Political Brawl Emerging Over Laguna Honda Initiative

A ballot measure seeking to ensure senior patients get priority at Laguna Honda hospital, but that opponents say could displace hundreds of patients, has put the Mayor and an influential group of Westside interests on a collision course. The measure, Prop. D, would turn the hospital into a Special Use District and limit the type of patients allowed there, keeping violent patients out in the hopes of making it a better place for the elderly. Proponents argue the measure is necessary to fulfill the promises made in a bond measure for rebuilding Laguna Honda Hospital that passed with 72% of the vote in 1999. But the Mayor’s office, led by Department of Public Health Director Mitch Katz, claims the initiative will displace a large number of patients with Alzheimer’s and AIDS, a position hotly contested by proponents. The battle over Laguna Honda threatens to further weaken Mayor Newsom's support on the Westside, a political constituency whose votes he will need when seeking re-election next year.