In letters: Doctors can’t afford to work in SLO County. Here’s why | Opinion

Why doctors are leaving

I have been going to the same health center in South County for eight years. In that time, I have had at least two health providers leave each year. The level of provider has gone from a doctor to physician assistant to nurse practitioner.

And while they have all been sufficient, as they have changed the level of expertise and initiative has decreased. When the last doctor told me he was leaving (the third in 14 months), I asked why. He told me that the reimbursement levels for Medicare on the Central Coast were set to rural area rates in the ‘70s, 50 years ago, and we are still classified as rural, and therefore at a much lower reimbursement level than urban areas.

A few things have changed in those 50 years: The Central Coast has gone from agriculture to a technology-based economy, the cost of living (particularly housing) is outpacing many urban areas and the region has become a premiere area for retirees.

If you do a search for information on Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement rates, you will discover the total morass Congress has made of the whole subject. Congress has, since 1971, tried to decrease the reimbursement rate numerous times to hide the increasing deficits, only to reverse course at the last minute.

Next year, the reimbursement rate is to go down to a rate not seen since 1992! And the Geographic Cost Index has not been adjusted, so Central Coast providers will be further under-reimbursed, meaning medical providers will continue to go where the money is better and the cost of living lower.

We need to let our senators and representatives know they need to act to improve the heath care we have available. I just do not think RFK, Jr. and Dr. Oz will be able to manage the job on their own.

Ron Gottesman

Arroyo Grande

He’s no hero

Daniel Penny is no hero, epitome of masculinity (as Fox News says) or deserving of the Congressional Gold Medal, one of the highest awards given to civilians for distinguished contributions to the country (as legislation introduced in Congress by 10 Republicans claims).

For 30 years, I worked directly at the level of care at Atascadero State Hospital in California, a maximum-security facility for the criminally insane who were so violent and dangerous that other institutions couldn’t handle them.

Penny murdered Jordan Neely, a reportedly homeless black man with mental health problems, with a six-minute choke hold guaranteed to kill anyone. Over my 30 years of work restraining some of the biggest and strongest humans known, we never used a choke hold, because we didn’t need to.

Penny was trained in the military, the goal of which is to kill people considered the enemy. His action demonstrated no training in the consequences of cutting off the blood supply to the brain and air to the lungs, or de-escalation of an obviously disturbed, vulnerable and potentially violent individual.

This is another incident in which our failures to address our negligence of homelessness, mental illness and racism are evident. We must do better.

David Broadwater

Atascadero

Cat cafe

I just read the article about the new cat-friendly cafe opening in Grover Beach and while I think it’s a great idea, charging $15 per session for an with extended visit with kitties is going to make this adventure too expensive for families with children and for many folks on limited incomes.

As a foster/adopting mom to dogs, I certainly realize the cost involved in their care. I wonder if, rather than charging a set amount, the owners of the cafe wouldn’t make an equal or higher amount of money if “donation containers” were available? I’ve found people are very generous in supporting our four-legged friends.

Cynthia Logan

Cayucos

Record of failure

SLO is known as the “Happiest City in America,” but our local law enforcement is nothing to be proud of. Despite being among the highest-paid in the country, our law officers routinely fail to protect and serve.

From mishandling high-profile cases like Kristin Smart to escalating tensions at peaceful protests to leaving loaded weapons in public toilets, their incompetence is glaring.

Take the tragic death of Tommy Jodry, who fell from a downtown parking structure while allegedly trying to escape a convicted sexual predator during WOW weekend. Instead of conducting any investigation, police hastily ruled it a suicide. Now, a couple was brutally killed in a hit-and-run, and the driver is getting off with a slap on the wrist — because SLOPD failed to process the scene properly.

These failures are not isolated. They compound grief and deny justice. Everyone in SLO should be paying attention, because next time, it could be your loved one’s death they mishandle. Frankly, you’d get better results calling the Paw Patrol. We pay a premium to live here, yet we’re stuck with a force that consistently fails. It’s time to demand accountability through citizen oversight. Enough is enough!

Sandee Hunt

San Luis Obispo

‘Sanewashing’

It appears the normalization (or sanewashing) of MAGA and TFG (the former guy) will continue full force. Leading the charge to deny women bodily autonomy gets you Time Person of the Year. I guess the field was quite narrow?

Thomas Bringle

Grover Beach

Oppose Wildlife Habitat Protection Plan

If San Luis Obispo County genuinely cared about the natural habitat of the Arroyo Grande Creek, it would oppose the Wildlife Habitat Protection Plan (WHPP) recently released by State Parks’ Off-Highway Vehicle Division (OHVD).

Vehicle crossings of the creek on Oceano Beach cause significant environmental harm, and the WHPP does nothing to mitigate these ongoing issues. During a public presentation, Ronnie Glick, the State Parks chief biologist, stated “We do these projects to sustain OHV use,” a declaration that starkly contradicts the WHPP’s stated purpose of protecting wildlife. This statement reveals the true priorities of State Parks, underscores its failure in conservation, and undermines any hope for a better environmental stewardship.

In December 2023, the Oceano Dunes State Vehicular Recreation Area (ODSVRA) gained national and international attention when vehicles and individuals became stranded and rescued while attempting to cross the creek. This incident illustrates the dangers posed by unrestricted vehicle access and the lack of enforcement at this critical crossing. Despite the risks, State Parks rangers often stand by as vehicles cross the creek under hazardous conditions, demonstrating that signage alone is inadequate to protect the ecosystem or public safety.

Oceano Beach Community Association

Thanks from Community Cares

This year’s SLO Community Holiday Feast for the unhoused was the perfect way to end 2024 on a positive note. Our guests were served a decadent feast with live music provided by Billy and Charlie Foppiano, Geert DeLange, Pozo Eric, Steve Alhgrim, Paul Della Pelle and Kevin McCrackin.

All guests received winter care packages containing new duffle bags, sleeping bags, sweatshirts, jackets, socks, gloves, beanies, scarves, hand warmers, grocery gift cards and toiletries.

More than 700 meals and care packages were served at Odd Fellow’s Hall and delivered throughout SLO County. A tremendous number of individuals and organizations were instrumental in bringing this event to life, including Congregation Beth David, Temples Ner Shalom and Ohr Tzafon, Ride-On, Talley Farms, SLO Camp-N-Pack, San Luis Sourdough, Sunset Honda, Old Mission School, Roger’s Jewelry, ARISE Central Coast, JCC of SLO, Kim Boege, Roman Bukachevsky, MSSD Mgmt., Mary Qualls, Cathy Ragle, Terri Elbaum, Diane McKeague, Julie Martin, M.B. Lion’s Club, Renaissance Charitable, Jayne Devencenzi, Bob and Laurie Neumann, Ryan Fitzsimons, Suzanne Werle, Caroline Walters, Darla & Cameron Tapp, CB Automotive, Gold Coast Toyota, Mr. Pickles, Petra Mediterranean, Rita Federman, Mary Stenbeck, Naomi Blakely, Specialty Construction, San Luis Garbage, Harvey’s Honey Huts, Kathleen Roberts, Brian Marsalak, Dan and Elizabeth Krieger, Kathleen Long, Lisa Leutwyler, Monic Racz, Idler’s, California Fresh, Sprouts, Kathy ApRoberts, Kathleen Moore, Karen O’Donnell, Toland Group, Roger Steele, Margaret Levine, Creekside Community, Lee Burgunder and Smart & Final.

This event is truly a collective effort, and it is a powerful reflection of the compassion that defines our community.

Sheri Eibschutz, CEO

SLO Community Cares