Why Did Press Democrat Run Extortionist Claims Against Hospital on Front Page? Newspaper Editors Refuse to Answer Questions or Run Letters About Journalistic Ethics of Providing Megaphone for Shakedown Lawsuit

Posted by - August 14, 2017

(this article first appeared on August 14, 2016) In one of the worst breaches of journalistic ethics by a major California newspaper in recent years, the Santa Rosa Press Democrat last week used its front page to smear the Sonoma West hospital and its largest philanthropist based upon unsubstantiated, easily-disprovable allegations by a disgruntled former

Five 2016 Election Victories that Prove Sonoma County is ALREADY Great! Historic Local Victories for Women, Library, Hospital & Organic Ag as Voters Reject the New Normal

Posted by - November 16, 2016

During these bewildering post-election days, a number of friends have told me that they are sorry I did not win my race for Sebastopol City Council. I appreciate their support. But I do not feel sad, or even disappointed, about the friendly race that we just ran in Peacetown, USA. In truth, I feel that

Thriving New Hospital Passes Key Profitability Milestones Temporary Cash Flow Crunch at SWMC Caused By Reopening Costs, Not Operational Losses

Posted by - February 12, 2016

With flowers budding everywhere, balmy sunny days and the greenest, best- watered fields to be seen in years, it feels as though a vibrant early springtime has arrived in West Sonoma County. Meanwhile, perched on the picturesque Laguna of Santa Rosa, our community’s new hospital is experiencing its own unexpectedly early fiscal spring. Based on

Friends Group Launches Petition to Help Sonoma West Hospital’s Cash Flow Crisis District Board bridge financing needed for shortfall caused by delayed insurance reimbursement; Congressmen Huffman and Thompson urge Medicare bureaucracy to speed up back payments

Posted by - January 27, 2016

A new grassroots Friends of Sonoma West Medical Center launched its first public campaign today to urge the elected Palm Drive Health Care District Board to take immediate action to secure bridge financing for the thriving hospital while it waits to start receiving Medicare and insurance reimbursements. Meanwhile, North Bay Congress Members Jared Huffman and

What’s New and Exciting About the Sonoma West Medical Center How the new hospital plans to become the "Hospital of Choice" for the North Bay

Posted by - May 31, 2015

Ray Hino, the warm-spirited, highly accomplished new CEO of the soon-to-open Sonoma West Medical Center (SWMC), seems to relish his new role as tour guide. Every Saturday for the past few months Hino, with his signature welcoming smile, light blue suit and tie, has graciously guided area residents through the innovative steps and spaces that

Behind Palm Drive Hospital’s Closing: Wells Fargo Bank & the Shutdown Playbook Decision to close made before single hearing; attorney for bond holders misleads public

Posted by - April 15, 2018

(This article first appeared at WaccoBB.net on May 21, 2014; it has been slightly updated to add additional documentation).  The decision last month by Palm Drive’s Board of Directors to reject the doctor-led Foundation Plan that would have kept the hospital open was the moment of truth in the contentious struggle to retain a life-saving emergency