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Palm Springs Film Society secures $25k grant from National Endowment for the Arts

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

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.


New Photo Exhibition Opens at Coachella Library This Saturday

A new photo exhibition, "Working Coachella: Images of the farmworker community in the Coachella Valley," is set to open at the Coachella Library on Saturday, May 18th at 10am. The exhibition will showcase a collection of images captured over three decades by former United Farm Workers (UFW) organizer David Bacon. The Civil Rights Institute of Inland Southern California originated this project.


House passes act mandating delivery of defense weapons for Israeli security

The House of Representatives has approved the Israel Security Assistance Support Act, H.R. 8369, with a vote of 224 to 187. The bill was introduced by Congressman Ken Calvert (CA-41), Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee, and cosponsored by Chairman Tom Cole (R-OK), State and Foreign Operations Subcommittee Chairman Mario Diaz-Balart (R-FL), and Financial Services and General Government Subcommittee Chairman David Joyce (R-OH). The legislation mandates the delivery of defense weapons to Israel.


Palm Springs invites residents to explore history of Section 14 online

The City of Palm Springs is encouraging residents and stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the events of Section 14 by exploring a wide range of informative materials and historical documents. These resources are now accessible online at EngagePalmSprings.com.


West Nile virus detected in mosquito samples in Indio and Mecca

Samples of mosquitoes from routine collection sites have tested positive for West Nile virus (WNV) in two new areas of Coachella Valley, California. This year, four mosquito samples have been found to carry the virus, whereas no detections were reported at this time last year.


California's tourism spending hits record high in 2023

Travel spending in California reached an unprecedented high in 2023, attracting visitors from across the globe to the Golden State. A new report released by Visit California revealed that the state's tourism economy generated $150.4 billion in travel spending last year, outpacing the previous record of $144.9 billion spent in 2019 before the pandemic brought travel to a standstill. The surge in tourism created 64,900 new jobs in California in 2023, raising total industry employment to 1.15 million, which is 98% of pre-pandemic employment levels.


Geoffrey Demke named Cal State San Bernardino's Outstanding Graduate 2024

Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus has announced Geoffrey Demke as its Outstanding Graduate for 2024. A resident of Indio, Demke will receive a bachelor of arts degree in history at the CSUSB College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Commencement ceremony on Friday, May 17, at the Toyota Arena in Ontario.


Life Line Screening announces preventive health event at Miracle Springs Resort

Each month, the Chamber organizes a variety of events that include business mixers and ribbon cuttings. However, the organization emphasizes that nothing surpasses the importance of health. Therefore, it is pleased to announce that Life Line Screening will conduct a day of preventive health screenings at Miracle Springs Resort on Thursday, June 6, 2024.


Palm Springs Aerial Tramway hosts special event for Restaurant Week

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is inviting visitors to celebrate Palm Springs Restaurant Week from May 31 to June 9. Peaks Restaurant, located at the tramway, is offering a special dinner menu for guests as they enjoy panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and a ride on the world's largest rotating tramcar.


Felipe Esparza brings 'At My Leisure' tour to Fantasy Springs Resort Casino

Renowned comedian Felipe Esparza is set to bring his 'At My Leisure' World Tour to the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. Fresh from filming his latest stand-up special, Esparza will be showcasing new material that promises a memorable comedic experience for fans.


Bobcat celebrates 22nd birthday at The Living Desert

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.


Coachella Library to host 'Working Coachella' photo exhibit through August

The Coachella Library is set to host a unique photo exhibition, "Working Coachella: Images of the farmworker community in the Coachella Valley", opening on Saturday, May 18th at 10 AM. The exhibition will be held at 1500 Sixth Street, Room B-3, in Old Town Coachella.


Riverside County DA's office opposes move to declare death penalty unconstitutional

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office has voiced its opposition to the efforts spearheaded by the Office of the State Public Defender and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) to declare the death penalty unconstitutional in California. This position was taken in response to the ongoing case, Office of the State Public Defender v. Bonta, which is currently under consideration by the California Supreme Court.


Fatal single-vehicle collision under investigation in La Quinta

On May 11, 2024, at 2:25 a.m., deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a single-vehicle traffic collision near the intersection of Monroe Street and Airport Boulevard in La Quinta. Upon arrival, they discovered a white Kia sedan overturned on the sidewalk. The driver was found inside the vehicle but could not be reached by deputies.


Teenager arrested after off-highway vehicle pursuit in Perris City

On Saturday, May 11, 2024, at 2:11 p.m., deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Teams were conducting Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) enforcement in the Perris City area. During this operation, an attempt was made to stop a Polaris RZR OHV that was being ridden on a public street. However, the driver sped away and engaged in reckless driving on the public roadway, posing a risk to other drivers.


27-year-old man dies in Cathedral City: Coroner's report

On May 11, 2024, David Seth Gonzales, a 27-year-old male from Cathedral City, CA, tragically lost his life. According to the Coroner's File #2024-03634, Gonzales passed away at 02:41 hours on the same day he sustained injuries. The incident occurred at Southbound Monroe Street, 412 feet south of Airport Boulevard in La Quinta.


Old Town Artisan Studios concludes its inaugural Aspiring Artists mentorship program

The Old Town Artisan Studios (OTAS) in La Quinta has celebrated the graduation of six Coachella Valley high school students from its inaugural Aspiring Artists mentorship program. The program has equipped these students with enhanced creative skills and the knowledge necessary to pursue a career as a visual artist.


Palm Springs opens online applications for FY 2024-25 event sponsorships and grants

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.


Suspect apprehended after hit-and-run collision leads to pursuit

On May 10, 2024, at approximately 1:48 p.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a minor injury traffic collision near the intersection of Monterey Avenue and Dinah Shore Drive. However, before their arrival, the suspect involved in the collision had fled the scene.