My former representaion of the City of Rancho Palos Verdes has given me the opportunity to help the public on a broader basis.

By Dennis Johnson
Daily Breeze, July 27, 2003

A new ambulance for Loreto gets a send-off from those who made the gift possible. RPV Councilman John McTaggart received the unit from American Medical Response to donate. Others on hand represented Loreto, the Hermosa City Council, Fire Department and Sister Cities Association and County Supervisor Don Knabe.

BRUCE HAZELTON/DAILY BREEZE

Since November 2002, the village has been without an ambulance – that's when it rolled over into a ravine.

Now, thanks to the Hermosa Beach Sister Cities Association, Rancho Palos Verdes City Councilman John McTaggart and American Medical Response, Loreto’s paramedics can get back into action, said Estanislao Collins, a commissioner from Loreto.

"The main thing is that we're seeking to save lives," Collins said. "This we really appreciate ... you're putting this equipment in good hands."

The ambulance comes courtesy of McTaggart, who, like all outgoing presidents of the California Contract Cities Association, received it from AMR to donate to the recipient of his choice.

Mctaggart said he chose the city because he fell in love with Loreto and its people after spending time there when it celebrated its 300th anniversary in 1996.

"It's just a wonderful place," he said. The sister city organization started paperwork earlier this year to make sure there were no delays in getting the ambulance to Mexico, he said.

The donation was arranged through George Barks, vice president of the United States/Mexico Sister Cities Association and former Hermosa Beach city councilman.

Barks said that the association has donated to Loreto over the years, including other ambulances, computers and school supplies.

The association has also helped Loreto's residents get needed medical attention as they did last year with resident Miriam Murillo, who received reconstructive surgery for a cleft palate.