Local & Community
The Roggin Report: Amplifying Voices, Addressing Injustices, and Making a Difference
Fred Roggin took a moment during a recent episode of The Roggin Report, presented by The Living Desert, to reflect on the growing impact of the community-focused show. What began as a lighthearted segment has transformed into a critical platform for addressing pressing issues in the Coachella Valley.
"We’ve become the court of last resort," Roggin said, emphasizing the show’s role in giving a voice to those who feel unheard. The report highlighted several recent successes:
Animal Shelter Advocacy: Roggin shared how a man’s emotional testimony at a La Quinta City Council meeting about animal shelter conditions sparked an investigation led by reporter Mary Strong.
CVUSD Exposé: Years of intimidation and bullying by the CVUSD school board culminated in a wrongful attack on the teachers' union president. The show’s relentless coverage resulted in her reinstatement and exposed systemic issues.
Coachella Transparency: After noticing public comments at a city council meeting seemed orchestrated, the show investigated the interconnected relationships in city management, uncovering a lack of transparency.
Highway 74 Safety: The dangerous road, marked by tragic accidents and potholes, has been a focal point of the show, spurring ongoing conversations about solutions.
Community Wins: From addressing disruptive party houses in Riverside County to pushing for better communication about Cathedral City’s cannabis odors, the show has made a tangible difference.
Roggin stressed that the show’s strength lies in listening—a quality he believes many officials lack. Whether it's big issues or small, The Roggin Report is committed to helping residents feel seen and heard, one story at a time.
By: Fred Roggin
January 17, 2025