Latest News
Animal Olympics at The Living Desert showcases extraordinary wildlife feats
By Coachella Valley Times | Jul 17, 2024
The Living Desert is set to host its own version of the Olympics, focusing on the remarkable athleticism of land-bound animals. Dr. James A. Danoff-Burg, an enthusiast of human and animal athletic prowess, shares his insights into this unique event scheduled for July 26.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers complimentary admission for first responders in August
By Coachella Valley Times | Jul 15, 2024
For the entire month of August, all qualified first responders will receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as part of “First Responders Days.” Additionally, up to four guests accompanying them will receive a 25% discount on their regular tram fares.
Guide released on benefits of native plants for urban gardens
By Coachella Valley Times | Jul 3, 2024
Native plants provide critical habitat for threatened pollinators and other local wildlife. By incorporating native species into home gardens, individuals can restore fragmented urban ecosystems and reduce water consumption.
San Diego doctor: ‘Addressing sinus headaches is something that can be done through some of our minimally invasive approaches’
By Coachella Valley Times | Jul 1, 2024
Sinus headaches are a common symptom of sinusitis and can become quite debilitating. According to Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe of SoCal Breathe Free, sinus headaches can be addressed in several minimally invasive ways.
Living Desert Zoo offers new membership perks with local business discounts
By Coachella Valley Times | Jun 27, 2024
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has introduced a series of new benefits for its members. Zoo members are now entitled to exclusive discounts at over 50 establishments throughout the Coachella Valley.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway extends hours for Fourth of July
By Coachella Valley Times | Jun 24, 2024
The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate with extended hours on July 4 and 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. On Thursday, July 4, the first tramcar up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 8:00 p.m., and the last tramcar down will be at 9:30 p.m. On Friday, July 5, the first tramcar up will be at 8:00 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 9:00 p.m., and the last tramcar down will be at 10:30 p.m.
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway offers free admission for U.S. Armed Forces in July
By Coachella Valley Times | Jun 20, 2024
During the entire month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former, and retired—will receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway as part of "Military Days." Spouses of deployed military members, as well as military widows and widowers, also qualify for the promotion. Military personnel are encouraged to bring friends and family and will receive 25% off regular Tram admission for up to four guests.
Green Room Theatre Company offers new play ‘Displacement: Stories from Section 14’
By Coachella Valley Times | Jun 13, 2024
The Green Room Theatre Company in Coachella Valley has announced the start of a new play entitled “Displacement: Stories from Section 14,” based on fictional events occurring in Palm Springs between 1923 and 1973.
Living Desert Zoo welcomes two northern bald ibis chicks
By Coachella Valley Times | Jun 13, 2024
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is celebrating the arrival of two new chicks belonging to one of the world’s most endangered bird species. Born to Bastet and Ra, two waldrapp ibis, also known as northern bald ibis, the chicks recently hatched at The Living Desert.
The Living Desert mourns beloved giraffe Dadisi
By Coachella Valley Times | Jun 4, 2024
The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens has announced the passing of Dadisi, a 23-year-old giraffe. On June 3, Dadisi was euthanized peacefully on a bed of sand, surrounded by her caretakers. During her final days, team members from various departments visited to bid farewell.
San Diego doctor: Sinus infections ‘will affect your quality of sleep’
By Coachella Valley Times | May 24, 2024
Sleep apnea is a sleeping disorder in which breathing repeatedly stops and starts while sleeping, a potentially serious affliction. According to Dr. Paul Schalch Lepe of SoCal Breathe Free, sinusitis can cause various sleep issues including sleep apnea.
Palm Springs International Film Society awarded $25,000 NEA endowment
By Coachella Valley Times | May 23, 2024
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has granted a $25,000 award to the Palm Springs International Film Society. The funding, part of the NEA's Grants for Arts Projects initiative, will support the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest.
Living Desert welcomes spur-winged lapwing chicks
By Coachella Valley Times | May 21, 2024
The Living Desert has introduced four new members to its African aviary—spur-winged lapwing chicks. Hatched during the week of April 29 to first-time parents, Peeper Parker and MJ, these young birds are already exploring their habitat.
Aerial mosquito control treatments planned following West Nile Virus detections in East Valley
By Coachella Valley Times | May 17, 2024
Continued detections of the West Nile Virus (WNV) in and around Mecca have led to the scheduling of aerial mosquito control treatments in the area. To date, five positive samples of WNV have been detected in the valley by the District, although no human cases have been reported in either Coachella Valley or across the state this year.
Palm Springs Film Society secures $25k grant from National Endowment for the Arts
By Coachella Valley Times | May 17, 2024
The Palm Springs International Film Society has announced its approval for a Grants for Arts Projects award of $25,000 from the National Endowment for the Arts (NEA). This grant will be used to support the ongoing Palm Springs International Film Festival and Palm Springs International ShortFest. The funds will aid in their mission to serve venues in Palm Springs and reach larger audiences in the Coachella Valley. The NEA is set to award 1,135 Grants for Arts Projects awards totaling over $37 million as part of its second round of fiscal year 2024 grants.
Riverside County advances unique Rancho event venue ordinance
By Coachella Valley Times | May 17, 2024
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, the community, and county staff have been working towards a new ordinance for three years that would create a path for Ranchos to become permitted event venues in the county. The Planning Commissioners have recommended the ordinance for approval, setting it up for a hearing by the Riverside County Supervisors in either June or July.
Bobcat celebrates 22nd birthday at The Living Desert
By Coachella Valley Times | May 13, 2024
On May 10, one of The Living Desert’s eldest residents, Crawler the bobcat, celebrated his 22nd birthday. Crawler, originally from Cheyenne Mountain Zoo, is one of the three oldest bobcats in zoos accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums. RoxAnna Breitigan, COO and former Director of Animal Care at The Living Desert, helped care for Crawler when he was just a kitten.
Palm Springs opens online applications for FY 2024-25 event sponsorships and grants
By Coachella Valley Times | May 10, 2024
The City of Palm Springs has officially opened the application process for its FY 2024-25 Event Sponsorships and Program Grants Funding. The application is available online, with the city encouraging eligible non-profit agencies to apply.
Riverside County promotes safety during National Bicycle Safety Month
By Coachella Valley Times | May 8, 2024
May is National Bicycle Safety Month, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – San Jacinto Station is encouraging everyone to be active and safely enjoy bike rides. At the same time, they are reminding drivers to be vigilant for increased numbers of cyclists and pedestrians.
Riverside County Sheriff’s Office promotes Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month
By Coachella Valley Times | May 8, 2024
San Jacinto, Calif. — The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office – San Jacinto Station is taking the opportunity during Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month in May to remind drivers to always look twice for motorcycles. The aim is to encourage safe driving habits and shared responsibility on our roads, thereby ensuring everyone reaches their destination safely.