Good morning, Santa Cruz County readers. Monday, Oct. 13, is here and rain is in the forecast, set to arrive by late morning or early afternoon and continuing into Tuesday, bringing an inch or more in some spots.
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Educators across the county are seeing big hikes in what they’re paying for health insurance, Hillary Ojeda reports – monthly bills up more than 70% in some cases. A variety of factors is behind the jump, and it’s pushing some teachers and school staff to look to higher-paying districts or consider leaving the profession entirely.
Tania Ortiz, meanwhile, reports on the local shortage of primary care physicians, bringing us the story of a Watsonville doctor who, just three weeks after he retired, was coaxed back in. Dr. Frank Ravago helped the Pajaro Valley Health Care District, owner of Watsonville Community Hospital, launch a new clinic.
Monday means Santa Cruz County traffic & transit news via Max Chun’s Carmageddon, with the county’s Rural Highways Safety Action Plan in focus. Proposals by the Regional Transportation Commission target crash-prone sections of Highways 1, 9, 129 and 152, where more than 1,200 collisions have killed dozens and seriously injured hundreds of others over the past nine years.
The Monday headlines also include Wallace Baine previewing the return of podcasting pioneer Jesse Thorn to his old Santa Cruz stomping grounds – saddle up.
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Santa Cruz County teachers, staff see health insurance costs increase dramatically
Teachers and school staff across Santa Cruz County are facing steep health insurance premium hikes — with some monthly payments increasing by more than 70% — prompting fears of educator departures amid already strained school budgets and a soaring cost of living. District and union leaders say the unprecedented increases, driven by high regional health care costs and systemic issues, are pushing many to reevaluate whether they can afford to stay in the profession or the area at all. Read more from Hillary Ojeda.
Local doctor cuts his retirement short to help address ongoing primary care shortage in Santa Cruz County
Nearly three weeks after hanging up his white coat, Dr. Frank Ravago said he was approached by members of Watsonville Community Hospital’s leadership team to talk about how to expand access to primary care for local residents. The Pajaro Valley Health Care District, which owns the hospital, was getting ready to launch a new primary care clinic in Watsonville in early 2025. For Ravago, coming out of retirement to help launch the new clinic was a no-brainer. Tania Ortiz has the story.
DAILY DIGEST
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Thanks for reading and good luck with your Monday – give yourself a little extra time venturing out on Santa Cruz County roads once the rain arrives.
Will McCahill