News from October 2023
Employees at Flying Food Group seek union decertification after April strike, ongoing disputes
By Staff reports | Oct 27, 2023
A series of contentious events, including a strike and ongoing disputes with the UNITE HERE union, have fueled an employee-led drive to decertify the union shop status of Flying Food Group’s Inglewood, CA facility. If successful, the effort would represent one of the few times union members voted to dissolve their own union.
Toastmasters to host open house informational event
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 26, 2023
The Toastmasters Club will host an open house party at the Cathedral City Branch Library on Oct. 28. The theme of this event is “scary,” both in the Halloween sense and in how to overcome fear of public speaking.
Desert Arc to host fundraising festival, hopes it will ‘make a difference in the lives of the people we serve’
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 25, 2023
Desert Arc, a nonprofit organization that provides services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be hosting the Desert Arc Italian Festival and Car Show on Nov. 18 to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The event aims to raise $30,000 to support the organization's impactful programs that are not funded by the State of California.
Qantas resumes catering partnership with Flying Food Group
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 20, 2023
The Australian airline, Qantas, has resumed its catering partnership with national inflight meal service provider Flying Food Group (FFG), Onboard Hospitality announced this month. FFG’s Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) facilities are once again serving Qantas as a valued returning customer.
Renova Energy opens new corporate center: ‘this move enhances our communication, customer service, and camaraderie’
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 19, 2023
Renova Energy, a leading solar energy company, recently celebrated the opening of their new Palm Desert corporate center building on Oct. 6. The founder and CEO of Renova Energy, Vincent Battaglia, expressed his excitement about the company's growth and the consolidation of their departments under one roof.
Senator Durazo: 'Thank you, Governor Newsom, for signing SB 525, a first in the nation, historic investment in our healthcare workforce'
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 17, 2023
Governor Newsom has signed SB 525, a groundbreaking healthcare workforce investment, which aims to address regional disparities and alleviate workforce shortages by gradually raising the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 per hour. This phased approach is set to benefit nearly half a million healthcare workers in California.
Riverside County continues specialized prosecution for drug-related DUI offenses
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 17, 2023
According to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), endorsed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, will ensure that individuals arrested in Riverside County on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, will continue to face highly specialized prosecutors. The $679,708 grant allocated to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office marks an increase of over $20,000 from the previous year and will fund a vertical prosecution team of three deputy...
Mayor Grace Garner: 'A bright star in our city has left us'
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 17, 2023
According to a statement shared on social media, actress, author, health advocate, and long-time Palm Springs resident Suzanne Somers passed away on Sunday morning. The City of Palm Springs expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Somers, who was a beloved member of the community for over four decades.
City of Palm Desert calls for artists to celebrate community spirit through mural project
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 17, 2023
The City of Palm Desert is calling upon talented mural artists to be part of a creative endeavor that will pay tribute to the hard work of its Public Works staff and other outdoor workers in the wake of Hurricane Hilary's impact.
College student discusses research study: ‘I see the changes discussed in the study being put to use here’
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 12, 2023
Cynthia Gilabert, a college student from Saugus who now resides in Indio, recently shared her experience working on a research study for Arizona State University that focused on the "fear of negative evaluation" among STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students. In an interview with the Coachella Valley Times, Gilabert discussed how her involvement in the study has impacted her, particularly in relation to her acceptance into veterinary school.
Indian Wells Sprouts Farmers Market to hold grand opening event
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 8, 2023
A new Sprouts Farmers Market is set to open in Indian Wells on Friday, October 13. The announcement was made by Sprouts Farmers Market, stating, "Your new Sprouts Farmers Market is opening in Indian Wells on Hwy. 111 & Cook St. on Friday, October 13!"
Palm Springs gears up for lip sync battle fundraiser
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 8, 2023
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) is bringing an exciting Lip Sync Battle to the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 3 PM. The event aims to raise funds for the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Youth Engagement Programs and ONE-PS New Neighborhood Development. Contestants from city-wide organizations will take the stage in a hilarious and high-energy competition.
Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians donates 200 football helmets to local high schools
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 8, 2023
Chairman Darrell Mike and the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians have shown their support for local high school football teams by donating 200 helmets. The Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) expressed gratitude for this generous contribution, highlighting the positive impact it will have on student-athletes.
Former Cathedral City police officer faces new charges in Riverside County incidents
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 8, 2023
District Attorney Mike Hestrin announced on Wednesday that former Cathedral City Police Officer Claudiu Murzea is facing three additional charges related to incidents in Riverside County. Murzea, who was previously charged with possessing fentanyl taken as part of an investigation, now faces charges stemming from two separate incidents reported this week.
Renova Energy receives 2023 Platinum Solar Award
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 6, 2023
Renova Energy, Coachella Valley’s leading solar installation company, has been recognized with the 2023 Platinum Solar Award by TopSolarCompanies.com. This award acknowledges Renova Energy's outstanding contributions to advancing solar technology and sustainable energy practices.
Palm Springs City Manager: 'This is a fantastic way to meet department leadership and learn about our purchasing needs in Palm Springs'
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 4, 2023
Palm Springs is encouraging local businesses to attend an Open House event to learn about opportunities working with the city. The event, scheduled for Wednesday, October 18, will provide local businesses with the chance to network with department leadership and gain insight into the various types of goods and services procured by multiple city departments.