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Rod Rodriguez

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Raised in La Jolla, California, Rod Rodriguez is the senior Imperial Valley reporter for Times Media Service, based in El Centro, California. Rodriguez covers local news across the Imperial Valley, including local government, schools, public safety, development, elections and community life. Rodriguez holds a master's degree in mass communication.

Stories by Rod Rodriguez

74 stories

  1. September 2026

    2 stories: 2 explainers

  2. Thu

    Explainer · Election · Imperial

    Four Candidates Seek Three Imperial City Council Seats

    Victor Lopez, Robert C. Shields, Sara Solorzano and James Tucker are seeking three Imperial City Council seats on Nov. 3, 2026.

  3. Fri

    Explainer · Election · California

    From Chino Valley School Board to Statewide Ballot: Sonja Shaw’s 2026 Bid

  4. August 2026

    6 stories: 4 explainers, 2 news stories

  5. Sun

    Explainer · Education · California

    Why California schools are returning some Proposition 28 arts money

  6. Tue

    Explainer · Education · California

    What California schools could teach under Sen. Tony Strickland’s health-habits bill

    Students may receive expanded instruction on sleep, nutrition, and screen time if Governor Newsom signs Senate Bill 1133 into law.

  7. Mon

    Explainer · Environment · California

    What happened to Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, after her illness?

  8. Fri

    Explainer · Environment · California

    Jackie the Big Bear bald eagle remains critically ill as anemia worsens at Ojai Raptor Center

  9. Sun

    News: Education · California

    California Schools Face New All-Gender Restroom Requirement Under SB 760

  10. Sat

    News: Crime and Justice · California

    Influencer Ava Levy Faces New Grand Theft Charge in Riverside County

  11. July 2026

    20 stories: 1 analysis, 6 explainers, 13 news stories

  12. Sat

    Explainer · Environment · California

    $10 million campaign saves Moon Camp land near Big Bear’s Jackie and Shadow nest: what the deal means

    Friends of Big Bear Valley raised $10.5M to buy the 62-acre Moon Camp property in California, preventing a housing and marina development.

  13. Thu

    News: Environment · Inland Empire, California

    Black bear pushes into Crestline water district office, leaves without causing damage

  14. Thu

    Explainer · Food and Dining · United States

    Burger King’s new service push explained: what the Your Way Champion and Whopper Guarantee mean

  15. Tue

    Explainer · Education · United States

    Education Department final rule ties federal aid to college program earnings

    Students could lose federal loans and grants if their college programs fail to meet new federal graduate earnings benchmarks under a new rule.

  16. Sun

    Explainer · Education · California

    UC is weighing a return to SAT and ACT scores. Here’s what that would mean for admissions

  17. Sat

    Explainer · Election · El Centro

    Imperial County opens candidate filing for the Nov. 3, 2026 general election

  18. Fri

    News: Election · Imperial Valley, California

    Imperial County Opens Candidate Filing for November 2026 Local Elections

  19. Fri

    News: Food and Dining · California

    Costco food courts add chicken strips to California menus at several warehouses

  20. Fri

    News: Real Estate · California

    Meriwether breaks ground on Coral Mountain Desert Club in La Quinta

  21. Fri

    News: Business and Finance · United States

    Panasonic recalls toaster ovens sold on Amazon and Costco sites over shock, fire risk

    Panasonic recalled 11,480 toaster ovens sold on Amazon and Costco from October 2024 to April 2026 due to shock and fire hazards.

  22. Wed

    Explainer · Politics · Calipatria

    Calipatria’s data center fight: what the council voted on and why it matters

  23. Sun

    News: Politics · United States

    James Carville attacks far-left Democrats, warns party could repeat 2016

  24. Sun

    News: Politics · United States

    Sen. Lindsey Graham’s Senate biography says he has served South Carolina since 2003

  25. Tue

    Analysis · Business and Finance · United States

    Walmart price cuts ease summer grocery bills — and add a political twist

    Walmart and Sam's Club are cutting prices on thousands of summer products across the U.S. to help shoppers facing tight household budgets.

  26. Mon

    News: Politics · California

    Newsom blames Trump for DOJ probe, but reports say inquiry began before his administration

  27. Mon

    News: Sports · California

    FIFA clears Balogun for Belgium match after suspending red-card ban for one year

  28. Sat

    News: Crime and Justice · California

    Napa County deputies say Paul Pelosi could face misdemeanor hit-and-run charges after Yountville crash

  29. Sat

    News: Travel · California

    Living Desert Zoo in Palm Desert sets July 4 celebration for holiday visitors

  30. Thu

    News: Crime and Justice · United States

    Former Olympian David Hearn indicted in Reflecting Pool vandalism case in Washington, officials say

  31. Wed

    News: Politics · California

    California handgun law aimed at DIY machine guns takes effect as Justice Department sues to block it

    Californians can no longer buy machinegun-convertible pistols from licensed dealers under a new law the Justice Department is suing to block.

  32. June 2026

    33 stories: 7 investigations, 1 analysis, 3 explainers, 22 news stories

  33. Mon

    News: Environment · California

    Big Bear eaglet Sandy falls from nest in apparent first flight attempt

  34. Sun

    News: Crime and Justice · United States

    Burgum vows full prosecution after damage to Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool

  35. June 2026 continues on page 2 with 31 more stories.