Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez Resigns Following Guilty Plea

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez has officially resigned, the city announced Wednesday, one day after pleading guilty to a felony conflict of interest charge that permanently bars him from holding public office in California.

The City of Coachella confirmed the vacancy and said the council has 60 days to either appoint someone to finish the remainder of Hernandez's term, which runs through December, or schedule a special election. The city called the vacancy "an urgent priority."

Interim City Manager Gabriel Gonzalez said the transition will not interrupt city services. "While an unfortunate situation for the people involved, the City Council and City staff remain committed to providing the best quality service to our community," Gonzalez said.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Frank Figueroa acknowledged Hernandez's two decades in local government while signaling a forward-looking tone. "The City Council recognizes his years of service to the City of Coachella, and as a Council, our focus now is on a smooth transition and continuing to serve our community," Figueroa said.

Hernandez was first elected to the City Council in 2006 and has served as mayor since 2014. His guilty plea, entered with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office on Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center, also carries two years of probation and 200 hours of community service.

No timeline has been set for when the council will announce its next steps on filling the seat.