Archive
Research Shows Nearly Half of Coachella Valley People Binged Drink Last Month
The month of April is National Alcohol Awareness Month, with the purpose to reduce the stigma of alcoholism and encourage treatment. A Coachella Valley non-profit organization that researches the local community found that over half of the desert population are alcohol drinkers.
The drinks are usually pouring inside Palm Desert’s Fresh Agave Mexican Bar and Grill.
Jesus Martin is one of the bartenders and he said the house margaritas are their bestsellers, but he said there is a limit.
“Two margaritas and no more,” Martin said.
The reason they cut-off customers after two of their margaritas is because they are hefty. Martin said the recipe calls for two ounces of 40-proof tequila and they top it with 60-proof triple-sec.
He said, “I just tell them that I want to see them the next day here at the restaurant, and they understand.”
But not everyone has a bartender around to prevent binge drinking.
Jerry Quintana, is a research assistant with the Health Assessment and Research Communities (H.A.R.C.), they analyze healthy and unhealthy behaviors in the Coachella Valley community.
Their survey shows over 4,000 people drove under the influence of alcohol last month alone.
Quintana said, “In one sitting lets say a male had five drinks or more, that would be considered binge drinking and for a woman, she would need to have four drinks or more.”
Quintana is helping spread the word locally about April’s designation as National Alcohol Awareness Month, “So 40% percent of adults in the Coachella Valley have had a binge drinking episode in the last month.”
The month initiative is to inform the community about the health repercussions from binge drinking, such as mental health issues, liver disease and various cancers.
“It’s a widely accepted drug,” Quintana said. “So I think that is why it is easier for people to abuse it and not really have limits.”
And knowing ones limit can make a difference in preventing an issue stemming from alcohol.
Jill Williams was enjoying her last bite of her chicken fajitas with a margarita at Fresh Agave, and she said she approves of them limiting their margaritas to two.
Williams said, “I want to be responsible citizens on the road, get back forward going, so it’s just temperance.”
By: NBC Palm Springs
April 3, 2018
Latest Instagram Posts
Cathedral City City Council votes to rename “LGBT Days” to “Pride Days”. 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
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball