COACHELLA – (INT) – Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez has been permanently barred from serving an any public office in California.

Hernandez has pleaded guilty to his involvement related to a contract between the City of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ (CVAG) Housing First Program. He was originally indicted on nine charges, including perjury and additional conflict-of-interest allegations. The felony conflict-of-interest charges prohibit public officials from participating in government contracts in which they have a financial interest.

Perjury and additional conflict-of-interest allegations were dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

Hernandez has been sentenced to two years of formal probation and ordered to complete 200 hours of community service.

Story Date: March 30, 2026