Thursday, July 11, 2024

In a controversial move, the new College of the Desert (COD) campus location has been a subject of debate. Initially slated for Palm Springs after a $405 million bond was approved in 2016, the project’s location was shifted to Coachella due to a change in the COD Board of Trustees. Allegations of conflicts of interest have arisen, as some trustees reportedly had business interests in Coachella. The decision has since swung back to Palm Springs after further board changes, leaving many confused and concerned about the potential misuse of taxpayer funds.

Meanwhile, new water restrictions in the Coachella Valley are prompting discussions on desert-friendly landscaping and the use of recycled water for golf courses and other large users. As the community grapples with water conservation efforts, questions about fair resource distribution and environmental impact are at the forefront.