Valley Sanitary District celebrates 100 years of service

KESQ on November 22, 2025

Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. — November 21, 2025 — Valley Sanitary District (VSD) marked a major milestone on Thursday, celebrating its 100th anniversary at the Coachella Valley History Museum.

Established in 1925, VSD has grown from serving fewer than 1,000 residents to providing wastewater collection and treatment for more than 90,000 people across Indio and the eastern Coachella Valley.

At the anniversary event, guests toured historic exhibits, viewed archival photographs, and visited informational booths. The program featured remarks and proclamations from state and local leaders.

State Water Board Chairman E. Joaquin Esquivel said, “The fact that Valley Sanitary District was created years before the incorporation of our first city, Indio, speaks to how fundamental the management of waste has been for the protection of our community’s health, environment, and our precious water resources.”

General Manager Jason Dafforn, P.E. recognized VSD’s staff and partners who have supported the District over the past century. “Reaching 100 years is a milestone that reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of the community we serve,” Dafforn said. “We are proud of our history and equally proud of the planning and investments underway that will support Indio and the surrounding area for the next century.”

Board President Debra A. Canero shared similar sentiments on behalf of the Board of Directors, saying, “This celebration honors every community member, employee and partner who has contributed to the District’s success. Valley Sanitary District has grown alongside this community for 100 years, and we remain committed to providing safe and reliable service every day.”

Looking at long-term planning, VSD is designing a tertiary treatment system that would allow the District to produce recycled water for non-potable irrigation when cost-effective. Additionally, VSD is advancing a biosolids conversion project in partnership with Lystek International that will transform wastewater byproducts into nutrient-rich fertilizer for local agriculture—reducing hauling costs and supporting sustainability.

Guests at the event also received VSD’s coffee table book, chronicling the District’s evolution from early treatment ponds to how it is today.

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Palm Springs Plaza Theatre has ceremonial ribbon cutting, doors will soon be officially open

KESQ on November 22, 2025

KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After lots of waiting, the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre officially cut the ribbon on Friday.

The 30 million dollar restoration project of the iconic theatre finally paid off, as they get ready to open the doors for the first time.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte and other important figures of the city were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A block party will be held on Saturday starting at 10:00 a.m.

The official opening night will be on December 1st.

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“Wild as You” Boutique Celebrates Grand Opening

KIFI on November 22, 2025

Hadley Bodell

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) – Hollie Albertson and her daughters celebrated the grand opening of “Wild as You” boutique and custom denim jacket bar tonight with a ribbon cutting party.

The idea for the boutique and customization bar came about when Albertson took a girl’s trip with her daughters to Arizona. She found a custom denim jacket boutique and realized Idaho Falls could use a space for women to express their creativity and create unique pieces.

Tonight’s grand opening had drinks, snacks and even a raffle to enter to win a custom Ozzy Osbourne jacket.

Albertson said her new space is open for birthday parties, bachellorettes, or any other party you’d like to use the space for. Customers can choose their own decorations and patches to put on cowgirl hats or denim jackets.

She also has salon spaces available to rent for hairdressing or facials. The Albertson family has worked hard to make Hollie’s dream boutique come to live since March of this year.

“And then we just decided to sell clothing and jewelry and other stuff,” said Albertson. “I love creating things and letting people create things and it’s theirs. They get to take it away and they’re like, ‘I made this,’ you know.”

Albertson is excited to have her daughter Brittany manage “Wild As You.” More information about the boutique’s hours and offerings can be found on their Instagram and Facebook pages.

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CVRM provides shelter for homeless during rain

KESQ on November 22, 2025

Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – “I would live in a tent and just stick out in there for a little bit until it pass over,” says Vicky Benitez. She’s been unhoused for almost 20 years. Now, she’s found a new home at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.

“I’m going to graduate. I’m doing everything I need to do just to get right and get my own house,” she says. Just last month, she started their gateway program. She says that being unhoused when it rains, it was a struggle, especially during the holidays.

“That’s when you know, my addiction got worse. Like, to the point where you just want to numb it all up,” she says. 

Scott Wolf, the development director for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, says that they expect to serve 5,000 meals a day during Thanksgiving week. Here’s a list of events for those in need at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission:

Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, November 26, 2 – 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving meals on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2 – 6 p.m. 

Annual Toy Giveaway on Thursday, December 18, 7 a.m.

The mission is located at 47-470 Van Buren Street, Indio, CA 92201.

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Applications available for OSU Master Gardener Program in Central Oregon

KTVZ on November 22, 2025

KTVZ

REDMOND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Applications for the OSU Master Gardener™ Program in Central Oregon are now available. The program targets individuals interested in becoming a trained volunteer who wants to learn and share research-based gardening information.

The program will be hybrid training, with both online and in-person learning. 

Once you apply and have been accepted, you will be considered an OSU Master Gardener™ trainee. As a volunteer in training, you will participate in weekly hybrid (both in person and online combined) training conducted by qualified OSU Extension faculty, specialists, and certified OSU Master Gardeners™.

Training days occur once a week for 8 weeks. Please consider these dates when applying, keeping in mind that you are required to attend a minimum of seven classes in person. For 2026, these are the training dates: 

Dates: In person classes will be held on Wednesdays, February 25 – April 29. 

Time: 9:30 am – 2:30 pm  

Location:  OSU/Deschutes County Extension Service, 3800 SW Airport Way, Bldg. 3, Redmond, OR, or designated off-site gardens 

Cost will be $280 and includes tuition and supplies. Partial scholarships are available.   

Applications are due by January 31, 2026. 

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Support children across Central Oregon this Giving Tuesday at KIDS Center

KTVZ on November 22, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Giving Tuesday is coming up Tuesday, December 3, and Central Oregonians have a special opportunity to give back to their community by donating to KIDS Center, our region’s Children’s Advocacy Center.

The public is invited to stop by KIDS Center’s parking lot on Giving Tuesday and make a gift.

“Give an amount that’s meaningful to you and know that your gift will change children’s lives,” says Ginger Theis-Stevens, KIDS Center’s Director of Development and Marketing.  

KIDS Center provides no-cost child abuse evaluations, which include a forensic interview and child-friendly medical exam. KIDS Center also supports children and families with a family advocate and therapist.  

KIDS Center has seen a steady increase in referrals across the region. The nonprofit expects to serve a record 500 Central Oregon children this year, primarily from Deschutes, Jefferson and Crook counties. 

“Distance can be a considerable barrier for some families,” notes KIDS Center’s Executive Director Gil Levy. “We want to ensure that every child and family can get the help they need, no matter where they live.”

To better serve the region, including communities in Harney, Sherman and Wheeler counties, KIDS Center is launching a mobile clinic in 2026. This clinic will respond to urgent needs for child abuse evaluations and drive out to communities when families can’t reach Bend. 

“On Giving Tuesday, you have a chance to support hope and healing for children all across Central Oregon,” says Theis-Stevens. Giving Tuesday donations will go directly towards the operation of the new mobile clinic. Every gift will have double the impact, thanks to an anonymous donor who will match donations up to $5,000.  

Staff and volunteers will be in the KIDS Center parking lot from 10 am to 2 pm to collect drive-up donations. People stopping by can give by check, cash, credit card or Venmo. Pacific Perks Coffee will be onsite from 10 am to 2 pm, and their “perkologists” will whip up a complimentary coffee drink for every person who donates to KIDS Center. 

KIDS Center is located on Bend’s westside at 1375 NW Kingston Ave, Bend OR 97703. 

If your route doesn’t take you by KIDS Center on Giving Tuesday, you can also donate online at www.kidscenter.org or send a donation through Venmo to @kidscenter. 

About KIDS Center: Built by the community in 1994, KIDS Center is the regional Children’s Advocacy Center for Central Oregon. KIDS Center is where hope and healing begins for children and families who have experienced abuse. KIDS Center provides independent child abuse evaluations, therapy and family advocacy—at no cost to families. Information about KIDS Center can be found at: kidscenter.org or by calling, (541) 383-5958. Anyone with a concern about a child’s safety can call the Oregon Child Abuse Hotline at: 1-855-503-SAFE (7233). 

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Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon asks you to consider giving the valuable gift of mentorship this holiday season

KTVZ on November 22, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – This holiday season, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon, a program of J Bar J Youth Services, encourages the community to “Give the Gift of Mentorship” by becoming a mentor to a local child.

With 90 youth currently on the waitlist, there is a growing and urgent need for caring adults to step forward, according to BBBSCO, a 21 Cares for Kids partner.

For many families, the holidays represent hope, connection, and support. Yet dozens of children in Central Oregon are still waiting for a mentor. Someone who will show up, listen, encourage, and help them navigate everyday challenges. By becoming a Big, community members can offer a gift that lasts long beyond the holiday season.

“Mentorship is one of the most meaningful gifts you can give,” says Jenn Davis, Program Director of BBBSCO. “Our Littles are incredible kids with so much potential. They simply need a consistent, caring adult in their corner. This holiday season, we’re asking our community to help us meet this urgent need.”

What Being a Mentor Means

Bigs meet with their Littles 2–4 times a month for low or no cost activities like exploring parks, sharing hobbies, cooking meals together, or simply talking about school and life. BBBSCO provides ongoing training, support, and resources to help every match thrive.

How to Get Involved

Becoming a Big is easier than many people think. Volunteers complete an application and background check and have an interview. BBBSCO’s team then thoughtfully matches each Big and Little based on shared interests and compatibility.

Give the gift of mentorship this holiday season. Just a few hours a month can change a child’s life—and often the mentor’s as well.

To learn more or begin the process, visit www.bbbsco.org.

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon 

A program of J Bar J Youth Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon was founded in 1994. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Oregon is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. BBBSCO serves over 220 youth annually and continues to grow programming. We are committed to serving at-risk youth and youth facing adversity with mentors in our community.  

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Colorado Lottery bringing credit card & app access, some experts concerned about addiction

KRDO on November 22, 2025

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – Soon, players of the Colorado Lottery won’t need to carry cash to have their chance of winning big. This week, the Colorado Lottery Commission announced it will allow players to purchase lotto tickets with credit cards and on their phones.

“Our whole mission is based around consumers and consumer choice. Consumers these days, as you know, carry less cash. Many of them prefer transactions with credit cards or debit cards,” the Director of the Colorado Lottery, Tom Seaver, told KRDO13.

Seaver said this week’s rule change is all about the consumer. Almost everyone has had the experience of wanting to buy a lottery ticket but then realizing they don’t have any cash. Seaver and the lottery are looking to stop that near-universal experience and make it easier to access the lottery.

The two new rules will now allow lottery tickets to be purchased with credit cards and enable the lottery to sell directly to consumers through the Colorado Lottery app.

However, one local gambling addiction counselor says that access is a double-edged sword.

“I just know that accessibility is one of the biggest triggers for people having access to funds, having access to the gambling itself. And when it’s on your phone, it’s like like we’ve seen with the sports betting, you can do it from anywhere,” Kristen Haflett has been counseling people with gambling addictions in Colorado since 2011. In that time, she’s seen a rise in clients as easier betting avenues have opened up.

KRDO13 asked Seaver and the Lottery about the safety measures that will be in place when the new rules are implemented.

“We’re encouraged by the fact that other lotteries have already crossed this bridge, and that’s really important because we can talk to them about what kind of safety measures and what kind of, you know, controls can be put on this to help make sure that we protect player health,” Seaver said. He didn’t have the specifics on what guardrails would be put in place because they just started working on implementing the new rules.

Haflett said that she’d like to see the ability for consumers to put deposit and screen time limits on the app when ticket purchases are available. Seaver did say those features would be looked at.

“The accessibility is really concerning, and just the disconnect it creates for people with money, that when you use a credit card, you’re not thinking about the connection with your finances like it’s delayed. You don’t have that automatic pain of spending that money on something,” Haflett said.

While the rule change was passed this week, consumers won’t see the change for some time. Seaver said that it will take some months for both changes to go into effect, but couldn’t provide a specific timeline.

If you or someone you know is addicted to gambling, KRDO13 has listed out several local and state resources below:

Problem Gambling Coalition of Colorado

Bet Smart Colorado

Gambler’s Anonymous

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Upcycling for a cause: ReStore Upcycle Challenge Auction to support local affordable housing  

KTVZ on November 22, 2025

Barney Lerten

La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver is thrilled to announce the opening of our ReStore Upcycle Challenge Auction — a community-driven, creative competition that blends sustainability, artistry, and philanthropy.

The online auction will be live through December 19, with proceeds supporting Habitat’s mission to build and preserve affordable housing in southern Deschutes County. 

Local artisans, DIYers, and creative community members have taken on the challenge of transforming everyday ReStore items into extraordinary, functional works of art. From reimagined furniture to whimsical décor, each upcycled item showcases the talent and eco-conscious spirit of our community. 

Bidding with Purpose 

Hosted online, the Upcycle Challenge Auction is open to all, with a wide variety of upcycled pieces available for bidding. Every dollar raised will go directly toward Habitat’s efforts to create safe, stable housing for families and individuals in need. 

Event Details 

Auction Dates: November 20 – December 19, 2025 

Location: Online – View and bid on auction items here 

Proceeds Benefit: Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver’s affordable housing programs 

How You Can Help 

Bid on Upcycled Items: Support local artists and Habitat by bidding in the online auction. 

Spread the Word: Share the event with friends, family, and on social media. 

Donate: Can’t bid? You can still make a difference by donating directly at habitatlapinesunriver.org. 

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Founded in 1993, Habitat for Humanity of La Pine Sunriver has built more than 40 affordable homes in three neighborhoods, including Putney Place. Habitat provides more than 100 critical, health and safety repairs to neighbors across South Deschutes County each year, and runs a thriving ReStore in La Pine. 

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Mid-Oregon Credit Union’s Holiday Dough fundraiser is back, folding more hope into the season 

KTVZ on November 22, 2025

KTVZ

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Mid Oregon Credit Union invites the community to participate in its popular annual Holiday Dough fundraiser, supporting local charities that provide food and other needed items to individuals and families experiencing financial challenges during the holiday season. 

Holiday Dough kicks off this week and continues through Friday, December 5. Members and the community can donate at all Mid Oregon’s eight branches, online at midoregon.com/dough or over the phone at 541-382-1795. One-hundred percent of the contributions stay in the community where they are collected and benefit these local nonprofits: 

The Giving Plate (Bend)—Coordinating the Bend Food Project, Community Store Grocery Project, Kid’s Korner Market, Kid’s Korner Mobile Pantry, and Kid’s Korner Snack Packs (formerly Backpacks for Bend). 

La Pine Christmas Basket Association—Providing Christmas food baskets to low-income families, singles, and seniors in southern Deschutes County area.   

Redmond Jericho Road—Providing hot meals, backpacks of food, emergency and housing assistance to those in need in the Redmond area. 

Madras Community Food Pantry—Supplying food to families and individuals. 

Crook County Holiday Partnership (Prineville)—Providing holiday support to seniors, children, veterans, people with disabilities, and families who are less fortunate in Crook County. Funds are used for food, gifts, and related items.  

Sisters Kiwanis Food Bank—The food bank’s Christmas program provides holiday meals to approximately 175 families. The food bank relies on cash donations to help buy items that are not normally donated, such as meat and dairy products. 

“We know that many families are already feeling the pressure on their food budgets and planning a festive holiday meal can be challenging,” says Kyle Frick, Senior Vice President of Marketing and Community Relations for Mid Oregon Credit Union. “We are grateful for the community’s generosity and happy to facilitate this effort that relieves the pressure of food insecurity for many of our local families.” 

Since 2013, Mid Oregon members and the community have donated over $48,000 to local food banks through Holiday Dough—helping to fold more hope into the holiday season for local families. 

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