Central Oregon women’s group donates 16K to support foster children

KTVZ on October 28, 2025

KTVZ – News Team

(Update: Adding video)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A group of local women has made a major contribution to help children in foster care. 100+ Women Who Care of Central Oregon recently donated $16,550 to Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) of Central Oregon.

The donation will support CASA’s work recruiting, training, and empowering volunteers who advocate for children in the foster care and court system.

“We are thrilled to receive this generous donation from 100+ Women Who Care,” said Heather Dion, executive director of CASA of Central Oregon. “These funds will go directly toward training a new class of CASAs to advocate for children in foster care. This generous gift truly makes a huge impact.”

CASA of Central Oregon, founded in 1992, serves Deschutes, Crook, and Jefferson counties. The nonprofit trains and supports volunteers appointed by judges to represent children navigating the foster system, ensuring they receive attention, advocacy, and ultimately placement in safe, permanent homes.

“Celebrating the power of giving together and the difference we’re making in our community with this third-quarter donation is exciting,” said Chrisi Haynes, leader of 100+ Women Who Care Central Oregon.

The women’s giving group, founded in 2014, meets quarterly to select a local nonprofit for collective support. Each member contributes $100 directly to the chosen organization. Since its inception, the group has raised more than $840,000 for Central Oregon nonprofits.

The next meeting is set for Monday, December 1, at the Council on Aging, 1036 NW 5th Street in Bend.

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Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez pleads not guilty to felony charges, county places him on paid administrative leave

KESQ on October 28, 2025

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez was arraigned Thursday morning on perjury and conflict of interest charges for alleged illicit acts connected to his decisions on projects in the city, along with other matters.

A grand jury indicted Hernandez, 42, on nine criminal counts. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due back in court on February 23.

If convicted on all counts, Hernandez could face more than 7 years in state prison and be barred for life from holding public office, though given the mayor’s lack of prior criminal history, he’d likely only face a term of probation, according to the DA’s office.

“We recognize the serious nature of these charges and will be working with our client to resolve this matter,” reads a statement from Hernandez’s Attorney, A. Alexander Lowder.

Hernandez is also currently the chief of staff for County Supervisor Manuel Perez. Perez said in a statement on Wednesday that Hernandez has been placed on indefinite paid administrative leave from the County of Riverside. His annual salary is $182,367.

Statement from Riverside County:

In general terms, the length of an administrative leave is unknown at the time the leave begins and is determined on a case-by-case basis, dependent upon facts as they become available.   

As it relates to Mr. Hernandez, please note that it is our understanding that any allegations of misconduct are not related to his role with the County of Riverside.

The DA’s office said the conflict of interest charges center on Hernandez’s vote approving a contract between the city of Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments Housing First (CVAG) program, as well as his advocacy on downtown development projects.

“The conflict-of-interest charges relate to Hernandez’s vote to approve a contract between … Coachella and the Coachella Valley Association of Governments’ `Housing First Program,’ as well as his votes and advocacy related to downtown Coachella development programs,” according to a District Attorney’s Office statement. “The perjury charges relate to claims made by Hernandez on his `Statement of Economic Interests’ public disclosure forms.”   

Those documents fall under the designation “Form 700” by the California Fair Political Practices Commission, which says they’re necessary for the public to know “about an official’s personal financial interests, to ensure that officials are making decisions in the best interest of the public and not enhancing their personal finances.”   

According to the indictment, the first alleged offense occurred in November 2021 and involved Hernandez’s efforts to direct federal American Rescue Plan Act relief funds toward a rehabilitation project involving the downtown fire station, “in which the defendant knew, or had a reason to know, he had a financial interest.”  

The document leveled the same allegations regarding a January 2022 vote on the Fountainhead Plaza, a May 2022 vote on the Tripoli Mixed-Use Project, the May 2023 vote on CVAG’s Housing First Program and a July 2023 vote on Sunline Transit Agency Hub upgrades.

The perjury allegations were tied to prevarications stemming from “gross income received (from) 52280 Calle Camacho,” according to court papers. That property is a single-story house, in which the defendant was apparently invested.

The direct monetary or other potential benefits Hernandez reaped from the alleged fraudulent activity was not disclosed by prosecutors. However, his bail amount may reflect the specific sum that the D.A.’soffice believes was illegally concealed.

A total 13 people testified before the grand jury, though the dates oftheir appearances were not provided.   

The D.A.’s office said a conviction on all or some of the charges would mean a prohibition from ever holding any public office statewide in the future, as well as a possible seven-year prison sentence, though given the mayor’s lack of prior criminal history, he’d likely only face a term of probation.

Hernandez pleaded not guilty to all charges and is due back in court on February 23.

Hernandez was arrested Tuesday morning by the Riverside County District Attorney’s office and was released hours later after making bail.

Hernandez has been a part of the city’s leadership for nearly 20 years. He was first elected to the city council at the age of 23 in 2006. Hernandez was elected mayor in 2012 and is currently serving his fifth term.

Statement from City of Coachella

The City is aware of allegations made regarding Coachella Mayor Steven A. Hernandez and the City’s administration is fully cooperating with authorities. There is no additional information available to share at this time.

Supervisor Perez Statement:

“The allegations against Steven Hernandez are serious, and he has been placed on indefinite administrative leave from the County of Riverside.  Although we are still waiting on more details, it’s our understanding that the charges are unrelated to his role in our office.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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City exploring ways to help St. Joseph residents if SNAP funding freezes Saturday

News-Press NOW on October 28, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — City officials announced during Tuesday’s City Council meeting that they will explore options to help impacted residents if funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program freezes due to the government shutdown.

The ongoing shutdown has put millions of Americans at risk of losing SNAP benefits if funding for the program halts on Nov. 1. The program provides food and nutrition benefits to nearly 42 million people in the U.S, including thousands of St. Joseph residents.

In light of the situation, councilmembers verbally agreed to a proposal Tuesday allowing city staff to explore the viability of a plan to make funds available for impacted residents, specifically working residents.

“It’s got to be people that are just trying to get by and need a little bit of help. Maybe we work with United Way,” St. Joseph Mayor John Josendale said. “How do we help the people that are in need right now so that they can continue and not have that worry?”

The city hopes to make a follow-up announcement next week to inform residents about the status of financial assistance, if feasible.

Previous data indicate that 12,000 to 13,000 residents in St. Joseph could be significantly impacted by the loss of SNAP funding.

“That’s 1 in 8 is what they’re talking about. If you think about those people — no fault of their own — you know, not being able to make ends meet. If there’s something little we can do even to help, I think that makes a difference,” he said.

Josendale stressed that if implemented, the program would not be a simple handout of funds to any resident. The goal would be to coordinate with local organizations to help working residents who are impacted the most.

“With the idea that we use some reserved funds that we may have and be able to draw it down as needed,” he said.

New firefighter gear on the way for St. Joseph Fire Department

St. Joseph firefighters will see more than two dozen new sets of gear added to their inventory. 

City councilmembers unanimously approved a $101,954 contract Tuesday to purchase 23 new sets of firefighter gear for the St. Joseph Fire Department. 

The new gear, which includes helmets, jackets, pants and gloves, will be purchased from Globe Manufacturing Company, LLC, and used for the department’s turnout Gear Replacement Program.                                                   

The department currently consists of 51 firefighters, 33 drivers, 33 captains, three fire Inspectors, three Battalion Chiefs and five Fire Administration positions for a total of 128 personnel that require turnout gear. 

SJSD, MoDOT propose new South End school zone for City Council

Tuesday’s meeting saw Councilmembers amend the city’s code of ordinances to create a new school zone with a 25-mile-per-hour speed limit for Lake Contrary Early Learning Center along Route U.

“Route U is a very busy road and of course, the learning center is right there. So we received a formal request from MoDOT to install these flashing lights and make it a school zone,” St. Joseph Public Works Director Abe Forney said. 

As part of the project, which also includes coordination with the St. Joseph School District, the Missouri Department of Transportation will install a set of “School Speed Limit Flashers” and accompanying traffic signs to provide for the school zone. 

The new school zone will be 25 mph along Route U west of Collins Street to west of Diagonal Avenue from 7 to 7:45 a.m. and 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. on school days. This is being done to ensure the safety of students.

A timeline for the installation of the signs is unknown at this time. 

Elevator upgrades in store for Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center

Visitors to a popular senior center will see much-needed elevator improvements carried out following 

Tuesday’s council meeting saw the approval of a $239,955 contract for elevator upgrades at Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, part of a widespread facility improvement project.

The contract with MEI Total Elevator Solutions — along with a $35,000 donation from the Senior Citizen Foundation, Inc. — will be used to either replace or significantly upgrade the aging elevator, a structure that has experienced frequent maintenance issues of late. 

“There is growing concern that the elevator could soon become inoperable, potentially requiring a complete shutdown for safety or repair reasons,” an ordinance for the contract states. “Upgrading or replacing the elevator is a proactive and necessary step to prevent this disruption.”

Rosecrans to receive nearly $700,000 in grant funding

St. Joseph’s main airport runway will see widespread improvements with the help of grant funds approved on Tuesday. 

Councilmembers voted to authorize two grant agreements with the Missouri Highways and Transportation Commission for the Rosecrans Memorial Airport apron reconstruction project, a pair of grants totalling $697,922. 

The project will see the reconstruction of Rosecrans’ general aviation apron and terminal apron, covering approximately 75,000 square yards. 

Construction crews will remove the existing pavement and install new concrete pavement sections to restore the area to current standards.

Other bills approved by City Council

Execution and submission of the Federal Transit Administration grant application to provide transit operating assistance in the amount of $2,088,082 for Fiscal Year 2025 (FY25).

An ordinance authorizing the acceptance of payment from WoodSpring Suites for future professional service costs associated with the development of a new hotel at 3909 S. 40th Terrace for $5,215. 

Filing of a grant application with the Missouri Department of Public Safety Homeland Security Program Region H in the amount of $29,880 to be used for technical rescue training and overtime costs.

Filing of an application with the Missouri Department of Public Safety for the FY25 Emergency Management Performance grant in the amount of $45,662, with the city contributing matching funds in the amount of $45,662 for a total amount of $91,324 to provide funding that will sustain the current emergency manager position.

A resolution accepting a donation of four pieces of fitness equipment, valued at $20,168, to be used at the Joyce Raye Patterson 50+ Activity Center, from the Senior Citizens Foundation, Inc.

Agreement with Advanced Cleaning Systems, Inc. in the amount of $36,400 for janitorial services at City Hall. 

Execution of a work order with Sprague Excavating Co., Inc., to repair the sludge line at the Water Protection Facility in the amount of $39,272.

Execution of change order with Auxier Construction Company in the amount of $24,000 for additional work for the City Hall limestone patio replacement project.

Nominations and appointments

Councilmember Madison Davis nominates Christy George to serve as a member of the Downtown Review Board for a term expiring Oct. 28, 2028; she is replacing Ron J. Olinger, whose term has expired.

Councilmember Madison Davis nominates Christopher Lanman to serve as a member of the Downtown Review Board for a term expiring Oct. 28, 2028; he is replacing Max Guenther, whose term has expired.

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Public input wanted in community planning project for Nipomo

KEYT on October 28, 2025

Dave Alley

NIPOMO, Calif. (KEYT) – San Luis Obispo County continues to seek additional public input in its ongoing effort to update the Nipomo Community Plan.

Last updated more than 30 years ago in 1994, the Nipomo Community Plan is described by the county as a document that establishes a vision for the future that will guide land use and transportation over the next several years.

This past spring, the county kicked off a year-long project to update the plan, which included a community survey that asked respondents what issues, wants and needs they prioritize as most important.

According to results posted by the San Luis Obispo County Department of Planning and Building, more than 1,200 responses were submitted during the survey that lasted between May 3 and June 10.

Survey results showed traffic congestion is the biggest concern currently in the growing community.

Other top concerns are lack of sidewalks and bike lanes, not enough restaurants and shops, lack of community planning and future growth/housing development.

Now, as the planning project enters another phase, the Department of Planning and Building is seeking additional input from the community with a second three minute online survey.

On Monday night, San Luis Obispo County Fourth District Supervisor Jimmy Paulding, who represents Nipomo, helped provide the community with an update on the project and the new poll at a regularly scheduled meeting of the South County Advisory Council at the Dana Adobe.

“One of the things on the agenda was to promote Community Plan Update, where our planning staff gave a good update as to where we are, kind of the roadmap,” said Paulding “Last night, we actually, showcased another survey that we’re doing that’s trying to really drill and drill down on the things that the community wants to see in the context of this plan update.”

Questions on the second poll include those involving travel choices, pedestrian connectivity, transportation flow and community services.

One of the specific questions asked states, The typical approach of collecting fees from new development in Nipomo could take over 60 years to raise enough money to help pay for a new Highway 101 junction at Southland Street. Do you think it’s important to build this new junction, even if it takes a long time to raise the money for it? Yes or No?

A follow up question respondents are asked is, If a yearly fee or tax for Nipomo property owners is proposed for a new Highway 101 junction at Southland Street🛣️, would you support: (select one of the following): Higher yearly fee or tax and shorter timeframe to build the junction; Lower yearly fee or tax and longer timeframe to build the junction; Neither, I don’t think a new Highway 101 junction is important for Nipomo.

Looking ahead,

“Right now where we are in the process, we’ve done a lot of community engagement,” said Paulding. “We’re going to have our consultants prepare a draft Public Facilities and Infrastructure Financing Plan, and this second survey, we’re really help inform that plan and the consultants work. The plan will then come back to the community and in more community meetings, and then to the Board of Supervisors for review and approval.”

Paulding indicated the plan will likely be reviewed by the Board of Supervisors sometime early next year in the spring 2026.

“This comes before the Board of Supervisors,” said Paulding. “Then we’ll have some really important policy discussions as to what funding mechanisms that we want to utilize to focus on the projects that the community has identified as a priority.”

For more information about the ongoing Nipomo Community Plan or to find the online survey, click here.

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Central Coast Winemakers Stay Optimistic Amidst Slow Wine Market & Late Harvest

KEYT on October 28, 2025

John Palminteri

SANTA YNEZ VALLEY, Calif. (KEYT) – You won’t see a worried look on the faces of many Central Coast winemakers as they are well into their 2025 harvest and seeing a very good yield.

Many were talking about the global shift in the demand for wine recently trending down from the past, but they are still actively going after their vines and say cycles are traditional in this business.

Owner of Andrew Murray Vineyards, Andrew Murray said at the mid-October Santa Barbara County Vintners Festival, “we’ve got so much fruit ripe. We’ve got 60 percent of our fruit coming in in the next week.”

Despite mixed reviews from other regions or talk of a glut of grapes he says, “we’re growing. I don’t buy into the negativity. We bought a new brand, old brand, Qupe last year and it is up, up, up. I see blue skies,” he said.

Steve Clifton the winemaker at Vega Vineyards said, it is the “longest, mildest, coolest summer we have had since 2010 and all the way back to 2005.”  

He also notes, what ever the weather or demand, the region can pivot. After three decades of experience, Clifton says, “Santa Barbara County has the most diverse wines in one place in the world.”

At festivals and other events he knows there are new wine fans of this region coming in all the time. “It is a beverage that should make every meal better and make every conversation better.”

Even with the consumers looking at different beverage options Clifton says, “Santa Barbara has the most diverse number of wines produced in one place in the world   I mean that sincerely. There’s no other place in such a small proximity that you can grow  so many things them all really, really well.”

Ryan Carr, the owner of Carr Winery has been producing wine in Lompoc and Santa Barbara for years, including in the popular Funk Zone in its early stages. He agrees, there are many dynamics that go into creating the wines from this region. “It’s got such an amazing array of soils and microclimates, it allows us make so many different varietals small area.” He was working on Italian varietals at the time inside his production building and tasting room in downtown.

He says, “Santa Barbara County has a strong foot hold and isn’t going anywhere  and it is making some of the  best wine in the world.”

The region and its winemakers have received many honors for its wine from prestigious publications to regional tasting competitions.

The wine industry has many economic benefits that aren’t always realized during a weekend visit to a tasting room. That includes the boost to the overall economy in hotel stays, restaurant visits, entertainment events, transportation companies and thousands of jobs from the fields to resort properties.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Buellton Mayor ‘Throws Down The Gauntlet’ To Solvang To Fund Community Aquatics Complex

KEYT on October 28, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

BUELLTON, Calif. (KEYT) – The cities of Buellton and Solvang are engaging in a friendly rivalry to raise money for the proposed Santa Ynez Valley Aquatic Complex.

The pool at Santa Ynez Valley High School has been closed to the public for years due to its age, but now Solvang and Buellton are making a big splash in changing that.

“The pool was built in 1965 with Community fund raising by Santa Ynez Valley Youth Recreation,” says Kyle Abello, spokesman for the Santa Ynez Valley Aquatics Foundation. “It had only been opened in the summers to the public, but now since 2020, it’s been it’s been closed to the public and just used for school events.”

In a $13.7 million campaign to build a two-pool complex, Buellton has just matched Solvang’s $450,000 commitment from June with their own $450 thousand, which was announced at its council meeting on Thursday.

“As Buellton continues to want to lead the way with investment in youth programing, which has been something every community member has said, whether you live in Buellton, Solvang, Santa Ynez, Los Olivos, anywhere in the valley, we need more children activities,” says Buellton’s mayor David Silva.

Along with $250,000 from the county, this brings the total funds raised for the complex to $4.5 million.

“We are just so appreciative of Mayor Silva and the Buellton City Council for their support,” says Abello.

Additionally, Buellton mayor David Silva is ratcheting up the friendly competition with their neighbor Solvang, “throwing down the gauntlet” for an additional $50,000 match.

“Solvang, we really hope you’ll meet that $50,000 challenge,” says mayor Silva. “So let’s go ahead and get that going and let’s show the people that we’re going to make this pool happen.”

If the complex continues to gain momentum, private donors may help fill the remaining gaps in funding.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With The Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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STEDY celebrates ten year anniversary

KYMA on October 28, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Southwest Technical Education District of Yuma (STEDY) celebrated their building renovation and ten year anniversary with a ribbon cutting Tuesday.

The STEDY District celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony honoring those who have helped get it to the decade mark.

They also celebrated new additions to the building, including new rooms, and equipment.

STEDY currently has 180 students enrolled and Adan Santos, a current student, shares how the program has helped him.

“I feel like having that hands-on experience, that you really can’t get anywhere else, has really allowed me to solidify and know that this is what I’m going to do. It’s really helped me discover the passion I have for the future, and I’m eternally grateful for the program,” Santos says.

In the previous decade, 300 students have graduated from the district.

It offers classes in cosmetology, information technology, and the medical field.

The district suprintendent, Tom Tyree, explains how they prepare students for the future.

“The jobs of today and the future are really highly technical jobs, and so, a lot of the things we do are STEM-related types of activities and things that will support our students and our workforce,” said Tyree.

The program has students involved from all over Yuma County and several school districts.

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Bend Police release new details about victim of 30-foot fall from cliff at Sawyer Park

KTVZ on October 28, 2025

Gregory Deffenbaugh

(Update: Police identify fall victim)

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Bend Policehad some new information to share Tuesday about a man who was seriously injured Monday in a 30-foot fall from from a cliff at Sawyer Park.

Bend PD Communications Manager Sheila Miller told KTVZ News that officers have positively identified the victim as a 53-year-old Bend man. She said she did not yet have a condition yet on the man, who sustained life-threatening injuries in Monday’s fall.

Shortly after 11 a.m. Monday, Bend Police responded to a report of a man who had fallen from an approximately 30-foot cliff in Sawyer Park.  

The 911 caller reported he could see the man at the bottom of a cliff at the edge of the Deschutes River, and the victim appeared to have serious injuries.

Bend Police requested assistance from Deschutes County Search & Rescue, and two officers were able to reach the man and provide care until Bend Fire & Rescue medics and SAR arrived on scene.

Medics and SAR personnel lifted the victim out of the canyon shortly after noon, and he was taken by ambulance to St. Charles Bend.

An investigation into the incident is ongoing.  

Bend Police said they wish to thank Bend Fire & Rescue and Deschutes County Search & Rescue personnel for their assistance. 

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Yellowstone roads reopen after multiple weekend winter weather accidents; Winter closure begins Nov. 1

KIFI on October 28, 2025

News Team

YELLOWSTONE, Montana (KIFI) — All Yellowstone National Park roads, aside from roads that have closed for the season, have now reopened to travel after hazardous winter driving conditions led to multiple traffic incidents and accidents over the weekend.

RELATED: Major road closures south of Mammoth due to wicked winter weather

Yellowstone staff are issuing a reminder to visitors that most of the park’s roads will close after Friday, October 31. The park is preparing to close the West, South, and East entrances on November 1st for the winter season.

The only roads open year-round are between the North Entrance in Gardiner, Montana, and the Northeast Entrance in Cooke City/Silver Gate, Montana (via Mammoth Hot Springs, Tower Junction, and Lamar Valley). 

Visitors planning to drive in the park during the fall and winter should: 

Prepare for changing weather conditions. 

Have flexible travel plans. 

Expect limited services. Check Operating Dates for details. 

Anticipate possible road closures due to inclement weather and dangerous driving conditions. 

Check for temporary travel restrictions or closures that can occur at any time without notice. 

Stay informed about up-to-date road conditions in Yellowstone:

Visit Park Roads. 

Receive Yellowstone road alerts on your mobile phone by texting “82190” to 888-777 (an automatic text reply will confirm receipt and provide instructions). 

Call (307) 344-2117 for a recorded message. 

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County animal services speaks out on new annual rate hikes

KESQ on October 28, 2025

Athena Jreij

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Earlier this week, the Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) request to hike fees charged to cities that contract with the agency over the next three years to cover expenses for personnel, impounds and other necessities.

In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board signed off on the rate adjustments, which are retroactive to the start of the current fiscal year on July 1 and continue until the end of June 2028.

“The … rates are necessary to keep up with the ongoing operational costs associated with providing efficient services and essential programs to county residents and their animals,” according to an agency statement posted to the board’s agenda. 

Today, RCDAS Animal Director Mary Martin spoke out on the rate hikes, which are raising some animal budgets by hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Martin says the hikes are long overdue to keep up with rising costs in the animal world, and life-saving initiatives.

“It has been a number of years since there has been any rate increase, but the cost of services have risen. The cost for staffing, the cost for all of the supplies, veterinary care, all of that. However, on top of that, we really wanted to ensure that we were doing what our communities wanted us to do, which is life saving,” Martin said.

Four Coachella Valley cities have been approved for rate hikes, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Indio and Palm Desert.

Breaking down the numbers, News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij found the four cities combined are set to pay over $1.8 million in new rates combined, over three years.

The Board of Supervisors approved a 5% field rate hike for three years, which covers animal control services. On top of those, higher shelter charges were also approved for individual cities.

Indian Wells is currently contracted to pay $1,580 through December of this year. By 2028, they’ll pay over $18,000 annually according to the county agenda.

In Palm Desert, they city increased it’s contract by more than 37% for field rates. This year, they’re set to pay over $236,000. By 2028, that number will increase to $588,648, for both field and shelter fees.

Mayor Pro Tem Evan Trubee says the price is worth it when considering the cost of shelter operations in-house.

“If we bring it in house and have our own shelter, our own animal service officers, the salaries, the benefits, the pensions, etc., you get up into the several million dollar per year range,” Trubee said.

Screenshot

The city of La Quinta more than doubled it’s budget, raising rates from more than $185,000 to over $535,000 annually by 2028.

“We’re fortunate as a city to be financially strong and solvent. We can absorb those costs. The last thing we want to do is put our animals at risk in our city because we’re not able or capable or willing to, support those increases,” City Councilmember Steve Sanchez said.

Screenshot

The largest growth is in Indio, which is raising it’s budget from more than $630,000 a year to over $1.7 million by 2028 as well.

Martin says with new funding, the county plans to hire 38 new employees targeting no-kill work.

“We’re inching up slowly in that life saving, but we hope that these positions will really increase that life saving. We asked for the creation of 38 new positions, all of whom are focused on all of the life-saving programs. So adoption, rescue, foster and community pet support. That’s the piece that I am super excited to see, how we’re able to help people keep their pets,” Martin said.

In May, the board approved a “no kill” policy, resolving that the county will make it an objective to preserve the lives of a minimum of 90% of all cats and dogs impounded at the county’s four shelters.  

The policy entails greater emphasis on free or low-cost spay and neuter clinics, enhanced “return-to owner” programs that unite lost pets with their loved ones, adoption campaigns with full fee waivers and expedited “trap-neuter-return-to-field” programs that were inaugurated in March 2024.   

Three Coachella Valley cities – Cathedral City, Coachella, and Rancho Mirage, still need their rate hikes approved.

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