Who Really Saved Watsonville Community Hospital
Tony Nunez’s claim that he “saved” Watsonville Community Hospital is simply not credible.
The hospital remains in a fragile financial position, with tens of millions in debt and ongoing concerns raised in a recent audit presented to the Pajaro Valley Health Care District. That’s
not what success looks like—and it certainly doesn’t justify rewriting history.
Let’s be clear about what actually happened. In 2022, when Watsonville Community Hospital was on the brink of closing, Santa Cruz County stepped in when others could not.
The County led a $61.5 million fundraising effort, contributed millions in public funding, secured state support, coordinated bridge financing, and dedicated thousands of staff hours to establish the Pajaro Valley Health Care District.
That work was led by the current Board of Supervisors, county staff, and many community partners. That leadership didn’t come from campaign rhetoric—it came from real action
led by Supervisor Felipe Hernandez and the current Board of Supervisors. Because of
that work, South County families still have access to emergency care, labor and delivery,
and essential health services today.
Taking credit for a broad, community-driven effort—especially when the hospital is still facing
serious challenges—raises real concerns about judgment and accountability. Our community
deserves leaders who are honest about both the progress made and the work that remains.
This is not the time for inexperience or political spin. It’s a time for leadership that understands
how to navigate complex challenges and deliver real results.
Supervisor Felipe Hernandez has done exactly that—securing over $850 million in investments
for the Pajaro Valley, advancing the Pajaro River Levee Project, improving critical infrastructure,
advocating for the opening South County Government Center, and expanding parks and youth
spaces, including Valle del Pájaro Park.
Born and raised in Watsonville, Supervisor Hernandez is a decorated veteran and a proud
graduate of Watsonville High School. He has served our community at every level—as a
Watsonville City Councilmember, Mayor, Cabrillo College Board Trustee, and now as our
current County Supervisor—bringing both experience and a deep commitment to the Pajaro
Valley.
South County needs steady, experienced leadership—not self-promotion. That’s why I’m
supporting Felipe Hernandez for Supervisor.
— Arcadio Viveros
Former Director, Salud Para La Gente
Former Chair, Watsonville Planning Commission
•••
Questioning the local election system
The upcoming Santa Cruz mayoral race raises concerns about fairness and transparency. A crowded field of progressive candidates seems positioned to split the vote and prevent any one candidate, especially one with broader appeal, from reaching the 50% needed to win outright in June.
This nearly guarantees a November runoff, when turnout patterns change. The return of UC Santa Cruz students will significantly alter the electorate, possibly deciding a race that impacts full-time residents year-round.
Whether intentional or not, this dynamic risks eroding confidence in the process. Elections should be decided by ideas and leadership, not by strategic voting.
If the city’s political future increasingly depends on a transient student population, it might be time for a broader discussion about representation and governance. Residents should question whether the current system truly reflects the community’s will.
Santa Cruz deserves a fair, transparent contest — not one that seems rigged for a predetermined outcome.
Mike Lelieur
Santa Cruz
