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Government

City Council to Discuss Community Development, Rental Assistance, Cannabis Regulation, and Black History Month Flag

The Palm Springs City Council will convene on February 8, 2024, to address several important matters that have garnered public attention. Among the items on the agenda are the City's 2023-24 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan and Budget, the consideration of a $1 million tenant-based rental assistance program, the introduction of an ordinance concerning the taxation and regulation of cannabis, and a discussion about authorizing the display of the Black History Month Flag at 15 City facilities, including City Hall.The public hearing regarding the...


Government

City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission to honor community members' human rights work

Next week, the City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission will bestow awards upon seven residents and two organizations. These honorees are being recognized for their substantial contributions to human rights, social progress, improved living standards, and equality.


Government

Water Main Break near La Quinta Cliffhouse

A water main break has occurred near the La Quinta Cliffhouse on Highway 111, prompting the city to take immediate action. The Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) has been notified and is currently mobilizing a repair and clean-up crew to address the issue. Residents and commuters are advised to avoid the affected area if possible.The incident, which took place on February 6, 2024, has caused concern among local authorities and residents alike. The city is taking swift action to rectify the situation and minimize any potential disruptions to the community.According...


Government

Human Rights Commission to Honor Outstanding Contributions at Community Service Awards

The City of Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is set to recognize the outstanding contributions of individuals and organizations in promoting and protecting human rights, social progress, better standards of living, and equality for all individuals. The annual “Promoting Universal Human Rights Close to Home” ceremony will take place on Monday, Feb. 12 at 5:30 pm in the Council Chamber at City Hall, and the public is invited to attend.Among the honorees are Brad Prescott, who gifted a preserve for open space in Palm Springs, ensuring that everyone has access to parks...


Government

Search warrant in Coachella leads to the arrest of three and stolen gun

Three individuals were arrested following a weapons-related search warrant at a Coachella residence, leading to the seizure of two firearms—one reported stolen—ammunition, and suspected Fentanyl. Two of the arrestees are residents of Coachella, while the third hails from Thermal.


Government

Earthquake Brace+Bolt retrofit grants of up to $3,000 are available to Coachella Valley residents

The Earthquake Brace+Bolt (EBB) seismic retrofit grants are now accessible to numerous homeowners in California, including those residing in Cathedral City and other communities within the Coachella Valley. The initiative offers up to $3,000 in aid to bolster properties against potential earthquake damage.


Government

Riverside County will skip full federal homeless count in 2024 to focus on housing the homeless

Riverside County has made the decision to only conduct a sheltered homeless Point in Time (PIT) count in 2024, thereby enabling it to focus its resources on transitioning those living on the streets into permanent housing. The county will carry out a full PIT count next year.


Government

Indio resident with Imperial County dental practice sentenced to 37 months for Medicare fraud

An Imperial County dentist and Indio resident, Javad Aghaloo, has been sentenced to 37 months in prison by a federal court for defrauding Medicare and concealing his illicit activities. His former billing manager, Melissa Rosas of Calexico, was given three years of probation for impeding a federal audit.


Government

City of Coachella offers pre-approved ADU and JADU floorplans

City of Coachella Councilmember Neftali Galarza has announced that the city council has approved a new initiative aimed at improving housing affordability. In an effort to save home builders both money and time, and to promote home development in Coachella, the city is offering five pre-approved accessory dwelling unit (ADU) plans along with one junior ADU (JADU) plan.


Government

Riverside County hosts panel discussion to help save homeless cats

The Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) convened a panel discussion yesterday to address the escalating issue of homeless cat overpopulation. The event was graced by three nationally recognized experts in community and shelter cat and kitten management.


Government

City of Desert Hot Springs launches new development projects web page

The City of Desert Hot Springs has recently introduced a new Desert Hot Springs Community Development web page. The purpose of this initiative is to keep residents informed and updated about the city’s large-scale development projects. As of now, the site provides comprehensive information on nearly two dozen projects that are at various stages of development.


Government

City of La Quinta FY 2022-23 revenues beat expectations, but the city remains prudent

The City of La Quinta concluded the fiscal year 2022-23 with a higher revenue than initially projected. The city's earnings exceeded the council's expectations by an additional $5.6 million when it approved the budget in June 2022.


Government

City of Palm Desert is accepting applications for Outside Agency Program grants

The City of Palm Desert has declared its readiness to accept applications for grants through its Outside Agency Program. This program offers funding opportunities to nonprofits, schools, and other community-based organizations.


Government

City of Cathedral City partners with FIND Food Bank to comply with SB 1383

The city council of Cathedral City has approved a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with FIND Food Bank, committing to an annual allocation of $57,325 for three years. This agreement aims to ensure that the city and its food-generating businesses adhere to SB 1383 regulations. Over 30 establishments within the city are required to comply this year.


Government

Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia: 'We will be thoroughly reviewing the Governor’s budget proposal in the Legislature'

Assemblymember Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) has issued a statement in response to Governor Gavin Newsom's initial 2024 California Budget proposal, which was released on Wednesday.


Government

Desert Hot Springs' roads damaged by Hilary to be repaired this winter and spring

The City of Desert Hot Springs has disclosed plans to repair three major roads that were significantly damaged by Tropical Storm Hilary. The city estimates that the restoration of Little Morongo Road, Indian Canyon Drive, and Dillon Road will be completed within the next four months.


Government

City of Indio is accepting applications for its Community Grants program

The City of Indio has announced that it is now accepting applications for its Community Grants & Sponsorship program. The program offers grants of up to $5,000 to local government and non-profit organizations.


Government

Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas to run for reelection in 2024

Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas has declared his intention to run for reelection in November 2024. His campaign is set to kick off with an event scheduled for the end of January.


Government

Construction to begin on SunLine Transit Agency hub in Coachella

The City of Coachella has announced the commencement of construction for a new transit hub under the SunLine Transit Agency. The project, which is part of a larger initiative that includes a 105-unit apartment complex, is estimated to cost $14.8 million and is set to begin this week.


Government

Indio opens interim library location as construction begins on new library

The City of Indio has declared the opening of the interim location for the Indio Library at 45130 Oasis Street. The branch, which is part of the Riverside County system, will operate under new hours.