John Aguilar to Seek Another Term on CVWD Board

John Aguilar Says there is ‘Still Important Work Ahead’

CATHEDRAL CITY — John Aguilar, who has dedicated more than a decade of his life to public service, says he is not finished yet. He will seek another term on the Coachella Valley Water District’s Board of Directors in November.

“I have given considerable thought to running again,” Aguilar told Uken Report. “With many years of public service — both in my professional career and in elected office —I continue to view serving our community as a true honor. After careful reflection and discussion with (my husband) Bruce, I am proud to announce that I am seeking reelection to the Coachella Valley Water District Board, Division 1, for another four-year term.”

Aguilar was initially appointed to represent District 1 when his term as Mayor of Cathedral City concluded in 2020. He I was subsequently elected to a full four-year term in 2022.

Voters first elected Aguilar to the Cathedral City City Council on Nov. 8, 2016. Before that he served as an appointed member of the City Council from September 2014 to early December 2014, and again from December 2014 to December 2016 after then-Councilmember Stan Henry was elected mayor. He made history when in 019 he became the first Hispanic mayor of Cathedral City.

Still, he has more to give.

There are several key reasons I am asking for the opportunity to continue serving:

“Over the past several years, the Water District has made meaningful progress in strengthening our water, sewer, and flood control infrastructure,” Aguilar said. “We have invested significant capital to help ensure a reliable, long-term supply of high-quality water for both domestic and agricultural use, while maintaining a strong fiscal foundation supported by a dedicated and passionate workforce. I want to continue with that work. ”

He further listed numerous reasons for his desire to serve. They are:

• Working with our government partners. We have improved the quality of life for hundreds of farmworker families in the East Valley by securing funding and delivering infrastructure that provides safe and affordable drinking water.
• Collaborating with our local communities and tribal partners to support new water and sewer infrastructure that enables affordable housing and responsible commercial development.
• Partnering with the City of Cathedral City, the Coachella Valley Water District, and Desert Water Agency, we are advancing a septic-to-sewer conversion project. This effort will transition six residential areas from septic systems to a modern sewer system—an important step in protecting the aquifer that supplies much of our region’s drinking water. The project is currently in the planning and design phase, with construction anticipated within the next two years. The majority of funding is expected to come from the State’s Clean Water State Revolving Fund. This project has been a long standing objective of the City, particularly in the Ocotillo Park area.
• Serving as a Board member of the Salton Sea Authority. While progress has at times been frustratingly slow, we have successfully restored several hundred acres of wetlands to help reduce airborne pollutants, and we continue working with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on a broader, long-term restoration strategy.
• Working on the North Cathedral City Flood Control Project is also an important project which is ongoing.  This will include construction of a channel and related improvements that will convey flood waters away from homes and businesses at the North end of Cathedral City.

“While I am proud of what has been accomplished, there is still important work ahead.,” Aguilar said. “I remain committed to working hard to protect and sustain our Valley’s water supply for generations to come. Do not hesitate to edit any of this!!