Uken Report

29/06/2024

For $74,990, the city of Palm Springs recently commenced a Historical Context Study with well-known Southern California consultant Architectural Resources Group to document the facts surrounding the complex history of Section 14.

Palm Springs commenced a Historical Context Study with Architectural Resources Group to document the facts surrounding Section 14.

28/06/2024

A long-awaited ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the installation of the new playground equipment at Victoria Park, is set for 11 a.m. Wednesday, July 3, at Victoria Park, 2744 N. Via Miraleste.

A ceremony to celebrate the installation of new playground equipment at Victoria Park, is set for 11 a.m. on July 3, at Victoria Park.

28/06/2024

Interim Superintendent and President of College of the Desert (COD) Laura Hope has had a major impact on the College’s culture since she joined the community last year. Her success has come from listening to and addressing the most pressing needs of the community and introducing new student success programs. All the while, she oversaw significant multi-campus developments.

Interim Superintendent/President of College of the Desert Laura Hope has had an impact on the College culture since she joined the community

27/06/2024

Daniel Pitts has announced his intention to seek the open City Council seat in District 2 in for the November 2024 elections.

Daniel Pitts has announced his intention to seek the open City Council seat in District 2 in for the November 2024 elections.

27/06/2024

Democratic leaders behind the successful “Calexico Recall City Council Campaign” have announced their support for Jeff Gonzalez’s State Assembly campaign.

Former Calexico Mayor Maritza Hurtado and community activist Jesus Solano will serve as Co-Chairs of the “Democrats for Gonzalez” coalition.

27/06/2024

Democrat Jose "Joey" Acuña Jr. remained mum on questions regarding gay marriage and more in a recent series of questions Uken Report sent to both him and Republican Jeff Gonzalez. Each is vying for the seat currently held by Democrat Eduardo Garcia who chose not to seek re-election.

Gonzalez, a former combat marine, answered all questions.

https://ukenreport.com/acuna-refuses-to-answer-gay-marriage-question/

Democrat Joey Acuña Jr. remained mum on questions regarding gay marriage in a series of questions sent to him and Republican Jeff Gonzalez.

27/06/2024

Rob Bignell, a top-selling hiking writer, this week guides hikers up to Jenks Lake in the San Bernardino National Forest.

https://ukenreport.com/jenks-lake-trail-offers-respite-from-heat/

Day Hiking Trails

27/06/2024

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, deputies assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a bank robbery in the 72000 block of Highway 111 in Palm Desert,

At 2 p.m. Wednesday, June 26, deputies assigned to the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a bank robbery in Palm Desert

26/06/2024

A rise in illegal fireworks in recent years, prompted Riverside County to launch a citation, fine, and public education effort to curb the dangerous activity.

A rise in illegal fireworks in recent years, prompted Riverside County to launch a citation, fine, and education effort to curb the activity.

26/06/2024

College of the Desert is currently transitioning all single-use restrooms to gender-neutral restrooms. Part of that initiative is providing menstrual products to its marginalized students who want to receive menstrual products in a more discreet way,

College of the Desert is changing all single-use restrooms to gender-neutral. Menstrual products will be available.

25/06/2024

Don’t say you weren’t warned!

The Cathedral City Fire and Police Departments want to remind everyone this summer that the City of Cathedral City no longer allows any sort of consumer and/or professional fireworks of any kind. The residents of […]

25/06/2024

When is a mistake just a mistake? When is it lying for political gain, as some of Anyse Smith's opponents claim? You decide.

https://ukenreport.com/palm-desert-geography-confuses-voters-candidate/

Because of Palm Desert geography, 71730 Jaguar Way sits in an unincorporated area of Palm Desert, so you live in Riverside County.

25/06/2024

"There were times last year when we didn’t have the manpower to fully staff our engine and ambulances," Fire Chief Michael Contreras said.

A new policy on the table on how employees can take time off might be fueling the cocmplaintss, he suspects.

Michael Contreras, named Chief of the Cathedral City Fire Department in October 2022, is the target of complaints from within his department,

24/06/2024

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway will operate with extended hours on July 4 and 5 in observance of the Fourth of July holiday. On Thursday, July 4, the first tramcar up will be at 8 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 8 p.m. and the last tramcar down will be at 9:30 p.m. On Friday, July 5, the first tramcar up will be at 8 a.m., the last tramcar up will be at 9 p.m. and the last tramcar down will be at 10:30 p.m.

And, don't forget military days!

During July, U.S. military personnel with valid military identification receive free admission to the Tramway and a gift for “Military Days.”

24/06/2024

Readers are saying they missed this while out of town for the weekkend.

Karina Quintanilla, currently serving a one-year rotation as mayor, jeopardized her credibility when she cried wolf, claiming Councilmember Kathleen Kelly slapped her not once or twice but four times during a March 13 Housing Commission meeting.

Karina Quintanilla jeopardized her credibility when she cried wolf, claiming Councilmember Kathleen Kelly slapped her during a meeting.

24/06/2024

This city, the largest in the Coachella Valley, will host an Independence Day Block Party in Downtown Indio on Friday, July 5 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. This free, family-friendly event promises an evening filled with food, fun, and festivities for all ages.

The city of Indio welcomes the community to its Independence Day Block Party in Downtown Indio on Friday, July 5 from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m.

24/06/2024

A 33-year-old Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on June 22 for multiple felony charges related to sexual assault, Sgt. Mike Kelleher reported.

A Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility Friday on felony sexual assault charges.

23/06/2024

Karina Quintanilla has spent more taxpayer money in the past four years on travel expenses attending conferences in places, like New York and Las Vegas, than any of her colleagues, public records show.

Karina Quintanilla has spent more taxpayer money in the past four years on travel expenses than any of her colleagues, public records show.

21/06/2024

Karina Quintanilla, currently serving a one-year rotation as mayor, jeopardized her credibility when she cried wolf, claiming Councilmember Kathleen Kelly slapped her not once or twice but four times during a March 13 Housing Commission meeting.

Karina Quintanilla jeopardized her credibility when she cried wolf, claiming Councilmember Kathleen Kelly slapped her during a meeting.

20/06/2024

On Thursday, Joe Pradetto started the ignition for his race for District 2, reporting that he has more than $70,000 cash-on-hand.

Joe Pradetto, 38, says he is in the initial phase of organizing his campaign for District 2, but says formal announcement coming.

20/06/2024

Riverside County Animal Services is launching IndePETdence Days today (June 20) to celebrate pet adoptions and free up kennel space for the annual Fourth of July impound explosion.

Riverside County Animal Services launched IndePETdence Days June 20 to celebrate pet adoptions and free up kennel space.

20/06/2024

During the month of July, all U.S. military personnel with valid military identification—active, former, and retired—receive free admission to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, along with a special gift for “Military Days.”

During July, U.S. military personnel with valid military identification receive free admission to the Tramway and a gift for “Military Days.”

20/06/2024

This City Council's out-of-state travel policy first came under scrutiny on March 9, 2023, when then-Mayor Pro Tem Karina Quintanilla submitted a request to attend the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO) in New York City.

Palm Desert's out-of-state travel policy came under scrutiny in 2023, when then-Mayor Pro Tem Karina Quintanilla requested to attend NALEO.

20/06/2024

Happy first day of summer!

https://ukenreport.com/category/valley-life/

19/06/2024

College of the Desert is showcasing the fast-paced comedy, The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised]. It's an international sensation. College of the Desert

College of the Desert is showcasing the fast-paced comedy, The Complete Works of Shakespeare (Abridged) [Revised].

19/06/2024

Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley (GRTCCV) presents several staged readings of the new play “Displacement: Stories from Section 14,” a fictionalized account of events taking place in Palm Springs from 1923 to 1973 based on public records.

City of Coachella

Green Room Theatre Company Coachella Valley presents several staged readings of the new play “Displacement: Stories from Section 14,”

19/06/2024

Juneteenth is a celebration of African American freedom, heritage and culture; and it is observed through songs, communal cookouts and parades. Happy Juneteenth everyone!

https://ukenreport.com/dhs-designates-juneteenth-public-holiday/

18/06/2024

Coachella Valley Water District Board Vice President Cástulo Estrada Real pleaded guilty Tuesday to driving under the influence with a blood-alcohol content of .08 or higher, according to the District Attorney's spokesperson.

Coachella Valley Water Official Pleads Guilty to DUI INDIO — Coachella Valley Water District Board Vice President Cástulo Estrada Real pleaded guilty Tuesday to driving under the influence with a […]

18/06/2024

Councilmember Russell Betts told Uken Report today that he intends to seek re-election to the Desert Hot Springs City Council — as Mayor.

Councilmember Russell Betts told Uken Report today that he intends to seek re-election to the Desert Hot Springs City Council — as Mayor.

18/06/2024

Palm Springs will celebrate Juneteenth on Wednesday, June 19 with a concert in the Downtown Park, featuring “The Blue Breeze Band.”