Dr. Ruth Larson, a dermatologist who was elected to the five-member board in 2004, said she's stepping down because Palomar College is in good hands and she wants more time to travel and take care of her 94-year-old mother.

Larson said she ran in 2004 to help ease tensions the community college had experienced before she was elected. The previous college president, Sherrill Amador, had received a vote of no confidence by both faculty and nonteaching employees. Amador retired in July 2004 with three years left on her contract.

Larson, 60, said she likes to bring people together, isn't political and cares deeply about education. She said she thought she could resolve conflicts and believes she has accomplished that goal during her term.

One of the first votes that Larson cast was to hire a new president for Palomar. Bob Deegan was hired in December 2004 and under his leadership, she said, the college has been doing well. Deegan has been praised for helping get a $694 million bond measure passed by voters in 2006.

“I'm leaving the board in peace,” Larson said.

Larson said she hopes that Palomar College will continue to meet community needs. An example, she said, is how it is improving its nursing program with better facilities and using interactive mannequins in mock patient rooms. As a doctor, she's well aware of the nursing shortage, she said.

The four-year terms of the two other incumbents, Darrell McMullen and Nancy Chadwick, are also expiring in a few months.

McMullen has already qualified for the ballot. Chadwick has pulled papers and said she “definitely” plans to run again.

Linda Lou: (760) 737-7574; linda.lou@uniontrib.com