Desert Local News - Index

Desert Local News - Desert Local News Print and Virtual Edition April 17 2008 - Index

COACHELLA
Is It Safe To
Reuse Water
Bottles? Coachella
Girl Says “No It Isn’t”
By LesLie andreWs
Alexis Garcia, a 10-year-old fifth grade
student at Cesar Chavez elementary school
in Coachella, was curious about how safe
drinking from a reused water bottle is. so
she did a science project, to discover the hidden
dangers of reusing water bottles without
washing them. The results are quite astonishing.
alexis was invited to give her presentation
to the Coachella City Council at their
Wednesday night meeting. “i believe that
it is not safe to reuse a plastic water bottle
because of all of the bacteria that could be
found,” she said. “after one day, you can
find bacteria and after four or five, you can
By sTaFF
The city of Coachella City Council
and city community leaders have scheduled
a press conference and community
vigil on Tuesday, april 1st to address a
series of serious crime incidents that
have occurred in the city recently. The
mayor of Coachella, eduardo garcia,
and police Captain, rodney vigue,
will outline the measures the city has
been taking and will continue to pursue
to put an end to the type of violent
crime that has occurred within the past
several weeks. Key community leaders,
including members of the clergy,
find more than 10,000 bacteria
units and after 30 days you can find
more than a million units. i’ve seen
my friends reuse bottles over and
over again and i decided to see if
it is safe.”
alexis had some help from the
Coachella valley Water district, as
they helped provide the bacteria
test strips. her friends became suddenly
aware of her discovery and
they began to start washing their
used water bottles with soap and
hot water.
“That’s a big thing to know,”
said Councilmember gilbert ramirez.
“you’ll never think this is good hygiene.”
as a result, alexis received the Bill Fleming
memorial award of science excellence
for her project, plus a four pack of tickets to
the Living desert in indian Wells and got an
animal samaritans award.
“you’re on your way towards becoming
a leader,” said mayor eduardo garcia to
Alexis as she was given a plaque of recognition
from the city of Coachella. state senator
denise ducheny also gave an award to
alexis on behalf of the state of California.
Coachella Calls For An End
To The Recent Violence
school administrators, senior citizens
and family organizations within the
city, also will express their resolve to
work together with the police department
to fight and deter all crime in the
city.
The public is invited to take part
in a community vigil to take place at
the Coachella City hall at 1515 sixth
street at 6:00 p.m. Community leaders
from schools and faith-based organizations
will hold a vigil immediately following
statements from the mayor and
city council members.
All We Are Saying Is
Give Peace A Chance
By sTaFF
Coachella residents and city leaders come
together Tuesday evening for one reason.
To rally against the recent violence that has
plagued the city during the past few weeks.
mayor eduardo garcia led the ceremonies
with a few words of unity. “We are sending a
message to this community that there will be
zero tolerance of violent crime here,” he said.
“a spree of crimes have taken place here and
people ask, is Coachella a sate place to be? We
want to ensure you that it is.”
Captain rodney vigue, Coachella’s police
Chief, later took to the stands addressing three
recent issues that has had the community in an
uproar. “Coachella experienced three homicides
and/or attempted homicides,” he stated.
“none of them are related in any way. i’m confident
in the department that we will resolve
those crimes. at this time the investigations
are ongoing.” The chief later addressed that the
use of a gun will add additional consequences,
which include an enhancement of ten years in
state prison.
The past three weeks, Coachella has seen
some violent acts taking place. on march 12th,
there was a domestic violence incident that led
to a murder. on march 17th, there was a driveby
shooting. The following week, there were
two more incidents where one was injured and
a suspect remains on the loose. at least one
shooter was captured by police.
however, in terms of crime statistics, homicides
have decreased 50%, rapes decreased
75%, robberies decreased 17%, Burglaries
decreased 5%, vehicle thefts decreased 13%,
7
Theft decreased 7%, arson decreased 33%
throughout the city of Coachella in 2007.
The mayor continued, “it’s important that
we continue this momentum and carry on with
the public service. it’s the young people that
we have here and we want to make sure that
they are well taken care of and are well educated.”
The crowds later gathered in a circle around
the fountain outside of City hall and prayed
along with members of the local clergy. Council
member Jesse villareal is also a pastor with
the Temple La hermosa assembly of god. “i
think this is the beginning of something great,”
he commented. “It’s the first time we unite together
and say ‘no more violence.’”
Bena ramos, a 42-year resident of Coachella,
was glad that the city has come together to
pray. “This gathering is a good start,” she says.
“We need unity. That’s what i believe. prayer
changes everything.”
members of community groups also played
a role in the peace vigil. Jack delgado, Chief
instructor of the delgado Karate studio, stated,
“it’s sad. The gangs hurt the little kids. it’s
wrong. I’m glad the officers are here and that
the staff is here to help us. i know that they’ll
bring in more patrol officers here. We’re going
to need them.”
elven escobar has lived in Coachella since
1963. he is happy to contribute his support by
being at this event. “i want to show support for
my city,” he said. “i’m tired of the violence. a
lot of people are afraid to call for help here.”