Nestande to Lead Tram’s Governing Board

PALM SPRINGS —Brian Nestande, who served in the California State Assembly from 2008 to 2014 as a Republican representing the 42nd Assembly District, has been elected 2020 chairman of the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority.

The Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority is the governing body of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Nestande was appointed to the Authority by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in 2016, and reappointed by Supervisor Manuel Perez and the Board of Supervisors in 2020.

Nestande, now deputy county executive officer for Riverside County, Previously, he served as chief of staff for Congressman Sonny Bono and then Congresswoman Mary Bono.

“This is a very exciting time to serve on the Tram board with the restoration of the Mountain Station and all the other improvements now occurring,” Nestande said in a prepared statement. “It is truly an honor to be elected chair for the coming year.”

Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols said, “Mr. Nestande’s experience in all levels of government operations combined with his leadership skills have been extremely valuable to the Authority during his four years on the board.  We are very happy to now welcome him to the chairman’s position.”

Nestande succeeds 2019 Chair Nancy Stuart, a 2000 Palm Springs City Council MSJWPA appointee and retired banker.

The current Authority members are: Jerry Ogburn and Nancy Stuart appointed by the Palm Springs City Council; Bary Freet and Brian Nestande appointed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors; and Brian Conley, Sandra Magana-Cuellar and Jeff Ohlfs appointed by the Governor.

About Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is the world’s largest rotating tram car. Opened in 1963, the Tram’s 80-passenger cars travel along the breathtaking cliffs of Chino Canyon from the Valley Station (elevation 2,643 ft.) to the Mountain Station (elevation 8,516 ft.) in approximately 10 minutes. For more information, please call 888.515.TRAM or 760.325.1391, or visit us at www.pstramway.com. Also, download the Tramway’s free mobile tour available now in the App Store/Google Play