wss3-5-26Online

MORENO VALLEY, CA Serving as Chief Nursing Offi- cer (CNO) for one of the busiest hospitals in Riverside County is a nonstop responsibility of meet- ing critical standards, strengthen- ing systems and ensuring patients receive the highest quality care. Leah Patterson with Riverside University Health System - Medi- cal Center (RUHSMC) excels in this role and was recently rec- ognized by Becker's Hospital Re- view in its 2025 "CNOs to know" list.

Patterson is one of only 274 CNOS nationwide recognized by the publication. The selected nursing leaders are "at the fore- front of the profession, tackling staffing challenges, overseeing budgets, and creating pathways for the growth and development of emerging nurses," according to Becker's.

"Leah is a tremendous leader who has made waves of positive change at the Medical Center, across the health system and in communities countywide," said Jennifer Crui- kshank, CEO of RUHS - Medical Center and Clinics. "She provides exceptional service and compas- sionate care to patients, and her sincerity and warmth are deeply felt by all our RUHS team mem- bers and the families she serves.

RUHS Chief Nursing Officer Earns National Recognition

Leah Patterson with Riverside University Health System - Medical

Center (RUHS - MC)

She's an incredible CNO."

Patterson oversees 2,100 regis- tered nurses and clinical support staff. Some of her responsibilities include ensuring regulatory stan- dards are met, leading efforts to improve patient outcomes and en- gaging staff.

Under Patterson, the nurse turn- over rate at RUHS is just 3% far below the national average. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Patterson opened an additional 121 hospital beds at the Medi- cal Center in response to patient surges. She also helped rebuild the Medical Center's nursing staff after the pandemic through inno- vative recruitment efforts.

With Patterson's leadership, RUHS has earned multiple Joint Commission certifications and ad- vanced designations and received national recognition from U.S. News & World Report for ma- ternity care and specialty perfor- mance.

"Leah has done so much for our health system, and we can't wait to see what she does next as we em- bark on new projects and continue to provide exemplary healthcare in the region," Cruikshank added. To learn more about RUHS, visit RUHealth.org.

Antonio Villaraigosa, (Shown above) former state Assembly Speaker and former mayor of Los Angeles, entered the race for Cali- fornia governor nearly two years ago in 2024. Although he has not emerged as a leading contender among the crowded field of candi- dates, he has maintained a steady position in the middle of the pack, with his household name recogni- tion and 14 years of experience in California politics.

This is Villaraigosa's second run for governor. His first attempt was in 2018.

California Black Media spoke with Villaraigosa about his plat- form, which is centered on af- fordability; his endorsement from Mayor Karen Bass and his dedi- cation to coalition building among Black, Brown and other Califor- nia communities.

His answers have been edited for WESTSIDESTORY NEWSPAPER

Q&A: Antonio Villaraigosa on Affordability, Building Coalitions and His Run for Calif. Governor

-By Edward Henderson | California Black Media length and clarity.

What inspired you to run for gov- ernor?

This state and this country have given me more than I could have ever hoped for growing up. It's a state with enormous challenges as well. It's a state that's now the world's fourth-largest economy but is tied with Louisiana for the highest poverty rate in the nation. It's a state of innovation, a state of hard-working people who come from every corner of the world. But it's also a state where people are feeling like we've got big is- sues, and we need someone to take on those issues. We need a prob- lem solver, a proven one, someone who's got the record. I decided to come in because of that.

To continue, visit www.wssnews.com.