Home Care in Palm Desert, CA

The Perseids, the “most popular” meteor shower of the year, has returned, giving Californians a great reason to escape to somewhere dark and watch meteors streak across the night sky.

This year, the Perseid meteor shower will be active from Thursday, July 17, through Aug. 23, according to NASA. The space agency described the Perseids as the most popular meteor shower of the year, which makes sense considering this meteor shower boasts bright meteors, fireballs, and occurs during summer, making it more comfortable for people to go out and view them, explained NASA.

But the timing of when the Perseids peaks may be an issue this year. Here’s how to view the meteor shower, and why you may not want to wait for their peak.

Perseid meteor shower 2025: Here's when activity peaks

This year, the Perseids are expected to peak Aug. 12-13.

Though the Geminids in December are considered to be one of the strongest and most consistent meteor showers, the Perseids still result in anywhere from 50 to 100 meteors visible per hour under the right conditions.

What's more, the Perseid meteor shower gained its reputation for the plentiful whizzing meteors and blazing fireballs it reliably produces each year, pretty much around the globe. These large explosions of light and color can persist even longer than an average meteor streak, NASA says.

Will the full moon affect the Perseid meteor shower?

Unfortunately, a nearly full moon will disrupt the peak viewing of the Perseid meteor shower this year, said the Griffith Observatory. The full moon is on Aug. 9; At the time of the Perseids peak, it’ll be in its waning gibbous phase, said the observatory. The American Meteor Society said that the waning gibbous moon is expected to reduce activity by at least 75% as only the brighter meteors will be visible.

What time can I see the Perseids?

Like all meteor showers, the Perseids are best viewed during the dark hours between midnight and dawn. However, it is possible under the right conditions to view Perseid meteors as early as 10 p.m. ET, according to NASA.

Where to watch the Perseid meteor shower in California

Joshua Tree National Park is a popular destination for stargazers and for good reason. It’s an International Dark Sky Park, giving visitors the assurance that they can expect impressive views of the night sky. Other options, per Dark Sky place certifications, is the San Diego County town of Julian, Death Valley National Park and the Anza-Borrego Desert State Park.

In Central California, Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Yosemite National Park are other options.

The nonprofit Western National Parks also recommended Pinnacles National Park southeast of Salinas and the Santa Monica Mountains National Recreation Area for meteor shower viewing.

Essentially, places that take you away from light pollution and have unobstructed views will be key for the best viewing experience possible.

When’s the next meteor shower?

Both the Southern delta Aquarids and the alpha Capricornids are due to peak at the same time between July 29 and July 30, according to the American Meteor Society.

The Capricornids began their activity on July 12 and will be followed by the Southern delta Aquarids (also spelled "Aquariids") on Friday, July 18. Both meteor showers will remain active until Aug. 12.

Unfortunately, neither shower is famed for being very strong.

3 tips from NASA to see a meteor shower

To get the best viewing experience, you’ll want to get to the darkest location you can, and you’ll also want to check for clear skies, said NASA. One way Californians can check to see whether clouds will impact their view is by visiting the National Weather Service’s graphical forecast, which forecasts the percentage of clouds covering the sky at select times.

You’ll also want to bring warm clothes as temperatures can drop late at night, said NASA — which is especially true for deserts, one place you may find yourself at to better see a meteor shower in the state.

Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

Paris Barraza is a trending reporter covering California news at The Desert Sun. Reach her at pbarraza@gannett.com.

AGUANGA, CA — Two brush fires that erupted Wednesday, less than a mile apart in Aguanga, scorched more than 1,000 acres, destroying structures, prompting evacuations, and forcing the closure of a highway, Cal Fire/Riverside County Fire Department shared.

The fire began for reasons still under investigation shortly after 12:30 p.m. and quickly grew to over 1,070 acres. As of Thursday morning, the blaze was 25% contained, according to Cal Fire.

"Crews are making good progress on the fire's perimeter, and the fire is now 331 acres. Evacuation Orders, Warnings, and road closures remain in place, according to Cal Fire.

A care and reception center was established at the Anza Community Center, located at 56630 Highway 371, Anza.

The blazes were reported at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday -- the first in the area of Riverdale Drive and Highway 371, the second about three-quarters of a mile to the south at Bradford Road and Gelding Way, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine and hand crews from the county and surrounding agencies were sent to the area and encountered flames moving at a rapid rate at the larger brush fire along Riverdale.

At least two structures, possibly vacant outbuildings, were consumed by the flames, according to officials at the scene. The second fire at Bradford was slower but also damaged two to three structures, burning about three acres, officials said. The forward rate of spread on that blaze was stopped by 1:45 p.m. while work on the Dale Fire continued.

Seven Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the larger fire at 1:10 p.m. The flames continued progressing in the direction of Cahuilla Creek Motocross and the Cahuilla Casino Hotel, both south of Highway 371, east of the brusher.

Evacuation orders were implemented by sheriff's deputies for a massive swath of land surrounding the blaze.

The aircraft operations succeeded in closing off the southern flank of the main fire, which was estimated at 220 acres at 2:30 p.m. Crews made a succession of drops in front of the brusher that slowed its advance as it moved across largely open space south of the 371. The objective was to halt the forward rate of spread at the intersection of Homestead and Tribal roads, less than a quarter mile west of the casino.

Both sides of the highway were shut down for public safety between the casino turnoff at Homestead to the east and Barbara Trail to the west, spanning roughly seven miles.

The source of the fires was not immediately known. The area has been ground zero for a cluster of minor and major wildfires over the past three years.

The most recent information on the blaze would be posted in the below X, formerly Twitter page, Castro said.

Initial reports of two structures, believed to be vacant outbuildings, being consumed by the flames have not yet been confirmed as of 1:45 p.m., according to Castro.

Although the official cause remains under investigation, according to a 911 caller to the California Highway Patrol, the brush fire was believed to have been caused by "chains dragging behind a vehicle traversing CA-371."

Road Closures and potential for evacuations:

California Highway Patrol and other law enforcement officers have implemented evacuation orders for surrounding properties.

The motocross track and casino were under evacuation warnings as of 1:25 p.m.

The westbound side of Highway 371 was closed at the casino.

See the most recent Dale Fire Perimeter and the Evacuation and Evacuation Warning Maps Per Cal Fire.

City News Service contributed to this report.

Summer is in full swing here in Palm Desert, which means it's a great time to soak up the sunshine, explore the community and enjoy some fun without spending a fortune. We’ve rounded some free (or cheap!) outdoor events happening in and around the Palm Desert area — perfect for families, friends or a solo summer outing. Make sure to check with event organizers before you head out — dates/times, parking info, ticket requirements or weather cancellations can change.

Where: 123 Farm at Highland Springs Ranch & Inn, 10600 Highland Springs Ave, Cherry Valley, CAWhen: Daily through Sunday, July 20, 2025

Note: Live musical performances nightly 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM and Saturdays at 12:30 PM. Ticket prices vary by date and may be purchased in advance online.

Where: Palm Desert Aquatic Center / Civic Center Park, 73751 Magnesia Falls Dr, Palm Desert, CAWhen: Tuesday and Friday nights through August 2025 — 7:30 PM - 10:30 PM

Note: Tickets are $5 per person and must be purchased in advance online. Outside food is not allowed, but snacks and drinks are available for purchase at the concession stand.

Where: Palm Desert Aquatic Center / Civic Center Park, 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive, Palm Desert, CAWhen: Multiple dates (see below) — 7:30 PM (movie begins at sundown)

Note: Tickets are $8 per person and free for children under 2. Purchase in advance at the PDAC front desk or on-site (until sold out). Outside food, beverages, furniture, and chairs are not allowed. Bring a towel or blanket to grab a spot on the grass. Concessions available for purchase.

Where: Along Palm Canyon Drive, Downtown Palm Springs, CAWhen: Thursdays, 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Note: Leashed pets welcome.

Where: Santa Rosa & San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Visitor Center, 51500 CA-74, Palm Desert, CAWhen: Friday, July 12, 2025 — 8:45 PM - 10:00 PM

After weeks of sharing their air conditioning crisis with customers and this week with multiple local media outlets, the owners of The Best Bookstore in Palm Springs have decided to solve the problem themselves: They’re moving the store.

Co-owners Paul Bradley Carr and Sarah Lacy said Tuesday they are planning to move their independent bookstore from 180 East Tahquitz Canyon Way after their landlord, Lyle Commercial Properties, refused to pay for repairs to the broken air conditioning system. The unit failed during the July 4th weekend, leaving the nearly 1,000-square-foot store without cooling during Palm Springs’ summer heat.

“They said, yeah, we’re not doing that. We don’t do that,” Carr said about the landlord’s response to a $13,000 repair estimate. “And I said, well, you did last time and they said, ‘No, no, we don’t do that.'”

The bookstore, which opened in November 2022 as Carr and Lacy’s first brick-and-mortar business, previously had air conditioning issues in the back annex about a year ago. Carr said the landlord replaced that unit without question, telling them “that’s on us.”

An HVAC technician who examined the current damage told Carr that someone had disconnected the unit and that the condenser was destroyed, though it’s unclear whether the disconnection caused the damage or if someone disconnected an already broken unit.

Danny Grathwohl, a co-owner of the property management company, told The Desert Sun this week that the lease language clearly makes tenants responsible for such repairs and that the company has explained this to Carr. Grathwohl said the landlords have offered to pay 50% of the repair costs and have also offered to let the bookstore owners out of their lease early, which he described as going beyond their legal obligations.

Carr and Lacy aren’t planning on footing the bill for the AC repairs. But they are taking the landlords up on the offer to end their lease early. The new location, which Carr hopes to sign a lease for this week, is not being disclosed just yet. However, it is nearby, meaning the bookstore will continue to be a downtown staple.

That’s good news for their loyal following, judging by the fact response to their plight has been overwhelming. Carr said Tuesday that past and present mayors, Palm Springs City Council members, and code enforcement officials have visited the store offering support.

Fellow business owners, including the team from Gallivant in La Plaza, have provided assistance and helped identify the new location. In fact, Carr said, it was a visit to Gallivant by the owner of The Post (and author of this article) that quickly led to securing the new space.

“People flooded in,” Carr said. “People posting online — can we contact the landlords on your behalf? We’ve had people come in and say ‘I want to buy a $500 gift card just to help you guys.'”

To fund the estimated $13,000 moving costs, the bookstore is launching a creative fundraising campaign featuring a permanent mural in the new store. Donors who contribute $1,000 will have their names included in the artwork, while smaller contributions will receive other recognition. Those interested in helping out can head to this website launched Tuesday evening by Carr.

The store is also running a “buy two, get one free” sale on all books to reduce inventory before the move. The sale continues until they relocate or run out of books, whichever comes first.

Currently operating with limited hours from noon to 5 p.m., the store uses swamp coolers and fans while keeping doors open to manage the heat. Indoor temperatures regularly reach 90 degrees, forcing Carr to send employees home on the hottest days for safety reasons.

Lyle has given them until Aug. 10 to vacate the space.

Temperatures in Palm Desert are expected to remain high to start the week, but a change is on the way.

Ashley Ludwig, Patch Staff

|Updated Mon, Jun 16, 2025 at 11:42 am PT

PALM DESERT, CA — Temperatures in Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and across the Inland Empire are expected to remain relatively unchanged until Thursday, with readings in the upper 90s to low 100 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

An Air Quality Alert was in place for much of Coachella Valley, including Palm Desert, Palm Springs, and surrounding areas, the South Coast Air Quality Management District said, due to "harmful levels of particle pollution from windblown dust."

During an Air Quality Alert, particle pollution can penetrate deep into the lungs, causing serious health problems such as asthma attacks, symptoms of heart and lung disease, and an increased risk of lung infections. Everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups such as people with lung orheart disease, older adults, people who are pregnant, children, and those who spend a lot of time outdoors are at greater risk, according to an NWS statement.

The particle-fouled air is due in part to windblown dust from the Pass Area and across Coachella Valley. Meanwhile, hot conditions will continue through Wednesday for much of the Inland Empire, meteorologists say.

The current dust and air quality advisory was effective for the Pass Area until at least 8 a.m. Tuesday, according to the South Coast Air Quality Management District.

Find out what's happening in Palm Desertfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Winds from the west with gusts up to 50 mph are predicted through the San Gorgonio Pass near Banning at times through Tuesday morning. Gusts up to 38 mph are predicted in Indio.

The winds could elevate particle pollution levels, resulting in an air quality index in the unhealthy category or higher.

The SCAQMD advised people in the affected areas to limit exposure by remaining indoors with windows and doors closed, avoid use of whole-house fans and to avoid rigorous physical activity.

A gradual cooling will begin across the area overnight Wednesday into Thursday, bringing breezy west winds and lowering temperatures as the weekend arrives.

Here's your forecast for Palm Desert:

MondaySunny and hot, with a high near 114. Southeast wind 5 to 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon.

Monday nightMostly clear, with a low around 79. West wind 5 to 10 mph.

TuesdaySunny and hot, with a high near 110. East wind around 5 mph becoming north in the afternoon.

Tuesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 79. West wind around 5 mph becoming calm after midnight.

WednesdaySunny and hot, with a high near 110. Calm wind becoming southeast around 5 mph in the afternoon.

Wednesday NightMostly clear, with a low around 80.

JuneteenthSunny and hot, with a high near 110.

Thursday NightMostly clear, with a low around 78.

FridaySunny, with a high near 108.

Friday NightMostly clear, with a low around 75.

SaturdaySunny, with a high near 104.

Saturday NightMostly clear, with a low around 71.

SundaySunny, with a high near 101.

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