Santa Paula council to weigh hospital resolution and up to $50,000 for a health care expert

SANTA PAULA - The Santa Paula City Council will consider a resolution Nov. 18 backing locally accessible, 24-hour emergency medical care for the Santa Clara River Valley, according to the meeting agenda.

A staff report from City Manager Dan Singer recommends adopting Resolution No. 7639, directing staff to return with a separate resolution forming an ad hoc council committee on hospital and health care services, and committing up to $50,000 in city funds to hire a health care expert. The money would come from existing General Fund balance, the memo says.

According to the memo, Ventura County decided not to seismically retrofit Santa Paula Hospital, leading to its closure at the end of 2029, and the county Board of Supervisors voted Aug. 18 to pursue a medical office building and expanded access care center rather than a replacement hospital with a 24-hour emergency department.

The memo says a coalition led by Latino Town Hall requested the resolution, with support from Councilmembers Cornejo and Juarez. Fillmore adopted a similar resolution Oct. 13. The memo says Santa Paula's resolution does not reject the county's proposal.

The item is on the 6:30 p.m. regular agenda at City Hall, 970 Ventura St.

Source: Santa Paula City Council agenda, Nov. 18, 2026; agenda packet, item 10.A staff memo.