32nd Annual Senior Inspiration Awards

The 32nd Annual Senior Inspiration Awards took place this afternoon. Riverside County and the Valley honor residents 60 and older who inspire others through volunteerism and engagement in the community. All Valley mayors joined Supervisor V. Manuel Perez to recognize their efforts.

WDC Kitchen & Bath Mixer Supports Animal Samaritans

WDC Kitchen & Bath hosted a Wine & Design Mixer to benefit Animal Samaritans. All proceeds from the ticket sales were donated to the charity and guests enjoyed drinks, appetizers, and raffle prizes. They also viewed art created by local artists. Animal Samaritans also has a human education program to teach children about anti-cruelty, the importance of spaying and neutering, and what a career as a veterinarian looks like.

Galleri Classic Tees Off Today, Tournament Play Begins Friday

The Galleri Classic tees off today at the Mission Hills Country Club for the first day of pro-am. Steve Stricker, Fred Couple and last years champion David Toms, notable players set to tee off Thursday morning. The second annual event will feature 78 legends of golf competing for a 2.2 million dollar purse. Round one begins Friday and will run through Sunday.

Peta Protests At VCA Desert Animal Hospital

The People for The Ethical Treatment of Animals otherwise known as Peta arrived in the Coachella Valley in full-force Wednesday afternoon. The organization is protesting Mars Inc. which owns BluePearl Pet and VCA Animal Hospitals. The animal rights group is accusing the global pet care organization of using blood from “The Veterinarians Blood Bank.” Peta protestors gathered in front of the VCA Desert Animal Hospital in Palm Springs, holding signs, wearing animal masks, and even participating in what they called a ‘Die-in’ demonstration. The animal rights group told us, this protest comes after an under-cover investigation they did. Peta claims that The Veterinarians Blood Bank obtains blood from animals who are sick, emaciated, and elderly, amongst other things. After reaching out to VCA Animal Hospitals, they left us a statement reading in part “We can confirm we are no longer purchasing products from TVBB.” The statement also adds that VCA is working alongside veterinary partners to make community blood banks the long term solution, while being committed to using blood products that meet the best medical and ethical standards. Peta says, after reaching out to

Palm Springs Library Renovation Input Meeting

The first meeting was this morning in Palm Springs Stadium. Another one was scheduled for this evening at 5:30pm inside the library. There will be a presentation about the progress of the projects and architects will be onsite to answer questions and discuss the next steps. You can fill out a community survey online until April 12th at www.palmspringslibrary.org.

Overdose Awareness and Resource Fair in Palm Desert

The event focuses on dangers of substance abuse, particularly fentanyl and paid tribute to those who have lost their lives to drug overdoses. The event also connected people to resources that could help them in their ongoing struggle with drug abuse. According to studies, nearly 900 people have died due to fentanyl overdoses in Riverside County alone since 2022.

March Is Pet Poison Prevention Month

The month of March is designated as Pet Poison Prevention Month. It’s a good time for pet owners to educate themselves about the dangers of accidental pet poisonings and how to prevent them. This story was written and reported by Valerie Kattz. 

Man, 22, Charged with Murder in Palm Springs Stabbing

INDIO (CNS) – A 22-year-old man suspected of fatally stabbing a 68- year-old man in Palm Springs was charged with murder Wednesday. Evan Charles Steele was also charged with one felony count of burglary, according to court records. He additionally faces sentence-enhancing allegations of using a weapon during a felony. He was set to be arraigned on the charges Wednesday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. Officers responded shortly after 9 p.m. Sunday to reports of a domestic disturbance in the 500 block of Tiki Drive, according to the Palm Springs Police Department. The older man was found outside a home with stab wounds. He died Sunday night after being transported to a hospital, according to police. Based on a preliminary investigation, police said Steele and the victim had recently been in a relationship. “Eyewitnesses, including a vigilant neighbor, reported hearing an altercation and observing the suspect fleeing from the premises,” Palm Springs police said in a statement. “Based on this information, PSPD officers, in collaboration with Riverside Sheriff’s Office Star 9, combed the vicinity for the suspect.” Steele was subsequently arrested in

Dr. Carreon Foundation Scholarship Deadline Approaches

The deadline for applying for the Dr. Carreon Foundation scholarship quickly approaches. On March 31st, the scholarships are awarded to minority students who live in the Eastern Inland Empire. Applicants must also meet the scholarships other qualifications. Those pursuing a career in healthcare are encouraged to apply. The Dr. Carreon Foundation has awarded more than $2 million in scholarships to more than 900 students. For more information on these scholarships, you can visit www.carreonfoundation.org.

Coachella To Hold It’s First Ever Women’s Summit

The City of Coachella is sending off Women’s History Month by holding their first ever Women’s Summit. The event will take place this Saturday at the Veteran’s Memorial Park from 8am to 1pm. The summit will feature a number of speakers, a Q&A session, breakfast and luncheon as well as exhibits for local businesses.

PSP Issues Travel Advisory, Expects Heavy Traffic

As people begin gearing up for Easter Travel, Palm Springs International Airport has some suggestions to beat the heavy traffic. The airport is preparing for significant increase in passengers and is advising travelers to arrive 2 hours prior to their departure time to ensure a stress free trip. Due to expected heavy parking demand they also recommend alternative travel such as ride share programs.

22-Year-Old Man Arrested, First Murder Within Palm Springs In 17 Months

A Palm Springs community is mourning the loss of a neighbor today after the tragic murder of a 68-year-old man. This is the first homicide within the city of Palm Springs in 17 months. The Palm Springs Police Department says they’ve arrested a 22-year-old man for allegedly stabbing and killing that  man on Sunday night. It happened around 9 p.m. on Tiki Drive in the Palm Canyon Mobile Club community. Police say they arrived at the scene to find the victim with stab wounds. He later died at the hospital. After a nearly two hour search, police found and arrested 22-year-old Evan Steele without incident. Authorities say Steele had recently been in a relationship with the victim and acted alone. Lieutenant William Hutchinson with the Palm Springs Police Department says the suspect has been booked on a first degree murder charge and is being held without bail.

Children’s Discovery Museum Of The Desert Set To Reopen In July

The Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert is opening it’s doors for this week and next as it welcomes children for a Spring Break camp. The two-week camp – titled “Guardians of the Green” encourages environmental stewardship in children helping them to engage and explore the world around them. This comes before the re-opening of the museum, which will roll out in phases over the next few months.

Traffic Delays Expected Tomorrow In Indian Wells

A private event at the Renaissance Esmeralda Resort and Spa will require sheriff assisted traffic control. Delays may occur from 10:30am to 12:30pm at the intersection of Highway 111 and Indian Wells Lane. Plan accordingly or use alternate routes during this hour to avoid delays.

Breaking down barriers on the yoga mat and in the marketplace

Fei Wade is a young, Black female entrepreneur who’s on a wellness journey. Wade is connecting her community to yoga while introducing them to her own drink: Calbucha Kombucha. “I started my business because I was inspired to contribute to my community in a healthy way and I wanted to share a wellness practice,” she said. A University of California, Berkeley graduate who holds an MBA from Texas A&M, Wade recently earned a yoga certification at College of the Desert where she was so inspired by the local landscape that she made it her brand’s artwork. “The photo is from Mountain Center which is in the high desert,” she said. “It’s of the beautiful San Jacinto sunset and the mountains.” While Black women like Wade are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs in the United States, according to a recent study by GoDaddy, they do face several unique challenges. “It hits me in the heart, especially being in the valley and being a Black female,” said Mary Eden, coordinator of COD’s Black Student Success Center.  Eden says Wade is inspirational to her community and coeds.

Si Bon acquires Pastry Swan Bakery

The restaurant business can be bittersweet. A Rancho Mirage-based restaurant is expanding while a longtime local bakery is being reimagined. Si bon, a European bistro, recently acquired Pastry Swan Bakery, a popular pastry shop best known for its specialty cakes that first opened its doors in the Coachella Valley in 1985. Si Bon’s owner tells NBC Palm Springs that they are keeping all of Pastry Swan’s former staff. Located on Highway 111 and Country Club Dr. in Rancho Mirage, Si Bon will now use this space for prepping, catering, and cooking classes. “It’s cool, especially with the cooking classes. Nobody does cooking classes in the desert,” said Chef Phillipe Caupain, owner of Si Bon and Pastry Swan. “We do this really in a professional way. We got some serious chefs coming. We got the program and people taste the wine. So, it’s something different, something new.” Now called Si Bon Catering at Pastry Swan, this new business is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. For more information, visit https://www.pastryswan.com/ This story was written and reported by Kai Beech.

Fashionable Ken and Barbie display taking center stage

It doesn’t seem to matter what they do, they’re always number two. On this catwalk, however, these Kens are all tens. “We have Barbie at a fashion show. She’s in town for El Paseo Fashion Week,” said Ashley Skarin with The Body Deli in Palm Desert. “She has 50 friends with her, decked out in full fashion week outfits, designer from head to toe.” The Body Deli is a fresh superfood skincare store known for handcrafting all its products. Now this store is turning heads with this dazzling display of Ken and Barbie dolls styled with creative couture. “We have Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, so many favorites,” Skarin said. “Their outfits from shoes to the earrings to the little handbags, it’s really something to be seen.” These miniature models come from Skarin’s mother’s childhood vintage Barbie collection and they’re connecting with customers of all ages. “I think it’s very cool, very now,” said one customer. “I’m glad to see her strutting her stuff again loud and proud and it’s very eclectic and I love it and so does my granddaughter.” With this new look, Barbie