Congressman Raul Ruiz Endorses Mary Jane Sanchez

Rep. Raul Ruiz Endorses Mary Jane Sanchez for COD Board of Trustees in Area 2

DESERT HOT SPRINGS — The race for the Area 2 seat on College of the Desert’s Board of Trustees has taken on a new degree of political significance as U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D., CA-25, lends his name to one of the candidates.

Former College of the Desert Board of Trustee Mary Jane Sanchez announced that she has received the endorsement from Ruiz for her candidacy to represent Area 2, once again, on the College of the Desert’s Board of Trustees.

“Having grown up in an under-resourced farm labor community, and personally understanding the importance of access to a higher education, I enthusiastically lend my support to Mary Jane Sanchez, a fellow first-generation college graduate,” Ruiz said in a statement. “Mary Jane’s leadership on the COD Board of Trustees for eight years created a legacy of reducing tuition costs,
free public transportation for all COD students to and from classes and work, and record-breaking COD graduation rates. Returning her to the board of trustees will guarantee students greater access to a higher education, eliminate the barriers students encounter in their pursuit of earning a college degree, and make COD more affordable for local families.”

“It is truly an honor to receive the support of Congressman Raul Ruiz,” Sanchez said in a statement. “Raul is one of the most respected, compassionate, and trustworthy elected officials in the entire Coachella Valley. Not only do our districts overlap one another, but we both share a steadfast belief in making sure the next generation has the resources to thrive and our students are successful in elevating themselves, their families, and our communities.”

Those who run obviously don’t do it for the money.

In June 2022, the Board of Trustees passed a resolution to revise their compensation, adhering to strict parameters outlined in the Ed. Code. Currently, Trustees receive a monthly compensation capped at $240, Nicholas Robles, public information officer, Office of the President, said. Please refer to this document for the action item and relevant details.

Trustees are entitled to receive travel reimbursements for District-related business, just like any other employee. Trustees are also eligible for healthcare benefits

Trustee Area 2 of Desert Community College District (COD) includes Desert Hot Springs, Thousand Palms, Sky Valley, Sun City Palm Desert, Sun City Shadow Hills, Indio Hills, Desert Center, Chico Summit and other portions of Palm Desert, Cathedral City, and Indio.