West Hills College Board appoints new trustee, Salvador Raygoza, to seat

He will represent Trustee Area 2, which includes the Firebaugh and Mendota area.

“Giving back is a big part of my philosophy, and I believe in working with other board members and staff toward the common goal of better educational opportunities and facilities for West Hills College students,” he said.

Raygoza and Firebaugh lawyer Stacy Sablan were the two final candidates for the position. Raygoza was appointed at a special meeting of the Board of Trustees on Sept. 5.

“We had two very qualified candidates,” said Trustee Martin Maldonado, who represents Trustee Area 3, including Avenal. “I believe he will be an excellent asset to West Hills Community College District and look at things from a different perspective because he has spent so much of his time as a resident of the area serving the community and serving in many roles.”

He said that as a Trustee he would like to see continued renovation and expansion of the North District Center in Firebaugh and see more classes and training programs offered in the area.

Raygoza is currently the City of Firebaugh’s Chief of Police and, as a 25-year resident of the area, has been significantly involved both in the community and West Hills College. He has volunteered in many roles in the community, including as the Executive Director of the Firebaugh Police Activities League, Board Member of Firebaugh Committee of Police Personnel, Pal Soccer League Coordinator, City of Firebaugh festival planning committee volunteer and as a Fresno Police Officer’s Association member.

He was interviewed for the Area 2 position at the August 22 meeting of the board of trustees, where he answered questions regarding his interest in the seat.