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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.


Government

Coachella Valley law enforcement paying close attention to DUI drivers this holiday season

In a recent law enforcement operation, two drivers under the influence were removed from the roads of La Quinta on Friday. The operation was carried out by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Thermal station and La Quinta Traffic team.


Government

Riverside County is turning Christmas trees into compost and mulch

Riverside County is urging its residents to recycle their natural Christmas trees, rather than leaving them unrecycled at landfills. The county has put in place special services to ensure that the trees are recycled in a manner that enriches the soil.


Government

Operations of the Palm Desert Library will be taken over by the city next summer

In the summer of 2024, the City of Palm Desert will assume control of the county library at 73-300 Fred Waring Drive, situated on the College of the Desert Campus. This transition will mark Palm Desert as the third city in the Coachella Valley to manage a municipal library.


Government

BLM invites public comment on the Sapphire Solar Project

The Bureau of Land Management (BLM) has announced an invitation for public comment on the Sapphire Solar Project. This proposed solar energy project aims to generate and store up to 117 megawatts of photovoltaic solar energy, with the electricity being delivered to the statewide transmission grid.


Government

City of Desert Hot Springs to expand animal services with two donated properties

The City of Desert Hot Springs has received a generous donation from the Humane Society of the Desert: an Animal Hospital and Animal Sanctuary. This contribution will enable the city to enhance its animal care services.


Government

California Strategic Growth Council awards $22 million to Coachella for the Coachella Prospera project

The City of Coachella has been named among nearly a dozen communities to receive grants from the California Strategic Growth Council's (SGC) Transformative Climate Communities Program (TCC). The city is set to receive approximately $22 million to implement its Coachella Prospera initiative.


Government

Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein: 'proud to live in a city that values diversity'

The City of Palm Springs recently inaugurated Mayor Pro Tem Jeffrey Bernstein as the city’s 25th mayor during a city council meeting. The oath of office was administered by Bernstein's husband, Dr. Oscar Chamudes.


Government

City of Palm Springs opens temporary shelter for the homeless for cold weather months

The City of Palm Springs, in collaboration with Martha’s Village and Kitchen, has launched a temporary shelter to aid unhoused residents during the winter season. The initiative received approval from the City Council at a council meeting last week.


Government

Assembly member Eduardo Garcia: Leaving assembly in 2024 to be more 'present' for his family

Assembly member Eduardo Garcia (D-Coachella) has announced that 2024 will be his final year in the California State Assembly. The following year will mark a decade since he assumed the role of representative for the 36th Assembly District.


Government

Indio border agents seize $374K in cocaine at Highway 86 checkpoint

The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has announced the arrest of a U.S. citizen who allegedly attempted to smuggle cocaine through the Highway 86 checkpoint last weekend. The seized narcotics have an estimated value of $374,400.


Government

Mark Carnevale sworn in as Cathedral City mayor

The City of Cathedral City has inaugurated Mark Carnevale as mayor and councilmember Nancy Ross as mayor pro tem. The swearing-in ceremony took place during a special council session on December 13, with family and friends in attendance.


Government

Palm Desert woman in custody after a deputy-involved shooting has been identified

A Palm Desert resident, Kelly Lynette Cronn, 53, is currently in custody following a deputy-involved shooting incident that occurred on Sunday. Cronn has been charged and is recuperating from non-life-threatening injuries sustained during the incident.


Government

Congressman Raul Ruiz recognized by Mayorkas for his achievements and commitment to his country

Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (CA-25) has been honored with the Outstanding Americans by Choice Recognition by Department of Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas. The award ceremony took place at Coachella Valley High School.


Government

A $50 million grant awarded to the Coachella Valley Association of Governments will ease frequent Indian Canyon Drive road closures

The Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) has been granted $50 million for the Addressing Climate Change, Emergencies, and Sandstorms (ACCESS) Project on Indian Canyon. The grant, furnished by the California Transportation Commission (CTC), aims to alleviate frequent road closures that have long disrupted traffic on Indian Canyon Drive.


Government

Desert Healthcare District and Foundation allocates $50,000 to support families devastated by Hilary

The Desert Healthcare District and Foundation has announced a donation of $50,000 to aid over 120 Coachella Valley families who experienced trauma, property damage or loss due to Tropical Storm Hilary. The storm passed through the region in August, subjecting communities to an exceptional amount of rainfall.


Government

Inland Empire Community Foundation invites nonprofits led by and focused on Latinos to apply for its CIELO grant program

The City of Coachella has announced the opening of applications for the Cultivating Inland Empire Latino Opportunity Fund (CIELO) at the Inland Empire Community Foundation (IECF). The grant program, which provides up to $15,000 in funding, targets Latino-led non-profit organizations serving the Latino community within the Inland Empire. This initiative is part of broader efforts to address disparities and support growth among the Latino population in this region.