Local County Planning Commissioner Jim Porras Dies at 59

Riversdie County 4th District Planning Commissioner Jim Porras, 59, died suddenly Friday morning at a local hospital, according to an announcement from Supervisor John Benoit. 

According to the Supervisor's office, Porras woke complaining of chest pains and was taken to a local hospital where he passed away around 5:00 a.m.  

Benoit praised Mr. Porras’ work in the community as a teacher, planning commissioner and volunteer. 

“I am saddened by Jim’s unexpected passing” Benoit said. “Jim spent 17 years as an exceptionally dedicated and effective planning commissioner. He worked many evenings, and frequently many long full days, representing his neighbors. He did all this with very little recognition or compensation. He was just a wonderful, caring citizen of the Coachella Valley. We will miss him immensely.” 

“My wife, Sheryl, and I extend our thoughts and prayers to Jim, his wife, Linda, and the entire Porras family,” he said. 

Porras was a graduate of Coachella Valley High School and Pomona College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in international relations. He was a teacher and swim coach at Coachella Valley High School. He is survived by his wife, Linda, and a son. 

Plans for services have not been announced.