Legislation Details

File #: HIST-6552    Version: 1 Subject:
Type: Historical Status: Recognition Presentation
In control: City Council Meeting Agenda
On agenda: 10/22/2007 Final action: 10/22/2007
Title: A Commendation to Mr. Tobias Forrest in recognition of his Outstanding Service to the Disabled Community in 2007.
Attachments: 1. A Commendation to Mr. Tobias Forrest in recognitio - P-2__Mr. Tobias Forrest Commendation.doc
C O M M E N D A T I O N TOBIAS FORREST WHEREAS, Tobias Forrest, a Culver City resident who is an active member of the disabled community and been a positive role model to individuals who have disabilities like himself. Mr. Forrest is part of a disability awareness group that provides mentoring and support to the newly disabled and has served as a Los Angeles Independent Living Expert specializing in Durable Medical Equipment Sales & Marketing; Tobias has hosted booths at the Culver City Senior Expo and Abilities Expo informing Culver City seniors and the disabled about in-home medical technologies and equipment; and WHEREAS, Tobias Forrest, an active member of the artistic community who has worked at the Kirk Douglas Theatre as the lead in a play "Pyretown" and was awarded the 2007 Durfee Grant to help finance the west coast premier of "Pyretown". Mr. Forrest has been a guest star on SONY’s "In Case of Emergency" and Showime’s “Weeds”; had a principal role in a national “Walmart” commercial and has helped enhance the visibility of performers with disabilities through his appearances; Mr. Forrest received the 2003 Christopher Reeve Acting Scholarship at the Media Access Awards and developed, produced and performed in a 2006 Chris Reeve Fundraiser and will MC the 2007 OC Reeve Fundraiser creating awareness and advocacy for the Spinal Cord Injured community; and WHEREAS, Tobias Forrest, in his enthusiasm for the arts, previously developed and managed an art gallery for disabled artists in Santa Monica and hopes to bring this concept to a Culver City art gallery by October, 2008. Tobias further promotes disability in arts through his appreciation of music and has performed original music at the Aquarium of the Pacific's Human Abilities Festival as well as display his original artwork; and WHEREAS, Tobias represents Culver City’s finest citizens with disabilities, a person who is dedicated to providing a voice for the disabled community showing that despite physical limitations, there is no limitation to being a productive resident and role model. Mr. Forrest is a passionate advocate who supports disability awareness through his efforts to promote both entertainment and accessible living. He is a friend and colleague to many in Culver City, a genuine person who contributes to the disabled community but knows there is much more that can be done and has sincere plans to do so. NOW, THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of Culver City hereby commends Tobias Forrest for his contributions and dedication to those who are challenged by disabilities like himself.