Rudy Reyes (activist) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Rudy Reyes
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Rudy Reyes in Santee, California, 2011
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| Born | February 27, 1977 |
| Nationality | American |
| Education | San Diego State University (BS) California Western School of Law (JD) |
| Occupation | Science teacher, chef |
| Known for | ... rights activism |
| Political party | Legal ... Now |
Rudy Reyes (born February 27, 1977) is an American teacher, actor, archaeologist, activist for important causes, and a chef. He became known to many when he appeared on the cooking show, MasterChef, during its fourth season.
Rudy Reyes is from California. He is famous for his bravery during the Cedar Fire in 2003. He helps young people who have been burned, acting as a mentor. He also speaks for groups like United Way and the Burn Institute, which help people in need.
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A Hero in the Cedar Fire
Rudy Reyes lived in San Diego County, California. In 2003, a huge wildfire called the Cedar Fire happened. Rudy became known for his brave actions during this fire. He helped other people get to safety first. After helping others, he found himself trapped by the fire.
To protect himself, Rudy soaked himself in a shower. Then, he ran more than a mile through the burning area. He was badly burned and lost part of an ear and a finger. His courage during this dangerous event made him a local hero.
Helping His Community
Rudy Reyes has worked to help his community in many ways.
Early Efforts to Make a Difference
In 2008, Rudy ran for a position on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors. This group helps make decisions for San Diego County. He ran against Dianne Jacob, who was his representative at the time. Even though he didn't win, he received more than 20,000 votes.
Running for Office in the 2010s
Rudy Reyes continued to run for public office in the 2010s.
- In 2010, he ran for the City Council in Santee, California.
- In 2012, he ran again for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors.
- Also in 2012, he ran for Mayor of Santee. He ran against Randy Voepel, who had been mayor for 12 years.
Speaking Out About a Power Plant
In 2012, Rudy Reyes, who is also an archaeologist, spoke out against a plan to build a power plant. This power plant, called Quail Brush, was planned for an area near Santee in San Diego. The Santee City Council also did not want the power plant built.
Competing on MasterChef
In 2013, Rudy Reyes appeared on the TV show MasterChef. He was a contestant on the very first episode of the show's fourth season. This reality competition tests people's cooking skills.
More Campaigns for San Diego County
Rudy ran for the San Diego County Board of Supervisors again in 2016. He was the only candidate from the Democratic Party to run against the current Republican leader, Dianne Jacob. Rudy's campaign focused on making fire protections better. In the primary election, he received over 38,000 votes.
Santee City Council in 2018
In 2018, Rudy Reyes ran for the Santee City Council for District 2. He did not win this election. The San Diego Democratic Party supported his campaign. He received more than 1,500 votes in the election.
Recent Activism
Running for Vice President
In 2020, Rudy Reyes was part of a campaign for Vice President of the United States. He received 365 votes in the primary election.
Rudy Reyes's Background
Rudy Reyes is a member of the Barona Band of Mission Indians. He went to El Capitan High School in Lakeside, California. He studied archaeology and anthropology at San Diego State University. He also earned a law degree from California Western School of Law.
Rudy Reyes's Political Races
Rudy Reyes has run for public office several times to serve his community:
- San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2008, 2012, and 2016
- Santee, California, City Council in 2008, 2010, and 2018
- Santee Mayor in 2012
On Television and in Film
Rudy Reyes has appeared on screen. He played himself in a documentary film called How Weed Won the West in 2010. He was also a contestant on the popular cooking competition show MasterChef in 2013, during its fourth season.
