Dr. Raul Ruiz was sworn into office as a member of the 113th Congress, representing California’s 36th District, which includes Idyllwild. He has announced his principal staff members and his main office in the district.

Kyle Layman will serve as his chief of staff. He was Ruiz’s 2012 campaign manager. Layman is a native of Burlington, N.C., and a graduate of Wake Forest University and Georgetown University.

Greg Lucas Rodriguez will serve as district director. Rodriguez, who will oversee all district operations and constituent services, has decades of experience working in public service. He is a native of Huntington Beach and a graduate of Gonzaga University.

Rebekah Rodriguez-Lynn will serve as deputy district director. She formerly served as district director for California State Senator Fran Pavley and has also worked for Congressman Joe Baca (D-CA). Rodriguez-Lynn is a native of Yucaipa and a graduate of UCLA and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government.

Orfa Torres-Jaen will serve as legislative director. Torres-Jaen has more than six years of Capitol Hill experience. She is a native of Ontario and a graduate of California State University-San Bernardino and George Mason University.

Whitney Mitchell will serve as communications director. She previously served as communications director and a legislative aide to former Rep. Heath Shuler (D-NC). Mitchell is a native of Alexandria, Va., and a graduate of Indiana University-Bloomington.

Additionally, Rep. Ruiz announced his first district office will open Monday, Jan. 7, and is located at 777 East Tahquitz Canyon Way, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

Ruiz is currently working to secure two additional district office locations in Indio and the western portion of the 36th Congressional District.