News on Coachella Valley Times

News from 2024


Library Seeks Resident Input for Upcoming Renovation Project

The Palm Springs Public Library is actively seeking input from residents regarding an upcoming renovation project. According to Jeannie Kays, Director of the Palm Springs Public Library, "We want residents to attend these meetings and ask questions, provide feedback and express their ideas and priorities for the Library. We want to know what is important to them."To gather community input, an online survey will be launched on March 20th and will be available until April 12th. The survey will be accessible online and in printed form at various locations in Palm Springs....


City of La Quinta Announces Surplus Equipment Sale

The City of La Quinta has announced a surplus equipment sale open to the general public. Interested buyers can access a full listing of the surplus items and bid forms by visiting the City of La Quinta Finance Department or contacting JDelgado@LaQuintaCA.gov. Those wishing to view the available items can schedule an appointment by calling (760) 777-7150. All items being sold are stated to be in poor condition and are sold "as is" with no warranty, as highlighted by the announcement. Bidders are reminded to include the inventory number on their bid forms and submit their...


Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously supports initiatives to improve cat welfare

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services has revealed that the Board of Supervisors has unanimously voted to support two initiatives proposed by animal services officials. These initiatives are designed to improve the welfare and development of cats in the county.


U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert secures $44.1M for 41st District projects

U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) has announced the securing of $44.1 million in federal funding for various projects in California’s 41st Congressional District to cater to its burgeoning population. The funding, part of the Consolidated Appropriations Act, received bipartisan support and passed the House of Representatives.


Local students awarded at Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair

The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) has announced the winners of the 2024 Riverside County Science and Engineering Fair, which took place at the Riverside Convention Center. As per an RCOE press release, 72 students were awarded gold medals and numerous prizes and entries into state and international fairs.


Palm Springs City Council Meeting to Address Development, Budget, and Planning Updates

The Palm Springs City Council is set to address several significant items in their upcoming meeting on March 14, 2024.Among the items to be discussed, there will be "a public hearing regarding an agreement related to an approved mixed-use development involving 45 residential condominium units and retail on Block B of the Downtown Palm Springs Specific Plan," as announced by the City Council.Additionally, the Council will provide "an update on the City’s General Fund, Capital, and Airport Mid-Year Fiscal Year 2023-24 Budget," offering insights into the financial status...


The Coachella Valley AM Returns to La Quinta X Park for Second Year

The Coachella Valley AM is set to make a return to the La Quinta X Park for the second year, bringing together top amateur skateboarders from Southern California and Arizona. The event, scheduled for April 6th at 9am, will see participants vying for the title of CvAm Champion in street and bowl contests across male and female divisions.Cash for tricks contests, as well as various prizes and giveaways, will be available for all competitors in attendance. The entry fee for contestants is $25, while spectators can enjoy free entry for the year 2024. Those interested in...


Residents Invited to Village Fest 32nd Birthday Bash in Downtown Palm Springs

Residents of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley are invited to join in the celebration as the renowned Palm Springs VillageFest marks its 32nd birthday this Thursday, March 14 in downtown Palm Springs.According to the Village Fest Board, festivities will begin at 6 pm on the corner of Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way with free cupcakes available until they run out. Additionally, a live concert featuring the 70s tribute band K-Tell All-Stars will commence at 6 pm on Palm Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, open to everyone.The event, which has been...


Community Survey Launched for Rancho Las Flores Park Expansion

Residents of the local community are being invited to participate in a survey aimed at gathering opinions on the expansion of Rancho Las Flores Park. The initiative, launched on Mar 12, 2024, seeks to engage the public in determining how funding for the park's expansion should be prioritized.The survey can be accessed by scanning a QR code, as indicated in the announcement which states: "Scan the QR code below to share your thoughts on how to prioritize funding for expansion of Rancho Las Flores Park." For Spanish speakers, the message reads: "Escanee el código QR a...


OPINION: Unintended Consequences: How new rent laws in California hurt small landlords and tenants

California lawmakers keep making the same mistakes when it comes to rental housing. Their new "renters’ rights" laws, aimed at helping tenants, are actually just another headache for landlords. While the stated intention may be to protect tenants and stabilize housing costs, these laws are burdening small-scale landlords and threatening the very foundation of property rights.


City Council seeks residents to serve on Boards and Commissions

The Palm Springs City Council is currently seeking applications from interested citizens to serve on various City Boards and Commissions. According to City Clerk Brenda Pree, "We encourage all citizens interested in serving on a Board and Commission to apply now as the City is immediately looking to recruit."The recruitment period is open from now through April 30, 2024. Residents, workers, or students within the City of Palm Springs are eligible to apply. Individuals under the age of 18 will also be considered for appointment.The City Council is looking to fill...


Palm Springs Power baseball team announces 2024 schedule

The Palm Springs Power baseball team has unveiled its schedule for the upcoming 2024 season, as reported on March 7, 2024. The Power will kick off their season with 34 regular season games, including 28 home games at Palm Springs Stadium.Manager Casey Dill, who is returning for his seventh season at the helm of the Power, expressed his excitement for the upcoming season, stating, "We are playing for our tenth championship in 20 seasons." Last season, the team achieved a remarkable record of 30-1, marking the highest winning percentage in team history.The Power's first...


Community Open House for new Early Entry facility at Homeless Navigation Center

The Community Open House and Ribbon-Cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the Early Entry facility at the Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center is scheduled for Tuesday, March 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 3589 McCarthy Road. The event will mark the official beginning of the facility, which is operated by Martha’s Village and Kitchen.Among the leaders who will be speaking at the event are Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, Greg Rodriguez from Riverside County Housing & Workforce Solutions, Rosa Verduzco from Martha’s Village and Kitchen, Andrew Mills, the Palm Springs...


Living Desert seeks public input on grant for addressing illegal vehicle activities

The conservation team at The Living Desert has prepared a preliminary grant application for the 2024 California State Parks Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Recreation Division (OHMVR) Restoration Grant. The team is seeking public input on their proposal, which aims to address illegal off-highway vehicle activities within Joshua Tree National Park (JTNP) through scientific studies and outreach interventions.


City Council approves nearly $9M in Measure J funding for street paving

The City Council of Palm Springs has given the green light for the use of nearly $9 million in Measure J funds for street paving projects. The decision, made at a recent City Council meeting, is set to bring about significant improvements to the city's infrastructure.Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, former Chair of the Measure J Commission, expressed enthusiasm for the project, stating, “This is fantastic news for our residents and neighborhoods. This is the most money ever allocated for annual street paving -- and it’s all thanks to Measure J, which continues to be a huge...


Jennifer Lopez to perform at Acrisure Arena on July 19

Renowned singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is set to perform at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs as part of her "This Is Me…Now The Tour." This marks Lopez's first tour in five years, spanning over 30 cities.


City Council Considers Measure J Projects in Upcoming Meeting

The Palm Springs City Council is set to discuss several important Measure J projects at its upcoming meeting on February 29, 2024. According to a report published on February 28, 2024, the council will be reviewing various key initiatives that will impact the city's infrastructure and services.Among the projects on the agenda for consideration are the approval of Measure J funds for the City’s 2024 Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project, a contractual services agreement for the renovation of the Palm Springs Public Library, funding for capital improvement projects at Palm...


Palm Springs Convention Center First in California Designated as Certified Autism Center

The Palm Springs Convention Center has proudly become the first in California to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. In a statement, a spokesperson for the convention center expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "We are thrilled to be the first convention center in California to receive this prestigious designation."This new certification demonstrates the commitment of the Palm Springs Convention Center to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals with autism and their families. The designation signifies that the center's staff have undergone...


U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert: ‘I am proud to nominate these outstanding young men and women from the 41st Congressional District’

U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) has announced his nominations for the U.S. service academies from the 41st Congressional District. As a member of Congress, Calvert is able to nominate a select group of individuals for appointment to one or more U.S. service academies, which include the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.


Acrisure Arena offering new VIP experience for concerts and Firebirds games

Acrisure Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Palm Desert, has announced the launch of "The Compound," an exclusive VIP upgrade designed to enhance the experience of both concertgoers and sports fans. Situated next to the UBS South Premium Entrance, "The Compound" is an outdoor space offering a novel experience for attendees.