Contact:
Lisa Yates (916) 552-2650 or Cell: (916) 215-9550
lyates@acsquantum.com
11/12/2008
Ski Safety and Medical Experts, Victims of Snow Sport
Tragedies and Consumers Shed Light on Questionable Safety
Practices of California Ski Resorts
Powerful Assembly Judiciary Committee to Hear their Concerns
Today at Capitol Hearing
WHAT:
As the 2008-2009 California ski season opens, safety practices at California ski resorts are being called into question by a diverse and powerful group of ski and snowboard safety advocates; some of whom have been touched by tragedy. Crowded ski slopes, new ski technologies and limited traffic management contribute to unsafe conditions, while some skiers and snowboarders travel as fast as cars. If highway safety is a priority, they wonder how many deaths and injuries must occur before uniform safety measures are implemented to prevent further tragedy on the slopes.
WHY:
The basic tenet of ski law is that injuries and death are just an “inherent risk of the sport,” shielding ski resorts from liability associated with ski and snowboard deaths and injuries regardless of fault. As a result, there is no accountability and no accurate or reliable data to objectively guide the public, as well as policymakers, on snow sport risks.
WHERE:
California State Capitol, Room 437
WHEN:
Wednesday, November 12
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
WHO:
Dr. Dan Gregorie, Founder, California Ski and Snowboard Safety Organization (father of 24-year-old Jessica Gregorie who lost her life in a fall at Alpine Meadows)
Julia Kozberg, sister died from falling into an unprotected tree well at Heavenly
Matt Calvert, paralyzed in ski accident at Alpine Meadows
Dr. Matthew Foley, American College of Emergency Physicians, SEMA Emergency Medicine staff physician
Cathy Barankin, California Coalition for Children’s Safety and Health
Melissa Hyland, parent advocate for ski and snowboard safety
Dick Penniman, snow sport safety expert
California State Assembly Judiciary Committee
Assemblymember Dave Jones, Chair
Assemblymember Van Tran, Vice Chair
CONTACT:
Contact Lisa Yates at 916-552-2650 to schedule interviews.