Ex-teacher from CV convicted of lewd acts, rape
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Thursday, March 05-March 11, 2026
County supervisors approve assistance for bankrupt Blythe hospital By Joe Taglieri
R
iverside County supervisors agreed Tuesday to the terms of an expanded loan for bankrupt Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe, following the Executive Office's decision to pledge another $3.4 million to keep open the only emergency room for over 70 miles. In a 4-0 vote without comment and Supervisor Chuck Washington absent, the Board of Supervisors formally approved county Chief Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen's decision on Feb. 24 to commit a $3.44 million payment from the county's General Fund to the California Department of Health Care Services on behalf of the Palo Verde Healthcare District. “What we are experiencing in real time is truthful and genuine leadership at different levels of government, stemming from policymakers, staff and the community of Blythe,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, whose district includes Blythe, said in a statement. “Proudly, the Board of Supervisors saw the struggles of the past as an opportunity to advance and transform the hospital for
Palo Verde Hospital in Blythe. | Photo courtesy of Palo Verde Hospital/Facebook
district to tap into taxpayerbacked credit to support hospital operations. "As a result of the county's action, the Palo Verde Healthcare District has already received approximately $8.9 million in program funds, with the remaining expected in the coming days," Federico said in a statement Friday. "Due to strict State deadlines associated with the Medi-Cal program, immediate action was required to preserve the District’s eligibility for funding" and could not wait for county supervisors' next scheduled meeting, which was Tuesday.
A "strike team" previously authorized by the board and composed of medical professionals from the Riverside University Health System has been on-site at the hospital since Feb. 23. The RUHS team aims to stabilize the hospital's emergency clinic and was added to a $1 million stabilization loan that the board previously OK'd for the insolvent facility. “The approval of the Management Services Agreement is an extremely important step forward for Palo Verde Hospital and our community,” Carmela Garnica, president of the
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Southland Democrats condemn US attack on Iran By City News Service and Staff
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joet@beaconmedianews.com
the betterment of those being served in Blythe. What’s being accomplished is unprecedented, and the actions taken today set a clear path forward.” Van Wagenen began distributing the emergency funding on his own authority last week while the board was not in session. The county funds covered the hospital's obligation to the California Voluntary Rate Range Program, Executive Office spokeswoman Brooke Federico said. The "intergovernmental transfer" payment, which Van Wagenen did not point to as a pressing concern during the board's Feb. 10 meeting, has enabled the
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ocal Democrats Saturday condemned the Trump administration's overnight attack on Iran, calling it an illegal action taken without authorization from Congress, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass said police would be providing extra security at local places of worship and other sensitive areas of the city. "We are closely monitoring for any threats to Los Angeles' public safety amid military action in the Middle East," Bass said in a statement. "While there are no known credible threats at this time, LAPD has stepped up patrols near places of worship, community spaces, and other areas of the city, and we will remain vigilant in protecting our city. "We understand that many Angelenos are affected and deeply concerned, and encourage everyone to voice their views in a peaceful way." The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department said it was "closely monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East. We are in communication with our federal, state, and local law See Iran Page 15
enforcement partners and will continue to assess any potential impacts to Los Angeles County. At this time, there are no known credible threats to our community. However, out of an abundance of caution, and in recognition of current religious observances, the department has increased patrols around places of worship, cultural institutions, and other prominent locations throughout the County." Gov. Gavin Newsom's office said state officials were also monitoring the situation. "California is closely monitoring the evolving situation in Iran and the surrounding region. Our homeland security and emergency management teams are working with federal partners to prepare for any impacts here at home," the governor's office said. "The State Threat Assessment Center is actively coordinating with local law enforcement partners. There is no specific or credible threat to California at this time, and we remain fully prepared and vigilant." Demonstrations were expected Saturday afternoon at City Hall in downtown