Latest News
Cathedral City’s Snowfest and tree lighting ceremony take place Dec. 9
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 29, 2023
The City of Cathedral City announced that the annual Snow-Fest, featuring the North Pole Village and Mayor’s Tree Lighting, will be held Dec. 9 from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Civic Center Plaza. This year's celebration, promising a full day of festive activities for local families, is set to create a holiday atmosphere in the heart of Cathedral City.
Cal State San Bernardino awarded a grant for its Nursing Street Medicine program
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 28, 2023
The Cal State San Bernardino (CSUSB) Palm Desert Campus announced that it has been awarded a $73,422 grant from the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation to help fund its Nursing Street Medicine program, which provides essential medical services to Coachella Valley’s most in-need community members. This grant aims to bolster the healthcare services for vulnerable populations in Coachella Valley by expanding the scope and reach of the existing Nursing Street Medicine program.
Imperial Irrigation District Board establishes Infrastructure Committee
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 24, 2023
On Nov. 21, the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) Board of Directors approved the creation of an Infrastructure Committee to help tackle present and future challenges in securing water and power delivery to residents in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys. This new committee is set to address issues related to funding for infrastructure projects as well as service efficiency improvement.
Presidential declaration to bring funding to Riverside County for Tropical Storm Hilary recovery efforts
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 23, 2023
On Nov. 22, President Joe Biden approved a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration to bring additional Federal Emergency Management Agency funding to Riverside and four other California counties that sustained damage from Tropical Storm Hilary and funding for statewide hazard mitigation. Although the amount is not known yet, the county and state assistance will be provided on a cost-sharing basis. This financial aid is expected to alleviate some of the substantial monetary burdens brought on by the storm's devastation.
The City of Coachella secures LATA grant to explore developing a city-owned broadband network
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 21, 2023
The City of Coachella has announced the securing of a $234,000 state Local Agency Technical Assistance (LATA) grant. This grant, which aligns with the Riverside County Broadband Master Plan, is expected to be used for planning and assessing the feasibility of implementing a city-owned broadband network that would reduce costs for the city and its residents.
Riverside County DA: Early release for convicted rapist ‘is a devastating blow to victims’
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 20, 2023
District Attorney Mike Hestrin of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office expressed outrage over the state Board of Parole Hearings' decision to grant early parole to a convicted child rapist, Cody Woodsen Klemp. Now 29 years into a 170-year prison sentence, Klemp, aged 67, is eligible for parole under the Elderly Parole Program and could be released on or before March 15, 2024. This action takes place in Riverside County where Hestrin has vowed to appeal against the decision.
Gen. Patton Memorial Museum board of directors' president: ‘We are looking forward to a full day of excitement and festivities’
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 8, 2023
The Gen. Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit, California, will hold its 35th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11. According to Margit Chiriaco Rusche, president of the museum’s board of directors, this will be quite a meaningful event for many.
California launches fentanyl task force under SB 19
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 2, 2023
California has launched a fentanyl task force, announced by Senator Kelly Seyarto. The task force is aimed at tackling the state's rising issue with fentanyl. "Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) is proud to announce that SB 19, establishing the California Fentanyl Task Force, has been signed into law," said an official.
DAP Health receives $1M from California assemblymembers
By Coachella Valley Times | Nov 2, 2023
DAP Health, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services in Coachella Valley, has received a generous donation of $1 million from California assemblymembers. The donation was part of Governor Gavin Newsom's 2023-24 state budget and was presented to DAP Health by Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Eduardo Garcia on October 23 at DAP Health's main Sunrise campus.
Senator Durazo: 'Thank you, Governor Newsom, for signing SB 525, a first in the nation, historic investment in our healthcare workforce'
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 17, 2023
Governor Newsom has signed SB 525, a groundbreaking healthcare workforce investment, which aims to address regional disparities and alleviate workforce shortages by gradually raising the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 per hour. This phased approach is set to benefit nearly half a million healthcare workers in California.
Riverside County continues specialized prosecution for drug-related DUI offenses
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 17, 2023
According to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), endorsed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, will ensure that individuals arrested in Riverside County on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, will continue to face highly specialized prosecutors. The $679,708 grant allocated to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office marks an increase of over $20,000 from the previous year and will fund a vertical prosecution team of three deputy...
Former Cathedral City police officer faces new charges in Riverside County incidents
By Coachella Valley Times | Oct 8, 2023
District Attorney Mike Hestrin announced on Wednesday that former Cathedral City Police Officer Claudiu Murzea is facing three additional charges related to incidents in Riverside County. Murzea, who was previously charged with possessing fentanyl taken as part of an investigation, now faces charges stemming from two separate incidents reported this week.
Shelter dogs rescued, transferred to Wisconsin: ‘every day is critical for ensuring that the pets in our care will have a positive outcome’
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 29, 2023
After Tropical Storm Hilary, 20 shelter dogs from the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Riverside County, California, have been rescued and transferred to the Dane County Humane Society in Wisconsin for adoption. The director of the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, Erin Gettis, expressed her hope that this transfer will increase the chances of these dogs finding their forever homes.
Increased West Nile Virus activity prompts mosquito control measures in Cathedral City, Palm Springs
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 28, 2023
The Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is taking proactive steps to address heightened West Nile Virus (WNV) activity in the region.
Supervisor Perez: 'I am hoping the Desert Healthcare District Board will reverse this decision'
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 28, 2023
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez expressed his opposition to the decision made by the Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors to terminate the Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Conrado Bárzaga. In a statement, Supervisor Perez raised concerns about the lack of a clear reason for the change in Dr. Bárzaga's employment and emphasized the need to gather information to ensure it was based on performance rather than unfair reasons. He also expressed hope for a reversal of the decision by the Desert Healthcare District Board.
Supervisor Perez: 'We are pleased to learn the results and more importantly to know our residents were not in danger'
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 28, 2023
According to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, evacuation advisories for three mobile home parks near the Lawson Dump site in Thermal were lifted following rainwater sample tests that revealed no substantial health risks to residents. County departments collaborated to respond to the emergency and prioritize resident health and safety during the flooding.
Single-vehicle collision in Cathedral City leaves one dead, another critical
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 28, 2023
A single-vehicle collision in Cathedral City, California, has resulted in the death of one person and left another in critical condition. The incident occurred on September 26, 2023, at approximately 6:23 p.m. on Varner Road's eastbound lanes, near the intersection of Palm Drive.
Salton Sea Conservancy bill passes California Assembly: ‘These communities cannot afford more delay’
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 27, 2023
The California Assembly recently passed Senate Bill 583, co-authored by Sen. Steve Padilla and Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia, which will accelerate efforts to restore the Salton Sea. Padilla believes this bill is much-needed and will have a major impact on helping the Salton Sea community.
IID Board President: 'Our commitment has always been to the well-being of our customers'
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 27, 2023
The Board of Directors of the Imperial Irrigation District (IID) has unanimously agreed to expand financial assistance to more customers through their Residential Energy Assistance Program (REAP). The decision comes as the district aims to provide relief to residents facing financial hardships in paying their electric bills.
Calvert announces nearly $9M for Riverside County Habitat Conservation
By Coachella Valley Times | Sep 26, 2023
U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) announced on Sept. 15 that the Western Riverside County Regional Conservation Authority (RCA) will receive an $8,971,625 grant from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This grant aims to assist in acquiring habitat land to support the Western Riverside County Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP).