Coachella Council Still Split on How to Fill Mayor's Seat

UPDATE 9:15 AM: Clarification from Coachella, Councilmembers Delgado and Perez wanted to hold a public application process to fill the position.

The Coachella City Council is at a standstill on how to fill its vacant mayoral seat after a even split Wednesday night sent the decision to a future meeting.

Mayor Pro Tem Dr. Frank Figueroa and Councilmember Stephanie Virgen pushed to appoint Figueroa directly to the role for the remainder of the term. Councilmembers Denise Delgado and Yadira Perez disagreed, instead proposing an open application process where qualified candidates would interview before the full council in a public session.

The vacancy stems from former Mayor Steven Hernandez's resignation in late March, after he pleaded guilty to a felony conflict of interest charge, which bars him from holding public office in California.

With the decision deadlocked, the council will continue the discussion at its April 22 meeting, with a firm deadline of May 23 to fill the position.