Coachella City Council to Decide How to Fill Vacant Mayor's Seat

Coachella's City Council is set to meet Wednesday night to decide how to fill the mayor's seat left empty since Steven Hernandez resigned in late March, following a guilty plea on a felony conflict of interest charge. That conviction bars him from holding public office in California.

The meeting begins at 6 p.m. on April 8th at Coachella City Hall, and filling the mayoral vacancy is on the agenda.

Under California law, the city has fewer than 60 days to either appoint someone to fill the seat or hold a special election. Either option would fill the seat through December.

Community members are encouraged to attend and weigh in. Also on Wednesday's agenda: a water and wastewater rate study update that could affect what residents pay for utilities, and a ceremony honoring the Coachella Valley High School Girls Soccer Team for their CIF Division 5 Championship.