Stories by Donna Rolando on Coachella Valley Times

Donna Rolando News


Palm Springs USD on equality event: '72 valley high school students carried the flags of the 72 countries where being gay is still illegal'

The Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast was held May 11 in Palm Springs, uniting those who support equality and justice in the memory of the late civil rights activist.


Palm Springs senior district attorney: 'It is never dark enough for a conspiracy to remain hidden'

Opening statements began Tuesday in the retrial of 73-year-old ex-attorney David Replogle, who was previously convicted in the murder of wealthy art dealer Clifford Lambert, News Channel 3 reported.


Fatal collision on SR 62 results in death of pedestrian survey worker

A pedestrian survey worker standing in the center median was struck and killed Monday afternoon by a truck westbound on State Route 62 in Morongo Valley, according to News Channel 3.


Palm Desert residents unite to help Ukrainian soldiers: 'We were moved by what these people are going through'

More than 100 Palm Desert community members joined together to assemble medical kits to be sent to help soldiers in the Ukraine.


Riverside County Sheriff's Department on fatal crash: 'The cause of the collision remains under investigation'

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is investigating the cause of Monday morning's fatal collision on Pigeon Pass Road and has not yet identified those involved.


Riverside County Sheriff's Department: 'Drivers, please share the road so we may all get places safely'

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department has issued a press release reminding the public that May is Bicycle and Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month.


Joshua Tree National Park opens new visitor center: 'So many more opportunities here to serve the people'

Joshua Tree National Park will celebrate the grand opening of a new visitor center on Saturday, May 7, with a free event that starts at 8:30 a.m. and features live music and prizes.


Two Palm Desert residents arrested, charged with theft of $9,000 in stolen merchandise

The La Quinta Special Enforcement Team executed a search warrant Thursday and arrested two Palm Desert residents after finding more than $9,000 worth of stolen merchandise, enough to fill multiple bins.


Indio High School art teacher on Vans shoe competition: 'To see students who can conceptualize on this level is pretty incredible'

Art students at Indio High School are finalists in the Vans High School Custom Culture competition based on their custom designs of Vans skate shoes.


City of Palm Desert: 'working to make bicycling safer and more accessible'

On Twitter, the City of Palm Desert announced its initiative to make biking more accessible in the community while promoting National Bike Month, which is taking place all of May.


Riverside County joins nationwide seat belt campaign, urges everyone to 'buckle up'

The Riverside County Sheriff's Department is "joining agencies across the country" for this year's Click It or Ticket campaign, which promotes the importance of wearing a seat belt.


City of Banning: former shelter is being replaced by 'Opportunity Village Shelter' to improve homeless living conditions

The City of Banning will be making new efforts to improve living conditions for the homeless community staying at the encampment off the I-10 freeway.


College of the Desert: Board of Trustees 'approved the construction of its Automotive Technology Center' at its original location

The College of the Desert (COD) has announced plans to begin construction on its automotive center, Roadrunner Motors, and keep it at the same site after a unanimous vote by the Board of Trustees.


Indio PD: Week 2 arrests at Music & Arts Festival higher than 2019, but 'no major concert-related incidents'

The Indio Police Department reported a 36% increase in arrests during Week 2 of the Coachella Valley Music & Arts Festival compared to the same week in 2019.


La Quinta resident about proposed wave park: 'It’s the wrong project in the wrong location at the wrong time.'

Local advocacy groups have raised concerns about the wave park proposed for La Quinta due to the water intensive nature of the project, calling it a poor choice for a desert climate.


Elder Love USA director: 'We offer the exact same level of professionalism and training as any other for-profit caregiving agency.'

Elder Love USA, a Palm Desert area nonprofit, is on a mission to help a group that often falls through the cracks when it comes to assistance: the middle class.


College of the Desert men's tennis coach: 'We really peaked toward the end of the season'

As hard work took their season to new heights, the College of the Desert men's tennis team won the CCCAA Men's Tennis State Championship over NorCal American River on Saturday, April 23.


RCAHT arrests human trafficking suspect at San Diego County border crossing

A sex-trafficking investigation by RCAHT focusing on the cities of Palm Springs, Indio and Desert Hot Springs has resulted in the arrest of an Indio man.


Coachella Valley Events May 2-8

The month of May kicks off with a tribute to Tina Turner, Latin music for salsa, brews at The Living Desert Zoo and much more.


City Council: Panorama Dog Park in Cathedral City will 'improve the quality of our outdoor spaces'

The grand opening of Cathedral City's Panorama Dog Park, part of an effort to improve the city's outdoor offerings, is set for Friday, May 13.