This commentary was contributed by Rick Rivas. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Kathy Zanger Ruiz By Rick Rivas
The passing of Kathy Zanger Ruiz this month marks the end of an era in San Benito County. Together with her late husband, Tony Ruiz, Kathy helped forge a generation of civic and political leadership that transformed our community and built one of the most effective local Democratic organizations in rural California.
Their partnership helped shape San Benito County as we know it. For more than sixty years, they gave selflessly to our community, never expecting anything in return. Their only hope was that we would become stronger—more fair, more compassionate, and more equitable for all.
For decades, Tony and Kathy were inseparable partners in purpose—devoted educators, tireless advocates, and generous mentors who believed deeply in the power of public service. Their example inspired countless young people, including me.
I first met Tony and Kathy in 1992, when I was eleven years old. I grew up in farmworker housing at Almaden Vineyards in Paicines, inspired by my grandfather, who worked long hours in the fields under difficult conditions and low wages. His sacrifices—and his quiet determination to give his family a better life—made me want to make a difference. I believed politics was the way to do it.
One afternoon, I looked up the number for the local Democratic Party Headquarters in the phone book and called. A man answered: “San Benito County Democratic Headquarters, this is Tony.”
I told him I was a good worker and wanted to help get Bill Clinton elected President. “Absolutely—we could use your help,” he said. “Come down to the Democratic Party office next to Muenzer’s Sporting Goods in downtown Hollister.”
I convinced my grandfather to drive me there in his red Toyota pickup, telling him the Party had called looking for volunteers. You see, I wasn’t supposed to be using the phone without asking first.
When we pulled up, my grandfather parked out front and said, “Go inside, and if they don’t really need you, I’ll take you home.”
Inside, a man with white hair and a short-sleeved button-up shirt greeted me. “Hi, young man—what’s your name?” he asked. “Ricky Rivas,” I said. It was Tony Ruiz, then chairman of the San Benito County Democratic Party.
Tony smiled and said, “Ricky, we need your help. Are you ready to get to work? Let me introduce you to Kathy.” She welcomed me with a warm smile and said, “Let’s get Ricky started on some lawn signs.” That simple act of kindness changed the course of my life. They could have easily said no or told me I was too young—but instead, they welcomed me in. Under their guidance, I learned not only about politics, but about integrity, commitment, and community. From that day forward, not more than a few weeks ever passed without hearing from one of them. They became a lasting part of my life.
Over the years, I ran countless campaigns with Tony and Kathy, helping reshape local politics. My brother, Robert Rivas, was also mentored and inspired by them. With Kathy’s encouragement, Robert ran successfully for County Supervisor, then for the State Assembly, and now serves as Speaker of the California Assembly—the first Speaker in California history to have been raised in farmworker housing. None of that would have been possible without the foundation Tony and Kathy built and their constant encouragement and guidance. They were our chief strategists, our greatest champions, and the first to come to our aid when we needed help.
Kathy dedicated more than fifty years to uplifting others—especially women and families. She was a trailblazer long before that word became fashionable: a counselor, Title IX coordinator, and dean at Gavilan College, where she created the nationally recognized Women’s Re-Entry Program to help women return to school and build new lives. She also led efforts to establish the first homeless shelter in San Benito County, served as a court-appointed special advocate for children, and chaired the Fishes and Loaves/Peace and Justice Ministry at Sacred Heart Church.
Kathy and Tony at the inauguration of Bill Clinton. Photo courtesy of Rick Rivas.
In 2021, the California State Assembly honored Kathy as “Woman of the Year” for her lifelong dedication to education and service. That recognition only began to capture her impact.
Tony, who passed in 2018, was a beloved teacher at Gavilan College, a fierce community advocate, and the first Latino elected official in San Benito County. As chair of the local Democratic Party, he guided it through a period of remarkable growth and helped make San Benito County a model for grassroots organization.
Kathy and Tony shared a deep belief that politics, at its best, could be a tool for empowerment. They were true partners—each the other’s greatest supporter, sounding board, and conscience.
Their legacy lives on in the leaders they inspired and the values they embodied: humility, service and hope. To me, they were family. They saw something in a young boy from farmworker housing who just wanted to make a difference—and they helped him believe he could.
As I reflect on Kathy’s passing, I know she and Tony are together again. Their love for this community—and for the people who make it home—will live on for generations.
BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues.
COMMENTARY: Honoring the Life and Legacy of Kathy Zanger Ruiz
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This commentary was contributed by Rick Rivas. The opinions expressed do not necessarily represent BenitoLink or other affiliated contributors. Lea este artículo en español aquí.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Kathy Zanger Ruiz
By Rick Rivas
The passing of Kathy Zanger Ruiz this month marks the end of an era in San Benito County. Together with her late husband, Tony Ruiz, Kathy helped forge a generation of civic and political leadership that transformed our community and built one of the most effective local Democratic organizations in rural California.
Their partnership helped shape San Benito County as we know it. For more than sixty years, they gave selflessly to our community, never expecting anything in return. Their only hope was that we would become stronger—more fair, more compassionate, and more equitable for all.
For decades, Tony and Kathy were inseparable partners in purpose—devoted educators, tireless advocates, and generous mentors who believed deeply in the power of public service. Their example inspired countless young people, including me.
I first met Tony and Kathy in 1992, when I was eleven years old. I grew up in farmworker housing at Almaden Vineyards in Paicines, inspired by my grandfather, who worked long hours in the fields under difficult conditions and low wages. His sacrifices—and his quiet determination to give his family a better life—made me want to make a difference. I believed politics was the way to do it.
One afternoon, I looked up the number for the local Democratic Party Headquarters in the phone book and called. A man answered: “San Benito County Democratic Headquarters, this is Tony.”
I told him I was a good worker and wanted to help get Bill Clinton elected President.
“Absolutely—we could use your help,” he said. “Come down to the Democratic Party office next to Muenzer’s Sporting Goods in downtown Hollister.”
I convinced my grandfather to drive me there in his red Toyota pickup, telling him the Party had called looking for volunteers. You see, I wasn’t supposed to be using the phone without asking first.
When we pulled up, my grandfather parked out front and said, “Go inside, and if they don’t really need you, I’ll take you home.”
Inside, a man with white hair and a short-sleeved button-up shirt greeted me. “Hi, young man—what’s your name?” he asked. “Ricky Rivas,” I said. It was Tony Ruiz, then chairman of the San Benito County Democratic Party.
Tony smiled and said, “Ricky, we need your help. Are you ready to get to work? Let me
introduce you to Kathy.” She welcomed me with a warm smile and said, “Let’s get Ricky started on some lawn signs.” That simple act of kindness changed the course of my life.
They could have easily said no or told me I was too young—but instead, they welcomed me in. Under their guidance, I learned not only about politics, but about integrity, commitment, and community. From that day forward, not more than a few weeks ever passed without hearing from one of them. They became a lasting part of my life.
Over the years, I ran countless campaigns with Tony and Kathy, helping reshape local politics. My brother, Robert Rivas, was also mentored and inspired by them. With Kathy’s encouragement, Robert ran successfully for County Supervisor, then for the State Assembly, and now serves as Speaker of the California Assembly—the first Speaker in California history to have been raised in farmworker housing. None of that would have been possible without the foundation Tony and Kathy built and their constant encouragement and guidance. They were our chief strategists, our greatest champions, and the first to come to our aid when we needed help.
Kathy dedicated more than fifty years to uplifting others—especially women and families. She was a trailblazer long before that word became fashionable: a counselor, Title IX coordinator, and dean at Gavilan College, where she created the nationally recognized Women’s Re-Entry Program to help women return to school and build new lives. She also led efforts to establish the first homeless shelter in San Benito County, served as a court-appointed special advocate for children, and chaired the Fishes and Loaves/Peace and Justice Ministry at Sacred Heart Church.
In 2021, the California State Assembly honored Kathy as “Woman of the Year” for her lifelong dedication to education and service. That recognition only began to capture her impact.
Tony, who passed in 2018, was a beloved teacher at Gavilan College, a fierce community advocate, and the first Latino elected official in San Benito County. As chair of the local Democratic Party, he guided it through a period of remarkable growth and helped make San Benito County a model for grassroots organization.
Kathy and Tony shared a deep belief that politics, at its best, could be a tool for empowerment. They were true partners—each the other’s greatest supporter, sounding board, and conscience.
Their legacy lives on in the leaders they inspired and the values they embodied: humility,
service and hope. To me, they were family. They saw something in a young boy from farmworker housing who just wanted to make a difference—and they helped him believe he could.
As I reflect on Kathy’s passing, I know she and Tony are together again. Their love for this community—and for the people who make it home—will live on for generations.
BenitoLink invites all community members to share their ideas and opinions. By registering as a BenitoLink user in the top right corner of our home page and agreeing to follow our Terms of Use, you can write counter opinions or share your insights on current issues.