News published on Coachella Valley Times in May 2024

Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41) has issued a statement in response to the Biden Administration's decision to halt weapons transfers to Israel. He has called on the President to release the weapons as Israel initiates a ground offensive in Rafah.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Office promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month

San Jacinto, Calif. — The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – San Jacinto Station is taking the opportunity during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. The aim is to encourage safe driving habits and shared responsibility on our roads, thereby ensuring everyone reaches their destination safely.

Suspects arrested for organized retail theft in Lake Elsinore

On May 7, 2024, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to a theft at a retail store located in the 18000 block of Collier Avenue, Lake Elsinore. The suspects reportedly entered the store with large bags and began stealing high-end merchandise before fleeing in a red Hyundai Elantra.

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Community Bingo Event to Support Palm Springs Animal Shelter

"A Night of Bingo Under The Stars for Paws & Claws benefiting the Palm Springs Animal Shelter" is set to take place on Saturday, May 11, 2024, at The Sonoran in Palm Springs. The event will start with doors opening at 5:00PM and the program beginning at 6:45PM.

10 million grant awarded for Community Resilience Center in Coachella

The California Strategic Growth Council has granted the City of Coachella a $10 million Community Resilience Center (CRC) Implementation Grant. The funds will be used to convert an existing facility, previously known as Hidden Harvest on Peter Rabbit Lane, into the new Coachella Community Resilience Center. The CRC is envisioned as a multi-purpose hub that will serve as an emergency shelter, food and business incubator, garden space, resource center, and workforce training and development center.

CalChamber Raises Concerns with Anti-Business Legislation; Proposals Stall for the Year

The California Chamber of Commerce has expressed its concerns with several bills, which have now stalled for the year. Additionally, one bill that was under the Chamber's scrutiny will not progress further.

Cinco de Mayo Holiday Enforcement Results

On May 5, 2024, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office took action during ABC’s statewide Cinco De Mayo Holiday Enforcement operation in Lake Elsinore. The enforcement led to the citation of 20 individuals for municipal code violations at various locations within the city.Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Captain J. Rayls emphasized the significance of the operation, stating, "This operation is important to the city of Lake Elsinore to increase protection for youth and to hold accountable problem locations that contribute to an increase in crime."The primary goal of such...

Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation in Riverside County to Target Violations, with Funding from Traffic Safety Grant

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Jurupa Valley Station, has announced that they will be conducting a Motorcycle Safety Enforcement Operation on May 7th. The operation will see additional deputies on patrol, specifically targeting violations made by drivers and motorcycle riders.According to a statement from the Sheriff’s Office, the top primary crash factors for motorcycles include unsafe speed, improper turning, right-of-way violations, driving under the influence, and unsafe lane changes. It was highlighted that speeding is the most common factor, accounting for...

Riverside County Sheriff's Office Launches "Click It or Ticket" Campaign to Promote Seat Belt Safety

The Riverside County Sheriff's Office has launched its annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign to remind Californians about the importance of seat belt safety. The campaign, running from May 20 to June 2, aims to encourage drivers and passengers to always buckle up and secure children in the appropriate car seats.Sergeant Ignacio Robles emphasized the significance of seat belt usage, stating, “Wearing a seat belt should be automatic for all drivers and passengers every trip." He further added, "Seat belts save lives, and everyone – front seat and back, child and adult –...

DUI Checkpoint Scheduled in Eastvale, Calif. by Riverside County Sheriff's Office

City of Eastvale, Calif. – On May 10, 2024, The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Jurupa Valley Station will conduct a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) Checkpoint from 7:00 PM to 3:00 AM at an undisclosed location.The primary purpose of DUI checkpoints, as stated by Sergeant Ignacio Robles, is to promote public safety by taking suspected impaired drivers off the road. Robles emphasized, "Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk," and added, "Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic...

Riverside County Sheriff's Office to Conduct DUI Checkpoint in Moreno Valley

May 6, 2024The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in Moreno Valley has announced that they will be conducting a DUI checkpoint on May 10, 2024, from 8:00 P.M. to 2:00 A.M. at an undisclosed location.Deputy Julian Antonissen emphasized the importance of such checkpoints by stating, “Impaired drivers put others on the road at significant risk. Any prevention measures that reduce the number of impaired drivers on our roads significantly improves traffic safety.”The department also highlighted that impaired driving is not limited to alcohol, as some...

Cat Burglar Arrested

Rancho Mirage, CA - The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced the arrest of a cat burglar in the community. Michael Zibell, a 47-year-old resident of Thousand Palms, was apprehended for his involvement in a residential burglary in the Escala gated community.According to Michael Zibell, the suspect gained entry by first burglarizing the victim’s vehicle and then using the garage door opener to access the garage. The stolen items included possessions from both the vehicle and the garage.The Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team (SET) deputies were able to gather...

Area high students join aspiring artists program

Six high schools students from the Desert Sands school district joined the inaugural art mentorship program, Aspiring Artists, created by Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS).

The Palm Springs International ShortFest Unveiled Their Poster For The Upcoming 2024 Event

By Coachella Valley Times | May 5, 2024

Shag, the artist behind the distinctive and vibrant retro-style artwork for the 2024 Palm Springs International ShortFest poster, shared his inspiration, stating, “Inspired by our city and setting of Palm Springs, I wanted to express both the emotion of living in southern California, as well as the perspective of location shoots taking place across the Coachella Valley.”Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Society, expressed her excitement about Shag's contribution, saying, “It is a joy to have Shag’s singular, fun style capturing and...

Tragic Incident in Blythe: Phillip Means, 61, Found Deceased at Shorty's Sports Park

By Coachella Valley Times | May 5, 2024

A man identified as Phillip Means, 61 years old, was found deceased at Shorty's Sports Park in Blythe, according to official records. The incident, documented under Coroner’s File #: 2024-03455, occurred on May 5, 2024.The Coroner's File stated, "Refer to investigating agency for further details." The document also indicated that the case status was marked as "Final."Further information regarding the circumstances surrounding Phillip Means' death was not provided in the available details.The California Highway Patrol in Indio is the agency investigating the incident...

Riverside police make more than 100 arrests in undercover drug operation

The Riverside Police Department has announced that its narcotics unit's undercover drug operation, Operation "Street Sweeper", has resulted in over 100 apprehensions along the Magnolia Avenue Corridor. The operation, conducted over three days, led to arrests between Van Buren Boulevard and Pierce Street, including 44 drug dealers.

Riverside County Supervisors OK model behavioral health project

The Riverside County Supervisors gave their approval to the Riverside University Health System’s (RUHS) Wellness Village in Mead Valley at the end of last month. This innovative behavioral health project is being hailed by the county as a model that will seamlessly integrate behavioral health treatment with medical care and social services.

Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office seeks claimants to more than $1.6 million dollars in unclaimed funds

The Riverside County Treasurer-Tax Collector’s Office is currently seeking nearly 2,000 residents who may be entitled to more than $1.6 million in unclaimed funds. A minimum of $480,000 is due for disbursement but risks being lost due to the statute of limitations.

Fatal Accident Report: Intersection of State Route 74 and Betty Road Claims Life of Jason Frost

A tragic incident occurred on May 2, 2024, at the intersection of State Route 74 and Betty Road in Good Hope, 92570, resulting in the loss of a life. The victim has been identified as 44-year-old Jason Frost from Lake Elsinore, CA.According to the report filed by the California Highway Patrol - Temecula, the time of death was recorded as 21:31 hours, following an injury that occurred at 21:15 hours on the same day. The next of kin has been notified about the unfortunate demise of Jason Frost.The investigating agency has stated, "Refer all inquiries to investigating...

City of Perris Checkpoint Results