Taking credit

The Los Angeles City Council is taking credit for heading off the closure of 11 county health centers.
Councilman Bernard Parks, who it just so happens is running for the Board of Supervisors, brought in a motion last week to have the City Council go on record in opposing the closure. But, because of council procedures, it could not be considered until Wednesday's meeting.
"We are pleased that after this motion was introduced, four supervisors voted not to make cuts in this area," Parks said.
Parks said the drop in public health care has had an impact on city services, particularly for paramedics who are responding to routine health calls and find themselves delayed at different facilities with patients in their ambulances.
The council motion also calls on the federal government to avoid cuts in its level of service to health care.
Parks and others said the only bright spot they see is the debate to go toward a universal health care program.