ELECT JOHN PEÑA
John’s Priorities:
- Ensure Public Safety - Police, Fire & Emergency Response
- Protect & Utilize Taxpayer Dollars
- Maintain Quality of Life in La Quinta
- Enhance Parks & Recreational Facilities
- Employ Smart Growth Policies
John Peña began his public service in 1982, when he served on a school site task force with city and school district officials to locate school sites in the City of La Quinta. He was elected to the La Quinta City Council in 1984. He served on the Council and was elected Mayor in 1988 and served in that capacity until his retirement from public office in December 2002. John came out of his public service retirement and was again elected to the City Council in 2014.
John serves as a member of the League of California Cities Public Safety Committee, Coachella Valley Association of Governments Public Safety and Homelessness Committees, as well as a Board Trustee for the Coachella Valley Mosquito & Vector Control District and the IID Electric Consumers Advisory Committee. In his previous terms of office, has served on various Boards and Commissions throughout the Coachella Valley including: Sunline Transit Agency, Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the Palm Springs/Desert Resorts Convention & Visitors Bureau, Riverside County Transportation Commission, Court-Appointed Special Advocates, La Quinta Chamber of Commerce, Local Agency Formation Commission, Riverside County Commission on Education, La Quinta High School Foundation, Children’s Discovery Museum, Dr. Carreon Foundation, Riverside County Workforce Development, and John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital Board.
A lifelong Coachella Valley resident, John graduated from Indio High School and attended College of the Desert, where he was inducted into the Alumni Hall of Fame. He earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree from California State University, Fullerton, and continued his postgraduate work at Western State University College of Law, where he received his law degree. He also completed an Executive Education from the Sol Price School of Public Policy at the University of Southern California.
John has received many honors, including selection by the Jewish Federation to travel to Israel for the International Conference of Mayors, Distinguished Citizen of the Year by the Boy Scouts of America, Distinguished Recipient Honoree of the Annual Hispanic Awards.
John is CEO of Desert Cities Consulting, Inc., a business and governmental relations consulting firm. He is married and has two grown children, three grandchildren and two dogs.
Campaign Statement
It has been my honor to serve you the past eight years as your City Councilman and previously as your Mayor. I pledged four years ago to use my experience, education, and my ability to listen and communicate to ensure our city was responsible with your tax dollars, and I delivered.
Our residents are more connected to the city because of our commitment to consistent communication, social media, and meaningful civic engagement. Our city has a low crime rate and public safety continues to be a top priority. The city council encourages resident participation in our planning, finances and community services making La Quinta one of the finest cities in the Coachella Valley.
During the pandemic I endeavored to help small businesses and all our residents navigate the challenges of these unprecedented times.
In the past I have not supported projects requiring excessive water use or hillside development. I remain committed to my record.
I am a life-long desert resident dedicated to the future of our great city and have a passion for maintaining our environment and the quality of life we enjoy.
P.O. Box 671
La Quinta, CA
92247