Community Clinic scores a low-interst loan

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.