The Roggin Report continued the conversation surrounding the Desert Regional Hospital lease by inviting two well-known local voices to weigh in: Sherlock Holmes Watch owner Tammy Bleck and Barton CPA CEO Chauncey Thompson.
The discussion centered on a controversial non-compete clause in the lease extension between the Desert Health Care District and Tenet Healthcare, which Rancho Mirage Councilman Steve Downs recently criticized for potentially limiting healthcare competition—especially targeting Eisenhower Health.
“I absolutely do agree with Steve’s opinion,” Bleck said. “The non-compete clause is wrong. It doesn’t serve our community. It doesn’t serve you and me. And in fact, that really is who it affects.”
But Thompson took a different stance, pointing to the financial realities behind the lease approval. “If Measure AA didn’t pass, taxpayers would’ve had to pay around $250 million to retrofit Desert Regional for earthquake safety. This lease saved us from that,” Thompson explained.
He compared the situation to standard business practices: “If I made tenant improvements and invested in a new property, of course I’d want exclusivity to protect my investment.”
Thompson added that if Tenet were to walk away from the deal, the impact could be devastating for the region. “I would bet they would pull out—and that would be disastrous for the whole Valley. I hope this lease is validated and Tenet stays.”
As the legal process continues, public debate is heating up, with strong opinions on both sides about what’s best for healthcare access in the Coachella Valley.
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By: NBC Palm Springs
June 4, 2025
