Women’s History Month: A spotlight on the desert’s female mayors

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) - March is women's history month, and News Channel 3 will be spotlighting women throughout the Coachella Valley who've made a difference in the community. For our first women's history month story, we're spotlighting the Coachella Valley's female mayors and their journeys as women in politics.

Mayor Naomi Soto of Palm Springs was sworn in December 2025. "I think there's a lot of heart and compassion and grace when women are in leadership roles and that's in the public sector. I think that's in the private sector, that's in homes as well," Soto says.

Mayor Linda Evans of La Quinta is the city's longest running mayor, having served for 12 years since 2014. "I always tell people one of the greatest things about being mayor is the people that I meet," says Evans.

Mayor Elaine Holmes is the mayor of Indio, the largest city in the Coachella Valley. "The people here really were what inspired me. People were so willing to help wonderful people, people with heart, people with a desire to see their community grow. And to me, that just captured my heart," says Holmes. She was first elected in 2010 with the highest number of votes in an at-large election.

Mayor Lynn Mallotto of Rancho Mirage has called the city home for 30 years. "Public service is contagious. It's a wonderful opportunity to observe and learn and know what's happening in your community and be part of a solution," says Mallotto.