This community opinion was contributed by San Benito County resident Roxy Montana. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Since 2021, many San Benito County citizens have attended regular focus meetings facilitated by citizen, Roxy Montana, to educate the public on the healthcare issues regarding the closure of Hazel Hawkins Hospital. The informational meetings were held on weekday afternoons, evenings, and on weekends. The weekly guest speakers were experts in their fields:
Physicians of different specialties, nurses from various departments, former San Benito Health Care administrators including CEOs, former private finance executives, insurance specialists, CEOs and board members from outside hospitals, hospital bankers and financial advisers, healthcare consultants, bankruptcy attorneys, experienced hospital management organization executives, elected County Auditor-Controller, elected County Clerk-Recorder, elected City of Hollister city Council members, and San Benito County supervisors, LAFCO representatives, local real estate representatives, small business owners, Downtown Business Association members, San Benito Health Care board directors, former SBHCD Foundation board members, Community Foundation board members, SBC District Attorney, San Benito County Joint Powers Authority consultant, and even Insight founder Dr. Jawad Shah and staff attended the meetings.
The public was able to ask all the questions they wanted to. News media attended.
The educated citizens regularly attended monthly HHMH [Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital] board meetings and Finance Committee meetings, as well as special board meetings.
“We Are All Stronger Together”
Vote no on Measure X
In the Fall of 2023, Roxy Montana partnered with the San Benito County Clerk-Recorder, Francisco Diaz, to present the two Saturday morning sessions, “Candidating Forum” to familiarize local citizens with the information necessary to run for public offices.
Current and former officials were present to offer their experience and advice.
Attendees who stepped up as upcoming Candidates:
Stacie McGrady – Zone 1 San Benito Health Care District
Richard Perez, Sr. – Zone 3 San Benito Health Care District
Dr. Nick Gabriel – Zone 5 San Benito Health Care District
Rob Bernosky – District TA 4 Hollister School District
Mia Casey – Hollister Mayor
J.W. Paine – 29th District State Assembly
Peter Hernandez – 18th District U.S. Representative
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