Civil Legal Services for the Bay Area's Low-Income Communities

General Assistance Benefits Saved

On June 11, 2008, the Alameda County Superior Court issued a temporary restraining order preventing Alameda County's Department of Social Services from implementing its plan to drop over 3,000 of the 8,500 General Assistance (GA) recipients from its roster on July 1, 2008.

BayLegal's own Steven Weiss, Public Benefits Attorney, was a leader in bringing the suit against the county. Read more about the suit.

Healthcare for Pregnant Women

Bay Area Legal Aid is working to protect infant and mother health by securing equal access to health care for all pregnant women in California. Read more.

Robert Planthold, Bay Area Legal Aid Board Member, Receives Beacon Award from Mayor's Disability Council

Robert Planthold, a longtime disability rights activist and contributor to Beyond Chron, received the Mayor's Disability Council Beacon Award on July 18 at San Francisco's City Hall.

The MDC Beacon Award honors the efforts of individuals who exhibit outstanding leadership and who are guiding lights in our community. This award honors Planthold for tirelessly and effectively advocating for the full inclusion of people with disabilities in all aspects of city government decisions and programs; for working against the stereotype that people with disabilities primarily concern themselves with disability issues; for calling attention to legislation and decisions that fail to include people with disabilities in their scope; and for trying to mentor and educate people with disabilities about the need to monitor and speak out in all forms and forums -- be it letters to the editor, Public Comment, questions at public meetings, and e-mails to public officials.

Congratulations Bob! From your friends at Bay Area Legal Aid!