Public Safety

Local cycling advocates who keep track of fatalities say more than three dozen bicyclists have lost their lives on Coachella Valley roadways in the past 20 years.

The penalty phase of the trial starts Wednesday. Jurors will recommend whether Jose Larin-Garcia should face the death penalty or life in prison without parole. 

Calculating rates for anything in Palm Springs proves difficult since the city’s full-time population and its in-season population can vary widely, often skewing the math.

The new members of the fire family were pinned following a six-week in-house academy. It’s the largest class in city history and could lead to lower insurance rates for property owners.

Police Chief Andy Mills on Wednesday credited the community as a whole for the drop in crime, as well as his officers.

Police tried to pull over a Toyota Camry near Murray Canyon Drive and South Toledo Avenue shortly before 10 p.m. Tuesday, but the driver sped away and led officers into a high-speed pursuit.

In July, a vehicle driven by the man rear-ended another vehicle at the intersection of Sunrise Way and East Palm Canyon Drive, killing its driver and injuring a child.

Jurors in the first trial deliberated over seven days and indicated they were deadlocked on March 8. A new jury was sworn in on Sept. 26.

Taking to social media, Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills said members of his department are both sad and outraged and plan to be proactive in their response.

The California Highway Patrol reported that the crash took place on the northbound state road just north of Angel Canyon Drive.  A second vehicle went off the road into nearby bushes.

Police said the three victims were in a verbal argument with the two suspects and that things escalated to a physical altercation.