Rep. Panetta’s Legislation Honoring King City Postmaster Chief Rudolph “Rudy” Banuelos Signed into Law By President Biden

Monterey, CA – Legislation authored and introduced by U.S. Representative Jimmy Panetta (D-Carmel Valley) to honor former postmaster Chief Rudolph "Rudy" Banuelos was signed into law by President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. The bill by Rep. Panetta was co-sponsored by the entire California congressional delegation. The bill allows for the renaming of the King City Post Office after Banuelos. A veteran and former postmaster, the King City Post Office where Chief Banuelos served will now honor his memory.

Born in 1927, the son of immigrants from Mexico, Chief Banuelos enlisted in the United States Coast Guard where he served on active duty in World War II. After serving in the reserves, he continued as a recruiter in King City for 40 years. Chief Banuelos served as Postmaster of King City for nine years.

"Local heroes like Chief Rudy Banuelos deserve recognition for their many years of dedicated public service to our communities and country," said Rep. Panetta. "With the dedication of the King City Post office we are honoring the life and work of Chief Banuelos as a pillar in King City, a veteran, and a postmaster who made sure that neither snow nor rain, heat, gloom of night, stopped the completion of his appointed rounds. A true local hero of King City, I'm proud to honor his life, the example he set, and the legacy he left."

Chief Banuelos passed away in November 2021. He is survived by his wife Joanne and three children.

Rep. Panetta's legislation honoring Chief Banuelos was passed into law as part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023.

###