Oscar Avalos Named Inaugural Recipient of Mee Memorial Healthcare System's Friend of the Hospital Award

KING CITY, Calif. November 4, 2026 — Mee Memorial Healthcare System on Wednesday, November 4 named Oscar Avalos the inaugural recipient of its Friend of the Hospital Award. The new annual honor recognizes individuals whose generosity and service strengthen the hospital and the communities it serves. The award comes ahead of National Rural Health Day on November 19.

Avalos has been a longtime supporter of Mee Memorial and the greater South Monterey County community. His contributions include organizing holiday gifts for residents of the hospital's Long-Term Care Unit, which brings comfort to residents during the holiday season and reminds them that their community has not forgotten them.

“I’m honored by this recognition. Having a strong, accessible hospital is critical for King City and all of our surrounding rural communities.” said Avalos, “We depend on MMHS, and I'm just grateful I can do my part to support the staff and patients. I want to thank the entire executive team and all members of the hospital for everything they do to keep healthcare local."

That spirit of partnership and community care reflects a deep understanding of what keeps rural healthcare strong.

"Rural healthcare is built on relationships and on people who step forward to care for their neighbors," said Rena Salamacha, CEO of Mee Memorial Healthcare System. "Oscar is that kind of person. He shows up for our hospital and our community with genuine heart and an energy that lifts everyone around him. We are deeply grateful for all he gives and honored to name him our first Friend of the Hospital."

Going forward, Mee Memorial will present the Friend of the Hospital Award each year to an individual whose generosity, service, and community spirit help sustain rural healthcare.

About Mee Memorial Healthcare System:

Mee Memorial Healthcare System is the primary healthcare provider for the rural communities of South Monterey County. MMHS is committed to providing culturally sensitive and patient-centered healthcare delivered with the highest quality of service.

Comments

Fatal 3 Vehicle Accident Involving Wrong Way Driver on Highway 101 Outside of King City on January 10

A fatal multi-vehicle collision happened on Saturday night, January 10 at 9:51 p.m. on northbound Highway 101 outside of King City. According to the King City CHP a 2016 Toyota Tacoma driven by 65-year-old Paul Lee Cooper of Otis, Oregon was heading the wrong way going southbound in the northbound lanes south of Jolon Road, while a 2006 Toyota Corolla driven by 33-year-old Dinora Maribel Gomez of Salinas was heading northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road in the #1 lane and a Honda Accord driven by 36-year-old Ignacio Sangerman of King City was also traveling northbound on Highway 101 south of Jolon Road but was in the #2 lane. Due to Cooper's level of impairment his vehicle went the wrong way on Highway 101 going directly into the path of Gomez' vehicle causing the rear of her car to crash with the front of the vehicle driven by Sangerman. Cooper was arrested, sustaining major injuries and was transported to Natividad Medical Center in Salinas where as of January 12 is...

King City City Council Announces Selection of José Arreola as New City Manager

January 7, 2025-Following an extensive recruitment process, José Arreola has been selected by the King City City Council to be its next City Manager. Arreola will replace Steve Adams, who is retiring after serving in the position for the past 10 years. Arreola was selected from 31 applicants and 8 finalists for the position. The King City City Council will formally consider the proposed city manager contract at its meeting on Tuesday night, January 13. Arreola's first day on the job is scheduled to be February 23. José Arreola has a distinguished career of serving the community with a particular commitment to youth. He has worked for the City of Salinas for 12 years as their Community Safety Program Manager, Community Safety Administrator and Assistant to the City Manager. Among other responsibilities, Arreola has led several programs to eliminate gang violence which aligns well with the City of King’s efforts and priorities. Prior to that, Arreola worked as an Educa...

King City CHP is searching for person of interest who fled the scene of a fatal crash in Greenfield

On Monday, September 16 at approximately 3:50 pm, a fatal traffic collision occurred on Metz Road south of Elm Avenue in Greenfield. The driver who caused the collision fled on foot and is currently outstanding. The California Highway Patrol King City Area is currently seeking the whereabouts of 31-year-old Agustin Santana-Moncada of King City who has been identified as a person of interest in the case. The King City Area is requesting assistance from the public in locating Santana-Moncada. Anyone with information is asked to contact the King City Area office at (831) 385-3216.

KRKC COUNTRY

Search This Blog