18-05-2025
Golden Valley Health Centers CEO ‘deeply concerned' about proposed Medicaid cuts
'How Congress can help millions of Californians who can't afford health care | Opinion,' ( May 7)
As the CEO of Golden Valley Health Centers, I am deeply concerned about the proposed cuts to Medicaid (Medi-Cal in California). We serve 165,000 low-income Medi-Cal patients annually, and these reductions threaten the health of millions throughout the state.
Medi-Cal covers 15 million people, providing patients with access to comprehensive health care at community health centers like Golden Valley. When patients have access to health care, especially preventative care, communities are healthier. Preventative medicine allows people to stop relying on emergency rooms for care. Routine prenatal care means fewer pregnancy complications and early detection means more affordable chronic disease management.
If Congress cuts Medicaid, millions of people could lose access to critical care, and patients would have no choice but to forgo preventative care, leading to more emergency room visits and increased costs for both patients and taxpayers.
Access to health care shouldn't be political. I urge our congressional representatives to stand up and fight for California's patients.
Amy Collier Carroll
Modesto
Opinion
'Turlock Mayor Amy Bublak holds We Care funds hostage,' ( April 6)
Mitigation of the challenges of homelessness requires collaboration by many partners in the community. The mayor and certain council members demanded simplistic solutions to a complex issue.
They burdened We Care with the responsibility of solving Turlock's homelessness issue — well beyond the capacity of any one organization. The 'my-way-or-the-highway' management approach by Mayor Bublak and Councilmembers Rebecka Monez and Erika Phillips raises serious questions about their abilities to realistically address problems in Turlock.
Ann Yonan
Turlock
'Modesto can be dangerous for pedestrians. We looked at data and talked to experts about why,' ( Oct. 11, 2024)
Many years ago, the county roads and shoulders were well maintained and regularly cared for. Today, however, we are seeing a concerning decline. I live on Orange Blossom Road, and the weeds growing along the roadside have become unsightly. More importantly, they pose a significant fire and traffic hazard.
It would also greatly improve safety if stop signs were installed at several of the intersections on Orange Blossom Road between Highway 120 and Knights Ferry. The amount of traffic has increased dramatically, and so have the speeds at which people are traveling. The addition of stop signs would act as a deterrent to speeding and could help make this stretch of road safer for everyone.
Nancy Raineri
Oakdale
'Central Valley air quality 101: How to protect yourself from it and report on it,' ( Jan. 10)
The Central Valley faces a serious and ongoing air pollution crisis. Our region consistently ranks among the worst in the country for air quality, with dangerous levels of particulate matter and ozone. These pollutants directly harm our health, leading to higher rates of asthma, lung disease, heart conditions and premature death. Despite this alarming reality, we still do not have strong, reliable public transportation options to help reduce the number of cars on the road.
Public transportation is not just a convenience, it is a vital part of improving public health and protecting our environment. Investing in clean, affordable and efficient buses and trains would cut emissions, ease traffic congestion and give more people access to jobs, schools and medical care. Expanding and modernizing our transit system should be a top priority for Central Valley leaders.
Brianna Tellez
Modesto
'Want to cool down? Escape the Stanislaus heat with day trips to these destinations,' ( July 6, 2024)
As summer is approaching and temperatures rise, Stanislaus County is unprepared for the blazing heat. Our city is overrun with asphalt, concrete and rock with a severe lack of trees to provide shade or greenery to absorb heat. This can prove deadly for the elderly, young children and those without access to air conditioning.
We need policies that call for more tree planting, grass yards, green or white roofs on buildings, white walls, streetscape planting, additional water features and even a community garden. By implementing these policies, we will see decreased usage of air conditioning, higher property values, decreased air pollutants improving air quality and more outdoor social activities.
It is time to cool our city, and improve our community.
Whitney Renga
Ceres
