[{"_1":2,"_114":-5,"_115":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,74,84,94,104],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":44,"_46":47,"_48":49,"_50":51,"_52":53,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":59,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":65,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},"mediaId",6454742,"mediaKeyId","5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933","parentId",5860516,"title","Monterey County officials warn HR1 changes could sharply cut Medi‑Cal, CalFresh support and strain Natividad","audioSeconds",0,"startMs",1860000,"endMs","viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933&start=1860&end=1860","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933/thumbnail_1860000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6454742/Monterey-County/California/Monterey-County-officials-warn-HR1-changes-could-sharply-cut-MediCal-CalFresh-support-and-strain-Natividad","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454742-c2f0d274ad0eda56b22c38e8fce1a73b/orig.mp4?Expires=1770598963&Signature=oVE0dfEcStOodv7LU9CDPRgFPSGSFjJCMoJfgPHKm-2OV2BPXk2DGix61dKqpWznoG5impQdAos7KAHrB3-hciC8q-WPrjPAaKyW2gtyPUvhwUZeIey0u-DpgJGbXvtQwrEDhPI~LcGkZKSM0P6Cp69jXatuiIA98Jq2Em0bX0yQBwHwUOyJbzW8yD0LW8nKKY3mKjLCO3W8CYgHinerZHQ8sw4Rj5XF74gzKNldSYsLckfyLRxpz8Xyv~9mywnD28uEo5vzCb3KTCU1DBBJqk5lyxbn0R61-h8t8p7bxqHOfKB0NT7sunOInJUFQDfO1eW-HTnlsunSflyyumi4mw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Monterey County","date","2025-09-30T23:32:32Z","article","Monterey County health officials and the CEO of Natividad hospital told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 30 that federal and state changes tied to HR1 (the federal reconciliation bill) will shrink enrollment, increase administrative work and risk substantial funding losses for local safety‑net providers.

The warning came during a staff briefing on the timeline and local effects of HR1 and the 2025–26 California budget. Roderick Franks, director of Social Services, said the situation is \"still an evolving environment\" and that available guidance could change federal and state implementation details.

County officials said effects begin as early as Jan. 1, 2026, when an asset test for some Medi‑Cal enrollees will be reinstated and when adults in some immigration status categories will no longer be eligible for new full‑scope Medi‑Cal enrollments. The county’s summary showed several points of concern: frequent redeterminations (every six months for some groups), reinstated asset limits, new copay or premium provisions for some enrollees and a possible cost shift in CalFresh administrative funding.

Why it matters: Monterey County has a higher share of residents who rely on Medi‑Cal and related programs than many California counties. Dr. Chad Harris, CEO of Natividad, said loss of federal support for supplemental payments and disproportionate share hospital (DSH) funding could be large. \"If those funds were not extended, [the DSH] impact…would be approximately $14,000,000 per year to Natividad,\" Harris said. County staff said a shift in CalFresh administrative cost share could add roughly $2,000,000 in county costs if shared proportionally.

What officials said: Roderick Franks emphasized the administrative and client‑service implications: more frequent redeterminations mean more outreach and document collection for roughly 61,000 enrollees in Monterey County who would face 6‑month reviews. He added that roughly 13,000 people could be affected by an asset test and that about 39,000 currently enrolled residents have the immigration status identified in the state changes.

Elsa Jimenez, director of Public Health, described clinic impacts: the county’s federally qualified health centers would see lower Medi‑Cal reimbursement for a subset of patients and lost program grants. \"About 23% of our patients assigned to our federally qualified health centers have a [unsatisfactory immigration] status,\" Jimenez said, adding that fee‑for‑service reimbursements would be far lower than the county’s current prospective payment rates.

Local planning and action: Supervisors pressed staff for immediate outreach. The board authorized a $250,000 county allocation to support community outreach and education — a program staff said would be run with community‑based organizations, radio/TV and social media messaging and on‑site enrollment assistance to reach people before Jan. 1, 2026. The board asked staff to return Oct. 14 with a detailed plan.

Public and board reaction: Public commenters called the legislation \"cruel\" and warned of broader community impacts. Supervisors stressed urgency: \"If there ever was a time when we needed funds available to invest in a program that bolstered...community outreach workers, it would be now,\" Supervisor Lopez said.

What’s next: County staff will coordinate county clinics, Natividad and community partners to run a rapid outreach campaign over the fall and incorporate the county’s plan into the Oct. 14 board agenda. Staff also committed to return with more detailed financial estimates as federal and state guidance arrives.

Ending: County officials said they will continue tracking federal rollouts and state guidance; the board directed staff to prioritize outreach and return with a plan and budget to mitigate enrollment loss and protect local safety‑net access.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","County of Monterey Board of Supervisors 9/30/25","oneSentenceSummary","County health, social services and Natividad leaders told the Board of Supervisors that the federal reconciliation bill known as HR1 and related state budget changes will reduce eligibility, increase verification frequency and shift costs to counties, potentially costing Natividad millions and raising administrative burdens for county programs.","taxTitle","Monterey County, California","taxId",3728,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":75,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":76,"_41":42,"_43":77,"_45":77,"_46":78,"_48":79,"_50":80,"_52":81,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":82,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":83,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6454724,"County staff to study mandatory spay/neuter ordinance; Seaside precedent cited and public urged quick action",12871000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933&start=12871&end=12871","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933/thumbnail_12871000.jpg","/articles/6454724/Monterey-County/California/County-staff-to-study-mandatory-spayneuter-ordinance-Seaside-precedent-cited-and-public-urged-quick-action","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454724-dd72b7b7f1669b2dba3c4129d26270c1/orig.mp4?Expires=1770598963&Signature=CNM5FqITx2W5MXN1vN1syjWvEoIRztpG-Zjp6dKdKQxwItRzJE8hy3-P1wQWGpHM3lGACp3DFgO7O~FJBHB1LBL4-Vo8PUtY~NIOX9lsx8uEjSCtNmgor8VifuPI4W8TuAyrFzYIgjKScmAVq7pWriNLky0WgsTTnAmfj1ZCm2aCd4aW1g4nPbBpdr2QbID2xtyQUrKHsDortCUrDMqlcZHN2Ma0Q2WUAWmMCzfwLhH23mTkfIhmNL2brUbFtBT61MKfSHmTgoBVM4GPLa2ATQiDBMJACiOri40Kg5Jb2yaQdGrU82KBxCItmO~NOEz-XM2q8jy3gYc7qXwwPYekqw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monterey County animal services staff told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 30 they will research the feasibility of a countywide mandatory spay/neuter ordinance and return by May 2026 with a detailed analysis.

Cindy Burnham, administrator of Hitchcock Road Animal Services, said the department \"wholeheartedly supports spay/neuter\" but noted challenges in a mandatory ordinance: enforcement costs, the need for accessible low‑cost services for low‑income residents, a national veterinary workforce shortage and the administrative workload to track compliance. State and national animal welfare groups have cautioned that mandatory ordinances are only effective when sufficient services, enforcement and education are in place.

Board direction and timeline: Staff said it will: review other jurisdictions’ mandatory ordinances and outcomes; analyze costs to expand low‑cost spay/neuter capacity (including the department’s own clinic and mobile services); consult Hitchcock Road joint powers board and local veterinary partners; and return to the board with findings in approximately 6–9 months (staff proposed a May 2026 report date).

Public testimony and local precedent: Students who are part of a county youth spay/neuter advocacy project urged quick action. Representative Eli, a high school student and program ambassador, said shelters are \"already full\" and described animals euthanized because shelters lack capacity. Alex Sheldren, animal control specialist for the City of Seaside, told the board Seaside’s ordinance has already reduced kitten intake and that the city’s approach pairs enforcement with outreach, permitting and a list of clinic resources.

Considerations raised: Staff plans to analyze enforcement models (education‑first, phased compliance, permitting for legitimate breeders), the capacity of local veterinarians and partners such as spay/neuter mobile clinics, and the need for a sustained funding plan to make services affordable.

Ending: The board accepted the preliminary analysis and asked staff to continue work with the Hitchcock Road JPA and return with options and cost estimates by May 2026.","Hitchcock Road Animal Services told supervisors it will study the feasibility of a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance for unincorporated Monterey County and return with an analysis in about 6–9 months. The presentation cited enforcement and resource challenges and noted Seaside’s recently implemented ordinance and local mobile clinic capacity.",{"_33":85,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":86,"_41":42,"_43":87,"_45":87,"_46":88,"_48":89,"_50":90,"_52":91,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":92,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":93,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6454728,"Board receives report on proposed Alisal Arch; city funding and community fundraising expected",11198000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933&start=11198&end=11198","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933/thumbnail_11198000.jpg","/articles/6454728/Monterey-County/California/Board-receives-report-on-proposed-Alisal-Arch-city-funding-and-community-fundraising-expected","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454728-4e6144d8a813363a04268b5eee634c52/orig.mp4?Expires=1770598963&Signature=WD5GS86WuJ7AmWBo-tHKoTw8~l2~LgUL12OX8cgJbsqtW0pTi1l9lt23GqoJ~nZdouLOck~gFGUSwEhtrer1ButMVFwwI2cKN0e2bvGKXwjM0Dw5ggk8sQ5wysyfa1muit4cysogKK9lEUzGPsTuuArrXzus~sO014boVHP8frTbliPUHRnqL04eXeyCuZSOorC3sQa7qKAaA1HMnHa3pfloWeczrF1vbSk5tWzfwv2zoHBaKFzoVwKF6iGlwV8BMOePj8wBSyBe8Qp7fjh1S8u3Y3XWvkcyWZBX0b6xEBYG~X9ZYqYAbgSxvBB~iG8Ssz7BkqRwgBePtqIWNkB-tA__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Monterey County staff presented a preliminary analysis Sept. 30 on a board referral asking the county to consider official support — including a possible financial contribution — for a proposed \"Alisal Arch\" gateway in East Salinas.

Background: The arch idea stems from the City of Salinas' Alisal Vibrancy Plan and the Alisal District Identity Master Plan (ADIMP), which included gateway and placemaking features. City staff told county staff they have allocated roughly $348,000 for gateway/placemaking signage in the ADIMP budget, but the city’s allocation is not exclusively for an arch and the final scope, location and design remain to be determined.

Staff recommendations and options: Public Works presented options including (a) supporting the city’s process and funding in kind; (b) committing a percentage of the city’s appropriation (suggested options ranged from 10% to 50%); (c) underwriting a fixed share of an estimated arch budget using comparable projects as a starting point (the Downtown Salinas arch cost ~$525,000 in 2021; another recent arch in Castroville cost roughly $488,000), or (d) launching a joint fundraising campaign with the city and community partners. Staff said a formal county funding source had not been identified and recommended further study and cooperative development with the city.

Board discussion: Supervisor Alejo — the referral sponsor — said the idea grew from community input and local Rotary interest; he described community partners (a county community foundation contact had offered to open an account for donations). Supervisors supported city‑led design work and a community fundraising approach; several asked staff to return with more detailed cost estimates and a proposed county role once the city selects locations and a design.

Next steps: Staff will continue coordination with the City of Salinas and community partners and return to the board in coming months with more detailed cost estimates and a plan, following the city’s initial design and outreach steps.

Ending: The board received the report; no formal county funding commitment was made. Supervisors encouraged partnership, community fundraising and alignment with the city’s ADIMP process.","Staff reported on a referral to support construction of an iconic gateway 'Alisal Arch' for East Salinas. The city of Salinas has budgeted roughly $348,000 for gateway placemaking work; supervisors discussed fundraising, possible county contribution and next steps for a design and community process.",{"_33":95,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":96,"_41":42,"_43":97,"_45":97,"_46":98,"_48":99,"_50":100,"_52":101,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":102,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":103,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6454732,"Board agrees to proceed with reinstallation of Anza National Historic Trail auto‑tour signs after debate over historic framing",11078000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933&start=11078&end=11078","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933/thumbnail_11078000.jpg","/articles/6454732/Monterey-County/California/Board-agrees-to-proceed-with-reinstallation-of-Anza-National-Historic-Trail-autotour-signs-after-debate-over-historic-framing","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454732-a89de63d24ad252cc99cdbed1aa85b1f/orig.mp4?Expires=1770598963&Signature=jlxPf-zl4KwrBzeJvHT9y4X25z17ua5-lOm~IKTrhQ3Fdj3ILGWwg6865hsoupVP-ctUVw7ZzuiGslJp9hx7Wpmzpwo0m0v94iyVF3b0Vy4iWTibcgnpOdfUX5smzEintxCWHGe0~usvM29hzTr1B5tHVd6bms0BSH8AW~5GEZoI8SNN1yGJGucDeUV6KFmsIBZdm~2Lhp9VS7204aJUXa0hBZ7asnLxw0f3xDnlgk9FOofWuyy7OgW21ZyOHA4F-UMNqpn7tPV4DMA-seQPBGx3gaD635D0xoLUb-bWkihKKfhiNbqQsudSp5vApWH1y2d7vQNoqXqqGEzWbI046w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Monterey County Board of Supervisors voted Sept. 30 to move forward with a county partnership with the National Park Service to reinstall official auto‑tour signs for the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail on county roads.

Public works staff said the National Park Service identified 14 sign locations within the county and that the county would sign a letter of intent, complete site reviews, follow local and state permitting and install California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (CA MUTCD)‑approved signs. Staff estimated about $15,000 in county staff time, materials and hardware to install signs; because the signs would be in the county road right‑of‑way they are eligible for county road fund usage.

Board action: Supervisor Lopez moved to proceed with executing the referral as outlined by staff. The motion passed unanimously.

Debate and public comment: The plan prompted public comment from Native American advocates who said replacing commemorative signs for a Spanish colonial expedition risks celebrating an invasion. Commenter Nina Beatty said she was \"opposed to partnering with National Park Service in this\" and that signage risked glossing over harm to Indigenous communities.

Supervisor Lopez and others said installing signs offers a chance for fuller public education about the expedition’s complexity and harms. Lopez said the signs will enable discussions with younger residents about the contested history and that National Park Service staff had acknowledged the expedition included \"spats of violence\" and other harms.

Signs and interpretation: Staff noted the auto‑tour signs are intended to guide motorists; the county will discuss with the National Park Service whether supplementary visitor hubs or a QR code linking to fuller interpretation are possible. Supervisors asked staff to confirm tribal outreach and include links to educational materials produced collaboratively by the National Park Service and tribal and tourism partners.

Next steps: Staff will execute the letter of intent, review specific locations in the site management plan, run required permitting and provide an update to the board by Dec. 31, 2025.

Ending: The board approved staff moving forward while stressing that signage should not whitewash history and should be paired with richer interpretive resources for the public.","The board directed staff to execute a letter of intent with the National Park Service to reinstall 14 auto‑tour signs marking the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trail in Monterey County. The decision prompted public comment and debate about presenting colonial history honestly; supervisors said the signs can be a teaching tool.",{"_33":105,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":106,"_41":42,"_43":107,"_45":107,"_46":108,"_48":109,"_50":110,"_52":111,"_54":55,"_56":57,"_58":112,"_60":61,"_62":63,"_64":113,"_66":67,"_68":69,"_70":67,"_71":72,"_73":72},6454737,"County to display 'Heart Stories' artwork made at CTF; Life on Art program aims to support rehabilitation",7966000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933&start=7966&end=7966","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5860516-cc1057053520a5ff4d55e4963d9cd933/thumbnail_7966000.jpg","/articles/6454737/Monterey-County/California/County-to-display-Heart-Stories-artwork-made-at-CTF-Life-on-Art-program-aims-to-support-rehabilitation","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6454737-13469d7a83f4c737d701601eac241f6e/orig.mp4?Expires=1770598963&Signature=W3k7mfwm-LSUlkbdSt~KwJJIimQ8AAcEB283nDQV5wjWbUYjfmumgRF81Q~3dfsDQ1xFe-paoTeVDnf3s6zO1zlnG8ecNLVJNbJ1v5th3INaGiI6uFBdvmrt8-2UtwZp7X-rKDz~LUnJa0sl~QWznCH6x74hxT50r1OkEyPNQqzasIMOQkdABlKaDhzpDnNAYta0VzXA6BlR7fy6xy4NyCsnBUScJlnBRpZNSRrRY7WsJ1b2RQqIaxET6qMb2FGX5sabmZQD-2aqPJgO~SPh3WLXDqtSHBiOr8wBASqudhnPPdzrdLlYyjnVN8Aw4-t4KXYiRskZrmjlceONKVfnbQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","A program that brings community volunteers and incarcerated men together to make paper‑mâché \"winged hearts\" and share personal narratives will display its work in Monterey County starting in October, program founder Tracy Farren told the Board of Supervisors on Sept. 30.

Farren described Life on Art's \"Heart Stories\" curriculum, an eight‑week workshop that provides each participant with a white painted papier‑mâché heart, a journal and art supplies. Over the course of the workshop participants write and paint their \"heart stories.\" Farren said the model pairs community volunteers with incarcerated participants and that the finished hearts are presented with a digital portrait and, in some cases, a recorded message by the artist.

\"The power of art to transform and elevate and unite people is unparalleled. It really creates hope,\" Farren said during the presentation. County staff said the exhibit will be installed in the county lobby, at the Soledad post office and at the presenter’s office in South County; the lobby show is scheduled to begin the first week of October and run through the month.

Why it matters: Supervisors and public commenters framed the program as a rehabilitation and community‑reentry practice. Supervisor Lejo noted the county's two correctional facilities and the large incarcerated population housed in the county and called the program a promising path to encourage change. Supervisor Church and others praised the program's role in rehabilitation and in strengthening ties between inside and outside communities.

Community partnership and next steps: Life on Art said it is seeking local volunteers and partners to sustain the program and expand local facilitation so the group need not travel from Sonoma County for every workshop. Tracy Farren requested county help identifying local nonprofits, universities and volunteer facilitators; Soledad Councilwoman Evarista Banguelos, present via Zoom, said she would share the program information with local committees and support outreach.

Public comments: Several attendees with lived experience praised the program and urged broader support for reentry and community services. The board did not take a formal vote; members expressed support and encouraged public engagement and attendance at the exhibit.

Ending: The Board thanked Life on Art and embraced outreach to local volunteers and institutions to help host future workshops and related public events.","The Board heard a presentation from Life on Art founder Tracy Farren about an eight‑week 'Heart Stories' program run at the California Training Facility (CTF). The resulting papier‑mâché heart artworks will be displayed in the county's lobby and other local venues beginning in October.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Monterey County officials warn HR1 changes could sharply cut Medi‑Cal, CalFresh support and strain Natividad

County staff to study mandatory spay/neuter ordinance; Seaside precedent cited and public urged quick action

Board receives report on proposed Alisal Arch; city funding and community fundraising expected

Board agrees to proceed with reinstallation of Anza National Historic Trail auto‑tour signs after debate over historic framing

County to display 'Heart Stories' artwork made at CTF; Life on Art program aims to support rehabilitation