Month: June 2025

Peter Daut

WASHINGTON, DC (KESQ) – Local Representatives Ken Calvert and Dr. Raul Ruiz are reacting to the airstrikes and escalating situation in Iran.

Republican valley Congressman Calvert says the success of “Operation Midnight Hammer” is a testament to our military’s ability to project power around the world. He says President Trump made the right call.

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke in depth with Congressman Calvert on Monday.

We also reached out to Democrat valley Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz, who was unavailable to do an interview on Monday. He did issue a statement:

“Donald Trump’s dangerous and unilateral decision to attack Iran without the required consent of Congress has needlessly put American lives at risk.”

“While most Americans believe that a nuclear armed Iran is a threat to world peace, they also agree that American involvement in Middle East conflicts has usually been disastrous.”

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Even after an announcement from President Trump of new ceasefire deal between Israel and Iran, it appears the legality of war is still on the table in Washington.

This follows President Donald Trump’s sign off on a weekend missile strike against three Iranian nuclear targets without first consulting with Congress.

The strike, part of a covert operation called Operation Midnight Hammer, has reopened a long-running debate: Can a U.S. president unilaterally launch military action? Or must Congress sign off?

His critics insist the answer is obvious.

“This was not constitutional. It was not lawful in the absence of a declaration by Congress,” said Sen. Adam Schiff (D-CA) in a Sunday interview on CNN.

“Donald Trump’s dangerous and unilateral decision to attack Iran — without the required consent of Congress — has needlessly put American lives at risk,” declared Rep. Raul Ruiz (D-CA) in a statement. “While most Americans believe that a nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to world peace, they also agree that American involvement in Mideast conflicts has usually been disastrous,” the statement goes on to read.

In a separate Sunday interview on CNN, Rep. Darrell Issa (R) took a different tract defending the strikes, and citing the actions of past administrations, more specifically under President Obama, stating he watched the former President “hit, Yemen and Syria. And he didn’t say a word. So let’s get past the politics of it.”

President Trump defended the operation as both lawful and necessary. In a formal letter posted Monday evening on the White House website, the administration said it was acting “consistent with the president’s constitutional authority.”

“I directed this military action consistent with my responsibility to protect United States citizens both at home and abroad as well as in furtherance of United States national security and foreign policy interests,” the formal letter states. ” I acted pursuant to my constitutional authority as Commander in Chief and Chief Executive and pursuant to my constitutional authority to conduct United States foreign relations.”

Under the War Powers Resolution, the administration was required to inform Congress within 48 hours of a strike. Monday night’s official notice, sent to leaders of both chambers of Congress, came prior to the deadline.

Although the letter doesn’t reveal much new information, it verifies that Trump had operated on his prerogative of Commander in Chief and also that he had not consulted with Congress for prior approval.

Both the Senate and the House will now be briefed on Iran in classified sessions on Tuesday.

College of the Desert political scientist Wesley Willison describes the case as a legal battle that’s stretched across decades and administrations.

“There is clear precedent throughout history of this,” Willison told News Channel 3. “Especially in the modern era of limited military strikes that are ordered by the president based on intelligence.”

From Vietnam to Libya, from Kosovo to Syria—modern presidents have often acted first, informed Congress later, and avoided the formal declaration of war.

The last time Congress issued such a declaration was 1941, according to WIllison.

“Congress can declare war,” Willison explained. “They just haven’t done it in more than 80 years.”

Lawmakers from both political parties in Washington had stated their intention to seek fresh War Powers resolution, which seeks to restrict presidential strikes of a unilateral nature, could be addressed with a floor vote late this week.

News Channel 3 will keep on monitoring the situation in Congress and give updates after the closed-door briefings.

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Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– The Palm Springs Department of Parks and Recreation announced a plan for discounts, swim programs and scholarships available to the community. 

The Palm Springs Department of Parks and Recreation shared several updates for summer programs that revolve around water safety and recreational opportunities for residents of all ages in the City of Palm Springs.

The department partnered up with the Palm Springs Surf Club to instate ‘Resident Discount Days’ where residents can enjoy discounted admission on selected dates throughout the summer.

On June 25, July 16 and August 13 from 10:00 a.m.- 6:00 p.m. tickets will be discounted to $10 per child and $20 per adult. Throughout these days residents can take part in pooltime fun with the exception of the club’s surf pool. 

Tickets for this event must be purchased beforehand at  palmspringsca.gov/recreation

The Palm Springs Department of Parks and Recreation also invites residents to join the new evergrowing Palm Springs Swim Club, a U.S. masters swimming program helping more than 30 active adult swimmers. 

Practices are open to the public and take place on:

Monday- Thursday from 5:30 a.m. – 7:00 a.m.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday from 12:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday from 5:30 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. at the Palm Springs Swim Center on Pavilion Way. 

The Swim Center also offers scholarships and reimbursement support to help families receive swim lessons and water safety classes for their children.

The First 5 Riverside County, Children and Families Commission provided a reimbursable grant helping over 40 children enroll in swim lessons along with the All Desert Aquatics donation of $5,000 to help fund swim lesson scholarships for families in need. 

Education of water safety is highly important throughout the summer months where 48% of all drowning cases take place. Programs like these make swim safety accessible to all residents helping spread the knowledge of lifesaving water skills. 

For more information on how to utilize these programs visit www.palmspringsca.gov/recreation

call (760) 323-8272 or email recinfo@palmspringsca.gov

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Cynthia White

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – On Friday this week, you’ll have a chance to join News Channel 3 by helping us to donate blood at our station.

The drive to collect live saving blood donations will be from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., in the LifeStream bloodmobile at our building located at 31276 Dunham Way in Thousand Palms.

Your donation can help make a difference for medical patients, accident victims, and even newborn babies.

LifeStream Blood Bank reports that 500 blood donations are needed in our local community every day. To set up an appointment to make a blood donation at News Channel 3 on Friday, June 27, call 800-879-4484 or visit lstream.org/thousandpalms/.

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Cynthia White

INDIO (CNS) – The defense rested on Monday in the trial of a former Riverside County sheriff’s deputy accused of gunning down a man with whom he was at odds because the victim had been involved with the lawman’s then-girlfriend.

Oscar Rodriguez, 44, is charged with first-degree murder and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations for the 2014 slaying of 39-year-old Luis Carlos Morin of Coachella.

After the defense called its final witness Monday morning, the prosecution presented brief rebuttal testimony, following which both sides announced they were prepared to make closing statements in the nearly monthlong trial.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling directed jurors to return to the Larson Justice Center in Indio Tuesday morning for final presentations by the two sides.

Rodriguez is free on a $1 million bond.

At the time of the shooting, the defendant was romantically involved with Diana Perez, the mother of Morin’s two children. She and the then-deputy originally met in the winter of 2013, when he responded to 911 calls from her complaining about Morin, whom she didn’t want around her home. The man hadactive warrants for his arrest.

“Things went from professional to unprofessional,” Deputy District Attorney Jacob Silva said. The prosecutor recalled in his opening statement in May how Rodriguez dated Perez throughout 2013, taking a personal interest in her ongoing conflicts.

Silva alleged Rodriguez decided to act independently, ignoring law enforcement protocols, in apprehending Morin. On the night of Jan. 27, 2014, the defendant learned the suspect had joined family members for a birthday celebration in Palm Desert and would be returning to his mother’s home in the48-800 block of Camino Real in Coachella.

Silva alleged Rodriguez went to the neighborhood alone in a patrol unit, parking out of sight and placing Maria Gomez’s house under surveillance.

“He refused to follow the laws and procedures put in place,” the prosecutor said. “He ignored all of his training. He consciously disregarded all those procedures.”

At 9:40 p.m., Morin and his mother arrived home, and the suspect got out to direct Gomez as she backed her vehicle into a tight parking space. Silva said Rodriguez sneaked up behind Morin, but the suspect was alerted and tried to bolt, at which point the deputy swept the man’s legs to stop him, causing both of them to fall down, Rodriguez landing on his back.

Gomez was heard shouting, “Don’t do it!” according to the defense.

Attorney Mark Frederick told jurors his client inferred the statement signaled that Morin was about to attack him, so he opened fire. Morin, who was not armed, was fatally wounded in the chest and died atthe scene. Rodriguez suffered a bruise on his back.

Frederick characterized his client as “shaken and … scared” by the encounter, which was not captured on video because not all deputies had been issued body-worn cameras at the time.

The attorney said Morin, whom he referred to as a “career criminal,” was angry about the relationship between his ex-girlfriend and Rodriguez. Frederick said several months before the deadly shooting, Perez received a message from Morin, stating, “Cop lover … Tell him to bring his A-game, because no matter what he does, he’s going to lose.”

The investigation that ensued after Morin’s death stretched several years, culminating in a grand jury indictment in 2017. Morin’s family sued the sheriff’s department and county for wrongful death, netting a $7 million payout.

Perez was indicted along with Rodriguez, charged as being an accessory to a felony. However, the charge against her was dismissed in April.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte will honor six LGBTQIA+ community members on Wednesday in recognition of Pride Month.

The recognition celebrates the entrepreneurial sprit, community involvement, and business achievements of local business leaders who have made significant contributions to the business landscape of Palm Springs.

The “Spirit of Palm Springs” Awards Ceremony – Pride Month Recognition will be held this Wednesday, June 25 at 3:00 p.m. at Palm Springs City Hall.

The recipients being honored with the award are:

Jennifer Seymour – Hunters Palm SpringsRecognized for innovative hospitality leadership and community engagement

Bill Sanderson – Townie BagelsHonored for culinary entrepreneurship and neighborhood business development

Tony Marchese – Trio RestaurantCelebrated for restaurant excellence and commitment to local dining culture

Lucy DeBardelaben – The Palm Springs Women’s Jazz and Blues AssociationAcknowledged for artistic leadership and cultural community building

Shann Carr – A Lesbian Concierge In The DesertRecognized for unique service innovation and LGBTQIA+ tourism advocacy

Tai Spendley – Owner and Chef, Rooster and the PigHonored for culinary excellence and farm-to-table business leadership

City officials say that this recognition during Pride Month emphasizes Palm Springs’ commitment to celebrating the diverse business community that makes the city a destination for entrepreneurship, creativity, and inclusion.

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Cynthia White

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – With Independence Day just around the corner, the Riverside County Fire Department is reminding everyone of its annual campaign to crack down on suppliers, distributors, purchasers, and users of illegal fireworks.

They’ve put out the slogan: “If You Light It, We’ll Write It” for their campaign to prevent wildfires and injuries this Fourth of July. They’re emphasizing to the public that Illegal fireworks are dangerous and carry fines up to $5,000.

The campaign started on Monday, and runs through the second week of July. Riverside County Fire, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the county Code Enforcement Department will be actively pursuing individuals who light fireworks without a permit.

During last year’s enforcement, nearly 300 citations were issued, while 10 people were arrested, and over 400 pounds of illegal fireworks were confiscated.

Under local ordinance, California-approved “safe and sane” fireworks such as sparklers and fountains are permitted only within the city limits of Blythe, Coachella, Desert Hot Springs, and Indio. They are not permitted in other local cities.

To report illegal fireworks, use the Riverside County Sheriff’s app, website, or call their non-emergency toll-free number at (800) 950-2444.

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Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – A Coachella Valley man is sleeping in his car after losing his home to a fire earlier this month.

Victor Estrada said he no longer had homeowners insurance.

“All of a sudden, they just said we’re no longer with you. Figure it out,” Estrada said.

Estrada said his policy was canceled, and like many Californians, he couldn’t afford to replace it due to high prices.

His story reflects a growing crisis in the state’s insurance market, where wildfires and rising risk have led insurers to pull back or hike rates dramatically.

“We have seen a 25 to 50% increase simply just on the homeowners insurance,” said Veronica Lopez, a senior loan officer with Secure Choice Lending.

Lopez said there are still options after a disaster, even without insurance.

“The Small Business Administration, they can help with low interest disaster loans, even if they are not business owners,” Lopez said. “If they look into their local SBA or go to the SBA website, they may be able to qualify for some assistance through them.”

List of Resources

FEMA Disaster Assistance

SBA Disaster Loans for Homeowners

HUD Disaster Resources

Red Cross Disaster Relief Services

 FHA 203k rehab loans 

Conventional loans offer ChoiceRenovation and Homestyle Renovation

The Cathedral City Fire & EMS also provide resources after a fire with a substantial loss. 

“The fire department will issue, to those that are displaced, a gift card from the California Fire Fund to help pay for immediate lodging needs and to replace essential items that were lost,” Stephen Tumir, Deputy Fire Chief said. “It can be used for any needs they may have from food to clothing.”

He said to assist with ongoing needs, the fire department connects the occupant with a Red Cross representative for continued placement needs and to assist them in any way possible.

“We will make contact with Red Cross while still at the incident and ensure they are provided for before leaving,” Tumir said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

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