Coachella Valley Times News


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.


Riverside County promotes safety during National Bicycle Safety Month

May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – San Jacinto Station is encouraging everyone to be active and safely enjoy bike rides. At the same time, they are reminding drivers to be vigilant for increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.


Coachella awarded $10 million grant for Community Resilience Center

The California Strategic Growth Council has awarded the City of Coachella a Community Resilience Center (CRC) Implementation Grant Award of $10 million to help further the City’s goal of making Coachella a more climate-resilient community. Funding will be utilized to retrofit an existing facility previously known as Hidden Harvest on Peter Rabbit Lane into the new Coachella Community Resilience Center, which will function as an emergency shelter, food and business incubator hub, garden space, resource center, and workforce training and development center. Partners that will...


Rep. Calvert urges Biden administration to resume weapon transfers to Israel

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) has issued a statement in response to the Biden Administration's decision to halt weapons transfers to Israel. He has called on the President to release the weapons as Israel initiates a ground offensive in Rafah.


Riverside County Sheriff’s Office promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

San Jacinto, Calif. — The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – San Jacinto Station is taking the opportunity during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. The aim is to encourage safe driving habits and shared responsibility on our roads, thereby ensuring everyone reaches their destination safely.


Suspects arrested for organized retail theft in Lake Elsinore

On May 7, 2024, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a theft at a retail store located in the 18000 block of Collier Avenue, Lake Elsinore. The suspects reportedly entered the store with large bags and began stealing high-end merchandise before fleeing in a red Hyundai Elantra.


Community Bingo Event to Support Palm Springs Animal Shelter

"A Night of Bingo Under The Stars for Paws & Claws benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter" is set to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at The Sonoran in Palm Springs. The event will start with doors opening at 5:00PM and the program beginning at 6:45PM.


10 million grant awarded for Community Resilience Center in Coachella

The California Strategic Growth Council has granted the City of Coachella a $10 million Community Resilience Center (CRC) Implementation Grant. The funds will be used to convert an existing facility, previously known as Hidden Harvest on Peter Rabbit Lane, into the new Coachella Community Resilience Center. The CRC is envisioned as a multi-purpose hub that will serve as an emergency shelter, food and business incubator, garden space, resource center, and workforce training and development center.


CalChamber Raises Concerns with Anti-Business Legislation; Proposals Stall for the Year

The California Chamber of Commerce has expressed its concerns with several bills, which have now stalled for the year. Additionally, one bill that was under the Chamber's scrutiny will not progress further.