Coachella Valley Times News


Palm Springs invites residents to explore history of Section 14 online

The City of Palm Springs is encouraging residents and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the events of Section 14 by exploring a wide range of informative materials and historical documents. These resources are now accessible online at EngagePalmSprings.com.


West Nile virus detected in mosquito samples in Indio and Mecca

Samples of mosquitoes from routine collection sites have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in two new areas of Coachella Valley, California. This year, four mosquito samples have been found to carry the virus, whereas no detections were reported at this time last year.


California's tourism spending hits record high in 2023

Travel spending in California reached an unprecedented high in 2023, attracting visitors from across the globe to the Golden State. A new report released by Visit California revealed that the state's tourism economy generated $150.4 billion in travel spending last year, outpacing the previous record of $144.9 billion spent in 2019 before the pandemic brought travel to a standstill. The surge in tourism created 64,900 new jobs in California in 2023, raising total industry employment to 1.15 million, which is 98% of pre-pandemic employment levels.


Geoffrey Demke named Cal State San Bernardino's Outstanding Graduate 2024

Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus has announced Geoffrey Demke as its Outstanding Graduate for 2024. A resident of Indio, Demke will receive a bachelor of arts degree in history at the CSUSB College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 17, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.


Life Line Screening announces preventive health event at Miracle Springs Resort

Each month, the Chamber organizes a variety of events that include business mixers and ribbon cuttings. However, the organization emphasizes that nothing surpasses the importance of health. Therefore, it is pleased to announce that Life Line Screening will conduct a day of preventive health screenings at Miracle Springs Resort on Thursday, June 6, 2024.


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway hosts special event for Restaurant Week

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is inviting visitors to celebrate Palm Springs Restaurant Week from May 31 to June 9. Peaks Restaurant, located at the tramway, is offering a special dinner menu for guests as they enjoy panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and a ride on the world's largest rotating tramcar.


Felipe Esparza brings 'At My Leisure' tour to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Renowned comedian Felipe Esparza is set to bring his 'At My Leisure' World Tour to the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Fresh from filming his latest stand-up special, Esparza will be showcasing new material that promises a memorable comedic experience for fans.


Coachella Library to host 'Working Coachella' photo exhibit through August

The Coachella Library is set to host a unique photo exhibition, "Working Coachella: Images of the farmworker community in the Coachella Valley", opening on Saturday, May 18th at 10 AM. The exhibition will be held at 1500 Sixth Street, Room B-3, in Old Town Coachella.


Riverside County DA's office opposes move to declare death penalty unconstitutional

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has voiced its opposition to the efforts spearheaded by the Office of the State Public Defender and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to declare the death penalty unconstitutional in California. This position was taken in response to the ongoing case, Office of the State Public Defender v. Bonta, which is currently under consideration by the California Supreme Court.


Fatal single-vehicle collision under investigation in La Quinta

On May 11, 2024, at 2:25 a.m., deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a single-vehicle traffic collision near the intersection of Monroe Street and Airport Boulevard in La Quinta. Upon arrival, they discovered a white Kia sedan overturned on the sidewalk. The driver was found inside the vehicle but could not be reached by deputies.


Teenager arrested after off-highway vehicle pursuit in Perris City

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:11 p.m., deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Teams were conducting Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enforcement in the Perris City area. During this operation, an attempt was made to stop a Polaris RZR OHV that was being ridden on a public street. However, the driver sped away and engaged in reckless driving on the public roadway, posing a risk to other drivers.


27-year-old man dies in Cathedral City: Coroner's report

On May 11, 2024, David Seth Gonzales, a 27-year-old male from Cathedral City, CA, tragically lost his life. According to the Coroner's File #2024-03634, Gonzales passed away at 02:41 hours on the same day he sustained injuries. The incident occurred at Southbound Monroe Street, 412 feet south of Airport Boulevard in La Quinta.


Old Town Artisan Studios concludes its inaugural Aspiring Artists mentorship program

The Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS) in La Quinta has celebrated the graduation of six Coachella Valley high school students from its inaugural Aspiring Artists mentorship program. The program has equipped these students with enhanced creative skills and the knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a visual artist.


Palm Springs opens online applications for FY 2024-25 event sponsorships and grants

The City of Palm Springs has officially opened the application process for its FY 2024-25 Event Sponsorships and Program Grants Funding. The application is available online, with the city encouraging eligible non-profit agencies to apply.


Suspect apprehended after hit-and-run collision leads to pursuit

On May 10, 2024, at approximately 1:48 p.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a minor injury traffic collision near the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. However, before their arrival, the suspect involved in the collision had fled the scene.


Palm Desert commercial burglary suspects apprehended by local law enforcement

On May 9, 2024, deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to a commercial burglary report at the 74000 block of Highway 111. The victim reported that a motorcycle and firearm had been stolen from the premises. The investigation was subsequently taken over by members of the Palm Desert Burglar Suppression Unit.


Riverside County Sheriff's Office announces planned DUI checkpoint for May 24

On May 24, 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is set to conduct a driving under the influence (DUI) checkpoint. The operation will take place from 7pm to 1am at an undisclosed location in the city of Temecula. The selection of DUI checkpoint locations is data-driven, based on areas with a high incidence of impaired driving-related crashes.


Sam Karagavoorian passes away in Palm Desert: Coroner's report

Sam Karagavoorian, an 80-year-old male resident of Palm Desert, CA, tragically passed away on May 9, 2024. According to the Coroner's File #2024-03593, the time of death was recorded as 1513 hours.


Click It or Ticket" campaign encourages Californians to buckle up

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Perris Station, is reminding Californians to always buckle up and ensure children are secured in the appropriate car seats during their Memorial Day travels. The reminder comes as part of this year's "Click It or Ticket" campaign, which runs from May 20 to June 2.


First detection of West Nile Virus in Coachella Valley for 2024

Mosquitoes collected from a routine site in the City of Coachella have tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV), marking the first detection of the virus in the Coachella Valley for 2024. The infected mosquitoes were found near Genoa St. and Avenue 53.