Happy Saturday, everyone, and welcome to our look back at the stories shaping life across our entire desert community — The CV Reporter. Each week, we bring together standout reporting from The Palm Springs Post, The Palm Desert Post, and The Indio Post so you can see beyond your own neighborhood and stay connected to the issues, people, and moments that matter across the entire Coachella Valley.

— Mark & Kendall

Gina Russo-Hartman is retiring from Palm Springs International Airport after nearly five decades, ending a career that began handwriting airline tickets on three-foot notepads. Her biggest adjustment? Choosing what to wear each morning after wearing a uniform since Catholic school.

Palm Desert's retail sector showed strong performance in 2025 with a diverse mix of new businesses opening and vacancy rates below regional averages, according to an Economic Development Department update presented to the City Council during a recent study session.

The Indio Public Arts Commission on Tuesday learned more about the progress on the Indio Arts Center renovation. The city’s director of economic development told commissioners the renovation of the 14,000-square-foot building at 45140 Towne Street has encountered significant budget obstacles.

The Palm Desert Housing Authority on Wednesday unanimously approved a construction contract with Van Engineering Inc. to address ongoing flooding problems at the Taos Palms apartment complex on Las Palmas Ave. The project, which will cost $240,000, will be fully reimbursed through federal Community Development Block Grant funds from HUD.

The City of Indio Public Arts Commission is moving forward with a plan to install murals on restroom buildings at three city parks as part of an effort to reduce vandalism and enhance public spaces. The initiative targets restroom facilities at Dr. Carreon Park, Jackson Park, and Miles Avenue Park, with a budget of up to $10,000 per location.

Standout reporting from trusted sources

🩺 The Palo Verde Healthcare District (PVHD) voted unanimously to authorize acceptance of an approximately $1 million loan from the county [Riverside Record]

🎥 ‘Live From Joshua Tree’ features 10 people telling eight-minute stories about our local landscape [Coachella Valley Independent]

🚒 How Altadena businesses are trying to recover from the Eaton Fire [Cal Matters]

Browse our community calendars to find upcoming events, government meetings, and more all over the valley. Have an event to promote? You can always submit it for free.

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