News from October 2024


Lawmakers address veteran healthcare issues at Palm Springs roundtable

Congressman Ken Calvert and House Veterans’ Affairs Committee Chairman Mike Bost have issued a joint statement addressing issues faced by veterans in accessing healthcare.


Linda Ronstadt tribute concert to aid Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Rickie McCabe, a comedian and singer, is organizing a musical benefit to support the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM), an organization aiding the unhoused in the Coachella Valley since 1971.


Día de Los Muertos Festival returns to Desert Memorial Park

Mark your calendars for the 9th Annual Día de Los Muertos Festival scheduled from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, November 2, 2024, at Desert Memorial Park in Cathedral City, California.


Coachella State of the City recognizes local businesses and organizations

The Coachella State of the City event, held on October 30, 2024, celebrated various local entities and individuals for their contributions to the community.


Mesquite Mutual Water Company project set to improve community's water supply

The City of Coachella, along with its Coachella Water Authority (CWA), is preparing to celebrate the construction of the Mesquite Mutual Water Company Water Consolidation (MMWC) Project.


Palm Springs Film Awards to honor 'Emilia Pérez' with Vanguard Award

The Palm Springs International Film Awards has announced that the film "Emilia Pérez" will receive the Vanguard Award.


GCVCC announces travel packages to Europe with detailed itineraries

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) has announced a series of travel packages for 2025 and 2026, offering trips to Ireland, Greece, France, and Italy.


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway announces special schedule for Thanksgiving weekend

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is set to operate on a special schedule for the Thanksgiving Holiday Weekend, running from Thursday, November 28 to Sunday, December 1.


Greater Coachella Valley Chamber announces political endorsements for local elections

The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce Political Action Committee (GCVC PAC) has announced its endorsements for the upcoming elections.


Coachella Valley Firebirds defeat Ontario Reign with diverse scoring effort

The Coachella Valley Firebirds secured a 5-2 victory against the Ontario Reign on Friday night.


Community invited to discuss Salton Sea restoration project

Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, along with the California Natural Resources Agency and the Salton Sea Authority, will host a meeting next week to update the community on an upcoming project at the Salton Sea's North Shore.


Annual tram road challenge concludes with Blalock as overall winner

The 37th Annual Palm Springs Aerial Tram Road Challenge took place today, with Conner Blalock emerging as the overall winner. He completed the course, known as the "World's Toughest 6K," in a time of 29 minutes and 56 seconds. D'Arcy Hlavin was the first female finisher, clocking in at 39 minutes and 33 seconds. In age-specific categories, Demetrius Bribiesca topped the youngest group (19 and under), while Cherie Gruenfeld led the oldest category (80-99).


Dengue cases rise in Southern California; residents urged to take precautions

Southern California is currently seeing an increase in locally acquired dengue cases. In 2024, Los Angeles and San Diego County Public Health reported nine human cases of this nature. Typically, most dengue cases in California are travel-related, contracted from mosquitoes abroad. As of now, Riverside County has not reported any locally acquired dengue cases.


CalChamber warns against Proposition 32 due to potential economic impact

Ads on social media are drawing attention to potential cost increases for Californians if Proposition 32 is approved. The measure, which proposes a minimum wage increase, is on the November ballot.


Valley Sanitary District honors Bill Teague's 67-year career

The Valley Sanitary District is set to honor Bill Teague for his 67 years of service with a retirement ceremony. The event will acknowledge his many achievements, leadership roles, and significant contributions to wastewater management, the district, and the wider community. This occasion serves as a testament to Teague's enduring commitment to public service and environmental protection.


Debate over new regulations on California's $4 trillion economy continues

The question of whether California's free market is competitive enough or if new regulations are needed is being examined by a state commission. This issue may lead to legislation in 2025. The California Legislature passed ACR 95 in August 2022, directing the California Law Revision Commission (CLRC) to study antitrust law topics and enforcement.


Joshua Tree National Park announces temporary road closures for construction

Joshua Tree National Park will undergo road construction starting Monday, October 28. The project is scheduled to continue until November 11 and involves temporary closures of interior park roads for up to a day at a time. Visitors are advised to use alternate routes and anticipate possible detours and delays. Access to some trailheads, restrooms, and facilities may be temporarily restricted.


Firebirds achieve first win of season against San Diego Gulls

The Coachella Valley Firebirds secured their first victory of the 2024-25 season with a narrow 6-5 win against the San Diego Gulls on Friday night. The highlight of the game was Cale Fleury's natural hat trick, where he scored three consecutive goals. Additionally, goaltender Nikke Kokko celebrated his first AHL win.


California businesses face Nov. 19 deadline for SBA disaster loan applications

Francisco Sánchez Jr., associate administrator for the Office of Disaster Recovery and Resilience at the Small Business Administration (SBA), has reminded small businesses in California about the upcoming deadline to apply for federal disaster loans. The deadline, set for November 19, is for economic injury caused by severe storms and flooding that occurred from January 21 to 23.


Fantasy Springs celebrates Native American Day; honors Joaquin Ortiz's 35-year tenure

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino recently marked Native American Day, emphasizing the cultural heritage of the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians. The event, held on September 26, 2024, also celebrated Joaquin Ortiz's 35-year tenure at the resort.