Desert Healthcare District officials remained mum Tuesday on the reason for its CEO’s sudden departure, which was announced on Monday and met with outcry from several elected officials. That refrain was echoed by community members during public comments at the board’s Tuesday meeting.
The district, a local government agency, has not offered any details regarding the sudden departure of Dr. Conrado Bárzaga‘s, who served the role for four years. However, Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez and Democratic U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz both said in separate statements Monday that the CEO was suddenly “removed” from his position.
Bárzaga did not respond to The Desert Sun’s request for comment.
Chris Christensen, chief administration officer, has been appointed interim CEO.
Lift to Rise CEO Heather Vaikona spoke about the former CEO’s generosity over the years, both in her professional and personal life. She said that after she faced health struggles and the death of family members, Bárzaga was the first person to be by her side, adding he “took me to (his) house and cooked paella while I laid in (his) backyard on (his couch).” When migrants were unable to be housed at the Galilee Center and shelters on Christmas Eve, she said Bárzaga helped by taking a pregnant woman to Desert Regional Medical Center for care.
“The way that he treated us as counterpart leaders, the way that he cared for us as humans, it transcended any leadership that this place has had,” Vaikona said. “I hope that you choose someone with integrity and compassion the way that Dr. Bárzaga had that for constituents in this district.”
Many of Bárzaga’s efforts in helping community members also were hailed. Belen Navaro, a promotora (community health worker), has “seen a difference” in the number of medical clinics and other resources that have been provided in the eastern Coachella Valley cities of Oasis, Mecca and Thermal under Bárzaga’s leadership. Ricardo Loretta, co-founder of the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation, also said his interactions with the district, including those with Bárzaga, have “not only been conducted professionally and efficiently, they’ve been respectful, supportive, educational, helpful and completely positive,” which he believes is a testament to his leadership.
Even district directors expressed thanks to Bárzaga for his years of service.
Leticia De Lara said she would specifically remember how he sprung into action when he joined the district during the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, which included going out into the community to organize resources and get to know people.
Many of those who spoke asked the board to reconsider their decision, or at the very least to share the reasoning behind the decision. Jeffrey Scott, general counsel for the Desert Healthcare District, said that under the Brown Act, the law doesn’t permit the board to respond to public comment or to consider or discuss an item that is not on the agenda.
“However, I want to assure each of you that the district acting through this board along with very dedicated members of the staff, remains wholeheartedly dedicated to the mission of the district as it has been in the past. It remains fully committed to ensuring district resources are directed to addressing the health care related needs of the communities throughout the Coachella Valley, including access to health care, education and supporting those organizations that provide needed health care programs and services.”
The board also approved Christensen, chief administration officer, as interim CEO during Tuesday’s meeting, but Directors Carmina Zavala and Barraza abstained from the vote. As interim CEO, Christensen will receive an increase of $2,100 as his monthly base salary, according to district documents.
Director Arthur Shorr said Christensen is “unquestionably highly qualified” to step into the role.
Ema Sasic covers entertainment and health in the Coachella Valley. Reach her at ema.sasic@desertsun.com or on Twitter @ema_sasic.
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