Former CA Assemblyman, Palm Desert Resident Brian Nestande Dies At 60

PALM DESERT, CA — Longtime Republican politician and Palm Desert resident Brian Nestande has died at age 60.

Nestande was found dead shortly after 2 p.m. Wednesday at a residence in the 73000 block of Vermeer Way in Palm Desert.

Foul play is not suspected, according to Riverside County Sheriff's Sgt. Deirdre Vickers.

A cause of death was not released.

Nestande's political career in the Coachella Valley, San Gorgonio Pass Area, and in Riverside County government was long.

A Republican, he served in California's 64th State Assembly District from 2008 to 2012 and, after redistricting, represented the 42nd District from 2012 to 2014. The districts covered much of the Coachella Valley and part of the San Gorgonio Pass Area.

Prior to his election to the state Assembly, Nestande served as chief of staff to U.S. Rep. Mary Bono from 1998 to 2000, and U.S. Rep. Sonny Bono from 1994 to 1998.

The experience helped prep Nestande for a run to the U.S. House of Representatives. In 2014, he ran for election in California's 36th Congressional District but was defeated by incumbent Raul Ruiz (D) in that year's November general election.

After his six-year stint in the state Legislature, Nestande served as deputy CEO of Riverside County until May 2021. He was also a senior fellow at UCLA's Luskin School of Public Affairs, and the founder and owner of Coachella Valley-based Nestande & Associates, a consulting firm.

Nestande's political prowess was a family affair. His wife, Gina, is currently a long-serving member of the Palm Desert City Council. He was also the son of Bruce Nestande, a former California assemblyman and Orange County Supervisor who died in 2020.

Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez called Nestande a friend.

"I am heartbroken and full of sadness to tell you all that our dear friend, ally, mentor and brother, Brian, is now with God,” said Perez, whose Fourth District includes the Coachella Valley. “We came into the State Assembly together in 2008, representing the Coachella Valley from different viewpoints of the political spectrum, and formed a companionship that grew closer with every late evening working to help our state through the Great Recession. We kept our partnership going, in a true spirit of bipartisanship, working as a team to serve Riverside County and our Fourth District constituents.

"Brian will be remembered as a devoted advocate for Riverside County. I always appreciated his perspective and, more than anything, my family including my wife, my parents, my sons, my extended family, will miss his presence. That’s how much we all loved Brian. Brian leaves a beautiful family, who are all in our prayers during this tough time," Perez said.

California State Assemblymember Greg Wallis (R-Rancho Mirage) served as Nestande's campaign manager in 2014. Wallis said Nestande dedicated himself to public service throughout his life.

"Brian Nestande was not just a trusted friend and mentor but a true champion for the community," Wallis said. "His pragmatic approach in working with colleagues across the aisle and advocating for good government policies no matter where they came from is something I will take with me throughout my career. Desiree and I considered Brian part of our family and while we take comfort knowing he is now with God, we will deeply miss his humor, wisdom, and unconditional friendship. My deepest condolences go out to his family during this difficult time."

In addition to his wife, Nestande is survived by his daughter Sophia, and stepchildren Sadie, Tad, Mason, Molly and Savana.

Details regarding memorial services will be provided in the coming days, according to Wallis.