The Chaparral

05/22/2026

05/21/2026

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California’s June primary election is approaching. From important dates to what voters can expect at the polls, our latest story breaks down everything you need to know before casting your ballot in the gubernatorial primary.

California voters will head to the polls on June 2 to choose their next governor, with in-person voting and vote-by-mail options available statewide. Here’s what voters need to know ahead of the primary. Ballots were mailed to registered voters starting May 4. Vote-by-mail ballots must be postmark...

05/21/2026

Roadrunner Rodeo brought the COD community together with food, games, music and plenty of school spirit. From boot branding and temporary tattoos to club booths and a dunk tank, students connected with classmates, faculty and campus organizations while celebrating the end of the semester.

Roadrunner Rodeo filled the Palm Desert campus with laughter and community on May 7. Clubs and organizations, including the COD Architecture Club, the Sexuality and Gender Alliance Club and the theater department, connected with students through activities such as branding boots and clothing, applyi...

05/21/2026

Finals week got a little easier at College of the Desert’s Study Jam. Students stopped by the Hilb Building for free food, therapy dogs, giveaways and study support while preparing for finals. The event helped students relax, recharge and stay focused before the semester wraps up.

College of the Desert hosted its recurring Study Jam on May 16 at the Hilb Building, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to help students study and prepare for finals week. The annual Study Jam was designed to help students feel relaxed and enjoy their studying by providing donuts, protein cups, therapy dogs, a....

05/21/2026

The Met Gala has long been considered fashion’s biggest night, but has social media changed the way audiences view the event? From viral memes to “worst dressed” lists, online reactions often overshadow the artistry and creativity behind the designs. Read more in The Chaparral’s latest story.

Every year, millions of people tune in to see celebrities walk the red carpet in extravagant outfits. However, instead of discussions about fashion, artistry, or the event’s yearly theme, social media quickly becomes flooded with memes, “worst dressed” lists, and viral clips that are judgmenta...

05/20/2026

The Chaparral Spring 2026 staff is finishing strong! Today, we celebrated an incredible semester filled with hard work, storytelling, creativity and teamwork. From breaking news to feature stories, broadcasts and multimedia projects, this talented team truly made their mark. We were also honored to have Vanessa Fountain join us for the celebration. Congratulations to all of our student journalists on an amazing semester!

05/20/2026

Finals week got you stressed? Wondering how to survive the chaos, stay focused and finish strong? We’ve got you covered. Check out The Chaparral’s latest story with tips, advice and encouragement to help you make it through finals week.

Students across College of the Desert are preparing for finals week, a time often associated with increased stress and anxiety. As deadlines and exams approach, many students are turning to study strategies and personal routines to help manage the pressure. To learn more about how students cope with...

05/20/2026

The College of the Desert Roadrunners softball team wrapped up the 2026 season with resilience, teamwork and heart. From milestone wins to overcoming adversity, players and coaches say the season was about more than the final record.

The College of the Desert softball team wrapped up its 2026 season with a record of 11-17, overcoming challenges along the way. One of the team’s biggest accomplishments this season was its 9-8 home victory against Santa Ana College on Feb. 25, marking COD’s first home win against Santa Ana sinc...

05/20/2026

Members of the Rotaract Club are helping keep the desert beautiful through community cleanup efforts and volunteer service. Their work is creating a cleaner, stronger community while inspiring others to get involved.

It’s the morning of April 4, 2026, and a miracle has taken place: I’ve willingly woken up at 5 a.m. on my day off. Normally, I would be taking advantage of a free schedule and sleeping in until eight or nine, but today, I’m meeting COD’s Rotaract Club at 7 a.m. sharp at the La...