Just before 6 p.m., the Coachella Valley Unified School District issued a lengthy response to Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez’s call for a state audit. The audit, now scheduled for June 18 in Sacramento, follows a prior request made to the Riverside County Office of Education. CVUSD’s statement acknowledges irregularities identified during that county investigation and says the district is actively working to correct them.
However, the district’s response also takes aim at the Assemblymember, suggesting that as a newly elected official, Gonzalez may not yet fully understand the systems within the cities he serves. They also note that no other school districts in his region have been singled out for this kind of scrutiny.
While the district says it’s addressing concerns, it did not comment on what it plans to present at the upcoming audit hearing in Sacramento.
Meanwhile, Riverside County Animal Services is showing signs of significant cultural change. At a recent Animal Commission meeting, longtime attendees described a noticeable shift in tone. NBC Palm Springs contributor Mary Strong said the once-contentious meetings had transformed into collaborative sessions.
“It was the first meeting in a year where people left smiling,” said Michael Fitz-Russell, president of Loving All Animals.
The department, which was once criticized for being dismissive under previous leadership, has now adopted a new branding initiative called “Rivco Rise.” This reflects a new commitment to becoming a no-kill county—a goal underscored by a formal resolution passed in May.
Mary Martin, the new director of Riverside County Animal Services, credits consultant Kristen Haasen for her behind-the-scenes work in analyzing data and helping identify areas that need improvement. Though Haasen has largely remained out of the spotlight, Martin says her efforts have been instrumental.
One topic Martin addressed was the public’s misunderstanding of “managed intake.” Rather than refusing animals, the policy encourages temporary care by community members before bringing pets into the shelter—often resulting in quicker reunions with owners and less strain on shelter resources.
Martin is pushing for increased staffing and funding and plans to present those needs to the Board of Supervisors. She and her team have also taken swift action on concerns raised by the community, including outreach events this weekend in La Quinta and Palm Desert to help animals find homes.
While there’s still a long road ahead, advocates say the new leadership is already making a tangible difference.
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
June 7, 2025
