Anti-gay epithet causes mayor to name city staffer to COD panel

DESERT HOT SPRINGS — Less than eight hours after emails surfaced showing that Mayor Pro Tem Roger Nuñez used the anti-gay epithet “putos,” Mayor Scott Matas named interim Deputy City Manager Daniel Porras to a panel that will hold public meetings on the planned Palm Springs campus.

Anti-gay Epithet Gets Nuñez Booted Off COD Panel

Mayor Scott Matas

“After the report surfaced, I talked with Roger. I don’t want to take anything away from what that meeting is supposed to be about — and that’s getting a West Valley College of the Desert built,” Matas told Uken Report. “That is what we should be focused on.”

Puto is the masculine form of the multi-functional Spanish puta, meaning “prostitute.” It’s used as a slur against people who are gay and an insult to anyone perceived as weak or contemptible. It can also mean faggots.

Nuñez used the word in reference to email Scott White, president and CEO of the Greater Palm Springs Convention & Visitors Bureau, sent on Aug. 22, 2022. The email was in reference to a press conference at which the results of a Culinary and Hospitality program case study would be shared.

Anti-gay Epithet Gets Nuñez Booted Off COD Panel

Mayor Pro Tem Roger V. Nuñez

Nuñez forwarded the email to COD Trustee Bea Gonzalez who in turn forwarded it to Trustee Ruben Perez Gonzalez and COD Superintendent/President Martha Garcia.

In his email, Nuñez wrote, “This is getting around to different city leaders! Putos.”

You may follow the damning email trail here.

College of the Desert will host a series of four public meetings through June to seek input on design plans for the planned Palm Springs campus. The first meeting is at 9:30 a.m. this Wednesday. March 22.

 

Image Sources

  • Scott Matas: Desert Hot Springs
  • Roger V. Nuñez: Roger V. Nuñez
  • 2023-Welcome-Lounge-800×568-: COD