Gov. Jerry Brown appointed a new administrator to Chula Vista's Veterans Home of California, the California Department of Veterans Affairs announced Thursday.
Lael Hepworth was appointed as the new administrator by Brown on July 31, according to a statement by the California Department of Veterans Affairs, known as CalVet.
Hepworth, who lives in Orting, Washington, served in the Army National Guard for nine years, had been a health care administrator since 2006 and served as superintendent at the Washington Soldiers Home since last year, CalVet Chula Vista's Rob Winkler said.
CalVet Undersecretary of Veterans Homes Diane Vanderpot said Hepworth brings "many years of senior health care experience and, as a former service member, can relate with Chula Vista's veterans and understand their needs."
The Chula Vista Veterans Home of California is a long-term care facility near Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center that offers independent living, licensed residential and skilled nursing care, Winkler said. It is one of eight CalVet Veterans Homes in the state and is for U.S. military veterans who served honorably, are residents of California and are at least 55 years old, or younger if they are disabled.