Coachella Valley Questions Answered
More Interviews with Valley Leaders
UCR Palm Desert launches online cannabis workforce program
Click here to learn more about the program: https://cannabisstudies.palmdesert.ucr.edu/
Animal Samaritans begins renovations on Thousand Palms clinic
Animal Samaritans has started the long-awaited renovation of its Thousand Palms clinic. Construction is underway. A temporary location in Palm Desert is now open offering veterinary services while the remodel is underway. The $1.4 million renovations kick off phase one of its “Capital Campaign.” Once completed in 2025, the new 40,000-square-foot clinic will provide additional
Indio Mayor Pro Tem discusses changes coming after State of the City address
The city of Indio held its annual State of the City address on Tuesday. The event was hosted by News Channel 3 anchor Peter Daut. The event highlights what has happened over the past year in the city and also gives the community a look at what’s ahead. Peter Daut spoke with Indio’s Mayor Pro
City of Indio receives tree-planting grant from IID
Indio has been awarded a $30,000 grant from the Imperial Irrigation District to plant drought-resistant trees in Miles Avenue Park, city officials announced today. The “Tree for All – Public Green Space Grant” will be used to plant over 40 trees well suited to the desert climate, such as Tipu trees and Indian Rosewood. In
College of the Desert advances search for new Superintendent/President
The groundwork has been laid for College of the Desert’s search for a new superintendent/president. This comes after a series of listening sessions with the community on what they expect from the new superintendent. The current interim superintendent/president, Laura Hope, recently announced she will not be applying for the permanent position. COD’s board has now
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert gets large land donation
The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is growing its footprint and services in Palm Springs thanks to a donation of more than 33,000 square feet of land. The land is located across from the center’s current building on Palm Canyon and was donated by Arnold Kassoy. The center says this will allow the organization
Nonprofit seeks local volunteers to assist people in traumatic crisis
“Trauma Intervention Programs,” a national nonprofit, is seeking everyday citizens here in the Coachella Valley to volunteer to help people in a traumatic crisis. The nonprofit brings emotional aid to survivors and those in crisis. Rancho Mirage is the first city in the valley to embrace the organization with the city’s sheriff and fire departments.
Dr. Alan Williamson discusses new COVID-19 vaccines
New COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be available as soon as this week amid a surge of the disease here in California. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration authorized the distribution of the updated Moderna and Pfizer vaccines for the upcoming season. The companies are now set to begin shipping millions of doses. Doctors at
Cinema Diverse: The Palm Springs LGBTQ+ Film Festival returns in September
Cinema Diverse, the annual Palm Springs celebration of LGBTQ+ films and filmmakers returns this September for its 17th year. Tickets are now on sale for the film festival, which will be taking place over two weekends. News Channel 3 anchor Peter Daut spoke about this year’s festival with director Michael Green.
CVRM encourages donations of school supplies for annual backpack distribution
The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) is setting up for its annual Backpack Bonanza, scheduled for Aug. 14 at 7 a.m., and the organization is encouraging community members to donate school supplies now. CVRM shared that 29% of Coachella Valley children live below the poverty line, and because of this statistic, there is a goal
Michael’s House to distribute Naloxone to unhoused individuals
Michael’s House, a provider of addiction treatment and recovery services, has announced a new initiative to distribute Naloxone to unhoused individuals in the community. Naloxone can reverse opioid overdoses; it’s considered a life-saving medication. By distributing it, Michael’s House aims to reduce overdose fatalities and offer a lifeline to some of the more vulnerable people.
Palm Springs mayor discusses city’s decision to relocate ‘Forever Marilyn’
Palm Springs residents and visitors have strong opinions on the upcoming move of the “Forever Marilyn” statue. On Thursday, the Palm Springs City Council decided to relocate the statue from its perch in front of the Palm Springs Art Museum to an undetermined city park. Councilmembers hope this will settle a long-running lawsuit by the
Local Congressman Raul Ruiz discusses Biden dropping out, Harris launching campaign
Democratic lawmakers are reacting to President Joe Biden’s decision to drop out of the 2024 race. News Channel 3’s Jennifer Franco spoke with local Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, who shared his thoughts on the move and what it means for his party heading into November.
SoCalGas warns customers of scammers claiming to represent the company
In light of recent events, SoCalGas is warning the public about scams involving people claiming to represent the utility. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke to SoCalGas spokesperson, Denise Campos, to learn how you can protect yourself from scammers. “We have heard of imposters coming to people’s homes, knocking, dressed in hard hats, or… neon
Refreshing foods to fight dehydration
Health experts continue to remind us, hydration is crucial in extreme heat. Water is an important key. Dieticians also say there are foods that can help prevent dehydration. Most fruits and vegetables have a higher water content compared to other foods. We’re talking about melons, strawberries, pineapple, cucumbers, tomatoes and lettuce. Nutritionists say those foods good
Supervisor Perez discusses voting for pay raises for elected officials
The Riverside County Board of Supervisors formally approved double-digit pay hikes for themselves and several other elected officials despite public criticism and lack of support from a fellow member. As we reported, the salary of several supervisors, including Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez, will increase 19%, from $190,000 to $226,000. Meanwhile, the supervisors also approved
Betty Ford Center spotlights depression and anxiety issues as Mental Health Awareness Month approaches
May is Mental Health Awareness Month and the Betty Ford Center in Rancho Mirage says many people struggling with mental health also have substance-use issues. The center says it is seeing more people coming in with depression and major anxiety issues. The reason: many people who felt isolated during the pandemic turned to alcohol and
Exclusive: One-on-one interview with American Idol’s Abi Carter
In her first sit-down interview, Abi Carter spoke with News Channel 3’s Peter Daut about her return to the Coachella Valley, how the experience on American Idol has changed her, and the message she has for her fans. Watch an extended version of Peter’s Interview with Abi here:
Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast will be held Thursday at the Palm Springs Convention Center
About 1,200 people, including dozens of community and business leaders, will gather in Palm Springs tomorrow for the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast. The annual event celebrates Harvey Milk’s life and legacy and helps to support valley LGBTQ youth programs. According to Palm Springs Pride, in the twelve years, the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast has been
Palm Springs Air Museum named CA Nonprofit of the Year by Assemblymember Greg Wallis
The Palm Springs Air Museum was selected as a 2024 California Nonprofit of the Year by 47th District State Assemblyman Greg Wallis. It is one of about a hundred nonprofits being honored by state lawmakers for outstanding contributions to the communities they serve. The museum is dedicated to educating the public about the role of air
Palm Springs International ShortFest reveals Shag poster collaboration
The Annual Palm Springs International ShortFest- one of the largest and most acclaimed short film festivals in North America- is right around the corner! Sponsored by the City of Palm Springs, Shortfest will take place on June 18-24 at the Regal Palm Springs. In celebration of the festival’s 30th anniversary, renowned artist Shag has once
Palm Springs Police Chief jumps into action while witnessing an attempted robbery while off duty
Palm Springs Police Department Police Chief Andrew Mills jumped into action when a man attempted to rob a local Starbucks. Mills was off duty at the time of the incident. In an episode of the Departments Behind the Badge series, they explain that the man was getting aggressive and posed a threat to the off-duty
CA leaders announce bill to create Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park
A new bill to create the Chuckwalla National Monument and expand Joshua Tree National Park was introduced by state lawmakers at a news conference on Tuesday. This bill would establish a new Chuckwalla National Monument in eastern Imperial and Riverside counties to protect approximately 627,855 acres of California’s vast desert landscape. It would also expand
Abi Carter discusses American Idol and special Indio send-off concert
Indio native Abi Carter is in Hollywood this week, continuing her journey to become the next American Idol. News Channel 3 Anchor Peter Daut got to speak with her about her experience returning to the competition after her special send-off concert from the city of Indio. Get the News Channel 3 app here.
Inaugural Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair set for April 17
The inaugural Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair will be held in mid-April for local business owners who want to learn more about doing business with cities or agencies, city officials said today. “For years now, I have heard from local businesses that they don’t understand how to do business with Palm Springs and other