News from May 2024


West Nile Virus activity increases in Eastern Coachella Valley

The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District has detected additional West Nile Virus (WNV) positive samples in the eastern Coachella Valley. Samples from routine collection sites in Thermal and Oasis tested positive for WNV for the first time this year. Samples in Mecca also returned positive results. This week's findings bring the total number of WNV positive samples to eighteen for 2024, a significant increase compared to last year when no virus activity was detected at this time.


Padilla on national monument resolution: 'We must act as stewards of the unique natural beauty that can be found here’

California Senator Steve Padilla, representing District 18, has emphasized the need for Californians to "act as stewards" of the 660,000 acres of public land that stretch from the Coachella Valley to the Colorado River. The statement was made in a press release on May 17, following his introduction of a resolution to designate this expanse as the Chuckwalla National Monument.


Palm Springs invites proposals for $6 million in community project funding

The City of Palm Springs Measure J Commission is inviting residents, neighborhood organizations, businesses, and non-profits to submit proposals for a share of $6 million allocated for community-initiated projects. The funding comes from the City’s Measure J tax dollars. Projects can be either City-funded and managed or managed by non-profits.


Chairman John A. James Lifetime Achievement Award presented to David Brinkman

On May 29, 2024, the Chairman John A. James Lifetime Achievement Award and President’s Award were announced.


Palm Springs Public Library launches new mobile app

The Palm Springs Public Library has launched a new mobile app, now available for both Android and Apple devices. Users can find the app by searching for 'Palm Springs Public Library' in their respective app stores and downloading it for free.


Public-private partnership launches major EV truck charging depot near LA ports

A new electric vehicle (EV) truck charging depot launched in May in Los Angeles is the product of an innovative public-private partnership between Prologis, Inc., Performance Team — A Maersk Company, and local utility companies.


City enters MOU regarding future steps for Talus La Quinta project

The City of La Quinta on Friday, May 24, 2024, entered into a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement (MOU) with The Robert Green Co. and SilverRock Development Co. (collectively, SDC). This agreement outlines the next steps should SDC fail to meet the June 30, 2024 deadline to close escrow on recapitalization loans and cure all defaults necessary to restart the development of Talus La Quinta, formerly known as SilverRock Resort.


Program offers free smartphones to low-income residents in Palm Springs

Beginning May 30, residents in four low-income apartment communities will have the opportunity to qualify for free mobile smartphones through the Affordable Connectivity Program. This initiative is a result of a new partnership between the City of Palm Springs and Outreach Program Services of America.


La Quinta signs memorandum with developers for Talus/SilverRock Resort project

The City of La Quinta has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding and Agreement (MOU) with The Robert Green Co. and SilverRock Development Co. (SDC) regarding the future of Talus La Quinta, formerly known as SilverRock Resort. This agreement, signed on May 24, 2024, outlines the next steps if SDC fails to meet the June 30, 2024 deadline for closing escrow on recapitalization loans and curing all defaults necessary to restart development.


Deadline nears for California businesses to apply for SBA loans after Tropical Storm Hilary

Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration, today reminded California small businesses of the June 24, 2024, deadline to apply for an SBA federal disaster loan for economic injury caused by Tropical Storm Hilary in Riverside County that occurred Aug. 19 – 21, 2023.


AAP – Food Samaritans hosts garden party fundraiser featuring Debby Holiday

AAP – Food Samaritans is set to present the 'Evening Under the Stars' Garden Party, featuring a special performance by acclaimed singer-songwriter Debby Holiday. Known for her impactful music and engaging stage presence, Holiday will perform under the night sky, promising an evening of memorable entertainment.


San Diego doctor: Sinus infections ‘will affect your quality of sleep’

Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while sleeping, a potentially serious affliction. According to Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe of SoCal Breathe Free, sinusitis can cause various sleep issues including sleep apnea.


Mary Pickford Theatre unveils new immersive ScreenX auditorium

The Mary Pickford Theatre in Downtown Cathedral City is set to unveil its new ScreenX auditorium on May 24, 2024, coinciding with the release of the film "Furiosa." This development follows an announcement made in April at CinemaCon by CJ 4DPLEX and D’Place Entertainment regarding the installation of the ScreenX format at this location.


Palm Springs hosts annual pool party for Memorial Day weekend

Palm Springs Parks and Recreation is set to host the 2nd Annual “Dip into Summer Pool Party” on Saturday, May 25. The event, designed to keep children active and cool during Memorial Day Weekend, will be held at the Palm Springs Swim Center from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.


Palm Springs International Film Society awarded $25,000 NEA endowment

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has granted a $25,000 award to the Palm Springs International Film Society. The funding, part of the NEA's Grants for Arts Projects initiative, will support the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest.


Palm Springs police lieutenant honored for promoting diversity at Memorial Day luncheon

Two local veteran organizations will present a Special Achievement Award to Palm Springs Police Lt. Gustavo Araiza on Memorial Day, Monday, May 27. American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 66 and Jon Castro Chapter 19 of Veterans for Peace (VFP) are sponsoring their 18th annual Memorial Day Awards Luncheon at Cimarron Golf Resort, located at 67603 30th Ave in Cathedral City. The event costs $28 per person and begins at noon.


Residents invited to master plan open house for Palm Springs Airport

Palm Springs, CA — Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) invites the public to attend the latest Master Plan Open House on Tuesday, June 4, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center.


Assemblymember Garcia holds rally to promote Promotora Advisory and Oversight Workgroup legislation

California State Rep. Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella), alongside fellow Reps. Eloise Gómez Reyes (D-Colton) and Phil Ting (D-San Francisco), held a rally with Visión y Compromiso at the capitol to promote the proposed Promotora Advisory and Oversight Workgroup legislation.


GCVCC announces winners for 2024 business awards

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) has announced the winners of its 2024 Business Awards. This year's honorees include:


Ron Nyswaner to receive star on Palm Springs Walk of Fame

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will honor screenwriter and producer Ron Nyswaner with the 470th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars in the category of Entertainment. The ceremony is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, May 30, 2024, at 1301 N. Palm Canyon Dr.