Latest news with #CynthiaGonzalez
Business Journals
01-08-2025
- Health
- Business Journals
The power of together: Hugh Chatham Health officially joins Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist
Hugh Chatham Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist announced Hugh Chatham Health has officially joined Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, part of the third-largest nonprofit health system in the country, Advocate Health. Additionally, Atrium Health is investing $100 million to ensure access to enhanced resources and expertise is delivered by health care providers who best understand the community's unique needs. 'Hugh Chatham Health believes in the power of our two organizations coming together to enhance patient care, community engagement and innovation in health care delivery,' said Hugh Chatham Health Board of Trustees Chair Cynthia Gonzalez. 'Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's deep commitment and experience with serving rural communities like Elkin was one of the key drivers of our decision to select them as our partner.' Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist was selected, in part, because of its long-standing commitment to rural health care. North Carolina has the second-largest rural population in the United States, with many located in and around the Yadkin Valley area. These rural communities have specific health care challenges, such as recruiting providers and ensuring access to essential services. As part of Atrium Health's commitment, their $100 million investment will allow Hugh Chatham Health to: Implement a new electronic health record, EPIC, to facilitate seamless care coordination between providers at Hugh Chatham Health and Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. Advance the recruitment and retention of primary care and specialty care providers to the Yadkin Valley region. Support and expand current clinical programs such as Women's Services, Heart and Vascular and Cancer Care to ensure essential services stay local. Provide professional and career growth opportunities for Hugh Chatham Health team members and providers. 'At a time when rural health care is under pressure across the country, we are stepping up to ensure rural communities have access to leading-edge primary and specialty care close to home – and that's what this partnership with Hugh Chatham Health is going to deliver,' said Eugene A. Woods, CEO of Advocate Health, of which Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a part. "This partnership is about ensuring families in the rural Yadkin Valley have access to the same nationally-recognized medicine, virtual care, and specialty programs in women's and children's health, heart and vascular, cancer, and more – without having to travel far for the care they need and deserve.' 'With our 25-year history of collaboration, this next step naturally builds on our shared commitment to deliver high-quality care, while providing access to advanced resources, cutting-edge technology and clinical expertise,' said Dr. David Zaas, president of Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. 'And with Wake Forest University School of Medicine as our academic core, we are excited to bring new opportunities for medical innovation and growth, ensuring long-term health and wellness for the communities we serve.' In addition to the $100 million commitment to Hugh Chatham Health, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist has committed $30 million to establish the Yadkin Valley Wellness Foundation, whose mission will advance health and wellness priorities in the community and ensure that the terms and conditions of the broader affiliation are fully met. 'For more than 10 years, I have had the privilege of working with Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist as a partner on many levels,' said Paul Hammes, CEO of Hugh Chatham Health. 'I know, firsthand, their deep commitment to high-quality, patient-centered care – especially in our rural communities. I am excited about the unlimited possibilities of our future together and the positive impact we can have on this community.' The Hugh Chatham Health board and executive team have committed to keeping the community informed as the process moves forward. Patients and community members are encouraged to visit a dedicated web page to learn more about this partnership and receive timely updates. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist is a pre-eminent academic learning health system based in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and part of Advocate Health. Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist's two main components are an integrated clinical system with locations throughout the region and , the academic core of Advocate Health and a recognized leader in experiential medical education and groundbreaking research.
Newsweek
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Newsweek
White House Reacts to California Official Asking Gangs to Take on ICE
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A spokesperson for the White House has launched a scathing attack on a California official who called on gangs to defend their neighborhoods from immigration agents. Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, a suburb in southeast Los Angeles County, asked why street gangs had not stepped forward to "help out and organize" against the "biggest gang there is" in a video posted on social media in June. "Violence and crime perpetrated by illegal gangs are a serious issue that has wreaked havoc on American communities. Gonzalez's comments are despicable and mock the victims of gang violence in the United States," White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told Newsweek. "Violent crime is not a joke, and urging violent illegal gangs to fight ICE officers at a time when they are facing an 830 percent increase in assaults is even worse. Gonzalez should be ashamed of herself," she added. Newsweek has contacted Gonzalez for comment via email outside normal office hours. Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, California. Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, California. City of Cudahy Why It Matters California has become a key battleground state for immigration enforcement, with tensions running high between federal authorities and Democratic lawmakers, as well as their local communities. President Donald Trump has directed ICE agents to ramp up operations in sanctuary states as his administration looks to remove millions of migrants without legal status to fulfill his campaign pledge of widespread mass deportations. What To Know At a city council meeting on Tuesday, Gonzalez responded to the incident by saying: "I just want to take some time to address the short, satirical TikTok video I made recently that drew national headlines and public criticism. To be clear, I created this video in my personal time and on my personal page." "The message was not about violence; It was about regular people … claiming ownership of our streets in a time of great distress and asking others, who I mentioned in my video, in organizing and protesting against the harm and violence being inflicted on our community." The video has since been removed from her social media profiles. In the now-deleted TikTok video, Gonzalez said: "18th Street, Florencia, where's the leadership at? Because you guys are all about territory. … You guys tag everything up—claiming hood. And now that your hood's being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain't a peep out of you. "It's everyone else who's not about the gang life that's out there protesting and speaking up. We're out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at? "Don't be trying to claim no block, no nothing. If you're not showing up right now, trying to help out and organize, I don't want to hear a peep out of you once they're gone." The Los Angeles Police Protective League has called for her resignation following the incident. Gonzalez has not publicly indicated that she is considering stepping back from her position. What Are People Saying Cynthia Gonzalez, the vice mayor of Cudahy, California, said at a meeting: "I want to apologize to city staff, members of the council and my community that my video took attention away from the pain our communities are experiencing and brought unnecessary attention to our city." Tricia McLaughlin, an assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security, previously told Newsweek: "Vice Mayor Gonzalez's comments are despicable. She called for criminal gangs—including the vicious 18th street gang—to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement. This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase in assaults against our brave ICE law enforcement officers. Democrats must stop comparing ICE to the Gestapo and calling for violence against our law enforcement." The City of Cudahy said in a statement on June 24: "The comments made by the Vice Mayor reflect her personal views and do not represent the views or official position of the City of Cudahy. The City will not be providing further comment."
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
California lawmaker breaks silence after controversial ICE comments
A California lawmaker who sparked outrage after asking why Los Angeles gangs weren't confronting ICE raids has finally broken her silence. Cynthia Gonzalez, Vice Mayor of Cudahy, gave an unlikely excuse during a city council meeting Tuesday night, weeks after deleting the video that triggered immediate backlash. In the clip, Gonzalez seemed to encourage the city's well-known criminal gang members to get involved as federal immigration officers swept through Southern California neighborhoods. She now 'apologized' for her message and claimed the controversial Ti kTok video was merely meant to be 'a short satirical video.' 'The message was not about violence,' she said. 'It was about regular people ... claiming ownership of our streets in a time of great distress and asking others, who I mentioned in my video, in organizing and protesting against the harm and violence being inflicted on our community.' 'Those that inserted a narrative of violence into my video weaponized it in a way that is totally inconsistent with my life's work,' she added. In the since-deleted video, the councilwoman said: 'I want to know where all the cholosare at in Los Angeles ... you guys tag everything up, claiming hood, and now that your hood's being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain't a peep out of you.' 'It's everyone else who's not about the gang life that's out there protesting and speaking up,' she said. 'We're out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?' She was slammed for her comments online. The Department of Homeland Security labeled her remarks 'despicable,' while the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the LAPD union called for her immediate resignation. 'I want to apologize to city staff, members of the council and my community that my video took attention away from the pain our communities are experiencing and brought unnecessary attention to our city. 'I also want acknowledge the stress and anxiety that this caused all of you, from getting hate emails to threats to everything else, which is completely uncalled for,' she continued. Pictured: A federal agent wears a badge of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. 'But I also want to assert my constitutionally protected rights to free speech and I'm committed to using my voice in a more responsible and still-powerful manner moving forward.' Her attorney, Damian J. Martinez, also issued a statement defending her actions.
Daily Mail
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Woke Dem lawmaker's unlikely excuse after she called for LA's criminal gangs to stop city's ICE raids
A California lawmaker who sparked outrage after asking why Los Angeles gangs weren't confronting ICE raids has finally broken her silence. Cynthia Gonzalez, Vice Mayor of Cudahy, gave an unlikely excuse during a city council meeting Tuesday night, weeks after deleting the video that triggered immediate backlash. In the clip, Gonzalez seemed to encourage the city's well-known criminal gang members to get involved as federal immigration officers swept through Southern California neighborhoods. She now 'apologized' for her message and claimed the controversial Ti kTok video was merely meant to be 'a short satirical video.' 'The message was not about violence,' she said. 'It was about regular people ... claiming ownership of our streets in a time of great distress and asking others, who I mentioned in my video, in organizing and protesting against the harm and violence being inflicted on our community.' 'Those that inserted a narrative of violence into my video weaponized it in a way that is totally inconsistent with my life's work,' she added. In the since-deleted video, the councilwoman said: 'I want to know where all the cholosare at in Los Angeles ... you guys tag everything up, claiming hood, and now that your hood's being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain't a peep out of you.' 'It's everyone else who's not about the gang life that's out there protesting and speaking up,' she said. 'We're out there fighting our turf, protecting our turf, protecting our people and, like, where you at?' She was slammed for her comments online. The Department of Homeland Security labeled her remarks 'despicable,' while the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the LAPD union called for her immediate resignation. She claimed that her intention was to spark discussion about protecting the community, not to encourage violent retaliation. 'I don't believe violence by anyone is ever the solution to any of our problems,' she said Tuesday. 'I want to apologize to city staff, members of the council and my community that my video took attention away from the pain our communities are experiencing and brought unnecessary attention to our city. 'I also want acknowledge the stress and anxiety that this caused all of you, from getting hate emails to threats to everything else, which is completely uncalled for,' she continued. 'But I also want to assert my constitutionally protected rights to free speech and I'm committed to using my voice in a more responsible and still-powerful manner moving forward.' The Department of Homeland Security labeled her remarks 'despicable,' while the Los Angeles Police Protective League and the LAPD union called for her immediate resignation. Her attorney, Damian J. Martinez, also issued a statement defending her actions. He said she was calling on Latino residents to join peaceful efforts and not encouraging violence. 'Importantly, Dr. Gonzalez in no way encouraged anyone to engage in violence,' he wrote. 'Any suggestion that she advocated for violence is categorically false and without merit.'
CBS News
16-07-2025
- Politics
- CBS News
Los Angeles-area vice mayor apologizes after facing backlash for video calling on gangs to stand up to ICE
Cudahy Vice Mayor Cynthia Gonzalez has apologized after facing backlash for a video she posted on her social media accounts calling on local gang members to stand up against immigration operations taking place across Southern California. At a City Council meeting Tuesday evening, Gonzalez read from a statement addressing the "short satirical TikTok video" that drew national attention. Gonzalez explained that she created the video during her personal time on her own account. She said her message was not about violence but about "claiming ownership of our streets in a time of great distress." In a video, Gonzalez was seen calling out gangs to stand up against the immigration operations taking place across the region. She didn't explicitly refer to the United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement by name. "You guys tag everything up, claiming hood, and now that your hood is being invaded by the biggest gang there is, there ain't a peep out of you. It's everyone else that's not about the gang life and out there protesting and speaking up," Gonzalez says in a portion of the since-deleted video. Her video was posted weeks after immigration operations ramped up across the region, leading to protests and clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement officials. In response to Gonzalez's video, the Department of Homeland Security posted a statement on X. "The comments made by the Vice Mayor of Cudahy, CA, Cynthia Gonzalez, are despicable. She calls for criminal gangs – including the vicious 18th Street gang—to commit violence against our brave ICE law enforcement, the post read. "This kind of garbage has led to a more than 500 percent increase in assaults against our ICE law enforcement officers." The city of Cudahy also shared a response to the video, saying that Gonzalez's comments did not represent the city's official position.
