Stories by Donna Rolando on Coachella Valley Times

Donna Rolando News


Riverside County to receive pet care assistance to 'reduce the number of animals being surrendered by their owners'

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services was awarded a charitable grant of $90,000 by the PetSmart Charities, Inc., to assist low-income residents with the costs of animal care.


Coachella City Council votes on changes to cannabis industry requirements: 'None of those standards made sense'

The Coachella City Council recently approved changes to the city's cannabis regulations, removing a 5-acre requirement -- which was often contested -- and cutting down on permit paperwork.


'An absolutely phenomenal tool': Coachella Valley Housing Catalyst Fund could receive $15 million in proposed state budget

The newly proposed state budget could see $15 million being allocated to the Coachella Valley Housing Catalyst Fund, a community group that partners multiple nonprofits that works to enhance housing stability and create paths to “economic mobility for local residents,” the Desert Sun reported Monday.


'Minor Decoy Program' in Palm Desert leads to 3 citations

A decoy operation recently targeted nine Palm Desert bars and restaurants to determine if they serve alcohol to people under the legal age, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.


'I Heart Mac & Cheese' restaurant to celebrate its grand opening: 'Palm Springs is such an adult playground'

The grand opening of the long-anticipated "I Heart Mac & Cheese" restaurant in Palm Springs is set for Wednesday, June 29, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10 a.m. outside the restaurant.


Teen street gang member charged in Indio with illegal possession of two handguns

The discovery of two handguns during a search in Indio led to charges against a 15-year-old documented criminal street gang member, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department reported.


Back after COVID-19, the summer film series at Palm Springs Art Museum is 'celebrating Mexican cinema'

After a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the summer film series has returned to Palm Springs Art Museum with "Cine Mexicano," beginning on Thursday, June 30.


CCAT seizes 300 fentanyl pills in Coachella home in 'narcotics and weapon investigation'

The Coachella Community Action Team (CCAT) seized approximately 300 fentanyl pills, other drugs, and a stolen handgun from a Coachella home on Wednesday.


Stanley Cup, Jack Adams winner Bylsma named inaugural head coach of Coachella Valley Firebirds

As the Coachella Valley Firebirds hockey team welcomes its first head coach, it is with all the enthusiasm of a drum roll, because Dan Bylsma has a long track record as a hockey coach, including a Stanley Cup championship.


Coachella teen allegedly 'shot at workers in a field', charged with attempted murder

A 19-year-old Coachella teenager was taken into custody and charged with attempted homicide for allegedly firing multiple shots at field workers on Friday morning, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.


CCAT sting operation cites local businesses for: 'selling underage persons tobacco products'

The Coachella Community Action Team (CCAT) conducted a sting operation on Friday to crack down on illegal sales of tobacco products, particularly to minors.


Palm Springs International Airport hopes new contract will replicate that 'vibe we've all come to love'

The Palm Springs International Airport is looking to include more local shops and restaurants at the airport as the contract with its current operator is set to expire on April 30, 2023.


Riverside County Sheriff's Department recovers $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise: 'similar thefts reported'

An investigation into a grand theft incident has led to the arrest of a 28-year-old Desert Hot Springs man and the recovery of $10,000 worth of stolen merchandise, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department said.


Palm Springs mayor invited to White House's Pride Month celebration: 'a wonderful birthday present'

Palm Springs Mayor Lisa Middleton has been invited by President Biden to attend the White House's annual Pride Month celebration on June 15.


Riverside County Sheriff's Department deploys SWAT Team assisted in arrest of Coachella shooting suspect 'without incident'

A 20-year-old Coachella man has been charged with attempted murder for allegedly firing multiple shots with a sawed off shotgun June 10 at a victim who escaped harm.


Two Indio teens arrested during investigation into Bermuda Dunes armed robbery

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force investigated an armed robbery in Bermuda Dunes and arrested two Indio teenagers, one a known criminal street gang member, authorities said.


Illegal fireworks targeted in Riverside County: 'Zero tolerance' cited

In a unanimous vote by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, the Riverside County Fire Department was granted $100,000 for an action plan that cracks down on illegal fireworks use and provides alternative options.


Palm Springs man who 'intentionally' rammed vehicles charged with attempted murder

Palm Springs Police Department has identified and arrested a man for allegedly ramming his silver Lexus into other vehicles on Monday night.


College of the Desert announces California College Corps Initiative, offers up to '$10,000 in paid fellowships and scholarships'

The College of the Desert (COD) is joining with Find Food Bank as part of the California College Corps Initiative with $10,000 in scholarships and fellowships for students who perform community service, the college said in a June 6 tweet.


First phase of 'Operation Clean Streets' in downtown Palm Springs leads to 12 arrests

The Palm Springs Police Department has embarked on the first phase of Operation Clean Streets, a multi-agency, comprehensive approach toward fighting crime in downtown Palm Springs.