Editor:

As an individual who spent a number of years working as an LVN in skilled nursing facilities in both Santa Cruz and Redding, I found the article “Immediate Jeopardy” to be a revelation, and had difficulty keeping my angry feelings in check (June 4).

I find it appalling that we, as a society, cannot find the means to address the health care crisis and medical delivery issues so pervasive in our society in a positive and holistic manner. My only question to the chairman and chief executive officer of the Skilled Healthcare Group is: If you are making record quarterly earnings, why can’t you pay competitive salaries that would attract employees who commit to working in your facilities for more than six months and adopt a philosophy that patient care, not profits, come first?

• Laura Madjedi, Kneeland *

Sweet Spot*: Laura Madjedi wins a Bon Boniere sundae for sending our favorite letter of the week.*