EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTS
EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTS
We will explore the intersectionality of climate, health and equity, build community, and advance collaborative work in the pursuit of a healthier, more equitable future.
We are excited to bring you an amazing line up of hand picked speakers! Click on the photos below to read the full speaker bios. (More speakers will be added as they are confirmed.)
We will be providing Spanish translation and ASL support to ensure that all attendees can fully participate and engage. It will enhance inclusivity and enrich the overall summit experience.
Self-parking is plentiful and will be available free of charge.
71333 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA
Telephone: (760) 328-5955
Please click on the speakers’ and moderators’ photos to read their full bios.
08:00 AM
Check-in and enjoy a Continental Breakfast
45 min
10 min
Born and raised near Great Falls, Montana, Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Montana State University. He went on to earn a certified public accountant’s license, then applied his knowledge and skills during more than 25 years in the homebuilding/construction industry and 12+ years in healthcare. Chris joined the Desert Healthcare […]
10 min
Gem Montes is a Policy Analyst and Advocate at the People’s Collective for Environmental Justice (PCEJ) in the Inland Empire. Upon realizing that the City of Colton, which experiences some of the worst air in the nation, has little to no public access to air monitoring information, she partnered with PCEJ to create a Community-Based […]
45 min
Stephanie is a dedicated first-generation Latina leader, currently serving as a council member for the City of Coachella. Before this role, she spent three years as Chairwoman of the City of Coachella Planning Commission, where she played a pivotal role in shaping the city’s growth and development. In her professional capacity, Stephanie works as a […]
Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely is the Chief Executive Officer of HARC, Inc. (Health Assessment and Research for Communities), a nonprofit research and evaluation organization based in Palm Desert, CA. HARC focuses on community-centric research and evaluation services related to health, wellness, and quality of life. Dr. LeComte-Hinely is also a faculty member at the University of […]
Emmanuel is the External Affairs Program Manager for the Coachella Valley Association of Governments. He has considerable public sector experience which includes energy and water policy issues for a local public utility, non-profit affordable housing, and gained legislative experience working in the California State Assembly. Emmanuel is from the City of Coachella and is a […]
Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]
Victor Manuel Perez was appointed by Gov. Edmund G. Brown Jr. on May 9, 2017, to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, representing the County’s Fourth District, and was subsequently elected to a four-year term in June 2018. The Fourth Supervisorial District is the largest district by geography; it covers eastern Riverside County, from Whitewater, […]
U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz, M.D., grew up in the community of Coachella, California, where both of his parents were farmworkers. Dr. Ruiz achieved his lifelong dream of becoming a physician through public education. After graduating from Coachella Valley High School, Dr. Ruiz graduated magna cum laude from UCLA. He went on to Harvard University, where […]
Eduardo Garcia represents California’s 36th Assembly District, which includes Imperial County and cities and communities in Riverside County and San Bernardino County. Elected in 2014, Garcia presides as Chair of the Assembly Committee on Utilities and Energy, overseeing critical issues such as ensuring energy stability, affordability, and safety and California’s groundbreaking efforts to decarbonize its […]
Greg Wallis is a third-generation Californian who proudly serves the people of California’s 47th District in the State Assembly. He is focused on the issues that matter to Californians: improving education, protecting public safety, and creating a more affordable environment where more people can join the middle class and live the American dream. Greg decided […]
10:05 AM
10 min
Applying an equity lens, the session explores how policies and programs can effectively mitigate the health impacts of air pollution on vulnerable and underserved populations within the region, ensuring that all residents have access to clean air and a healthy environment.
45 min
Arlene Farol Saria is a Public Affairs Manager in the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion with Community Air Programs division at the South Coast Air Quality Management District (South Coast AQMD). With a diverse background in public affairs, community engagement, and environmental advocacy, Arlene has dedicated her career to improving the quality of life for underserved communities […]
William Porter, PhD is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at the University of California, Riverside. The Porter Group primarily uses numerical and chemical transport models to understand air quality issues facing Southern California, including the emissions, transport, and human health impacts of air pollution.
Aydee is the Environmental Justice Campaign Manager for Alianza Coachella Valley. At Alianza, she brings together community members, nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government entities to address how the climate crisis is affecting the Salton Sea and find collaborative solutions that benefit the communities that are disproportionately impacted. Aydee received her Bachelor of Science in […]
Janet Wilson is a Senior Environment Reporter for the Desert Sun and co-authors USA Today’s weekly Climate Point newsletter. A veteran environmental journalist, she has covered air pollution, dwindling water supply, the oil industry, renewables, and endangered species, among other topics. She was part of an LA Times team that won a Pulitzer Prize for […]
This session explores strategies to ensure clean water access for all residents in the Coachella Valley, emphasizing the pursuit of environmental justice. It will address the challenges faced by underserved communities in accessing safe and clean water, discuss the impacts of water pollution on public health, and examine local and regional initiatives aimed at improving water quality.
45 min
Board Vice President Cástulo R. Estrada was elected to a four-year term on the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) board in 2014 and re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He is the Utilities Director at the City of Coachella. He is a native of the Eastern Coachella Valley, a graduate of Coachella Valley High School, and […]
Mariela Loera is the Eastern Coachella Valley Regional Policy Manager at Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability. Leadership Counsel who advocates at the local, regional, and statewide level on the interrelated issues of land use, energy, transportation, water and wastewater, housing, agriculture, and climate change through the lenses of environmental justice, equitable investment and development, civil rights, and […]
Diego is a PhD student in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at the University of California, Los Angeles. He earned a BA in geosciences at California State University, San Bernardino, in 2023 and has been working on the sulfur cycle in the Salton Sea, including geochemistry and impacts on human health. This work is […]
Ryan G. Sinclair, PhD, MPH, is an Associate Professor of Environmental Microbiology at the Loma Linda University School of Public Health, holding a joint appointment in the Department of Earth and Biological Sciences. He earned his PhD in water quality from Tulane University and completed postdoctoral research in environmental microbiology at the University of Arizona. […]
Jimmy Boegle is the founding editor and publisher of the Coachella Valley Independent. He is also the executive editor and publisher of the Reno News & Review in Reno, Nevada. Since founding the Independent in late 2012, the newspaper has won multiple Association of Alternative News Media (AAN) awards and dozens of California News Publishers […]
11:00 AM
Enjoy lunch and visit our exhibitions.
75 min
This panel discussion examines the multifaceted impact of lithium mining at the Salton Sea, exploring both environmental and economic benefits and challenges. Experts will discuss the environmental implications of lithium extraction, including potential effects on the local ecosystem and water resources in the Coachella Valley and Imperial Valley regions.
45 min
Silvia Paz is the Founder and Executive Director of Alianza Coachella Valley, a nonprofit organization that works to expand economic, environmental, and education justice for the Coachella Valley and the Salton Sea region of Eastern Riverside County and Imperial County through policy and systems change campaigns. In 2021, she was appointed by California Governor Gavin […]
Dr. Juan D. De Lara is the inaugural director of the Latinx and Latin American Studies Center and an associate professor of American studies and ethnicity at the University of Southern California. Dr. De Lara received his Ph.D. in geography from the University of California, Berkeley. He is the author of Inland Shift: Race, Space, […]
As Executive Director of Comite Civico del Valle, Inc., Luis Olmedo carries on a tradition of service to the community started by his father, Luis Velez, who founded the organization and still serves as a liaison to its board. The organization has maintained its grassroots integrity and core mission to improve the lives of disadvantaged […]
Before coming to Palm Springs, she spent almost two years as a reporter and fill-in anchor for KETK and FOX51 in Tyler, Texas. There, she covered a variety of stories, from devastating tornadoes to lively political town hall debates. Olivia received an M.S. in Broadcast Journalism from the University of Southern California. Olivia also attended […]
01:00 PM
10 min
This session presents the intricate connections between land use and health in the Coachella Valley, focusing on the environmental impacts and potential solutions. It will examine how various land-use practices affect air and water quality, ecosystem health, and the well-being of local communities, with an emphasis on mitigating negative environmental effects and promoting sustainable development.
45 min
Moises Cisneros has been building award-winning sustainable economic development initiatives for both public and private entities for two decades. As a community organizer for Sierra Club, Moises leverages his leadership and coaching skills to empower others to design their intentional future while protecting our environment and community health.
Dr. Robert Reed is the Board Chair for Friends of the Desert Mountains. He has been a practicing veterinarian for more than 30 years and is currently the Medical Director of VCA Rancho Mirage Animal Hospital. He holds advanced degrees in environmental science and public affairs and has been a wildlife biologist, an environmental policy […]
Gabriel Perez serves as the City of Coachella Development Services Director and is working to implement policies of the City’s General Plan Health and Wellness Element that promote healthy living through the built environment and local food system.
Miguel Angel Vazquez, FAICP, is an optimistic, dynamic, and multifaceted community planner. His passion for creativity and collaboration are his driving forces. Over the past two decades, he has provided community development and professional planning services to the private, public, and military sectors. Miguel was born and raised in Mexico City and became an American […]
Discover the health risks associated with regional air pollution in the Coachella Valley. Experts will analyze the sources and levels of air pollution, examining their effects on respiratory and cardiovascular health among residents. This session, which will include recent research findings, aims to inform public health strategies and policy decisions to improve air quality and protect the health of Coachella Valley residents.
45 min
Ann Cheney, PhD, MA, is an associate professor in the Department of Social Medicine Population and Public Health at the University of California Riverside School of Medicine. She is a medical anthropologist and conducts community-based participatory research as a vehicle to empower grassroots leaders to activate communities and change narratives of health and wellbeing. Dr. […]
Lily Wu, Ph.D., is California’s primary Community Air Protection toxicologist and works at California Environmental Protection Agency’s Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment (OEHHA). Her responsibilities include assessing the health benefits of community emissions reduction plans and consideration of cumulative exposures of multiple chemical and non-chemical stressors in addressing communities’ disparate health outcomes. Dr. Wu […]
Keziyah Yisrael-Gayle is a postdoctoral researcher in Biomedical Sciences at the University of California, Riverside. Having earned her doctorate from UCR, she continues her research in Dr. David Lo’s laboratory, focusing on health issues faced by underprivileged communities surrounding the Salton Sea. Her work is dedicated to utilizing innovative methods to investigate health disparities within these communities, […]
Natalie Schiffer has been dedicated to the field of Respiratory Therapy with Tenet since 2021 and has been a valued member of DRMC since 2019. Her passion for respiratory care was further fueled by the challenges of the pandemic, affirming her commitment to the profession. Outside of work, Natalie enjoys spending time outdoors, cherishing moments […]
Pat Wong is the manager of Building and Indoors Environment Section (BIES) in the Research Division of the California Air Resources Board (CARB). He obtained his PhD. in Pharmacology from UCLA and is a board-certified toxicologist. BIES manages research relating to identifying and evaluating factors which can impact indoor air quality. This includes investigation of […]
Kristi Hall is an Air Toxics Specialist with the California Air Resources Board. Originally from Oakland, CA, Ms. Hall holds a Master’s in Public Health with a focus in Epidemiology and a Bachelor’s in Biology with a focus in Ecology, Evolution, and Conservation Biology, both from the University of Hawaii. Ms. Hall is a researcher […]
Patrick Evans is an award-winning news Channel 3’s morning and noon meteorologist and host of Eye on the Desert. He is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a degree in Environmental Science and Political Science. In August 2002, Patrick moved to the Palm Springs area to help launch the new Coachella Valley CBS […]
1:55 PM
10 min
40 min
15 min
08:30 AM
45 min
10 min
Explore the future of renewable energy, focusing on innovation, integration, and impact. Experts will discuss advancements in solar, wind, and bioenergy technologies and address challenges in integrating these into existing energy systems. Highlighting successful case studies and emerging trends, they will also examine the economic, job creation, and environmental benefits of renewable energy.
40 min
Dr. Thomas Spiglanin is the Director of Education for Palm Springs Windmill Tours. He’s overseen the tours’ transformation into an educational experience thousands of visitors enjoy yearly. His passion is teaching the public how wind and other renewable energy sources can power our homes, protect the environment, and build a sustainable future. Before joining Palm […]
Sabrina Barber is a seasoned Assistant Power Manager at the Imperial Irrigation District, where she has spent 18 years enhancing the Water and Power Departments. In her current role, Sabrina spearheads Business Development and Construction Operations, leveraging her extensive knowledge of energy policy, regulatory frameworks, and renewable energy integration to drive sustainable and equitable outcomes. […]
Vincent Battaglia founded Renova in 2006 upon his return from consulting in Russia on sustainable building practices. While there, he observed firsthand the inefficient centralized delivery of utilities, and knew there was a better way. When he returned to the Desert he embarked on his MBA and the business plan for Renova (short for :”renovable” […]
Walter Watcher is the Chief of Capital Projects at SunLine Transit Agency.
Peter Daut is a six-time Emmy-Award-winning journalist who currently solo anchors the 4 and 6:30 PM newscasts for KESQ News Channel 3. Almost immediately after he joined the station in 2020, Daut launched the interactive program “Coronavirus: Questions Answered,” which earned him an Emmy Award for Best Evening Newscast. He continues to conduct in-depth interviews […]
10:05 AM
10 min
This session delves into the critical intersection of agriculture, environmental sustainability, and farmworker health in the Coachella Valley. It will explore the environmental impacts of agricultural practices and their implications for both the ecosystem and the health of farm workers. Learn about collaborative efforts and policy initiatives to foster a sustainable and healthy local agricultural landscape.
45 min
Roxana Hurtado Chavez attended CSU San Marcos and had the privilege of joining Alianza Nacional de Campesinas Team in January 2022 as Regional Organizer in the State of California. Roxana was born in San Diego and grew up in Tepic Nayarit where her Grandfather worked in the fields harvesting beans. Roxana returned to California at […]
Dr. Suellen Hopfer is an Associate Professor of Public Health at the University of California, Irvine. She is in the Department of Health, Society & Behavior within the UC Irvine Joe C. Wen School of Population & Public Health. Dr. Hopfer received her doctoral training in health communication and designing prevention interventions from Penn State University. […]
Anna Lisa grew up in the small rural community of Thermal, located in the Eastern Coachella Valley. At a young age, she learned about the importance of service to others, a commitment that has only continued to blossom. Anna Lisa’s love of community and passion for advancing the greater good and social justice led her […]
Sergio Carranza is the founder and Executive Director of Pueblo Unido Community Development Corporation (PUCDC), a non-profit organization dedicated to improving the living conditions of disadvantaged communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley through technical assistance in drinking water and sanitation, affordable housing, economic development, and climate change adaptation and resilience.
Hernán Quintas is currently an anchor and reporter for Telemundo 15 News in Thousand Palms, Monday through Friday, at 6 p.m. and 11 p.m. Before returning to the news field, Hernán served as press secretary and later as district director for Congressman Raúl Rúiz, representative in the United States Congress. During this period, he had […]
This session explores how public utilities in the Coachella Valley can contribute to a sustainable future by finding the right balance between resource management, environmental impact, and community needs. Experts will discuss strategies for improving water and energy efficiency, integrating renewable energy sources, and enhancing infrastructure resilience.
45 min
Marion Champion is the Assistant General Manager at Mission Springs Water District, where she heads up the district’s Communications, Conservation, and Legislative outreach efforts. Passionate about water, education, sustainability, and the looming health crisis posed by the shrinking Salton Sea, she has used her Communications skills to spotlight and call for community and legislative action. […]
David Freedman is the Program Manager – Energy & Sustainability at Coachella Valley Association of Governments. He manages Desert Community Energy (DCE), the Community Choice Aggregator providing carbon-free and lower-cost electricity to more than 80% of the eligible customers in Palm Springs, and leads the Codes and Standards sector for Inland Regional Energy Network (I-REN). […]
Steve Johnson is the General Manager and Chief Engineer at Desert Water Agency (DWA) in Palm Springs. Steve oversees the operations of DWA, a State Water Project Contractor, and ensures the reliability, safety, and sustainability of the Agency’s water supply for customers in Palm Springs and a portion of Cathedral City. In addition, he leads […]
Alejandro Espinoza is a dedicated professional at the forefront of community health education and engagement. With a wealth of experience and expertise, Alejandro is making a significant impact in his roles as Chief of Community Engagement at the Desert Healthcare District/Foundation and as a faculty member at California State University, Fullerton, where he imparts his […]
11:05 AM
10 min
This session focuses on the vital role of youth in civic engagement and environmental action in the Coachella Valley. It will highlight inspiring stories of young activists and community leaders who are driving environmental initiatives and advocating for sustainable practices. Its focus is the next generation of environmental stewards in the Coachella Valley and beyond.
45 min
Prisila Navarro is a high school student and artist from Coachella. She was one of Alianza Coachella Valley’s first youth interns for their Environmental Justice campaign. Prisila wants to create spaces for youth to be heard, listened to, and understood. As both an artist and activist, she uses art to showcase her personal narrative. Prisila has […]
Alexsis is a high school student and an environmental justice activist from the community of Mecca. Following his passion for community involvement, he joined Alianza Coachella Valley’s Youth Organizing Council and their Environmental Justice campaign’s Youth Caretakers cohort. Alexsis also contributes to ongoing research at the Salton Sea by participating in Alianza’s Community Science initiative, […]
My name is Daphne Ramirez (she/her). I am a 4th-year undergraduate double majoring in Psychology and Criminology, Law, & Society at the University of California, Irvine—former participant and intern for Youth Leadership Institute. I aspire to become a Clinical Psychologist and serve my Spanish-speaking community in the Eastern Coachella Valley.
Kim’s leadership has influenced college and career pipeline development across the region since 2005, when she launched the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership’s Career Pathways Initiative. As OneFuture’s Vice President of Regional Strategy, Kim is responsible for building workforce, education, and community partnerships to advance the Coachella Valley Regional Plan for College and Career Success. She […]
As a member of the Governor Gavin Newsom’s Cabinet, Josh Fryday leads California Volunteers and the newly created Governor’s Office of Service and Community Engagement. Since appointed, California Volunteers has created the largest service force in the country—including the nation’s first statewide California Climate Action Corps, College Corps, and Youth Service Corps. Fryday is the […]
This session delves into the responses of local cities to environmental health challenges in the Coachella Valley. It will highlight initiatives and strategies implemented to address issues such as air and water quality, pollution, and public health to create a healthier, more sustainable valley community.
45 min
Jaime Arroyo is the Grants Manager for the City of Coachella. He has over 15 years of grants management experience. Throughout his career, he has successfully secured a combined $60 million through state and federal grant funding for programs related to early childhood education, workforce development, and transportation. As a new addition to the City […]
Oscar Ortiz is an immigrant from Mexicali, Baja California. He grew up in Indio, CA, and graduated from Indio High School. He went on to study at Stanford University, where he graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry in 2012. Oscar was elected to Indio’s City Council in 2018 by District 4, which has the […]
Lindsey-Paige McCloy leads the Office of Sustainability for the City of Palm Springs, supporting the City’s commitments to carbon neutrality, circularity in waste, water use reduction, and climate justice. Prior to joining the City of Palm Springs in 2022, LP managed clean technology pilots in Los Angeles County and led strategic, legislative, and smart city initiatives […]
Mark Talkington is the founder and publisher of The Palm Springs Post, a community news outlet that launched in 2021. He has been a part-time or full-time desert resident since 1993. In his”day job,” he works at Microsoft—where he has been since 2002—as both a news editor and AI project manager. Earlier this year, he […]
12:00 PM
10 min
12:10 PM
20 min
45 min
01:15 PM
10 min
Born and raised near Great Falls, Montana, Chris earned a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Montana State University. He went on to earn a certified public accountant’s license, then applied his knowledge and skills during more than 25 years in the homebuilding/construction industry and 12+ years in healthcare. Chris joined the Desert Healthcare […]
35 min
The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation has prioritized environmental health in the Coachella Valley for the past three years, including it as one of seven goals in the strategic plan we adopted in 2021. The Healthy Desert Healthy You Summit is an important outgrowth of that plan, bringing together community leaders, elected officials, public health experts and concerned residents to address our environmental health challenges and set a course to correct them.
The health of our environment potentially affects the health of every Coachella Valley resident, no matter where you live. The Healthy Desert Healthy You Summit will allow our community to identify air- and water-quality issues and explore the steps necessary to improve our collective health. We are proud to present the inaugural summit with many of our community partners.
Desert Healthcare District invests in the services and programs of local nonprofits, health service providers, and public agencies, and now they are providing the community with an incredible opportunity to attend this summit. I am excited to attend, and I know so many good things will come from it.
Thank you to our sponsors!
There are several programs available to help mitigate air quality issues. Please take a look at the information below to see if one of them is right for you!
Air pollution in and around your home can come from a variety of sources and can cause health problems for you, your family and your neighbors. Here are some tips to minimize how much air pollution you breathe in and around your home.
The Climate Change Program from RUHS-Public Health is working on a project to help communities address environmental and climate issues. Your feedback is valuable in understanding the community’s needs.
Please take a few minutes to fill out this short survey. Your responses will play a vital role in helping create a project that will benefit the community.
You can receive accurate air quality advisories that can be tailored to your specific location. South Coast AQMD’s award winning app provides real-time and forecasted air quality information using data from regulatory monitors, hundreds of low-cost sensors, and state-of-the-art models with scientifically validated methods developed by air quality experts.
You can help South Coast AQMD protect public health in the South Coast Air Basin by making a complaint about air quality problems online or call 1-800-CUT SMOG.
The Residential Air Filtration Program aims to reduce residential exposure to particulate matter (PM) in participating AB 617 Communities. Residents within the Eastern Coachella Valley are eligible for free portable air filtration units and replacement filters, improving indoor air quality.
Discover how climate change is impacting our natural and social systems, and learn how you can make a difference with the UC California Naturalist Climate Stewards Course. This 10-week program at UCR Palm Desert combines online and hands-on learning, experience sharing, and volunteer service to empower you to improve ecosystem and community resilience.
Wildfires can often cause high air pollution levels that are harmful to your health. Protect your health by taking steps Before, During, and After a wildfire to reduce how much pollution you are breathing.
Rule 444 – Open Burning (PDF) is designed to ensure that open burning is conducted in a manner that minimizes emissions and impacts, and that smoke is managed consistent with state and federal law in order to protect public health and safety.
The California Air Resources Board’s Office of Community Air Protection has released its Community Air Grant (CAG) Cycle 5 Request for Applications. These grants fund California 501(c)(3) nonprofits and Native American tribes for projects addressing air quality issues in heavily polluted communities. This cycle offers $16 million in funding.
This page is dedicated to the Eastern Coachella Valley (ECV) community data platform for real-time continuous measurements, interactive data summaries, air monitoring progress reports and the Community Air Monitoring Plan (CAMP).