Meet Roberto

Roberto Rodriguez has been a proud Vista resident for nearly 20 years. Recently retired, Roberto dedicated over 30 years to teaching Social Sciences in the Sweetwater Union High School District in Chula Vista. He holds a Bachelor's and Master’s Degree in International Relations from the University of San Diego and pursued a Political Science Doctorate at UC Santa Barbara. As the son of immigrants and the first in his family to attend college, Roberto understands and shares the struggles many of our students face.

Roberto believes that public education is one of the most sacred promises we make to our children, enabling students of all ages to pursue their dreams. This belief inspired him to become a teacher and a recognized education labor leader in San Diego County and throughout the state.

Roberto is passionate about the vital role community colleges play in our education system, with Palomar College being a cornerstone of our community. Palomar provides an affordable alternative for students, supports those transferring to four-year institutions, offers opportunities for learning trades, honing artistic skills, training for new jobs, and assisting veterans transitioning to civilian life. It is a vital resource in our North County community.

Roberto Rodriguez is running for reelection to the Palomar College Board because he believes that after working to put Palomar college on a stronger financial footing, our budget must continue to prioritize student needs. He is committed to ensuring students have access to the courses and programs they need for a well-rounded education, from English and Performing Arts to Ethnic Studies. Roberto also believes in strengthening our Career Technical Education programs as part of Palomar College’s role in workforce development.

Palomar College must be a welcoming place for all students, faculty, staff, and the community at large. Roberto Rodriguez will collaborate with board members, faculty, staff, and students to achieve these goals. His passion for teaching and learning, dedication to public education advocacy, and experience in labor give him a unique perspective to address our challenges and guide Palomar College toward a bright future that our community can be proud of.

It started at my grandfather’s dinner table…

As a child of immigrant parents going to school in Imperial Beach, my grandfather worried that I wouldn’t learn Spanish, so he sat me down at his dining room table and taught me how to read and write “en Español". He planted the seeds that would turn into my love of learning, books, and passion for teaching.”