Coachella Valley Times News
Former MoviePass executive found guilty of embezzling to repay loan for Coachella festival expenses
By Coachella Valley Times | Feb 4, 2024
Khalid Itum, a 43-year-old former executive at cinema subscription service provider MoviePass Inc., has been found guilty by a jury of embezzling at least $260,000. The funds were used to repay money that he had borrowed to produce an event at the Coachella music festival. The verdict came after a three-day trial.
Five candidates confirm bids for two soon-to-be-vacant Palm Springs City Council seats
By Coachella Valley Times | Feb 3, 2024
Five individuals have expressed their intent to run for the Palm Springs City Council, aiming to fill the seats of Christy Holstege and Lisa Middleton. The Desert Sun reports that these two long-standing council members have declared their intention to seek state offices.
OneFuture Coachella Valley's Gents Alliance to hold 2024 Male Student Leadership Conference in February
By Coachella Valley Times | Feb 3, 2024
The Gents Alliance Program, under the umbrella of OneFuture Coachella Valley, has announced that its 2024 Male Student Leadership Conference is set to take place this month. The organization is encouraging high school and college educators to prepare their students for participation.
Palm Desert's city council approves a five-district map
By Coachella Valley Times | Feb 2, 2024
The Palm Desert City Council has officially approved the adoption of "Map 109 Renumbered B," marking the beginning of a transition to a five-district election system.
College of the Desert holds grand opening of its new Child Development Center in Indio
By Coachella Valley Times | Feb 2, 2024
The College of the Desert recently celebrated the grand opening of its Child Development Center at its downtown Indio campus. The new facility, which spans approximately 18,000 square feet, will provide childcare services and also serve as a training ground for aspiring early childhood educators.
Search warrant in Coachella leads to the arrest of three and stolen gun
By Coachella Valley Times | Feb 1, 2024
Three individuals were arrested following a weapons-related search warrant at a Coachella residence, leading to the seizure of two firearms—one reported stolen—ammunition, and suspected Fentanyl. Two of the arrestees are residents of Coachella, while the third hails from Thermal.
Earthquake Brace+Bolt retrofit grants of up to $3,000 are available to Coachella Valley residents
By Coachella Valley Times | Feb 1, 2024
The Earthquake Brace+Bolt (EBB) seismic retrofit grants are now accessible to numerous homeowners in California, including those residing in Cathedral City and other communities within the Coachella Valley. The initiative offers up to $3,000 in aid to bolster properties against potential earthquake damage.
Cathedral City celebrates sister city Tequila this weekend with Taste of Jalisco Festival
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 29, 2024
The 8th Annual Taste of Jalisco Festival is scheduled for this weekend. The City of Cathedral City has utilized social media to remind Coachella Valley residents about the imminent festival, which celebrates its sister city, Tequila, Jalisco, Mexico.
Palm Springs to recognize Black History Month with several events
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 28, 2024
The City of Palm Springs has announced that a series of events have been scheduled to commemorate Black History Month in February. These events, ranging from an awards gala to a parade and fair, are open to the entire community.
Riverside County will skip full federal homeless count in 2024 to focus on housing the homeless
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 28, 2024
Riverside County has made the decision to only conduct a sheltered homeless Point in Time (PIT) count in 2024, thereby enabling it to focus its resources on transitioning those living on the streets into permanent housing. The county will carry out a full PIT count next year.
Indio resident with Imperial County dental practice sentenced to 37 months for Medicare fraud
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 27, 2024
An Imperial County dentist and Indio resident, Javad Aghaloo, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison by a federal court for defrauding Medicare and concealing his illicit activities. His former billing manager, Melissa Rosas of Calexico, was given three years of probation for impeding a federal audit.
City of Palm Desert receives Certified Autism Center designation
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 27, 2024
The City of Palm Desert has received the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This makes it the first city in California and the second nationwide to achieve this recognition.
Southwest Arts Festival kicks off in Indio
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 25, 2024
The Southwest Arts Festival commenced on Thursday at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The annual event, which features over 200 artists, is projected to attract more than 13,000 attendees this year.
City of Coachella offers pre-approved ADU and JADU floorplans
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 25, 2024
City of Coachella Councilmember Neftali Galarza has announced that the city council has approved a new initiative aimed at improving housing affordability. In an effort to save home builders both money and time, and to promote home development in Coachella, the city is offering five pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans along with one junior ADU (JADU) plan.
Riverside County hosts panel discussion to help save homeless cats
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 25, 2024
The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) convened a panel discussion yesterday to address the escalating issue of homeless cat overpopulation. The event was graced by three nationally recognized experts in community and shelter cat and kitten management.
City of Desert Hot Springs launches new development projects web page
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 23, 2024
The City of Desert Hot Springs has recently introduced a new Desert Hot Springs Community Development web page. The purpose of this initiative is to keep residents informed and updated about the city’s large-scale development projects. As of now, the site provides comprehensive information on nearly two dozen projects that are at various stages of development.
Palm Springs Police Department remembers officer killed in the line of duty 63 years ago
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 23, 2024
Last week, the Palm Springs Police Department commemorated Officer Gale Gene Eldridge, a member of their force who was tragically killed by an armed robber in 1961. Eldridge is one of four officers from the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) who have lost their lives in the line of duty.
Alianza Coachella Valley and partners to host Pathways to a Resilient Salton Sea event
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 22, 2024
Alianza Coachella Valley is preparing to host an event that will showcase a reimagined Salton Sea. The gathering is scheduled to occur at the North Shore Beach and Yacht Club on Saturday, January 27, from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Palm Springs Unified School District names Dr. Tonatiuh Signoret superintendent
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 22, 2024
Dr. Tonatiuh 'Tony' Signoret has been appointed as the superintendent of Schools for Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD). Previously serving as the interim superintendent, Signoret's new contract extends until June 30, 2025.
Cathedral City Fire Department to offer CERT training in February
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 21, 2024
The Cathedral City Fire Department has announced that it is currently accepting participants for its Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) class, scheduled for next month. The class is a prerequisite for becoming a certified member of Cathedral City’s CERT.