Mary Jane Sanchez Sworn in as COD Board of Trustee

U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. to Ceremoniously Officiate Swearing-In of Mary Jane Sanchez on Dec. 20

DESERT HOT SPRINGS — With the Riverside County Registrar of Voters having completed its certification of the 2024 General Election results, Mary Jane Sanchez was sworn into office Friday by College of the Desert Board Clerk Dr. Joel Kinnamon, Chris Parman, her campaign manager, announced Friday.

She is the newest member of the COD Board of Trustees representing Area 2, replacing Bea Gonzalez.  According to Education Code 5017, Mary Jane Sanchez serves as the official representative for Area 2 as of today, Dec. 13.

Sanchez ran on the platform of “Let’s Build the COD Student Promise Now” by expressing her commitment to building the West Valley Campus, maintaining free public transportation for COD students, and providing supportive services that allow COD students to thrive.

“I appreciate the support of the voters who understand the importance of having a representative on the COD board that focuses on the needs of our college students,” Sanchez said in a statement.  “I ran for the board, once more, after being a former trustee (2012-2020) because the last four years have been marred with controversies, backroom board deals, and the pausing and canceling of major bond construction projects that have been detrimental to our students. It is my pledge to bring transparency, honesty, and integrity back to this board so we can provide the educational programs that allow our students to graduate and earn a living wage in a field of work that they desire.”

On Friday, Dec. 20, Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. will be present at COD’s Board of Trustees Regular Meeting to ceremoniously swear Mary Jane Sanchez into office starting at 9:30 am.

“I proudly supported Mary Jane to return to the COD Board of Trustees as she 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,” U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D., said in a statement.  “It will be my honor to conduct her Oath of Office in order for Mary Jane to serve for the next four years.”

Trustee Area 2 of Desert Community College District (COD), now represented by Sanchez, includes all or portions of Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City, Thousand Palms, Sky Valley, Sun City, Indio Hills, Palm Desert, Indio, and Desert Center.