Letter of Intent – District 3 City Council Vacancy
Sunshine Herrera
29752 Calle Tampico
Cathedral City, CA 92234
December 29, 2025
Honorable Mayor and Members of the Cathedral City, City Council c/o City Clerk’s Office
68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero
Cathedral City, CA 92234
Dear Mayor Gregory and Cathedral City Councilmembers,
I respectfully submit this letter of interest for appointment to the vacant District 3 City Council seat.
I am a registered voter and resident of District 3, and I seek this appointment with a clear understanding of the responsibility it carries, particularly as the Council continues its work with one seat vacant following the passing of Councilmember Mark Carnevale.
Councilmember Carnevale served Cathedral City with dedication, experience, and a deep commitment to his district. His absence is felt by residents and at the Council dais. If appointed, my goal would be to ensure District 3 has steady, informed representation for the remainder of the term while honoring the standards of service he upheld. Through my service on city commissions and city-affiliated nonprofit initiatives, I worked professionally with Councilmember Carnevale on a range of municipal matters, which further informed my understanding of District 3 priorities and Council operations.
My professional background is rooted in governance, public policy, and regulatory affairs.
I currently serve as a Tribal Council Proxy for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, where I assist in administering governmental affairs, drafting and revising ordinances and regulatory frameworks, and addressing matters involving land use, public resources, and community welfare. I have also served on multiple boards and commissions, including nonprofit, cultural, economic development, historic preservation, and municipal advisory bodies, providing direct experience with public meetings, agenda review, and collaborative decision-making.
In addition, my experience includes working within the unique geopolitical framework created by checkerboarded land ownership, including familiarity with leases, allotments, and coordination with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Indian Affairs. This background has provided practical insight into jurisdictional boundaries and regulatory considerations frequently relevant to land use, infrastructure, and service delivery within Cathedral City.
I have worked directly with the City of Cathedral City on discrete community initiatives requiring coordination with city staff, adherence to municipal procedures, and timely execution. These efforts have included leadership involvement with Fields of Valor, as well as a one-time collaborative effort on the Invisible Wounds 22 initiative, which was completed in coordination with city departments and community partners. Through this work, I have collaborated with local civic and nonprofit partners, including the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Boys & Girls Club, and the Salvation Army, in ways that required accountability and alignment with city processes.
Beyond municipal and nonprofit involvement, I have served on regional and public-sector governance bodies, including education-related boards, which required policy review, fiduciary responsibility, and collaboration across institutional lines.
I am also familiar with the regional and intergovernmental bodies on which Cathedral City Councilmembers commonly serve, including the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CV AG), the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG), and the League of California Cities. This experience would allow me, if designated by the Council, to step into assigned roles with continuity and minimal transition.
My academic training includes a Bachelor of Science in Political Science with a minor in Communications, certification in tribal judicial administration, and ongoing legal studies.
This background enables me to review staff reports, legal considerations, and policy impacts with care, while respecting staff expertise and Council procedure.
I understand that an appointed Councilmember must be prepared to serve immediately, work collaboratively with colleagues and staff, and place the city’s operational needs above personal viewpoints. I value thoughtful deliberation, fiscal responsibility, transparency, and accessibility to residents, and I approach public service with respect for differing perspectives and a commitment to constructive dialogue.
Thank you for your consideration and for the process you have established to fill this vacancy. I would be honored to serve District 3 and the City of Cathedral City if appointed, and I am available to participate fully in the interview process scheduled for January 7, 2026.
Respectfully submitted,
Sunshine Herrera
SUNSHINE HERRERA
29752 Calle Tampico
Cathedral City, CA 92234
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Detail-oriented public-sector professional with extensive experience in tribal governance, public policy, regulatory affairs, and intergovernmental coordination. Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with elected officials, municipal staff, regional agencies, and community organizations. Background includes ordinance and code drafting, board and commission service, land-use and jurisdictional matters, and oversight of public and nonprofit initiatives. Brings a strong understanding of municipal process, fiduciary responsibility, and effective public service delivery.
GOVERNANCE & PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Tribal Council Proxy – Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians (2021–Present) • Administer governmental affairs and manage official business in the absence of an appointed Tribal Councilmember.
• Assist in drafting, reviewing, and revising ordinances, tribal codes, and regulatory frameworks.
• Address matters involving land use, leases, allotments, natural resources, and protection of tribal property.
• Coordinate with federal agencies, including the Bureau of Indian Affairs. • Support charitable initiatives and policies related to the welfare of tribal members.
Tribal Management Internship Program – Agua Caliente Casinos (2019–2021) • Completed comprehensive management rotations across accounting, operations, marketing, hospitality, and facilities.
• Developed working knowledge of budgeting, compliance, and inter-departmental coordination.
Board of Directors – Agua Caliente Cultural Museum (2015–2018) • Served on the governing board of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit focused on cultural preservation.
• Oversaw museum operations, staffing, and nonprofit compliance. • Participated in planning and execution of public events and exhibitions.
MUNICIPAL, REGIONAL & PUBLIC-SECTOR SERVICE
• Cathedral City Mobile Home Commission – Member (Current) • Agua Caliente Historic Preservation Advisory Board – Member (Current)
• Indian Planning Commission – Member (Current)
• Agua Caliente Gaming Commission – Vice-Chairwoman
• Agua Caliente Tribal Elections Committee – Vice-Chairwoman • Agua Caliente Economic Development Authority
• Board of Regents, California Tribal College – Southern California Regent
COMMUNITY & CIVIC LEADERSHIP
• Cathedral City Afternoon Rotary Club – President (2022–2023) • Cathedral City Arts Commission- Commissioner
• Fields of Valor – President (2023)
• Invisible Wounds 22 – Founding Member (one-time city-coordinated initiative) • Light House of Hope – Founding Member
• Advocate for ICWA-related child welfare initiatives
EDUCATION
Juris Doctor (1L Coursework Completed) – Trinity Law School (January 2025- Current) Bachelor of Science in Political Science, Magna Cum Laude – Arizona State University (May 2023)
Minor in Communications – Arizona State University (May 2023) Associate of Arts in Business Management – University of Phoenix (October 2019)
CERTIFICATIONS & TRAINING
Certification in Tribal Judicial Administration – California Tribal College (April 2023) NAGPRA & Cal-NAGPRA Training (Current)
Cultural Monitor Training
HONORS & RECOGNITION
• Pi Sigma Alpha – National Political Science Honor Society • Dean’s List – Arizona State University & University of Phoenix • Congressional Recognition – Congressman Raul Ruiz
• International Internship Online– Turkish Foreign Embassy (ASU Program)