Three candidates are vying for two seats on the board of trustees for the newly formed Pajaro Valley Health Care District — the district that now owns and operates the Watsonville Community Hospital. The board is made up of five members; the three other seats will have elections in two years.
Watsonville / Pajaro
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Lookout Update: Pressure mounts on pesticides near schools — especially those on Pajaro Valley outskirts
The Watsonville City Council has put further action on pesticides on its upcoming agenda, even as concerned local groups are taking action against Monterey County’s agricultural commission.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville Community Hospital invites public to ceremony celebrating local ownership
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District successfully purchased the Watsonville Community Hospital out of bankruptcy in August, ending two decades of for-profit ownership. The hospital is inviting the public to celebrate the individuals and organizations that helped make it happen and continue to help in its transition.
Posted inEvents, Watsonville / Pajaro
‘We should be perceived as a brand-new team’: CEO Steven Salyer outlines next steps for Watsonville hospital
After 20 years of struggling under for-profit ownership, Watsonville Community Hospital has returned to public hands as of Thursday. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District board and CEO Steven Salyer say they have a plan to make the hospital sustainable.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
Watsonville Community Hospital now publicly owned; Pajaro Valley Health Care District set to take over from bankrupt private owners
The Pajaro Valley Health Care District finalized the purchase of the Watsonville Community Hospital on Wednesday, concluding a race to create the district through legislation and then raise $67 million ahead of a bankruptcy court deadline of Aug. 31 to purchase the hospital. The transfer marks the end of a long period of private ownership, characterized by much management change and significant operating losses.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
‘Largest community fundraising campaign in county history’ nears finish line with Watsonville Community Hospital
Santa Cruz County staffers — including top county administrative officer Carlos Palacios — are helping with the complex transition from private to public for the hospital, as locals plan a celebration of the work. Meanwhile, Supervisor Zach Friend warns that the challenges aren’t over, just changing.
Posted inWatsonville / Pajaro
As Watsonville Community Hospital moves to complete public ownership, nurses decry major staffing changes
At the end of August, a bankruptcy judge will likely OK the sale of the money-losing hospital to a public district, run by a board to be elected over time. Just as that big change moves forward, all of the hospital’s 247 nurses have been told to “rebid” their jobs. Most part-time jobs are going away, and nurses say the impact on daily staffing — and patient care — could be substantial.
Posted inGuides
Salvias, sages and succulents: A Santa Cruz gardener’s guide to dealing with drought
Lawns are so 20th century, and they’re disappearing from the local landscape. But what to plant as water supply gets increasingly problematic? We talked to the experts and have tips to get you started or keep you going.
Posted inAptos, Capitola & Soquel, Eastside / Live Oak / Pleasure Point, Guides, Watsonville / Pajaro, Westside / Downtown
Slurps up!: Lily’s guide to the best hard slushies in Santa Cruz County
Here are a dozen places to celebrate the summer with a cold buzz (beware of the brain freeze!) — and leave 7-Eleven Slurpee machine memories far in the rearview mirror.