News from December 2023
Coachella Valley law enforcement paying close attention to DUI drivers this holiday season
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 31, 2023
In a recent law enforcement operation, two drivers under the influence were removed from the roads of La Quinta on Friday. The operation was carried out by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Thermal station and La Quinta Traffic team.
Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce to sponsor Desert Town Hall once again
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 30, 2023
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) has confirmed its continued patron sponsorship of the Desert Town Hall. The 2024 series is set to commence in January and extend through April, featuring four distinguished speakers.
Approved NDAA conference report includes California Rep. Calvert's priorities
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 29, 2023
U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) recently announced his vote, in alignment with the majority of the House of Representatives, for the approval of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) Conference Report for Fiscal Year 2024. Calvert highlighted that the approved report incorporated specific provisions he endorses.
Riverside County is turning Christmas trees into compost and mulch
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 28, 2023
Riverside County is urging its residents to recycle their natural Christmas trees, rather than leaving them unrecycled at landfills. The county has put in place special services to ensure that the trees are recycled in a manner that enriches the soil.
Riverside County Office of Education to host an artificial intelligence summit
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 26, 2023
The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) is set to host its inaugural Riverside County AI Summit next month. The event is designed to gather educators and other school employees to delve into topics surrounding artificial intelligence (AI) in schools.
Mexican wolf with amputated leg rejoins packmates at the Living Desert Zoo
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 24, 2023
A Mexican gray wolf, which recently underwent a leg amputation, has been successfully reintegrated into her habitat at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert after a brief recovery period. The female wolf, named Soleil Ellen, was peacefully received by her packmates.
Operations of the Palm Desert Library will be taken over by the city next summer
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 22, 2023
In the summer of 2024, the City of Palm Desert will assume control of the county library at 73-300 Fred Waring Drive, situated on the College of the Desert Campus. This transition will mark Palm Desert as the third city in the Coachella Valley to manage a municipal library.
City of Rancho Mirage to host a free emergency preparedness seminar in February
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 22, 2023
The City of Rancho Mirage has announced an upcoming emergency preparedness training event titled "Readiness Seminar: The First 72 Hours." This seminar, organized by the city’s Emergency Preparedness Commission, is scheduled to take place early next year.
Acadia Healthcare holds grand opening for its Coachella Valley Behavioral Health hospital
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 22, 2023
Last week, Acadia Healthcare Company, Inc. celebrated the grand opening of its Coachella Valley Behavioral Health hospital in Indio with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The hospital is expected to admit its first patients upon finalizing the necessary preparations.
BLM invites public comment on the Sapphire Solar Project
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 21, 2023
The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced an invitation for public comment on the Sapphire Solar Project. This proposed solar energy project aims to generate and store up to 117 megawatts of photovoltaic solar energy, with the electricity being delivered to the statewide transmission grid.
Palm Springs International Airport concourse to be renamed Agua Caliente Concourse
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 21, 2023
The RJ concourse at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is set to be renamed the Agua Caliente Concourse, following a sponsorship agreement between the airport and Agua Caliente Casinos. The new name is anticipated to become official in early 2024.
Agua Caliente Casinos deliver hundreds of Christmas gifts to Shelter From The Storm
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 20, 2023
In a gesture that has become a holiday tradition over the years, Agua Caliente Casinos has donated more than 300 gifts to Shelter From The Storm’s Angel Tree Toy Drop. Casino employees delivered the Christmas presents to various Shelter From The Storm locations across Coachella Valley.
City of Desert Hot Springs to expand animal services with two donated properties
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 20, 2023
The City of Desert Hot Springs has received a generous donation from the Humane Society of the Desert: an Animal Hospital and Animal Sanctuary. This contribution will enable the city to enhance its animal care services.
California Strategic Growth Council awards $22 million to Coachella for the Coachella Prospera project
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 18, 2023
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'
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 17, 2023
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
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 17, 2023
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
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 16, 2023
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.
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 16, 2023
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
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 15, 2023
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
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 15, 2023
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.