Rudy Reyes (born February 27, 1977) is an American teacher, actor,

archaeologist Archaeology or archeology is the scientific study of human activity through the recovery and analysis of material culture. The archaeological record consists of artifacts, architecture, biofacts or ecofacts, sites, and cultural landscap ...

cannabis rights Cannabis rights or marijuana rights (sometimes more specifically cannabis consumer rights or stoner rights) are individual Civil rights, civil and human rights that vary by jurisdiction. The rights of people who consume Cannabis (drug), cannabis ...

activist, and chef. Reyes was a contestant in the reality television competition, ''MasterChef'', on the show's fourth season. Californian Reyes, known for his bravery during the Cedar Fire of 2003, volunteers as a mentor for young burn survivors, and spokesperson for United Way and the Burn Institute.

Cedar Fire survivor

Heroism during 2003 wildfire A resident of

San Diego County, California San Diego County (), officially the County of San Diego, is a county in the southwestern corner of the U.S. state of California. As of the 2020 census, the population was 3,298,634, making it California's second-most populous county and the fi ...

, Reyes became known for his role in the Cedar Fire of 2003. During the fire, he helped others get to safety first, before he was trapped by the fire. Reyes soaked himself in the shower, and ran more than a mile through the fire. He sustained burns over approximately 70 percent of his body, and lost one ear and part of a finger. Reyes has had numerous surgeries and uses cannabis salve to aid healing of his skin. According to Reyes, vaporized marijuana was more effective than other drugs prescribed for pain while he was hospitalized.

Early activism

After the Witch Creek wildfire burned San Diego County again four years later in 2007, Reyes became critical of his representative on the San Diego County Board of Supervisors, Dianne Jacob, for her vote to spend the county's resources to file a lawsuit against California's medical marijuana law, Proposition 215, which was passed by voters in 1996, rather than using the public's money to build a hospital and for fire prevention. Reyes ran against Jacob and lost, but Reyes received more than 20,000 votes, about 22 percent, in the June 3, 2008, election.

2010s career

''How Weed Won the West'' film appearance

While making the cannabis documentary '' How Weed Won the West'', in 2010, Reyes worked with producer and director Kevin Booth, and was featured portraying himself in the film.

2010—2012 candidacies

Reyes ran for Santee, California, City Council in 2010, San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2012, and for Santee Mayor, against 12-year incumbent Randy Voepel, in 2012.

Quail Brush power plant critic

In 2012, archeologist Reyes testified against the Quail Brush power plant proposed in San Diego, near Santee, which was opposed by the Santee City Council.

2013 ''MasterChef'' contestant

Reyes appeared as a contestant in the reality television competition, ''MasterChef'', on the premiere episode of the show's fourth season.

2016 San Diego County Board of Supervisors candidate

Reyes ran for San Diego County Board of Supervisors, District 2, in 2016 and lost. The only Democratic candidate to face Republican incumbent Jacob, Reyes campaigned for increased fire protections and to make medical marijuana more accessible. In the June 7 primary, Reyes received more than 38,000 votes, almost 27 percent.

2018 Santee City Council candidate

In 2018, Reyes ran unsuccessfully for District 2 Santee City Council. He was endorsed by the San Diego

Democratic Party Democratic Party most often refers to: *Democratic Party (United States) Democratic Party and similar terms may also refer to: Active parties Africa *Botswana Democratic Party *Democratic Party of Equatorial Guinea *Gabonese Democratic Party *Demo ...

. Reyes received 1,510 votes, more than 31 percent, in the November 6 general election.

2020s activism

Vice-presidential campaign

Reyes was nominated by the Legal Marijuana Now Party, in 2020, to run for Vice-president of the United States. But due to 2020 Iowa COVID-19 petitioning obstacles, the campaign was postponed until 2024.

Personal life

Early life and education Rudy Reyes, who belongs to the Barona Band of Mission Indians, graduated from El Capitan High School in Lakeside, California. He holds degrees in archeology and anthropology from San Diego State University, and a degree from California Western School of Law.

Political candidacy

Rudy Reyes has run for public office several times, including: * San Diego County Board of Supervisors in 2008, 2012, and 2016 * Santee, California, City Council in 2008, 2010, and 2018 * Santee Mayor, in 2012

Television and film

Rudy Reyes, who had a role as himself in the 2010 documentary film ''How Weed Won the West'', was a contestant in the television competition, ''MasterChef'', on the first episode in Season 4 of the American reality show, in 2013.

References

External links

Ballotpedia: Rudy Reyes
*April 8, 2006
Medical marijuana patient Rudy Reyes attends the 4th National Clinical Conference on Cannabis Therapeutics April 8, 2006, in Santa Barbara, California

Getty Images Getty Images Holdings, Inc. is an American visual media company and is a supplier of stock images, editorial photography, video and music for business and consumers, with a library of over 477 million assets. It targets three markets— creative ...

*February 23, 2021
Cannabis Industry/Advocates/Lobbyists: Rudy Reyes (Cedar Wildfire Survivor, Former Board of Supervisors Candidate)
San Diego County
February 21, 2009, Medical Marijuana (Rudy Reyes) San Diego
YouTube
Documentary: "RxCannabis" (September 16, 2012) Rudy Reyes, Medical Cannabis patient
YouTube *May 20, 2013
Rudy Reyes' Inspiring Story (''MasterChef'' Season 4 Episode 1)
YouTube {{DEFAULTSORT:Reyes, Rudy 1977 births Living people American amputees American cannabis activists American male film actors Burn survivors Politicians from San Diego Candidates in the 2020 United States presidential election Chefs from California Contestants on American game shows Hispanic and Latino American candidates for President of the United States Hispanic and Latino American people in California politics Hispanic and Latino American teachers Native American anthropologists San Diego State University alumni Schoolteachers from California American politicians with disabilities Activists with disabilities