The American Public Health Association annual conference draws public health experts from around the country. In November 2013, about 13,000 public health researchers, practitioners, and policy makers met in Boston to discuss best practices. Attendees discussed formation of a Special Primary Interest Group (SPIG) to address civil rights and violations of rights in conservatorship.
A session titled Civil Rights: Pursuit of Life, Liberty, and Happiness into the Golden Years? discussed abusive conservatorships in California. Margarita Zelada and her case history were the center of attention.
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In September 2012, the Monterey County Public Guardian seized Margarita’s $9K/month income and $1.5M estate. She was left destitute and unable to provide for her basic needs.
On March 9, 2013, the Public Guardian seized Margarita’s person as well. Witnesses tell of a night of terror when Margarita was dragged from her daughter’s home screaming for help.
According to neighbor and private duty nurse Tara Robinson, ten Pacific Grove police officers stormed the home with guns drawn and leveled at Margarita’s daughter, Patricia Conklin. The officers dragged Margarita from her bed, rolled her in a sheet, strapped her to a gurney, and carried her to a waiting ambulance.
The nurse said Margarita’s screams were the most horrible sounds she ever heard. Officers admitted they had no warrant to enter the home or seize Margarita. Pacific Grove police reports indicate the siege was the result of allegations by Deputy Public Guardian Jennifer Empasis.
Full Article and Source:
American Public Health Association on Elder Abuse in Monterey, California![]()
A session titled Civil Rights: Pursuit of Life, Liberty, and Happiness into the Golden Years? discussed abusive conservatorships in California. Margarita Zelada and her case history were the center of attention.
In September 2012, the Monterey County Public Guardian seized Margarita’s $9K/month income and $1.5M estate. She was left destitute and unable to provide for her basic needs.On March 9, 2013, the Public Guardian seized Margarita’s person as well. Witnesses tell of a night of terror when Margarita was dragged from her daughter’s home screaming for help.
According to neighbor and private duty nurse Tara Robinson, ten Pacific Grove police officers stormed the home with guns drawn and leveled at Margarita’s daughter, Patricia Conklin. The officers dragged Margarita from her bed, rolled her in a sheet, strapped her to a gurney, and carried her to a waiting ambulance.
The nurse said Margarita’s screams were the most horrible sounds she ever heard. Officers admitted they had no warrant to enter the home or seize Margarita. Pacific Grove police reports indicate the siege was the result of allegations by Deputy Public Guardian Jennifer Empasis.
Full Article and Source:
American Public Health Association on Elder Abuse in Monterey, California