* Robert J. Erra, president and chief executive of financially troubled Western Health Plans, is leaving the San Diego-based health maintenance organization to become senior vice president

and chief operating officer of Scripps Clinic and Research Foundation in La Jolla. Samuel L. Westover, a consultant to Western since Nov. 1, will serve as chief operating officer until a new

chief executive is selected. Westover formerly served as chief financial officer of Los Angeles-based Maxicare Health Plans. MORE TO READ