Public Comments Speak Volumes at Special Session

Public Comments Overwhelmingly Support Val Martinez Garcia

PALM DESERT — After a closed-session meeting that commenced at 8:40 a.m. Friday and did not adjourn until about 6:30 p.m., the College of the Desert Board of Trustees reported no action was taken. However, the real action seemed to occur during public comments; all were submitted in writing and entered into the public record.

The public comments were submitted in unanimous support of Acting Interim Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia, one of four finalists being considered for the permanent position.

“The recent leadership of Interim Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia has started to heal the wounds inflicted by the previous administration, and he has boosted morale throughout all of our campuses,” Carlene Hart, CSEA Chapter 407 Communications Officer, wrote. “He knows staff by name and takes time to talk with them and our students. He leads by example, not exception! Folks, he is the right choice to continue to lead COD into the future! You may read her entire comment here.

“The challenges faced by our students in Mecca are not the same as those in Desert Hot Springs,” wrote another. “Each community has its own culture, barriers, and opportunities. We cannot afford to bring in someone who will need years to learn what many of us already live and breathe. We need someone who already knows. Val Martinez Garcia understands this region — not from a distance, but from lived experience. He understands how College of the Desert isn’t just a school — it’s a lifeline, a launchpad, and a
force for transformation. Val knows that when we invest in our students, we uplift entire families and neighborhoods.”

The praise and accolades did not stop there,

“I can also share that since Val assumed the role of interim President/Superintendent, both myself and my fellow classified staff have felt more heard and acknowledged than ever before,” wrote Cheryl Louise Etter, Administrative Assistant, Academic Senate. “Under his leadership, the college is moving in a positive direction — one that values collaboration, breaks down silos,
and keeps students and our community at the heart of our mission.”

One of the most powerful public comments came from Kasandra Espinoza of Desert Hot Springs, a first-generation College Student.

“One of the most impactful efforts he is leading is the Palm Springs Campus project,” Espinoza wrote. “For students and families
in this area, having a fully developed campus close to home is not just about convenience—it’s about survival. It’s about having the ability to pursue a college education while working, caring for family, or managing limited resources. Mr. Martinez Garcia recognizes this, and that’s why his continued leadership is so important to me and many others.”

Jayonna Limon resides in Desert Hot Springs and is currently enrolled in the Nursing Program at College of the Desert. She wrote to  express her “strong support” for Martinez Garcia.

“As a nursing student, I face rigorous academic and clinical demands, as well as financial and transportation challenges,” Limon wrote. “Under Mr. Martinez Garcia’s leadership, I have witnessed significant improvements in student services, academic support, and campus resources—all of which directly benefit those of us in demanding programs like nursing. His commitment to equity and
access has meant expanded tutoring hours, streamlined clinical placement processes, and better mental-health resources that help me focus on my studies and patient care skills.”

Are public comments a barometer that will help guide Trustees to a decision? Only time will tell.

The next regularly scheduled Board of Trustees meeting is set for Friday, May 16. Of course, the Board of Trustees could always call a special meeting before then to offer one of the candidates a contract.