Public Safety
Local Authorities Ramp Up Security At Desert Schools
“Why are we in such pain? Why are we so violent? Why? Why? Why?”
Wendy Roberts, a local parent, is asking simple questions with no simple answers in the wake of the tragedy in Texas.
Here in the Coachella Valley, law enforcement is ramping up school patrols.
“During the daytime when the kids are in school, we are going to be there as much as we can be throughout the day,” Palm Springs Police Department Public Information Officer Sergeant Mike Casavan explained. “We are hoping that with our vehicles present and with our officers in the car that it would act as a deterrent should someone want to try to take those kinds of actions like what happened in Texas.”
All three desert school districts are also taking more steps to harden their safety and disaster preparedness.
And the parents we spoke with are in support.
“Everyone needs to protect human life,” Roberts continued. “So whatever we have to do to do that, I’m all for. It makes me feel comforted. At least we’re awake, alert and doing something to protect, you know, my child, other children. And you know the teachers.”
All 23 schools in Indio already have a police presence, but in the wake of these kinds of tragedies makes them more determined to keep students safe and reassure parents.
“What this does to us is keeps us mindful of what we have, and what we need to improve, or what we need to be more alert on,” Benjamin Guitron, Public Information Officer with the Indio Police Department, shared. “That’s what it does for us. And that’s what we’re doing.”
But, there’s a bigger message that police departments want to emphasize.
“If they see something, they need to say something,” Guitron continued. “If they know something that’s going on, something stressing their students, their kids, or college students on anything that they know about, they need to report it because those are the first indications.”
“A lot of times, it could be a rumor or something like that, but we’re able to dispel those,” Casavan said. “So if you see something or you hear something, give us a call. Because you never know what it could lead to.”
It’s important that parents talk with their children so they can understand why there is extra police presence around their school.
Here are some tips for parents and teachers on different ways you can talk to children about violence: https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers
By: Carmela Karcher
May 27, 2022
Latest Instagram Posts
Alice B. has announced its closing its doors. It’s cozy atmosphere and unique seasonal menu made it a must try and even landed it in the Michelin guide. @susanfeniger and @marysuemilliken left their mark on the desert over at Living Out and it will be missed. Here’s a clip from one of our last interviews with Susan.
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride”. The council approved the change in a 5-0 vote during its latest meeting, updating the official name of the city’s annual celebration. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs to see what this means to the Coachella Valley Community #CathedralCity #pride #CityCouncil #CoachellaValley #LocalNews
Discover the Coachella Valley with the Everything Palm Springs app. From iconic attractions and hidden gems to local restaurants, shops, entertainment and even filming locations, the map-based app is designed to help both visitors and locals find more of what the desert has to offer. Creator Lindsay Kinkle is also expanding the app with video tours and narrated guides, giving users another way to explore Palm Springs and the surrounding communities. Local businesses like Buena Matcha are also getting a chance to connect with new customers through the platform. As Lindsay says, there’s so much to do and enjoy here — you just have to know where to look. #PalmSprings #CoachellaValley #EverythingPalmSprings #PalmSpringsApp #VisitPalmSprings DesertLife LocalBusiness CoachellaValleyBusiness NBCPalmSprings
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
What’s next for Palm Desert? Join community leaders, local businesses and regional stakeholders for the 2026 State of the City Address. Topics: • Economic Development • Infrastructure • Public Safety • Community Programs • Palm Desert’s Future CTA: Friday, September 18 | 11:30 AM JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry