Dana Mercer
Public safety reporter covering police and fire, emergency response, and public safety policy.
Stories by Dana
Bicyclist killed by eastbound driver on East Palm Canyon Drive
A bicyclist died Monday night after being struck in the 3700 block of East Palm Canyon Drive. The driver stayed at the scene and cooperated; police have not identified impairment as a factor.
Car plows through two La Plaza storefronts on Indian Canyon Drive
A driver leaving a parking stall accelerated over the curb Saturday afternoon and crashed through two shops. Police say the driver was the only person hurt and alcohol and drugs were not factors.
Palm Springs police warn of permit-fee phishing scam targeting property owners
Scammers are impersonating city and county planning and zoning officials, using real addresses and permit numbers to solicit fake fees by wire transfer, payment apps or cryptocurrency.
Newsom signs Tristin's Bill, forcing Caltrans to explain itself on Highway 74 safety
AB 1145, named for a 27-year-old La Quinta man killed by a big rig on Highway 74 in 2024, requires Caltrans to weigh costs and alternatives before rejecting local safety ordinances, and to put rejections in writing.