Kern Valley Sun letter to editor attacks disabled patron on her financial concerns: McGlew and "Debbie" find the mistake

Poor, victimized, Chet Beedle...the problem, not the solver

I recieved a phone call from "Debbie" who has been attending meetings and had a question as to why the financial summary did not match up. In May of 2010, Debbie asked for an answer to the question of why there was a 70K discrepancy.
The administrators laughed as she told them she had found this particular "discrepancy" in the latest financials.
She came to another meeting, same question, but she also asked about "grant monies" which the hospital did not want to address either. As some have seen, CFO, Chet Beedle missed ALL the grant money which came from the ARRA funds or also known as "Obama money." Billions were available two years ago for hospitals, especially rural types.

A certain community member who tried everything to be now known as the famous line from Chet Beedle, that he doesn't answer questions from anyone who does not pose them in a "positive form."

This person did, but he's gone, and I'm still here.

As we all know, anyone who has worked with the public, you will rarely find people with serious concerns in a "positive frame of mind."

But if you're good at it, you can respectfully address the issue in question, try to resolve the problem: however for a higher than normal paid adminstrator such as Beedle, he could not in his own words, handle one phone call.

He hung up on her after five months of asking.

But...Debbie persisted, and at the Dec. 2010 meeting, McGlew told Beedle they had found some mistake in the numbers, he couldn't remember, asked Beedle and the CFO told his supervisor over the financial manager, "absolutely not."

Absolutely YES.

Again, Tim rapidly handled the situation at least in terms of this matter. And he and Debbie with no hanging up or harsh manner managed to find the misplacement of the numbers.

It was that simple.

When I heard this I asked her to write it out and then I would make it a post. So, for those whose only "contribution" is to sit and clap or agree with everything board says: this is what happens when you "problem solve" without a dramatic "victim" speech, known as "Poor Chet" from this day on.

They not only found it, but also together with this "member of the pubyick" they found a way to resolve it in the future for clarity.

Congratulations to both Tim McGlew and Debbie.

From: Debbie

Last May, 2010, I went to my first finance committee meeting in the trailer at the Kern Valley Hospital. I was handed a short summary of what was to be covered and a summary of the finance reports. As I was listening to the different speakers I notice that the summary of the cash flow report seemed to be out of whack. The numbers did not equal what they said they did. When I went to a subsequent board meeting I brought up the seeming error and did not realize that I made an error in speech and left the thousand off the 72 I mentioned as the error. As a result I was ignored. 


I emailed Dr.Gross and informed him of what I found and asked for explanation, and again no response. 


I went to the hospital and asked to talk to someone and was brought out Rhonda who said she wasn’t an accountant and could not explain it. I melted down. And ended up crying and yelling as Rhonda just looked at me with a blank expression which is what I was crying and yelling about. It’s like she couldn't be bothered to even try to understand. 


I am sorry for my emotional problems. I try to keep them to my self ,but….. It’s when I get no intelligent response to very direct questions, well it just hurts my feelings. I wrote an open letter on this blog begging for an explanation. So I waited a while and I still had not received a response to my inquiry about the cash flow report numbers. 


I decided to leave a message for Mr. Beedle to please call me. The operator transferred me to what I thought would be voice mail, but Chet answered himself! 


I said Wow I didn’t expect to get to talk to you but great. My name is Debbi Peugh and I would like to talk to you about the apparent shortages in the monthly cash flow reports. “There’s nothing wrong with the cash flow reports” “Excuse me but there are if you would just let m-”

“I don’t have to explain anything to you, I’m not going to have this conversation” click!

I cried. But I went to the next meeting held just last night, December 1 2010, and publicly got on them all about their arrogance. Also about the way I was treated by Chet.


Tim McGlew finally took my phone number and promised to call me and figure out what I was talking about.


He Did! It’s like WOW! I finally got to point out what I was talking about. 


And even better than that Tim saw I was right! But Chet was right too in that there was really no shortage except on that page.(pg4) He was not including the money put aside for the bond payment each month in the total payments number in the summary but yet his ending number in the summary included that payment into the bond account. That created the apparent shortage.

I hope that We can now rectify this error. Thank You Tim McGlew for taking the time to work with me to identify the issue so it could be addressed. I hope to see proper equations even in summary from now on. Please? 


Thanks again. Debbi Peugh

WE WILL, WE WILL, ROCK YOU! KRV kids say:"...we won't let you mess up our future!"

The disabled and the pubescent fight the fight...KVHD under fire...

In my mind I thought my job was to defend those who could not speak for themselves, those who are bullied, the under dog, but I found out on Dec. 2, 2010, a generation who can speak for themselves...

I had a long day in Bakersfield, knowing I would be coming from doctors and tests, around the time I would need to leave for the KVHD December board meeting, so I stopped by to pick up a potential camera crew to film. My chosen cameraperson, Abbie, shown at the bottom, as she did all the filming, had to bring along her friends for company and such, as we were about to bore them to tears...they thought.

Sky, 14, and Abbie 13, headed toward the hospital with a quick stop off for fast food, and we talked. We talked about the suicides as I reported last week, the kids have been telling me about chatter on Facebook and elsewhere about new suicides and even suicide pacts.

I was at a loss as to what exactly to say about it, more so, I let them talk about it and chimed in only when necessary.

How do you handle such things in the wake of tragedy like two suicides within a month, and an attempt shortly after? You don't, you just know that there are plenty of answers, and there is not the necessity to make this particular decision.

That's fine I can talk all I want, I'm still breathing. What happened to the kids? My idea is to refocus this energy into something productive, it is tough to be a teenager, and it is tough to find people who will listen. I saw something I didn't realize had happened at this meeting, with three great kids, at this hospital.

The CEO, Chet Beedle, should have been fired on the spot that night as he threw a tantrum that resonated with these children.

When we first arrived I handed my camera off to my camera girl, Abbie, who kept the pictures coming, and she showed some serious maturity in how she presented this meeting. (I'm not saying there wasn't shots of noses and ear hair, but they are 13 and everything they did that night exceeded my expectations. She did a great job. All three of them to say the least.)

There were some friendly faces as the girls took the camera around as they practiced with the gadget for a few minutes as the formal meeting was gathering. Even though there is definitely differences between myself and other audience members who attend and watch for the "clap now" sign, there were many who were very decent and friendly to the kids.

Not that these three could be out done by anyone in that room, but the way certain people handled this, is beyond my own ability to even see that low...I met Sky that night, as I know both Abbie and Destiny, and found a girl with an opinion and a lot of grit.




Sadly I have noticed certain board members becoming more and more paranoid, thinking something like this would be a "stunt" or far worse, " a set up."

As it makes me sick to say it, we have to deal with the letter that I received over the weekend in regard to that very idea. (the kids and their parents have addressed this)

Maybe that's how their minds work, which frightens me more and more each time I see some of them changing like, "Gollum," a "Lord of the Rings" character who lost his soul to the power of the ring.

Let me tell you that I followed, Rural Health Clinic Director, Greg Davis, PA, to the podium as he and his clinic were given kudos for something they did in regard to the recent suicide. I followed the back patting telling them a story which was akin to child abuse what I witnessed on Nov. 19, at the KVHD ER.

You are the problem: welcome to ground zero
 

Dr. Gregory Crawford and I go way back to November of 2006, when I asked for food as I had a sudden weight loss in a month, and thought I needed a boost of special "doctor" food or something. How wrong I was, as I was filled with some drugs and I blacked out. However, apparently they let me drive home.

Next was January of 2008, and here's a serious dilemma, I had a head injury and then came to the ER by ambulance due to symptoms of a stroke, left side. I was slurring and next thing I know Crawford is there asking for a drug test. Though I slurred my way through it I gave him one. But it was Dr. Pormir, who intervened on my behalf, thank God, as I was scared to death, and the stress of Crawford along with the symptoms were too much.

Only a few weeks ago I saw the contrast between a seamless day shift of all the best KVHD has to offer. They did great. I had no problems. Then as it seems the shift and wind changed and Crawford was there. The night was bad for me, but what he did to the youngish girl, was child abuse.

This kid was screamed at being accused of being on drugs due to here accelerated heart rate. She had drank a "Monster" caffeine drink she kept telling him. He told her "you're on Meth, tell me now I'll know you're lying after the drug test." I couldn't move listening to this, Crawford was relentless with this kid. But he had yelled at me too, and I was sick, and dammit, I'm angry I didn't get up and toss him into the dumpster.

I'm not the only one who has complained, I have each time and look we just keep him going in the ER with promises, the only fuel currently running KVHD at this time.

How could you even think it

Was it because the kids were with the likes of me that they were treated a certain way by certain people?

Well, you take it from here and tell me what you think...Here's a portion of the transcript. I will have a few comments or asides for those new to the blog.

Chet Beedle, you went way too far this time, and Chuck White, to have seen you trying to shut down the kids who only told you what they were seeing, and you gave them no respect, and apparently, were glaring at them. I'm calling you out on this crap. NO WAY!

There is no way to express how much I appreciate the kindness of those not so jaded as to question a 14 year-olds motives after she tells the audience about how she perceived what happened at this high school.

My camera girl, wonderful Abbie, did not photograph both Sky and I crying after she gave a heartfelt talk to the audience. Can you imagine how much strength that took to stand up in front of people you don't know, but are supposed to respect and those now reaching out to the suicidal, who did nothing. Joan Amos offered a tissue.

But Abbie somehow knew that what happened with Sky and I was a private moment, not to be shown as some spectacle. Trust me, any television station would have shown only that particular clip for hours until we were desensitized. Abbie showed discretion. Awesome.

Those who watch the videos and the new people being sent these videos will see what is really KVHD.

Who is helping who?

 

After I spoke and then Sky told her story, another friend of Abbie's was dropped off to join us, Destiny.

Destiny's mother is very ill, and she and her family know very well what it is like to deal with this hospital. She is no stranger and had a right to be there at the meeting as much as anyone else.

She whispered questions to me throughout the meeting asking who was who and who did what, but all of us were shocked as the meeting turned cold, and the sycophants wanted their anger to be heard: even in the presence of these kids.

They heard it, and I'm proud and their parents are proud, but most importantly they are proud of themselves, as they didn't take what they saw lightly.

Bullying

It's been openly a alley way or a boxing ring for years now, but for the night, the presence of the children needed to be both understood, and accepted. The video clearly shows an angry Chet Beedle arguing with a child.

I didn't see it until I watched the video, and I'm pretty much going to tell you, I demand the resignation of Chet beedle. 

The kids came to the defense of an audience and board member...

It didn't take long before "Debbie" who pulls around an oxygen tank and has attended meetings intermittently this year, spoke up, as she took to the podium too. She gave the board the history of her dealings with them, being hung up on by Chet Beedle, and dismissed by Miss Heidi Sage.

She had asked the board and the administrators for information, and they always have promised it, or ignored it, but never have supplied it. Debbie did not give up during the whole event she was there, extra oxygen tank, for the whole night demanding transparency and decency.

But...that wasn't going to happen without a fight.
 

It wasn't exactly even, two old disabled broads, three kids, a board member, and a former CEO, against the administration, board, a lawyer, a reporter, and a audience of implanted chips.

So what happened? Well, those kids, are proud and should be proud as they spoke up under the most aggressive, hostile atmosphere a child could find themselves in...why? Because some of those people I addressed are bullies and children and suicide didn't make any difference to them other than to deflect their current inability to DO something to solve their on going problems which lead directly to CAL MTG.

Chet Beedle and Debbie: "you hung up on me."

Debbie gave her version of the stories of her quest for an answer to the financials which would fall under Mr. Beedle's role as manager. She explained to us all she tried to call and was told he didn't "have to tell her anything," and hung up on her.

Nothing happened, not one person questioned that a community member literally had to fight for what is now explained, as she and CEO, Tim Mcglew found the error, or misplacement of certain figures.

Five months later, Debbie has submitted an explanation. But Mr. Beedle had to have his moment of being a VICTIM.

"I'm perfectly happy and willing to explain to everyone who would like to hear an explanation that comes across in a positive way." 

He went on to say, that he was "verbally abused" by Debbie asking questions of him not molded in a positive fashion such as what he was about to say to a child. And I know if this child had been with anyone else he would not have dared attack that young adult.

Before I continue I'd like to ask Mr. Beedle exactly how tough it is to answer a simple question and take a phone call, because I watch the employees at that pharmacy get torn apart every day as Mt. Mesa Clinical Pharmacy has been made the ugly stepsister of the hospital, blamed for financial issues it is not even connected to, short of product and staff.

Chet you take the counter at the pharmacy for a day, how about that? No, you step down and then take the job if you're even qualified to be a pharmacy tech who has to deal with customers who NEED their medicine, today, not tomorrow or whenever you get around to paying for our medicine. Try that out. Would you fire them if they hung up on all their customers who complain?

Of course you would. I should say a good businessperson would.

How about a customer service job Chet, have you ever tried having to deal with the public all day long on the phone? You wouldn't last a minute if you had a rule that "everyone had to treat you with kit gloves."

I've worked it, stealing a line from Victoria Alwin's 2008 campaign, and I don't see any rationale for what you did and the audience that attended should be checked for Beedle mania, as they didn't question "poor Chet." 

Yeah, that's what I wanted the kids to learn.
 

But as much as I could not even hear this nonsense from the man himself who began showing up unannounced at Kathryn Knights place of business during our effort to meet Cal Mtg. more than a year and a half ago, I didn't see it until I watched the video
.

One phone call, please. Kathryn Knight has taken more criticism, actual hostility, attempts to defame and unseat, a recent "verbal attack" after a meeting, and you can't handle one phone call? And some of that audience applauded?

From the mouths of babes...

Sky, an Arkansas native, with a southern accent which only added to her compassionate and inquisitive nature. This is what she told Chet Beedle:

"You had a little outburst there...in school, our parents and teachers, we learn how to self contain us, some control. And what you did was just rude. I'm sorry, but I was standing up there (at the podium) thinking about how you all-we admire you, you all influence us...and that was just rude. I understand she's little rash right now, but she's upset, she's been hung up on, more than once and that was rude. And I'm just trying to state my opinion right there. I'm not trying to be rude-I'm calm-I would like you to tell me that wasn't rude and for me to look up to you?

Beedle then tells this kid, fourteen year old, who knew what he said was nothing but a ruse, that he couldn't handle one phone call. So this victim took it out on Sky and said to her remark about looking up to him: "It doesn't need to happen."

I didn't see this until I reviewed the video, but then Sky shot back: "Oh, trust me, it's not."

The chairwoman didn't act. The board didn't say a word, as Gross had been called to the carpet by our oxygen toting, blog following, play it forward participant, Debbie, for his behavior with Mrs. Knight at the last meeting.

Gross, as is the KVHD way, would not admit to shouting or being offensive at the last meeting with Knight. He and the others always keep forgetting about the video camera. That doesn't lie. It doesn't have an agenda, and it watches and hears it all.

Now the kids were in it with the rest of us...

Bob Knight, former CEO, and board member, asked McGlew why Chet, who wrote plans for BRIM, couldn't run their strategic, late in the game to call it planning, more like waiting for the umpire to call a strike before swinging the bat, meeting.

Beedle was in no mood to hear what Knight and I both repeated, which was, "what exactly do we pay you for?" Knight told him, they did a good job getting a plan of action, but forgot the actual action part of the plan of action, and could only offer retraction. (hmm, that sentence actually worked)

It's true, McGlew has read them, there are ample documents and studies, the bottom line is that we, meaning KVHD and the whole valley, are at the bottom of the healthcare food chain.

The community spoke and nothing happened...over and over and over. One bond after another. Payment after payment to different companies.

But this new alliance with a strategic planning company came as a surprise to Kay Knight, who said, she thought there would be presentations at least, and that her paperwork on the selections for a facilitator for strategic planning, were only given to her three minutes before the meeting.

"What is so specific to strategic planning that we can't do it ourselves, and I'm sorry Chet, but its on your resume that you are specifically trained in Hospital strategic planning?"

Tim came to Chet's aide admitting he is trained to do this but wants a "real" company that specializes in that.

As they struggled with the vote on this company, consultant, the adminstrators say we need to "pay" to get "real advice" was partly covered by grant money, thereby justifying this certain company.

Knight asked what happened to HFS, the company hired for $75K recently in lieu of the default with debt insurer Cal Mtg.

McGlew explained there were "holes in the HFS report" and he didn't feel "comfortable" considering them for the strategic planning role. Though he said at first they were disqualified as they focused too much on competititve strategies which would not suit a one horse town.

Then give us our money back

If HFS had holes in their report, then we should put holes in their payment. I'm also asking this board, to put their money back where they got it from: if the product doesn't work you return it. Why not get some of that money back...or were they exaggerating the mediocrity of the financial report? I don't know, but I will send HFS this video and maybe they can answer a few questions.

We paid them $75K for what?
 

HFS got away with $75,000 and we are dissatisfied and cannot use the contents of the report to help correct problems, yet we do nothing...again?

As the board began a vote, Bob Knight again intervened to remind them they had not spoken to the costs, but were going to take a tally anyway.

Then Kay Knight asked again about an issue she had raised several times in the last few months and that is an attorney.

I'm the tie breaker...Alwin explained

It was Victoria Alwin's night, as a teacher, she had some young students on hand who were seeing things maybe she had not considered.

Alwin, was on the spot, as we only want to know why the board is reluctant to even speak to an attorney specializing in negotiation/bankruptcy on our old hole in the front tire, Cal Mtg.

Kay Knight got some back up from those unlikely, young minds, who couldn't possibly understand or could they?

"I am almost getting tired about talking about this, but, David Weinstein, said he would come and discuss what he would be able to do for us with Cal Mtg. and he would and I think he even offered free of charge, to come to discuss what he could do and would do for us and nobody wants to even listen. I think before we start to freeze salaries we need to have that other option at least to look at it. I would love to, I would just love to have him come and talk to everyone who wants to join us."

Knight pretty much lit up the meeting at that point, as this is as taboo a subject as there could be for KVHD, hanging by a financial thread for 22 years and then falling behind in every way. (Except administrative salaries where they remain way above average)

You could hear comments coming from all corners, mine for sure, and I don't know who all got into it, but the community was a mass of questions, answers, yelling, because this has been held off for so long...the big question of speaking to an attorney about negotiating with big bad Cal Mtg.

It's called pro bono, not Sonny Bono, KV Sun.
 

Very sharply, Susan Barr, asked Knight about this attorney, but she explained she hadn't ever heard of an attorney not taking money. Hey we know its easy to take shots at attorneys, but I witnessed this board, this CEO and CFO, hire Fullbright and Jaworski and dress them up and introduce them as a "bankruptcy" expert.

Both very red, McGlew and Beedle, looked away when the attorney told them their grand introduction was incorrect, as she said, "I don't know anything about bankruptcy." Ouch.

Why should this attorney be expected to be free, yet we hired on a bond company, and now strategic planning, but consultation of this one attorney is not allowed? It sounded nuts to all of us, even with a basic understanding that our hospital doesn't want to rock the boat as February, special election time, is only a few months away.

We could not understand completely why they would object to something that could be if you even considered it, a potential solution to the financial problems. I do suspect their reasons, but that's for later as we take our situation at this hospital, parce out the Beedles and their nest eggs, but keep the good shuff.

While the press on hand imitated a question to the board regarding the attorney in question, I asked her if she would like the actual email, then she would have her answer.

Apparently I triggered a reason for a reporter stand off as the whippet from the Sun got up to my face, yelling strange things: a quasi meltdown in the cafeteria I think it was. The night was young though, in every way...

I must say and give credit to both Tim McGlew and Victoria Alwin for behaving in a manner that at least hid our hostilies and differences while the kids looked on. At times Alwin even helped them understand certain issues which hampered the boards ability to somehow just consult with this attorney. Thank you both.

Even at our most divisive, I'll give McGlew credit, that he has never to my knowledge pulled anything like what Beedle displayed that night.

Dr. Gross, is another story, as his sudden revision from last month of the video I have of him yelling at Kay Knight, to "I didn't think I was shouting."

When did you start having these blackouts doctor?
 

First, it's Beedle who says he never said things that seem to oddly show up on these videos, now Dr. Gross has joined the "I didn't do it" club.

Well, as "Debbie" demonstrated, your demeanor last month, as she is a "play it forward" watcher waiting for this video, but it needs to be copied and mailed first, then the rest may have it.

"I would like to know the boards reluctance you need to look into this and found out what she's saying. You yelled at her Dr. Gross about that last month."

Gross responded quickly, "no I didn't."

Debbie kept at him trying to get a straight answer, but he wouldn't believe her or Mrs. Knight. Or me.

"Well, you yelled at her and said, if you talk to the attorney and finally find out you're not going to have it done will you drop it," she imitated Gross' mannerism.

"Actually, I said then and I repeat again, if the board would like me to meet with the attorney that she spoke to I'll be happy to do that."

"Well that's not what you said before," Debbie finished.

Now it was Alwin and the kids: the best for last

"I understand what you all are saying-just how long have you all been discussing this attorney dude?" the underestimated teenager asked the board.

Kay Knight replied, "April 24th."

"And it still hasn't been passed?" the teenager asked with surprise.

Then she offered her wisdom. "If you all want it over so bad, are we all on board with this idea? Does anybody object to it?"

"That's what we're going to discuss," Alwin said with a measured tone.

Sky continued her train of thought, "because probably by the end of the meeting it could be just all over with. If you just agree to it-April to December is a long time," she commented.

Someone, not me, I seconded the opinion though, yelled out, "that's called foot dragging," as Dr. Gross said he would admit the board is guilty of.

Sky persisted as Alwin explained they were discussing it. "By the end of the meeting?" or are you going to continue or postpone it?"

Knight, who Sky called her "hero" during the meeting, made a motion to see the attorney. Though scant time was spent spending a few thousand, talking to an affable attorney, who comes highly recommended, was not going to happen...my feeling is that these kids were the ones who pushed this information gathering to the brink as the board split.

As the power struggle continued, Reverend White asked the board counsel, Scott Nave, why they could even talk about this, as he couldn't find it on the agenda.

Nave told White that it was a general enough subject, finding and discussing financial solutions, that they could do this and even take action. A disappointed White, who has been involved with both Measure M from 2006 and Measure G, the recent bond failure, can shut down his KRVR to people who don't agree with him: but not a board meeting with children.

Can I ask a question a small voice raised from the audience, as Alwin, addressed our camera girl. She had said she had observed that those who "agreed" with the board were given "extra" time and those who did not, she used me as the example, got cut off.

They sat silent...then the vote

Alwin sat looking unhappy with her position as a 'tie breaker" as the boys from Brazil, Jamison and finally leaving the board after 20 years of fun and fraud, Brad Armstrong, voted against Knights motion to consult the attorney.

Gross, who was initially resistant, put in the second on the vote.

"I was hoping to avoid this," Alwin looked concerned but Armstrong consoled her, "I didn't like it either."

Sky, an obviously bright and healthy girl, kept on Alwin. "Are you really going to oppose that idea?"

Alwin answered, "right now the answer to your question "lies" in how I vote."

Knight told Sky, "she's the tie breaker."

"I'm the tie-breaker, I'm unable to vote right now," Alwin explained.

Abbie and Sky with their friend, Destiny looking on, said, "Okay, we're waiting..."

Again the kids with complete inhibition asked the chairwoman why only four voted and the teacher, dietician, chairwoman, answered. "I kind of want to know why nobody else voted only four people." Abbie politely asked.

I must say Alwin had patience and was good with the kids, she didn't let them down either.

"Two voted no and two voted yes and I'm the one who gets to say yes or no..." Alwin hesitated, the kids hanging on her words, "and I say...YES!"

"Thank you" Abbie and the kids shouted to her.

Boy, it was a night, and I haven't even talked about all of it, as I am still very concerned that there are no repurcussions for the administrators or the board, it's always ignoring the problems and letting them simmer on low until it carmelizes.

This cannot be let go and I think the parents of these children, who were simply showing us all what it is to be open minded, intuitive and American. I was so proud of these kids, and what they gave me is what I promised this community and that is "HOPE."

These kids who felt the simple sense of some control in their lives, were inspired. Sky had told Knight she was her hero, but here is what she said: "you inspire me. You make me want to listen...and that's hard to do." Knight was taken aback by the compliment as she has seen her days in the trenches, unlike others such as Armstrong, who voted with Cal Mtg. but never against them as Knight has done.

Sky pictured to the left and Debbie above, took much convincing to find out the answers, but in the end, the kids pushed the board, dragging feet and all into a new day: one where ALL options are assessed, and even with the anger, and angry voices, hanging in the air from the turbulent meeting, they left planning their next conquest.

It was a learning experience for all of us, if we choose it of course. I'm so proud and the parents are so amazed that their kids could do this as sometimes it takes a kid to tell an adult how to behave and how to open your mind.

Yes, we are the walking example. Those who are still talking, rarely do much more.

Thank you three, and thank you Debbie and those who can think for themselves and out of the box. I am excited about the future, not just here, but wherever these precocious kids are they will make a difference.

Now, though, I repeat, I demand some renunciation for Beedle's nasty, narcissistic rant, which he turned on a thoughtful teenager. In fact, his job, as he cannot handle simple tasks such as phone calls, and hands out a resume full of things he supposedly can do, but...just doesn't?

I hope the kids get another chance to speak with Mr. Beedle and the parents have their opportunity to back up their kids as they just learned something of a dark nature about adults.

Never did Beedle, the board, anyone, offer this child an apology. AS they asked, "can you explain that to me?"

This will not be let go...count on it KVHD. You went too far this time and I better not see anything negative about these kids in the local paper either. They reported to me that they were questioned by the Sun newspaper as to their names. They felt uncomfortable with Miss Barr and asked her, "why are you asking our names, are you going to slander us in the newspaper?"

It wouldn't be wise...
 

Part two: the letter we received over the weekend. How the kids responded to a crass, demeaning email, designed to hurt feelings, not solutions or even criticism. Again, the kids came through passing the test with flying colors.

To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. -Thomas Aquinas

Abbie, left, Sky, right, telling me they were nervous as they entered hospital territory, early that evening...apparently they were more than ready to take on the hypocrisy...and I'll be by their side when they do it again. FIRE CHET BEEDLE!

KVHD board meeting DEC.1: New turn around cash flow on the menu

The Kern Valley Healthcare District Board of Directors will meet for the final gathering of what could be called the "wildest year yet" this Wed. Dec. 1, at 5:30 Pm in the hospital cafeteria.

New board member, David Derr, and returning member, Kathryn Knight, will be sworn in and the agenda has an interesting subject under "new business": turn around cash flow.

Sources say the hospital has already put the chill on salaries and has cut hours and benefits, so it will be interesting to find out which way we are turning, "righty tighty or lefty loosey."

There was a plan

After the loss of Measure G, the hospital had not answered the repeated question from the public, what is plan B?

The financial problems are not new or sudden or anything of that nature. They have been with this hospital for 22 years. I can imagine in 1986 the announcement of the "grand plans" for the expansion of the hospital. They managed to eek out half of the promise, but that mistake still haunts the district to this day.

And the hospital admitting to a plan B, disseminating it at a finance committee meeting, would not allow a copy to be given to me or the public. I can't imagine what they don't want us to see.

They have also been directed to send a plan to Cal Mtg. as well. And the grand jury, complaint driven "review" requires a response within 90 days too. (that complaint/review was not generated by me and not much to write home about either. I know they can do better than that)

Why did we not meet Cal Mtg. in March of 2009?

Chet Beedle has told us many stories over the years, most of them recorded via video, email or documents, but he has not told you why they, CEO Rick Carter, CFO Chet Beedle, board member Bradley Armstrong, stopped what could have been a fruitful meeting with Cal Mtg. more than a year and a half ago.

Heading off problems before they become threats during an election for a tax increase/bail out, would seem to be the responsibility of the management team, administrators and board members.

Nobody acted on anything except to try and halt progress, which they accomplished. In an email from February of this year, Beedle talks of answers and the only one he can see is a GOB. The public had not been told that the hospital had already at this point been using the potential GOB in an effort to obtain a line of credit for one million dollars.

In emails between Beedle and Cal Mtg., Beedle tells the insurer of the "old debt" that they heard good news (this is April 2010) from Caldwell, Winters and Flores regarding a phone survey they did.

Tim McGlew, CEO, said the survey was done for "free" by the bond company which aids in elections and sells the bonds derived from property tax monies. The outcome of the survey was well over the 2/3 majority to win the election. The outcome of the election didn't quite reflect those figures which showed up again in July, as the paid for survey took place, and the public reported repeated calls, and convoluted questions. (We paid $15,000 for that phone survey regardless if the other was free, neither were accurate as people cannot be called a second or third time, and the numbers are easy to move, as it's how the question is asked. Complaints were numerous but fell on deaf ears.)

Regardless of the complaints the board of directors went ahead and put the measure on the ballot based on these surveys, only to have it defeated, and not register any of the numbers provided by CFW.

CFW, also in 2006, even though they were the company selected to run the 12.5 million dollar remake of the acute care wing, donated $7,500 to the campaign.

Where do they think they are going now?

With the last board meeting still causing dyspepsia among the viewers who have seen the video, and simply have been shocked at the behavior, or the most well worn word: arrogant.

It was difficult to watch this board ignore again its responsibility to this community, and the answers were not there. The respect and intelligence was missing as well.

Five months ago, the CEO told the board he would have a date for the strategic planning meeting in a few weeks. Nothing ever came of it. Kern Valley Sun reporter, Susan Barr, asked McGlew if the public was allowed to attend this elusive event.

The CEO and board counsel fell all over themselves explaining the public of course could attend and is encouraged to do so. Unlike the last one in 2008, where Bob Jamsion, the chairman of the board at the time, wrote a document eliminating the public. Only two members went or were notified or allowed, I'm still not sure, and those were insiders, Reverend Charles White of KRVR and former board member and Hospital Foundation volunteer, Chuck Wild.

Though the documentation of the "KVHD story" will be available to the authorities, and stored safely on the internet, I'm going to show you a few things before you head off to the meeting this week.

You're going right?

Thought provoking email from victims of KVHD nursing center disaster: Elder abuse case resumes Dec. 3, 2010

Making it through the grief

I received the email posted below about a week or so ago. It came from one of many families effected by the Kern Valley Healthcare District during the Department of Justice case from 2006 to 2007 regarding the nursing facility's use of chemical restraints.

When I read it over, I thought maybe I'll post it, or "Snope's" it first then post it. I wasn't sure.

I'm simply posting it because I realize there are so many out there still trying to heal from the degradation and in some cases loss of loved ones, and that they are and will be, dealing with grief and anger, amongst other emotions for a long time to come.

The defendants in the KVHD elder abuse criminal case will be back in Kern County Superior Court on Dec. 3, 2010. Former CEO, Pam Ott, former Director of Nursing, Gwen Hughes, who recently filed for bankruptcy and has opted for a public defender, and Dr. Hoshang Pormir, the former Medical Director for the facility, who hired Hollywood legal counsel, Donald Etra.

This is the case opened up by the Department of Justice run by Attorney General Jerry Brown, now Governor-elect, which included a specific topic of chemical restraining as a cause of death in at least three cases. Though I have and continue to believe it is murder, these crimes are known as "elder abuse." Also included are two assault charges regarding a forced injection of the antipsychotic medication known as "Risperdal."

Other issues arose and still plague the hospital today, but as of this time, these are the current defendants.

My best regards go out to all who have suffered needlessly at the hands of the Kern Valley Healthcare District. Here is the email which reminds one of the hypocrisy which surrounds the criminal and civil cases at KVHD.

Jails and Nursing Homes

Here's the way it should be:

Let's put the seniors in jail and the criminals in nursing homes.
This would correct two things in one motion:

Seniors would have access to showers, hobbies and walks.
They would receive unlimited free prescriptions, dental and medical treatment, wheel chairs, etc.

They would receive money instead of having to pay it out.

They would have constant video monitoring, so they would be helped instantly if they fell or needed assistance.

Bedding would be washed twice a week and all clothing would be ironed and returned to them.

A guard would check on them every 20 minutes.

All meals and snacks would be brought to them

They would have family visits in a suite built for that purpose.

They would have access to a library, weight/fitness room, spiritual counseling, a pool and education...and free admission to in-house concerts by nationally recognized entertainment artists.

Simple clothing - ie., shoes, slippers, pj's - and legal aid would be free, upon request.

There would be private, secure rooms provided for all with an outdoor exercise yard complete with gardens.

Each senior would have a P.C., T.V., phone and radio in their room at no cost.
They would receive daily phone calls.

There would be a board of directors to hear any complaints and the ACLU would fight for their rights and protection.

The guards would have a code of conduct to be strictly adhered to, with attorneys available, at no charge to protect the seniors and their families from abuse or neglect.

As for the criminals :
They would receive cold food.
They would be left alone and unsupervised.
They would receive showers once a week.
They would live in tiny rooms, for which they would have to pay $5,000 per month.
They would have no hope of ever getting out.
"Sounds like justice to me!"
(If You agree, pass this on!)

Report: "Facebook" teens talking suicide pack in wake of local deaths

Talk of suicide on "Facebook"

Within a month, two Kern Valley High School District students took their own lives in what has been described by people in the local area as "shocking" and "scary."

In the grocery store, the hospital, the gas stations, everyone in the Kern River Valley is talking about the suicides of two Kern Valley High School students.

Now, it has been reported to me that there has been "Facebook" chatter regarding, what one witness said, "killing themselves each Monday."

The young man who reported that teens are talking on facebook about killing themselves as well as doing it ritualistically, at a certain time, said he is concerned that some of his own friends may think that suicide is an answer to tough times.

Teens on phones, computers and netbooks

With so many ways for anyone to link to the internet, whether by cell phone, computer, netbooks, parents should be aware that there is talk of suicide, and keeping track of what your child is reading, who they are texting may help avoid any further tragedy.

My personal recommendation would be to simply talk to your child, teenager, about what sorts of message he or she is seeing on the internet in regard to the recent suicides here in the valley.

And many kids I have spoken to are both shocked and confused as to why such drastic things occurred to two young people they may have known or know of.

Right now there is little for anyone to be happy about as we see our country in the middle of its worst economic crisis since the great depression. We also see our once great country sliding back on education and opportunity for the next generation.

Remembering that being a teenager is no easy task anyway, and that there are many families struggling to put food on the table, I would think it would not be unusual to find the lost kids thinking of suicide as a possible, or even reasonable way of dealing with the world and its problems.

I've watched for years the generation with the grasp of computers and gadgets, music and games, some of them even were the creators of this blog, KVHD under Fire. They have heart and we need to watch out as there is uncertainty all around, and young people disenfranchised who may take messages of suicide seriously.

We cannot even fathom what the families are feeling

None of us can know what it feels like to lose a child to suicide, or in any way for that matter, if we haven't been there. It's unimaginable to most of us, such a great loss.

Aside from the fact that the deaths were suicides which we seem to think is reserved for what we judge to be "disturbed" people, young and old. These were both promising young people who had friends, family, and a future.

We can send out our heartfelt condolences, but we must not ignore the possiblity it could be any child at any time.

Stay alert and report any type of suggestion of suicide you may find on your child's computer or phones.

I will update this report and any information I have will be passed along to law enforcement immediately.

Blog reader watches video, catches gaff: sorry about that...

Play it forward: alert viewer catches remark

As more people have been seeing the most recent video recorded at the last Kern Valley Healthcare District General Board meeting from Nov. 3, 2010, it seems one person at least caught me saying something while filming.

"Oops, Laura, you mumbled a word when Gross and Awlwin got snotty during the discussion on consulting an attorney. It was hilarious. In my opinion truest word spoken. LOL. I noticed no others reacted but I could hear you say it on the video. Good job!"

Okay, I admit, there is some word on the video I had hoped would not be noticed. I've been strict with myself at the meetings and on this blog regarding what could be interpreted as foul language.

The word I used I apologize for if any of you caught it and found it offensive. For those that didn't it was basically a synonym for being a coward. That I don't take back.

From "Pay it Forward" (Measure G) to "Play it Forward" (Measure up?)

Kern Valley Healthcare District keeps public behind fence...Stay out of our yard!

With a campaign for a 22.7 million dollar General Obligation bond, "Measure G" defeated and out of the picture...for now...the Kern Valley Healthcare District board meeting the day after the Nov. 2, 2010 election, was completely devoid of answers and or information.

The negative campaign which held some truth, they do need money, they are in default with the insurer of the "old debt," Cal Mtg., and they do plan on cutting staff to make up for the losses in their operations monies.

Murmurs through the community are that these "measures" which were, I don't know if I could call it discussed, as more threatened upon this community and its workforce, are to include staff cuts, disruption of services, and the closure of the Mt. Mesa Clinical pharmacy. (Though a report in early 2010 showed the pharmacy to be viable)

So far, I've only heard of employee hours cut, but other issues such as when January arrives there will be more of the same.

(I can hear the desparate managers now: "well, you may get your job back if we get that bond. We told you this was going to happen.")

Where's Cal Mtg. ?
 

Cal Mtg. hiding behind the CEO, Tim McGlew and CFO, Chet Beedle, have the ability to fire both of these administrators: but they too have things to hide and they have these two overpaid "executives" running interference.

February is "special election" month and with the numbers they saw, they figure they can obtain this money grab and soon.

From the pattern and materials of the conduct of Caldwell, Flores and Winters, the company which makes money selling your bonds, or more specifically your property tax "contributions, they prefer the focused elections. They helped Tehachapi get a third bond, but actually completing construction is not of their concern.

Residents of Tehachapi now pay for three bonds, which will one day, bring about a "great" hospital...if it ever gets built.

As we saw in the election McGlew and Beedle were all over town, when the two who live outside our area, yet put their names in the local paper endorsing their bond, "Measure G" which they cannot even vote for, don't have to pay for, made appearances with a story about a new ER.

I tried, asked, requested, begged to see some plans and never did. I was an estimator in my own plumbing business, so I know a bit about it. Now, what I heard, true or not, as they have shown us nothing to the contrary, that the new ER would be one bed less, and have a larger nurse and doctor lounge. Oh, and that bathroom.

Since it's difficult to understand all that has transpired, the debts, the responsibilities, the big government agency which has control over the federal government where somehow this hospital is prohibited from even considering bankruptcy. Nobody has bankrupted on Cal Mtg.

Personally I love a challenge

Let's stop talking history, the lessons are there for those who choose to understand, those who choose the information which seems most plausible, and those willing to give up their own raise to keep staff on hand, and those willing to fight the real enemy, the egregious error known as the "old debt."

Actually, the enemy is ourselves, we have allowed Pam Ott CEO, to literally get away with murder and springboard from our disaster to another disaster where she somehow got into pension funds employees will likely never see again. Their retirements.

They say nobody has ever done it

Good, because I like to do things that have never been done, especially if it is a good cause such as saving a hospital.

Cal Mtg. is not the monster they seem, they are bound by the same laws such as the constitution of the United states which allows bankruptcy. And the contractual gymnastics with the agreement that lead to a hospital unable to grow or function and continue to do the same things such as a GOB or cut staff, overpay employees, not monitor their own employees credentials: there's a scratch in the record, repetitive behaviors.

Who would gain or lose?

I don't think Tim McGlew would benefit from fighting for a community he doesn't live in. He has a great salary, good hours, and plans on getting that bond in the spring or Cal Mtg. would have already sprung him.

Chet Beedle can't leave, he left a trail.

Dr. Gross doesn't want to go into a potential bankruptcy which he says can't be done as he has a vested interest in his jobs and clinic.

Bob Jamison would be an effective fighter against Cal Mtg.: he's crafty, plays dirty, uses all his weapons, never shys away from stretching the truth. He could do it, but he would then have to eat a lot of words. The Jamison conundrum that he is, would vote in a tax increase, call himself a "tea partier" use a radio station for his own public agenda, yet not use his powers for the community.

Board Chairman, Victoria Alwin, apparently has little time to give to her job, as in five videos is Alwin complaining of not having enough time, needed to get out of there before two hours, implying that either she should not have run for office or change her schedule to accommodate the E ticket ride at KVHD. Alwin has seemed to turn into a politician, where in 2008, she "worked it" at the hospital and here in 2010, she whisks off as quickly as possible. So, no, she has no reason to fight.

Maybe the newly elected board member, David Derr, will want to try and at least research the situation, and possibly develop a strategy to put out the fire as he has been trained in firefighting.

Kathryn Knight has been the outspoken member of the board regarding a consultation with a law firm known for big projects such as the situation between Cal Mtg. and KVHD. The board and administrators never mentioned it, until this last meeting...

What has been stopping the progress?
 

There will be no fight unless the impediments are taken out of the way so this community, financially tied to the institution/district, have a say in the future for this valley. They already did in many ways.

The hospital missed ARRA monies, (unless there is a grant writer working at the hospital now, it's unlikely they will be able to get any of the leftovers from the professionals who knew, foresaw, warned this hospital about the need for these grant monies being hoisted out of the "Obama" machine) low cost loans, monies from the state during the budget crisis up to $750,000, telemedicine grants, complete electronic record...I could go on, but I think you get the point.

As the public sits on the other side of the fence only watching the show, jobs are quietly being threatened, but no word from those who were ELECTED TO SERVE.

The "Play it Forward" program

I had disseminated numerous recordings of the last meeting as the administrators the day before defending a CEO pay raise or even actually pay RATE, threatening destruction, tried to dodge the whole question of what are your plans now?

No real plan A, as the original numbers were 13, 17, 19 million which crept up to 22.7 by the time Measure G got to the ballot.

Plan B, from my vantage point is they will be showing us how bad it can get for Christmas, cutting jobs and hours, benefits, then coming through with some sort of architectural model for the "happy new year" sales pitch.

The employees are not victims, they have not got their footing yet. It's a slippery slope, and now is not the time to shiver and shake, it's time to deliver and quake. Your choices.

No Go

We are going to fight Cal Mtg. and we are going to win. But these people you will see below, your doctor, dietician, found the night following their loss of big money, to be a night to whisper and write notes to each other. Bizarre.

That is why I sent out copies of this particular meeting, as there will be others of course, but this demonstrated a weakness which will in and of itself take down the hospital if it is not stopped.

Your friends have the video, and they will watch and pass it on to the next and so forth. If you need a copy, I'm only a blog away.

KVHD Board member, Dr. Robert Gross DO, and Chairman, Victoria Alwin, chat and talk during the CEO report. They wrote notes back and forth, making a mockery of the "alleged" dire need for that 22.7 million the day before. (I think we all have a dream of 22.7 million, I think they have better odds if I buy them a lottery ticket)

When Gross and Alwin saw me spot the camera upon their professionally challenged display, they pulled away from each other. As soon as I moved the camera back on the CEO, McGlew, they immediately snuggled back up together. Don't they know about wide angle shots? See pix below.

The audience sharing it's concern about the negative campaign as well as the back up plan, sat quietly watching something I have never seen since the May 2007 board meeting where Pam Ott, and the "sticky three" (the previous ones), refused to answer questions: the side step.

At one point KVHD board member Kathryn Knight brought out the information that a specialist attorney had been consulted regarding negotiating the old debt. Not that any of us heard about this until recently when I got the information during the candidate forum.

We only heard what Chet Beedle and Tim McGlew said in regard to bankruptcy. Beedle, whose resume says he himself was able to run a reorganization, and McGlew who said he has run several construction projects, we have not heard from people outside of this inbred information, which runs wild and free most of the time. (even with the cameras)

Bradley Armstrong, a former EMT, who came onto the board of directors in 1988, the year they voted on their biggest mistake, creating a huge debt, and failing to fulfill the promise of a new, expanded hospital.

In the picture on the left Armstrong seemed to be amused that anyone would try something twice that failed: like going to Cal Mtg. and asking for a break as that agency is allowed to PROFIT from their business/government/agency. (by the way Measure G was the sixth GOB without sense)

He told me he went to Sacramento and it can't be done. Peals of laughter broke out. I told Armstrong, who took trips with public monies in 2000, that he had also gone to Nashville, so say the documents. His demeanor changed right after that.

Must be proud of his record here, 22 years of Armstrong, who knew of the nursing facility disaster, short staffing, the deaths, the credentials of Pam Ott, Chet Beedle, Tracy Brown: let's just say he's leaving behind a disaster with his name on it.

Beedle, looking grim, losing his basket of money, but willing to wait for help in February, gave us all a stir when his "bad debt" numbers suddenly plunged after the election. Last year, Beedle and McGlew blamed the community members for not "filling out charity forms" for the increased debt. Then they defended sending out three year old bills for as little as $8.

Now, at this meeting, McGlew tells us they have been saying all along, the reason they don't collect is to "HELP" the community. Not billing then taking property taxes is not exactly making sense to me here. I think they come out on top of that deal.

As McGlew ran through his list of items in his report such as the new "intubation" equipment they have on order and the lack of a doctor for the new telemedicine, it was apparent there was confusion, and even anger that the money, being counted on, would not hit the basket quite yet.

They are going to rest, scare some employees, layoffs, cut services, send out bills, freeze wages, but make sure Tim McGlew has enough money to make his car payments. (who are these board members representing the CEO or the publics money?)

So, play it forward, watch the videos those who want to see what all the talk is about, I think you will have the chance to understand. Action to take is what is next.

There will be much more to tell soon, but for now, as a member of the community, a potential patient of the hospital: "Houston they are the problem."