Category: Deserts

Over 50 dogs rescued from a hoarding situation in Desert Hot Springs were flown to Utah by the nonprofit Wings of Rescue. This marks the third dog hoarding case in the area in the past three weeks. The animals, which were found by Riverside County Animal Control Services and received necessary treatment, are now awaiting new homes. The flight and associated costs were covered by donations to the rescue group.

The Cathedral City Council has unanimously approved a proposal to raise the sales tax by 0.5%, from 8.75% to 9.25%. The measure, which will be decided by voters in November, is expected to generate $5 million for city services. Similar measures will be voted on in Palm Desert and Desert Hot Springs, with proposed increases of 1%.

Firefighters are managing a fire that erupted at a strip mall earlier today. The blaze, first reported around 8:15 a.m., caused significant damage to two units, including State Senator Steve Padilla’s office. While no injuries have been reported, the fire led to extensive damage, with other units affected by water leakage. The cause of the fire remains unknown.

The Indio Police Department is inviting the public to join officers for coffee and conversation at a ‘Coffee with a Cop’ event tomorrow morning. Held at the Starbucks on Jackson Street in Indio from 7 to 9 a.m., this event offers a great opportunity for residents to engage with local police and discuss neighborhood issues.

A rapidly spreading fire, dubbed the Park Fire, has burned at least 45,000 acres in northern California, just north of Chico. As of now, the blaze is only 3% contained. Mandatory evacuation orders have been issued for communities in Butte County and neighboring Tama County. Evacuation centers and animal shelters have been set up for affected residents. This fire is ravaging the same area devastated by the 2018 Camp Fire, which claimed 85 lives. In related news, the Riverside County Fire Department is battling a two-alarm fire at a strip mall in Indio, with multiple crews on the scene.

Jerry Steffen reports clear skies over the Coachella Valley with temperatures soaring to 116°F yesterday, well above the normal 109°F. Today promises to be even hotter, reaching up to 119°F. The region remains under an excessive heat warning. While yesterday saw mountain thunderstorms, today’s forecast includes a slight chance of similar activity. Relief from the heat and humidity is expected by the weekend as temperatures drop to around 110°F with drier air moving in. Enjoy the brief respite as humidity levels are set to rise again as August approaches.

Maricopa County, Arizona, has reported at least 27 deaths directly attributed to the extreme heat this summer, with nearly 400 additional deaths suspected to be heat-related. Phoenix, within Maricopa County, is experiencing its hottest start to summer on record, with June temperatures surpassing last year’s and July approaching those historic highs. The city previously recorded the highest temperatures of any U.S. city last year.

Over 50 dogs were discovered abandoned at a Sky Valley residence this week, marking Riverside County Animal Services’ third hoarding case this month. The property’s owner was found deceased. Animal Services removed over a dozen dogs on Monday and will return to collect the remaining animals. Rescue groups, including Wings of Rescue, are assisting with transport to Utah, funded by donations. However, many dogs will be sent to the already overcrowded Coachella Valley Animal Campus in 1000 Palms, which urgently needs fosters and adopters to prevent euthanasia due to space constraints.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has arrested Reese Westenberger, a 59-year-old Anaheim resident, for robbing two banks in Palm Desert. Surveillance footage shows Westenberger at the US Bank on June 26 and Mechanics Bank on July 11. He was seen wearing a ball cap and ponytail. Arrested in Anaheim, Westenberger has been booked into jail in Banning. In both instances, he entered the banks unarmed and escaped with undisclosed amounts of cash.

A criminal investigation is underway into the alleged misuse of funds in Palm Springs’ guaranteed income program by Queer Works. Palm Springs City Council member Lisa Middleton stated that both the Riverside County District Attorney’s office and the Palm Springs Police Department are investigating. Following the probe, DAP Health has taken over full management of the program to ensure uninterrupted benefits for participants. Initially intended to observe the project, DAP Health is currently not under investigation. The program, reported by the Palm Springs Post, was designed to provide $800 monthly payments to low-income residents for 18 months.

Tonight, the Desert Health Care District will continue community meetings to discuss the proposed lease takeover from Tenet Health. The finalization of the deal, which includes a 30-year lease to operate Desert Regional Medical Center, faced delays due to concerns over a non-compete clause. Community input has prompted the board to revise the agreement, aiming for a balanced solution before the August 9th deadline to place it on the November ballot. Officials from other medical facilities, like Eisenhower Health, have expressed disappointment with the current draft, citing potential negative impacts on healthcare access.

Palm Springs International Airport conducted its first-ever K-9 Familiarization training exercise in California, featuring around 30 emotional support dogs from various first responder and public agencies. The training aimed to expose these canines to different airport environments, including security checkpoints and screening rooms, to prepare them for assisting people during traumatic events. The exercise was organized in collaboration with Guide Dogs of the Desert, the TSA, and the Garden Grove Police Department.

The crucial meeting on downtown Palm Springs parking solutions has been postponed due to a global outage affecting Dixon Resources. The session, intended to gather local input on improving parking, will be rescheduled to ensure community feedback is incorporated into the study.

A dramatic video shows a firefighter combating a blaze on a deck in Riverside. The mayor confirmed that fireworks ignited the Hawarden fire and security footage reveals two potential suspects. The fire has destroyed three buildings and damaged four others. Meanwhile, the Eagle fire in nearby Corona has burned approximately 2,000 acres, with no injuries reported so far.

Starting with clear skies, the Coachella Valley area will see mountain clouds building and potential thunderstorms this afternoon. Yesterday’s high was 113°F, and today’s temperatures will again reach the mid-teens, with the possibility of thunderstorms in the high desert and mountain regions. Winds are mild, bringing humidity from the southeast. An excessive heat warning is extended through Thursday, with highs reaching 117°F. Relief is expected by Saturday with lower temperatures and reduced humidity.

A 500-acre wildfire in Riverside, California, has led to the evacuation of 1500 homes, with the blaze remaining uncontained as of now. The fire, which began on Sunday, has destroyed three homes and damaged four others. Fortunately, no injuries have been reported. Concurrently, the Eagle fire in Riverside County has burned 500 acres and is 25% contained, prompting authorities to downgrade evacuation orders to warnings. The rapid spread of wildfires is exacerbated by drought conditions and recent heat waves across the western United States, creating ideal conditions for uncontrollable fires.

The Coachella Valley remains under an excessive heat warning as temperatures soar to 116°F, following a record-breaking 120°F on Saturday. Currently, temperatures are in the upper 80s to low 90s, with mild winds and clear skies. Mid-level moisture may cause afternoon thunderstorms in the mountains today and tomorrow, but no rain is expected in the valley. The heat warning extends through Wednesday, with temperatures expected to remain in the mid-110s, potentially prolonging the warning period. Humidity levels and dew points will add to the discomfort throughout the week.

A North Hills woman, Nadia, alleges that her small dog, Lulu, died after a UPS driver tossed a 55-pound package over her front gate, landing on the pet. Security footage and a neighbor’s account confirm the incident, which occurred around 5 p.m. on Wednesday. Despite immediate help from neighbors and a rushed visit to the Mission Hills Clinic, Lulu could not be saved. UPS has issued a statement expressing concern and promises to investigate. Nadia, who rescued Lulu a year ago, is now considering legal action against UPS, the driver, and Amazon.

The Hawarden Fire, which ignited in Riverside County around 1:30 p.m. today, has burned approximately 492 acres and remains 0% contained. Cal Fire is on the scene, utilizing a tanker to help slow the spread. The cause of the fire is currently unknown.

The streets of San Diego burst with color and excitement during the city’s annual Pride Parade, featuring over 200 floats and a vibrant display of glitter and rainbows. This year’s celebration was the largest yet, embodying joy and unity. Attendees, including first-timers and long-time participants, expressed their happiness and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Mayor Todd Gloria highlighted the parade’s growth and its importance in bringing joy and unity to the city.

Food trucks are rapidly becoming a favorite choice for food enthusiasts, and Desert Hot Springs is taking significant steps to support entrepreneurs in launching their own food truck businesses. The city has streamlined the process for obtaining permits and is educating residents through workshops in collaboration with the Riverside County Health Department. These workshops cover essential topics such as licensing and permits, financial management, marketing strategies, and food safety practices. The Riverside County Environmental Health Department and the Small Business Administration have also participated, offering valuable resources to aspiring food truck owners. A newly unveiled map highlights various locations where mobile food facilities and compact mobile food operations can now operate within Desert Hot Springs. This initiative aims to ensure that the right ordinances are in place, approved by the city council, and effectively enforced. The city has also designated specific areas where food truck owners can operate more freely, particularly in visible yet safe locations near Palm Drive. Restrictions have been eased to create a clear and straightforward path for mobile food vendors wishing to sell on private property. Weekly events, such as Friday