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Mayor Linda Evans, Incumbent Candidate for Mayor
I have served as La Quinta’s Mayor for the past twelve years; lived in La Quinta for 23 years; ten of those in the Cove. La Quinta is financially strong, safe, well-maintained, and beautiful. We invest in our parks, housing, and development. We practice environmental stewardship and value our arts and culture. Our resident engagement is a valuable resource. I want to remain your mayor to ensure our outstanding quality of life continues. Thank you.
1. Downtown Development & the New Hotel Project.
I support the approved hotel projects in La Quinta. Development agreements are public documents and accessible for review. We have a parking study underway to address development projects in the Village area. When the study is complete and presented to council and the public, the planning process to address traffic and parking will commence. We will develop a plan and blend that into our established design standards. We recognize and support growth, we respect the events and activities in our city and will ensure our residents and visitors have ease of access when supporting local businesses and/or enjoying our amenities.
2. Long Term Planning for Water Sustainability.
Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) supplies our water and is responsible for chromium six mitigation. We collaborate with them to ensure state mandates are met and have exceeded conservation efforts for water usage. Growth and development are determined on the ability to serve for both water and power. CVWD offers water-saving incentives and is required to do so. Our General Plan outlines future growth projections and our controlled ability to meet the demands – this is part of our ongoing planning process. La Quinta will remain diligent in its efforts to educate, conserve, and evaluate use for sustainability in the future.
3. La Quinta’s Growth.
La Quinta is evaluating expansion in the Vista Santa Rosa (VSR) area – our Sphere of Influence. A financial analysis was completed. A master plan and community outreach is underway as required before an application goes to LAFCO. Growth without revenue or resources (energy and water) to support the required infrastructure will not happen. Analyzing potential tax revenues, complement of build and services, preservation of zoning, access to transportation and utilities, impact on residents, affordability, and environmental stewardship is critical. Our General Plan, fiscal responsibility, and resident input help guide our decision-making. I support affordable housing, but not in VSR.
4. Energy Needs.
IID has indicated that La Quinta is at capacity, thus prohibiting growth/housing. La Quinta acted through forming the Coachella Valley Power Agency and approved up to $10m to advance order equipment necessary for current and future development through agreements with IID and developers. Our collaboration with IID has provided communication to redirect power as feasible to reduce outages and brown outs. LQ introduces alternative energy sources, however, IID is reluctant to expand options. We know our residents want underground utilities. IID does not support that effort, and our commissioned study indicated an average per parcel cost of about $60k.
Lynne Langdon, Candidate for Mayor
I’m an independent recognized with the American Legion Award for Leadership Excellence, president of two schools, and service on the CU Finance Board. I spent 7yrs as a reporter and TV host in Hong Kong, 15 yrs closing multimillion-dollar deals in Beverly Hills. La Quinta deserves more professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Residents deserve to know about developer donations to campaigns, SilverRock’s costly failures, and the decision to return 90% of city top revenue to TBE...
1. Downtown Development & the New Hotel Project.
I oppose how this land sale was handled. In my opinion, $2.55 million is a bargain for such a prime location; I would have sought $5–7 million through a widely publicized sale inviting competing offers. I saw no “For Sale” sign or broad public announcement before the August 4 vote, which was listed as a business item, not a public hearing. I also have not seen studies addressing the hotel’s impact on traffic and parking, already strained during major events. Residents deserved meaningful input before this decision—not after. As mayor, I would prioritize transparency and community involvement.
2. Long Term Planning for Water Sustainability.
I believe the current Council has too many development deals in play. Beautiful renderings and talking points don’t guarantee results. As mayor, I would prioritize fulfilling existing commitments over pursuing additional development. Growth should happen for us, not to us, and must be sustainable. I would advocate for water-saving incentives and top-quality drinking water, working with qualified experts to identify improvements. I’d also explore capturing more stormwater and a pilot program encouraging homeowners to collect rainwater in tanks for outdoor irrigation, potentially using existing rebate models like SoCAL WaterSmart. I’m a strong believer in practical, off-grid solutions.
3. La Quinta’s Growth.
La Quinta already has a lot on its plate: three housing projects along Highway 111, three hotel proposals, and the Highway 111 Corridor Plan. I want to see results before pursuing more development. Looking ahead, I believe we should explore the possibility of a modern, full-service hospital offering overnight care, particularly if Vista Santa Rosa is annexed. JFK is in Indio which has double our population and is dated. But I would not push for a hospital without first listening to residents and determining whether a majority supports the idea.
4. Energy Needs.
I’ve heard from many residents who want to take advantage of solar energy but face limitations with IID’s current program. With battery technology improving and costs declining, I would explore a residential solar-storage initiative to help homeowners acquire solar panels and batteries—or at least home battery systems, currently costing approximately $12,000–$16,000. Properly equipped homes could store excess solar energy for evening use and provide backup power during outages, helping residents manage extreme summer heat. We live in a desert blessed with abundant sunshine; La Quinta should explore practical ways to harness more of that energy and strengthen household...
Suzanne Espinoza-Jimenez, Candidate for Mayor
I’m Suzanne Espinoza-Jimenez, running because life gave me no choice. To create the better life we desperately need amidst everything happening across the country, I had to take action for our survival. La Quinta needs someone who isn't afraid to stand on the front lines protesting right alongside you. I am your neighbor sitting next to you at church—a leader with a voice that pierces right through the noise to bring real change.
1. Downtown Development & the New Hotel Project.
I cannot support opening a new hotel when the cost of living and everyday prices are already rising for our families. Rather than prioritizing luxury tourist developments, our focus must shift to supporting the local small businesses that form the backbone of La Quinta. We need to preserve downtown parking for community staples like the Farmers Market and Art Festivals, while ensuring transparency in every deal. City Hall should be protecting our existing residents and neighborhood businesses first before investing resources into outside corporate developments.
2. Long Term Planning for Water Sustainability.
Our top priority must always be making sure our tap water is safe and clean to drink for every family in La Quinta. As Mayor, I will strictly evaluate every single new development project—focusing directly on how much water it will take to build and maintain before anything gets approved. We cannot let unchecked growth drain our local supply. Additionally, I will encourage residents to capture rainwater for watering gardens and lawns, giving our community simple, legal, and common-sense ways to conserve water and keep utility bills low.
3. La Quinta’s Growth.
I believe in smart growth. Right now, we need to press the brakes on building new developments toward Vista Santa Rosa. Instead of spending money on brand- new construction, we should look at the buildings we already have and fix them up. Repairing our existing buildings makes them last longer, saves tax dollars, and preserves La Quinta’s local history and charm. Taking care of what we already own protects our community, supports local businesses, and makes sure our city grows responsibly.
4. Energy Needs.
Lowering electric bills and keeping our power reliable during hot summers must be our top priority. As our IID contract nears its end, we need a clear plan to protect residents from higher rates. Modernizing the power grid we already have is much cheaper and smarter than funding expensive new projects. I also support rooftop solar to help families save money on electricity. Finally, regarding power line undergrounding in the Cove, City Hall must be completely open and transparent about costs so that basic neighborhood upgrades remain fair for everyone.
Council Member John Peña, Incumbent Candidate for City Council
I am lifelong desert resident with a distinguished record of civic leadership and public service. A graduate of Indio High attended College of the Desert and was inducted into its Alumni Hall of Fame. I hold a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Fullerton, a law degree from Western State University College of Law. As a former mayor and current councilmember, I want to continue the progress the city has made.
1. Downtown Development & The New Hotel Project.
I support hotel development. However, because I live within 500 feet of the proposed site, I must abstain from participating in decisions on this hotel project.
Development agreements are available to the public, and community participation is encouraged throughout the approval process.
I support downtown development that aligns with the Village Specific Plan. Project reviews should evaluate density, design, traffic, parking, and the potential impact of reduced parking on downtown businesses and community events.
2. Long Term Planning for Water Sustainability.
As a lifelong desert resident, I have always been mindful of water use and environmental stewardship.
La Quinta has a strong working relationship with (CVWD), which is responsible for:
• Managing water delivery
• Protecting the quality and safety of our drinking water
• Remaining accountable to the public through its elected board members
City Council members can raise water-related concerns, but they do not control CVWD’s water-delivery or water-quality decisions.
The city must also comply with state mandates, even when those requirements do not fully reflect desert conditions. New development projects must meet all applicable water-use thresholds.
3. La Quinta’s Growth.
My goal has always been to make La Quinta better, not simply bigger. Any expansion into Vista Santa Rosa must be approached carefully, thoughtfully, and with fiscally responsible planning.
Vista Santa Rosa has extensive and costly infrastructure needs. Before development moves forward:
• Necessary infrastructure should be in place.
• Funding should not place an unfair burden on current La Quinta residents.
• Planning should account for the area's development standards, which differ significantly from the Village's low-density character.
Vista Santa Rosa may offer development opportunities in the future, but growth must be supported by adequate infrastructure and must preserve La Quinta's community character.
4. Energy Needs.
La Quinta has little, if any, control over energy delivery. The city has a long history of working with (IID), but those efforts have had limited success. The Community Advisory Committee was created to bring public concerns and recommended actions before the IID Board has since been disbanded.
Energy will be one of the most significant issues facing La Quinta. The city will need to consider alternative energy sources as demand grows and reliability becomes increasingly important.
Title 24 currently requires solar power systems, however, without costly battery storage, the usefulness of that energy remains limited.
Early in the city’s...
Council Member Deborah McGarrey, Incumbent Candidate for City Council
Hello, I’m Deborah McGarrey and I am running for re-election to support the continuity of the city projects such as the Cultural Center expansion, the Highway 111 corridor strategic plan, and the development of the Silverock Development. As a member of the city council, my goal is to continue to support the strong responsible fiscal policies of the city, maintain public safety and keep that village atmosphere that make La Quinta the “Gem of the Desert."
1. Downtown Development & the New Hotel Project.
Because the Developers’ development agreement has not yet reached the City Council, I cannot comment on it. The City approved the purchase, sale, and escrow instructions with Gather Capital on August 4. The agreement will be considered at a future public hearing, where the community may comment.
There are plans for a well-designed parking structure, that will take in consideration parking for the Arts Celebration, and Farmers Market.
2. Long Term Planning for Water Sustainability.
The city is served by CVWD and they are required to meet the new 2024 CA State requirement however it is important to point out that CA is the only state with a standard over 10 ppb. The city of La Quinta does not set or manage the water service within the city however the city does meet with CVWD regularly to address various topics.
As for population growth, development demand, and long-term sustainability, this is why CEQA studies are so important. It allows each responsible agency to address growth demands.
I support incentives to encourage conservation.
3. La Quinta’s Growth.
The annexation of Vista Santa Rosa will require a carefully considered plan that supports the goals of the VSR residents and businesses. I am proud of the city’s continued engagement with the community. The city continues to follow the community- approved General Plan and Strategic Plan, which address the preservation of the community’s character.Regarding affordable housing, the city has continued to meet the state’s goals through thoughtful, well-planned developments.I will address energy below.
4. Energy Needs.
La Quinta continues to adopt California building codes that includes solar and energy conservation. In 2026, the City Council approved a $10 million loan to expand IID substations for new development, including affordable housing. The city also funded a feasibility study on under-grounding power lines. Under-grounding in La Quinta Cove will cost more than $100 million and will require significant planning. I have continued to support the cities energy plans.
Carene Hensley, Candidate for City Council
I am Carene Hensley, running for La Quinta City Council this November 3rd. Eight years ago, my husband and I met while homeless. We overcame that hardship, launching Handyman Hensley in 2019. We proudly served 300+ clients until his medical situation forced us to close in 2025. This journey fueled my commitment to public service. On council, my priorities are implementing term limits, banning developer campaign contributions, ensuring public safety, and championing resident advocacy.
1. Downtown Development & the New Hotel Project.
The proposed downtown hotel next to the La Quinta library threatens the very quality of life we value here in the Cove. Placing a high-density development in this civic hub will create overwhelming traffic and gridlock on roads we use every day, while directly stripping away vital parking used for the La Quinta Arts Festival. Our neighborhood shouldn't bear the brunt of poor city planning that prioritizes commercial interests over local peace. La Quinta needs to focus new developments in areas that don't crowd our public spaces or compromise the daily lives of the full-time residents who live here year-round.
2. Long Term Planning for Water Sustainability.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our water is a sacred responsibility. We must aggressively pursue innovative solutions to safeguard our supply from running out. I strongly advocate for robust water-saving incentives, which are vital for educating the public on how everyone can contribute to local conservation efforts. Community awareness must also extend to accountability. Residents need clear, accessible pathways to report water misuse violations. We must stay vigilant and protect our infrastructure, ensuring crucial assets like water basins are preserved for their intended purpose rather than being inappropriately converted, as we saw with the dog park transformation at Fritz Burns Park...
3. La Quinta’s Growth.
La Quinta’s Sphere of Influence, specifically Vista Santa Rosa, defines our city’s future footprint. As your City Council member, my approach to regional planning and potential annexation is guided by two firm principles: fiscal responsibility and community voice. We cannot rush into expanding our boundaries by over 7,000 acres without bulletproof data proving our police and fire services won't be stretched thin for current residents. Annexation must be a transparent partnership, driven by local landowners. I will collaborate closely with LAFCO and county partners to maintain our valley's distinct identity while strictly protecting La Quinta taxpayers from bearing future infrastructure costs.
4. Energy Needs.
Ensuring the long-term sustainability of our water is a sacred responsibility. We must aggressively pursue innovative solutions to safeguard our supply from running out. I strongly advocate for robust water-saving incentives, which are vital for educating thepublic on how everyone can contribute to local conservation efforts. Community awareness must also extend to accountability. Residents need clear, accessible pathways to report water misuse violations. We must stay vigilant and protect our infrastructure, ensuring crucial assets like water basins are preserved for their intended purpose rather than being inappropriately converted, as we saw with the dog park transformation at Fritz Burns Park...
Recent extreme heatwaves make it clear that La Quinta’s electrical grid is stretched to its limit. As your City Council member, my priority is securing reliable power by partnering with IID to accelerate substation upgrades and expand local battery storage. We cannot default to raising local taxes to finance these critical infrastructure updates. Instead, we must protect taxpayers by aggressively pursuing federal grid resilience grants, establishing public-private partnerships, and utilizing targeted financing districts. By leveraging outside capital and holding utility providers accountable, we will build a future-proof power grid that supports growth while maintaining strict fiscal responsibility.
Julian Herrera, Candidate for City Council
As a longtime resident of the city of La Quinta I deeply care for this city and believe it is worth fighting for. I graduated from La Quinta High School in 2025. I ran for office because our city is facing a cost-of-living crisis and a crisis of confidence amongst our youth. As a city council member, I will advocate for opportunity for our youth.
1. Downtown Development & the New Hotel Project.
Generally speaking, development and city infrastructure are good things for the city but I remain skeptical of the utility of these projects for our residents. Luxury hotels are nice, but we are suffering from a huge affordability crisis. I disagree with the overall sentiment of Not In My Backyard but I can understand the motives. Our city is inherently a tourist city, but I want our residents to benefit too.
2. Long Term Planning for Water Sustainability.
CVWD is doing very important work and the city should let them focus.
La Quinta and CVWD can work together to find funding and partners on the water system. As a councilmember, I will use their data driven insight rather than my personal viewpoints on the matter. Creating a sustainable
La Quinta includes preserving existing resources while creating new resources and new way to use them. As the population of the Coachella Valley and La Quinta increase, it is vital development helps everyone, not just tourists. To do that, we will measure personal income, energy production, and water usage.
3. La Quinta’s Growth.
The decision of annexation and expansion is best answered by the residents of Vista Santa Rosa. I am open to the needs of the community and what they believe is the right path. While community stability is important, I think it should be balanced with the growing needs of affordable development and housing. There are many great county organizations and non profits doing that work, and we must support them through staffing assistance or grants.
4. Energy Needs.
The “Gem of the Desert” is one of the best places I could think of to expand solar energy production. I believe IID is doing a good job at addressing energy needs and due to renewable deployment California's energy system is the most resilient it has been in decades. With that being said, there is plenty of room to grow in this area. IID is still behind on battery deployment and costs of natural gas is unstable. Undergrounding should be the choice of Cove Residents, and if it is not desired, there are other options to improve wildfire resilience.