Against All Odds: Agua Caliente Chairman Jeff Grubbe focuses on tribe’s future

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Chairman Jeff Grubbe says the tribe’s future depends on balancing economic growth with cultural preservation and the needs of its members.

In an exclusive interview with KESQ Morning Anchor Angela Chen, Grubbe discussed his return to leadership, the tribe’s economic priorities and its role in shaping the Coachella Valley.

“We’re not thinking about today. We’re thinking about tomorrow and the next generation,” Grubbe said.

Grubbe previously served as chairman from 2012 to 2022 before moving to the Dallas area for four years. He returned to the position following the tribe’s election in March.

While he declined to discuss the private election process, Grubbe emphasized that tribal leadership is about the community, not any one individual.

“It’s about the tribe. It’s not about me or any other chairman or any other future chairman,” he said.

The Agua Caliente Band has approximately 500 members and operates casino properties in Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage.

Grubbe said the tribe’s progress is shaped by the struggles of previous generations, including members who remember living on Section 14 in Palm Springs without basic comforts.

“That’s always stayed with us and reminds us to make sure we don’t ever go back to that,” he said.

The tribe also offers weekly classes in traditional practices, including basket-making, language, food preparation and making bows and arrows. Grubbe said the programs connect younger members with elders and help preserve Cahuilla traditions.

Looking ahead, he is exploring economic diversification, including potential energy projects, while monitoring changes in the gaming industry and the growth of illegal online sports betting.

Despite the tribe’s economic success, Grubbe said high housing costs remain a challenge for members seeking to buy homes in Palm Springs.

He cited homes costing more than $1 million, saying even members receiving tribal income can struggle to afford them.

“How do we fix that, or what can we do to help that?” he said.

Groundwater rights, housing affordability and future gaming opportunities are among the issues facing the tribe as Grubbe begins his new two-year term.

He said the Agua Caliente Band’s connection to the Coachella Valley guides its decisions and its commitment to the broader community.

“Coachella Valley is a big part of who we are,” Grubbe said. “We think every decision we make is how we can make this Coachella Valley better for not just the tribe but for everyone.”

Grubbe also stressed the importance of recognizing the long history of Indigenous people in the region.

“We weren’t discovered,” he said. “We’ve been here forever.”