Local & Community
Tristin's Bill signed into law
Nearly two years after 27-year-old Anza resident Tristin Samuel Bourgeois was killed in a crash involving a semi-truck on Highway 74, Assembly Bill 1145 has been signed into California law.
Known as “Tristin’s Law,” the legislation aims to bring greater transparency and accountability to transportation safety efforts across the state.
Tristin’s stepmother, Tina, says she was speechless when she learned Sunday that the bill had been signed.
She says she is proud that Tristin’s name will now be part of California law and hopes it will help prevent similar tragedies.
Tina is also calling for agencies including the Riverside County Transportation Commission, Caltrans and the California Highway Patrol, along with elected representatives, to work together on transportation safety improvements.
“We did it, Tristan. We did it,” Tina said.
She says engineering studies have shown that certain large commercial vehicles cannot safely navigate portions of Highway 74, making additional safety measures a priority. She believes this provides proof needed to increase safety along Highway 74.
Local Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, who wrote and supported the legislation, described the law as an example of turning tragedy into action. He said it is one step in continued efforts to make California roads safer and protect local communities, but not the only one needed to see real change.
The Riverside County Department of Transportation also told NBC Palm Springs that it is working with local legislators on safety improvements for Highway 74.
The department said it has recommended limiting trucks with more than three axles or longer lengths along a portion of the highway between the State Route 371-junction and Palm Desert, with the goal of reducing severe collisions and preventing long queues caused by slow-moving heavy vehicles.
For Tina, the legislation represents more than a new law. She says it carries the name of a person, a family and a tragedy that she hopes will lead to lasting changes in transportation safety.
She now hopes Tristin’s Law will bring California lawmakers and transportation agencies together to continue addressing safety concerns along Highway 74.
By: Maria Noble Valdez
September 28, 2026
Latest Instagram Posts
🏒 PREGAME WITH TIM O’BRIEN! 🔥 The Firebirds are back on home ice tonight, and Tim O’Brien has the message heading into tonight’s matchup! Coachella Valley is looking to turn things around and defend home ice against the San Jose Barracuda. It’s time to get loud, Firebirds fans! LET’S GO BIRDS! 🔥 📍 Acrisure Arena 🕖 Puck drop: 7 PM #CVFirebirds #OneValley #TimOBrien #Hockey #FirebirdsHockey
289 requests from ONE requester-14x more than anyone else in the city. s That’s 2,200 staff hours and over $100K in wages alone coming straight out of taxpayers pockets. 😳 #therogginreport #deserthotsprings #publicrecords #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
An 18-year-old’s life cut short and a search for answers continues. Authorities identified Angel Luna of Desert Hot Springs as the young man killed in a shooting Tuesday night on Calle Rojo in Coachella. No arrest have been made, and investigators are working to identify suspects.
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry! Two weeks until Thanksgiving. What are your plans?
Where do you stand on how cities should handle public notification for neighborhood changes? #therogginreport #laquinta #localnews #explore #nbcpalmsprings
We have all the coverage on today’s Veterans Day Parade in Palm Springs on nbcpalmsprings.com. #nbcpalmsprings #veteransday #fyp #veterans #usa
80 years later, their stories still matter. These remarkable World War II Veterans were featured in our Emmy-winning special report, “80 Years Later: The Coachella Valley’s WWII Legacy.” As a small thank you for sharing their stories, we surprised them with the Emmy. It was an honor to recognize these heroes, all over 100 years old, for their service and sacrifice. To them, and to all who have served, Happy Veteran’s Day.
Chef Richard Blais sets out to cook what he loves to eat. From fast food to working in Michelin star restaurants, he creates traditional dishes with his own unique twist. He’s taken that same approach with his new book: Sauce Life. The book combines his culinary journey with over 70 sauces that range from simple yet delicious to complex crowd pleasers. Signed Copies of Sauce Life are available now at @kestrelkitchenindianwells inside the Indian Wells Golf Resort.
So, Madonna in the Dance Tent… were you expecting that? And who else on this lineup has your attention? 👀 #Coachella2027 #Coachella #Indio #coachellavalley
Who has the BEST cell service in the Coachella Valley? 👀 Which carrier do YOU use, and how’s your service?👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #fyp #nbcpalmsprings