Family of Tristan Bourgeois Pushes for Safety Reforms on Highway 74

COACHELLA VALLEY – Three months after losing her brother, Camilla Bourgeois is taking action to prevent future tragedies on Highway 74. Since November, discussions with Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez and Palm Desert Mayor Jan Harnick have sparked momentum for change, but the Bourgeois family wants real action—not just talk.

They’ve launched a petition calling for weight limits, slope gradient restrictions, and increased monitoring of semi-truck traffic on the treacherous mountain highway. “There’s an alarming number of big rigs up there,” Camilla said. “And there’s an alarming number of stories from mountain residents about their close calls with these trucks.”

While banning all big rigs from Highway 74 isn’t realistic, Camilla stresses that common-sense safety regulations—like restricting unnecessary through-truck traffic—are critical.

For the Bourgeois family, this isn’t just a cause—it’s a painful responsibility. “We never wanted to be in this position,” Camilla admitted. “But if our experience can help save lives, we have to act.”

The petition is circulating widely on Facebook and Instagram, and Camilla encourages everyone to sign. “It’s as simple as entering your name,” she said. “And if you care about safety on Highway 74, we need your support.”

As the fight for tighter road safety measures continues, the community is rallying behind the Bourgeois family, determined to ensure Tristan’s legacy leads to real change.