Latest News
Riverside County Sheriff's Office Launches "Click It or Ticket" Campaign to Promote Seat Belt Safety
By Coachella Valley Times | May 6, 2024
The Riverside County Sheriff's Office has launched its annual "Click It or Ticket" campaign to remind Californians about the importance of seat belt safety. The campaign, running from May 20 to June 2, aims to encourage drivers and passengers to always buckle up and secure children in the appropriate car seats.Sergeant Ignacio Robles emphasized the significance of seat belt usage, stating, “Wearing a seat belt should be automatic for all drivers and passengers every trip." He further added, "Seat belts save lives, and everyone – front seat and back, child and adult –...
CITY COUNCIL REAPPOINTS TWO MEMBERS OF MOUNT SAN JACINTO WINTER PARK AUTHORITY
By Coachella Valley Times | Apr 30, 2024
The Palm Springs City Council has announced the reappointment of two key members to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority (MSJWPA), the governing board of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.Nancy Stuart, a long-time desert resident and chairperson of the Tramway board, expressed the importance of efficiency and safety in running the Tramway, stating, "It is important for the Tramway to run efficiently and safely...We look forward to many future generations enjoying this iconic experience."Jerry Ogburn, who has served as chairperson three times, highlighted the...
ESCAPE THE HEAT WITH TRAMWAY SUMMER PASS
By Coachella Valley Times | Apr 30, 2024
Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Offers Summer Pass to Beat the HeatThe Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is once again offering its Summer Pass, allowing guests to escape the summer heat and enjoy a cool experience at the peak. Starting May 1, visitors can purchase the pass, which provides a refreshing retreat from the scorching temperatures. According to an unknown source, "Starting May 1, guests may purchase a Summer Pass to escape the hot summer heat and enjoy a refreshing experience at the peak."One of the key benefits of the Summer Pass is the significant temperature...
Riverside County park district issues new pass to let residents enjoy libraries, outdoors
By Coachella Valley Times | Apr 28, 2024
The Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District (RivCoParks) has unveiled a new outdoor equity initiative aimed at fostering community engagement, promoting outdoor recreation, and bridging the nature gap. The RivCoParks Library Pass program provides Riverside County residents with an opportunity to explore both the outdoors and their local libraries.
Workshop assesses community support for rhino conservation initiative near Hwange National Park
By Coachella Valley Times | Apr 23, 2024
The Living Desert, in collaboration with Imvelo Safari Lodges, recently conducted a Building Community Conservation Success workshop with students from Lupane State University and the National University of Science and Technology in Zimbabwe. The event focused on imparting both theoretical and practical skills to the students, including foundational social science principles, interview script creation, and knowledge of local culture and conservation projects.
Living Desert prioritizes collaboration with local communities for conservation success
By Coachella Valley Times | Apr 23, 2024
Respect makes everything possible. If someone were to come to our home and dictate, “This is what you must do with your home. Trust us, we know what we are talking about,” most of us would tell them to get lost! Each of us must retain the ability to determine how we manage our land, our actions, and our community. Outsiders lecturing on conservation without respect are similarly unlikely to succeed. That’s why, at The Living Desert, we prioritize serving, learning from, and collaborating with local communities. This commitment was underscored by a recent experience in...
The Living Desert enhances conservation efforts with expanded social science workshops
By Coachella Valley Times | Apr 22, 2024
Ensuring that Indigenous People and local communities (IPLC) not only participate in conservation but also lead or co-lead these efforts is crucial for ensuring that these projects are desired by local communities and thus more likely to be sustainable. One of the most effective approaches to achieving this is by enabling outside conservationists to engage with, learn from, and understand the needs and desires of these communities through basic training in social science.
Nine-year-old's campaign aims to save California's desert tortoise
By Coachella Valley Times | Apr 13, 2024
After experiencing the wonders of desert wildlife on a field trip to The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, nine-year-old Leighton felt compelled to make a difference.
Library Seeks Resident Input for Upcoming Renovation Project
By Coachella Valley Times | Mar 14, 2024
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....
Riverside County Board of Supervisors unanimously supports initiatives to improve cat welfare
By Coachella Valley Times | Mar 13, 2024
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.
Living Desert seeks public input on grant for addressing illegal vehicle activities
By Coachella Valley Times | Mar 5, 2024
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 of Palm Desert receives Certified Autism Center designation
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 27, 2024
The City of Palm Desert has received the Certified Autism Center designation from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES). This makes it the first city in California and the second nationwide to achieve this recognition.
Palm Springs Air Museum: ‘A huge thank you to Concorde Battery Corporation for powering our mission’
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 16, 2024
The Palm Springs Air Museum (PSAM) has announced the receipt of a generous donation from Concorde Battery Corporation, valued at $14,980. The donation comprises lead-acid batteries, a product that Concorde specializes in for aircraft maintenance. This contribution will significantly aid PSAM in its mission to preserve aviation history.
Indio residents get 5% cash back on local purchases with new rewards program
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 16, 2024
The City of Indio has introduced an initiative named Open Rewards: Shop Local, aimed at bolstering the city's economic resilience and fostering a sense of local pride among residents. The initiative, accessible through a mobile application, allows residents to earn 5% cash back on products purchased from businesses in Indio.
Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center to open in Palm Springs
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 9, 2024
The Transgender Health & Wellness Center (TH&WC) has announced the inauguration of a Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center (MPJ) in Palm Springs, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for January 21.
Desert Recreation District is offering youth a free bike trip to Coronado
By Coachella Valley Times | Jan 8, 2024
The Desert Recreation District has announced that it will be hosting a free Coronado Bayshore Bikeway Coastal Ride this month, inviting young people aged between 10 and 17 to participate.
Mexican wolf with amputated leg rejoins packmates at the Living Desert Zoo
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 24, 2023
A Mexican gray wolf, which recently underwent a leg amputation, has been successfully reintegrated into her habitat at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert after a brief recovery period. The female wolf, named Soleil Ellen, was peacefully received by her packmates.
Agua Caliente continues annual toy drop tradition supporting local shelter
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 19, 2023
This holiday season, Agua Caliente Casinos continued their tradition of the Angel Tree Shelter From the Storm toy drop. The annual charity drive, conducted through the Agua Cares program, enables Agua Caliente team members to support the local community. On December 13, more than 300 gifts were delivered by Agua Caliente team members to Shelter From the Storm’s offices in Coachella Valley.
Agua Caliente honors sous-chef with $10K after three decades of service
By Coachella Valley Times | Dec 19, 2023
Palm Springs, CA (Dec. 6, 2023) – Agua Caliente Casinos recognized the hard work and dedication of its team members by celebrating Roy Agrium's 30 years of employment with a $10,000 gift. Agrium is the first person to reach this milestone at Agua Caliente Casinos.