In 1971, social activists Mary Hummel, Mamie Barger, and Reverend Eleazar H. Echeverria opened the Santa Paula Free Clinic in a shared karate studio in the city of Santa Paula. Dedicated to serving the medical needs of Ventura County's medically underserved population, this tiny clinic was staffed by a team of volunteers and nurses.
As the need for quality, affordable health care grew, the clinic expanded to better serve its patients. In 1975, through a rural health grant funded by the State of California, the Santa Paula Free Clinic became the Community Clinic of The Santa Clara River Valley.