Mayor Steven Hernandez misses first Coachella City Council meeting after his indictment
Garrett Hottle
Update 10:30 p.m.
Reactions mixed Wednesday night as community members spoke out after Mayor Steven Hernandez missed the Coachella City Council meeting.
“I think he should step down,” Stephen Nelson, attendee, said.
Others said it’s too soon to draw conclusions.
“I’m not going to be calling for anyone’s resignation until all the facts are in,” David Catanzarite, Green Room Theatre — whose office is located near Hernandez — said.
The meeting moving forward with Mayor Pro Tem Denise Delgado leading.
Update 11:30 a.m.
Mayor Steven Hernandez will not be in attendance at tonight’s meeting, according to a city spokesperson.
“Many of you have reached out regarding this evening’s city council meeting. Mayor Steven Hernandez will not be in attendance as he does not feel well, and we will not be discussing matters related to his indictment.”
– Risseth Lora, public information officer for the city of Coachella
Original Report
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) The Coachella City Council meets Wednesday evening for the first time since Mayor Steven Hernandez was indicted on felony and misdemeanor charges of perjury and conflict of interest.
Hernandez remains on unpaid administrative leave, according to city spokesperson Brooke Frederico, but his name still appears on the agenda for tonight as mayor.
The nine-count indictment, filed last month by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, accuses Hernandez of using his public position to influence city decisions where he allegedly had a financial interest and of filing false Form 700 statements.
Mayor Pro Tem listed as witness
One of the grand-jury witnesses named in the indictment is Mayor Pro Tem Denise Delgado, who would preside if Hernandez does not attend.
Other current councilmembers Stephanie Virgen, Frank Figueroa, and Yadira Perez are not listed as witnesses.
News Channel 3 contacted every sitting councilmember for comment or an on-camera interview ahead of the meeting and are waiting to hear back.
A spokesperson for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office told News Channel 3 on Wednesday that witnesses named in the grand-jury proceedings are not permitted to discuss the case.
“They are not permitted to speak about the case, the grand jury, etc., until after the case closes.”
No mention on meeting agenda
The Nov. 12 council agenda and meeting packet make no mention of Hernandez’s indictment or any related discussion. The council is scheduled to hear updates from the Imperial Irrigation District, the Mexican Consulate, and city staff on ongoing projects.
Residents will still be allowed to speak during the public-comment period, though officials are limited by state law from responding directly to remarks on matters not listed on the agenda.
Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to all charges. His next court appearance is a trial-readiness conference on Feb. 23, 2026, at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
News Channel 3 contacted Herandez’s attorney for interview or additional statement from Mr. Hernandez, and are waiting to hear back.
The Riverside County DA’s office has not announced any additional defendants or confirmed whether the investigation is expanding.
This is a developing story and will be updated with additional info as it becomes available.