My Vision for the Desert Healthcare District As a proud resident of the Coachella Valley for over 20 years, I have had the privilege of seeing our community grow and evolve. I’ve witnessed firsthand the vital role that Desert Regional Medical Center plays in our region, not just as a hospital, but as a critical lifeline for thousands of families. Now, we face a challenge that could determine the future of this institution: complying with state law (SB 1953), which requires hospitals to complete seismic retrofitting by 2030 or face closure until the work is done. This isn’t just a technical issue—it’s a matter of ensuring that our local Trauma I center, neonatal intensive care unit, neurological critical care, and 385-bed acute care core can continue to function and save lives in the event of a major earthquake. A retrofit would protect these essential services, allowing them to continue without interruption when we need them most. I bring over 25 years of construction management experience in California, with a strong focus on healthcare facilities, schools, and large-scale projects like hotels. My experience positions me as the right candidate to oversee this vital seismic retrofit, ensuring that it’s done correctly, efficiently, and with the highest level of accountability. Why This Matters to Me Having lived in the Coachella Valley for over two decades, I understand the unique challenges and opportunities our community faces. I have seen this valley weather economic shifts, population growth, and healthcare challenges. Through it all, Desert Regional Medical Center has been a constant, providing critical care to residents and visitors alike. This project is personal for me. I want to ensure that my family, friends, neighbors, and every resident of this valley can rely on the hospital in moments of crisis—whether during a routine health scare or in the aftermath of a major disaster like an earthquake. We cannot afford to wait. Time is not on our side, and it’s clear that this seismic retrofit will take years, not months, to complete. I want to help ensure that this vital work gets done, without delays, and to the highest standard possible. The Good News While seismic retrofitting presents a major challenge for many communities across the state, our District’s Board of Directors has taken proactive steps to address it. Many regions struggle to secure funding for this kind of large-scale project, resulting in costly delays. However, thanks to wise leadership, the cost of the seismic retrofit has already been negotiated as part of the new lease/purchase agreement with the hospital operator. This puts us in a strong position to move forward, but we must still remain vigilant throughout the process. As with any landlord-tenant agreement, it’s essential to “trust but verify.” My experience managing large-scale construction projects, including complex medical facilities, uniquely qualifies me to help oversee this effort. I understand the importance of construction scheduling, planning, and execution, and I can bring a critical eye to ensure that the project stays on track. I am committed to ensuring the District’s directives are met, and that the scope of work is completed according to plan, on time, and within budget. A Citizen, Serving Citizens I am not affiliated with any nonprofit organization, foundation, or political office. My candidacy is driven solely by a desire to serve my community. As someone who has lived in the Coachella Valley for more than 20 years, I believe deeply in the importance of independent leadership—leadership that is free from special interests and dedicated to the well-being of our residents. Our healthcare system is too important to be influenced by outside agendas. I believe that directors who are independent of political and financial pressures can better represent the interests of everyday citizens like you and me. My only goal is to ensure that the resources of the Desert Healthcare District are used in a fair and balanced way, for the benefit of everyone in our community. My Commitment to the Future Over the last two decades, I have seen the Desert Healthcare District play a pivotal role in building and supporting healthcare resources in our valley. The District has helped fund initiatives that improve healthcare access, address mental health needs, and support preventive care for our underserved populations. I want to see this legacy continue and grow. I want to help ensure that future generations can benefit from the District’s work just as we have. As we look to the future, we need leaders who understand the complexities of the challenges ahead, but also have the experience and dedication to guide us through them. I am ready to step up and serve, bringing my construction and project management experience to bear on the critical task of seismic retrofitting and ensuring that Desert Regional Medical Center remains a cornerstone of our community for years to come. For these reasons, I respectfully ask for your support and your vote for the Desert Healthcare District’s Board of Directors, Zone 1. Together, we can safeguard our healthcare infrastructure and ensure a healthier, more resilient future for the Coachella Valley.