Coachella Valley Water District · District 4 · November 2026

Water Security.
Public Safety.
A Sustainable Future.

Pete Chryss is running for the CVWD Board of Directors to protect our water, strengthen our infrastructure, and keep the Coachella Valley prepared for whatever comes next.

Vote Pete Chryss, Coachella Valley Water District — Your Water. Your Choice.
30Years in Security & Public Safety
92+Active Wells CVWD Operates
~270KResidents CVWD Serves
8+Years on City of Indio Commissions
About Pete

A Lifelong Coachella Valley Problem-Solver

Pete Chryss is asking for your consideration for the Division 4 seat on the Coachella Valley Water District Board. Now in his 30th year in the security industry, Pete has spent his career helping valley residents and businesses protect what matters most to them.

"To whom much is given, much is expected." Pete devotes his time to nonprofits and organizations across the valley, working every day toward the betterment of his neighbors.

His community organization skills, critical thinking, and ability to "work the problem" have allowed him to lead teams through some of the most sensitive matters with intricate, thoughtful solutions — skills he believes will be an asset to the CVWD Board.

Core Skills

  • Security & Surveillance Expert
  • Team Building
  • Critical Thinking
  • Data Analysis

Professional Experience

  • President, First Call Security — Palm Desert, CA (June 2000–Present). Leads a security team specializing in high-value targets across the commercial and governmental sectors.
  • VP of Security Technology / VP of Associa On Call, Associa–Desert Resort Management — Palm Desert, CA (March 2023–Present). Creates security, surveillance and access control solutions for 250 private communities.
  • Regional Trainer, ADT — San Antonio, TX (May 1996–2000). Trained and motivated sales forces across a seven-office region, ranked #1 in the nation for over four years.

Public Service

  • City of Indio Sustainability Commission, 2023–Present
  • City of Indio Mobile Home Fair Practices Commission, 2020–Present
  • Chairman of the Board, Desert Elite
  • Board of Directors, Desert Arc
  • President, Indio Sunrise Rotary Club
  • Member, Indio Elks Lodge
  • Preacher/Teacher, Church 212
  • Past Board Member, Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City
  • Past Committee Member, IID Citizens' Advisory Board

Awards & Achievements

  • Graduate, Leadership Coachella Valley (2022)
  • Best of the Desert — Security Category (2023, 2024, 2025)
  • Small Business of the Year — multiple chambers of commerce, multiple years
  • Ronald McDonald House "A Few Good Men" Honoree (2022)
The Platform

Issues Pete Is Fighting For

Our water system is one of the most important pieces of critical infrastructure in the Coachella Valley. CVWD operates more than 92 active wells, 68 distribution reservoirs, and nearly 2,075 miles of distribution pipelines serving approximately 270,000 people — and it must be maintained, modernized and strengthened for the challenges ahead.

01

Protecting Our Citizens Through Water Security

CVWD must invest in the infrastructure necessary to ensure water is there when it's needed — for drinking, daily life, or fighting a wildfire — and that our communities are prepared for drought, fire, natural disasters and power failures.

02

Protecting Our Water System From Cyber & Security Threats

Water infrastructure is critical infrastructure. Pete supports investing in modern security systems, cybersecurity, backup capabilities, and emergency response planning so our water supply stays secure and resilient.

03

Protecting the Colorado River

The Colorado River is fundamental to the Valley's long-term water security. Pete believes in fighting for the Valley's legitimate water rights while supporting responsible conservation and long-term sustainability.

04

A Science-First Strategy for the Salton Sea

Politics should not substitute for science. Pete wants the best scientific minds working toward clear, measurable objectives for water flows, environmental health, air quality, habitat and public health at the Salton Sea.

05

Protecting Our Water From Unsustainable Data Center Development

Before approving large-scale water users, CVWD should demand clear answers on total consumption, peak demand, cooling technology, and long-term impact — our water should protect residents first, not unsustainable development.

Preparing for the Future

Pete's approach is straightforward: protect our water, protect our infrastructure, protect our citizens — by investing today in the technology, science and planning our valley needs for decades to come.

Water Security. Public Safety. A Sustainable Future.

It's your water. It's your choice this November.

Endorsements

Trusted by Valley Leaders

"I am confident that Pete Chryss would serve with distinction and bring meaningful contributions to the Coachella Valley Water District Board. Pete has served as a Sustainability Commissioner for over eight years, demonstrating a consistent commitment to responsible resource management, environmental stewardship, and thoughtful community engagement. He is not only a dedicated public servant but also a successful business owner, bringing a practical and solutions-oriented perspective to complex challenges."
Glenn A. Miller, CGCS
Councilmember, City of Indio
"Pete is an exceptionally effective team player. He listens actively, encourages diverse viewpoints, and works thoughtfully to build consensus — qualities that consistently strengthen any governing body. Beyond his governance experience, Pete brings a deep ethic of service and a strong reputation for reliability and integrity. I strongly endorse Pete Chryss for appointment to the CVWD Board."
Scott Matas
Mayor, City of Desert Hot Springs

Additional Character References

  • Councilwoman Elaine Holmes — City of Indio
  • Mayor Pro-Tem Dirk Voss — City of Desert Hot Springs
  • Ralph Kato — Executive Director of Tribal Affairs, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians
  • Chief Brian Tully — Indio Police Department
  • Asst. Chief Aaron Ponce — Indio Police Department
Out & About

Pete in the Community

From local radio to Rotary galas to weekends with family — Pete's commitment to the Coachella Valley shows up everywhere.

Get Involved

Join the Campaign

Water touches everything in the Coachella Valley. Whether you can volunteer an afternoon, put up a yard sign, or just want to stay in the loop, we'd love to hear from you.

Contact Pete

District Coachella Valley Water District — Division 4
Election November 2026