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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

15 explainers

  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

    4 stories: 4 explainers

  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. July 2026

    6 stories: 6 explainers

  10. 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.

  11. Thu

    Explainer · Food and Dining · United States

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

  12. Tue

    Explainer · Education · United States

    Education Department final rule ties federal aid to college program earnings

  13. Sun

    Explainer · Education · California

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

    California students may need SAT or ACT scores again as the University of California reviews its test-free undergraduate admissions policy.

  14. Sat

    Explainer · Election · El Centro

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

  15. Wed

    Explainer · Politics · Calipatria

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

  16. June 2026

    3 stories: 3 explainers

  17. Sat

    Explainer · Technology · United States

    What to do if a mystery envelope or package shows up in your mailbox

    Federal agencies warn Imperial Valley residents of brushing and quishing scams involving unsolicited mail packages containing malicious QR codes.

  18. Thu

    Explainer · Travel · United States

    How a 17-year-old from Ohio said his 50-star flag ended up in state capitols from Texas to Alaska

  19. Thu

    Explainer · Business and Finance · United States

    Schwab’s reported Cboe project could bring yes-or-no S&P 500 trading to retail customers