CVWD Board Appoints Alex Sanchez to Vacant Division 4 Seat by Coachella Valley Water District Jun 1, 2026 Member Submitted News PALM DESERT — Alex Sanchez of La Quinta was sworn in today as a CVWD Board Member after being appointed to the vacant Division 4 seat previously held by Peter Nelson. The CVWD Board appointed Sanchez after interviewing four candidates during a public meeting on Monday, May 18. A long-time Coachella Valley resident, Sanchez brings more than 20 years of experience in agricultural operations, including working as a farm manager and ranch unit director. He serves in several regional leadership roles, including President of the Coachella Valley Irrigated Lands Coalition, Vice President of the Riverside County Farm Bureau and Vice President of the Darby Estates Homeowners Association. Sanchez earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Plant Sciences from the University of Arizona. “Water is essential for the Coachella Valley’s quality of life,” Sanchez said. “This Board has done a great job securing the water we have and my priority is ensuring our community has resilient water supplies for generations to come.” During the selection process, CVWD Board President John Powell Jr. emphasized the importance of selecting a board member committed to protecting CVWD’s imported water rights. “I see Alex Sanchez continuing the legacy of Peter Nelson to protect CVWD’s imported water supply. The community will benefit by having Alex on our Board of Directors,” said Powell. The Appointment Process The vacancy was publicly noticed through multiple channels, including publication in The Desert Sun, postings throughout the district, CVWD’s website, social media, and outreach through the cities of Indio and La Quinta. Sanchez will serve in the Division 4 seat through the end of 2026. The seat will appear on the November ballot as a special election to fill the remaining two years of Nelson’s four-year term. Sanchez, along with any other qualified candidates, can choose to run in that election. For more information about CVWD board meetings and actions, visit CVWD.org. Coachella Valley Water District is a public agency governed by a five-member board of directors. The district provides domestic and irrigation water, agricultural drainage, wastewater treatment and reclamation services, regional stormwater protection, groundwater management, and water conservation. It serves approximately 113,000 residential and business customers across 1,000 square miles, primarily in Riverside County and portions of Imperial and San Diego counties. Media Contact: Lorraine Garcia Communication Manager/PIO Email: Lorraine.Garcia@cvwd.org Office: (760) 398-2661, ext. 2549 Cell: (760) 695-4007
