Local & Community
Coachella Valley icon, Robert Bianco, has died at age 78
The Coachella Valley lost a respected member of the community.
Robert “Bobby” Bianco died unexpectedly over the weekend.
Bianco was a longtime resident of the Coachella Valley, moving here in 1965. He was the co-owner of Anthony Vineyards with his brother where they employed thousands of Valley residents across the past 50 years.
Bianco was known as the first in the nation to commercially grow the new red flame seedless grape in 1975 right here in the Valley. The red flame seedless grape grew to be the number one grapes produced in the world. People from near and far would come visit his ranch in the Coachella Valley to learn how this grape was grown.
Community involvement for Bianco and his late wife, Harlene, included: contributions to the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brother Little Sisters of the Desert, Desert Arc, the formation of Palm Valley School and expanding and supporting churches like Our Lady of Perpetual Help, St, Francis Parish, Our Lady of Solidad, Our Lady of Guadalupe and Sacred Heart.
Bianco also had a love for golf, serving on the board for Southwestern Growers Tournament and played in the Bob Hope Classic.
Bianco is survived by his son, Anthony Bianco and daughter, Francesca Gist and six grandchildren who all reside in the Coachella Valley.
Bianco’s life will be remembered Saturday, March 20 at 10am at Sacred Heart Church. 
By: NBC Palm Springs
March 8, 2021
Latest Instagram Posts
The hiring of interim City Manager Jim Vanderpool is drawing criticism online over allegations of previous homophobic remarks and harassment. Vanderpool is pushing back, saying the complaint at the center of the controversy was misinterpreted. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for the full report #palmsprings #lgbtqcommunity #coachellavalley #localnews #760
🦷🇺🇸 George Washington’s teeth had a story of their own… and trust us, it’s WILD. 😂👀 Forget the cherry tree—this is the history lesson nobody saw coming! 🍒🤯 Would YOU want to know the truth? 👇😂 🎭 Catch the laughs with Mann on the Aisle! #MannOnTheAisle #GeorgeWashington #WeirdHistory #HistoryFacts #comedytheatre
As Palm Springs Pride organizers prepare for the annual celebration, one local organization is questioning the reasons why they won’t be allowed to participate. Our @newsbyalondra has the full story in the 5,6 and 11 p.m newscast.
The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce is holding three city council candidate forums ahead of the November Election. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com to hear from the President of the Chamber of Commerce who breaks down what residents should know about what they can expect from these forums. #coachellavalley #elections2026 #localnews #citycouncil #candidateforum
Small mistake or a matter of transparency? What’s your take? Drop a comment below 👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #desertrecreationdistrict #localnews #nbcpalmsprings
Engineering students craft a robot that takes down a 4x4 Rubik's Cube in less than 10-seconds.
Watch a gargantuan, 5.7-mile-long train nab a world record as it disappears over the horizon!
☕️ Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Do you do yoga?
When we took a closer look at the Desert Recreation District, the numbers and details just didn’t line up. What are your thoughts on this? Drop your take in the comments👇 #therogginreport #coachellavalley #localnews #desertrecreationdistrict #nbcpalmsprings
Your face may reveal more than you think. Researchers developed AI that analyzes facial photos for clues about biological age and cancer survival. Potentially a future tool to help doctors? 🥼