Presented by The Living Desert, this week’s Roggin Report hit on power struggles, pungent air, nostalgic snacks, and what happens when media coverage hits a nerve.
Whitewater: Where It’s Dark and Dangerous
Fred kicked off the night in Whitewater, where residents are fed up with lined-up mailboxes making them easy targets—and pitch-black streets that make theft even easier. With no streetlights and limited oversight, this unincorporated pocket of Riverside County continues to feel forgotten.
Parkview Mobile Estates: 9 Days in the Dark
Friday night, the show highlighted a growing crisis at Parkview Mobile Estates in Palm Springs, where a senior community endured nine days without electricity. Resident Rick Metzger spoke out, explaining that management has offered hotel reimbursement—$250 per night, up to six nights—but with Coachella in town, lodging was nearly impossible to find.
The root issue? A 65-year-old underground electrical system, currently undergoing a two-year upgrade. But the lack of communication and the uncertainty about when power would return left residents frustrated and vulnerable.
Then came the emails. Some residents claimed the report was one-sided and praised management’s efforts. One even accused the media of mistrust. But when NBC Palm Springs reached out to NGR Management for clarification, the response was two hang-ups, a redirect to “Las Vegas Air Conditioning,” and multiple “no comments.”
Cathedral City’s Cannabis Conundrum
Meanwhile, in Cathedral City, residents continue to complain about a powerful marijuana odor near Date Palm and Perez Road. One viewer described it as “overwhelming.” Producer Kevin, who drives that route daily, confirmed: “It stinks.”
While some residents worry about property values and health risks, one group doesn’t seem bothered—those leaning into 4/20 culture. And a major brand has taken note.
Twinkie Gets High on 4/20
J.M. Smucker, owner of the Hostess brand, launched a “Munchie Mobile” to market classic snacks like Twinkies, Ding Dongs, and Donettes to cannabis users ahead of April 20.
Panelist Stephanie Green wasn’t impressed: “It’s pathetic. Twinkies today taste nothing like they used to. People are eating healthier now.”
Sue Abramowitz disagreed, calling it “clever and creative.” She even ran the idea by her adult kids, who loved it. “If you’re at a concert and the Munchie Mobile rolls up, that’s a hit.”
Stephanie admitted it’ll probably work—“If people want to get stoned and waste their day, have at it. Have a Twinkie.” As for Sue’s go-to snack? “Homemade chocolate chip cookies.”
Neighbor Needs
In classic Roggin Report fashion, Fred finished with a shout-out to local requests:
Mike in Thousand Palms needs help fixing a wood fence and concrete posts.
Scott in Cathedral City has a primary bedroom for rent—$1,325 a month, furnished, short or long term.
Walter in Palm Desert is looking for a wrought iron side patio gate installer.
Narvella in La Quinta needs moving boxes—preferably free and pickup from La Quinta, Indio, or Palm Desert.
Closing Words
Fred summed it up best: “You might not like everything we do. Hey, we might not like everything you do. We can still be friends.”
Oh—and about that small earthquake earlier? “Just a little shake-shake, a little shimmy-shimmy.”
Explore: NBCPalmSprings.com, where we are connecting the Valley.
By: Fred Roggin
April 14, 2025
