After more than seven years of political drama, district-based elections have been fully enacted in Palm Desert—and on Nov. 3, residents in the city’s District 4 and District 5 will select their representatives for the first time. These districts have been represented by the last of the council members who were elected under the former at-large structure.
In District 4, incumbent Evan Trubee, a local business owner, will face challenger Jonathon Polly, a geoscientist and auditor.
Trubee was involved in a brief but culturally explosive controversy last year, spurred by District 2 Councilmember Joe Pradetto, who called to rescind a city resolution to hang banners on City Hall’s walls in support of LGBTQ+ pride each November. At the Dec. 16, 2025, council meeting, Trubee and District 3 City Councilmember Gina Nestande joined Pradetto in allowing the proposal to come before the full council. After a valley-wide backlash, four council members, including Trubee, refused to second the proposal, thus preventing a direct vote. Those same four then voted to support a motion to maintain the city’s current policies; Pradetto was opposed.
According to a Desert Sun article, Trubee said “he shares Pradetto’s ‘vision’ for a utopia of ‘one love’ that doesn’t have any need to recognize cultural differences. ‘Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re there yet,’ Trubee said. ‘I know there’s a community that needs that banner and needs those celebrations to feel safe and welcome in our city.’”
Since 1998, Trubee has owned Big Wheel Tours. According to his Palm Desert City Council biography and other sources, it’s a 14-employee business that introduces 10,000-plus visitors a year to the desert through biking, hiking and travel experiences. A graduate of Muhlenberg College with a bachelor’s degree in American history, Trubee has served on the Palm Springs Hospitality Association board, is active in the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce, serves on the board of Visit Greater Palm Springs, coaches youth sports, and leads his neighborhood HOA. A Coachella Valley resident for some 32 years, Trubee and his wife, Kristen, have raised three children here since moving from New Jersey.
His opponent is Jonathon Polly. Polly’s campaign website says he earned a bachelor’s degree in public administration from Indiana University, and a decade later, pursued a master’s degree in applied geoscience at San Francisco State University. He later became lead teacher at Alta Vista School in San Francisco, where he taught fourth and fifth-grade science, mathematics and technology. Polly has lent his expertise to a variety of causes and groups of people in need. While attending Indiana University, he co-founded HAVOC (HIV/AIDS Volunteer Outreach Coalition). He worked with homeless youth in Chicago, and while in San Francisco, he spent several years managing a rental-subsidy program for people with disabilities. Polly currently works as a technical manager and sustainability auditor, evaluating the sustainability of and greenhouse gas emissions from major biofuel, recycled-carbon fuel and sustainable aviation fuel projects across North America.
The Independent recently spoke with both candidates and asked them the same set of six questions. Here are each candidate’s answers in their entirety, edited only for grammar, clarity and style.
Jonathon Polly
What are the two most pressing issues facing Palm Desert’s District 4 residents, or the city as a whole? How would you work to address those issues?
Basically, I see that District 4 residents have many of the same issues that Palm Desert as a whole does. So, I’m going to start there. One key thing I think is really important for us to focus on is emergency preparedness—being ready for the next crisis, being prepared for the climate change impacts (like) extreme storms likely coming with the coming super El Niño. I think there’s more work there to be done, and I think that’s going to be a key thing.
More specifically in our district, what I’ve heard from voters is that there’s a lack of responsiveness. So I think that it would be good for us to be improving communication and responsiveness between the residents here in this district and City Hall. I’m hopeful that the district elections will allow (for) that, and we’ll actually have a representative who lives in the district and is hopefully more responsive to those concerns.
What makes you the best qualified candidate to be the District 4 City Council member for the next four years?
Actually, I would say the current incumbent has basically made it known that he is not wanting to represent all residents, and something that I would like to do is make sure that all residents, not just those who he’s deemed worthy, are actually represented. He pursued something at the end of last year that was kind of a ban on pride banners, which I think actually gave the city a black eye. It brought some bad press to Palm Desert, and that’s not something that we should really be focused on. I think the focus should instead be on the needs of the residents’ quality of life—maintaining the wonderful things that make Palm Desert a great place to live and work. So, my focus would be on making sure that all residents have a voice, increasing the opportunities for residents to have their voices heard, and not to kind of single out certain groups to limit their participation in government—or, to single them out for something that is not actually focused on the quality of life for residents.
I also have a science background. I feel that both my science background and my auditing experience are valuable. I think I’m going to bring the mind of a scientist and the keen eye of an auditor to do the job. I’m hopeful that having that … experience is going to put us in a better position to respond to the needs of the city, especially with things like the emergency-preparedness issues that I think are really important for us. I would like to see us become more climate resilient. That’s actually a way to address lots of public-health concerns, infrastructure concerns, capability (and) being able to actually have walkable neighborhoods, even in the heat of the summer—having a city that is more attractive year-round. That would actually drum up extra business—having people want to be here, because the city is actually a pleasant place to be, even during the heat of the summer.
According to recent local media reports, there are 148 license-plate-reading cameras and nine new “live view” cameras operating in Palm Desert. The national media has reported that more than 200 cities or law enforcement agencies nationwide ended license-plate-reader contracts in August 2026 due to privacy and individual security concerns, more than in any other month since 2021. Does the crime-fighting purpose of these cameras in Palm Desert outweigh citizen concerns about potential misuse and privacy violations?
I share those concerns about privacy violations, and I do think that has to be kept in mind if we are going to continue to use them. I’ve begun conversations with a sheriff’s representative at a recent meeting that was actually explaining their use, and how there are some limitations on them. I think that definitely needs to be kept front of mind, as privacy concerns are real. I also worry that we are relying on those (cameras) rather than having sufficient police personnel actually monitoring the neighborhoods—relying on just the technology, and not the actual people.
I do understand that they actually have a benefit. I’ve seen some of the numbers about the amounts of stolen property that was recovered, and being able to track down people who committed crimes. But, I really think we have to focus very clearly on those privacy concerns and making sure that there are obstacles to any sort of abuse of the system.
While crime rates in Palm Desert for most major categories (such as violent crimes, motor vehicle thefts, property crimes overall, etc.) decreased markedly in 2025, there was a large increase in incidents of larceny and theft, including a more than 40% increase in shoplifting incidents. What do you believe is driving this increase, and how can the city reverse this trend?
That’s a great question. My first thought would be that this has a lot to do with the affordability issues that people are experiencing. I know that it’s possible that … sometimes some bad actors are going to take the opportunity to steal something, whether or not they actually are in need. We know that there are bad actors. However, there is definitely an affordability problem in the country, in the state, and here in the valley. And, I think that can drive, or potentially drive, the increase in that property crime. I know … it’s anecdotal, (but) on Nextdoor, you see a lot of a lot of reports coming out of there. I’m watching kind of … a tracker that (shows) major incidents that have been happening. You see it. It’s definitely happening.
Then, in terms of what we can do about it, I’m hopeful that the additional officers that we have been granted this year will help in that respect. I do worry though that there is still not enough support for that. So, I think that’s something we should definitely keep an eye on, and then also keep tracking exactly where they’re happening, and perhaps actually take more targeted actions to address specific locations.
According to the city website, between fiscal year 2024-’25 and the 2026-’27 adopted budget, there has been an increase of $16,978,905, or 37%-plus in the funding required for public safety needs. How long can the city meet this level of escalating annual costs, which is tied to satisfying residents’ No. 1 city service priority, and how can the city address this serious affordability challenge?
My guess is that some of that increase is coming from the additional officers that we’re getting. We did get some additional officers in the last couple of years. I think there were three (last year), and then three additional (this year), or a total of six within the last couple of years. I think that’s probably part of it. But, also, we are definitely going to be looking at shortfalls, obviously. But, if we see that increase, and it keeps increasing, or if those increases (are) eating into the expenditures that we allotted for that, definitely … if we forecast out far enough, we’re going to run into trouble. I don’t know that I can say more specifically, though. You know, I would like to bring my auditor’s eye into these budgeting issues, and take a look, and see where savings can be had. I do know that actually the cost of lots of things are going up, so there is that piece as well.
I think there is a move by the city to try to not have overtime hours (and) reduce that, while at the same time trying to reduce the response times. That’s been a key goal there, and I think that’s probably also part of that increase. … That’s something that’s been an issue that some of my district residents have voiced concern about, response times. So, I think that they would appreciate that.
I think, though … it’s going to be kind of a bigger issue, the whole budget, not just that particular piece—although that (public safety piece) is a big chunk of it, obviously. I guess I would just say that I’d like to bring my auditor’s eyes into looking for where we can have some cost savings. What can we do to increase revenue overall? One thing I think would be a good thing to do would be for us to continue supporting businesses and economic activity, including actually making this a more fun place to be, or decent place to be, even during the summer (months), when we actually tend to lose a lot of business and a lot of revenue. So, I think that would be one way to bring in additional revenue to deal with the fact that we’ve chosen to add more officers due to response times.
What is your favorite way to relieve the pressures and responsibilities of your daily life?
I’m going to go with the first thing that popped into my mind. I usually end my day, most days, with a walk at Civic Center Park with my dog. … I love just how beautiful the park is, and we spend time actually doing a loop or two around the whole park, and it just kind of is a nice way to let go. I guess the only other alternative (is that) I probably would go to the gym, whenever things are particularly bad. It’s a good place to kind of pump out some of that anger or frustration, or whatever’s going on there.
Evan Trubee
What are the two most pressing issues facing Palm Desert’s District 4 residents, or the city as a whole? How would you work to address those issues?
We’ll go District 4 first, if you don’t mind, and I’ll kind of treat (them) as two separate questions. … For District 4, I think there’s a bit of an infrastructure problem we have to address, which is some flooding, basically where the street curbs and the flood control need to be upgraded in the areas that we basically took over when it was formerly Bermuda Dunes. The city took it over, and we need to upgrade some of the curbing and flood control. That’s going to happen over time, and that’s just a small portion of District 4 down toward the Palm Desert Country Club area. Then in the residential real estate zoned area, there are about 80 to 90 homes (where) short-term rentals are allowed. … That’s the only sort of dispute (over) policy … where residents have had any sort dispute or anything that I’ve seen. But honestly, it seems like we’ve kind of reached a resolution (there) where the residents have worked it out themselves, so we may not need to touch that one. But those are the only two sort of areas of concern that I’ve seen in District 4. Otherwise, I think the residents in District 4 are enjoying all the same wonderful qualities of life that everybody else in Palm Desert is. Crime is down; our city’s prosperous and happy. … The streets are clean, well maintained, good parks. So, I think, besides those two minor issues, we’re looking pretty good.
With the entire city, it’s just a matter of keeping costs under control—you know, costs are escalating for every single project, and making sure we understand that. Say a project goes from design to build in one or two years. In that one- or two-year process, I’ve seen cost estimates escalate 30%, 40%, 50%. I’m thinking of the library in particular, and so we’re going to have to be very, very cognizant of that. … We did a 10-year look into the future (with) our finance department. Our whole finance team is incredible. We did about a 10-year kind of look into the crystal ball, and it looks like starting in years 7, 8, 9, 10, we run the risk of running an operational deficit. So, we have to keep that in mind with current decision-making. We don’t want to saddle future residents and councils with an operational deficit, which is not the Palm Desert way. We run a balanced budget and surplus. So, we need to look at every spending, every project, under that lens.
What makes you the best qualified candidate to be the District 4 City Council member for the next four years?
I’m very proud of the track record of my first four years. Like I said, crime is down. We ended this year with a $10 million budget surplus. We’re pursuing the Vision Zero strategy (to eliminate traffic-related fatalities and create safer streets). We’re really focusing on the basics, which is a prosperous, safe, clean city. Once you have those three things in order, really, that is what attracts future residents, and attracts future growth (and) future development. I’m really, really proud of those accomplishments. … I’m really, really proud of the Zero Blight program that we’re pursuing (designed to quickly address graffiti, abandoned carts, illegal dumping, and other visible deterioration). I think we’ve instilled that ethos over the last four years in our decision-making on council, and we’re going to … move forward with the same kind of policy-making decisions.
I’ve lived here 30 years. I employ 14 people in my business in the city. I mean, I’m a stakeholder. I’m one of the producers who produces sales tax revenue for the city as well. So, I’ve got a vested interest. I’ve got skin in the game. I’ve raised my three kids here. I’ve got deep roots, and I understand the city. And I think we’ve had some great success the first four years that I want to build on.
According to recent local media reports, there are 148 license-plate-reading cameras and nine new “live view” cameras operating in Palm Desert. The national media has reported that more than 200 cities or law enforcement agencies nationwide ended license-plate-reader contracts in August 2026 due to privacy and individual security concerns, more than in any other month since 2021. Does the crime-fighting purpose of these cameras in Palm Desert outweigh citizen concerns about potential misuse and privacy violations?
That’s where we’re at now, I guess. It’s interesting. So, to this point, the Flock cameras have produced the results that were promised. Like I mentioned, the smash-and-grab crimes are down. Shoplifting, you know, property crimes are down, and that’s in large part due to the implementation of the Flock camera system, along with the hiring of six new sheriff’s deputies. Those (cameras) were installed in response to bad state policy, which allowed shoplifting up to $950, which just gave a green light to shoplifters. (A voter-passed 2014 law raised the limit for theft to be considered a felony to $950.) And, in response to that, you have to install a system that helps nab these people, and lets people know that crime doesn’t pay in Palm Desert. Well, mission accomplished. You know, I think we’ve achieved those things.
I do trust the sheriff’s department to balance privacy concerns with crime fighting, I like to think that I will recognize totalitarianism when I see it. … So far, I haven’t seen law enforcement overstep within our city. But like I said, I’m vigilant and I’m concerned. I completely share, and understand, the privacy concerns, and to this point, I’m comfortable with it, but I’m vigilant, and I’m definitely listening to resident concerns, and I share some of those concerns.
While crime rates in Palm Desert for most major categories (such as violent crimes, motor vehicle thefts, property crimes overall, etc.) decreased markedly in 2025, there was a large increase in incidents of larceny and theft, including a more than 40% increase in shoplifting incidents. What do you believe is driving this increase, and how can the city reverse this trend?
(Trubee requested clarification as to what the 40% increase represented, and the Independent confirmed it was a 40% increase in total incidents, not in case clearances.)
That’s the first time I’ve heard that statistic, and I would just wonder if … the proposition that allowed shoplifting, since that was basically overturned and repealed, if retailers and business owners aren’t becoming more emboldened to report them, because they know they’ll be punished. (In 2024, Californians passed Proposition 36, allowing some property thefts below $950 in value to be charged as felonies, if the perpetrators have two or more prior drug or theft convictions.) So, I’d have to look more deeply into that statistic. But that may be a function of retailers now going back to the old method we knew before that awful (2014) proposition was passed, where they feel like they can report these crimes, and they will be pursued and punished. I know our sheriff’s department goes to great lengths (to solve) property theft crimes. I’ve spoken to sheriffs who’ve driven all the way down to Los Angeles to pursue suspects and catch suspects who have committed crimes in Palm Desert. So, I’m again comfortable, and that statistic may have other factors involved. Anyway, so that’s my take on it.”
According to the city website, between fiscal year 2024-’25 and the 2026-’27 adopted budget, there has been an increase of $16,978,905, or 37%-plus in the funding required for public safety needs. How long can the city meet this level of escalating annual costs, which is tied to satisfying residents’ No. 1 city service priority, and how can the city address this serious affordability challenge?
I don’t know if it is an affordability challenge. … We anticipated this increase, and Measure G was passed in large part to help close that gap. (Measure G was approved by Palm Desert voters in 2024. It initiated a 1% additional sales tax in the city to raise funds to address public safety and other basic city services.) And, a couple of things to consider here: Some of those costs are beyond our control, right? The labor contracts negotiated for fire and police, we don’t have a seat at the table. You know, we get the bill, and so the labor costs are not within our control. But then, when we have our contracts; we can then pick and choose other ways we can cut costs, but labor is beyond our control completely.
We added six new deputies, so that’s part of the escalating cost. We’re building a new fire station 102. That is probably accounted for in that $16 million increase that you mentioned. So, you know, the city is growing. We anticipate 4,000-5,000 new households here in the next, what, 10 years or so. So, these projections are kind of in line with the city’s growth and the demand by residents for a safer city. So, I’m comfortable with the funding sources we have in place with Measure G. And again, there may be some other costs we do need to look at, because I consider public safety an absolute need. We have a need with public safety. We have a need to provide clean, drivable streets, good infrastructure and good parks. Beyond that, a lot of things are just wants. And then we have to look at those wants and see if we can maybe get by with less, without sacrificing the quality of life in Palm Desert, to make sure public safety is the foundation. It absolutely is the foundation for attracting residents and future development, commercial development, tourists, everything that is the lifeblood of our city.
What is your favorite way to relieve the pressures and responsibilities of your daily life?
Time with my wife. God, I look forward to that. She’s the No. 1. Coming home to her every night is just about the best thing in the world. Riding my bike with my buddies, and taking the doggie out on desert excursions about once a week in the desert. That’s about the three main ways I do it. Kids are all out of the house, so I can’t go home and play with them anymore. That’s not an option. But, yeah, time with my wife. She’s my No. 1 greatest partner I could ever ask for, (plus) some exercise and running around with my doggie.
