Local services, national park affected by government shutdown

Saturday, KESQ and CBS Local 2 talked with Rep. Raul Ruiz (D/CA-36) about the government shutdown that went into effect at midnight.

Ruiz tweeted shortly after midnight Saturday, calling the government shutdown, “unacceptable.”

He said his offices will remain open during the shutdown to answer any questions or concerns.

“I’ve gotten a few calls,” Ruiz said during a phone interview from Washington D.C. “People are concerned about if they’re going to get their social security checks. Yes, they still are going to get their social security checks from D.C.”

Ruiz said the shutdown will affect funding for Valley health resources and hospitals.

“This hurts our ability to fund community health centers, like Borrego and Clínicas, and it hurts our ability to fund the safety net hospitals, like John F. Kennedy [Memorial Hospital],” Ruiz said.

Joshua Tree National Park officials say the majority of the park will remain open during the shutdown.

According to Joshua Tree National Park Public Information Officer George Land, the shutdown has led to limited staff at the park.

Land said administrative parts, including visitor centers, and areas where ranger-led tours take place such as Keys Ranch, will be closed.