Coachella Valley Times News


Agua Caliente honors sous-chef with $10K after three decades of service

Palm Springs, CA (Dec. 6, 2023) – Agua Caliente Casinos recognized the hard work and dedication of its team members by celebrating Roy Agrium's 30 years of employment with a $10,000 gift. Agrium is the first person to reach this milestone at Agua Caliente Casinos.


California Strategic Growth Council awards $22 million to Coachella for the Coachella Prospera project

The City of Coachella has been named among nearly a dozen communities to receive grants from the California Strategic Growth Council's (SGC) Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC). The city is set to receive approximately $22 million to implement its Coachella Prospera initiative.


Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein: 'proud to live in a city that values diversity'

The City of Palm Springs recently inaugurated Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Bernstein as the city’s 25th mayor during a city council meeting. The oath of office was administered by Bernstein's husband, Dr. Oscar Chamudes.


City of Palm Springs opens temporary shelter for the homeless for cold weather months

The City of Palm Springs, in collaboration with Martha’s Village and Kitchen, has launched a temporary shelter to aid unhoused residents during the winter season. The initiative received approval from the City Council at a council meeting last week.


Assembly member Eduardo Garcia: Leaving assembly in 2024 to be more 'present' for his family

Assembly member Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) has announced that 2024 will be his final year in the California State Assembly. The following year will mark a decade since he assumed the role of representative for the 36th Assembly District.


The Palm Springs Surf Club opens to the public on New Year's Day.

Surfers in Palm Springs will soon have the opportunity to catch waves without making a trip to the coast. The Palm Springs Surf Club (PSSC), an $80 million beach-style, sustainable entertainment destination situated in the desert, is slated to open its doors to the public on January 1, 2024.


Indio border agents seize $374K in cocaine at Highway 86 checkpoint

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the arrest of a U.S. citizen who allegedly attempted to smuggle cocaine through the Highway 86 checkpoint last weekend. The seized narcotics have an estimated value of $374,400.


Mark Carnevale sworn in as Cathedral City mayor

The City of Cathedral City has inaugurated Mark Carnevale as mayor and councilmember Nancy Ross as mayor pro tem. The swearing-in ceremony took place during a special council session on December 13, with family and friends in attendance.


City of Palm Springs to unveil 'Pillars of Palm Springs' public art installation on World Art Day 2024

The City of Palm Springs has revealed plans for a new public art project, set to be unveiled on World Art Day 2024. The initiative, dubbed "Pillars of Palm Springs," is the most significant project commissioned by the City of Palm Springs Public Arts Commission to date.


Delta Conveyance and Sites Reservoir water projects move closer to construction phase

The Desert Water Agency (DWA) has announced that the Delta Conveyance Project and the Sites Reservoir project have achieved significant milestones, indicating imminent commencement of construction. The DWA emphasizes the importance of these projects in replenishing the groundwater basin.


Palm Desert woman in custody after a deputy-involved shooting has been identified

A Palm Desert resident, Kelly Lynette Cronn, 53, is currently in custody following a deputy-involved shooting incident that occurred on Sunday. Cronn has been charged and is recuperating from non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident.


Coachella Valley Unified School District unveils book vending machine at Valle Del Sol Elementary School

The Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) has recently introduced a new book vending machine at a local elementary school, as part of its initiative to encourage reading and reward good behavior among students. The machine, named Inchy’s Bookworm Vending Machine™, was unveiled at Valle Del Sol Elementary School on December 11.


Visit Greater Palm Springs TEAM GPS story to be featured in 2023 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories

A story from Visit Greater Palm Springs (VGPS) has been chosen to feature in the 2023 Green Destinations Top 100 Stories. The selected Good Practice Story, titled "Nine Cities, One Oasis: Building a Tourism TEAM of Champions," narrates the establishment of VGPS’ TEAM GPS. This program brings together the region's cities and prepares its tourism and hospitality workforce to pursue a shared objective: sustainable tourism.


Palm Springs Animal Shelter announces upcoming Tail-A-Thon fundraising event

The Palm Springs Animal Shelter, under the auspices of Friends of the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, has announced its plan to host a Tail-A-Thon. The event is organized in collaboration with NBC Palm Springs and aims to raise funds for essential services provided by the shelter to the city's homeless pet population.


Congressman Raul Ruiz recognized by Mayorkas for his achievements and commitment to his country

Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) has been honored with the Outstanding Americans by Choice Recognition by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The award ceremony took place at Coachella Valley High School.


A $50 million grant awarded to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments will ease frequent Indian Canyon Drive road closures

The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) has been granted $50 million for the Addressing Climate Change, Emergencies, and Sandstorms (ACCESS) Project on Indian Canyon. The grant, furnished by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), aims to alleviate frequent road closures that have long disrupted traffic on Indian Canyon Drive.


100th water consolidation project celebrated at Westside Elementary School in Thermal

The Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) has announced a celebration marking the completion of the 100th water consolidation project, held at Westside Elementary School in Thermal. The event was coordinated in conjunction with the California Water Board and the Coachella Valley Water District.


Desert Healthcare District and Foundation allocates $50,000 to support families devastated by Hilary

The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation has announced a donation of $50,000 to aid over 120 Coachella Valley families who experienced trauma, property damage or loss due to Tropical Storm Hilary. The storm passed through the region in August, subjecting communities to an exceptional amount of rainfall.


Coachella Valley parades and festivals this weekend will herald in the holidays

The City of Coachella has announced that the Whoville Holiday Parade will traverse the city's streets on Friday, Dec. 8. This festive event is among several being held this weekend in the Coachella Valley to usher in the Christmas season.


DAP Health’s expansion plan builds momentum: ‘People are going to be healthier and happier’

The 10-year strategic plan of DAP Health, known as Vision Forward, is projected to be completed by 2025. The initiative seeks to enhance the organization's service capacity from its current 10,000 clients to a staggering 25,000. The organization holds a firm belief that this expansion will provide significant benefits to the community.