Opinion: Coachella and Stagecoach Traffic Jams Reflect on All of Us — What’s Our Role?
As a longtime resident and business owner in the Coachella Valley, I’ve watched Coachella Fest and Stagecoach grow from small, local experiments into massive global events. These festivals were born from our community’s vision — and for years, we’ve supported them, even as they transformed our sleepy desert towns into international destinations.
But what happens when these events go wrong?
This year, the opening of Coachella Fest was marred by 12-hour traffic jams, frustrated attendees, and widespread complaints — not just aimed at festival promoters, but at our valley itself. Safety concerns, shortages, and overwhelmed infrastructure didn’t just tarnish the experience for visitors; they reflected directly on our entire community. Fair or not, when outsiders leave with a bad experience, the blame doesn’t stop at the festival gates. It rolls outward — to our businesses, our neighborhoods, and our future opportunities.
The damage is real. When visitors share horror stories of gridlock and confusion, they’re not just criticizing an event. They’re shaping the perception of our region for years to come. That impacts tourism, business investment, and the very livelihood many of us depend on. One chaotic weekend can undo years of hard work by local leaders, entrepreneurs, and residents who have fought to make the Coachella Valley a place people want to visit, work, and live.
So what is our role — as individual citizens and as a community?
First, we must acknowledge that while these festivals no longer feel like ours, our voices still matter. Complaints aired publicly — especially in national media — have consequences beyond venting frustration. We should push for better planning, stronger collaboration with local government, and more accountability from event organizers, but we must do so in a way that reflects the pride and responsibility we have for our home.
Second, we need to stay engaged. Demand better traffic management, insist on better emergency preparedness, and encourage solutions that protect both residents and visitors. But let’s be careful not to burn down the house we helped build. Thoughtful advocacy — not blind outrage — will preserve the community we love and the opportunities we want for future generations.
I have a voice in this conversation not just as a resident, but as a business owner and an industry leader in film, television, and photography. My work directly supports the influx of production that accompanies these festivals. Every year, major producers call on my office to help staff projects, secure locations, and showcase the beauty of our region to a global audience. Local residents are hired, local businesses are engaged, and the ripple effect benefits the entire valley.
These festivals aren’t just entertainment — they are a powerful marketing tool for the Coachella Valley. They open doors for future investment, future productions, and future growth. But that only happens when we manage our success wisely. That’s why I speak up. Because how we respond today shapes the opportunities we all share tomorrow.
