Local & Community
Riverside County Supervisors Approve Controversial Thermal Ranch Development After Hours of Public Debate
After months of vocal opposition from Eastern Coachella Valley residents, Riverside County supervisors voted today to approve the controversial Thermal Ranch Club development following an hours-long public hearing.
The proposed project is a 619-acre luxury development planned near the community of Thermal. During the meeting, more than 30 speakers addressed the Board of Supervisors, including developers, labor representatives, environmental advocates, and local residents both in favor of and against the project.
Supporters highlighted the economic benefits, pointing to job creation and long-term employment opportunities tied to construction and ongoing operations. “A project like this means years of work for our field and office support staff,” one speaker told supervisors, urging approval.
Opponents raised concerns about environmental impacts, air quality, water use, and proximity to nearby families. Some residents expressed worries about manure management, potential odors, and health risks, particularly for children living in the area.
Supervisor V. Manuel Perez asked developers to directly respond to the concerns raised. Project representatives outlined mitigation measures, including daily off-site removal of manure for agricultural reuse, environmental oversight plans, and assurances that water availability had been addressed in the environmental review process.
County staff told the board they were satisfied with the developer’s responses and community outreach efforts, noting the project has been under review for several years. “They’ve been in the pipeline for multiple years getting through this process, and here we are today for your consideration,” staff said.
Following the discussion, supervisors voted 4-0 to approve the project as recommended, clearing the way for the Thermal Ranch Club to move forward.
The decision marks a significant step for the development, though it remains a deeply divisive issue for residents in the Eastern Coachella Valley.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 16, 2025
Latest Instagram Posts
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Tim O’Brien at the Coachella Valley Firebirds training camp!!
BREAKING NEWS 🚨: Murder Suspect Vicky Kim has made a court appearance for the first time in almost two weeks amidst medical delays and two refusals. Today she plead NOT GUILTY to all charges of killing her husband. She is set to appear October 7th for her preliminary hearing. Be sure to visit nbcpalmsprings.com for more information on this case. #breakingnews #courtnews #vickykim #coachellavalley #760
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Did you catch the bug that’s going around?
Talking With Thalia: GLP-1 medications have become a popular tool for weight loss, but what you eat while taking them matters, too. Local dietitian Jessica Brantley Lopez shares the importance of protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber and hydration, along with why smaller, more frequent meals may help manage side effects and support healthy weight loss. Jessica also opens up about her own experience with GLP-1 medication and how it changed her approach to helping others. Talking With Thalia is sponsored by DAP Health. Watch the full conversation at NBCPalmSprings.com. #TalkingWithThalia #DAPHealth #GLP1 #WeightLoss #Nutrition Dietitian HealthToday CoachellaValley PalmSprings NBCPalmSprings
Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery are one step closer to completing their $110 billion merger after a coalition of 12 state attorneys general reached a settlement with Paramount. The settlement resolves the states’ antitrust lawsuit, though it still requires court approval. The agreement includes commitments involving film production, workers and editorial independence for CNN and CBS News. California AG CNN’s Brian Stelter reports. #Paramount #WarnerBrosDiscovery #ParamountMerger #CNN #Hollywood #Media #Merger #Entertainment
A high-speed police chase in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin, came to a dramatic end when the vehicle plunged into Lake Como. Dashcam video released by police shows the pursuit before the car crashes into the water. Four people inside the vehicle were pulled from the lake with no serious injuries reported. Police say the driver was charged with reckless driving. Watch the video and get more at NBCPalmSprings.com.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry. Don’t sweat the small stuff!
As fall approaches, it’s time to start thinking about your annual flu shot. The CDC recommends flu vaccination every season for nearly everyone 6 months and older, and September or October is generally the ideal time for most people to get vaccinated. The 2026-27 flu vaccines have been updated to target the strains expected to circulate this season. There’s also a new option this year: Moderna’s mFLUSIVA, the first FDA-approved mRNA flu vaccine, for adults 50 and older. Talk with your health care provider about which flu vaccine is right for you and make a plan to get vaccinated this fall. Learn more about DAP Health at DAPHealth.org. #FluSeason #FluShot #FluVaccine #DAPHealth #CoachellaValley #PalmSprings #Health #Wellness #NBCPalmSprings
Murder Suspect Vicky Kim was set to appear in court at the Larson Justice Center today following her recent medical clearance to appear in court, but refused. However, she may be forced to appear should she refuse again. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we follow the latest developments of this case #VickyKim #arraignment #courtupdate #riversidecounty