FRHD's sale of hospital to mental health provider causes stir

News that the Fallbrook Regional Health District (FRHD) board sold the old Fallbrook Hospital facility to a mental health provider – and did so without a vote of the public, which officials had previously stated would be necessary for any sale of the building – caused quite a reaction.

The FRHD board, during its regular meeting May 10, voted unanimously to sell the vacant building located at 624 East Elder St. to Crestwood Behavorial Health, Inc. for $4.5 million.

The board was able to sell what had been called "the community's asset" without a community vote since the sale price only represen...