Coachella residents celebrate city’s 70-year milestone

Once an agricultural community, now a growing city in the east end of the Coachella Valley

“We’re going to continue to protect our Ag[riculture] industry, insure that it’s growing that it is successful and at the same time I think from the land that’s available our Ag[riculture] industry is going to help feed our growth,” Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez said.

For 70 years the city of Coachella continued to make changes in infrastructure. In the last few years, the city added what residents said were much needed amenities. An investment Hernandez said paid off.

“Kids love to come to the park and they just totally remodeled the whole thing. It’s amazing, From the soccer fields they built, the football fields,” former world champion boxer from Coachella, Randy Caballero said.

“There’s a lot of stuff going on. A lot of beautiful stuff, a lot of restaurants AmPms, 7-Elevens,” Coachella resident Dina Gonzalez said.

Residents came to Bagdouma park to celebrate their city’s birthday and the many changes they see in the area. One lifelong resident and professional boxer said without some of the city’s amenities his life may not have been as successful.

“I don’t think I would be where I am at if it wasn’t for the city providing this gym and the beautiful environment we have in this valley,” Caballero said.

Mayor Hernandez said the city has a lot to celebrate but said there’s still more work to be done.

“We invested in our infrastructure and we are going to continue to do that because of the growth that’s been projected here and at the same time we want to continue to improve the quality of life for our residents,” Hernandez said.

Residents and city leaders seem to be on the same page, as both look forward to a brighter future within city limits.