Since the contracts were terminated Monday, Feb. 5, physicians at Prime have reported prolonged, agonizing wait times for patients, the company’s president and chief medical officer said in a Friday letter to Dr. Mark Ghaly, California secretary of health and human services. In some cases, patients have walked out of emergency rooms in disgust and been refused transfers to other nearby CalOptima hospitals, wrote Dr. Sunny Bhatia.

“On behalf of patients, we ask that Department of Health Care Services hold CalOptima accountable to its responsibility to ensure access, continuity, and care to patients and include the safety net hospitals patients have relied on for decades,” states the letter. “These terminations are already negatively impacting patient safety, quality care, and outcomes for the vulnerable patients dependent on CalOptima, very literally putting their lives at risk.”

Ontario-based Prime operates 44 hospitals nationwide, including Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center, Huntington Beach Hospital, La Palma Intercommunity Hospital and West Anaheim Medical Center.

In a statement Friday, Feb. 9, DHCS said Medi-Cal managed-care plans like CalOptima have the right to voluntarily terminate their contractual relationships with network providers with a 60-day prior notice.

Following termination of the Prime contract, the DHCS said, “emergency services and post-stabilization care continue to be covered” by the company.

CalOptima, which has 954,000 members and is the largest health insurer in Orange County, provides coverage to its members through three programs, Medi-Cal, OneCare, and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly. Its contract with the four hospitals had been in effect for more than 15 years.

The termination of Prime’s contract has sent shock waves through physicians and patients at the four hospitals, some of whom protested outside CalOptima’s headquarters last week.

“Hundreds of patients, representing the tens of thousands cared for at these hospitals, pleaded with CalOptima to allow them to continue their care at these hospitals,” Bhatia said in the letter to Ghaly. “These were the hospitals they trusted, the care that provided them dignity, the quality that saved their lives, and the access and continuity they need and deserve. Despite their pleas, CalOptima unilaterally decided for them that they do not need these hospitals.”

CalOptima claims misrepresentation

CalOptima Chief Executive Officer Michael Hunn has cited under-utilization of the hospitals as a chief reason for the termination of Prime’s contract.

From Dec. 1, 2022, to Nov. 30, 2023, 15,604 members accounted for 26,290 visits to the four Prime hospitals, with 98.6% being emergency room visits, according to data collected by CalOptima. Many members went to the ER more than once. There were 2,800 CalOptima inpatient admissions and 364 visits for elective care at Prime hospitals during the year.

Additionally, CalOptima delegates the care of approximately 750,000 members to large, managed-care medical groups, but there is no evidence of Prime contracting with any of those providers, Hunn said.

Seven other CalOptima hospitals within five miles of Prime facilities can absorb patients, he told the Southern California News Group, adding that the termination of the contract should have little impact on patients.

“We stand against activities that detract from this focus, especially the misrepresentations related to CalOptima Health’s contract change with Prime hospitals,” CalOptima said in a statement Friday. “Those misrepresentations are not consistent with what is actually occurring with CalOptima Health members who have received care at Prime hospitals since our contract ended on February 5.”

CalOptima said it is providing Prime hospitals a clinical response within 30 minutes for those patients who may need post-stabilization hospital services.

“We are collaborating closely with our state regulators, who are aware of our unwavering commitment to quality care for members, delivered by our strong network that includes 39 acute and rehab hospitals across Orange County,” the company said.

Prime reports delays, angry patients

However, in the letter to Ghaly, Bhatia said Prime’s worst fears about delays and care for patients are being realized.

“Despite CalOptima CEO Michael Hunn’s assurances that he does not need these hospitals for network adequacy and can effectively transfer and care for patients requiring inpatient care, patients are suffering and denied the quality care and continuity they deserve,” Bhatia said.

According to the letter, in just three days following termination of the contract, documented evidence shows insufficient bed capacity at other CalOptima hospitals and the inability of Prime physicians to transfer stable patients. In some cases, Bhatia said, patients have reportedly left Prime hospital emergency departments, against the advice of doctors, with untreated medical conditions due to lengthy transfer wait times.

At least 37 Prime CalOptima patients have required transfers since Monday, with an average wait time in the ER of 30 hours, with some experiencing much longer delays, according to the company.

In one instance, a 57-year-old woman who went to a Prime ER with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea waited 60 hours but could not be transferred to another CalOptima hospital because of a lack of inpatient beds and had to be admitted to the Prime facility’s intensive care unit, the letter says

Fourteen patients had clinical conditions that deteriorated while awaiting transfer, requiring urgent inpatient or ICU admission at Prime hospitals, the letter stated.

“This could have been avoided if these patients were allowed to be admitted promptly while stable and receive the quality, inpatient care that had always been provided,” the letter states. “Patient clinical outcomes have been unnecessarily and negatively impacted, causing irreparable harm as a result.”

A physician reported that a 45-year-old woman who had an acute flare of Crohn’s disease went to a Prime hospital and was denied a transfer to Orange County Global Medical Center.

Orange County Global Medical said Friday it could not comment because of patient privacy regulations and does not speak on behalf of decisions made by physicians who are independent contractors.

Dr. Kevin Truong, an emergency medicine physician at Garden Grove Hospital, said in a phone interview that earlier this week a man came to the ER complaining of shortness of breath and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. However, after waiting for 31 hours to be transferred to another CalOptima facility, the man angrily stormed out of the ER, describing the lengthy delay as the worst service he had ever experienced.

The man’s frustration is understandable, Truong said, adding the ER is a “loud, noisy environment and is not good for inpatient care.”

The unlikely mashup of foot soldiers — a dozen homeless individuals with chronic illnesses, health care executives, and doctors clad in white lab coats — held signs that read “Shame on you for taking away our care” and “Every patient matters” during a spirited 30-minute protest Thursday, Feb. 1, outside CalOptima’s high-rise headquarters in Orange.

The aim was to prevent the Medi-Cal insurance giant from terminating its contract on Monday with Ontario-based Prime Healthcare Services, which owns Garden Grove Hospital and Medical Center, Huntington Beach Hospital, La Palma Intercommunity Hospital and West Anaheim Medical Center.

“Garden Grove Hospital is my home away from home,” said Robin Wilson, 63, a CalOptima member who has diabetes and chronic colitis and lives just three stoplights away from the facility she has been using for 45 years. “I don’t feel comfortable going anywhere else. Garden Grove Hospital provides the best care. I can’t emphasize enough how much they do.”

Another CalOptima member, 53-year-old Wendy Bailes of Newport Beach, frequents the Huntington Beach Hospital’s emergency room and was most recently treated for broken ribs.

If CalOptima rescinds the facility’s contract, it will be a “major blow” to the community because medical providers take time to understand the needs of patients, Bailes said, adding, “They know me there.”

Created 30 years ago

CalOptima Health was created by the Orange County Board of Supervisors in 1993 as a county-organized health system and is the largest of six COHS in California.

It manages programs funded by the state and federal governments, but operates independently under the leadership of a board of directors made up of members, providers, business leaders and local government representatives that include Orange County Supervisors Doug Chaffee and Vicente Sarmiento.

“We are always concerned about a patient’s access to quality and timely care,” Sarmiento said. “We also recognize the importance of addressing concerns in the delivery of care and ensuring the rights of low-income patients are protected, throughout the process.”

With 954,000 members, CalOptima is the largest health insurer in Orange County, providing coverage for more than one in four residents through three programs, Medi-Cal, OneCare, and the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly.

In a last-ditch legal effort, eight CalOptima members filed a petition this week in Orange County Superior Court against CalOptima Chief Executive Officer Michael Hunn seeking a temporary restraining order to block the termination of Prime’s contract.

The petition request was denied Friday by Judge Scott Steiner.

“It is unfortunate that a single decision for no cause can alter the lives of so many in greatest need,” Prime said in a statement. “With this seemingly arbitrary decision, CalOptima is eliminating a significant percentage of the acute care hospitals in its entire network.

“While every person deserves expanded care and access, eliminating hospitals for no cause seems contrary to the best interests of patients, who are left wondering why their care can be limited and why they don’t deserve access to all hospitals willing and able to care for them, especially all safety-net hospitals.”

Reasons for termination given

Following Thursday’s brief protest, CalOptima members filed into the organization’s expansive boardroom, where for nearly 15 minutes Hunn explained why Prime Healthcare’s contract is being terminated, with approval from the California Department of Healthcare Services.

“It’s not helpful if there’s misinformation about the facts,” he told CalOptima’s board of directors. “It’s not helpful for our members to be frightened or worried. It’s not helpful for our members not to know what’s going on because they don’t understand, or they don’t speak the language. That’s not fair to vulnerable people.”

Hunn cited patient under-utilization as a chief reason for the termination of Prime’s contract.

From Dec. 1, 2022, to Nov. 30, 2023, 15,604 members accounted for 26,290 visits to the four Prime hospitals, with 98.6% being emergency room visits, according to data collected by CalOptima. Many members went to the ER more than once.

There were 2,800 CalOptima inpatient admissions and 364 visits for elective care at Prime hospitals during the year.

“We believe that our networks can certainly handle 364 cases, given the tens of thousands of cases here in our county,” Hunn said.

Within five miles of the Prime facilities are seven other CalOptima hospitals that can absorb patients, he told the Southern California News Group

Additionally, CalOptima delegates the care of approximately 750,000 members to large, managed-care medical groups, but there is no evidence of Prime contracting with any of those providers, Hunn said.

“We believe that our members are best off being in a managed-care environment with a primary care physician in a medical home, receiving coordinated care from both the doctor, their outpatient services, and any inpatient services they might need,” he told the board. “The state thinks they get better care, physicians believe they get better care, and we firmly support that.”

Prime learned only a month ago its lack of designated medical group contracts contributed to CalOptima’s decision to terminate its contract, according to company officials. The officials said they asked for time to pursue the contracts but were rebuffed by Hunn.

Little impact expected

Overall, the termination of CalOptima’s agreement with Prime should have minimal impact on members, Hunn said.

Members and anyone else in the community can go to any emergency room and receive medical screening and stabilizing treatment under federal regulations, he noted.

If a patient needs admission and no beds are available elsewhere, the hospital where they received emergency care — including the four Prime hospitals — can admit and treat them, he said. In that instance, CalOptima will cover medical costs for members based on the California Department of Health’s fee schedule.

“I just don’t want our members to think because of a contract change they can’t receive their medical care, they can’t go to the emergency room, or they won’t be able to stay in the hospital if they need to,” Hunn said. “They can go to the emergency room. They can be seen. They can be treated, and they can be admitted for care.”

Additionally, the termination of Prime’s contract will not affect members’ behavioral health care, outpatient services or the ability to keep their current physicians for elective care.

“That doctor will have privileges at other hospitals,” Hunn said. “And if they don’t, then we will work with them (CalOptima members) to find a primary care doctor that does have privileges at a hospital that they would like to attend.”

Hunn told board members that CalOptima works hard to ensure all members are treated with dignity and respect. “I will not allow us ever, ever to deviate off the mission of CalOptima Health,” he said. “And we will fight vigorously, and we will be unrelenting in making sure that message is clear.”

Patients, doctors fear worst

However, for some Prime officials at Thursday’s meeting, Hunn’s promises rang hollow.

Amy D. Searls, the company’s chief patient experience officer, chided Hunn, who appeared to look down as CalOptima members and medical providers shared their concerns during the meeting’s public comment period.

“I’m very offended that … Hunn hasn’t turned around and looked at one of them,” she told the board while standing at a podium. “These are people with hearts and lives who are trying to make a positive difference in their world.”

Mark Gamble, chief of advocacy and operations with the Hospital Association of Southern California, said the termination of Prime’s contract is fraught with problems and would tax Orange County’s already overburdened healthcare system. He asked the board to pause the contract cancellation

“Many hospitals in the region throughout Southern California, especially in Orange County, are reporting extremely high patient volumes, beyond normal capacity, and even higher than what we experienced during the height of the (COVID-19) pandemic,” he said.

The Orange County Health Care Agency did not immediately respond to a request regarding the potential impact on the EMS system.

Dr. David Ngo, an emergency medicine physician at Huntington Beach Hospital and LA Palma Intercommunity Hospital, estimated as many as 4,000 Prime patients a year will have to be absorbed by other acute care facilities faced with staffing shortages and low bed availability.

Brendan Barth, a patient advocate for Prime’s four Orange County hospitals, said members feel that CalOptima is attempting to eliminate their ability to choose which hospital they go to for treatment.

“They want to be at the hospital that is close to their home,” Barth said. “They don’t just want to be told to go somewhere else. They want to go where they get the best care, and denying them that would have a devastating impact on their social health, their mental well-being and their physical health.”

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Jacob Woo Ho Lee

Current Job Title: Pastor

Political Party Affiliation: No party affiliation

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: California chairman of the National Korean American Republican Committee

City where you reside: Buena Park

Campaign website or social media: www.votejacoblee.com

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

Foreign affairs should be handled more on the federal level, but California should be involved when it can help the California economy and deepen cultural exchange.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

I agree that voters should be required to have ID in order to vote.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

We need to reduce government size and make the government more efficient, and we need to reevaluate spending on wasteful projects.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

Education, economic development and tax reduction.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

Public safety must take priority. Government should invest in growing family values in order to reduce and prevent criminal activity.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

Religious organizations should come together to use their significant resources to assist and educate the homeless population so that the homeless individuals can recover from their situation.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

I don’t believe there should be a minimum wage. If people truly need help, the government can assist, but we should leave it to the market to determine wages. People who have ability should receive more than the minimum wage.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

N/A

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

A multicultural and international business center that will attract global business and tourism, which I have experienced in revitalizing the Miami fashion district.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

Hire Christian counselors and help each family to have a good environment. Also, build facilities where they can receive recreation similar to senior citizen centers.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Respect the proclamation of the Declaration of Independence.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

Korean ginseng tea.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Elizabeth “Beth” Culver

Current Job Title: Retired entrepreneur

Political Party Affiliation: Republican

Incumbent: No

Other political positions held: None

City where you reside: Cypress

Campaign website or social media: N/A

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

The governor’s responsibilities are simple: To support and defend both the Constitution of the U.S. and the state of California from invasions of enemies foreign and domestic as stated in the oath of office he vowed to abide by; secure safety for citizens first. California should have no role in international matters. That is the federal government’s role.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

Government-issued ID to vote should be required — no exceptions.

Non-citizens should never be allowed to vote. It is an insult to every lawful American citizen as well as unconstitutional. Only citizens have that right.

Return to precinct voting, no drop-off ballot boxes or mail-in voting. National holiday for voting (one day).

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

Close the border. Investigate the freewheeling, “double dipping” flow of money into social services with no accountability as there is a questionable duplicate of funds to/from similar resources. Or save $10 billion a year by defunding the bullet train which hasn’t laid down any track.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

– Prioritize the mental and physical needs of our veterans.- Adequately fund and train more police officers and first responders.- Necessary infrastructure updates of electrical, water and sewage.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

Not only should penalties be increased for child sex trafficking but be even more severe. Sex trafficking of children should be clearly defined and treated differently than other sex crimes. Sex trafficking is simply “slave trade” by another name.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

Defend and close the border. Remember the oath our elected officials took to defend and protect the border. Deport all foreign invaders. House veterans first.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

Prioritize citizens and industry specialties. Not all jobs are alike, nor should the pay be the same for all jobs. Some are entry-level with training and part-time jobs. Others are intern, hourly or temporary employment. Salaries should be at the discretion of the business owner, agreed upon with employees according to the job description’s required skills … not government.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

I suggest we make California energy independent again by accessing our abundant supply of natural gas which is environmentally friendly.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

Updating our infrastructures: power supply grids to meet increasing demands (not useless wind power) and better water resources management, including developing desalination plants like our Navy and other countries have.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

Research what organizations already provide care for residents, thus avoiding overlapping payments.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Government by the people, for the people. Restore the teaching of our Constitution in schools on Constitution Day, Sept. 17.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

Cold water and healthy food.

MORE: Read all the candidate responses in our Voter Guide

Name: Sharon Quirk-Silva

Current Job Title: State Assemblymember

Political Party Affiliation: Democrat

Incumbent: Yes

Other political positions held: Fullerton City Councilmember and mayor

City where you reside: Fullerton

Campaign website or social media: www.sharonquirksilva.com

Gov. Newsom has been front and center lately in global affairs, from a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping discussing climate action to a trip to Israel where he met with victims of the Hamas attack. Aside from the governor’s trips, what do you see as the role California should play when it comes to foreign affairs?

As the world’s fifth-largest economy, and the largest state in the world’s most influential country, California cannot ignore its global role. Within my district, whether from our vibrant Korean-American community to Little Arabia, I am regularly reminded of the impact world events can have on our communities at home. California can and should continue to promote the state globally, both to promote our economy and our shared values.

There have been recent efforts at the local level to change voting requirements — from a proposed voter ID requirement in Huntington Beach to an effort to open up voting to noncitizens in Santa Ana. What changes, if any, should be made to California’s voting laws?

Put simply, California has and should continue to be a leader in reducing barriers and making it easier to vote. In my time in the legislature, I have been proud to support many reforms, from making it easier to register at the DMV to creating opportunities to register on Election Day to mailing every voter a ballot to allowing ballots to be mailed up to Election Day to allowing voters to cast their ballot at any polling place in the county to creating a mechanism for voters to correct signature issues.

These reforms have increased the share of eligible voters who are registered, contributed to record-setting turnout in 2020 (which we hopefully will break in 2024) and steadily reduced the number of voters whose ballots are rejected, allowing for a fuller, more representative democracy.

The latest state budget projections show California’s deficit has swelled to a record $68 billion, leading to calls for spending cuts. Give us two specific ways California could address the deficit.

First, I have been proud to support efforts to expand and fund the state’s rainy-day funds during prior budget cycles. Current budget projections make it clear that clouds are in the sky and we may need to tap into some of those funds to address the current deficit.

Second, some one-time spending allocations, even for projects that I strongly support, may need to be delayed until the state is on firmer financial ground. The need to economize during difficult times is something every household is familiar with, and taxpayers should expect the same from their government.

Speaking of the budget, what are your top three budget priorities?

My current legislative priorities are:- Education: As a former teacher I am particularly focused on education issues.- Homelessness and housing: As a former mayor, I have a particular interest in issues of housing and affordability (particularly homelessness which has directly impacted my family).- Jobs and the economy: As the recent chair of the Arts and Entertainment Committee, I have focused on the unique role these play in the economy of Orange County and southern California.

The legislature garnered national headlines when an effort to increase penalties for child sex trafficking initially stalled. How would you, in the legislature, balance criminal justice reform with public safety concerns?

I voted in September for SB 14 to increase penalties for child sex trafficking. I have always viewed the importance of protecting the safety and well-being of children through the lens of a 30-year school teacher who was responsible for protecting a new classroom full of young vibrant lives every year. I believe in balanced solutions. I have opposed relaxing penalties for serious crimes while supporting investments in early intervention/prevention programs. We can both give law enforcement the tools they need while also addressing root causes. We can embrace that addressing systematic institutional racism will ultimately make all residents safer.

Homelessness continues to be a concern for Californians. While there is no simple solution, what is one proposal you have that could reduce homelessness in our communities?

As someone whose family has been personally impacted by homelessness and as the chair of the Select Committee on Orange County Homelessness and Mental Health Services, this is a top priority. We need comprehensive solutions, including expanding mental health services to those currently experiencing homelessness, ensuring all communities contribute to providing transitionary housing and lowering housing costs for all. I’ve written new laws to speed early intervention, improve state planning for homeless services and mandate better care for the most severely mentally ill people on our streets with stronger drug treatment requirements.

The governor recently signed a law that set a first-in-the-nation minimum wage standard for healthcare workers. Should minimum wage standards vary by industry? Why or why not?

I voted in favor of SB 525. If the last few years have taught us anything, it is the critical role that healthcare workers play, not only in protecting the individual lives of everyday Californians but in protecting the economic health of our state’s economy across so many other industries. We need to continue to promote economic opportunities, including for those at the bottom of the wage scale who too often do not share in the Golden State’s wealth.

What is one environment or climate policy you’d champion if elected?

The state needs to continue incentivizing the adoption of renewables, greater energy efficiency, water conservation and the expanded use of low- or no-emission vehicles. However, we often focus on global problems and forget local solutions. One of my proudest achievements in the legislature to date was securing funding to preserve open space in Coyote Hills. It is not something that will make national headlines but preserves one of the few remaining open spaces in North County for all to enjoy.

What is one capital improvement project you’d like to see financed and completed in your district?

I have been leading the fight to establish Orange County’s first veteran’s cemetery. Things in Sacramento often take too long, but after 10 years that dream is closer than ever to becoming a reality.

In late 2022, I was proud to stand with those who fought to protect our country at the flag-raising event in Gypsum Canyon. This project has been an example of how government can still cooperate across political divides. As a Democrat, I have fought to secure $24 million in funding from the state and stood at the flag-raising next to Republican Supervisor Don Wagner who helped to secure $20 million in funding from the county. It will be a solemn day when a fight I began during my first term in the legislature finally leads to the first internments for Orange County’s proud veterans.

The state recently began rolling out the CARE Court program in some counties, the state-funded effort that allows first responders, family and other designated people to petition a court to have someone with untreated severe psychotic disorders receive treatment and services. What other ways can the state prioritize mental health care for its residents, including those with less severe disorders?

We need to better recognize that problems of mental health, substance abuse and homelessness are inextricably linked. That is why I authored legislation streamlining access to services for those with co-occurring mental health and substance use problems. We need to do better in getting services to those in crisis.

We also need to embrace that it is cheaper, more effective and contributes to better outcomes if we can reach those with issues before they are in crisis. The need for those comprehensive solutions is one of the reasons why I voted to support the placement of the Behavioral Health Infrastructure Bond and Act on the March ballot and urge voters to support Proposition 1 in 2024.

Describe your political philosophy in 10 words or less.

Common sense cooperation yields the best results.

What is your go-to campaign trail snack or drink?

None. It’s one of the reasons campaigning is bad for your health.

But on Thursday, Dec. 21, the La Palma resident was proud and thoughtful when presented with a replica Congressional Gold Medal on his 97th birthday. Dressed in a purple shirt and dark slacks, he had heeded his daughter’s request to dress in “something more than just his usual dungarees.”

The medal is the nation’s highest civilian award and was given to him at his home by representatives of the Los Angeles Chapter of the Montford Point Marine Association, who have been delivering the replicas of the joint medal awarded in 2012 to the men who were stationed at the North Carolina camp.

Johnson settled in his comfy recliner and was surrounded by about 20 people who filled his home for the presentation and laughed wholeheartedly when Benny Harris, president of the association’s Los Angeles Chapter, started the presentation by saying that Thursday was Johnson’s 73rd birthday. When Harris was interrupted by calls from the audience correcting Johnson’s age, a quick-witted Johnson piped up and said, “You can say that!” drawing even more laughter.

“This is something I’m not accustomed to, but I want to thank everyone who is here,” Johnson said, after receiving the box with his medal. “I’m seldom overwhelmed, but this is one of those times where I’m overwhelmed. I’m surprised and amazed at how wonderful I feel about everything.”

Johnson, a private first-class with a headquarters platoon, was stationed at Montford Point in 1945 where he did paperwork.

“I wasn’t particularly happy about doing paperwork, but in the Marines, you do what you have to,” he said. “I knew how to type, spell and speak.”

Montford Point was a segregated camp for black Marines within Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, N.C. In all, there were 20,000 Marines who served there from 1942 until 1949. The men were the first Black Marines in the service branch and were housed in spare huts and only allowed on the main base of Camp Lejeune if a White Marine escorted them. Many served in support or guard units. In places such as Iwo Jima, the Montford Marines also evacuated wounded dead under heavy fire.

In July 1949, President Harry Truman issued Executive Order 9981 negating segregation, and in September 1949, Montford Point was deactivated, ending seven years of segregation. The camp was renamed Camp Johnson after Sgt. Maj. Gilbert “Hashmark” Johnson, one of the first African Americans to join the Marine Corps.

Unlike other Black units, such as the Buffalo Soldiers or the Tuskegee pilots who flew during World War II, there had been little recognition of the Montford Point Marines.

But in 2012, President Barack Obama recognized the Marines’ contribution in helping shape U.S. military history by signing a bill into law that presented the Congressional Gold Medal to the Montford Point Marines. The “collective” medal is at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

After a Washington, D.C. ceremony at which about 400 veterans received medals, others followed, including one at Camp Pendleton later that year, where the 1st Marine Division celebrated nine Montford Pointers from around Southern California. That ceremony was led by Maj. Gen. Ronald Bailey — whose command of the division from 2011 to 2013 — represented a milestone in Marine Corps history when he became the division’s first Black commanding general.

Since the initial presentation, Montford Point Marine Association representatives have combed the nation, looking for more veterans like Johnson. Of the 20,000 Marines, about 2,500 have been presented with the award replicas.

Mallorie Berger, an auxiliary member of the association and granddaughter of a Montford Point Marine, has been raising awareness. She found out her grandfather was stationed at the camp while researching genealogy.

“No one in my family knew the name Montford Point,” she said. “My mom only talked about how it was difficult when he went and served. When I learned about Montford Point and what he went through, it was mind-blowing. Now, I’m working to find families. As I go through my journey, we all have the same thread: They didn’t talk about it. I feel like I’ve got 20,000 grandpas to honor.”

In the last year and a half, Berger has found 200 veterans, but only three – including Johnson – are still alive.

She was especially moved by Johnson’s service and that of many in his family.

Johnson was one of six children and all were in the military; one brother, Sgt. Purcell Johnson, was also at Montford Point, but has died. Berger located Johnson thanks to a friend who knew his older sister, Romay Johnson Davis. Davis, now 104 and living in Alabama, is the oldest living veteran of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, a unit of all-Black women who mostly served in Europe during the war.

Davis – who herself has a Congressional Gold Medal for her service – will be presented with her brother Purcell’s medal in January.

What struck Berger most about Johnson, she said, was how humble he was and that he was one of three siblings from a single family that each earned a Congressional Gold Medal.

Johnson was raised in Virginia and then lived with family in New Jersey and later in Washington, D.C., where he attended high school. After serving at Montford Point, he went to Howard University and earned a business degree. He worked in banking, in jewelry and had a dry cleaning business before coming to California with his wife when he was in his early 50s. He had three children; one daughter has died.

Once in California, he worked for payroll and office machinery companies.

He attributes his longevity to “never abusing life” and working hard to get his children through school and to afford to be a family man, he said.

“I’m not well off, but I get by,” he said, adding he has a new appreciation for the difficulty of household chores since he became widowed. He cooks for himself – his favorite dishes are seafood and especially anything with shrimp. He also grows fruits and vegetables in a garden he tends to every day.

When Johnson first heard from Berger, he said he wasn’t excited because he was just “in the place he had to be and doing his job.” He hadn’t thought much about Montford Point.

But once Berger connected him to other veterans and family members of some Montford Pointers who’ve died, he became more open to receiving the medal.

“It became a better feeling because I heard from other Marines who were happy about it and thought it was well-deserved,” he said. “Now, I have a sense of pride to know I was part of something where others are happy and I think it’s good.”

But, receiving the medal was also bittersweet because it is a reminder of the segregation he and other Black Marines endured.

“I feel wronged looking back, and it makes me angry,” he said. “Then, I was not. I just did my job, but when I look at it now, it was a deep injustice.”

We all know the people who are in the spotlight all year, but what about those who do amazing things in the background? We count on you to let us know about the teachers, medical professionals, volunteers and amazing kids who did incredible things outside the spotlight. If you know someone whose story should be told, please tell us.

Please nominate someone who has done something exceptional in 2023 using the form in this link. We’re looking for people who live or work in Orange County and truly made a difference this year.

The deadline for your nominations is Friday, Dec. 1 at 5 p.m.

Thank you.

By the way, here’s a look at our selections from the past several years:

• 2022
• 2021
• 2020
• 2019
• 2018
• 2017
• 2016

Here is a list of some (but not all) bakeries and markets in Orange County where you can get your hands on pan de muertos for the annual holiday, which falls on Wednesday, Nov 1 and Thursday, Nov. 2.

Anaheim: Brizuela’s Bakery (1721 W. Katella Ave., suite R), La Reina Market (508 N. East St., Anaheim), Max’s Baked Goods (3414 W. Ball Road, suite J), Northgate Market (929 S. Euclid St.), Panaderia La Pequena (888 W. Lincoln Ave.), Panaderia Los Volcanes (2659 W. Lincoln Ave.)

Buena Park: Panaderia Indio (8204 Commonwealth Ave.), Porto’s Bakery (7640 Beach Blvd.), Northgate Market (1120 S. Bristol St.)

Costa Mesa: La Espiga De Oro (805 W. 19th St.), Panificadora Bakery (2200 Harbor Blvd., suite E120)

Dana Point: Buena Vista Market (34065 La Plaza)

Fullerton: Panaderia Y Pasteleria (2230 W. Orangethorpe Ave.)

Garden Grove: Estrella De Mexicali (12859 Chapman Ave.)

Huntington Beach: Chelos Panaderia (18029 Beach Blvd.)

La Habra: La Central Bakery (764 W. La Habra Blvd.), My Bakery (350 N. Harbor Blvd.), Northgate Market (1305 W. Whittier Blvd.), Panaderia y Pasteleria la Mexicana (1951 E. La Habra Blvd., suite 1A)

Lake Forest: Efren’s Bakery (24601 Raymond Way, #7), El Molino de Oro (23532 El Toro Road)

Orange: El Molino De Oro (728 N. Tustin St.), La Espiga De Oro Panaderia Carniceria (East Wilson Avenue), La Reina Market (909 N. Tustin St.), La Poblana (604 W. Chapman Ave.)

Placentia: Mil Hojas (642 W. Chapman Ave.)

San Juan Capistrano: El Molino De Oro (31886 Plaza Drive), Mercado El Rey (32252 Camino Capistrano) and El Campeon Bakery (31921 Camino Capistrano, #14)

Santa Ana: Cafe Cultura (324 W. Fourth St.), El Gallo Giro (1442 S. Bristol St., #1A), El Metate Panaderia (1338 W. First St.), El Panadero (1818 S. Standard Ave.), La Rancherita Bakery (2709 Westminster Ave., suite B), Northgate Market (230 N. Harbor Blvd., 1120 S. Bristol Street, 1010 South Main St.), Panaderia La Mejor (1331 E. First St.), Panaderia Paloza (1701 E. McFadden Ave.), Rosas Pasteleria Y Panaderia (1009 S. Fairview St.), Tlaxcala Bakery Panaderia (1208 S. Standard Ave.), Soy Concha Bakery (709 N. Bristol St., suite J)

Stanton: Leobardo’s Bakery (11841 Beach Blvd.), Panaderia Cortez (7506 Cerritos Ave.)

Enjoy them now, because most of these league rivalries are very unlikely to be around next season.

They could continue as nonleague games, but it’s more fun when a playoff berth or a league championship is at stake.

Orange County high schools agreed this past spring to reassemble its football leagues and conferences after this season. With the exception of the Trinity League teams, all of the Orange County 11-player football teams will placed into one basket. CalPreps’ ratings will be used to place teams into leagues. This is a football-only plan. League and conference memberships will be different for other sports.

If the 2023 football season was over, what would the leagues look like in 2024?

Let’s do this … but first a couple of items to know …

Again, the Trinity League is excluded. The four football teams with the top ratings by CalPreps will be in one league, then there will be 10 six-team leagues, and the bottom five teams in one league.

The league names have not been finalized, so the working titles are Orange County Football Conference A (OCFC A) and Orange County Football Conference B (OCFC B),etc. For this exercise, we’re going with “leagues.”

The previous two years of ratings will be used to place teams into leagues, weighted at 65 percent for the 2023 season and 35 percent weighted for the 2022 season.

Going into this week’s games, with rounded-off ratings totals, here are what the leagues would look like in 2024 (league members listed in alphabetical order):

League A: Edison, Los Alamitos, Mission Viejo, San Clemente.

League B: Corona del Mar, Newport Harbor, San Juan Hills, Tesoro, Villa Park, Yorba Linda.

League C: Capistrano Valley, Cypress, El Modena, Trabuco Hills, Tustin, Western.

League D: El Dorado, Foothill, Huntington Beach, La Habra, Laguna Beach, Laguna Hills.

League E: Crean Lutheran, Dana Hills, Fountain Valley, Irvine, Northwood, Orange.

League F: Aliso Niguel, Canyon, El Toro, Santa Ana, St. Margaret’s, Troy.

League G: Brea Olinda, Esperanza, Kennedy, Segerstrom, Sonora, Sunny Hills.

League H: Beckman, Fullerton, Garden Grove, Marina, Valencia, Westminster.

League I: Buena Park, Calvary Chapel, Pacifica, Portola, University, Woodbridge.

League J: Estancia; Katella, Los Amigos, Ocean View, Rancho Alamitos, Santa Ana Valley.

League K: Anaheim, Bolsa Grande, Costa Mesa, La Quinta, Loara, Santiago.

League L: Century, Godinez Magnolia, Saddleback, Savanna.

The margins could be tight when teams are placed into football leagues for the 2024 season. Through eight games of this season, using the Calpreps ratings, Irvine’s rating is 4.79 and Aliso Niguel’s is 4.78. So if the 2023 season was over now, Irvine would be the bottom team in League E and Aliso Niguel would be the top team in League F.

NOTES

CIF-SS football playoff brackets will be released Oct. 29 at 10 a.m. The 8-man football playoff brackets will be released Oct. 29 at 1 p.m. …

Yes, Orange County has 8-man football. Sage Hill, in Newport Beach, is in the Prep League and is 4-2 overall and 0-1 in league and averages 48 points a game. Vista Meridian, in Santa Ana, plays a freelance schedule and is 1-4. …

The CIF-SS Division 1 football championship game will be played at the Coliseum on Nov. 24. The first CIF championship football game played at the Coliseum was in 1923 when Long Beach Poly defeated Glendale 15-8. The most recent CIF final at the Coliseum was in 1997 when Long Beach Poly beat Mater Dei 28-25. …

It looks like the Pacific Coast Conference schools will present a proposal at Monday’s releaguing meeting that would exclude Rosary from its group. This past spring Orange County schools included Rosary in the Pacific Coast group in the approved releaguing plan for all sports outside of football. The Freeway League, which would be broken up in the passed proposal, has indicated that it would present a proposal that would keep its membership intact. …

Holly Barker of Trabuco Hills and Evan Noonan of Dana Hills, so far, are making it easy to select the Orange County boys and girls cross country athletes of the year by winning or finishing high in just about every race they enter. Barker won last weekend’s Orange County Championships and earlier finished first in the Central Park Invitational. Noonan finished first in the Orange County Championships, the Woodbridge Classic and was third in the Clovis Invitational. …

The CIF-SS Division 1 girls volleyball playoffs started Wednesday. Mater Dei swept Palos Verdes in three sets (the first was a tough one, 27-25), Los Alamitos lost to Mira Costa in three sets and Huntington Beach swept Alemany (and another tough first set there, with the Oilers winning 28-26). Division 1 pool play resumes Tuesday with Los Alamitos at Huntington Beach. Huntington Beach beat Los Alamitos in their two Surf League matches. …

Newport Harbor’s girls flag football team had its closest win of the season Wednesday, a 14-12 victory over Edison. Newport Harbor is 21-1, with the loss to Woodbridge, which Newport Harbor defeated a couple of weeks later.

A view of the Crestview: Yorba Linda has been the best team in the four-team Crestview League the past two seasons, having won the league championship the past two years and a CIF Southern Section title last season.

Yorba Linda is solid again this season, but Villa Park might be back on top of the league, which includes Brea Olinda (2-0) and Foothill (1-1).

The Spartans have an outstanding running back, Carter Christie, who also is part of a terrific linebackers crew. Lucas Simone is a quick and sure-tackling edge rusher. Henry Wonderlick (6-4, 290) is an outstanding left tackle on the fine offensive line.

Yorba Linda vs. Villa Park on Oct. 20 at El Modena High is a game to attend.

Surrounded by greatness: Tustin coach Anthony Lopez has constructed an outstanding staff that includes former USC and NFL star and Tustin alum Sam Baker, who is doing great things with the Tillers’ offensive line. There’s also Robin Marquez, who was a key contributor to some of Bob Johnson’s great teams at Mission Viejo, and Myron Miller who calls himself “just an advisor” but if you want advice there is no better source when it comes to line play and a running game.

Tustin coach Anthony Lopez talks about the Tillers’ dramatic 36-35 win over Foothill in a great neighborhood rivalry football game… pic.twitter.com/ir4dEDFSLx

— Steve Fryer (@SteveFryer) August 26, 2023

Miller coached Tustin to four CIF Southern Section finals, including a CIF title in 2011, over his 26 years in charge of the Tillers during which he never wore a headset. Miller is wearing a headset these days when he is on the lift or on top of the announcer’s booth, and the story goes that Miller still is accustomed to yelling instructions which sometimes isn’t a great experience for the other coaches wearing headsets.

In the Trinity League: Last week Servite, perhaps the No. 6 team in the six-team league, lost by only three points to Rancho Cucamonga, No. 17 in the CalHiSports.com state rankings; JSerra ripped Aquinas 45-13; Santa Margarita led state No. 3 Centennial of Corona at halftime before succumbing to Centennial’s talent advantages; Orange Lutheran walloped state No. 9 De La Salle 35-14 in Concord; St. John Bosco went to Florida to beat Aquinas of Ft. Lauderdale and end Aquinas’ 27-game winning streak; and Mater Dei took a trip to Utah to roll Bingham of South Jordan 48-14.

The second-best league: The second-best league in the county, right now, is the South Coast League. The league is a composite 7-1 this season with the one defeat Tesoro’s three-point loss to Newport Harbor.

This week: On Thursday, Villa Park is at Upland, a loaded team that has outscored its two opponents 77-7, and El Modena plays Cypress at Western High. On Friday, in matchups of county Top 25 teams, La Habra is at Newport Harbor, Yorba Linda is at Tesoro, Trabuco Hills is at Crean Lutheran and Huntington Beach is at Capistrano Valley. Mission Viejo plays Long Beach Poly on Friday at Veterans Stadium in Long Beach.

Home at last: Mater Dei is at Santa Ana Stadium to play Creekside of Georgia on Saturday for first-year head coach Frank McManus’ first home game as Monarchs head coach. Creekside was 10-3 last year.

Undefeated, for now: Two teams that have struggled in recent seasons, Kennedy and Sonora, are 2-0 going into their game Saturday at Western High.

It’s just a cramp: Sure, but cramps are painful and can limit how much a football player can play and how effective he can be. Several players cramped up last week. Staying hydrated during a game is important, but the proper hydration before the game is even more critical.

La Habra bounces back: After an abysmal 33-0 loss to Upland, La Habra last week beat El Dorado 40-16. We will know more about La Habra on Friday when the Highlanders play at Newport Harbor.

A nice touch: Bolsa Grande’s home game last week was Teacher Appreciation Night. Bolsa Grande players wrote short essays about the school’s teachers who have made significant impact on their lives.