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Riverside County DA: Early release for convicted rapist ‘is a devastating blow to victims’

District Attorney Mike Hestrin of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office expressed outrage over the state Board of Parole Hearings' decision to grant early parole to a convicted child rapist, Cody Woodsen Klemp. Now 29 years into a 170-year prison sentence, Klemp, aged 67, is eligible for parole under the Elderly Parole Program and could be released on or before March 15, 2024. This action takes place in Riverside County where Hestrin has vowed to appeal against the decision.


City of Coachella announces housing improvement grant program

The city of Coachella is working in partnership with the Housing and Workforce Solutions of Riverside County to fund a grant program for improvements to home exteriors.


Coachella Valley School District: ‘We gathered to honor the memory of a true hero’ and school namesake

Saul Martinez Elementary school in Mecca, California, part of the Coachella Valley School District (CVSD), celebrated their school’s birthday by honoring its namesake, late highway patrol officer Saul Martinez.


Gen. Patton Memorial Museum board of directors' president: ‘We are looking forward to a full day of excitement and festivities’

The Gen. Patton Memorial Museum in Chiriaco Summit, California, will hold its 35th annual Veterans Day Celebration on Nov. 11. According to Margit Chiriaco Rusche, president of the museum’s board of directors, this will be quite a meaningful event for many.


California launches fentanyl task force under SB 19

California has launched a fentanyl task force, announced by Senator Kelly Seyarto. The task force is aimed at tackling the state's rising issue with fentanyl. "Senator Kelly Seyarto (R-Murrieta) is proud to announce that SB 19, establishing the California Fentanyl Task Force, has been signed into law," said an official.


DAP Health to participate in Greater Palm Springs Pride: ‘We have always fought for the LGBTQ+ community’

DAP Health will be participating in this year's Greater Palm Springs Pride, a tradition they've maintained since the event's inception in 1986. According to DAP Health CEO David Brinkman, the entire company is eagerly anticipating the event, especially following their recent integration with Borrego Health.


Renova Energy appoints new sales director

Renova Energy has announced the promotion of Chad Beckstand to the role of sales director for California and Arizona.


DAP Health receives $1M from California assemblymembers

DAP Health, a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare services in Coachella Valley, has received a generous donation of $1 million from California assemblymembers. The donation was part of Governor Gavin Newsom's 2023-24 state budget and was presented to DAP Health by Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Eduardo Garcia on October 23 at DAP Health's main Sunrise campus.


Employees at Flying Food Group seek union decertification after April strike, ongoing disputes

A series of contentious events, including a strike and ongoing disputes with the UNITE HERE union, have fueled an employee-led drive to decertify the union shop status of Flying Food Group’s Inglewood, CA facility. If successful, the effort would represent one of the few times union members voted to dissolve their own union.


Toastmasters to host open house informational event

The Toastmasters Club will host an open house party at the Cathedral City Branch Library on Oct. 28. The theme of this event is “scary,” both in the Halloween sense and in how to overcome fear of public speaking.


Desert Arc to host fundraising festival, hopes it will ‘make a difference in the lives of the people we serve’

Desert Arc, a nonprofit organization that provides services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, will be hosting the Desert Arc Italian Festival and Car Show on Nov. 18 to celebrate its 65th anniversary. The event aims to raise $30,000 to support the organization's impactful programs that are not funded by the State of California.


Qantas resumes catering partnership with Flying Food Group

The Australian airline, Qantas, has resumed its catering partnership with national inflight meal service provider Flying Food Group (FFG), Onboard Hospitality announced this month. FFG’s Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) facilities are once again serving Qantas as a valued returning customer.


Renova Energy opens new corporate center: ‘this move enhances our communication, customer service, and camaraderie’

Renova Energy, a leading solar energy company, recently celebrated the opening of their new Palm Desert corporate center building on Oct. 6. The founder and CEO of Renova Energy, Vincent Battaglia, expressed his excitement about the company's growth and the consolidation of their departments under one roof.


Senator Durazo: 'Thank you, Governor Newsom, for signing SB 525, a first in the nation, historic investment in our healthcare workforce'

Governor Newsom has signed SB 525, a groundbreaking healthcare workforce investment, which aims to address regional disparities and alleviate workforce shortages by gradually raising the minimum wage for healthcare workers to $25 per hour. This phased approach is set to benefit nearly half a million healthcare workers in California.


Riverside County continues specialized prosecution for drug-related DUI offenses

According to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office, a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS), endorsed by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors, will ensure that individuals arrested in Riverside County on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs, or a combination of drugs and alcohol, will continue to face highly specialized prosecutors. The $679,708 grant allocated to the Riverside County District Attorney's Office marks an increase of over $20,000 from the previous year and will fund a vertical prosecution team of three deputy...


Mayor Grace Garner: 'A bright star in our city has left us'

According to a statement shared on social media, actress, author, health advocate, and long-time Palm Springs resident Suzanne Somers passed away on Sunday morning. The City of Palm Springs expressed their condolences and paid tribute to Somers, who was a beloved member of the community for over four decades.


City of Palm Desert calls for artists to celebrate community spirit through mural project

The City of Palm Desert is calling upon talented mural artists to be part of a creative endeavor that will pay tribute to the hard work of its Public Works staff and other outdoor workers in the wake of Hurricane Hilary's impact.


College student discusses research study: ‘I see the changes discussed in the study being put to use here’

Cynthia Gilabert, a college student from Saugus who now resides in Indio, recently shared her experience working on a research study for Arizona State University that focused on the "fear of negative evaluation" among STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) students. In an interview with the Coachella Valley Times, Gilabert discussed how her involvement in the study has impacted her, particularly in relation to her acceptance into veterinary school.


Indian Wells Sprouts Farmers Market to hold grand opening event

A new Sprouts Farmers Market is set to open in Indian Wells on Friday, October 13. The announcement was made by Sprouts Farmers Market, stating, "Your new Sprouts Farmers Market is opening in Indian Wells on Hwy. 111 & Cook St. on Friday, October 13!"


Palm Springs gears up for lip sync battle fundraiser

The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) is bringing an exciting Lip Sync Battle to the Palm Springs Cultural Center on Sunday, November 12, 2023, at 3 PM. The event aims to raise funds for the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Youth Engagement Programs and ONE-PS New Neighborhood Development. Contestants from city-wide organizations will take the stage in a hilarious and high-energy competition.