Supervisor Manuel Perez rescinds letter of support for proposed Coachella data center

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) - A March 9th letter from Supervisor Manuel Perez encouraging the construction of a proposed data center in Coachella, has now been rescinded according to his team.

The Fourth District Supervisor's letter was sent to project developer, Stronghold Power Systems, highlighting the benefits of the project.

It reads, "Based on current city and project estimates, the project is expected to generate approximately $50 million in new revenue for the city through utility operations, local taxes, fees and associated economic activity." The Supervisor goes on to tout economic, electrical and even water conservation benefits, claiming that building the center on an agricultural lot would save water.

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News Channel 3 reached out to the Supervisor's office for more context on the letter and was told in a statement, "This project needs a lot of work, such as an EIR and a thorough CEQA process and the necessary community input. Not to mention concerns about water and electricity.  As a result, Supervisor Perez rescinded the letter through the developer and the city manager who both took action to withdraw the letter."

In an interview, Supervisor Perez said he apologized for recommending the project without knowing it's full impacts, and went on to claim the letter was not meant for public view.

"Those letters, someone leaked then and that's unfortunate. It goes to show you as well, unfortunately, someone is working against me. They saw an opportunity to hurt me and hurt my office. That letter is not for public. It's not for anyone," Perez said.

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He also went on to say he is still asking tough questions on the development, and doesn't know the impact it will have on water and electrical rates.

Perez's original support goes against many residents concerns about air, noise and water pollution from the center.

So, News Channel 3 went to those living closest to the proposed development at De Lara Ranch.

That's where we spoke with Maria, who said she doesn't know much about the project.

"I have heard, but I don't know what it is. Some people say one thing, others say another," she said.

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At the ranch, several homes had notices on their doors from Riverside County about high levels of fluoride.

One notice said April 2022 testing found 5 mg/L of fluoride in the water, which is higher than the recommended 2 mg/L. It also said consistent levels 4 mg/L of fluoride can result in bone disease.

Perez's stance is also getting criticism from the other side of the aisle, with Steve Sanchez, an opposing candidate for District Four Supervisor, weighing in.

"As far as the supervisor, I'm kind of confused because March, he was for it. April, I saw an interview where he had no comment because it was a local issue or he didn't know much about it. Now it’s May, he's against it," Sanchez said.

Now, Perez says no data center will move forward without more answers.

"At least not in the meanwhile, while I'm in office, we're going to move forward with a data center until we answer all the questions that are being asked."

News Channel 3 pressed Perez's office on claims of water conservation and the impacts for ratepayers, and were told those details were provided by the developer and they did not have specifics.