1Reliability
I'll support sustainable yield management of our groundwater basin and a balanced mix of imported Colorado River and State Water Project supplies, so service stays reliable through drought.
Leadership for water, service, and community.
ELECTION DAY IS
NOVEMBER 3
Sunshine Herrera
Candidate, CVWD
ABOUT SUNSHINE
Sovereign Roots. Community Values. Ready to Lead
Sunshine Herrera is running for the CVWD Board to expand influence, strengthen partnerships, and ensure the Coachella Valley has a powerful voice in the decisions that shape its water future. As a proud member of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, one of four tribes whose reservations lie within the CVWD service area, she brings a perspective that is directly connected to the land, water, and long-term sustainability of this region. Her background in tribal governance, local commissions, and academic coursework in water management and sustainable resource planning gives her both the technical knowledge and the community trust needed to serve effectively on the board. She is running to add value, expand impact, and ensure the Coachella Valley is not just part of the conversation about its water future, but helping to lead it.
"Water is life, and protecting it means protecting our future."
— Sunshine Herrera
Local resident and community advocate
Committed to transparent, accountable governance
Focused on long-term water sustainability
Priorities
A Water Agenda That Works for You
2Rates
Through transparent budgeting and cost-of-service analysis. Ratepayers should see how every dollar funds treatment, infrastructure, and operations, before any increase is approved.
3Transparency
Support open communication, thoughtful decision-making, and access to information so residents can better understand the issues affecting our water and our community.
4Partnerships
Water doesn't follow jurisdiction lines. Coordinating with tribal nations and neighboring agencies on shared groundwater management avoids duplication and stretches every dollar.
5Advocacy
Competing for grant funding and a seat at the table on Sacramento and Colorado River allocations. If we're not represented, the Valley's share gets decided without us.
6Stewardship
Through integrated water resource management we can reuse treated water and plan for climate-driven demand, so the Valley we leave behind is stronger than the one we inherited.
Endorsements
Neighbors, leaders, and organizations across the Coachella Valley are backing Sunshine Herrera for CVWD.
As a water district board member, it’s crucial for government agencies to work cooperatively with the communities best interests in mind, especially as it relates to economic development, safe drinking water, modernized infrastructure and service rates. As a long term resident of Cathedral City, Sunshine offers the fresh perspective, a respect for Coachella Valley history, a deep understanding of Tribal and Local Government relations, and the workable vision to get the job done - I strongly urge a vote for Sunshine Herrera for CVWD District 1.
Dirk Voss
Mayor Pro Tem, City of Desert Hot Springs
Elected Official
Water is not a partisan issue. It is essential to every family, farmer, and business in the Coachella Valley,” Gonzalez said. “Sunshine Herrera has the experience, preparation and commitment to service needed on the Coachella Valley Water District Board. She understands the importance of protecting our water supply, investing responsibly in infrastructure, and keeping water reliable and affordable for the communities we serve. I am proud to endorse Sunshine Herrera for Division 1.
Jeff Gonzalez
State Assemblymember, 36th District
Elected Official
I'm proud to endorse Sunshine Herrera for the Coachella Valley Water District Board. As a tribal member, Sunshine has deep roots in these lands. She brings real professionalism, fresh perspective, and a clear understanding of the water issues facing the Coachella Valley.
Reid Milanovich
Former Chairman, Agua Caliente Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
Community Leader
Sunshine Herrera is focused on protecting our water supply while planning responsibly for economic growth. She wants more women to have a voice in local government and represents a new generation of female leaders stepping forward to serve.
Colleen Wallace
City of Banning, Councilmember
Elected Official
Sunshine has an acute analytical mind and will represent her District exceptionally !
Gary Amy
Private Citizen; Former Mayor of Cathedral City (Ret.)
I proudly endorse Sunshine Herrera for the Coachella Valley Water District. I’ve known her for 22 years and admire her organization, dependability, communication skills, and dedication. She listens, follows through, and would serve the Coachella Valley community effectively. Kirk - Owner
Kirk Chrisco
Small businesses owner
Business
Sunshine is committed to transparent, community‑focused water management, emphasizing public involvement and clear communication in all board decisions.
Aaron Thomas
Lummi Tribal Member
Sunshine supports long‑term planning and responsible infrastructure stewardship, focusing on reliability, conservation, and sustainable use of Coachella Valley water resources.
Theresa Mike
Lummi Tribal Elder
I’m proud to endorse Sunshine Herrera for the Coachella Valley Water District Board. As an Agua Caliente tribal member, she brings culture , dedication, and a deep commitment to protecting our water and serving our community. She has my full support.
Jeff Grubbe
Agua Caliente Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
Community Leader
Sunshine is a great leader and a great example of public leadership.
Chente Ramirez
The Los Angeles Historical Heritage Commission
Community Leader
As a water district board member, it’s crucial for government agencies to work cooperatively with the communities best interests in mind, especially as it relates to economic development, safe drinking water, modernized infrastructure and service rates. As a long term resident of Cathedral City, Sunshine offers the fresh perspective, a respect for Coachella Valley history, a deep understanding of Tribal and Local Government relations, and the workable vision to get the job done - I strongly urge a vote for Sunshine Herrera for CVWD District 1.
Dirk Voss
Mayor Pro Tem, City of Desert Hot Springs
Elected Official
Water is not a partisan issue. It is essential to every family, farmer, and business in the Coachella Valley,” Gonzalez said. “Sunshine Herrera has the experience, preparation and commitment to service needed on the Coachella Valley Water District Board. She understands the importance of protecting our water supply, investing responsibly in infrastructure, and keeping water reliable and affordable for the communities we serve. I am proud to endorse Sunshine Herrera for Division 1.
Jeff Gonzalez
State Assemblymember, 36th District
Elected Official
I'm proud to endorse Sunshine Herrera for the Coachella Valley Water District Board. As a tribal member, Sunshine has deep roots in these lands. She brings real professionalism, fresh perspective, and a clear understanding of the water issues facing the Coachella Valley.
Reid Milanovich
Former Chairman, Agua Caliente Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
Community Leader
Sunshine Herrera is focused on protecting our water supply while planning responsibly for economic growth. She wants more women to have a voice in local government and represents a new generation of female leaders stepping forward to serve.
Colleen Wallace
City of Banning, Councilmember
Elected Official
Sunshine has an acute analytical mind and will represent her District exceptionally !
Gary Amy
Private Citizen; Former Mayor of Cathedral City (Ret.)
I proudly endorse Sunshine Herrera for the Coachella Valley Water District. I’ve known her for 22 years and admire her organization, dependability, communication skills, and dedication. She listens, follows through, and would serve the Coachella Valley community effectively. Kirk - Owner
Kirk Chrisco
Small businesses owner
Business
Sunshine is committed to transparent, community‑focused water management, emphasizing public involvement and clear communication in all board decisions.
Aaron Thomas
Lummi Tribal Member
Sunshine supports long‑term planning and responsible infrastructure stewardship, focusing on reliability, conservation, and sustainable use of Coachella Valley water resources.
Theresa Mike
Lummi Tribal Elder
I’m proud to endorse Sunshine Herrera for the Coachella Valley Water District Board. As an Agua Caliente tribal member, she brings culture , dedication, and a deep commitment to protecting our water and serving our community. She has my full support.
Jeff Grubbe
Agua Caliente Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
Community Leader
Sunshine is a great leader and a great example of public leadership.
Chente Ramirez
The Los Angeles Historical Heritage Commission
Community Leader
Elected Officials
- Jeff Gonzalez — CA State Assemblymember, 36th District
- Frank Figueroa — Mayor, City of Coachella
- Waymond Fermon — Mayor Pro Tem, City of Indio
- Ernesto Gutierrez — Mayor Pro Tem, City of Cathedral City
- Dirk Voss — Mayor Pro Tem, Desert Hot Springs
- Summer Spraggins — Councilmember, City of Blythe
- Juan M. Martinez — Councilmember, City of Coachella
- Joe Pradetto — Councilmember, City of Palm Desert
- Daniel Pitts — Councilmember, Desert Hot Springs
- Bruce Whitman — Councilmember, City of Indian Wells
- Steve Sanchez — Councilmember, City of La Quinta
- Leroy Miller — Councilmember, City of Banning
- Colleen Wallace — City of Banning, Councilmember
- Gary Amy — Former Mayor of Cathedral City
- Mary Jane Sanchez — Trustee, College of the Desert
Community Leaders
- Chente Ramirez — Los Angeles Historical Heritage Commission
Tribal Leaders
- Reid Milanovich — Former Chairman, Agua Caliente Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
- Jeff Grubbe — Agua Caliente Tribe of Cahuilla Indians
- Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians — Official Tribal Endorsement
- Theresa Mike — Lummi Tribal Elder
- Aaron Thomas — Lummi Tribal Member
Business Owners
- Kirk Chrisco — Small Business Owner
- Eri Nox — Small Business Owner, Non-profit Board Member
- Rachel Roman — Business Owner
Partial list. Titles and organizations shown for identification purposes only.
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Ready on Day One
Government experience, legal and policy education, and a strong record of community leadership—ready to serve on Day One.
Government & Community Leadership
Experienced in how governments, public agencies, and community partners work together.
Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
- Tribal Council Proxy
- Vice Chairwoman, Gaming Commission
- Vice Chairwoman, Tribal Elections Committee
- Indian Planning Commission
- Historic Preservation Advisory Board
City of Cathedral City · California Tribal College
- Cathedral City Cannabis Task Force
- Mobile Home Commission
- Vice Chairwoman, Arts Commission
- Southern California Regent
Fields of Valor — Veteran recognition initiative
- President
Invisible Wounds 22K
- Founding Board Member
Lighthouse of Hope
- Founding Board Member
Rotary International — Cathedral City Afternoon Rotary
- President
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
- Board Member (former)
Legal & Policy Education
Prepared to review regulations, contracts, and complex board decisions.
Trinity Law School
Bachelor of Science, Political Science
Arizona State University — Magna Cum Laude · Pi Sigma Alpha Honor Society
Associate of Arts, Business Administration
University of Phoenix — Dean's List
Water Policy Education
Prepared to understand the policy, systems, and regulations that shape our region's water future.
Water Resources Management
Arizona State University
Water Technology & Innovation
Arizona State University
Water Law, Policy & Regulatory Compliance
Arizona State University
As a member of one of four tribes whose reservations lie within the CVWD service area, Sunshine has a direct, generational stake in the Valley's water future.
A Long Journey to the Coachella Valley
Colorado River water travels hundreds of miles before reaching our valley. Here's the journey in three simple steps.
It begins with snow.
Most Colorado River water begins as snow in the Rocky Mountains.
Small streams and snowmelt eventually come together to form the Colorado River.
ColoradoWyomingUtahNew Mexico
Reservoirs help manage the river.
Water travels through the Upper Basin and into Lake Powell.
It then passes through Glen Canyon Dam and Lee Ferry, the dividing point between the Upper and Lower Basins. From there, it continues to Lake Mead and Hoover Dam.
Then it reaches our valley.
Colorado River water continues toward California and enters the All-American Canal.
The Coachella Branch carries that water north into the Coachella Valley.
Farms
Groundwater
Homes
Businesses
Understanding where our water comes from helps us understand why thoughtful water management matters.
