After a decade of providing vital services to people with some of the
most challenging behaviors and needs, Sierra Vista Developmental Center
in Yuba City is scheduled to close its doors December 18.
The facility provided round-the-clock rehabilitative and nursing
services to approximately 50 clients at a time. Among its trained,
professional staff, the facility employed 51 state Bargaining Unit 18
members: seven senior psychiatric technicians, 22 psychiatric
technicians and 22 psychiatric technician assistants.
As one of the California Department of Developmental Services’ two
community facilities, Sierra Vista served Californians with dual
diagnoses of developmental disabilities and mental illnesses. Clients
came to Sierra Vista from regional centers, Department of Mental Health
facilities, county jails, acute psychiatric hospitals and Porterville
Developmental Center’s secure-treatment unit.
The Department of Developmental Services announced in June it would
close Sierra Vista as a budget-cutting move as the facility’s lease
comes up for renewal.
Clients were moved to other state developmental centers or into
community placements. Employees are seeking jobs elsewhere in state
service. Although the California Association of Psychiatric Technicians
was able to retain rehiring and other rights for affected employee
members, positions are difficult to find as many state vacancies have
been cut and hiring freezes are in effect.