The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District (CVPCD) welcomed Genoa Meneses, MIS, to its Board of Trustees following her appointment by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. Meneses’ arrival comes as the District enters a new chapter, with a 10-year master plan taking shape and preparations underway to commemorate a century of service to Coachella Valley.
“Trustee Genoa Meneses joins the Board at an important time for the District as we plan for the future while remaining grounded in our commitment to the families and residents we serve,” said Board Chair Ernesto Rosales. “Her experience in public service and community engagement will bring valuable perspective as we move these efforts forward and continue building on the work of those who served before us.”
Meneses brings experience in public administration, program management, grant oversight and community service, providing the Board with a broad perspective on government operations, accountability and public engagement. She holds a Master of Interdisciplinary Studies (MIS) in Business Administration and Writing from Western New Mexico University. Her professional background includes serving as a Deputy Director of Public Health and Prevention for Inyo County.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted with this seat, knowing the legacy of service Trustee Rios brought to this Board,” said Trustee Genoa Meneses. “The Cemetery District exists to support families in our Valley during some of life’s most meaningful moments, and I’m committed to serving with the same transparency, integrity, and respect for all communities.”
A resident of Indio, Meneses also brings strong local ties and experience in the Coachella Valley through her work with Visit Greater Palm Springs, a joint powers authority representing local governments throughout the region. Her community service has included work with the American Red Cross and FIND Food Bank, further connecting her to the needs of local families and communities.
Meneses added, “Every family who comes through the gates deserves dignity and care. I’m honored to bring my commitment to the public service of this Board. I look forward to listening, learning, and contributing to a board that serves everyone in the Coachella Valley, today and for generations to come.”
Her appointment fills the seat previously held by Trustee John Rios, who passed away on February 23, 2026. The Riverside County Board of Supervisors appoints members of the Board of Trustees to four-year terms, and they set policy, establish goals and objectives, and oversee cemetery operations and expenditures. As the District approaches its centennial, a new chapter is emerging through future expansion, facility upgrades and long-term planning designed to serve generations of Coachella Valley residents. Those efforts include expanding options for cremation interment through the District’s columbarium and cremation lots while continuing to plan for the evolving needs of the community.
For more information about the CVPCD Board of Trustees, upcoming meetings or District services, visit CVPCD.org.
The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District was formed August 8, 1927, under Section 8890 of the California Health and Safety Code. District boundaries include approximately 3,450 square miles. The District has performed over 24,000 interments and set over 15,000 grave markers. The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District is a Special District; a special-purpose governmental unit that exists independent from local governments such as counties and cities. The Coachella Valley Public Cemetery is one of over 265 public cemetery districts in California.
