Coachella Valley Times Report News


Rising auto insurance costs linked to inflation, increased litigation

Auto insurance costs have risen by 20.6% over the past year, significantly outstripping the overall inflation rate of 3.1%, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).


Refusal to negotiate in good faith may violate Unite Here’s labor peace agreement at LAX

Unite Here's strike at LAX concession businesses may violate labor peace agreements intended to encourage good faith negotiations between parties. Despite a proposal for increased employee wages and pensions from travel hospitality group Areas USA, union leadership voted to strike the day after those terms were offered, prompting increased scrutiny of Unite Here's tactics.


Renova Energy spotlights director of engineering

Renova Energy, a solar energy company based in Palm Desert, recently highlighted the work of their director of engineering, Cesar Lopez. In their spotlight, they dove into Lopez’s work, how he came to Renova, and what he thinks the future will hold.


Calvert: 'We need funding to reopen the road as soon as possible'

Congressman Ken Calvert met with officials from Palm Springs, Desert Hot Springs, Cathedral City and CVAG on Sept. 7 to discuss Tropical Storm Hilary damages to Indian Canyon Drive and strategies to reopen.


Saruwatari: 'This grant supports data initiatives to directly target prevention efforts'

The Riverside University Health System-Public Health (RUHS-PH) was awarded a $14.5 million grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) which will allow RUHS-PD to "expand drug overdose surveillance" and bolster prevention efforts.


Palm Springs Police investigate fatal three-vehicle collision on Gene Autry Trail

The Palm Springs Police Department said on Sept. 4 that they were investigating a fatal three-vehicle collision that resulted in the death of one driver and two passengers on Gene Autry Trail near the Wash, according to a Facebook post.


Supervisor Perez: "The flash floods on Friday came and went quickly but caused significant damage in the eastern Coachella Valley, a lot more so than from Hurricane Hilary"

In a September 5 news release, Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez announced the damage from the flash flooding in eastern Coachella Valley has prompted the county to proclaim a local emergency.


Gomez on video on human trafficking: ‘I encourage all educators in Riverside County to share this video with students’

Students in the Desert Sands Unified School District, in partnership with a number of law enforcement, public education and other organizations, recently created a video to raise awareness of human trafficking among school communities.


U.S. Rep. Calvert: ‘We simply cannot accept the reality of having people living on our streets’

U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) recently announced that federal funding has been secured for homeless facility expansion projects in Lake Elsinore and Palm Springs in the pending Transportation, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill.


Palm Springs Air Museum launches fundraising page to aid Cathedral City recovery efforts following the impact of Tropical Storm Hilary

In response to the aftermath of Tropical Storm Hilary, the Palm Springs Air Museum (PSAM) has lacunced an Indiegogo campaign to support the recovery efforts of Cathedral City residents. Those contributing $200 or more through the Indiegogo platform will be eligible for a complimentary ride on the museum's C-47 Skytrain, with a restriction of one offer per individual according to a press release.


RivCo Coroner releases identity of Desert Hot Springs man who died in crash after medical emergency

On Aug. 27, the Riverside County Sheriff's Coroner's Office released the identity of a 33-year-old Desert Hot Springs man who passed away in a car accident after a suspected medical emergency. The man was found unresponsive in his vehicle following a car accident on Aug. 26.


Riverside County Sheriff's Department investigates cause of fatal golf cart traffic collision

On Aug. 29, Sergeant LaFond of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported authorities are investigating the death of a La Quinta man who died in a traffic collision while driving a golf cart.


Palm Springs International Airport announces two new construction projects

On Aug. 29, Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) announced the start of two new construction projects that are intended to "transform and elevate" the experience for travelers. According to PSP's announcement, the projects will see to the expansion of new retail options, local restaurants, and passenger comforts.


Riverside County Office of Education announces new "LCAP Live!" episode featuring teachers of migrant students.

The Riverside County Office of Education has released a new episode for its "LCAP Live!" video series. The new episode highlights teachers of migrant students in the Coachella Valley School District.


Gang Task Force seizes seven firearms, arrests two Indio residents in search warrant operation

On Tuesday, Aug. 29, during the execution of a search warrant at a residence in Indio, the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force seized a total of seven firearms and subsequently apprehended two individuals from Indio. The investigation was completed with the assistance of the California Highway Patrol K-9 Team and California Highway Patrol Aviation.


9th annual RCOE Foundation Golf Tournament set for Oct. 2 in Beaumont

The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) recently announced that the 9th annual Inland Classic Golf Tournament will be held on October 2 in Beaumont, CA. The event, which raises money for underprivileged children in the county, was announced in a press release on August 9.


Driver allegedly involved in fatal 2022 hit-and-run apprehended by PSPD thanks to community tip

The Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) has arrested Cody Hamilton, who was allegedly the driver in a fatal hit-and-run accident last month on East Ramon Road and El Placer in Palm Springs, the department said in an Aug. 24 news release on Facebook.


Vista Chino between Date Palm Drive and Avenida Maravilla to reopen on Wednesday, Cathedral City says

Significant progress by the City's Public Works Department will allow Vista Chino between Date Palm Drive and Avenida Maravilla to reopen to drivers starting Wednesday, Aug. 30, the Cathedral City government said in a news release on the city website.


Riverside County Sheriff's Department apprehends individuals suspected of 'several vehicle burglaries and vandalisms' in the city of Rancho Mirage

On Aug. 24, Sergeant Jeff Cryder of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported that two suspects allegedly involved in several vehicle burglaries and vandalisms in the City of Rancho Mirage have been arrested by the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team. The Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team (SET) received assistance from the Indian Wells SET, Palm Desert SET, and BSU.


Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez: "Hurricane Hilary has caused upwards of $100 million in damage throughout Riverside County, with the most impact on the Coachella Valley."

On August 24, the Riverside County Board of Supervisors reported damages from Tropical Storm Hilary have amounted to over $126 million throughout the county, with the most impact on Coachella Valley.