Local restaurants donating to families of slain officers

UPDATE: 6:16 p.m.

“It was very heartbreaking, and now we’re doing something very heart warming,” Meredith said. “We’re trying to show the police department how much we support them.” Local restaurants aren’t the only ones dishing out to help the families of Officers Vega and Zerebny. Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) officials said they’ve created scholarships in honor of the fallen officers, to be given to students at the Public Safety Academy at Desert Hot Springs High School. “These students will be following in their footsteps and pursuing similar careers to theirs,” PSUSD Public Information Officer Joan Boiko said. “We feel it’s a nice tribute to them.” While many continue their labor of love, serving those who serve us. “It’s amazing what type of community support we have,” Cook said. “That’s why I live here. That’s why I work here. Thank you to everyone.” Next week, Catalan Restaurant in Rancho Mirage will be having a “dine out” for the fallen heroes, where 33 percent of the proceeds will go to their families. Residents in Desert Hot Springs are planning a blue light glow walk taking place Thursday night in honor of Officers Vega and Zerebny. The walk is expected to start around 6:30 p.m. For more information on other restaurants donating part of their proceeds, and how you can donate to help the PSUSD scholarships, read more in the previous version of this story.

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ORIGINAL STORY: 3:36 p.m.

Restaurants throughout the Coachella Valley are setting up fundraising efforts for the families of the Palm Springs police officers who were shot to death during a domestic call on Saturday, October 8.

California Pizza Kitchen on El Paseo in Palm Desert is one of the local businesses joining the effort. The restaurant will be donating part of its proceeds to the families of Officer Gil Vega and Lesley Zerebny.

Jersey Mikes throughout the Coachella Valley will also be donating part of its proceeds to officers’ families on Thursday, October 20.

Make a donation toward the PSUSD scholarships

Zak Dahlheimer is looking into the fundraising efforts across the valley. He’ll tell you how you can get involved with the effort and which other businesses are joining the movement. Find out all the details on KESQ News Channel 3 at 5 p.m. and on CBS Local 2 at 5:30 p.m.