Congressman Panetta Continues to Fight For Oversight to Improve Pandemic Response in Long-term Care Facilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. – On Wednesday, November 18 Congressman Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) cosponsored two pieces of legislation to restore infectious disease standards and increase oversight of nursing homes and long-term care facilities. The Promoting Restoration of Emergency Preparedness and Advancing Response to Epidemics in Long-Term Care Act (PREPARE LTC Act) would restore Obama-era infection control regulations to require nursing and long-term care facilities to maintain infection prevention programs and emergency plans to protect residences during an emergency, such as the COVID-19 pandemic. The Protecting Residents with Oversight, Transparency, and Enforcement for Compassionate Treatment in Long-Term Care (PROTECT LTC Act) would provide $100 million to State Survey Agencies for increased oversight of nursing homes and increase penalties for those that fail to provide adequate protection to residents during public health crises and other emergencies. “COVID-19 continues to threaten the vulnerable Americans living in our nation’s nursing homes, including those enduring ongoing outbreaks in long-term care facilities in Santa Cruz and Watsonville,” said Congressman Panetta. “Long-term care residents are especially vulnerable to this disease, which is why we must change how these facilities are financed, monitored, and supported to ensure the health and wellbeing of residents and staff. As I continue to monitor ongoing outbreaks in Central Coast nursing homes, I’m glad to cosponsor these critical pieces of legislation to ensure long-term care facilities have the resources and oversight necessary to protect residents during this pandemic and in any future public health crises.” While less than 0.5% of the U.S. population live nursing homes, residents account for 40% of COVID deaths overall nationally, and in some states, account for more than 70% of COVID deaths. Prior to cosponsoring the PREPARE LTC and PROTECT LTC Acts, Congressman Panetta identified an immediate need to provide greater support to long-term care facilities. In May, he introduced the Sending Outside Support Act (SOS Act) to provide immediate support to nursing homes and skilled nursing facilities experiencing outbreaks of COVID-19 cases. The legislation authorizes the Health and Human Services Secretary to allocate funding to states for the creation of strike teams of clinical and non-clinical staff to assist nursing homes with the management and treatment of COVID-19 outbreaks.

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Lake San Antonio Closed Due to Large Scale Fish Die Off; Number of Fish Impacted is Increasing and Reason for Die Off Remains Unknown

July 9, 2024- Out of abundance of caution for public health, County of Monterey Parks is closing the Lake San Antonio facility due to a large-scale fish die off from an unknown cause. On July 5, 2024, Parks staff noticed that dead baitfish, mostly shad, began washing up on the shore around Lake San Antonio and immediately contacted California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) to report the situation. At that time, the CDFW fisheries biologist stated the fish die off was most likely due to the high temperatures and low dissolved oxygen level in the water and that the situation most likely did not present a risk to the public. Parks staff also contacted the Water Resources Agency (WRA), State Water Resources Control Board and Environmental Health Bureau. Unfortunately, the fish die off has continued with larger species such as bass, catfish, crappie, carp, and trout being impacted. Attached photos include a 3–4-pound bass. CDFW, WRA and EHB are working together to try to determi

Suspect Vehicle in King City Quadruple Homicide on March 3 Has Been Located

The Monterey County Sheriff’s Office, on behalf of the King City Police Department is informing the community that the suspect vehicle involved in a quadruple homicide that occurred Sunday, March 3 on the 200 block of North Second Street in King City, has been located and recovered. The vehicle was located in an unincorporated area of South Monterey County. The King City Police Department is receiving assistance from multiple local and federal law enforcement partners in this investigation. Based on the nature of this investigation, no further details regarding the recovery of this vehicle are being released at this time. The Monterey County Sheriff's Office and the King City PD are asking the community for their assistance in reporting any information they may know regarding this incident which tragically left 4 people dead and 7 people injured, two with critical injuries. Information can be provided by contacting the following: King City Detective Sergeant Josh Partida 831-3

Attempted Homicide Shooting Incident in King City on September 29

The King City Police Department received a report of gunshots heard in the area of the 600 block of Sycamore Street at around 1 am on Sunday, September 29. While enroute, the King City PD was advised that 2 victims were transported to Mee Memorial Hospital by private vehicle to be treated for gunshot wounds. Upon arrival, officers were told that a single unknown suspect opened the gate to a fenced yard and fired 10 rounds into a crowd attending a party. 2 individuals were struck by the gunfire, after-which the suspect fled on foot. The suspect was described as wearing a dark colored hoodie and pants. The 2 victims are a 16-year-old juvenile male who was shot 3 times and an 18-year-old male who was shot 1 time. Both victims were transported to Natividad Hospital from Mee Memorial and are currently listed in stable condition. Detectives from the King City Police Department are currently working the investigation with assistance from the Greenfield Police Department Crime Scene Unit

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