News from November 2023


Agua Caliente Casinos to host three New Year’s Eve celebrations in the Coachella Valley

Agua Caliente Casinos has recently disclosed its Coachella Valley New Year's lineup. The announcement includes three major events, one of which is an outdoor block party at Agua Caliente Palm Springs.


Cathedral City’s Snowfest and tree lighting ceremony take place Dec. 9

The City of Cathedral City announced that the annual Snow-Fest, featuring the North Pole Village and Mayor’s Tree Lighting, will be held Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza. This year's celebration, promising a full day of festive activities for local families, is set to create a holiday atmosphere in the heart of Cathedral City.


Cal State San Bernardino awarded a grant for its Nursing Street Medicine program

The Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus announced that it has been awarded a $73,422 grant from the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation to help fund its Nursing Street Medicine program, which provides essential medical services to Coachella Valley’s most in-need community members. This grant aims to bolster the healthcare services for vulnerable populations in Coachella Valley by expanding the scope and reach of the existing Nursing Street Medicine program.


The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership's Coachella Valley Economic Report for 2023 has been released

The Coachella Valley Economic Partnership announced that its Economic Report for 2023 has been released and is available for download on the organization's website. The report, packed with photos, tables, and graphs, provides an in-depth look at the region's business and socioeconomic conditions. It serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the progress and future prospects of Coachella Valley.


Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony takes place Dec. 1

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) announced that the Indio Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Dec. 1. The event will kick off at 5 p.m. in downtown Indio, at the corner of Towne Street and Bliss Avenue. This annual event is a beloved tradition designed to bring the community together during the holiday season.


Imperial Irrigation District Board establishes Infrastructure Committee

On Nov. 21, the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors approved the creation of an Infrastructure Committee to help tackle present and future challenges in securing water and power delivery to residents in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. This new committee is set to address issues related to funding for infrastructure projects as well as service efficiency improvement.


Presidential declaration to bring funding to Riverside County for Tropical Storm Hilary recovery efforts

On Nov. 22, President Joe Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bring additional Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to Riverside and four other California counties that sustained damage from Tropical Storm Hilary and funding for statewide hazard mitigation. Although the amount is not known yet, the county and state assistance will be provided on a cost-sharing basis. This financial aid is expected to alleviate some of the substantial monetary burdens brought on by the storm's devastation.


The City of Coachella graduates the first participants of its new Coachella Resident Engagement Academy

The City of Coachella announced in a Facebook post that attendees of its first Coachella Resident Engagement Academy have graduated. They completed the seven-week program with a deeper understanding of how the city is run and a little cash for their time and commitment. The program, which was conducted in both English and Spanish, aimed to educate residents about the functioning of their local government.


Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce hosts a free concert series that pays tribute to iconic musicians

``` The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce announced a free tribute band concert series, organized in collaboration with James Elliott Entertainment. A concert will be held at 7 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month from December 2023 through May 2024 at the Palm Springs Downtown Park, with the first scheduled for Dec. 6. This musical event aims to celebrate iconic musicians and bands while providing an entertaining environment for residents and visitors in Palm Springs. The press release from the City of Palm Springs provides more details about the...


The City of Coachella secures LATA grant to explore developing a city-owned broadband network

The City of Coachella has announced the securing of a $234,000 state Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grant. This grant, which aligns with the Riverside County Broadband Master Plan, is expected to be used for planning and assessing the feasibility of implementing a city-owned broadband network that would reduce costs for the city and its residents.


The City of Palm Springs earns high marks for its LGBTQ+ initiatives

The City of Palm Springs' LGBTQ+ inclusive municipal laws, policies, and services earned it 100 points, the highest possible score, in the 2023 Human Rights Campaign’s Municipal Equality Index Scorecard, a nationwide evaluation of more than 350 cities. This recognition places Palm Springs at the forefront of LGBTQ+ equality in the United States.


Riverside County DA: Early release for convicted rapist ‘is a devastating blow to victims’

District Attorney Mike Hestrin of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office expressed outrage over the state Board of Parole Hearings' decision to grant early parole to a convicted child rapist, Cody Woodsen Klemp. Now 29 years into a 170-year prison sentence, Klemp, aged 67, is eligible for parole under the Elderly Parole Program and could be released on or before March 15, 2024. This action takes place in Riverside County where Hestrin has vowed to appeal against the decision.


City of Coachella announces housing improvement grant program

The city of Coachella is working in partnership with the Housing and Workforce Solutions of Riverside County to fund a grant program for improvements to home exteriors.


Coachella Valley School District: ‘We gathered to honor the memory of a true hero’ and school namesake

Saul Martinez Elementary school in Mecca, California, part of the Coachella Valley School District (CVSD), celebrated their school’s birthday by honoring its namesake, late highway patrol officer Saul Martinez.


Gen. Patton Memorial Museum board of directors' president: ‘We are looking forward to a full day of excitement and festivities’

The Gen. Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit, California, will hold its 35th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11. According to Margit Chiriaco Rusche, president of the museum’s board of directors, this will be quite a meaningful event for many.


California launches fentanyl task force under SB 19

California has launched a fentanyl task force, announced by Senator Kelly Seyarto. The task force is aimed at tackling the state's rising issue with fentanyl. "Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) is proud to announce that SB 19, establishing the California Fentanyl Task Force, has been signed into law," said an official.


DAP Health to participate in Greater Palm Springs Pride: ‘We have always fought for the LGBTQ+ community’

DAP Health will be participating in this year's Greater Palm Springs Pride, a tradition they've maintained since the event's inception in 1986. According to DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, the entire company is eagerly anticipating the event, especially following their recent integration with Borrego Health.


Renova Energy appoints new sales director

Renova Energy has announced the promotion of Chad Beckstand to the role of sales director for California and Arizona.


DAP Health receives $1M from California assemblymembers

DAP Health, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services in Coachella Valley, has received a generous donation of $1 million from California assemblymembers. The donation was part of Governor Gavin Newsom's 2023-24 state budget and was presented to DAP Health by Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Eduardo Garcia on October 23 at DAP Health's main Sunrise campus.