After relocating from Texas during the 1950s, Alberto’s family settled in what is now Cathedral City after being displaced from Section 14 in Palm Springs. Like many families who helped shape this community, they built a new life through determination, hard work, and a commitment to helping others.

Over the decades, members of the Ruiz family have owned and operated local businesses, volunteered countless hours, mentored young people, coached youth sports, and served their neighbors in ways that helped strengthen Cathedral City.

Their commitment to service became part of the family’s identity.

Today, more than 200 members of the Ruiz family live throughout Cathedral City and the Coachella Valley, continuing a tradition of community involvement that spans generations.

His father, Alberto Ruiz Sr., proudly served in the United States Army during the Vietnam War before returning home to build a life in Cathedral City with his wife and four children.

From an early age, Alberto learned that service, sacrifice, and integrity were more than words—they were principles to live by.

Those values inspired the next generation.

In 1999, Alberto’s youngest brother chose to continue the family’s military tradition by joining the United States Army. Today, he serves as a Green Beret and Special Forces Officer, having completed multiple combat deployments in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Other members of Alberto’s extended family have also proudly served in various branches of the United States Armed Forces, demonstrating a lasting commitment to protecting the freedoms Americans enjoy.

Their dedication to country strengthened Alberto’s own commitment to serving his community.

The experience reinforced his desire to serve the community and introduced him to the responsibilities of local government at an early age.

Two years later, he was hired by the City of Cathedral City as a part-time Animal Control Officer.

While many people think animal control is simply about responding to stray animals, Alberto quickly learned it was really about helping people.

Whether reuniting lost pets with worried families, finding adoptive homes for abandoned animals, or educating residents about responsible pet ownership, the position taught him that compassion and problem-solving go hand in hand.

Following a city reorganization in 1991, Alberto joined the Public Works Department, where he gained firsthand experience maintaining the infrastructure and essential services that residents depend on every day.

Later that same year, he graduated from the police academy and began serving as a Reserve Police Officer.

In 1993, he achieved his lifelong goal of becoming a full-time Cathedral City Police Officer.

Throughout his career, he worked to build relationships based on trust, respect, and open communication.

His philosophy was simple: Treat every person with dignity. Listen before acting. Solve problems whenever possible. Protect the community with fairness and professionalism.

As Special Enforcement Sergeant, Alberto worked closely with residents, businesses, nonprofit organizations, healthcare providers, Riverside County agencies, and community partners to address some of Cathedral City’s most complex challenges.

His work frequently involved helping individuals experiencing homelessness connect with housing, mental health services, substance abuse treatment, veterans’ programs, and family support.

While enforcement was sometimes necessary, Alberto believed lasting solutions required compassion, accountability, and collaboration.

That balanced approach continues to shape his vision for addressing homelessness today.

District 3 is a community built around families. It is home to a large Latino population and hardworking families who want safe neighborhoods, opportunities for their children, and a strong sense of community.

I’m running for City Council because I want to preserve the family values that have made our community strong for generations. I believe every child deserves the opportunity to succeed, regardless of their background. That means bringing neighborhood youth programs directly into our communities and providing our young people with the exposure, mentorship, leadership opportunities, sports, and career pathways they need to build successful futures.

Strong families create strong neighborhoods, and strong neighborhoods create a stronger city. As your Council Member, I will work to enhance public safety, support our seniors, strengthen local businesses, and ensure our families have access to programs that help children grow into successful adults.

I’m not running for the next election—I'm running for the next generation. Together, we can preserve our family values and ensure District 3 remains a place where families can live, grow, and thrive.

Communication & Transparency

I believe residents deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent and how City Hall’s decisions affect their neighborhoods. As your Council Member, I will keep our community informed about how public funds are invested, what projects are underway, why they are important, and how they will improve Cathedral City.

Whether it’s road repairs, public safety improvements, park enhancements, neighborhood programs, or new development, I will provide clear and regular updates so residents understand where their money is going and what results they can expect.

Good government starts with open communication. When residents are informed, they can participate, ask questions, and hold their elected leaders accountable. My commitment is to be visible, accessible, and transparent—keeping District 3 informed every step of the way as we work together to build a stronger Cathedral City.