Local event service professionals honored at ‘National Celebrate Services Week’ reception

KESQ on August 2, 2025

Cynthia White

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The dedicated professionals who who help make meetings, conventions, and festivals across the Coachella Valley run smoothly were recognized in a celebration of appreciation on Friday evening.

Visit Greater Palm Springs offered a series of webinars all week for local event services professionals to stay on top of the latest trends at its 4th annual “National Celebrate Services Week,” ending with a special reception honoring the professionals who make those events come to life.

From luxury resorts to iconic venues, event service professionals were celebrated for their dedication and excellence.

Honoree Christopher Morrissey of the Ritz-Carlton Rancho Mirage says, “I just love to work with people. It’s something that I’ve done for years, and it’s just fun to customize and create these events with a vision and bring that to life and just have them walk in [the] day of and not have to have a second thought and just enjoy what they envisioned come to life.”

Honoree Gabriela Rubio, Event Specialist at The Courtyard by Marriott in Palm Springs, has the same passion for working with people. She says, “My personal favorite is the growth, and the connection you make throughout the world – and just see them get a little piece of Palm Springs where I grew up, and [for] them to see why I love Palm Springs.”

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7 people injured after multiple-car crash in Palm Springs

KESQ on August 2, 2025

Cynthia White

Update:

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – This morning, the Palm Springs Police Department confirmed four vehicles were involved in the crash, all of which were towed. Police also say that 7 people were transported to a nearby hospital with minor injuries. Authorities found that one of the drivers involved in the crash was intoxicated and was cited for DUI.

Original Report:PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A multi-car crash in Palm Springs caused a temporary closure until tow trucks cleared all vehicles from the scene.

The collision happened around just after 8:30 p.m., near the intersection of E. Vista Chino and N. Gene Autry Trail, with closure along eastbound E. Vista Chino from Gena Autry Trail to Via Roberto Miguel.

Palm Springs Fire was called out for evaluation of several people for injuries.

At least four tow trucks were on scene to remove vehicles, and crews managed to get the scene cleared and the lanes open around 10:00 p.m.

The crash remains under investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this story.

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DA’s Office declines to press charges after reviewing October 8 police officer shooting

KRDO on August 2, 2025

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On October 8, 2024, a Colorado Springs police officer fired four shots at Matthew Kemper, killing him. Today, the District Attorney’s Office announced it will not be filing charges against the officer who fired the shots.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Police release body cam footage in deadly Oct. shooting in northeast Colorado Springs

District Attorney Michael Allen ruled the use of force in this incident was justified, citing two Colorado laws specifically.

DAO Release 2025_11 OCT 8 OISDownload

CRS 18-1-707 states that a peace officer may use physical force to prevent serious bodily injury or death to the peace officer or another person.

CRS 18-1-707 (4.5), this law states a peace officer is justified in using deadly force if they believe they or another person is in immediate danger.

In this case, officers say Kemper charged at the officers with a knife after previously threatening to assault his roommate.

Another aspect of this shooting, Kemper’s roommate told the dispatcher Kemper was making suicidal threats and harming himself that night.

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The Colorado Springs Switchbacks pick up a win against Lexington SC

KRDO on August 2, 2025

Rob Namnoum

The Colorado Springs Switchbacks kicked off August in style as they beat Lexington SC 3-1 on Friday night at Weidner Field. Switchbacks captain Matt Mahoney scored two goals in the match.

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Watsonville Strawberry Festival underway Saturday and Sunday

KION on August 2, 2025

Mickey Adams

WATSONVILLE, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Watsonville Strawberry Festival is off to an early start with a concert and carnival Friday night.

There’s plenty for berry lovers to look forward to at the festival; with live entertainment, carnival rides, specialty vendors and plenty of strawberries.

Businesses also gearing up on the festival grounds to prepare for the Saturday and Sunday crowds.

Some workers saying they can take on and face the busy weekend thanks to preparations.

“We’re pretty prepared. We’re excited for it, too,” said Delicias Estilo Jiquilpan owner Sophia Barajas. “It can be a little intimidating seeing all these people come in, but honestly we’re always prepared for it. You know, we’re ready. Serving the people is pretty good.”

Businesses say that they expect Saturday to be the busiest of the two day event.

The Strawberry Festival offering visitors all kinds of berry-infused treats from strawberry pizza to strawberry popcorn.

And, of course, there’s always berry sampling at the flavor test tent.

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YUHSD to implement new cellphone policy

KYMA on August 2, 2025

Paul Vozzella

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma Union High School District (YUHSD) is implementing a new cellphone policy starting this school year

The new policy mandates students to put cell phones away and keep devices out of sight during times of instruction with exceptions, including medical emergencies and devices being necessary to educational experiences.

By getting rid of the distraction, they are ensuring students are getting the most out of their educational experience.

“They wanna cut out the student who has the teacher in front, giving them information about the subject at hand, and they’re not listening at all because they’re on their device,” YUHSD Chief Communications Officer Eric Patten said.

Patten also added that the policy has made an anecdotally positive impact on students learning and teachers have not had struggles passing along the new policy to this point.

“I haven’t heard of significant struggles,” he said. “My team, and the communications team, as well as district administrators, were out throughout the district on the first day and notice a positive effect in a lot of ways.”

Local parents have been outspoken on the new policy, as well. One local, Alex Carrillo, sees both the pros and cons to it.

“The kids should be allowed to use their phones to do research, but if they’re gonna be on it to be on TikTok or social media, then absolutely not,” Carrillo said.

Now, both students and teachers have one less obstacle in their way towards learning.

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Salinas Coca-Cola plant to sit vacant as the company moves operations to San Jose

KION on August 2, 2025

Mickey Adams

SALINAS, Calif. (KION-TV) — The Salinas Coca-Cola bottling plant shut down operations Friday after serving the Central Coast for over seven decades.

According to a Reyes Coca-Cola Bottling spokesperson, the company has completed the transition of operations and employees from the Salinas center to the company’s San Jose distribution center.

“We are looking forward to continuing to serve our customers and consumers in the area,” the spokesperson said to KION.

There’s no word yet on what will become of the soon to be vacant building.

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King City police warns of scam calls impersonating Homeland Security

KION on August 2, 2025

Mickey Adams

KING CITY, Calif. (KION-TV) — The King City Police Department is warning the public about phone calls to some locals that claim to be from Homeland Security and former King City Police Chief James Hunt.

The department says these calls are fraudulent, with a reminder that Chief Hunt is retired and not affiliated with Homeland Security.

The department saying that none of its police officers are connected with Homeland Security.

If you receive a call claiming to be from Chief Hunt, you are urged not to engage or provide any personal information.

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Indio PD cracking down on impaired drivers with DUI saturation patrol

KESQ on August 2, 2025

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Drivers in Indio might notice a larger police presence Friday night. From 7 pm to 2 am, Indio Police will conduct a DUI saturation patrol, aiming to catch impaired drivers and keep roads safer.

News Channel 3 joined Officer Viktor Custic for a ride-along to see firsthand how the operation works. From scanning for erratic driving behavior to conducting traffic stops, officers remain vigilant throughout the evening. Custic noted that the operation is about more than making arrests, it’s about deterring dangerous behavior before it happens.

“More of a visibility and letting officers go out there prevent DUIs and be more proactive, suppression is the way to do this.”

Viktor Custic, Indio PD traffic officer

Unlike checkpoints, officers in marked patrol cars will be roaming city streets, looking for signs of drunk or drugged driving — like swerving, speeding, or failing to signal.

The department says DUI incidents have seen an uptick in recent weeks, a trend they attribute to late summer travel and an increase in social gatherings.

During the patrol, one driver was pulled over for speeding, a common infraction that officers use to identify potential signs of impairment. Custic explained that subtle behaviors, like failing to stay in one’s lane or being unable to produce a driver’s license quickly, often signal deeper concerns.

“Most times they can’t focus… I look at their eyes, many can’t do multiple things at once.”

Viktor Custic, Indio PD traffic officer

The ultimate goal: prevention through visibility. Officers urge drivers to plan ahead — use a sober driver, call a rideshare, or stay put.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Bend fugitive, car theft suspect eludes large police search, arrested while riding bike

KTVZ on August 2, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — A 24-year-old Bend man suspected of stealing a car and wanted on two probation violation warrants was arrested Friday evening after a manhunt while riding a bike in southeast Bend, police said. 

Shortly before 11 a.m., officers responded to a report of a stolen 1996 Toyota Tercel in the 100 block of SE Third Street. At that time, officers identified the car theft suspect as Carlos Miguel Harpole, a 24-year-old Bend resident, Bend Police Communications Manager Sheila Miller said.

Harpole also had two warrants for his arrest for probation violations, Miller added.  

Shortly after 3 p.m., a caller reported a possible domestic abuse incident involving two people in the 20400 block of Murphy Road. When officers arrived, they found the stolen car, unoccupied, and began searching for Harpole.

“There was a large police presence in the area as officers created a perimeter to search for Harpole, who was seen jumping fences and running away from the scene,” Miller said.

Around 5:23 p.m., a Bend Police officer found Harpole riding a bike near SE Wye Lane and Fifth Street. Miller said he did not initially stop for officers, but ultimately was taken into custody without incident in the 400 block of SE Railroad Street.  

Harpole was arrested on suspicion of the unauthorized use of a motor vehicle and the two in-state warrants and was transported to the Deschutes County Jail.  

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