Pasadena Attorney Rudy Ruiz Joins Playhouse Village Foundation Board

The Playhouse Village Foundation in Pasadena announced the appointment of local attorney Rodolfo F. Ruiz to its Board of Directors.

“Rudy will be a valuable asset to Playhouse Village because he brings relevant expertise and spends time in Playhouse Village every day. He is taking his commitment to our community to a new level,” announced Playhouse Village Foundation Chair Phil Hawkey.

Ruiz, a partner at the Pasadena law firm Vanderford and Ruiz LLP, brings a unique perspective to the role. As both a professional working in the area and a real estate owner, he has a vested interest in the District’s growth.

“I not only work in Playhouse Village, I am also a property owner here. So I see both the potential and the needs of Playhouse Village. I am especially excited that the Mentor Avenue corridor is now coming into its own,” Ruiz said.

The Playhouse Village Foundation focuses on raising funds for free public programs and enhancements in the area. These initiatives include jazz performances, movie screenings, games, holiday events, and exercise programs in Playhouse Village Park. The foundation also supports improvements to streetscapes and public art installations.

Ruiz brings a wealth of experience to his new position. As a managing partner at Vanderford and Ruiz, he specializes in various areas of law, including employment, public entity defense, and general litigation.

His background also includes service as a Deputy Public Defender for Los Angeles County and as a Transportation Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles under Mayor Richard Riordan. Ruiz is also a former Trustee of the Mexican American Bar Association.

The new Board member’s educational background is equally impressive. Ruiz earned his law degree from Stanford University, where he served as Associate Editor of the Stanford Law Review. He also graduated with honors from Harvard College, holding a B.A. in Government.

Beyond his professional achievements, Ruiz demonstrates a commitment to community service. He volunteers with MiMentor/Alliance in Mentorship, an organization dedicated to increasing diversity in the medical profession to better serve underrepresented communities.

Playhouse Village, where Ruiz will focus his efforts, is a key area in downtown Pasadena. It encompasses much of the city’s financial District, premier office spaces, cultural institutions, and residential units. The District benefits from its own business improvement District, the nonprofit Playhouse Village Association, and the charitable Playhouse Village Foundation. With direct access to the 210 freeway and Metro L/Gold Line at Lake Avenue, the area is conveniently located for residents and visitors alike.