News from July 2024


Illegal pet trade threatens wildlife; how you can help

The illegal pet trade poses a significant threat to wildlife by disrupting ecosystems and endangering species. High global demand for exotic pets fuels the illicit capture and trade of millions of animals.


Friends of the Children seek directors for new Coachella Valley location

Friends of the Children are hiring for two positions in the Coachella Valley.


Calvert secures $9 million for Riverside County water infrastructure projects

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) has announced the allocation of more than $9 million in federal funding for three water infrastructure projects in Riverside County. The funding, included at his request in the Fiscal Year 2025 Interior and Environment Appropriations bill, was approved by a majority vote in the House of Representatives last week. According to Rep. Calvert, this funding will not increase the overall spending level of the bill as it is allocated within respective agency program accounts.


Living Desert partners with brewery to aid Mexican wolf conservation

The Living Desert has announced a new collaboration with Luchador Brewing Company to support the conservation of the Mexican wolf, a species once on the verge of extinction. The partnership has resulted in the creation of El Lobo Mexican Lager, with $1 from every pint sold being directed towards The Living Desert's conservation initiatives.


Dezart Performs announces diverse lineup for its upcoming Season

Michael Shaw, Artistic Director of Dezart Performs, expressed enthusiasm for the upcoming 2024/25 season, which promises a diverse range of theatrical experiences. "I am thrilled about the upcoming 2024/25 season as it promises to offer a diverse range of experiences, from moments of laughter and intense drama to introspective reflection and impactful storytelling," Shaw stated. "After a successful past season where we saw a significant number of first-time attendees, we eagerly look forward to sharing these exceptional performances with our dedicated longtime supporters and...


West Nile virus detected in Indian Wells mosquitoes for first time in 2024

Mosquito samples from a routine collection site in Indian Wells, California, have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) for the first time this year. The sample was located near the intersections of Fred Waring Drive and Eldorado Drive. This marks the 182nd sample from the Coachella Valley to test positive for WNV in 2024.


Palm Springs announces relocation plan for Forever Marilyn sculpture

The City of Palm Springs has announced an agreement in principle to relocate the Forever Marilyn sculpture. During a closed session, the City Council reached this decision in collaboration with P.S. Resorts and CReMa. The new location for the sculpture will be within Downtown Park, with finalization expected within 30 days.


South Perris groundwater desalination program receives $100 million boost

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) and Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) announced the inclusion of a $100 million authorization for the South Perris Groundwater Desalination program in the Water Resources Development Act (WRDA), H.R. 8812. This represents a $50 million increase in authorization from the previous 2020 WRDA bill. The bill was drafted by Transportation and Infrastructure Committee Chairman Sam Graves (R-MO). The authorization was requested by Eastern Municipal Water District (EMWD) to construct Stage II of this desalination program which is expected to add...


Rep. Calvert supports Netanyahu's address on US-Israel relations

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued a statement regarding Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s address to a joint meeting of Congress.


Governor signs bill making family leave mediation permanent

Legislation sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce to make permanent the small employer family leave mediation program has been signed by Governor Gavin Newsom.


H3K Home+Design announces free summer "Wine & Design" events

H3K Home+Design, a Palm Springs-based design firm with showrooms in Palm Springs and Palm Desert, specializing in the remodeling and renovation of residential and commercial properties, will offer three “Wine & Design” events each month this summer in their two Coachella Valley showrooms. Offered on a Thursday night, each monthly event will feature a 30-minute panel discussion about the design topic and include an audience Q&A session. The panel will be hosted by H3K Home+Design Owners Howard Hawkes and Kevin Kemper and will feature H3K’s Interior Design Team – Travis Smith,...


Cathedral City provides updates on major roadway projects seeking public support

Date Palm Drive is the City’s main north-south regional arterial highway, running from Varner Road to East Palm Canyon Drive. It crosses several major roadways, including Interstate 10 and Vista Chino. The drive accommodates over 29,000 vehicles daily between Interstate 10 and the downtown corridor and more than 9,000 vehicles between Interstate 10 and Varner Road.


Cooling center opens at Coachella Senior Center for summer relief

The Senior Center in Coachella has been designated as a Cooling Center for the summer season. Residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the center to rest, cool off, and hydrate during warm weather. The facility is open from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.


Coachella Valley Repertory announces diverse 2024-2025 season lineup

Coachella Valley Repertory Executive Artistic Director Adam Karsten has announced CVRep’s 2024-2025 season, which includes five new productions and a world premiere. The upcoming season features award-winning plays and musicals not previously produced by CVRep, along with a new work selected from the 2023 Origins New Works Program.


Lighting installed at Parque del Pueblo funded by Supervisor Perez

Parque del Pueblo, a small neighborhood park in the Salton Sea community of North Shore, now has lights for families to use the park at night.


Fantasy Springs Resort Casino to host job fair on July 25

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is hosting a career expo on Thursday, July 25, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. in the Special Events Center. The event will feature multiple openings for Public Safety Officers and positions within the Engineering department.


City Council meeting scheduled for July 25

The meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way.


Rep. Calvert calls for resignation of U.S. Secret Service Director

Today, Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued a statement regarding U.S. Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle.


California's ARCHES project secures $12.6 billion for clean energy infrastructure

This week, California’s Alliance for Renewable Clean Hydrogen Energy Systems (ARCHES) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a $12.6 billion agreement to build and expand clean energy infrastructure across California.


Coachella Valley plans weekly mosquito control treatments to curb virus risks

The District will conduct weekly truck-mounted mosquito control applications in Coachella Valley, CA, to mitigate the risk of local transmission of mosquito-borne viruses. These treatments are scheduled for Saturdays from July 20th, 2024, through September 21st, 2024, between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m., contingent on weather conditions.