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The 12th Annual Stuff The Bus event was held at the Target parking lot in Hollister on Aug. 3.
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This community opinion was contributed by Robert Bernosky, a Hollister resident leading efforts to recall San Benito Health Care Director Josie Sanchez. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. BenitoLink invites all community members to …
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![Image for display with article titled San Benito Supervisors Will Challenge Health Care District Ballot Language](<figure><img alt="San Benito County District Attorney Joel Buckingham standing at a podium." class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" height="571" src="https://i0.wp.com/benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Screenshot-2024-08-06-at-2.51.25 PM.png?fit=1024%2C571&ssl=1" tabindex="0" width="1024" /></figure>
<p class="has-light-gray-background-color has-background">Lea este artículo en español <a href="http://benitolink.com/es/san-benito-supervisors-will-challenge-health-care-district-ballot-language">aquí</a><a href="https://benitolink.com/es/?p=105730">.</a></p>
<p>The San Benito County Board of Supervisors voted unanimously Aug. 6 to challenge the San Benito Health Care District’s ballot language regarding the lease-purchase of Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital.</p>
<p>County Counsel David Prentice said the supervisors directed staff to pursue a writ of mandate that would disqualify the language from appearing on the Nov. 5 ballot.</p>
<p>Before the supervisors went to closed session, San Benito County District Attorney Joel Buckingham, who said he was speaking as a registered voter and not in his official capacity, voiced concern over the ballot question. </p>
<p>The question that was <a href="https://benitolink.com/hospital-board-changes-ballot-question/">approved</a> July 31 by the San Benito County <a href="https://www.hazelhawkins.com/images/07.31.24-SBHCD-Special-Board-Meeting-Packet.Final).pdf">Health Care District board</a> July 31 reads: “Without increasing taxes and to continue providing local access to lifesaving emergency medical care, surgery, radiology, long-term care, mother/baby care, clinic and physician services at Hazel Hawkins Memorial Hospital, shall San Benito Health Care District’s measure be adopted, leasing (with option to sell) certain District real property assets and selling substantially all other District assets to nonprofit Insight Health Foundation of California, Inc. (or another qualified buyer) for fair market value, determined by independent appraisal, ensuring citizens’ oversight and continued hospital services in San Benito County?”</p>
<p>Buckingham said the language is misleading, because it states the opposite of what the measure would do.</p>
<p>“Voters are given the impression that they will retain the power to decide whether or not the hospital shall be sold or not at the end of the lease,” he said, “when the reality is that that choice or power will be solely in the hands of Insight.” </p>
<p>BenitoLink asked the hospital district to respond and did not receive a comment by the publication deadline.</p>
<p>In a letter to the health care district, which governs Hazel Hawkins, and shared with BenitoLink, Buckingham identifies the phrase “leasing (with option to sell)” as “misleading and/or argumentative.”</p>
<p>In the letter Buckingham also challenges the phrase “ensuring citizens’ oversight,” stating he could not find any part of the agreement which does that.</p>
<p>“Perhaps the board is referring to the independent appraisal, which, in my opinion, does not ensure citizens’ oversight but instead only ensures that the price paid may be fairly considered fair market value,” he wrote.</p>
<p>Buckingham proposes rephrasing the ballot language to: “Shall San Benito Health Care District’s measure be adopted, leasing and granting to nonprofit Insight Health Foundation of California, Inc. the option to buy certain District real property assets and selling substantially all other District assets to Insight (or another qualified buyer) for fair market value, determined by independent appraisal?”</p>
<p>Chief Deputy Clerk-Recorder Ana De Castro Maquiz told BenitoLink the 10-day public inspection period when ballot measures can be challenged begins Aug. 10. </p>
<p>According to California Election Code 9190, “Any voter of the jurisdiction in which the election is being held, or the county elections official, himself or herself, may seek a writ of mandate or an injunction requiring any or all of the materials to be amended or deleted.”</p>
<p>The ballot question was <a href="https://benitolink.com/hospital-board-changes-ballot-question/">changed</a> July 31 by the health care district to make it “more specific and more clear,” according to its counsel Heidi Quinn. </p>
<p>The health care district voted June 5 to pursue negotiations for the hospital with Michigan-based Insight Health Systems in a lease-purchase deal, thereby rejecting San Benito County’s proposal to form a joint powers authority to govern the hospital in an alliance consisting of the health care district, the county and possibly other interested public entities.</p>
<p class="has-light-gray-background-color has-background"><strong><a href="https://benitolink.com/donate/">We need your help. Support local, nonprofit news!</a> </strong>BenitoLink is a nonprofit news website that reports on San Benito County. Our team is committed to this community and providing essential, accurate information to our fellow residents. It is expensive to produce local news and community support is what keeps the news flowing. Please consider <a href="https://benitolink.com/donate/"><strong>supporting BenitoLink,</strong></a> San Benito County’s public service, nonprofit news.</p>
<p>The post <a href="https://benitolink.com/san-benito-supervisors-will-challenge-health-care-district-ballot-language/">San Benito supervisors will challenge health care district ballot language</a> appeared first on <a href="https://benitolink.com">BenitoLink</a>.</p> "Image for display with article titled San Benito Supervisors Will Challenge Health Care District Ballot Language")
![Image for display with article titled Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Releases Broadband Report](<figure><img alt="Image from the Equitable Access: Balancing Affordability and Infrastructure in Digital Inclusion report." class="attachment-rss-image-size size-rss-image-size wp-post-image" height="694" src="https://i0.wp.com/benitolink.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Screenshot-2024-08-02-at-3.13.56 PM.png?fit=1024%2C694&ssl=1" tabindex="0" width="1024" /></figure>
<p class="has-light-gray-background-color has-background">Information provided by Monterey Bay Economic Partnership. Lea este articulo en español <a href="http://benitolink.com/es/monterey-bay-economic-partnership-releases-broadband-report">aquí</a>.</p>
<p><strong>The Monterey Bay Economic Partnership</strong> (MBEP) is proud to release its latest report, “<a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/636438b9a8fa9570ec6aa73e/66983c7765d50385b3f9ea46_Equitable%20Access%20Balancing%20Affordability%20and%20Infrastructure%20in%20Digital%20Inclusion%20July%202024.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Equitable Access: Balancing Affordability and Infrastructure in Digital Inclusion</a>.” This comprehensive study highlights the critical importance of affordability in driving broadband adoption and the necessity of integrating both affordability and infrastructure to achieve digital inclusion.</p>
<p>Affordability First: Sustaining Momentum Beyond ACP</p>
<p>The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) has been instrumental in providing low-cost, quality broadband internet to 23 million households nationwide, significantly closing digital gaps highlighted during the global pandemic. However, the program ended in May 2024 due to a lack of Congressional action to renew the program, leaving vulnerable communities at risk of being disconnected.</p>
<p>Access to affordable internet services is crucial for driving internet adoption, particularly among socioeconomically disadvantaged populations. An FCC survey revealed that 80% of ACP recipients had inconsistent or no internet service before enrolling due to affordability constraints. Losing ACP benefits disrupts internet access for many, further widening the digital divide.</p>
<p>Regional Findings: ACP Enrollment and Broadband Service in the Central Coast</p>
<p>The report features detailed maps and analysis of ACP enrollment and FCC broadband availability data in Monterey, Santa Cruz, and San Benito counties. Key findings include: </p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>Santa Cruz County: High correlation between ACP enrollment and broadband availability. Notable outlier in Davenport with lower broadband availability despite low ACP enrollment. </li>
<li>Monterey County: High correlation, but slightly greater variation in ACP enrollment and broadband availability. South County areas like Big Sur and San Ardo show lower percentages, suggesting rural and less populous characteristics hinder adoption.</li>
<li>San Benito County: Positive correlation between high ACP enrollment and broadband availability. Southeast areas lag in both, similarly indicating rural and demographic factors may influence adoption and deployment.</li>
</ul>
<p>The Affordability-Infrastructure Nexus: Catalyzing Inclusive Connectivity</p>
<p>The report showcases the essential link between affordability and infrastructure. Areas with higher ACP enrollment demonstrate greater broadband service, highlighting the essential role that affordability plays in driving widespread adoption and utilization of broadband infrastructure. </p>
<p>California is set to receive significant federal and state funds for broadband infrastructure. However, infrastructure alone cannot bridge the digital divide. Affordable internet services are crucial to ensure infrastructure investments benefit low-income households and promote universal internet adoption.</p>
<p>Call to Action</p>
<p>MBEP calls on internet service providers, policymakers, and stakeholders to prioritize affordability:</p>
<ul class="wp-block-list">
<li>ISPs: develop and promote affordable plans for low-income households.</li>
<li>Policymakers: support state-level policies mandating affordable internet and sustainable funding models.</li>
<li>Stakeholders: collaborate with community organizations to create innovative affordability solutions and promote awareness.</li>
</ul>
<p>This holistic approach will ensure that broadband infrastructure investments achieve their full potential, fostering an inclusive, connected society. By centering affordability, millions of households can avoid being left on the wrong side of the digital divide. </p>
<p>Access the report, <a href="https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/636438b9a8fa9570ec6aa73e/66983c7765d50385b3f9ea46_Equitable%20Access%20Balancing%20Affordability%20and%20Infrastructure%20in%20Digital%20Inclusion%20July%202024.pdf" rel="noreferrer noopener" target="_blank">Equitable Access: Balancing Affordability and Infrastructure in Digital Inclusion</a>, here: <a href="https://bit.ly/equitableaccessreport">https://bit.ly/equitableaccessreport</a></p>
<p></p>
<p>The post <a href="https://benitolink.com/monterey-bay-economic-partnership-releases-broadband-report/">Monterey Bay Economic Partnership releases broadband report</a> appeared first on <a href="https://benitolink.com">BenitoLink</a>.</p> "Image for display with article titled Monterey Bay Economic Partnership Releases Broadband Report")
