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Desert Healthcare District & Foundation
Environmental Health Summit

EMPOWERING THE COMMUNITY THROUGH RESILIENT ENVIRONMENTS

Exciting Topics

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.

Speakers

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.)

Spanish Translation & ASL Support

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.

Introducing Our Keynote Speakers

ADDITIONAL SPEAKERS AND MODERATORS

Please click on the speakers’ and moderators’ photos to read their full bios. 

Chris Christensen
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Chris Christensen

Desert Healthcare District and Foundation

Environmental Justice Advocate: Gem Montes
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Environmental Justice Advocate: Gem Montes

People’s Collective for Environmental Justice

Marion Champion
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Marion Champion

Mission Springs Water District

Ann Cheney, PhD, MA
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Ann Cheney, PhD, MA

UCR School of Medicine

Stephanie Virgen
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Stephanie Virgen

Legislative Assistant

David Freedman
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David Freedman

Desert Community Energy

Roxana Hurtado Chavez
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Roxana Hurtado Chavez

Alianza Nacional de Campesinas

Moises Cisneros
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Moises Cisneros

Sierra Club

Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely
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Dr. Jenna LeComte-Hinely

Health Assessment and Research for Communities

Thomas Spiglanin, Ph.D.
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Thomas Spiglanin, Ph.D.

Palm Springs Windmill Tours

Cástulo Estrada
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Cástulo Estrada

Coachella Valley Water District

Silvia Paz
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Silvia Paz

Alianza Coachella Valley

Dr. Keziyah Yisrael-Gayle
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Dr. Keziyah Yisrael-Gayle

UC Riverside School of Medicine

Dr. Suellen Hopfer
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Dr. Suellen Hopfer

UC Irvine

Dr. Juan De Lara
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Dr. Juan De Lara

USC

Oscar Ortiz
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Oscar Ortiz

Indio City Council

Mariela Loera, MPP
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Mariela Loera, MPP

Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability

Luis Olmedo
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Luis Olmedo

Comite Civico del Valle, Inc

Dr. Robert Reed
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Dr. Robert Reed

Friends of the Desert Mountains

Kristi Hall
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Kristi Hall

California Air Resources Board

Anna Lisa Vargas
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Anna Lisa Vargas

Communities for a New California Education Fund

Lindsey-Paige McCloy
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Lindsey-Paige McCloy

City of Palm Springs

Gabriel Perez
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Gabriel Perez

City of Coachella

William Porter, PhD
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William Porter, PhD

UC Riverside

Steve Johnson
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Steve Johnson

Desert Water Agency

Diego Centeno
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Diego Centeno

UCLA PhD student Civil & Environmental Engineering

Ryan G. Sinclair, PhD, MPH
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Ryan G. Sinclair, PhD, MPH

Loma Linda University School of Public Health

Sergio Carranza
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Sergio Carranza

Pueblo Unido Community Development Corporation

Emmanuel Martinez
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Emmanuel Martinez

Coachella Valley Association of Governments

Prisila Navarro
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Prisila Navarro

Alianza Coachella Valley

Alexsis Guzman
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Alexsis Guzman

Alianza Coachella Valley

Aydee Palomino
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Aydee Palomino

Alianza Coachella Valley.

Moderator:  Patrick Evans
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Moderator: Patrick Evans

KESQ

Moderator: Olivia Sandusky
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Moderator: Olivia Sandusky

NBC Palm Springs

Moderator: Hernán Quintas
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Moderator: Hernán Quintas

Telemundo

Moderator:  Kim McNulty
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Moderator: Kim McNulty

OneFuture

Moderator:  Mark Talkington
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Moderator: Mark Talkington

The Palm Springs Post

Moderator:  Janet Wilson
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Moderator: Janet Wilson

Desert Sun

Moderator:  Jimmy Boegle
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Moderator: Jimmy Boegle

Coachella Valley Independent

Moderator: Peter Daut
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Moderator: Peter Daut

KESQ News Channel 3

Moderator: Miguel A. Vazquez, FAICP
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Moderator: Miguel A. Vazquez, FAICP

Riverside University Health System-Public Health

Moderator: Alejandro Espinoza, MPH, CHES
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Moderator: Alejandro Espinoza, MPH, CHES

Desert Healthcare District & Foundation

Video:  Supervisor V. Manuel Perez
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Video: Supervisor V. Manuel Perez

Riverside County Board of Supervisors

Video:  Dr. Raul Ruiz
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Video: Dr. Raul Ruiz

United States House of Representatives

Video:  Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia
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Video: Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia

California's 36th District

Video:  Assemblymember Greg Wallis
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Video: Assemblymember Greg Wallis

California’s 47th District

Registration and Breakfast

Check-in and enjoy a Continental Breakfast

45 min

Opening Remarks and Introduction: Chris Christensen, CEO, Desert Healthcare District and Foundation

10 min

Chris Christensen

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 […]

Speaker – Gem Montes, The People’s Collective for Environmental Justice

10 min

Environmental Justice Advocate: Gem Montes

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 […]

Session Topic: Government Initiatives and Data-Driven Solutions: Addressing Air Quality Challenges in the Coachella Valley

45 min

Stephanie Virgen

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 […]

Transition Period

10 min

Session Topic A: Promoting Environmental Justice: Addressing Air Pollution Through an Equity Lens

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

William Porter, PhD

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 Palomino

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 […]

Moderator: Janet Wilson

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 […]

Session Topic B: Ensuring Clean Water for All: A Path to Environmental Justice

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

Cástulo Estrada

Cástulo R. Estrada was elected to a four-year term on the Coachella Valley Water District board in 2014 and re-elected in 2018. He is the Utilities Manager at the City of Coachella. He is a native of the Eastern Coachella Valley, a graduate of Coachella Valley High School, and has a civil engineering degree from […]

Mariela Loera, MPP

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 Centeno

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

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. […]

Moderator: Jimmy Boegle

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 […]

Lunch & Vendor Expo

Enjoy lunch and visit our exhibitions.

75 min

Session Topic: The Impact of Lithium Mining at the Salton Sea: Environmental and Economic Perspectives

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

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 De Lara

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, […]

Luis Olmedo

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 […]

Moderator: Olivia Sandusky

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 […]

Transition Period

Transition Period

10 min

Session Topic A: From Land Use to Health: Understanding Environmental Impacts and Solutions

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

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

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

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.

Moderator: Miguel A. Vazquez, FAICP

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 […]

Session Topic B: Assessing the Health Risks of Regional Air Pollution

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

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. […]

Dr. Keziyah Yisrael-Gayle

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, […]

Kristi Hall

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 […]

Moderator: Patrick Evans

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 […]

Transition Period

10 min

Keynote Speaker-Yana Garcia CA Secretary for Environmental Protection

40 min

Closing Remarks: Desert Healthcare District Staff

Closing Remarks

15 min

Registration & Breakfast

45 min

Recap of Day 1 and Introduction to Day 2

10 min

Session Topic: The Future of Renewable Energy: Innovation, Integration, and Impact

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

Thomas Spiglanin, Ph.D.

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 […]

Moderator: Peter Daut

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 […]

Transition Period

10 min

Session Topic A: Agriculture and the Environment: Balancing Environmental Impact and Farmworker Health

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

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

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 Vargas

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

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.

Moderator: Hernán Quintas

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 […]

Session Topic B: Public Utilities for a Sustainable Future: Finding the Right Balance

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

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

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

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 […]

Moderator: Alejandro Espinoza, MPH, CHES

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 […]

Transition Period

10 min

Session Topic A: Youth, Civic Engagement, and Environmental Action

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

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 Guzman

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, […]

Moderator: Kim McNulty

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 […]

Session Topic B: Environmental Health In The Coachella Valley: Responses From Local Cities

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

Oscar Ortiz

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

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 […]

Moderator: Mark Talkington

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 […]

Transition Period

10 min

Next Steps

20 min

“Call to Action – Keynote Speaker” Nalleli Cobo

45 min

Closing Remarks

10 min

Chris Christensen

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 […]

Networking, Refreshments And Post Keynote Meet And Greet With Nalleli Cobo Reception

35 min

Click the button below for the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit Agenda.

Check back frequently for an updated agenda.

VENUE

The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Self-parking is plentiful and will be available free of charge.

71333 Dinah Shore Dr, Rancho Mirage, CA
Telephone: (760) 328-5955

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SUMMIT TOPICS

46

SPEAKERS

2

SUMMIT TRACKS

11

PANELS

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RESOURCES

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!

Residential Air Filtration Incentives

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 portable air filtration units and replacement filters.

Sign Up for Air Quality Alerts

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.

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