The Petaluma Health Care District would have been sorely pressed to match what St. Joseph has done for the hospital during the past nine years.

For many years, David Anderson has advocated a health summit that would include all of the local health care agencies. I would like to help facilitate such a summit.

Petaluma doctors are taking very significant action, and it is sending a message to other physicians throughout the area.

This will give the public another chance to voice opinions.

I've been told they're very close to finalizing a new contract. They're looking at the final wording in a couple of areas.

I would hope that before July, the board will either feel a sufficient level of comfort to maintain the lease or decide to go in a different direction. The lease will be an action item on the March 23 agenda, and it's very possible that a decision could be made then.