Surf City's active Assemblyman Tom Harman, who was just recognized for
his legislative efforts in Sacramento by City Council, is helping out in
other ways in Huntington Beach.
He takes it upon himself to alert local groups when state funds become
available.
The Huntington Beach Community Clinic just received a loan for
$357,100. The nonprofit clinic will use the low-interest loan it received
to refinance its mortgage, which will save the clinic approximately
$120,000, said Jackie Cherewick, the clinic's chief executive officer.
Savings will be used for adding more services and beginning work on a
dental clinic, Cherewick said.
The clinic is a nonprofit, charitable agency that began in 1970 to
provide affordable health care in the community. Approximately 75% of
patients are women and children, 92% of whom are below Federal poverty
guidelines.
"They came to my mind," Harman said. "I notified them that there's an
opportunity for a loan and that they should apply. They provide a benefit
to the community."
Services offered at the clinic include internal medicine, psychiatry,
podiatry, orthopedics, prenatal, obstetrics, gynecology, colposcopy and
breast exams. The clinic also has a mental health counseling center.
Mayor Debbie Cook presented Harman with a Certificate of Appreciation
for his efforts in the state capital at last week's city council meeting.
Harman author a bill that prohibits the sale, transport and release of
Caulerpa, or "killer algae," a salt water algae that is harmful to
surrounding environments that has been found in areas of Huntington
Harbour and has drafted a bill that would reimburse local governments for
possible revenue losses associated with the vehicle license fee offsets
being discussed at the state level.
"He's very supportive with needs for the community," said Pat Dapkus,
a senior city department analyst.
