This November, Westside residents will face a crucial vote on Measure A, a measure designed to maintain and improve ambulance services in the communities of Newman, Gustine, Santa Nella, Stevinson, and a 16-mile stretch along Interstate 5. If passed, the measure will ensure that two fully staffed ambulances remain available to cover the area—a vital service for this rural region without a local hospital.

Measure A proposes a per-parcel tax of $69 per year, or about $5.75 per month, which would fund the Westside Community Ambulance. Without this funding, the Westside Community Healthcare District has said that ambulance services will be drastically reduced, leaving only one ambulance available to serve the entire area. “This measure is critical to ensuring residents throughout the Westside have responsive ambulance services,” the Measure A Campaign Committee stated. “The absence of a local hospital underscores the need for Measure A to safeguard the safety and health of Westside residents.”

A Life Saved—A Personal Testimony

Dennis Brazil, Board President of the District, shared a personal story that illustrates the importance of timely ambulance services in the region. “I had a freak accident at our ranch in Gustine on October 3rd, 2024, around 3 p.m. I accidentally cut the main artery in my left arm. I was by myself and called 911. I was bleeding severely, and Westside Ambulance responded promptly and saved my life by stopping the bleeding and stabilizing me. I had lost a lot of blood and had no blood pressure when the ambulance arrived. Their quick response time saved my life.” Brazil underwent surgery that night to repair the damage and is now recovering at home. “If it was not for Westside Ambulance and the paramedic and EMT, I would have bled to death,” he added.

This harrowing experience serves as a powerful example of why Measure A is necessary to maintain timely and responsive ambulance services for everyone in the region, Brazil said.

This isn’t the first time voters have been asked to support the Westside Community Ambulance. In 2022, Measure D was proposed for the same purpose but failed to secure the necessary votes. The aim remains the same: to ensure the safety of these rural communities. “Folks cannot afford a 40-45 minute response time—that’s the difference between life and death in many cases,” noted the Campaign Committee, which is made up of several community members. The Westside Community Healthcare District receives no federal, state, or county funding, relying entirely on community support to keep these services operational.

The need for this measure remains urgent, and the campaign team felt it essential to reintroduce it. “We must unite as a community to ensure this service for ourselves,” the committee emphasized. While they acknowledge that passing Measure A will be challenging—requiring a two-thirds vote—they are optimistic. They’ve launched a grassroots effort, utilizing social media and direct mail to build awareness and support.

The campaign’s strategy is to inform and engage voters. Through direct mail and social media, they hope to educate residents on why Measure A is vital. “Accidents and medical emergencies can happen to anyone, and we must ensure we have proper ambulance services to take care of all residents on the Westside,” the committee stated. They encourage residents to reach out with any questions through their social media platforms, including Facebook and Instagram (@Westsideunitedfora).

Local paramedics are also speaking out in support of the measure. Kevin Hurd Jr., who has been serving the Westside for four years, expressed his commitment: “Please consider supporting Measure A this November. We as local EMTs and paramedics look forward to serving our rural ambulance district for many years to come. Without Measure A, Westside’s future becomes uncertain. Please fund your local ambulance district and vote yes on A.”