Palm Springs Post 9/16 – Leading off: Marathon meeting more informative than combative

Board Chair Ruben Perez and former COD Superintendent/President Joel Kinnamon have all but declared victory in their respective races. Given Kinnamon’s harsh criticism of current college leadership, that outcome could lead to some dramatic changes. Read full article here

PALM DESERT — Much of Joel Kinnamon’s campaign was built on the platform of “Getting COD Back on Track” by expressing his commitment to the public of providing accountability, transparency and fiscal responsibility. He’s wasting no time in making good on that commitment. He boldly called for a forensic audit in January at his first meeting…

PALM DESERT — Joel Kinnamon, who represents Trustee Area 4 on the College of the Desert Board of Trustees, has filed a complaint on behalf of district constituents and himself asking Board Chair Bonnie Stefan to place an item on the next board meeting to start a censure process against Trustee Rubén Pérez for his violations…

“I completely disagree with the censureship as it is my First Amendment right to speak my thoughts and feel this is a violation of that constitutional right. Furthermore, my constituents elected me to speak truth to power and this censureship would prevent those same constituents who have historically been silenced to continue to be silenced. I know…

The College of the Desert Board of Trustees will vote Thursday on a contract extension and pay raise for Superintendent/President Martha Garcia. The move comes as votes are counted in an election that could shift COD board politics in a new direction and possibly create uncertainty around Garcia’s future at the college.  Read full article here