mydesert.com

Sponsored By:
Subscribe to The Desert Sun

Local stories that appear in the Sunday, Nov. 22 edition of The Desert Sun:

Local News | Sports | Business | Lifestyles/Entertainment | Opinion | Columns

local news

Valley literacy rates trail state, nation

 photos.com

At a time when Coachella Valley leaders want to diversify the local economy and groom a well-educated and skilled workforce, the desert's literacy rates are worsening. More

A tearful 'thank you'

William Mason almost didn't see the dark-clothed figure on the side of Highway 74, but when he heard the teen shout for help, he knew he had to stop. The mother of a crash victim so badly injured that he has not left the Intensive Care Unit since the Nov. More

Miss California pageant continues today

Sisters Brea and Katie Polos of Yucca Valley finished Saturday's first round of competition for the Miss California and Miss California Teen USA pageants. More

Vote sends health care bill to floor for debate

Without a vote to spare, Democrats pushed their health care overhaul legislation over its first obstacle on the Senate floor Saturday. More

Statehouse Insider: Emmerson set on 37th, but some question eligibility

Don't expect a little phrase in the state Constitution to stop Assemblyman Bill Emmerson from running for the soon-to-be vacant 37th Senate seat. More

Cities slow to commit to Coachella Valley Economic Blueprint

Desert Hot Springs was the first valley city to commit funding to the Coachella Valley Economic Partnership's five-year blueprint when the plan was unveiled last month. More

Desert Hot Springs limits where sex offenders, parolees can live

Two new zoning ordinances in Desert Hot Springs will crack down on where parolees and sex offenders can live — and both are the first of their kinds in the Coachella Valley, the police chief said. More

Indian Wells City Council OKs new 'Path to Sustainability'

Indian Wells city officials are laying down the ground work to create a “path to sustainability.” More

Radar man survived close encounter with kamikaze in Philippines attack

Robert Apple Denise Goolsby, The Desert Sun

The outbreak of World War II accelerated Robert Apple's graduation from the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, Md. More

Teens help others, one drop of water at a time

The Indio Mayor's Youth Advisory Council raised money to help The Ryan's Well Foundation build wells in Uganda like this one from northern Uganda in 2008. Courtesy of the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council

Indio teens in the Mayor's Youth Advisory Council have donated $2,380 to help build water facilities in a small town in Uganda. More

Postal Service revives letters to Santa service

Wide-eyed children around the world will be hearing from Santa's “elves” at the North Pole after all. More

Riverside County Web site maintenance planned

Some Riverside County Web sites will not be available on Sunday. More

Supervisors receive housing project info

Riverside County supervisors on Tuesday will receive a report showing there is “no significant impact” for the Los Jardines Self-Help Housing Project in Coachella. More

Checkpoint nets 5 arrests, 12 citations

Palm Springs police screened more than 750 cars at a drunken driving checkpoint Friday night, Sgt. Mitch Spike announced Saturday. More

Build your own gingerbread house

Ring the holiday season in with a gingerbread house. More

Volunteers battle illiteracy — one student at a time

Second-grader Darlicia Medina, 8, of Thermal works with AmeriCorps tutor Ariana Delgado, 21, of Thermal at Oasis School on Thursday. Three AmeriCorps volunteers work on phonics, phonetic awareness and reading with first- through third-graders at the school. Crystal Chatham, The Desert Sun

Eight-year-old Darlicia Medina sat across the table from AmeriCorps volunteer Ariana Delgado on Thursday, tapping her chest, left to right, as she broke simple words into their basic sounds. More

Sen. Levin: Hasan e-mails could have tipped off officials

The government intercepted at least 18 e-mails between the alleged Fort Hood gunman and a radical Muslim cleric, and a key senator says there could be more communications that might have tipped off law enforcement or military officials. More

Desert Scene calendar for Sunday, Nov. 22

PURSE-onali-Tea fundraiser, hosted by Trendsetter Chapter of American Business Women's Association. 2 p.m., $35. Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, 40000 Bob Hope Drive, Rancho Mirage. (760) 862-5577 More

Study: Internet doesn't socially isolate users

Fears that the Internet and other personal technologies are making Americans socially isolated are unfounded, according to a new study. More


sports

Bruins just pretty on defense

UCLA receiver Taylor Embree (left) pushes away Arizona State linebacker Travis Goethel on Saturday in Pasadena. Jae C. Hong, The Associated Press

It was not UCLA's prettiest win. The Bruins didn't throw all over the field like they've been doing, didn't rack up hundreds of yards or hit the 40-point mark, as they did last week against Washington State. More

Oregon wins, will face Beavers for Pac-10 title

Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (8) runs against Arizona during the first half Saturday at Arizona Stadium in Tucson, Ariz. John Miller, The Associated Press

Jeremiah Masoli carried Oregon one step closer to the Rose Bowl. More

Matt's Mailbag: Why do we see the NFL games we do?

One thing I've learned in my seven years in the desert is that our loyal Desert Sun readers want to know what sports events will be televised each week. More


business

Financial planners enjoy independence

Gloria Franz and Nila Tatum of Franz Tatum Wealth Management at their Palm Desert office on Wednesday. The duo offer financial planning and wealth management services. Crystal Chatham, The Desert Sun

Gloria Franz abandoned the corporate world three years ago to start her own financial planning business, Franz Wealth Management. More

Tourism board nearing milestone

The board that represents the tourism and hospitality business community is one vote away from an important milestone for the Palm Springs Desert Resort Communities Convention and Visitors Authority. More

Ask SCORE: Am I a good risk for SBA loan?

Unfortunately in this current economic environment, banks are very reluctant to loan money to new businesses, even with an SBA loan guarantee. More

Rotary makes delivery to valley third-graders

Third-grader Randy Luna, 8, looks up a word after receiving a dictionary from the Palm Springs Evening Star Rotary Club at Katherine Finchy Elementary School in Palm Springs on Nov. 6. Crystal Chatham, Desert Sun file photo

In this weekly feature, The Desert Sun spotlights valley firms and organizations performing good deeds. More

Valley business briefs for Sunday, Nov. 22

COACHELLA -- Assemblyman V. Manuel Pérez, D-Coachella, held a roundtable chat Tuesday on enterprise zone program reforms. More

Your business, your news for Sunday, Nov. 22

Leif Soderlind has been named regional manager of Renova Plus, a subsidiary of Renova Energy & Solar. Renova Plus tends to the operations and maintenance needs of solar-energy systems. More

lifestyles/entertainment

Singer's legacy kept alive through fans, memories

David Christopher will present a tribute show to 1920s star Gene Austin tonight at Lyons Grille in Palm Springs. Christopher's Palm Springs home is filled with Austin memorabilia, including photos and Austin's piano. Omar Ornelas, The Desert Sun

Gene Austin was the best-selling recording artist of the 1920s, but he died virtually unknown in Palm Springs at age 71 after walking away from big-time show biz in the 1930s.
Inside: Listen to Austin's recordings More

'Fresh' movement slowly makes impact

Participants in the Slow Food event included (from left, seated) board president <b>Pierson Forbes,</b> co-chairs <b>Ellen Sneider</b> and <b>Monique Curtis</b> and (standing) host <b>Tim Snyder,</b> manager of Jackalope Ranch in Indio. Del Francis, Special to The Desert Sun

The first time I heard the words “slow food,” I had a flashback to my mother's Midwestern kitchen, where slow food meant the aroma of slowly simmering Cincinnati chili or beef stew. More

Gift of Life celebration speechless

Attending the Desert Cancer Foundation's annual Gift of Life gala were (from left) local oncologist Dr. <b>Murthy Andavolu; </b>Vice President of Comprehensive Cancer Center <b>Teresa Whipple</b>, Desert Healthcare District President Dr. <b>Glen Grayman</b>;   <b>Ludim Camacho </b>and President of Desert Healthcare District Dr. <b>Elber Camacho. </b> Sherri Breyer Mardones, Special to The Desert Sun

Desert Cancer Foundation's Gift of Life Celebration was quite simply a jewel. More

Hoedown rounds up cash for kids

Participants in the YMCA Hoedown included (from left) board president <b>Joe Hayes</b>; his wife, <b>Nancy</b>; emcee and board member <b>Patrick Evans</b> of KPSP Local 2; <b>Tracey Ballew</b> and YMCA CEO <b>Rob Ballew</b>. Alison Elsner, Special to The Desert Sun

Chaps and spurs were optional, but classy western fun was inevitable when the 22nd annual Family YMCA of the Desert's Hoedown at Sundown galloped into the Agua Caliente Spa Casino Resort in Rancho Mirage. More

Vets show initiative for event

Among the participants in the U.S. Veterans Initiative luncheon were (from left) keynote speaker <b>Stephen Peck,</b> chairwoman <b>Harriett Kay, Nikki </b>and honoree Major Gen. <b>John Bianchi. </b> Barbara Ady, Special to The Desert Sun

Guests arriving at one of the many recent Veterans Day luncheons were greeted by an imposing barricade of combat-ready heavy equipment, plus many tactical and multipurpose war vehicles manned by 20 good looking men and women from the 185th Infantry Regiment in Van Nuys and the 1498th... More

'Leaders of tomorrow' toast 20 years

Enjoying their success at the Christian Schools of the Desert auction gala are (from left) auction co-chairs <b>Clayton Baldwin </b>and <b>Krissy Devane, </b>shown with the school's founder and CEO <b>David E. Fulton. </b> Alison Elsner, Special to The Desert Sun

The grown-up version of recess on the schoolyard was reflected in Christian Schools of the Desert's 20th Anniversary Auction and Gala at the Riviera Resort and Spa in Palm Springs. More

Hot on TV, but cougars endangered in real life

Darin Riggio has a thing for older women — he dated his first “Cougar” when he was a 19-year-old college student. She was 43. More

Alive in Deadwood: South Dakota city marks 20 years of legal gambling

Deadwood's historic Main Street. Photo courtesy of Deadwood Chamber of Commerce

Legalized gambling began in Deadwood on Nov. 1, 1989, when an actor portraying Wild Bill Hickok, accompanied by a woman portraying Calamity Jane, shot a revolver into the air. More

Folks flock to Bermuda Dunes art festival

The first day of Bermuda Dunes' first public art festival drew hundreds of attendees. More

Children should ignore bullies when possible

Bullying is a very serious issue, especially when it becomes physical and requires immediate action. More

Rancho Mirage concert features jazz, pop favorites

Two entertainers will take the stage today for a concert of blues, jazz, pop and Broadway favorites. More

Have you been Flashed? Check out Palm Springs Metromix

opinion

No public option? Drop Medicare

A picture in the Nov. 6 edition of The Desert Sun shows the participants of the “Tea Party” rally organized by the Republican Party. The people in the picture depict a lot of seniors. More

Fox News won't undercut Obama

I recently wrote a letter to the editor in which I stated that Fox News was out to destroy President Barack Obama. Some readers took exception to my remarks. I think these people are right-wingers who refuse to look at the evidence. More

Be patient. Change takes time

Over the past 30 years, it seems as though Americans have become so used to short-term goals and gratification that no one has any patience or doesn't realize the time and effort required in order to make long-term changes and progress. More

Most of us support our president

President Barack Obama was elected in 2008 by a majority of voters — 69 million. Most Americans respect and continue to support President Obama. More

Health care bill would cost plenty

The current Senate health care bill is a scam. It's much more a tax bill than a health care bill. More

Recommended reading: blogs

While I look forward to reading the letters to the editor in The Desert Sun, I get even more enjoyment reading the blogs at mydesert.com that are posted in response to said letters on a daily basis. If I were to believe the bloggers, I would come to these conclusions: More

Rein in federal and state legislators

Both federal and state legislators are out of control. The federal government is $1 trillion dollars in debt; the state is increasing payroll taxes 10 percent because they can not survive until April without our annual donations. More

Obama, Pelosi leading us into socialism

I am truly scared to death. The Obama-Pelosi administration is leading this country into socialism! More

End the greed in this country

Dear President Obama and Congress: More

Addiction is a disease that needs treatment

I would like to respond to Douglas Muth's letter. He makes a point in his implication that drug addicts can be costly to taxpayers. Is this right? No. More

Letter writers have no sympathy for those afflicted with substance abuse

Douglas Muth (“Alcohol and drug abuse costs us,” Nov. 10) and Stephen Weiss (“No sympathy for druggies,” Nov. 6) equate morality and health. More

Charter schools deliver superior education

The objective evidence is that charter schools deliver superior education results and raise the quality of existing public schools with which they compete. More

Competition from charter schools reduces black-white success gap

Alexis Willis (“Charter schools widen the gap between rich and poor students,” Nov. 5) should have read the Wall Street Journal piece praising the success of charter schools and their affirmative impact on public schools. More

Six reasons why snowbirds keep coming back to the Coachella Valley

The annual discussion about “snowbirds” and their impact on life in the Coachella Valley is fascinating — certainly not a topic even considered in northern climates! We are beginning our 12th year living in a small mobile-home park outside of Desert Hot Springs, and we spend... More

Letter of the week: Slow down, folks, and enjoy the Canadians

Let's hear it for slow-driving Canadian snowbirds. People need to slow down, big time. Racing to the stoplights is dumb and amateurish. It only benefits the brake shops. More

Preserve our heritage, but use common sense

Desert Inn innkeeper Nellie Coffman with oilman Thomas O'Donnell. Photo courtesy of Tracy Conrad. Gail B. Thompson, Gayle Studios

On the centennial of Nellie Norton Orr Coffman's arrival in Palm Springs, it's easy to dream of what could have been. More

columns

Golf tax may rear ugly head again in California

Living in California is an awful lot of fun these days. After all, what other state can play the guessing game “How big will the state deficit be in three months?” More

Centennial of Nellie Coffman's arrival is a fine reason to celebrate

One hundred years ago this fall, Nellie Norton Orr Coffman (Nov. 1, 1867 - June 10, 1950) moved to Palm Springs. We should pause a moment and take notice of this important centennial. More

A cornucopia of goodies coming for holiday week

How would you like a serving of Sarah Palin with the final spoonfuls of those leftover Thanksgiving sweet potatoes next weekend? More

Long-term rates waiting to pounce with a vengeance

A new surge of massive refinancing faces the world's banks over the next three years as they are confronted with the need to convert low-cost, short-term debt into longer dated bonds during this period. More

Untried, untrue, and completely unctuous

I used to imagine the Word of the Year selection as serious business on the part of the Oxford University Press. More

Clear

Weather in 92262

54° F

Clear

Forecast

Advertisement

your voices get published

Most Commented Articles

Most Recent Reader Blogs

By: blondambition
From: MyDesert.com
11/17/2009 9:58 AM PST
By: TLAlbert
From: MyDesert.com
11/21/2009 4:22 PM PST
By: roxann
From: MyDesert.com
11/22/2009 12:04 AM PST
By: lqmomma
From: MyDesert.com
11/22/2009 6:50 AM PST
By: k2polo
From: MyDesert.com
11/22/2009 6:03 AM PST
By: copwatchdog
From: MyDesert.com
11/21/2009 6:14 PM PST
By: catmandu
From: MyDesert.com
11/20/2009 7:14 PM PST
By: TOK101
From: MyDesert.com
11/21/2009 12:18 AM PST

Most Recent Staff Blogs

By: maggiedowns
From: MyDesert.com
11/20/2009 11:23 AM PST
By: Pmyers
From: MyDesert.com
11/21/2009 6:37 PM PST
By: Pmyers
From: MyDesert.com
11/21/2009 12:50 PM PST

your photo galleries