California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Apr. 27 the reappointment of Brian Conley, Sandra Magaña-Cuellar, and Jeff Ohlfs to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority, which oversees the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.
The appointments are significant as they help guide the direction of an important regional attraction that is managed by a California state agency, according to the official website of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. The tramway is recognized for providing access from the desert floor to mountain wilderness and offers scenic rides and recreational opportunities in Mount San Jacinto State Park.
Conley has served on the authority since 2018. He is President and Chief Executive Officer at Community College Connections and has held various educational leadership roles over several decades. Magaña-Cuellar, also serving since 2018, is Director of Government Affairs at Charter Communications with experience in political advocacy and public relations. Ohlfs was originally appointed in 2018 as well; he currently works as a Division Supervisor (Reservist) for the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s Operations Division Response Directorate and previously held ranger positions at multiple national parks.
Tramway General Manager Nancy Nichols said, “The reappointment of our three Governor appointees was wonderful news. They, along with our other Authority Members, guide the Tramway’s strategic direction to ensure the Tram remains a viable and iconic Coachella Valley attraction.” The four additional authority members include Jerry Ogburn and Nancy Stuart (appointed by Palm Springs City Council), along with Jonathan Hoy and Giovanni Virgen (appointed by Riverside County Board of Supervisors).
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway operates without state funding support; it repaid $8.15 million in private revenue bonds by 1996 according to its official website (source). The tram enhances public access to natural wilderness areas while promoting appreciation for Coachella Valley and Chino Canyon landscapes (source). Facilities at its mountain station include restaurants, observation decks, a museum, theaters, and hiking trail access (source).
The tram has been recognized as both a historical civil engineering landmark and described as an “Eighth Wonder of the World,” according to its official website (source). Its ongoing management underlines its role in connecting visitors with local natural beauty.
