Community Activist Named to Planning Commission

Coachella City Council Appoints Community Activist to Planning Commission

COACHELLA —Stephanie Ambriz, a community activist who is credited for organizing hundreds of people to oppose an ill-conceived data cen ter in this community, has been appointed to the city’s six-member Planning Commission.

The City Council on Wednesday voted 4-1 to approve the appointment. Councilmember Juan Martinez dissented. The Coachella Planning Commission is made up of five members and one alternative member, who are appointed to 4-year terms that are staggered.

This is the second time Ambriz has sought a seat on the Planning Commission. Last time was in 2025 when the-mayor Steven Hernandez refused to even entertain her application.

“I do not accept that nomination and I will tell you why,” Hernandez said at the time. He went on to say she was against annexing property from unincorporated areas into the city of Coachella.

She never gave up and reapplied this year.

“It’s critical for the Planning Commission to ensure equitable and balanced development that addresses the needs of our most impacted residents who are at risk of displacement. I look forward to engaging in difficult conversations,” Ambriz told Uken Report in a message.

She received her Masters in assistive technology and human services. Before that, she received her credentials to be a teacher and has her bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“After dedicating 8 years to my students, I find myself defending and sharing the stories of our communities, our lands, as we face unjust policies and systems,” she wrote on her social media page. “I hope one day I can return to education, but for now the struggle continues.”

So, how did the vacancy come to exist?

On Feb. 26, 2025, Mayor Hernandez appointed Robert Caballero to serve as the Alternate Planning Commissioner. On July 14, 2025, Caballero resigned from his position, creating a vacancy in the Alternate Planning Commissioner role. The
position has remained vacant since that time, as Planning Commission operations have continued to function effectively without the need to immediately fill the role. However, there has been a recent occurrence where a Planning Commission meeting was cancelled due to a lack or quorum.

For this reason, staff is brought forward the appointment of an Alternate Planning Commissioner for City Council consideration to ensure continuity in Planning Commission proceedings and the ability to maintain a quorum if necessary.