Voices and Reactions

As the hospital corridors emptied, those who worked and cared for others at the facility had these comments:

“This used to be an active, vital place, but now it doesn’t mean anything anymore. It’s just a shell, because no one is left to give it meaning.”

--Robin Widoff, an 18-year state hospital employee

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“Every day you come to work, somebody you know is gone, the place is a little more empty. You cry a little bit every day.”

--Carol Kehoe, who served 10 years as the secretary for the hospital’s Work Training Center

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“It’s like watching vultures pick the bones.”

--Debbie Gardia, an 18-year Camarillo employee who spent her final days emptying hospital wards and shutting them down

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“It’s been a real joy working with the clients. They have taught me so many wonderful things.”

--Marion Dalin, supervisor of the hospital’s workshop

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“Iwould have stayed here and retired if they had let me. We looked at every option we could find for keeping the place viable, but none of that worked.”

--Norm Kramer, the hospital’s executive director

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“Now we move on and hope for the best. But I’ll tell you, it’s something that keeps us awake nights.”

--John Chase, whose daughter transferred to a Costa Mesa developmental center after more than three decades at Camarillo

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“There’s a lot of people who just can’t pick up and leave . . . It’s very sad. As large as this facility is, so many people have become like family.”

--Pam Ballard recalling her 17 years as a recreational therapist

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“I’m still angry at [Gov.] Pete Wilson for closing it. I don’t think they’ll ever be able to duplicate this again.”

--Rose Zachowski, whose son was transferred to another developmental center in April