Coachella Weekend 2 arrests up 14% from last year, 35% compared to Weekend 1

KESQ on April 22, 2025

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Arrests were up again for Coachella Weekend 2 compared to last year, according to data released by the Indio Police Department on Tuesday.

There were 128 total arrests during Weekend 2 this year. It’s an increase from 112 arrests in 2024 and an even bigger jump from 80 arrests in 2023. The leading cause of arrest this year was possession of drugs.

Police issued 80 handicap parking citations, down 10% from 2024.

Coachella Weekend 2 Arrests

2025
2024
2023
2022

Total Arrests
128
112
80
133

Drug/Alcohol/Intoxication
2
24
54
106

False Identification
37
26
15
17

Possession of Drug Crimes
53
41
5
5

Property Crimes
0
6
1
5

Other
36
15
5
–

Data courtesy of Indio Police Dept.

Arrests were also up nearly 35% on Weekend 2 compared to Weekend 1.

Coachella Weekend 1 Arrests

2025
2024
2023
2022

Total Arrests
95
81
102
112

Drug/Alcohol/Intoxication
22
28
85
85

False Identification
22
18
3
15

Possession of Drug Crimes
29
28
8
3

Property Crimes
1
3
2
9

Other
21
4
4
–

Data courtesy of Indio Police Dept.

Festival season isn’t over yet, as we’ve got the Stagecoach Country Music Festival to look forward to. Last year, police reported 124 arrests, mostly a mixture of intoxication and fake IDs, and 83 traffic citations during the festival.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on Stagecoach.

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Candlelight vigil held for artist Danny Meza

KEYT on April 22, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – An artist known for his mural outside a local market is being mourned.

Danny Meza painted the mural featuring a famous quote by Nelson Mandela on the side of Brownie’s Market years ago.

“No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin, or his background, or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite,” said Mandela, who, along with South African politician F.W. de Klerk, won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 for working to end apartheid in South Africa.

Meza is also remembered as a talented tattoo artist.

Friends shared stories about him during a candlelight vigil held Monday night at the corner of De La Vina and Haley Streets.

Details surrounding his death in San Diego last week have not been released.

Danny Meza was 35.

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Driver charged with manslaughter, DUII in crash that killed Umpqua Community College softball coach and player

KTVZ on April 22, 2025

Barney Lerten

COOS BAY, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon State Police arrested a Coos Bay man upon release from a Eugene-area hospital Monday evening on two counts of manslaughter and numerous other charges in a crash that killed the coach and a player with the Umpqua Community College softball team. 

Johnathan James Dowdy, 32 was booked into the Coos County Jail, also facing charges of DUII, eight assault charges, 14 counts of reckless endangering of a person, and single counts of aggravated driving with a suspended or revoked license, reckless driving, criminal mischief and driving with a suspended license, troopers said Tuesday. 

Kiley Jones, 19, a freshman softball player from Nampa, Idaho, died at the crash scene Friday evening on state Highway 42 as the 10 team members and coach returned to the college from a game in Coos County. The head coach, Jami Strinz, who was driving the small Chevy Express bus, died later at the hospital. The eight other players on the bus suffered moderate to serious injuries, OSP said. 

Troopers said Dowdy was driving a Chevy Silverado that crossed the center line and struck the eastbound bus head-on. 

Court records show Dowdy was charged last month in a January DUII case in Coos County. He had been cited numerous times since 2019 for driving with a suspended license and without insurance and previously for driving without a license.

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Coachella Valley Firebirds defeat Calgary Wranglers 4-3 in triple overtime of Game 1

KESQ on April 22, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds defeat the Calgary Wranglers in a 4-3 triple overtime marathon. Game two will be on Saturday back at Acrisure Arena.

Wow! Firebirds defeat the Wranglers in a 4-3 triple overtime marathon. Mitchell Stephens plays hero for Coachella Valley with the game winner. Much needed rest days ahead before Game 2 on Saturday back at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) April 23, 2025

The Firebirds were 6-2-0 against the Wranglers, the Calgary Flames’ American Hockey League affiliate, in the regular season, including a 3-1-0 record at Acrisure Arena.

This is the third consecutive year the teams have met in the playoffs. The Firebirds, the Seattle Kraken’s AHL affiliate, winning both of the previous matchups en route to the Calder Cup Finals.  

The Firebirds (37-25-5-5) were fourth in the 10-team Pacific Division with 84 points. Calgary (37-28-4-3) was fifth with 81 points.   

The entire best-of-three series will be played at Acrisure Arena, with Game 2 Saturday, and Game 3, if necessary, Sunday.

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As concert ticket prices increase, more switching to payments plans

KESQ on April 22, 2025

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – With prices for live music soaring, fans are turning to payment plans as a way to afford and pay for their festival tickets.

More than 60% of Coachella attendees this year used the festival’s payment plan, according to Billboard, compared to 18% when the program began at the festival in 2009.

For some, it’s necessary to experience all the music and fun.

“With the plan, yeah. I guess it can be really hard for some people because you are paying a year in advance, like you’re preparing this whole time. It gets really high, especially for camping.”

Joanna, festival-goer

Coachella plans this year required a down payment of at least $50, with the remainder paid monthly. The service requires an additional fee.

While this might be bringing some relief for ticket prices, there are still other costs associated with attending.

“Food is a huge budget, transportation is a big budget.” 

Shira, festival-goer

“Like overtly expensive. We spent 22 dollars on two slices of pizza.” 

Kassra, festival-goer

Attendees say while you can’t escape the high cost, the best way to avoid additional costs is to plan ahead.

“If you prepare correctly and go about it the right way you can avoid a lot of the extra stuff. All the extra things you need, you can bring with you.” 

Leila, festival-goer

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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SunLine Transit Agency to offer free rides on Earth Day

KESQ on April 22, 2025

Tori King

SunLine Transit Agency is celebrating Earth Day today, by offering free rides on the Fixed Route Bus Network. SunLine’s fleet now incorporates 32 hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, over 50% of the active fleet, which keeps the Agency on track to be fully transitioned to zero emissions by 2035, five years ahead of the deadline set in the state’s ICT Regulation, which is in 2040. In addition, the fleet incorporates 4 battery electric buses, and the remaining are CNG buses.

“We are proud to have been leaders in clean fuel innovation since 1993,” Said Mona Babauta, CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency. “Not only are we eliminating tailpipe emissions through our clean fleet initiatives, but we are also expanding into renewable energy with projects like our solar-powered microgrid. These initiatives are just a few examples of why, at SunLine, every day is Earth Day.”

To enjoy free rides today on SunLine’s local bus routes, the public can simply board the buses and take their seat. SunLine invites Coachella Valley residents and visitors to take advantage of our free fixed-route service today – an easy, eco-friendly way to explore the region, reach key destinations, and experience the benefits of sustainable public transit.

For more information about SunLine Transit Agency, visit SunLine.org.

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One person hospitalized after fire damages structure, RVs in Coachella

KESQ on April 22, 2025

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was sent to the hospital after a fire damaged an RV and a structure in Coachella on Tuesday morning.

The fire was reported at around 9:00 a.m. on the 84700 block of Avenue 53.

According to CAL FIRE, firefighters arrived at the scene and reported a fully involved RV with flames extending into a residential structure. The structure sustained moderate damage, but residents were not displaced.

The fire was contained at around 9:45 a.m.

One person was treated for moderate injuries and transported to a local trauma center via ground ambulance.

Firefighters will be committed for approximately three hours for overhaul.

There was no word on a possible cause of the fire. Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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ITD and JustServe team up for 37th Global Youth Service Day

KIFI on April 22, 2025

Seth Ratliff

REXBURG, Idaho (KIFI) – Saturday, May 3, children and families throughout Southeast Idaho are invited to take part in the world’s longest-running annual youth service event.

In partnership with the Idaho Transportation Department and Madison, Jefferson, and Fremont Counties, the global service organization JustServe is organizing a large-scale highway clean-up project for the first Saturday in May. The project celebrates the 37th Global Youth Service Day.

Everyone is invited to participate in the project. To find the clean-up location closest to you, click HERE.

Volunteers will meet at designated hubs from 8:00 to 8:30 a.m. to pick up bags and vests, sign liability waivers, and receive assignments for milepost markers along Highways 20, 33, and 48. The road clean-up will take place from 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. Afterward, volunteers will return to the hubs to turn in vests and tools.

Participants are encouraged to wear bright clothing and bring gloves, as well as friends and family. Anyone over five years of age is welcome to participate; however, all children under 18 must have a waiver signed by a parent or guardian, according to JustServe.

Following the cleanup, Idaho Department of Transportation personnel will come to pick up the full bags from the roadside. Local law enforcement agencies will provide safety measures.

JustServe.org, a nondenominational service organization created by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, connects volunteers globally to serve their communities.

In 2024, the service group organized a volunteer cleanup of roadside areas across four counties. In recognition of their efforts, the Idaho Transportation Department (ITD) named JustServe of Rexburg the Adopt-a-Highway Group of the Year for District 6.

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Animal shelter volunteer group receives $25,000 grant 

News-Press NOW on April 22, 2025

Chris Fortune

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A social services organization is giving volunteers at the local animal shelter a boost, as shelter staff continue to prepare for a move to a new home. 

A social services organization is giving volunteers at the local animal shelter a boost as shelter staff continue to prepare for a move to a new home. 

The Community Foundation of Northwest Missouri presented a $25,000 grant check from its Mary Margaret Hodgin Fund to Friends of the Animal Shelter Tuesday afternoon. 

“When Mary Margaret died, she wanted to support animals and cats into perpetuity, so she set up a fund with us so that every year the proceeds or the interest from that fund go to support animals,” CEO Mary Hinde said. 

The grant money will go toward the spay and neuter assistance program to help pet owners cover the cost of spaying or neutering with a goal of reducing the number of stray animals. 

“We’re kind of rolling it out, trying to expand it,†said Ed Vanover, president of Friends of the Animal Shelter. “This is definitely going to help with that.â€Â 

It’s a timely contribution that comes as shelter staff await construction of a new animal shelter. 

City councilmembers unanimously approved a $4.7 million contract with E.L. Crawford Construction in March to build the new animal shelter at 3405 S. Belt Highway next to the St. Joseph Recycling Center. 

“We’re finally seeing a light at the end of the tunnel as far as having a new shelter, and it’s exciting,†he said. “It really is, and the city deserves it.†

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Chavez sworn in as St. Joseph’s new municipal judge

News-Press NOW on April 22, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) – Veteran local prosecutor Laura Chavez was officially appointed to serve as St. Joseph’s next municipal judge.

St. Joseph City Councilmembers voted unanimously during a special council meeting Tuesday to appoint Chavez, a city prosecutor for the last 10 years, to the open position. Chavez was sworn in by both Buchanan County Presiding Judge Kate Schaefer and St. Joseph City Clerk Paula Heyde.

Chavez will finish out the remainder of the term following the death of Municipal Judge Ted Elo on March 30, a position she’s honored to fill.

“He was really inspiring people to do better and hold people accountable,” Chavez said of the late Judge Elo. “I hope to continue that legacy for him and help people make better choices.”

A native of St. Joseph and graduate of Bishop LeBlond High School, Missouri Western State University and Creighton University, Chavez’s first day on the job will be Wednesday, April 22, and will last until the April 2026 general election.

Chavez told News-Press NOW she intends to run for a full four-year term next April.

“I’m really looking forward to it and starting my campaign in the fall and hopefully continuing my career as a municipal judge for the next four years,” Chavez said.

St. Joseph’s municipal judge position handles a wide variety of cases, from assault and trespassing to lower offenses like traffic violations.

“I’m expecting a lot to go on and I’m anxious to see all I have to do and get in there and see people in court,” she said. “I’m ready to move St Joe forward. Be more efficient in court. But also have a fair and impartial thought process when people come in front of me.”

Councilmembers previously signaled their approval for Chavez following a closed session last Thursday, where interviews were conducted with her and another candidate.

According to a social media post from the City, Tuesday’s special meeting was originally planned for the April 28 council agenda but was moved up due to the unavailability of the city’s temporary municipal court judge.

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