CDCAN REPORT #168-2011 – SEPTEMBER 25, 2011 – SUNDAY EVENING

WAS CHAIR OF LA COUNTY’S PERSONAL ASSISTANCE SERVICES COUNCIL - THE COUNTY’S EMPLOYER OF RECORD FOR IN-HOME SUPPORTIVE SERVICES WORKERS IN LA COUNTY

SACRAMENTO, CALIF (CDCAN)  [Last updated 09/25/2011 09:48 PM] - Sandy Varga, a widely respected and beloved Los Angeles based disability rights advocate passed away in her home Sunday (Septebmer 25th), according to Janet Heninritz-Canterbury, a long time friend.  Varga was chair of the governing board of the Personal Assistance Services Council of Los Angeles County – the entity that is the employer of record for the county’s In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS) workers.  [CDCAN Note: I knew Sandy Varga and counted her as a good friend.  This news is shocking and sad - we have lost a tremendous advocate and friend.  I will write more about Sandy later, but cannot do so right now.  I cannot believe this news. She will be missed forever and we all owe her a lot for the work she did for all of us  - Marty Omoto ] . 

Vargas was a longtime advocate on a wide range of disability and senior rights issues, including In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Medi-Cal, transportation and other critical supports and services that help people to remain in their own homes and communities. The news shocked and stunned advocates and friends across Los Angeles and the State.      

Heinritz-Canterbury, who is also a longtime disability and senior rights advocate and served with Varga on the Personal Assistance Services Council of Los Angeles County in announcing Vargas’ passing, expressed disbelief at her passing, writing that “…  I don’t know what to say–I’m still can’t believe it…I am so sad.”

Heinritz-Canterbury reported that Varga’s family “…loved her so much and they depended on her strength for so many things and this is very hard for them” and that she also, as a friend and fellow advocate “…depended on her strength and will miss her constant reassurance and support. I will miss her unique and always spicy assessments of politicians, meetings, legislative debates–just about anything she talked about. “

CDCAN will report on services for Varga.

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