Greg Rodriguez Announces Run for Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors, District 1

PALM SPRINGS — One day after Dr. Les Zendle announced he would not seek reelection to the Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors District 1 position, Greg Rodriguez announced Thursday that he will seek the seat.

“For years I have had an interest in serving on the District Board, and with Director Les Zendle’s announcement he will not be seeking another term, I have decided to ask the voters to elect me to this position,” Rodriguez said in a statement. “I admire the work Les has done for the District and feel I am the right choice to follow in his footsteps.”

The board is made up of seven directors: four face reelection this fall. They are:

  • Dr. Les Zendle, Zone 1
  • Carmina Zavala, Zone 3
  • Arthur Shorr, Zone 5
  • Leticia De Lara, Zone 7

The filing period begins July 15.

“I have been involved in public service my entire life and feel this opportunity is the next step in offering my skills and passion to further the health and well-being of Coachella Valley residents,” Rodriguez said in his announcement. “I have followed the work and mission of the Healthcare District for over ten years. I have personally played an integral role in many Desert Healthcare District initiatives such as the Coachella Valley Behavioral Health Collaborative, the expansion of testing and vaccinations during the COVID pandemic and leveraging resources to address homelessness in the Coachella Valley.

Rodriguez said he has a thorough understanding of the healthcare landscape in the Coachella Valley through his work as the healthcare policy advisor for Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez and as the District Director for Congressman Raul Ruiz. Additionally, he served on the Board of Desert AIDS Project, and is currently the Chair of Riverside County’s Community Health Center Board of Directors.

“I understand the challenges we face in healthcare provider shortages throughout the valley, the need for more healthcare facilities, and the importance of expanding equitable access to healthcare in our underserved areas,” Rodriguez said. “I am looking forward to assisting the District in the transitions and opportunities that may exist with the proposed Tenet lease changes and am confident I can provide the type of leadership to maximize the benefits to the residents of District 1 and the entire Coachella Valley.”

Greg and his family permanently have called the desert home since 2006. Greg immediately became active in the community focusing on education and local community activities. He served as PTA President and Treasurer, School Site Council Chair, Chair of the School District’s Bond Oversight Committee, District parental advisory committees, member and President of the Foundation for the Palm Springs Unified School District, board member of the Desert AIDS Project, and as the First Vice Chair of the Palm Springs Human Rights Commission. Greg is currently the Chair of the Riverside University Health Systems Community Health Center Board of Directors.

In 2022 Greg became Deputy Director for Government Affairs and Community Engagement for Riverside County’s Housing and Workforce Solutions Department.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Image Sources

  • Greg Rodriguez: Greg Rodriguez