The Santa Ynez Chumash Indians donated $1 million toward a $10 million retrofit of the Santa Ynez Cottage Hospital, which will help the facility meet state seismic requirements that go into effect in 2013. The hospital will break ground later this year, with construction completing in two years. The project is one of three being undertaken by the Cottage Health System, the others taking place at its Goleta and Santa Barbara hospitals.
“It’s an honor to be involved in this important community project, and we’re pleased that this gift to the hospital foundation will benefit so many in our area,” Chumash Chairman Vincent Armenta said in a statement. “Those who live in the Valley depend on the 24-hour services of the hospital and it’s a privilege to be part of helping it improve and expand to serve all local residents and visitors.”