972 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/north-bay-tutoring/ Oxford Learning North York Bayview Woods Tutoring 207-5915 Leslie Street North York, Ontario M2H 1J8 Telephone: 416.498.4040 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/north-york-bayview-woods-tutoring/ Oxford Learning North York Don Valley Tutoring 2810 Victoria Park Ave #110 North York, Ontario M2J 4A9 Telephone: 416.502.9628 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/north-york-don-valley-tutoring/ Oxford Learning North York Lawrence Plaza Tutoring 201A-3130 Bathurst Street North York, Ontario M6A 2A1 Telephone: 416.781.1225 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/north-york-lawrence-plaza-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Oakville North Tutoring 1131 Nottinghill Gate Suite 14 Oakville, Ontario L6M 1K5 Telephone: 905.469.1929 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/oakville-north-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Oakville North East Tutoring 380 Dundas Street East Oakville, Ontario L6H 6Z9 Telephone: 905.616.9444 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/oakville-north-east-tutoring/ Oxford Learning South Tutoring 511 Maple Grove Drive, Suite 2 Maple Grove Village Oakville, Ontario L6J 6X8 Telephone: 905.849.4027 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/oakville-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Orangeville Tutoring 215 Centennial Rd. Unit #9 Westside Market Village Orangeville, Ontario L9W 5K9 Telephone: 519.215.2531 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/orangeville-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Ottawa Barrhaven Tutoring 204-3171 Strandherd Drive Ottawa, Ontario K2J 5N1 Telephone: 613.823.1300 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/ottawa-barrhaven-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Kanata Tutoring 226-329 March Road Kanata, ON K2K 2E1 Telephone: 613.591.2400 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/kanata-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Napean Tutoring 1370 Clyde Avenue Ottawa, Ontario K2G 3H8 Telephone: 613.226.6022 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/nepean-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Ottawa Orleans Tutoring 3619 Innes Rd. Ottawa, Ontario K1C 1T1 Telephone: 613.841.7321 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/ottawa-orleans-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Rockcliffe Tutoring 359 St Laurent Blvd Ottawa, ON K1K 2Z7 Telephone: 613.288.2138 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/rockcliffe-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Paris Tutoring 1084 Rest Acres Road Unit #13 Paris, Ontario N3L 0B5 Telephone: 519.209.8099 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/paris-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Pickering Tutoring 1105 Finch Avenue Pickering, Ontario L1V 1J7 Telephone: 905.420.3141 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/pickering-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Richmond Hill North Tutoring 209A-10720 Yonge Street Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 3C9 Telephone: 905.737.5650 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/richmond-hill-north-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Richmond Hill South Tutoring 9011 Leslie Street Suite 201 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4B 3B6 Telephone: 905.709.4545 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/richmond-hill-south-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Richmond Hill West Tutoring 9325 Yonge Street Unit 15 Richmond Hill, Ontario L4C 0A8 Telephone: 905.292.3501 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/richmond-hill-west-tutoring/ Oxford Learning St Catharines Tutoring 24-100 Fourth Avenue St.Catharines, Ontario L2S 3P1 Telephone: 905.685.8141 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/st-catharines-tutoring/ Oxford Learning St Thomas Tutoring 172 Centre St. St. Thomas, ON N5R 3A4 Telephone: 519.637.1642 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/st-thomas-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Stoney Creek Tutoring 520 Highway #8 Stoney Creek, Ontario L8G 1G6 Telephone: 905.664.9449 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/stoney-creek-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Stoufville Tutoring 11873 Ninth Line Stouffville, Ontario L4A 1H6 Telephone: 905.640.1020 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/stouffville-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Tecumseh Tutoring 13300 Tecumseh Road East Suite 290 Tecumseh, Ontario N8N 4R8 Telephone: 519.739.2951 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/tecumseh-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Thornhill Tutoring 110-7700 Bathurst Street Thornhill, Ontario L4J 7Y3 Telephone: 905.707.1417 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/thornhill-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Beaches Tutoring 2191 Queen Street East Toronto, Ontario M4E 1E5 Telephone: 416.686.1430 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-beaches-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Danforth Tutoring 784 Broadview Ave. Toronto, Ontario M4K 2P7 Telephone: 416.849.1476 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-danforth-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Don Mills Tutoring 51 Underhill Drive Unit 1, Donwood Plaza Don Mills, Ontario M3A 2J8 Telephone: 416.391.1838 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-don-mills-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Etobicoke Royal York Tutoring 4195 Dundas Street West Etobicoke, Ontario M8X 1Y4 Telephone: 416.234.1054 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-etobicoke-royal-york-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Forest Hill Tutoring 481 Eglinton Ave West Suite 200 Toronto, Ontario M5N 1A7 Telephone: 416.367.4455 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-forest-hill-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto High Park Tutoring 406 Pacific Ave Unit B High Park, Ontario M6P 2R4 Telephone: 416.762.4447 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-high-park-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Leaside Tutoring 1820 D Bayview Ave Leaside, Ontario M4G 4G7 Telephone: 416.489.0511 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-leaside-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Rosedale Tutoring 44 St Clair Ave E. 2nd Floor Rosedale, Ontario M4T 1M9 Telephone: 416.710.1858 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-rosedale-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Scarborough Bluffs Tutoring 103 Guildwood Parkway Guildwood Village Shopping Centre Scarborough, Ontario M1E 1P1 Telephone: 647.352.6224 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-scarborough-bluffs-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Scarborough Central Tutoring 33 Lapsley Rd Scarborough, Ontario M1B 1K1 Telephone: 647.800.4787 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-scarborough-central-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto Scarborough East Tutoring 91 Rylander Blvd., Suite 205 Abbey Lane Plaza Scarborough, Ontario M1B 5M5 Telephone: 416.208.6990 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-scarborough-east-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Toronto York Mills Tutoring 1865 Leslie Street Suite 201 York Mills, Ontario M3B 2M3 Telephone: 647.341.7323 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/toronto-york-mills-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Markham Unionville Tutoring 9-8601 Warden Ave Unionville, Ontario L3R 0B5 Telephone: 905.513.8186 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/markham-unionville-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Waterdown Tutoring Waterdown, Ontario L8B 0G8 Telephone: 905.690.7994 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/waterdown-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Waterloo Tutoring 10 Fischer-Hallman Road Waterloo, Ontario N2L 2X3 Telephone: 519.725.3577 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/waterloo-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Waterloo Eastbridge Tutoring 370 Eastbridge Blvd Unit #8 Waterloo, Ontario N2K 4P1 Telephone: 519.746.9000 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/waterloo-eastbridge-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Whitby Tutoring 105-3050 Garden Street Whitby, Ontario L1R 2G7 Telephone: 905.668.6800 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/whitby-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Woodbridge Tutoring 130-4550 Highway 7 Woodbridge, Ontario L4L 4Y7 Telephone: 905.850.2909 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/woodbridge-tutoring/ Arrowsmith School in Toronto 245 St. Clair Avenue West Toronto, Ontario M4V 1R3 Telephone: 416 963-4962 Facsimile: 416 963-5017 General Email: gro.loohcshtimsworra@noitpecer Admissions Email: gro.loohcshtimsworra@snoissimda w: http://arrowsmithschool.org/toronto/#contact Arrowsmith School Peterborough 366 Parkhill Road East Peterborough, Ontario K9L 1C3 Telephone: 705 741-4800 Facsimile: 705 741-1832 Email: ac.margorphtimsworra@hguorobretep w: http://arrowsmithschool.org/peterborough/#contact The YMCA Academy 15 Breadalbane St., 3rd floor Toronto, ON M4Y 1C2 Tel: 416-928-0124 ext. 31400 Fax: 416-928-0212 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.ymcaacademy.org/contact-us/ Oxford Learning Regina Tutoring 203-2595 Quance Street East Regina, Saskatchewan S4V 2Y8 Telephone: 306.790.2000 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/regina-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Saskatoon Tutoring 115-3501 8th Street East Saskatoon, Saskatchewan S7H 0W5 Telephone: 306.668.2223 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/saskatoon-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Brossard Tutoring 6845, Boulevard Taschereau Local 700 Brossard, Quebec J4Z 1A7 Telephone: 450.443.1933 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/brossard-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Laval Chomedey Tutoring 250-3310 100 ave. Laval, Quebec H7T 0J7 Telephone: 579.640.1600 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/laval-chomedey-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Montreal DDO Tutoring 3701 Boul. St. Jean Suite B Blue Haven Shopping Village Dollard des Ormeaux, Quebec H9G 1X2 Telephone: 514.696.0606 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/montreal-ddo-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Montreal NDG Tutoring 4260 Rue Girouard Suite 102 Montreal, Quebec H4A 3C9 Telephone: 514.481.4441 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/montreal-ndg-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Montreal St. Laurent Tutoring 6225 Boul. Henri-Bourassa Ouest St. Laurent,, Quebec H4R 1C7 Telephone: 514.333.4988 w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/montreal-st-laurent-tutoring/ Oxford Learning Vaudreuil Tutoring 939 boulevard de la Cité-des-Jeunes Vaudreuil-Dorion, Quebec J7V 0H2 Telephone: 450.510.LIRE (5473) w: https://www.oxfordlearning.com/locations/vaudreuil-dorion-tutoring/ Kells Elementary 2290 Boulevard de Cavendish Montréal, QC H4B 2M7 Telephone: +1 (514) 487-2345 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.kells.ca/index.php?option=com_content&view=featured&Itemid=203 Kells Academy 6865 Boulevard de Maisonneuve O Montréal, QC H4B 1T1 w: http://www.kells.ca/index.php?option=com_contactenhanced&view=contact&id=1&Itemid=126 United Kingdom (UK) England Alderwasley Hall School Alderwasley, Belper, Derbyshire, DE56 2SR Tel: 01629 822586 Fax: 01629 826661 Email: [email protected] w: http://senadgroup.com/contact/ Bladon House School Newton Solney, Burton Upon Trent, Staffordshire, DE15 0TA Tel: 01283 563787 Fax: 01283 510980 Email: [email protected] w: http://senadgroup.com/contact/ Pegasus School Caldwell Hall, Main Street, Caldwell, Derbyshire, DE12 6RS Tel: 01283 761352 Fax: 01283 761312 Email: [email protected] w: http://senadgroup.com/contact/ Rowden House School Bromyard, Herefordshire, HR7 4LS Tel: 01885 488096 Fax: 01885 483361 Email: [email protected] w: http://senadgroup.com/contact/ The National Autistic Society 393 City Road London, EC1V 1NG United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7833 2299 Fax: +44 (0)20 7833 9666 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.autism.org.uk/educationgroup Hurworth House School Westfield Drive Hurworth, Darlington County Durham, DL2 2AD Telephone: 01325 729 080 Fax: 01325 729 081 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Oliver House School Hallgate Astley Village, Chorley Lancashire, PR7 1XA Telephone: 01257 220 011 Fax: 01257 220 055 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Rossendale School Bamford Road Ramsbottom, Lancashire BL0 0RT Telephone: 01706 822779 Fax: 01706 821457 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Eastwood Grange School Derbyshire Address: Milken Ln, Ashover, Chesterfield S45 0BA, UK Phone: +44 1246 590255 w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Strathmore College Stoke on Trent Unit 7 Imex Centre Technology Park Stoke-on Trent, Staffordshire, ST4 8LJ Phone: 01782 647380 Fax: 01782 647390 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Rugeley School Blithbury Road Blithbury, Rugeley, Staffordshire, WS15 3JQ Phone: 01889 504 400 Fax: 01889 504 010 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Sketchley School and Forest House Manor Way Sketchley, Burbage Leicestershire, LE10 3HT Phone: 01455 890 023 Fax: 01455 636 282 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Sheridan School Thetford Road Northwold,Thetford, IP26 5LQ Phone: 01366 726 040 Fax: 01366 726 041 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Priory College Swindon 43 Bath Road Old Town Swindon, Wiltshire, SN1 4AS Phone: 01793 719 500 Fax: 01793 529 541 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Priory Lodge School Priory Lane Roehampton, London, SW15 5JJ Phone: 0208 392 4410 Fax: 0208 392 4415 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Tadley Court School Tadley Common Road Tadley, Hampshire, RG26 3TB Phone: 0118 981 7720 Fax: 0118 982 1985 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Newbury Manor School Newbury Mells, Nr. Frome, Somerset, BA11 3RG Phone: 01373 814 980 Fax: 01373 814 984 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Farleigh Further Education College Frome Somerset, BA11 2AB Phone: 01373 475 470 Fax: 01373 475 473 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Unsted Park School and Sixth Form Munstead Heath Road Godalming, Surrey, GU7 1UW Phone: 01483 892 061 Fax: 01483 898 858 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Clay Hill School Clay Hill Lyndhurst, Hampshire, SO43 7DE Phone: 023 8028 3633 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Devon Education and Children’s Services Bere Alston Yelverton, Devon, PL20 7EX Phone: 01822 840379 Fax: 01822 841489 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Breckenbrough School Sandhutton, nr Thirsk, North Yorkshire YO7 4EN Telephone: 01845 587238 Email: [email protected] w: https://www.breckenbrough.org.uk/ Centre Academy London 92 St. John’s Hill, Battersea, London, SW11 1SH Tel: 0207 7382344 Fax: 0207 7389862 Email: [email protected] Admissions: [email protected] w: http://centreacademy.net/contact.html Centre Academy East Anglia Church Rd, Brettenham Ipswich, Suffolk, IP7 7QR TEL: 01449 736404 FAX: 01449 737881 Email: [email protected] w: http://centreacademy.net/contact.html Fullerton House School Tickhill Square Denaby, Doncaster South Yorkshire, DN12 4AR Telephone: 01709 861663 Fax: 01709 869635 Website: http://www.hesleygroup.co.uk/content/fullerton-house-school-introduction Wilsic Hall School Wadworth, Doncaster South Yorkshire, DN11 9AG Telephone: 01302 856382 Fax: 01302 853608 Website: http://www.hesleygroup.co.uk/content/wilsic-hall-school-introduction Kisimul Group Limited The Old Vicarage Swinderby, Lincoln Lincolnshire, LN6 9LU Tel: 01522 868279 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.kisimul.co.uk/contact.html The Marchant-Holliday School North Cheriton Templecombe, Somerset, BA8 0AH Phone: 01963 33234 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.marchant-holliday.co.uk/contact-us.php Muntham House School Barns Green Horsham, West Sussex, RH13 0NJ Phone: 01403 730302 w: http://www.muntham.org.uk/ Options Barton Barrow Road, Barton upon Humber, North Lincolnshire, DN18 6DA Telephone: 01652 631280 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.optionsgroup.co.uk/options/options-barton Options Higford Higford Hall, Nr Shifnal, Shropshire, TF11 9ET Telephone: 01952 630600 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.optionsgroup.co.uk/options/options-higford Options Kinsale Kinsale Hall, Llanerch-y-mor, Flintshire, CH8 9DX Telephone: 01745 562500 w: http://www.optionsgroup.co.uk/options/options-kinsale Philpots Manor School West Hoathly West Sussex, RH19 4PR Phone: (+44) 01342 810268 Fax: (+44) 01342 811363 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.philpotsmanorschool.co.uk/contact.htm Queen Alexandra College Court Oak Road Harborne, Birmingham, B17 9TG Tel. 0121 428 5050 Fax. 0121 428 5048 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.qac.ac.uk/ Riverston School 63/69 Eltham Road, Lee, London SE12 8UF Telephone: 0208 318 4327 | 0208 318 3847 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.riverstonschool.co.uk/Contact-Us/ Shapwick School Shapwick Manor, Shapwick, Nr. Bridgwater, Somerset TA7 9NJ Tel: 01458 210 384 Fax: 01458 201 111 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.shapwickschool.com/ Swalcliffe Park School Swalcliffe Banbury, Oxfordshire, OX15 5EP Tel: 01295 780 302 Fax: 01295 780 006 Email: [email protected] w: http://swalcliffepark-oxon.frogos.net/app/os#!/contact Moat School Bishop’s Ave London, SW6 6EG Phone: 020 7610 9018 Email: [email protected] w: http://moatschool.org.uk/ The New Eccles Hall School Quidenham Norwich, Norfolk, NR16 2NZ Telephone: +44 (0) 1953 887217 Fax: +44 (0) 1953 887397 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.neweccleshall.com/ Sheiling School Park Road Thornbury BS35 1HP Phone: 01454 412 194 Fax: 01454 411 860 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.sheilingschool.org.uk/ The Unicorn School 20 Marcham Road Abingdon, Oxfordshire, OX14 1AA Telephone: 01235 530222 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.unicornoxford.co.uk/ High Peak School Mudhurst Ln Higher Disley, Stockport SK12 2AP, UK Phone: 01663 721 731 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/high-peak Wings School Cumbria Milnthorpe LA7 7DN, UK Phone: 01539 562006 Fax: 01539 564811 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/wings-cumbria Wings School Notts Kirklington Hall Main St, Kirklington, Newark NG22 8NB, UK Phone: 01636 817430 Fax: 01636 817435 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/wings-notts Arc School Ansley Ansley Lane Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV10 9ND Phone: 01676 543 810 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/ansley Arc School Napton Vicarage Road, Napton-on-the-Hill, Warwickshire, CV47 8NA Phone: 01926 817 547 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/napton Arc School Old Arley Old Arley Ansley, Nuneaton, Warwickshire, CV7 8NU Phone: 01676 543200 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/old-arley Leaways School London Theydon Road Clapton, London, E5 9NZ Phone: 020 8815 4030 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/leaways Olsen House School 85-87 Liverpool Road Great Crosby, Liverpool, L23 5TD Phone: 0151 924 0234 Fax: 0151 924 5265 Email: [email protected] w: https://kedlestongroup.com/olsen-house Appleford School Shrewton Nr. Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP3 4HL Telephone: 01980 220012 School Office Fax: 01980 621366 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.applefordschool.org/contact/ Belgrave School 10 Upper Belgrave Road Clifton, Bristol, BS8 2XH Headteacher: Jonathan Skinner Telephone: 0117 974 3133 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.belgrave-school.org/ Caldecott School Caldecott House Hythe Road, Smeeth, Ashford, Kent TN25 6SP Telephone: 01303 815 685 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.thecaldecottfoundation.co.uk/education/school/ Cedar House School Bentham Lancaster, LA2 7DD Telephone: 015242 61149 (Out of term: 015395 66081) Email: [email protected] w: http://witherslackgroup.co.uk/cedar-house-school/education/ Chilworth House School Thame Road Wheatley, Oxfordshire, OX33 1JP Telephone: 01844 339 077 (Out of term: 015395 66081) Fax: 01844 339 088 Email: [email protected] w: http://witherslackgroup.co.uk/chilworth-house-school/ Frewen College Northiam, Rye, East Sussex, TN31 6NL Telephone: 01797 252494 | 01797 253388 Email Adresses: [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] w: http://www.frewencollege.co.uk/ Hereward College Bramston Crescent Tile Hill, Coventry, CV4 9SW Telephone: 024 7646 1231 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.hereward.ac.uk/college/about-us/contact-us/ Horton House School Southlands Hall 75 Thwaite Street, Cottingham East Yorkshire, HU16 4RD Telephone: 01482 330696 Fax: 0844 288 7006 Email: [email protected] w: http://hortongroup.co.uk/contact-us-2/ Naylors Road Liverpool, L27 2YA Telephone: 0151 487 7211 (Out of term: 015395 66081) Fax: 0151 487 7214 Email: [email protected] w: http://witherslackgroup.co.uk/lakeside-school/ Laleham Gap School Ozengell Place Ramsgate, Kent, CT12 6FH Telephone: 01843 570598 w: http://www.laleham-gap.kent.sch.uk/default.cfm# The Royal National College for the Blind (RNC) Venns Lane, Hereford, HR1 1DT Contact Us 01432 265 725 (Main reception) 01432 376 621 (Student enquiries) Email: [email protected] w: http://www.rnc.ac.uk/ Treloar Trust Holybourne Alton, Hampshire, GU34 4GL Telephone: 01420 547400 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.treloar.org.uk/ Acorn Park School Andrew’s Furlong Mill Road Banham, Norwich Norfolk, NR16 2HU Telephone: 01953 888 656 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://acornpark.org.uk/ Heath Farm School Egerton Road Charing Heath Ashford, Kent, TN27 0AX 6th Form Centre 17 Hardinge Road Ashford, Kent, TN24 8HB Telephone: 01233 712 030 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://heathfarmschool.org/ Kestrel House School 104 Crouch Hill London, N8 9EA Telephone: 020 8348 8500 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://kestrelhouseschool.co.uk/ Longdon Park School Park Hill Hilton Road, Egginton Derbyshire, DE65 6GU Telephone: 01283 733 195 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://longdonparkschool.co.uk/ Meadowcroft School 24 Bar Lane Wakefield, West Yorkshire WF1 4AD The Gallery Wentworth Terrace Wakefield, WF1 3QW Telephone: 01924 366 242 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://meadowcroftschool.com/ Oaktree School Truro Business Park Threemilestone Truro, Cornwall, TR4 9NH Telephone: 01872 264 221 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://oaktreeschoolcornwall.co.uk/ Oakfield House School Station Road Salwick, Preston, PR4 0YH Telephone: 01772 672 630 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://oakfieldhouseschool.co.uk/ The Shires Stretton School at Stretton Shires Lane Stretton, Rutland, LE15 7GT The Shires Stretton School at Oakham 3 Uppingham Road Oakham, LE15 6JB Telephone: 01780 411 944 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://theshires.org.uk/ Underley Garden School Kirkby Lonsdale Carnforth, Lancashire, LA6 2DZ Telephone: 01524 271 569 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://underleygarden.co.uk/ Moon Hall School Pasturewood Road Holmbury St. Mary Near Dorking Surrey, RH5 6LQ Telephone: 01306 731464 Fax: 01306 731504 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.moonhallschool.co.uk/contact.html Moon Hall College Burys Court, Flanchford Road Leigh, Reigate Surrey, RH2 8RE Telephone: +44 (0) 1306 611372 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.moonhallcollege.co.uk/ St. Dominic’s School Hambledon Godalming, Surrey, GU8 4DX Telephone: 01428 684693 / 01428 682741 Fax: 01428 685018 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.stdominicsschool.org.uk/contact_us Fairfields School Trinity Avenue Northampton NN2 6JN Tel: 01604 714777 Fax: 01604 714245 w: http://fairfields.northants.sch.uk/school/contact-us/ Grangewood School Fore Street Eastcote Pinner Middlesex HA5 2JQ Telephone: 01895 676401 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://grangewoodschool.co.uk/contact Saltergate Infant School Newby Crescent Harrogate North Yorkshire HG3 2TT Telephone: 01423 508552 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://saltergate-infant-school.org/?page_id=70 Alfreton Park Community Special School Alfreton Park, Wingfield Road, Alfreton,Derbyshire, DE55 7AL Telephone: 01773 832019 w: http://alfretonpark.derbyshire.sch.uk/contact-us/ Brooklands Community Special School Burnside Avenue Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 2DB Tel: 01756 794028 Fax: 01756 794200 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.brooklands.n-yorks.sch.uk/school-information/ Ganton School 294 Anlaby Park Road South, Hull. HU4 7JB, United Kingdom Phone: 01482 564646 Email: [email protected] w: http://gantonschool.org.uk/ Grimoldby Primary School Tinkle St. Grimoldby, Lincolnshire, LN11 8SW Telephone: 01507 327393 w: http://grimoldbyschool.net/ Scotland Troup House School Aberdeenshire Address: Aberdeenshire, Gamrie AB45 3JN Phone: +44 1261 851584 w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Daldorch House School Sorn Road, Catrine, East Ayrshire, Scotland, KA5 6NA Tel: 01290 551 666 Email: [email protected] w: http://www.autism.org.uk/services/nas-schools/daldorch-house/about%20us.aspx Mary Russell School Hawkhead Road Paisley, PA2 7BE Telephone: 0141 889 7628 E-mail: [email protected] Website: http://www.maryrussell.renfrewshire.sch.uk/ Falkland House School Falkland Fife, KY15 7AE Telephone: 01337 857 268 E: [email protected] w: http://falklandhouseschool.org/contact/ Wales Aran Hall School Rhydymain, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, LL40 2AR Tel: 01341 450641 Fax: 01341 450637 Email: [email protected] w: http://senadgroup.com/contact/ Priory College North Wales Ty Dewi Sant Rhosddu Road, Wrexham, LL11 0ZX Telephone: 01978 340580 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Priory College South Wales Coleg Gwent Pontypool Campus, Blaendare Road Torfaen, NP4 5YE Phone: 01495 762 609 Fax: 01495 333 100 E-mail: [email protected] w: https://www.priorychildrensservices.co.uk/schools-and-colleges/ Gwenllian Education Centre Hillfield Villas Kidwelly, Carmarthenshire, SA17 4UL Tel: 01554 890796 Email: [email protected] w: http://gwenllianeducationcentre.co.uk/contact-us Oceania Australia Hamilton Special Developmental School 15 Kerr St, Hamilton VIC 3300, Australia Phone: 03 5572 3077 E-mail: [email protected] w: http://www.hamiltonsds.vic.edu.au/

Istanbul (AsiaNews / Agencies) - In the last two days the Turkish security forces have arrested at least 600 people, including several political activists, for alleged links with an outlawed Kurdish group. Another crackdown on dissidents and opponents, as the country prepares for the constitutional referendum [in April] on the transition to the presidential system and the further strengthening of the powers for President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. According to leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (the pro-Kurdish movement HDP), the arrests aim to further weaken the opposition ahead of the referendum. Half the people detained are HDP members, bringing the total arrests in the ranks of the party - in recent months - to over 5 thousand. Along with many Kurdish leaders, the Turkish authorities have arrested or dismissed mayors of towns with a Kurdish majority, concentrated mainly in the south-east of the country. In a statement HDP leaders - among the staunchest opponents of the constitutional reform - stress that "we will never bow down in the face of this pressure and persecution." "What they are trying to prevent - the statement continues - through detentions and arrests is a 'no' (in the referendum)". A government source says that behind the arrests are suspected links between the HDP members and representatives of the Workers Party of Kurdistan (PKK), considered a terrorist organization and banned by Ankara. In over 30 years of conflict the leaders of the Kurdish movement have perpetrated a series of bloody attacks across the country. In the last elections in 2015 the Kurdish HDP party won more than 10% of the vote and the possibility to enter Parliament; until a few months ago it was the second political opposition force in the country, but today it has been decimated by arrests and expulsions. In the aftermath of the failed coup d’État in Turkey last July, President Erdogan and the Turkish government have launched a campaign of repression against its alleged perpetrators. These include supporters of Islamic preacher Fethullah Gülen, believed to have masterminded the coup that left 270 people dead, and thousands wounded. In response to the failed coup, in recent months the Turkish authorities have arrested more than 41 thousand people, including teachers, soldiers, intellectuals, opposition politicians, businessmen, journalists, activists and ordinary citizens. About 100 thousand public sector officials have been suspended or laid off. West and pro human rights activists groups renew the alert for the purges taking place in the country, in violation of human rights of citizens. The widespread opinion is that the authorities exploit the state of emergency - and the recent wave of attacks - to eliminate any voice of dissent and opposition to the president. In this context, the country is going through an institutional change that will transform the nation from the presidential parliamentary republic, with further expansion of Erdogan's powers.

Lahore (AsiaNews) - The National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of Pakistan has strongly condemned last Monday’s attack in Lahore that killed 13 people, including two policemen, and wounded 85. In a joint statement, NCJP President Mgr Joseph Arshad, NCJP National Director Fr Emmanuel Yousaf, and NCJP Executive Director S. Cecil Chaudhry state that "the killing of innocent protesters and security officials is unacceptable." In extending their condolences to the victims, they paid “their respects to the slain officers and prayed for their families and the injured.” The leaders of the Catholic Church noted that once again Punjab’s provincial capital was brutally attacked by extremists. The suicide attack took place in front of the Punjab Provincial Assembly when a protest by some 400 pharmacists was underway. Islamist group Jamat-ul-Ahrar, a faction of the banned Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. The extremist group warned that it would continue to target government offices in retaliation for the latter’s crackdown on terrorism. The NCJP and the diocese of Faisalabad organised a candlelight and prayer vigil at Lahore Cathedral to show solidarity to the martyrs and closeness to their families. Priests, nuns, students, teachers, and many civil and political figures took part in the event. Participants asked the government to take decisive action against terrorists and to ensure that the rule of law is respected in the country. The NCJP urged the government to "bring to justice the perpetrators of the act, investigate the origin of extremist intolerance, and strengthen the measures to protect all citizens." Despite warnings of possible attacks, "the government has failed,” the NCJP said. “As a Commission, we demand the implementation of the National Action Plan*. This must be a top priority if the government wants to eradicate terrorism and extremism from the country." Finally, the NCJP statement ends saying that the government "must provide adequate equipment to law enforcement personnel to perform their risky and courageous task of defusing explosive devices around the country." * The National Action Plan was adopted in 2015 after a Taleban attack against a military school in Peshawar.

Colombo (AsiaNews) – A group of courageous Tamil women has occupied an area in front of an army base and refuses to leave until they get back the land taken from them during the country’s civil war. Speaking to AsiaNews, they said "we are tired with suffering and forced displacement." They launched their peaceful protest (sathayagrah) on 31 January after President Maithripala Sirisena cancelled a visit to the area, scheduled for 25 January. They have with them their children who are missing out on school. They have taken this action on behalf of 84 families living in Pillavukudirippu, Mullaitivu district. During almost three decades of civil war between Sri Lanka’s armed forces and Tamil Tiger rebels, many local residents were forced to flee. Their homes, land and properties were confiscated by the military and have been occupied for years by the Air Force. For the past seven years, the displaced have been demanding the return of their land. After they were forced out, they have been living in a makeshift village called Keppapilavu without adequate services. Yesterday, the Mullaitivu District Secretary visited the area and invited the women to stop their protest whilst announcing talks on the issue in question. The Tamil women turned down the request, saying "We are tired of statements." Most women lost their husbands during the war and are now left with children to raise. For the past two weeks, the children have not been to school. One girl, Yalinin, said that she and her sister have not been attending classes because "our mother is involved in the protest. There is no one who can take care of us." The local education department has organised evening classes for the children, but this is not the same as regular school. A group of Catholics and activists from Colombo visited the protesters as a token of solidarity and reassurance. "We very much appreciate the courage of these women,” said Sister Rasika Pieris. “We urge the government to return the land. This way they will be able to live after so much suffering." “President Sirisena must immediately resolve the situation, partly because he was elected with Tamil votes,” said Hermaan Kumara, coordinator of the National Fisheries Solidarity Movement (NAFSO). According to Fr Father Sujaharan, an Oblate of Mary Immaculate, "these women are not like us men. They will not give up until the government meets their demands." Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-1 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-2 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-3 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-4 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-5 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-6 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-7 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-8 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-9 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-10 Donne tamil protestano con i figli davanti ad una base militare-11

Hong Kong (AsiaNews) – Changing the essence of the Patriotic Association is a vain hope" and asking for a "necessary freedom" without "complete freedom" can lead to no freedom, this according to two priests, one from the underground community, the other from the official community. The two spoke to AsiaNews about Card John Tong’s article on "The future of Sino-Vatican dialogue from the ecclesiological point of view". What they say is indicative of the doubts and weariness found among members of the Chinese Church vis-à-vis the many statements made about the dialogue between China and the Holy See. The names of the two priests have been changed for obvious security reasons. Fr Wang In his article, Card Tong suggests that the Church can sacrifice some principles in order to evangelise and protect itself in various ways. From this point of view, the bishop of Shanghai (Mgr Thaddeus Ma Daqin) has admitted his mistake. His fidelity to the Holy See has brought chaos to the diocese of Shanghai. Perhaps the Holy See does not want him to be so faithful. Card Tong explains his vision from the ecclesiological point of view and underscores its theological foundations. I think that his article will have a great impact on the Church in China. It is obvious that the points raised by Tong are in line with the thinking of the official Church, and with the groups that seek compromise and independence from the Holy See. Of course, there are some points that the government likes. Card Tong’s seems to suggest three winners. In other words, his text will benefit three groups, namely the official Church, the groups in favour of compromise and independence from the Holy See, and the Chinese government. In my personal opinion, Tong’s article encourages people to join the Patriotic Association. However, I disagree with the notion that the Church should sacrifice its full freedom for the sake of necessary freedom. If the Church does not have absolute freedom, maybe it cannot even have necessary freedom. Truth and freedom are related. Freedom is not true if it does not draw from the truth. Our underground Church has endured all kinds of pressure from the government to achieve true freedom. In short, Card Tong expresses ideas full of super-optimism and self-glorification, but he did not grow up in mainland China and so cultivates illusions about the Communist Party. Moreover, he does not mention "sinicisation". Has he forgotten perhaps? Fr Li Although Card Tong’s analysis has good fundamentals, it is far from reality. Any hope the Holy See has to change the essence of the Patriotic Association is a vain hope. China retains the authority to decide the election of bishops. Approval by the Holy See is only formal. In addition, the "necessary freedom" that Card Tong cites is just misleading propaganda to himself and others. In fact, the idea itself is detrimental to the notion of ​​a local Church that adheres to the truth, and harms all the faithful who suffer humiliation when they bear witness.

Beijing (AsiaNews) - Five people were killed and as many injured in a violent knife attack yesterday in the troubled Chinese region of Xinjiang. According to Hotan authorities three men, armed with knives, attacked and stabbed several people in the county of Pishan. The three attackers were then killed in a shootout with police. Ten people were injured in the attack. Five of them have died after transport to the hospital. The investigations are ongoing and the identities of the attackers have not been made public. The motive remains unknown, although for such attacks, the Beijing government usually blames Islamic separatists. The Xiniang, Chinese autonomous region, is home of the ethnic minority Uighurs, a Muslim majority. According to authorities, and the state media, many of the deadliest or high profile attacks throughout China in recent years are linked to Xinjiang. The region has in fact been hit by several violent Uighur separatist attacks. In December, a car full of explosives, carrying several "terrorists" crashed in the yard of the local committee of the Communist Party offices in the county Karakax. One person was killed with the four bombers. In 2013, three Uighurs aboard a jeep ploughed into pedestrians near Tiananmen Square, symbol of the secular Chinese government in Beijing, killing five people. The following year, five assailants armed with knives killed 31 people in a train station in Kunming, Yunnan Province. 141 other people were injured in the attack. Four of the attackers were killed on the spot. Another four were then tried and sentenced to death. Their names suggested they were Uighurs. Human rights groups claim that the attacks are born from the frustration of the Uighurs who consider the current cultural and economic policies oppressive and discriminatory, a claim that Beijing strongly rejects. The Uighurs also denounce a growing number of Han Chinese who are attempting to "colonize" their homelands.

» 02/15/2017, 09.39 KOREA Seoul confirms murder of Kim Jong-nam It is not yet clear whether the half-brother of the North Korean leader was killed with an injection or with poison sprayed in his face or with a cleaning cloth. The assassination reason: Kim Jong-un’s "delusional disorder". Pyongyang celebrates the birthday of the late Kim Jong-il, Kim father of the two. Seoul (AsiaNews) - Lee Byong-ho, head of South Korea’s secret services today confirmed before parliament that the brother of the leader of North Korea Kim Jong-un has been murdered and poisoned in Malaysia. Lee also said that over the past five years Pyongyang has tried several times to assassinate Kim Jong-nam, who was under the protection of the Chinese government. The director of the National Intelligence Service explained that Kim was poisoned, although he still cannot confirm whether it was by injection or with a spray to the face. Already in 2012 there was an attempt to assassinate Kim Jong-nam. Since then his half-brother pleaded with Kim Jong-un to let him live with his family. Kim Jong-nam has two wives, the present lives in Beijing with a son; the second lives in Macao with a son and a daughter. Both are under the protection of the Chinese government. According to Lee, the murder did not appear due to possible threats to the regime by the brother, but at Kim Jong-un’s "delusional disorder". Also according to various political figures in the new Kim dynasty drama it is a new sign of the leader’s "instability". The killing comes as North Korea celebrates the launch of a new surface-to-surface missile and the birthday of late leader Kim Jong-il, the father of both Kims. The culmination of the festival is tomorrow, called "The Day of the Shining star", with skating and synchronized swimming performances. Meanwhile, the Malaysian police only speak about a 46 year-old North Korean man that was killed in the shopping area of ​​ Kuala Lumpur airport, before the immigration area, with a plane ticket to Macau. Airport videos show the man was grabbed from behind or his face covered from behind and then fainting and falling. He died while being taken to the hospital. Since 2011, when he took power, KIm Jong-un has ordered the execution of many of his competitors for power, and many analysts say it’s a "reign of terror". The last dramatic execution was that of Jiang Song-Thaek his uncle, hit by an anti-aircraft missile. Jang was considered the second most powerful figure in North Korea and had been accused of treason. e-mail this to a friend Printable version e-mail this to a friend : Seoul confirms murder of Kim Jong-nam East Asia North Korea South Korea It is not yet clear whether the half-brother of the North Korean leader was killed with an injection or with poison sprayed in his face or with a cleaning cloth. The assassination reason: Kim Jong-un’s "delusional disorder". Pyongyang celebrates the birthday of the late Kim Jong-il, Kim father of the two. : : (*) : : (*) : (*) : (*) See also 16/04/2012 KOREA Kim Jong-un speaks (for the first time), greets South Koreans The young dictator speaks at the centennial celebration of his grandfather's birth. He follows up his "greetings to our compatriots in South Korea and across the world who dedicate themselves to reunification and the prosperity of the nations" with the usual militaristic propaganda, adding however that North Koreans will "never again tighten their belts". 12/03/2009 KOREA Pyongyang: satellite launch “imminent” The North’s communist regime reiterates its’ intention to push ahead with its spatial experiment. The launch should take place between April 4th and 8th. Seoul and Washington maintain it is a missile capable of carrying nuclear warheads. The US government threatens fresh sanctions at the UN Security Council. Kim Jong-un is not among the 687 new North Korean parliamentarians. 13/10/2010 NORTH KOREA – CHINA Beijing to protect Kim Jong-il’s first-born Kim Jong-nam, the deal leader’s first son, fell from grade in 2001 and now lives in Macau. In recent days, he criticised the regime’s dynastic succession, causing the ire of his brother Kim Jong-un, official heir to North Korea’s dictator. 29/02/2008 NORTH KOREA Clapton invitation means Kim Jong-il has chosen his heir Kim Jong-chul is the chosen one. First son from the Dear Leader’s fourth marriage, he is said to love the music of the American guitar player. Since last year he is deputy chairman of a leadership division of the Korean Workers' Party, the same post his father had before taking over. 27/09/2010 NORTH KOREA Army appoints "third Kim" delegate to Congress According to local sources, it is a decisive signal: tomorrow, Kim Jong-un will be designated as heir to the "Dear Leader" Kim Jong-il. But some also speak of a coming economic reform, which will be outlined by the dictator to the country’s leadership.

Beijing (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Yunnan health authorities are investigating the case of a man who forced to undergo a vasectomy during the Chinese New Year Because of the three children he had with his wife during her first marriage. According to the Beijing Youth Daily, the man was kidnapped on February 8, while he spent his holidays at the home of friends in Zhenxiong County, Yunnan. After the kidnapping, the family called the police but his wife and son were already held in custody by the authorities. Family members reported that if he had refused surgery, he would have to serve 15 days in prison on charges of "disturbing public order". The man has been sterilized at a clinic in the county of Luokan of Zhenxiong. An official told media that during his first marriage, the man had broken the laws on birth control and that the operation is a procedure established by law. For years, the government has led forced abortion campaigns on men and women found guilty of violating the one-child law. Since January 1, 2016, the state has allowed couples to have two children to increase the number of births in the country and reduce the aging of the population. Despite the change of policy on births, some experts say that this will not improve the demographic situation.

» 02/15/2017, 13.22 VATICAN Pope: Hope is "certain", based on the fact that God is right here with all of us It is “an extraordinary gift of which we are called to make ourselves “channels” for all, with humility and simplicity". "We are invited to boast of the abundance of grace of which we are pervaded in Jesus Christ, through faith" and "our greatest pride is to have God as a Father who has no preference, who excludes no one, but who opens his home to all human beings, beginning with the last and most distant". Vatican City (AsiaNews) - Christian hope "does not disappoint us," it is "certain" because it is based on the fact that God loves us and is always close, let us not only not a moment of our lives. Hope, then, is "an extraordinary gift of which we are called to make ourselves “channels” for all, with humility and simplicity”. Hope that does not disappoint was the topic of Pope Francis’ audience today with seven thousand people present in the Paul VI Hall in the Vatican. Continuing the cycle of catechesis dedicated to the theme of Christian hope, in fact, the Pope reflected on the concept expressed by St. Paul in the Letter to the Romans when he urges them to boast. "As children we are taught that it is not a good thing to boast. In my land, we call those who boast “peacocks.” And that is right, because to boast of what one is or of what one has, in addition to being a certain pride, also betrays a lack of respect in relations with others, especially towards those who are more unfortunate than us. In this passage of the Letter to the Romans, the Apostle Paul surprises us, in as much as for a good two times he exhorts us to boast. Hence, of what is it right to boast? — because if he exhorts us to boast, it is right to boast of something. And how is it possible to do this without offending, others, without excluding anyone?” “In the first case, we are invited to boast of the abundance of grace of which we are pervaded in Jesus Christ, through faith. Paul wants to make us understand that, if we learn to read everything in the light of the Holy Spirit, we realize that everything is grace! Everything is gift! In fact, if we pay attention, to act – in history as well as in our life – it is not only us but first of all God . He is the absolute protagonist, who creates everything as a gift of love, who weaves the plot of his plan of salvation and who brings it to fulfilment for us in His Son Jesus. We are asked to acknowledge all this, to receive it with gratitude and to make it become a motive of praise, of blessing and of great joy. If we do this, we are in peace with God and we experience freedom. And this peace is then extended to all environments and to all relations of our life: we are in peace with ourselves, we are in peace with the family, with our community, at work and with the persons we meet every day on our path”. “However, Paul exhorts us to boast also in tribulations. This is not easy to understand. This is more difficult for us and it might seem to have nothing to do with the condition of peace just described. Instead, it constitutes the most authentic, the truest presupposition. In fact, the peace that the Lord offers and guarantees to us is not understood as the absence of worries, disappointments, failings, of motives of suffering. If it were so, should we succeed in being in peace that moment would soon end and we would fall inevitably into dejection. Instead, the peace that flows from faith is a gift: it is the grace of experiencing that God loves us and is always beside us; He does not leave us alone not even for an instant of our life. And, as the Apostle states, this generates patience, because we know that, also in the harshest and most distressing moments, the mercy and goodness of the Lord are greater than anything and nothing will tear us from His hands and from communion with Him”. “See then why Christian hope is solid, see that it does not disappoint. It never disappoints. Hope does not disappoint! It is not founded on what we can do or be, and even less so on what we can believe. Its foundation, that is, the foundation of Christian hope is what is most faithful and certain that can be, namely the love that God Himself has for each one of us. It is easy to say: God loves us. We all say it. But think a moment: is every one of us capable of saying: I am certain that God loves me? It is not so easy to say it, but it is true. It is a good exercise to say to oneself: God loves me. This is the root of our security, the root of hope. And the Lord has effused His Spirit abundantly in our hearts as maker and guarantor, precisely so that it can nourish faith within us and keep this hope alive. And this certainty: God loves me. “But in this awful moment?” – God loves me. “And me who have done this bad and evil thing?” – God loves me. No one takes this certainty away. And we should repeat it as a prayer: God loves me. I am certain that God loves me. I am certain that God loves me. Now we understand why the Apostle Paul exhorts us to boast always of all this. I boast of the love of God because He loves me. The hope we have been given does not separate us from others, and even less so does it lead us to discredit and marginalize them. Instead, it is an extraordinary gift of which we are called to make ourselves “channels” for all, with humility and simplicity. And then our greatest boast will be that of having as Father a God who does not have preferences, who does not exclude anyone, but who opens His house to all human beings, beginning with the least and the estranged, so that as His children we learn to console and support one another. And do not forget: hope does not disappoint". e-mail this to a friend Printable version e-mail this to a friend : Pope: Hope is "certain", based on the fact that God is right here with all of us Middle East South Asia Central Asia North Asia South East Asia East Asia South West Asia Afghanistan Armenia Azerbaijan Bahrain Bangladesh Bhutan Brunei Myanmar Cambodia China East Timor Georgia India Indonesia Iran Iraq Israel Japan Kazakhstan North Korea South Korea Kuwait Kyrgyzstan Laos Lebanon Macau Malaysia Mongolia Nepal Oman Pakistan Philippines Qatar Russia Saudi Arabia Singapore Sri Lanka Syria Taiwan Tajikistan Thailand Turkey Turkmenistan United Arab Emirates Uzbekistan Vietnam Yemen Palestine Hong Kong Jordan Europe Nord America Sud America Africa It is “an extraordinary gift of which we are called to make ourselves “channels” for all, with humility and simplicity". "We are invited to boast of the abundance of grace of which we are pervaded in Jesus Christ, through faith" and "our greatest pride is to have God as a Father who has no preference, who excludes no one, but who opens his home to all human beings, beginning with the last and most distant". : : (*) : : (*) : (*) : (*) See also 10/01/2017 13:57:00 VATICAN Pope: Jesus had authority because he served people, was close to the people and was consistent Those like the doctors of the law, who pass themselves off as princes, “are clericalist” which is hypocritical, they say one thing and do another. "They will speak the truth, but without authority. Instead Jesus, who is humble, who serves, and is close to others, who does not despise people and who is consistent, has authority. And this is the authority that God's people listens to". 27/09/2016 11:54:00 VATICAN Pope: "Strong prayers” to overcome “spiritual desolation" "We need to figure out when our spirit is in this state of all-encompassing sadness, when it has almost no breathing space: This happens to us all". We must pray, pray strenuously, just like Job, cry out day and night for God to incline His ear. "It is a prayer of knocking on the door, but forcefully." 08/02/2017 11:39:00 VATICAN Pope callas for prayers "for our Rohingya brothers and sisters " They are "tortured, killed, just because they carry on their traditions, their Muslim faith." Christian hope is not only personal, but it has a "Community, ecclesial breath", all are called to pray for one another and invoke the Holy Spirit, to "make us understand that we need not fear that the Lord is near, and takes care of us; and it is He who shapes our communities. " 18/01/2017 13:46:00 VATICAN Pope: the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity "makes us think about Christ’s love that urges reconciliation" Francis recalls that the week begins today, he says that "Communion, Reconciliation and Unity are possible. As Christians, we have a responsibility to give this message and we have to bear witness with our lives". "Prayer carries hope and when things are dark more prayer, so there will be even more hope." 04/01/2017 11:37:00 VATICAN Pope: That prison be a place of rehabilitation and social reintegration "When someone asks me difficult things like 'why do children suffer' I really do not know how to answer, I just look at the crucifix and watch how God gave His son, this is why we say that God took on our pain”.

NEW YORK (AP) — This may or may not come as a surprise: Merriam-Webster’s word of the year for 2017 is “feminism.” Yes, it’s been a big year or two or 100 for the word. In 2017, lookups for feminism increased 70 percent over 2016 on Merriam-Webster.com and spiked several times after key events, lexicographer Peter Sokolowski, the company’s editor at large, told The Associated Press ahead of Tuesday’s annual word reveal. There was the Women’s March on Washington in January, along with sister demonstrations around the globe. And heading into the year was Democrat Hillary Clinton’s presidential campaign and references linking her to white-clad suffragettes, along with her loss to President Donald Trump, who once boasted about grabbing women. The “Me Too” movement rose out of Harvey Weinstein’s dust, and other “silence breakers” brought down rich and famous men of media, politics and the entertainment worlds. Feminism has been in Merriam-Webster’s annual Top 10 for the last few years, including sharing word-of-the-year honors with other “isms” in 2015. Socialism, fascism, racism, communism, capitalism and terrorism rounded out the bunch. Surreal was the word of the year last year. “The word feminism was being use in a kind of general way,” Sokolowski said by phone from the company’s headquarters in Springfield, Massachusetts. “The feminism of this big protest, but it was also used in a kind of specific way: What does it mean to be a feminist in 2017? Those kinds of questions are the kinds of things, I think, that send people to the dictionary.” Feminism’s roots are in the Latin for “woman” and the word “female,” which dates to 14th century English. Sokolowski had to look no further than his company’s founder, Noah Webster, for the first dictionary reference, in 1841, which isn’t all that old in the history of English. “It was a very new word at that time,” Sokolowski said. “His definition is not the definition that you and I would understand today. His definition was, ‘The qualities of females,’ so basically feminism to Noah Webster meant femaleness. We do see evidence that the word was used in the 19th century in a medical sense, for the physical characteristics of a developing teenager, before it was used as a political term, if you will.” Webster added the word in revisions to his “An American Dictionary of the English Language.” They were his last. He died in 1843. He also added the word terrorism that year. “We had no idea he was the original dictionary source of feminism. We don’t have a lot of evidence of what he was looking at,” Sokolowski said. Today, Merriam-Webster defines feminism as the “theory of the political, economic and social equality of the sexes” and “organized activities on behalf of women’s rights and interests.” Another spike for the word feminism in 2017 occurred in February, after Kellyanne Conway spoke at the Conservative Political Action Committee. “It’s difficult for me to call myself a feminist in the classic sense because it seems to be very anti-male and it certainly seems to be very pro-abortion. I’m neither anti-male or pro-abortion,” she said. “There’s an individual feminism, if you will, that you make your own choices. … I look at myself as a product of my choices, not a victim of my circumstances. And to me, that’s what conservative feminism is all about.” She was applauded, and she sent many people to their dictionaries, Sokolowski said. The company would not release actual lookup numbers. Other events that drew interest to the word feminism was the popular Hulu series, “The Handmaid’s Tale,” and the blockbuster movie, “Wonder Woman,” directed by a woman, Patty Jenkins, Sokolowski said. Merriam-Webster had nine runners-up, in no particular order: — Complicit , competitor Dictionary.com’s word of the year. — Recuse , in reference to Jeff Sessions and the Russia investigation. — Empathy , which hung high all year. — Dotard , used by Kim Jong-un to describe Trump. — Syzygy , the nearly straight-line configuration of three celestial bodies, such as the sun, moon and earth during a solar or lunar eclipse. — Gyro , which can be pronounced three different ways, a phenom celebrated in a Jimmy Fallon sketch on “The Tonight Show.” — Federalism , which Lindsey Graham referred to in discussing the future of the Affordable Care Act. — Hurricane , which Sokolowski suspects is because people are confused about wind speed. — Gaffe , such as what happened at the Academy Awards when the wrong best picture winner was announced. That was a go-to word for the media, Sokolowski said.

GAINESVILLE, Fla. (AP) — A person with knowledge of the situation says former Florida receiver Antonio Callaway failed a drug test at the NFL combine, a mistake that could damage his draft status. The person says NFL teams were made aware of the result Tuesday. The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the league does not release that information publicly. NFL Network first reported Callaway’s failed test. It was the latest misstep for a talented but troubled receiver who was once considered a lock to be a first-round draft pick. Now, some teams surely will take the 21-year-old Callaway off their draft board. Failing a drug test at the combine, a place prospects know they’re going to be tested, is widely considered one of the more head-scratching results of the pre-draft process.

China says it will stop importing North Korean coal, iron ore, fish and other goods on Sept. 5 under U.N. sanctions

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi’s governor signed a law Monday banning most abortions after 15 weeks’ gestations, the tightest restrictions in the nation. Republican Gov. Phil Bryant has frequently said he wants Mississippi to be the “safest place in America for an unborn child.” House Bill 1510’s only exceptions are if a fetus has health problems making it “incompatible with life” outside of the womb at full term, or if a pregnant woman’s life or a “major bodily function” is threatened by pregnancy. Pregnancies resulting from rape and incest aren’t exempted. Mississippi previously tied with North Carolina for the nation’s strictest abortion limits at 20 weeks. Both states count pregnancy as beginning on the first day of a woman’s previous menstrual period. That means the restrictions kick in about two weeks before those of states whose 20-week bans begin at conception. The state is bracing for immediate lawsuits. Abortion rights advocates say the law is unconstitutional because it limits abortion before fetuses can live outside the womb. The owner of Mississippi’s only abortion clinic in Jackson opposes the law and has pledged to sue. “We certainly think this bill is unconstitutional,” said Katherine Klein, equality advocacy coordinator for the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi. “The 15-week marker has no bearing in science. It’s just completely unfounded and a court has never upheld anything under the 20-week viability marker.” The bill was drafted with the assistance of conservative groups including the Mississippi Center for Public Policy and the Alliance Defending Freedom. “We’re thrilled that Mississippi lawmakers are taking a step to protect the basic right to life, as well as protecting maternal health,” said Jameson Taylor, acting president of the Mississippi Center for Public Policy. Both Republican-controlled chambers passed the bill overwhelmingly in early March, by a vote of 35-14 in the Senate and 76-34 in the House. The U.S. Senate failed to pass a 20-week abortion ban bill in January. With 60 “yes” votes required to advance, the bill failed on a 51-46 vote.

HARRISBURG, Pa. (AP) — Boosting Democrats’ chances of retaking control of Congress in this fall’s midterm elections, the U.S. Supreme Court and a federal panel on Monday rejected Republican challenges to a newly redrawn congressional map imposed on Pennsylvania by the state’s high court. The federal courts dismissed requests to throw out or halt use of the new district map, which the state court drafted after ruling that the preexisting map violated the state constitution’s guarantee of free and equal elections. That earlier map, drawn by the GOP in 2011, is considered among the most gerrymandered in the nation. The pair of rulings Monday makes it highly likely that this year’s congressional elections in Pennsylvania will be conducted under district lines widely viewed as more favorable to Democrats than the 2011 map. Democrats need to pick up 24 seats to take control of the U.S. House of Representatives, 23 if Conor Lamb’s lead holds from last week’s special election in Pennsylvania’s 18th District. Under the new map, Democrats have a good chance to pick up three seats in the Philadelphia suburbs, and a fighting chance of flipping Republican districts in Harrisburg, Allentown and outside Pittsburgh, said Franklin and Marshall College political scientist Terry Madonna. “Now, the Democrats nationally will look at Pennsylvania as one of the top priorities, for the obvious reason that of the 24 seats that they need, Pennsylvania has a reasonable chance of putting three in their corner,” Madonna said. Republicans drew the previous map to aid their candidates. It proved to be a campaign winner, leading the GOP to a 13-5 edge in the state’s congressional delegation for all three elections in which it was used. By contrast, Democrats have a 5-to-4 statewide advantage in voter registration and have won 18 of 24 statewide elections since the 2011 map was enacted. The pair of court decisions came with just one day left for the state’s congressional candidates to circulate petitions to get on the May 15 primary ballot. The U.S. Supreme Court turned down the request without comment. Separately, the panel of judges said it had no authority to act in the matter except to dismiss the case. “The plaintiffs invite us to opine on the appropriate balance of power between the Commonwealth’s legislature and judiciary in redistricting matters, and then to pass judgment on the propriety of the Pennsylvania Supreme Court’s actions under the United States Constitution,” the judges wrote. “These are things that, on the present record, we cannot do.” Democratic Gov. Tom Wolf called the federal judges’ ruling the right decision and said it will let the state move ahead with a fair map. The Democratic majority on the state Supreme Court had ruled in January that the map Republicans crafted in 2011 amounted to an unconstitutional gerrymander. After Wolf and lawmakers in the GOP-controlled General Assembly did not produce a replacement, the court enacted its own map last month and gave candidates extra time for petition gathering. The federal judges’ decision was made in a case brought a month ago by eight sitting Republican congressmen and two GOP state senators. They argued the state justices infringed on the Legislature’s prerogative and did not give lawmakers enough time to come up with a replacement. The panel said the senators have only two votes in their chamber, calling that “inadequate as a matter of law to allow a lawsuit premised on an institutional injury to the General Assembly.” The eight Republican congressmen, the judges wrote, may have wasted resources campaigning in their old districts, but they cannot prove that was caused by a violation of the U.S. Constitution’s Elections Clause. “The cost of shifting district boundaries — in terms of both campaign funding and constituent fealty — is surely appreciable,” the judges wrote. “But the federal congressional plaintiffs have identified no legal principle tethering that cost to a legally cognizable interest in the composition of their electoral districts under the Elections Clause.” Matt Haverstick, a lawyer for the congressmen, said they were disappointed and considering their legal options. “I think there was confusion last week in PA18’s special” election, Haverstick said. “And I don’t think, with today’s decisions, that that confusion goes away.” In a separate case , two senior Republicans in the state Legislature who were on the losing end of the state Supreme Court decision had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to issue a stay, which would have resulted in the use of the 2011 map for this year’s congressional elections. They wanted the new map put on hold while they pursued an appeal to the nation’s highest court. More than 40 candidates had filed petition paperwork by mid-day Monday, according to state elections bureau data. The deadline to submit at least 1,000 voter signatures to get on the primary ballot is Tuesday.

NEW YORK (AP) — The Weinstein Co. has filed for bankruptcy protection with a buyout offer in hand from a private equity firm, the latest twist in its efforts to survive the sexual abuse scandal that brought down co-founder Harvey Weinstein. The company also announced on Monday that it was releasing any victims of or witnesses to Weinstein’s alleged misconduct from any non-disclosure agreement that would prevent them from speaking out. In a statement, the company says it “expressly releases any confidentiality provision” to the extent that it has prevented anyone who “suffered or witnessed any form of sexual misconduct by Harvey Weinstein from telling their stories.” The Weinstein Co. says it has entered into sale agreement with Lantern Capital Partners, subject to approval by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Delaware.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia (AP) — A female stunt driver has died after a motorcycle crash on a set for the movie “Deadpool 2” in downtown Vancouver, police said Monday. The driver’s name was not immediately released. Witness Sharmina Kermalli said she had just walked into a Starbucks next door to where the accident happened when she heard a loud crash. She ran out of the coffee shop and saw glass still falling on the body of the woman. A crumpled motorcycle was seen lying on its side at the location of the accident near Vancouver’s waterfront. Police said officers were at the scene and investigators with WorkSafeBC, the provincial workplace safety agency, were also looking into the crash. Deadpool, a Marvel Comics superhero, is played by Vancouver-born actor Ryan Reynolds.

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Pentagon official tells The Associated Press that transgender people can enlist in the military beginning Jan. 1, despite President Donald Trump’s opposition. The new policy reflects growing legal pressure on the issue and the difficult hurdles the federal government would have to cross to enforce Trump’s demand to ban transgender individuals from the military. Two federal courts already have ruled against the ban. Potential transgender recruits will have to overcome a lengthy and strict set of physical, medical and mental conditions that make it possible, though difficult, for them to join the armed services. Maj. David Eastburn says the enlistment of transgender recruits will start Jan. 1 and go on amid the legal battles. The Department of Defense also is studying the issue.

BEIJING (AP) — The Latest on the closing session of China’s ceremonial legislature (all times local): 12:30 p.m. A Taiwanese official rejects comments by Chinese President Xi Jinping about Taiwan’s future and welcomed a U.S. law encouraging more official exchanges between Washington and Taipei. Foreign ministry spokesman Andrew Lee said Tuesday that Taiwan will continue to play an important role in regional peace and won’t be affected by interference from Beijing. Lee said, “We further hope to act even more actively in peaceful regional development and stability as well as prosperity.” Xi at the closing session of the National People’s Congress reiterated China’s approach of seeking peaceful unification with the island. He warned that any attempt to separate any part of China — implicitly including Taiwan — from the nation would be “doomed to failure.” Lee said the signing of the Taiwan Travel Act is a proof of Washington’s strong determination to strengthen its relations with Taiwan. ___ 12:15 p.m. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang says he will give “positive consideration” to attending a meeting of leaders from Japan, South Korea and China held in Japan during the first half of this year. Responding to a question from a Japanese reporter at his annual news conference, Li said Beijing’s ties with Tokyo have been improving but suffered from a weak foundation. He said visits by the national leaders showed a return to normalcy but they can’t count on a “one-off deal” to continue the momentum. China dislikes Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for what it sees as his government’s encouragement of right-wing Japanese scholars and politicians who seek to minimize Japan’s guilt for its brutal World War II invasion and occupation of much of China. The sides have also been at loggerheads for years over ownership of uninhabited East China Sea islands controlled by Japan but claimed by China.

WASHINGTON (AP) — One Republican congressman says he’s going to start carrying a gun in public after a gunman opened fire on a baseball practice, injuring Rep. Steve Scalise and several others. Some lawmakers want beefed up security at town halls. Wednesday’s shooting jolted many lawmakers, leaving them feeling vulnerable. And as the political rhetoric becomes more shrill, many members of Congress said they are receiving more threats, by email and by phone. Shortly after the shooting, Rep. Claudia Tenney, R-N.Y., received an email. The subject line: “One down, 216 to go…” There are 238 Republicans in the House, but 217 voted for a bill that would repeal and replace President Barack Obama’s health law. It was unclear whether the email writer was referring to that vote. Tenney’s spokeswoman, Hannah Andrews, said the office alerted U.S. Capitol Police. The U.S. Capitol is one of the best-guarded buildings in the country, but when the vast majority of lawmakers leave the fortress of Capitol Hill, they’re on their own. Wednesday’s shooting highlights the vulnerability of lawmakers when they are in public. Only the congressional leaders have security details. Rep. Chris Collins, R-N.Y., told a Buffalo radio station that he plans to start carrying a gun in public. “It’s going to be in my pocket from this day forward,” said Collins, who added he has a permit. As majority whip, Scalise is the third-ranking Republican in the House. That’s the only reason members of the U.S. Capitol Police were at the practice — rank-and-file senators and House members don’t get security details. “I think the security detail saved a lot of lives because they attacked the shooter,” said Rep. Joe Barton, R-Texas. Barton manages the baseball team. Two officers were injured along with a congressional aide and a lobbyist. The assailant later died after the incident. Attacks on members of Congress are rare. In 2011, a gunman shot Rep. Gabby Giffords, D-Ariz., in the head during a shooting rampage at a public event outside a grocery store in Tucson. The gunman killed six people and wounded 13, including Giffords. The last sitting member of Congress who was killed in the U.S. was Sen. Robert F. Kennedy in 1968, while he was running for president. Two others were killed abroad. Rep. Leo Ryan, D-Calif., was killed in Guyana in 1978. He was investigating reports that a cult was holding some of his constituents against their will. A short time later the cult committed mass suicide in what became known as the Jonestown massacre. In 1983, the Soviet military shot down a South Korean airliner that was carrying Rep. Larry McDonald, D-Ga. Incidents at the Capitol are more common, even though the ornate tourist attraction is ringed with heavily armed Capitol Police and metal detectors at every entrance. Last year, Capitol police shot and wounded a Tennessee minister who, they said, pulled a gun and pointed it at officers as he was entering the Capitol Visitor Center. In 2015, a former postal worker from Florida flew a one-man gyrocopter onto the lawn of the Capitol. He said he was protesting the influence of money in politics. One of the worst incidents happened in 1998, when a gunman stormed through a Capitol door and shot and killed two members of the Capitol police, detective John Gibson and officer Jacob Chestnut. After Wednesday’s shooting, some lawmakers said they would look into having more security when they gather in large numbers. But with 535 members of the House and Senate, lawmakers said it is unlikely rank-and-file members will get security details unless there is a specific threat. “I don’t think about it every day. You can’t think about it every day. It makes you feel vulnerable,” said Rep. Patrick Meehan, R-Pa., a pitcher on the baseball team. “I don’t know how you look at security for individual members. You might at things in which we are collectively together.” ___ Follow Stephen Ohlemacher on Twitter at http://twitter.com/stephenatap

CANBERRA, Australia (AP) — The Commonwealth Bank of Australia announced on Monday that its beleaguered chief executive will retire by June 2018 after the country’s largest bank was accused of breaching money laundering and terrorism financing laws. Bank Chairman Catherine Livingstone said chief executive Ian Narev will retire by June 30, the end of the current fiscal year. The exact timing will dependent on finding his replacement. The board decided to detail the succession process “to ensure the market is fully informed and to provide certainty for the business,” Livingstone said in a statement. The Australian Transaction Reports and Analysis Center, the government’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing intelligence agency better known as AUSTRAC, this month launched a civil prosecution in the Federal Court alleging that the bank failed to report more than 53,000 suspicious transactions totally more than 77 million Australian dollars ($61 million) from 2012 to 2015. The bank has blamed a software error in its automated teller machines. Narev last week conceded the bank had “made mistakes” in relation to the AUSTRAC allegations. The bank has not yet filed its defense in the case. The Australian Securities and Investments Commission, the corporate watchdog, has since announced it is investigating whether the bank’s board should have notified investors sooner of the AUTRAC allegations. Narev has been the bank’s chief executive since 2011.