Coachella Begins Search for New Mayor After Steven Hernández’s Felony Plea

Overview

• The Coachella City Council began selecting candidates to fill the mayor’s vacancy after Steven Hernández resigned following a felony conflict-of-interest plea, and leaders promised a smooth handoff.
• A Riverside County judge sentenced Hernández to two years of probation and 200 hours of community service, and the conviction bars him from holding elected office in California.
• The plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney led prosecutors to dismiss eight other charges.
• Prosecutors say Hernández tried to direct federal American Rescue Plan funds to a downtown fire station project in which he had a financial interest and voted on related city contracts including CVAG’s Housing First.
• Court filings also describe alleged false income claims on state Form 700 disclosures tied to a property at 52280 Camacho Street in Coachella.