Latest News
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.
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...