header image

[Sign Up Now] to Receive Our FREE Daily SCVTV-SCVNews Digest by E-Mail

Inside
Weather


 
Calendar
Today in
S.C.V. History
March 28
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir


Commentary by Gene Dorio, M.D.
| Sunday, Nov 17, 2013

genedorioLocal political issues such as Cemex, which potentially impacts our valley with contaminating pollutants from cement mining, continue to elude a concrete solution. Downstream sodium chloride runoff has been on the table for a decade, but now a resolution of this problem is finally back in the saltshaker.

With the upcoming City Council election in April, one critical yet continual issue which has remained a quiet murmur of candidate discussion is SCV healthcare.

Most jurisdiction and law remain at the federal and state level, including Medicare, Medicaid and MediCal. But in our valley, unbeknownst to many of you, the City Council votes on many issues affecting everyone’s physical and mental well-being.

As a geriatric physician, I would like to focus on SCV healthcare issues related to our elder seniors, and how these candidates must openly address the political plight of this vulnerable group in our community.

Quality of life for seniors is measured by their comfort zone in living and enjoying retirement, health and family. Understandably, the aging process afflicts many requiring certain needs to be available:

* adequate 911 response;

* access to physical and mental health services;

* living in a safe environment;

* readily accessible transportation;

* not to be economically threatened by homelessness;

* protection from scammers and con artists;

* medication affordability;

* care during a disaster.

Not everyone in the Santa Clarita Valley is part of the city, but decisions made by City Council ultimately affect all of us. Historic controversies surrounding healthcare coming from City Hall abound:

* Henry Mayo Hospital Master Plan;

* closure of the Transitional Care Unit (TCU);

* SCV Senior Center;

* senior housing;

* transportation;

* disaster management.

Not unlike many polling districts in our country, the voter-turnout record of Santa Claritans is abysmal, less than 20 percent. So I don’t expect most readers to have an awareness of local political history. But as a physician, the importance of patient history allows better understanding and treatment. Therefore, if you’ve read this far, bear with me as I briefly bring some of you into the fold, realizing even in our small community, big-time politics and money interests play an influential role.

Looking individually at these controversies was one approved in November 2008 which gave rise to the city’s greatest public showdown in decades: the Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital Master Plan. Being actively involved in this issue and understanding the needs of both sides, I became disillusioned at how this “David vs. Goliath” fight (community vs. hospital) was fought.

Not one person I knew in this valley or on the physician medical staff opposed the expansion of the hospital. But how Henry Mayo manipulated the City Council, the media and the public, using personal attacks, twisting of information and use of paid hospital personnel (including doctors), was unnecessary and shameful. It was the “my way or the highway” bullying attitude where many community voices questioned the details of their plan, but were summarily dismissed. Yet the public was still in the fight, until special money interest took over.

At that time, one City Council seat was occupied by an appointee who would not run for the position in the April 2008 election. Raising campaign funds for a City Council seat hovers in the $25,000 range, yet a favored hospital candidate emerged when G&L Realty of Beverly Hills donated $30,000, quadrupling contributions to that war chest.

More distant Santa Clarita Valley history documents 30 acres of land donated to the community to establish Henry Mayo in the early 1970s by The Newhall Land and Farming Co. A legal stipulation allowed that land to become hospital property after 25 years – around the year 2000. Since then, some of this land has been sold, I’m sure to balance the budget especially after the hospital declared bankruptcy in 2001.

One would expect bidding for hospital land to be competitive, as well as the medical office buildings, yet presently only one entity owns the nine acres and buildings that have been sold: G&L Realty.

Hence, once the City Council seat was occupied in 2008 by the G&L Realty-supported candidate, that vote approved the hospital Master Plan. At this point, one of their lobbyists commented, “it’s over and done with,” but recently, hospital officials curiously returned to the City Council for revisions of the hospital parcel map.

Next to the multi-level parking structure on McBean Parkway, one sees construction of a three-story office building. This will house the hospital administration, which will lease the space from the new building owner – again, G&L Realty.

Subdividing the hospital parcel map, with approval from the City Council in August 2011, allows further sale of land under the new office building, as well as the parking structure. I wonder who they will eventually be sold to?

I have no problem with the hospital selling land to improve our local healthcare facility, but I do notice administrative salaries, payments to selected physicians and medical groups, and legal fees drastically augmented. Lining the pockets of chosen individuals, including board members, is not where moneys from land donated to the community should go.

Another controversial issue was closure of the hospital’s Transitional Care Unit, which brought out hundreds of elder seniors to picket in front of the hospital.

The TCU had been used as a stepping-stone for our patients, allowing recuperation before going home. Instead, without this safety net, Santa Clarita residents are forced into nursing homes outside of our valley. G&L Realty was required to contribute $250,000 for a new community TCU, but a City Council-formed “search committee” hasn’t met in years. That hospital lobbyist’s comment – “It’s over and done with” – now rings true.

The SCV Senior Center received more than $600,000 from the city last year, and this did not include an infusion for home-delivered meals when funding got too low. The city of Santa Clarita should investigate the possibility of taking over the reins of running the Senior Center, as it is critical to maintain this local resource.

Senior housing and transportation are always difficult financial subjects, as they are predicated on federal, state and county support. The city plan, allowing all elder seniors free bus transportation, is just a start.

Finally, regional accountability in case of a natural or manmade disaster, or a national security emergency, must include specific contingency plans for our elder seniors. Of the present population in the Santa Clarita Valley, they will be the most vulnerable.

Therefore, with the upcoming City Council election in April, the public should demand that these candidates:

* understand the importance of healthcare, especially for our elder senior population;

* recognize the role city government plays in healthcare with their vote on City Council;

* formulate senior-specific ideas and solutions, bringing them forth during the election process;

* stop ignoring the plight elder seniors face medically, emotionally and financially;

* promise to allocate funds for their effort.

Questions each candidate must answer:

* Are you receiving any campaign money from G&L Realty?

* How can the city ease the transition of discharged hospital seniors to their home?

* Can the city improve the present SCV nursing home situation?

* Do we need a new Senior Center, and should it be run by the city?

* In a disaster, what role should the city play in assuring elder seniors are safe?

My best personal suggestion: Develop a city Department of Senior Affairs to coordinate quality-of-life issues and bring all resources under one roof. The city mantra of “One Valley, One Vision” should be echoed for our seniors and caregivers as “One Office, One Phone Call.”

The public must make SCV healthcare an issue in the upcoming election. There are many local political issues that still have no concrete solution, are off the table, and are only a quiet murmur. But asking questions and demanding answers will make that murmur grow to a heartbeat with a pulse, bringing to life a voice that ultimately will protect the most vulnerable citizens in our valley.

They are not “over and done with.”

 

Dr. Gene Dorio is a housecall geriatric physician on staff at Henry Mayo Newhall Memorial Hospital and has been engaged as an advocate in many community activities. The views expressed in this column as his alone.

Comment On This Story
COMMENT POLICY: We welcome comments from individuals and businesses. All comments are moderated. Comments are subject to rejection if they are vulgar, combative, or in poor taste.
REAL NAMES ONLY: All posters must use their real individual or business name. This applies equally to Twitter account holders who use a nickname.

0 Comments

You can be the first one to leave a comment.

Leave a Comment


Opinion Section Policy
All opinions and ideas are welcome. Factually inaccurate, libelous, defamatory, profane or hateful statements are not. Your words must be your own. All commentary is subject to editing for legibility. There is no length limit, but the shorter, the better the odds of people reading it. "Local" SCV-related topics are preferred. Send commentary to: LETTERS (at) SCVNEWS.COM. Author's full name, community name, phone number and e-mail address are required. Phone numbers and e-mail addresses are not published except at author's request. Acknowledgment of submission does not guarantee publication.
Read More From...
RECENT COMMENTARY
Wednesday, Mar 27, 2024
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
Tuesday, Mar 26, 2024
Springtime in Santa Clarita brings not only vibrant blooms and opportunities to embrace the outdoors with warmer weather, but also an array of free, family-friendly events and this Saturday is no exception.
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Did you know that each year, Main Street in Old Town Newhall undergoes countless makeovers for different events, such as Light Up Main Street and the Fourth of July Parade?
Thursday, Mar 21, 2024
Los Angeles County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, whose Fifth District includes the Santa Clarita Valley, issued the following statement Thursday in response to an announcement by Federal Communications Commission Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel of a proposal to change how calls to the 9-8-8 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline are routed.
Monday, Mar 18, 2024
Unlike our children who enjoy a week-long spring break, we adults no longer have that luxury.
Friday, Mar 15, 2024

Latest Additions to SCVNews.com
College of the Canyons got back on track during its return to conference play carding a five-man score of 370 to top the eight-team field at Brookside Golf Course and maintain its unblemished conference mark.
Cougars Win Again, Keep Conference Streak
Los Angeles County Treasurer and Tax Collector, reminds property owners that the second installment of the 2023-24 Annual Secured Property Taxes becomes  delinquent if not received by 5 p.m. Pacific Time or United States Postal Service postmarked on or before Wednesday, April 10, 2024.
County Treasurer Reminds Property Owners of April 10 Due Date
Local nonprofit Fostering Youth Independence is seeking “Allies” to support Santa Clarita youth who are aging out of the L.A. County foster care system.
April 16: FYI Seeks Volunteers To Pair With Local Foster Youth
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health today unveiled the latest L.A. County Health Survey, which gathers vital data on health behaviors, conditions, neighborhood settings, and the needs of L.A .County residents, informing future public health policies and programs.
Public Health Unveils the 2023 L.A. County Health Survey Findings
Due to the projected rain forecast, Eggstravaganza will now be held indoors at the Canyon Country Community Center beginning promptly at 10 a.m. on March 30.
March 30: Eggstravaganza Now Being Held Indoors at Canyon Country Community Center
To support the mental health of California's young people, the California Department of Public Health awarded $25 million to 28 tribal and community-based organizations across the state.
California Announces $25 Million in Awards for Youth Mental Health
The College of the Canyons Athletic Department will host a dedication ceremony to unveil the Michele Jenkins Softball Team Room in honor of the longtime board member and ardent softball program supporter’s nearly 40 years of service to the district.
April 16: COC to Host Michele Jenkins Team Room Dedication Ceremony
PFLAG Santa Clarita has announced the establishment of the Peggy and Jeff Stabile PFLAG SCV Scholarship. The scholarship will provide financial assistance to LGBTQIA+ students pursuing higher education and committed to advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and promoting diversity and inclusion.
PFLAG SCV Announces Stabile PFLAG Scholarship
1934 - Bouquet Canyon Reservoir, replacement for ill-fated St. Francis Dam & reservoir, begins to fill with water [story]
Bouquet Reservoir
The California Department of Public Health launched the “Never a Bother” campaign, a youth suicide prevention public awareness and outreach campaign for youth, young adults, and their parents, caregivers, and allies.
California Launches New Youth Suicide Prevention Campaign
The Santa Clarita Master Chorale invites the community to "Let the Sunshine In," a delightful evening of food, wine and song at the annual Cabaret & Cabernet fundraising benefit.
April 20: Santa Clarita Master Chorale’s Cabaret, Cabernet Fundraiser
The Los Angeles County Department of Public Health cautions residents who are planning to visit the below Los Angeles County beaches to avoid swimming, surfing, and playing in ocean waters:
March 27 Ocean Water Warning
As an integral ingredient necessary to help the Santa Clarita Valley to flourish, feedback from the business community is the secret sauce for achieving great things.
SCVEDC Asks For the Business Community’s Opinion on Santa Clarita
Raise your heart rate while raising funds for the Santa Clarita Sister Cities Dollars-for-Desks campaign to provide school desks for students in Sariaya, Santa Clarita's Sister City in the Philippines.
April 13: Sister Cities Zumba-thon Fundraiser
Remo, Inc. is is the world's leading manufacturer and developer of synthetic drumheads and shells. They’ve been in business for 60 years
SCVEDC Company Spotlight: Drumming Up Big Business with Remo, Inc.
California State Assemblywoman Pilar Schiavo (D-Chatsworth) and Assemblyman James Ramos (D-Highland) have introduced AB 3074 the "School or athletic team names: California Racial Mascots Act."
Schiavo Introduces Bill to Prohibit ‘Derogatory’ School Mascot Names
Los Angeles County’s Justice, Care and Opportunities Department  in collaboration with Local Initiatives Support Corporation Los Angeles is proud to announce the 2nd Annual Pitch Competition for the cohorts of JCOD's Incubation Academy.
March 28: JCOD Incubation Academy Helps Grassroots Non-Profits For the Second Year
Children’s Bureau is seeking foster families and now offers two virtual ways for individuals and/or couples to learn how to help children in foster care while reunifying with birth families or how to provide legal permanency by adoption.
April 18: Children’s Bureau Hosts Virtual Orientation
The Sunburst track was constructed in 1887 by the Southern Pacific Railroad and was a part of the main line running between San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Enjoy Spring With a Ride On The Sunburst Track
California State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond hosted a Personal Finance Summit today where he announced his support for Assembly Bill 2927 (McCarty), legislation that would require a personal finance education course for California high school graduation.
State Superintendent Announces Support for Personal Finance Graduation Requirement
1847 - Probable birth date of Pico Canyon oil driller Charles Alexander Mentry [story]
C.A. Mentry
The first Music Jam Session at The MAIN was held on Thursday, Feb. 22 and was a hit. Come out and join in for the next one on Thursday, March 28 7 p.m.-9 p.m.
March 28: The MAIN to Host Musicians’ Jam Session
Los Angeles County Inspector General Max Huntsman of the Office of Inspector General has issued a report entitled "Tenth Report Back on Implementing Body-Worn Cameras in Los Angeles County."
Office of Inspector General Issues Latest Report on LASD Body Cams
SCVNews.com