I’m so excited to be a part of this historic settlement that took over five long years to bring about.

     In addition to being co-counsel on the case, I am president of the board of the Westside Center for Independent Living. For many, many years, the number one request for help from our members with all types of disabilities has been for affordable accessible housing. There was little to offer more than an inaccurate list of supposedly accessible apartments that were always occupied by non-disabled tenants.

     Independent living starts with accessible affordable housing. The settlement will change people's lives.

     See the story… http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-housing-settlement-disabled-20160828-snap-story.html

Mediators have strong faith in the mediation process. Yet, their faith must be tempered by common sense. To illustrate,
     A mediator was walking along a lovely mountain path when he carelessly slipped over the edge of a steep gorge. Clinging to a shrub on the mountainside, recognizing the serious peril, he shouted, “Is there anybody up there?”

     Hearing nothing but his echo, his desperation mounting, he shouted louder and louder each time, “Is there anybody up there?”

     Finally, a deep and powerful voice rained down from the sky with a question, “Do you have faith?”

     “Yes, yes, I have faith!” he replied.  

     “Then let go,” said the voice from above.

     The mediator hesitated a few seconds, then shouted, “Is there anybody else up there?”