New affordable housing project planned in Desert Hot Springs

KESQ on May 14, 2025

Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission gave the green light on Tuesday in moving forward with a new affordable housing project just off Palm Drive and Park Lane.

Supporters packed the room at the Planning Commission meeting, backing the proposal for the “Park Lane Homes” project.

The Commission unanimously approved the project, which will include about 167 affordable units, an 11,000 square foot early childhood education center, a pool, and a community park to be built on a parcel just over 7.5 acres.

Now that they have the go-ahead, developers say the next step is to secure funding from the state.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this project.

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Local Groups displaced after Casa de la Raza’s Closure

KEYT on May 14, 2025

Tracy Lehr

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Alma de Mexico is now practicing at Ortega Park after being displaced from their usual rehearsal space at La Casa de la Raza.

The city of Santa Barbara placed a red “unsafe” tag on the historic building last week, citing gas, electrical, entryway, and signage issues.

“We are trying to get ready for Old Spanish Days. The practice doesn’t stop, we have to keep going,” said instructor Jennifer Sanchez. “I have to provide classes for up to 45 girls. I’m teaching the next generation. Cultural preservation is the most important thing for this community, so I’m a strong advocate for that. Even if the building is closed, we have to keep going.”

Ballet folklórico is not the only class affected by the closure. A popular Zumba class is also expected to move to the park. Local bands that practiced at La Casa are also in need of new rehearsal spaces.

However, music rehearsals had previously led to noise complaints from a neighbor living in the condos across the street.

Other events, such as a recent Mother’s Day brunch, have relocated to Café La Fonda, not far from the Federal U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where La Casa de la Raza’s future is now being decided.

“It is very complicated, even within the bankruptcy world,” said Lisa Valencia Sherratt, Board President of the original La Casa de la Raza founded in the 1970s. “I understand from our counsel that we have many unique situations. The nonprofit, the original La Casa de la Raza, is in an involuntary bankruptcy with an associated case. That case went to mediation, and the result is that the building will be sold and have new ownership.”

The building, constructed in 1917, is considered a local landmark.

“La Casa de la Raza is actually listed in the conditional use permit. It started as a community center, and from what I understand, whoever buys it will have to continue using it as a community center,” said Valencia Sherratt.

The timing of the sale depends on court paperwork.

“We are waiting for a settlement agreement to be issued. Once that’s out, the sale will be open, which actually gives us hope for who might buy it next and where we go from there.”

Sources familiar with the court filings estimate the building could be sold for around $4.3 million, though that amount could change. There is optimism that a buyer aiming to restore it to its former glory might acquire it for less.

Valencia Sherratt also addressed confusion over the use of the La Casa de la Raza name. She said the original group of volunteers is developing a new website under the official La Casa de la Raza name. Meanwhile, the displaced volunteer group has been using the name “La Casa Founders” for its website.

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‘Ride for Perez’ fundraiser for the Perez family on Saturday

KIFI on May 14, 2025

Phillip Willis

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — A fundraiser is being held for the Perez family in honor of their son, Victor, on May 17th. Victor Perez was shot and killed by Pocatello Police on April 5th of this year.

Those wishing to participate should bring a car or bike to C&G Sales and Service, located on 3950 South 5th Ave. in Pocatello at 10 a.m. Decorations on vehicles to remember Victor are welcome.

It’s $10 to participate in the caravan that will make their way through town starting at C&G Sales and Service, going under the Center St. underpass, down Harrison, past the Perez household, out to the North Exchange, down Hawthorn to Chubbuck road, and back to the starting point.

When participants get back to C&G Sales and Service, there will be a barbecue for $5 a plate.

All proceeds will go to the Perez family.

“It’s to help them through their grieving, [and] help them to still be able to put food on the table,” says Adam Girard, owner of C&G Sales and Service, and organizer of the event. “[There’s] not really a stipulation on it. If they need it for a power bill, or whatever they need to keep going through this time.”

To make donations to the Perez family, C&G Sales and Services invites those interested to call the following number: (208) 240-1683.

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City of Ammon opens pool season with a splash

KIFI on May 14, 2025

David Barrington

AMMON, Idaho (KIFI) — The weather today might not feel like summer is on the way, but the city of Ammon is going forward with maintenance on their outdoor swimming pool.

“It takes quite the production,” said Parks and Recreation Director Tyler Draney. “We drained it yesterday. We had a pressure washer company come in and clean everything out for us, so we drained it out with pumps. And then, the pressure washers come in, bleach it down, wash it, and we do whatever repairs we need to do.”

Tuesday, the city’s fire department filled the pool after it was drained and cleaned. They even invited the community over to watch and celebrated the refresh with a traditional first plunge. About 30 people showed up.

“The fire department helps us fill it really fast,” Draney said. “They have the equipment to get the water from the city mains into our pool. Otherwise, it would take us about a day and a half to fill it ourselves.” 

This pool holds 110,000 gallons. It took them about an hour and 40 minutes from empty to full. The heated pool will to the public on June 7 along with the splash pad. 

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Water Rescue for 74-year-old Man in Isla Vista

KEYT on May 14, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – Fire crews rescued a 74-year-old man from high tide after two men tried helping him on the beach in Isla Vista, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

The two men tried calling 911 when the 74-year-old was caught against the cliff near Del Playa and Camino Pescadero, according to the SBCFD.

Firefighter swimmers then rescued the 74-year-old to safety and took him to Cottage Hospital for an evaluation, detailed the SBCFD.

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Pocatello Residents question city response on Victor Perez during town hall

KIFI on May 14, 2025

Phillip Willis

POCATELLO, Idaho (KIFI) — The City of Pocatello held a town hall Tuesday night to discuss summer plans relating to the Library and the Parks and Recreation Department.

Plans included new aquatic programs for seniors and youth, and new reading programs for all ages.

But when the time came for the council to listen to comments from members of the community, some chose to speak about Victor Perez, an autistic teenager who was shot and killed by Pocatello Police on April 5th.

“We’re still wanting the remaining body cam footage of the two officers that were probably wearing them at the time of the April 5th shooting of Victor Perez,” says Steven Adams, a Pocatello resident. “And secondly, we had a question as to whether or not the four officers involved have been placed back into active duty status.”

This question went unanswered by the council.

“When somebody makes a call to the police department, the dispatcher should ask a very important question. Do any of the people involved in the incident that you’re reporting on have a documented disability or mental health issue?'” proposed Mike Riley, a Pocatello resident with a Doctorate in Political Science.

Members of the council invited Dr. Riley to send them his proposals via email. However, Dr. Riley felt they did not truly consider his proposed policy. Doctor Riley intends to make this policy a national conversation.

For more information on this meeting, please visit pocatello.gov.

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Car crash injures two pedestrians in Isla Vista

KEYT on May 14, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

ISLA VISTA, Calif. – A car crash hurt two pedestrians in Isla Vista just before 7:00 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Santa Barbara County Fire Department.

One pedestrian, both adult females, had major injuries from the crash. The other had minor injuries after being hit by a solo female driver at Camino Pescadero and Sabado Tarde, according to the SBCFD.

The SBCFD detailed that both pedestrians were helped via ground ambulance to the Cottage Hospital ER. The cause of the crash is under investigation.

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Kit Bond remembered for deep roots, legacy in Mexico, Missouri

KMIZ on May 14, 2025

Mitchell Kaminski

MEXICO, Mo. (KMIZ)

Kit Bond, a sixth-generation Missourian with deep family and civic ties to Mexico, has died at the age of 86,  leaving behind a legacy of public service and community impact.

Born in St. Louis, Bond was raised in Mexico and remained closely connected to the Audrain County community throughout his life. His obituary says that after earning his law degree in 1963, he moved to Georgia to work as a law clerk. By 1967, he had returned to his hometown, just a year before launching his campaign for Congress.

Following his passing, Bond’s family requested that donations be made in his memory to organizations and causes he cared deeply about, including the Handi-Shop, a community organization that has operated in Mexico for more than 50 years. The organization provides job opportunities and support for individuals with disabilities, a mission that resonated strongly with Bond.

Bond was also known for his passion for chestnut trees. At one time, he maintained the largest chestnut orchard in the state of Missouri at his home in Mexico, his obituary says. Community groups would often be invited for visits to the home. 

His connection to the community runs even deeper, tied to his family’s role in shaping the city’s industrial past. In 1910, Bond’s grandfather, A.P. Green, invested $85,000 to purchase Mexico Fire and Clay, according to the Missouri State Historical Society. The region was then known for its rich clay deposits, and that investment led to the creation of the A.P. Green Refractories plant—one of the city’s largest employers for decades.

The company’s firebrick products played a crucial role in American manufacturing, particularly during both World Wars, and earned formal recognition from the U.S. military during World War II.

After A.P. Green retired in 1946, the plant changed ownership several times. A failed revival effort in recent years left the City of Mexico saddled with unpaid bonds. In late 2022, the city sold the property.

Though Bond’s life included public service on a national level, his contributions and roots in Mexico remain part of the fabric of the community he called home.

Kit Bond ObituaryDownload

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Bend’s Epic Aircraft won last year’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest. It’s time to nominate for 2025

KTVZ on May 14, 2025

Barney Lerten

SALEM, Ore. (KTVZ) — Oregon Business & Industry, in partnership with Here is Oregon, is excited to announce the third annual Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest, in which Oregonians will vote for the coolest thing manufactured in the Beaver State.

Finalists will be chosen from a list of products nominated by the public. They will participate in a bracket-style tournament, and four rounds of voting will produce a winner. The winning manufacturer will receive formal recognition and, more importantly, enjoy bragging rights for producing Oregon’s coolest thing.   

The window to nominate products will remain open until July 10. The 16 finalists will be announced in September, and the winner will be revealed at OBI’s Vision Oregon Event on Oct. 22. Nominations can be made at Here is Oregon’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon page. 

Developing a list of only 16 finalists won’t be easy. Oregon’s manufacturing sector employs more than 200,000 people and contributes more than $36 billion annually to the state’s gross domestic product, according to a 2024 ECONorthwest study funded by OBI. You don’t get numbers like this without manufacturing a lot of things, in terms of both volume and variety.  

Oregon’s manufacturing sector has helped make the state an export powerhouse. As noted in OBI’s 2025 Oregon Competitiveness Book, the per-capita value of Oregon’s exports was the nation’s ninth highest in 2023. Oregon exports more than $6,500 in goods for every one of the state’s residents. The value of Oregon’s exports topped $27 billion in 2023.  

Manufacturing pays well, too. On a per-hour basis, Oregon’s median manufacturing income exceeds those in all other industries by almost 17%. 

Freres Engineered Wood’s Mass Ply Panels won the inaugural Coolest Thing Made in Oregon contest in 2023. And Epic Aircraft’s E1000 GX won in 2024. 

More information about the contest is available on OBI’s Coolest Thing Made in Oregon web page,  which will feature all updates. 

To qualify for the contest, products must be manufactured substantially within Oregon and be legal to buy in all 50 states. Anyone can nominate a product, and manufacturers are encouraged to do so. Nobody knows how cool a product is more than the people who make it.  

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OBI is a statewide association representing businesses from a wide variety of industries and from each of Oregon’s 36 counties. In addition to being the statewide chamber of commerce, OBI is the state affiliate for the National Association of Manufacturers and the National Retail Federation. Our 1,600 member companies, more than 75% of which are small businesses, employ more than 250,000 Oregonians. Oregon’s private sector businesses help drive a healthy, prosperous economy for the benefit of everyone.  

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Desert Hot Springs considers new disaster preparedness plan to unlock federal aid

KESQ on May 14, 2025

Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Desert Hot Springs Planning Commission approved a plan that helps the city better prepare for natural disasters — and unlocks critical federal and state funding for emergency improvements on Tuesday.

It’s called the Local Hazard Mitigation Plan (LHMP) — and while it’s already been approved by FEMA, the city still needs to formally adopt it to make it official.

“The Local Hazard Mitigation Plan is a plan that the city completes to analyze the risk a community has during natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes and fires,” said Deputy City Manager Daniel Porras. “It also makes recommendations to implement various projects for mitigating those risks.”

Tuesday’s vote is the first step of two.

Porras said now that the Planning Commission has recommended approval, the plan will move to the City Council for final adoption.

Porras said this kind of planning made a real difference after Hurricane Hilary.

He said the storm destroyed four major crossings in the city — but because the city already had a hazard mitigation plan in place, it qualified for emergency federal funding to quickly repair the damage.

“We were able to complete the construction or reconstruction of all the four intersections within 270 days of the storm, which made a little bit over $9 million available to the city almost immediately in a reimbursed basis,” Porras said. “Which was able to open the roads and not affect our general budget or any type of budget that we have here in the city.”

The updated plan would replace the one adopted in 2017.

“The biggest difference is one, updating all of our hazards here. So flood, water, fire anything new that has happened here. Then acknowledging all of the improvements that have been done since 2017,” Porras said. “And, what new mitigation measures we can implement based on the changes that have happened over the years.”

According to the city, Desert Hot Springs is now home to more than 32,000 people and continues to grow.

Porras said this plan affects residents in a major way.

“This affects residents in a way that it allows the city to receive funding from the state and the federal government to implement mitigation projects,” said Porras. “Instead of using local city funds that we use to operate.”

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