Committees: Keep Clinics Open
Two satellite clinics run by the Natividad Medical Center should stay open, according to two advisory panels appointed by the Board of Supervisors.

On April 1, the committees presented money-saving ideas to the Supes, including a plan for a sales tax or property tax to benefit the struggling hospital, which is currently losing about $1 million a month.

In order to stop the financial bleeding, county officials have proposed closing the clinics at Blanco Circle and East Alvin Drive in Salinas.

The April 1 meeting followed nearly three-hours of often-tearful testimony on March 25, during which patients, doctors and Natividad staff pleaded with County Supervisors to keep the two clinics and a skilled-nursing facility open.

The Commission is expected to make its decision by April 10.

Crime Victims Have Rights

On Tuesday, April 8, from 11:30am-1pm, District Attorney Dean Flippo and Reverend Don Fuselier will host a ceremony in the courtyard of the County Courthouse in Salinas in honor of National Crime Victim's Rights Week. Judy Pennycook, former member of the board of supervisors, will speak at the event. A private reception for crime survivors will follow. A therapist will be available to lend support.

Pam Patterson, program coordinator of the Victim Witness Unit, says the ceremony is a way for the community to acknowledge the loss victims suffer.

Local law enforcement officials and support groups such as Mothers Against Drunk Driving, Parents of Murdered Children, and the Women's Crisis Center are expected to attend.

Call Pamela Patterson at 755-5326 for more information.

Ceremonies Honor Abused Kids

Two local groups are hosting events this week in honor of National Child Abuse Prevention and Awareness Month.

CASA, a group that provides volunteers to speak on the behalf of children in the court system, is holding two candlelight vigils on Friday, April 4, in honor of the estimated 5,000 abused and neglected children in Monterey County-at the Salinas Courthouse at 7:30am, and also at the Custom House Plaza in Monterey at 6:30pm. Rabbi Bruce Kadden and Father Paul Danielson will lead the morning ceremony. An evening program will offer performances by local musicians. Call 455-6800 for more information.

The Child Abuse Prevention Council of Monterey County is holding an awards breakfast on Tuesday, April 8, from 7:30-9am at the General Stillwell Community Center in Seaside. The ceremony will raise money for child abuse prevention and will honor community members who have worked to help children live in safe environments. Tickets to the breakfast are $15. Call 755-4737.