June 22, 2025
SOLAHA Vol. V, No. 19 – Educator Rudy Mendoza and strong Catholic faith
Rudy Mendoza, former principal of Phineas Banning High School(PBHS) and Los Angeles Unified School District ( LAUSD) educator and administrator expresses his strong Catholic faith and link to St. Mary Margaret parish in Lomita, California and his need for more anonymity in church than he has in community vis a vis his work as educator, school official and community advocate.
Born in Long Beach, raised in Wilmington Rudy attended Broad Avenue Elementary, Wilmington Jr. High, and Phineas Banning Schools. His parents were born in and all grew up in Wilmington. His paternal grandparents emigrated from Mexico; his maternal grandparents were from Spain and the Philippines.
He continued his higher education at Cal State Dominguez Hills. Bachelor of Science (social studies) and Master of Arts (education); and teaching credential. Though he considered a career in accounting education was his true calling. He began his teaching career at Pacific Harbor Christian School (Wilmington), on to Stephen White Middle School, and PBHS teaching social studies
At PBHS he was work experience coordinator, career advisor, Associated Student Body leadership advisor, co-ed cheerleader advisor, asst. principal. He exited to work at Washington Preparatory High School, then became principal of Gardena High School. He returned to his alma mater PBHS for 11 years as principal. He departed PBHS for administrative position in LAUSD supporting principals in Carson schools as “Regional South Director”. Rudy is kind, calm, loyal and a great role model for youth, the community of Wilmington and beyond.
He recently retired as LAUSC Regional South Director and looks forward to more community involvement, travel and enjoying local life.