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Santa Ana's top news & views blog

Category Archives: Rigo Rodriguez

Santa Ana’s Resident Leadership Speaker Series begins this Wednesday

Posted on by Posted in Civic Affairs, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

The City of Santa Ana’s Neighborhood Initiatives Program is kicking off the 2020 Resident Leadership Speaker Series on Wednesday, Feb. 12.

The series offers the public an opportunity to hear from community leaders who will give insightful and inspiring presentations each month through May. The speakers also will have question and answer sessions with the audience.

The speakers are:

• Feb. 12 – Dr. Rigo Rodriguez, President of the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Trustees
• March 11 – Joanna Peterson McCall, Casa de Santiago Neighborhood Association
• April 8 – Jose Rea, Madison Park Neighborhood Association
• May 13 – Cynthia Contreras-Leo, Vice Chair of the Santa Ana Planning Commission

The events all take place at 7 p.m. at The Frida Cinema, 305 E. 4th St. in downtown Santa Ana. Spanish interpretation will be available and free parking validation will be provided for nearby city garages. Seating is limited.

For more information, call Santa Ana Neighborhood Initiatives at (714) 667-2260.

SAUSD Trustee Ceci Iglesias beat the Santa Ana teachers’ union

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Elections, Alfonso Alvarez, Angie Rosario Cano, Beatriz Mendoza, Bruce T. Bauer, Cecilia Iglesias, Education, John Palacio, Mark McLoughlin, Politics, Republican Party, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana 14 Comments

ceci-iglesias-won-again

The Santa Ana Educator’s Association – the union that represents local public school teachers at the SAUSD, spent months attacking SAUSD Trustee Ceci Iglesias and her fellow conservative Republican, Angie Cano, while promoting their own slate of SAUSD School Board candidates – Rigo Rodriguez, Mark McLoughlin and Alfonso Alvarez. But in the end Iglesias emerged as the top vote-getter in the 2016 General Election while Cano barely lost by only 183 votes.

As for the teacher’s slate, only Rodriguez and Alvarez emerged victorious (assuming that Cano doesn’t edge out the latter when the final vote tally is announced this week).
Continue reading→

SAUSD School Board candidate McLoughlin ditches his colleagues Rodriguez and Alvarez

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Elections, Alfonso Alvarez, Education, Mark McLoughlin, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD 6 Comments

mark-mcloughlin-mailer

It looks like SAUSD School Board candidate Mark McLoughlin has ditched the other two candidates who were also endorsed by the Santa Ana Educators’ Association – Dr. Rigoberto Rodriguez and Dr. Alfonso Alvarez. McLouthlin’s campaign just dropped a mailer that omits any mention of Rodriguez and Alvarez and encourages voters to only vote for McLoughlin. Continue reading→

The SAUSD school board candidates all agreed with each other at tonight’s forum

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Elections, Alfonso Alvarez, Beatriz Mendoza, Bruce T. Bauer, Democratic Party, Education, Mark McLoughlin, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD 3 Comments

Latino Health Access hosted an SAUSD School Board candidates forum tonight. All of the candidates participated except for Cecilia Iglesias and Angie Cano.

Norberto Santana, the Editor of the Voice of OC, a digital publication, served as the event moderator. The questions however were not posed by him. Instead a panel of local intermediate and high school kids asked the questions. Continue reading→

Local education unions announce their endorsed SAUSD School Board candidates

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Elections, Alfonso Alvarez, Education, Mark McLoughlin, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2016

Contact: Jason Mills (714) 576-4303

Santa Ana Teachers and School Employees Announce Jointly Endorsed Candidates for School Board Election

Santa Ana, CA — For the first time ever, the Santa Ana Educators Association (SAEA) and the California School Employees Association (CSEA) Chapter 41, are jointly endorsing three Santa Ana community leaders for the Santa Ana School Board.

SAEA President Barbara Pearson declared “SAEA and CSEA are endorsing the same candidates for the three openings on the Santa Ana School Board for the November Election. We came together to support three superb candidates because the Santa Ana School Board needs experienced and knowledgeable individuals who can provide steady leadership to improve educational opportunities for all of our students.” Continue reading→

Crowded field developing for the SAUSD School Board race in November

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Elections, Alfonso Alvarez, Beatriz Mendoza, Bruce T. Bauer, Cecilia Iglesias, Education, Gloria Alvarado, Mark McLoughlin, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Rob Richardson, Santa Ana Leave a comment

There are three seats available on the SAUSD School Board in the upcoming November General Election. Two of the SAUSD Trustees, Rob Richardson and Jose Hernandez, are retiring from the School Board. Another incumbent, Ceci Iglesias, is up for reelection – and she has been targeted for removal by the Santa Ana Educators Association.

There are quite a few candidates vying for these School Board seats including: Continue reading→

Dr. Rigo Rodríguez is running for the SAUSD School Board again this November

Posted on by Posted in 2016 Elections, Education, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: June 9, 2016

Contact: Rigo Rodríguez, (949) 478-4162

Dr. Rigo Rodríguez Announces Candidacy for Santa Ana School Board

(Santa Ana, CA) – CSU Long Beach professor and school district parent, Dr. Rigo Rodríguez announced his candidacy today for Santa Ana School Board.

“I want all students to have safe and excellent schools that prepare them for college and a career.” Dr. Rodriguez added, “As the youngest of 13 of a farmworker family, I experienced the economic hardships and social isolation that many families face in Santa Ana. Fortunately, I attended a great public grade school that inspired me and prepared me to stay on the path to success. Although I attended four different high schools in four years in two different countries and three states, I had the motivation and skills to get to college.” Continue reading→

Recap of the SAUSD School Board candidates forum

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Angie Rosario Cano, Cecilia Aguinaga, Cecilia Iglesias, Education, Everlena Oliver, John Palacio, Mike Dalati, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Shuntele Andrews, Valerie Amezcua 7 Comments

Valerie Amezcua and Rigo Rodriguez

A friend of mine who is a teacher was at the SAUSD School Board candidates meeting tonight.  She said that Valerie Amezcua (pictured above) was one dimensional.  She also felt that Mike Dalati was out of his league and apparently he ducked out before the question and answer session.

Amezcua has already lost in two previous SAUSD School Board elections.  She lost by 75 votes to high school dropout Roman Reyna in 2008 and she lost again in 2012 by 537 votes to Jose Alfredo Hernandez.  Continue reading→

2014 General Election voter guide for Santa Ana voters

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Alex Padilla, Angie Rosario Cano, Ballot Measures, Cecilia Aguinaga, David Benavides, Elections, Everlena Oliver, Gilad Salmon, Janet Nguyen, John Palacio, Jose Solorio, Marijuana, Mark I. Lopez, Michele Martinez, Miguel Pulido, Mike Dalati, Mirna Velasquez, OC Assessor, Politics, Rene Gomez, Rigo Rodriguez, Roman Reyna, Sal Tinajero, Santa Ana, SAUSD, Sherry Walker, Shuntele Andrews, Tom Daly, Valerie Amezcua 11 Comments

This voter guide addresses the Orange County local and legislative races as well as the State and Local ballot measures.

General Election, November, 2014:

Local Elections

Santa Ana City Council

Mayor:

Endorsed Candidate: Mayor Miguel Pulido

Other Candidates: Roman Reyna, Mark I. Lopez

Note: Even Reyna’s friends and allies admit that he is not a capable candidate for Mayor of Santa Ana.  This will be Pulido’s final term and in the next two years we need to recruit better candidates than the likes of Reyna, who has only served two years on the Santa Ana City Council. Continue reading→

Charter Schools Association endorses Dr. Rodriguez for the SAUSD School Board

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Education, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

Riboberto Rodriguez

PRESS RELEASE: October 6, 2014
Contact: Steve Levin, slevin@ccsaadvocates.org, (310) 409-7755

CCSA Advocates Endorses Dr. Rigo Rodriguez for Santa Ana Unified School Board

The teacher and community advocate will fight for students

Los Angeles – CCSA Advocates is pleased to announce its endorsement of Dr. Rigoberto (Rigo) Rodriguez for the Santa Ana Unified School District Governing Board. An experienced teacher, small business owner and respected community advocate, Dr. Rodriguez will work to ensure that every Santa Ana student receives a high-quality education.

“We enthusiastically endorse Dr. Rodriguez for the Santa Ana Unified school board,” said Gary Borden, Executive Director of CCSA Advocates. “Dr. Rodriguez has proven himself to be a visionary and collaborative community leader. He understands the complex challenges facing Santa Ana schools. As a school board member, he will put students first and work tirelessly for access to high-quality educational options for all families.” Continue reading→

SAUSD Board V.P. Hernandez endorses Rodriguez for the School Board

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Education, Jose Hernandez, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD Leave a comment

Dr. Rigo Rodriguez for the SAUSD School Board

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Eric Hogensen, 323-761-9514

Santa Ana School Board Vice President José Alfredo Hernández Endorses Rigo Rodríguez for School Board

(Santa Ana) – Today, Santa Ana School Board Vice President José Alfredo Hernández joined School Board Clerk Rob Richardson and President Audrey Yamagata-Noji in endorsing Dr. Rigo Rodríguez for School Board.

Vice President Hernández was appointed to the School Board in January 2007. Prior to that, he served as a member of the Whittier Law School Trial Advocacy Honors Board and was a Fellow at the Center for Children’s Rights. In addition to serving on the School Board José Alfredo Hernández works as a criminal and immigration defense attorney for the Santa Ana community. Continue reading→

SAUSD School Board Clerk Rob Richardson endorses Rigo Rodríguez for the School Board

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Education, Rigo Rodriguez, Rob Richardson, Santa Ana, SAUSD 6 Comments

Rob Richardson at the Fiestas Patrias Parade

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 12th, 2014

Contact: Eric Hogensen, 323-761-9514

Santa Ana School Board Clerk Rob Richardson Endorses Rigo Rodríguez for School Board

(Santa Ana) – Santa Ana School Board Clerk Rob Richardson announced his endorsement of Dr. Rigo Rodríguez for Santa Ana School Board today.

Richardson stated: “As an educator and active community member, Rigo Rodríguez has dedicated his career to strengthening the Santa Ana community through education. As a School Board member, Dr. Rodríguez will continue to lead efforts to improve schools for our children. He will fight for what is best for our students, I have confidence in him to lead our District forward.”

Rob Richardson has been a longtime leader in the Santa Ana community. He served on the Santa Ana School Board from 1987-1990, after which he served as a Councilmember and Mayor Pro Tem for eight years. In 2003, Richardson returned to the School Board where he served another five years as President working to improve the quality of education in Santa Ana and he continues on the Board. He currently serves as an administrator for the County of Orange. Continue reading→

Eight candidates now running for the SAUSD School Board

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Angie Rosario Cano, Cecilia Aguinaga, Education, Everlena Oliver, Mike Dalati, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, SAUSD, Shuntele Andrews Leave a comment

Mike Dalati School Board campaign

Mike Dalati

More candidates jumped into the crowded race for the SAUSD School Board today.  One of them was Mike Dalati, a Democrat who ran in the June Primary Election this year for OC Auditor-Controller.  He lost but got over 30,000 votes, according to Smart Voter.  He says that he is a Tax & Accounting Professor with H&R Block in Santa Ana and an Adjunct Professor at ORT Jewish College in Los Angeles.

Valerie Amezcua finally filed her papers.  She is running as a “Probation Officer/Parent.”  She has lost twice in previous campaigns. You have to believe that the title of “Probation Officer” is a real problem for Amezcua given how many people in our city likely don’t like probation officers. Continue reading→

SAUSD Board President Yamagata-Noji endorses Rodríguez

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Audrey Noji, Education, Politics, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD 2 Comments

Audrey Yamagata-Noji

Audrey Yamagata-Noji

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 7, 2014
Contact: Eric Hogensen, 323-761-9514

Santa Ana School Board President Yamagata-Noji Endorses Dr. Rigo Rodríguez for School Board

(Santa Ana) – Current Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education President, Dr. Audrey Yamagata-Noji announced today that she is endorsing Dr. Rigo Rodríguez for the school board in the upcoming November election.

Dr. Yamagata-Noji stated, “Through my many years of service to the Santa Ana Unified School District, I am keenly aware of the need to have well-educated, community-based individuals to serve on the school board. We have a hard-working and responsive Board but there is still more that needs to be done. As the sixth-largest district in the state, we serve over 57,000 students, so we need Board Members who will be able to understand and address the needs of our students and teachers in the short and long-term.” Continue reading→

Dr. Rigo Rodríguez announces his campaign for the SAUSD School Board

Posted on by Posted in 2014 Elections, Education, Rigo Rodriguez, Santa Ana, SAUSD 6 Comments

Riboberto Rodriguez

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: August 6, 2014

Contact: Eric Hogensen, 323-761-9514

Dr. Rigo Rodríguez Announces Candidacy for Santa Ana Unified School Board

(Santa Ana) – Cal State University Long Beach professor and Santa Ana small business owner, Dr. Rigo Rodríguez announced his candidacy today for the Santa Ana Unified School District Board of Education. Dr. Rodríguez is an inspiring educator, an active community builder, and a proud Santa Ana parent and resident for almost 20 years.

“As the youngest child of 13 in an immigrant family, I experienced the many challenges that low-wage, hard-working families in Santa Ana face. With the support of my family and others, I was able to obtain university degrees enabling me to balance my personal experience with the knowledge needed to bring necessary change to our educational system here in Santa Ana. As an involved parent, I strongly believe that all families deserve to have their children receive a high quality education for the 21st century in Santa Ana schools to prepare them for college and a career,” said Dr. Rodríguez. Continue reading→