News published on Coachella Valley Times in July 2024

News from July 2024


Summer membership offers savings at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens

There is still time to take advantage of a Summer Membership at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens. Valid until September 30, summer memberships offer several benefits.


Animal Olympics at The Living Desert showcases extraordinary wildlife feats

The Living Desert is set to host its own version of the Olympics, focusing on the remarkable athleticism of land-bound animals. Dr. James A. Danoff-Burg, an enthusiast of human and animal athletic prowess, shares his insights into this unique event scheduled for July 26.


Desert Healthcare District allocates $1 million for Coachella Valley's environmental health issues

For almost a year, since Tropical Storm Hilary swept through the Coachella Valley last August, desert residents have experienced noticeable environmental changes.


Valley-Wide Employment Expo returns for its 29th year

The 29th Valley-Wide Employment Expo is scheduled to take place on Thursday, September 19, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. PDT at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center in Indio, California.


Cathedral City enhances accessibility with expanded online services

Cathedral City is making significant strides in enhancing its online services. Since December, staff have implemented numerous new online services, enabling residents and businesses to access essential services around the clock without leaving their homes or offices. This initiative is particularly beneficial during the current heat wave.


Coachella Valley Rescue Mission seeks community help for annual Backpack Bonanza

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) is calling on the community to support its annual Backpack Bonanza, aimed at helping nearly 2,500 low-income children prepare for the upcoming school year. With 29 percent of children in the Coachella Valley living at or below the poverty level, this initiative is critical in providing the necessary tools for academic success. The giveaway event will take place on Wednesday, August 14, starting at 7 a.m.


Blood drive at Nothing Bundt Cakes offers rewards for donors

Join us at Nothing Bundt Cakes for a blood drive on Saturday, July 27, from 10 AM to 3 PM. Every donor will receive a dozen popular assortment bundtinis from Nothing Bundt Cakes in La Quinta, valued at $30.


National Park Service honors Ranger Anna Marini with visitor safety achievement award

The National Park Service has awarded Ranger Anna Marini the Director’s Visitor Safety Achievement Award for her significant contributions to visitor safety and injury prevention. This accolade is among the highest honors given by the National Park Service for exceptional achievements in visitor safety, employee safety, and health.


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers complimentary admission for first responders in August

For the entire month of August, all qualified first responders will receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as part of “First Responders Days.” Additionally, up to four guests accompanying them will receive a 25% discount on their regular tram fares.


Black Crowes announce December concert date amid extended North American tour

The Black Crowes will perform at the Special Events Center at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino on Friday, Dec. 6, 2024, at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Friday, July 19, available at the Fantasy Springs Box Office, via phone at (760) 342-5000 or online at FantasySpringsResort.com.


Community urged to donate school supplies for annual Backpack Bonanza

The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) is calling on the community to support its annual Backpack Bonanza, aimed at helping nearly 2,500 low-income children prepare for the upcoming school year. With 29 percent of children in the Coachella Valley living at or below the poverty level, this initiative is critical in providing the necessary tools for academic success. The giveaway event will take place on Wednesday, August 14, starting at 7 a.m.


Coachella Valley schedules mosquito control amid rising West Nile Virus detections

Positive West Nile Virus (WNV) mosquito samples continue to rise in the Eastern Coachella Valley, with 171 WNV positive samples detected year-to-date. In response, the District has scheduled truck-mounted ultra-low volume (ULV) applications from Monday, July 15 through Wednesday, July 17, 2024.


Dr. Bruce Underwood appointed commissioner by Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission

The Riverside County Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) recently appointed Dr. Bruce Underwood as one of its Commissioners on behalf of the Eastern Region of Riverside County.


Stuft Pizza celebrates decade milestone at Palm Desert location

Jack Bertram and his wife, Pat, opened the first Stuft Pizza in Cerritos, California in 1976. Jack experimented for close to nine months, developing the recipe for the pizza available today. Although the small store initially offered only take-out pizza, its emphasis on high-quality products led to its success. Jack and Pat opened their second store two years later in Whittier. The original over-the-counter concept continued to grow, and in 1986, Stuft Pizza became a franchise.


California bill taxing digital ad revenue faces opposition over constitutionality

A California Chamber of Commerce "job killer" bill that taxes digital advertising revenue remains active as legislators wrap up their final hearings today and head home for summer break. The Legislature will reconvene from Summer Recess on August 5.


Palm Springs City Council to discuss Measure J extension and Forever Marilyn sculpture

The Palm Springs City Council will address several significant items at its meeting on Tuesday, July 9, 2024. Key topics include a resolution concerning the vacation of public vehicular access over a portion of Museum Way between Belardo Road and Museum Drive to facilitate the permanent installation of the Forever Marilyn sculpture.


City seeks public input for Section 14 historical study

The City of Palm Springs has engaged the Architectural Resources Group (ARG) to research and analyze the complex history of Section 14. To aid in this Historical Context Study, the City is requesting public assistance by providing historical documents, photos, memories, or other information related to Section 14 through a survey.


Cathedral City's free summer kids movie series returns June-August

The Cathedral City Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE), in partnership with the Mary Pickford Theatre, presents the return of the “Free Summer Kids Movie Series” happening every Friday at 11:00 a.m. starting June 14, 2024, through August 2, 2024. Doors open at 10:30 a.m. The film series offers free admission to see a different movie geared towards kids each Friday morning at the Mary Pickford Theatre in Downtown Cathedral City.


Eisenhower Drive road diet study session set for July 16

The City is reviewing options to reduce speed, provide bicycle connections, and increase safety on Eisenhower Drive south of Calle Sinaloa. One option under consideration is to reduce Eisenhower Drive south of Calle Sinaloa to one drive lane in each direction. This adjustment would allow for the inclusion of a striped buffered bike lane adjacent to the existing parking lane in each direction.


Guide released on benefits of native plants for urban gardens

Native plants provide critical habitat for threatened pollinators and other local wildlife. By incorporating native species into home gardens, individuals can restore fragmented urban ecosystems and reduce water consumption.