Parks in Pueblo West have become the latest target for vandals

KRDO on October 7, 2025

Samantha Hildebrandt

PUEBLO WEST, Colo. (KRDO) — Graffiti and property damage have shown up across several community parks in Pueblo West. The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office says this isn’t just one isolated incident; it happened at Lovell and Pixie Parks, as well as a local cafe, the Hen House, on the same night. 

Pueblo West Parks and Recreation told KRDO13 it’s been happening repeatedly to their property, and it’s taking a toll on both staff and resources. Carol Cosby, the director at Pueblo West Parks and Recreation, said that for twelve cans of graffiti remover, it costs four hundred dollars.

“I just hope that people who live in our community step up and, if they see something, report it. Call the sheriff’s department so we can maybe get a handle on what’s going on. It’s not just the parks; it happened all over Pueblo West this time, so if people can step up, that would be amazing,” said Cosby.

Danielle Rice, the owner of the Hen House, told KRDO today that she felt violated after the vandalism at her restaurant, “They came here in broad daylight,” she said.

The Pueblo County Sheriff’s Office confirms that they are having more property watches as time permits, and they have identified a suspect; however, no arrests have been made yet. They are still investigating at this time.

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New law increases HOA transparency, gives homeowners more foreclosure protections

KRDO on October 7, 2025

Michael Logerwell

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO) – On October 1, homeowners living with Colorado HOAs (homeowner associations) were given new legal protections due to a new state law.

The Owner Equity Protection in Homeowners’ Association Foreclosure Sales, or HB25-1043, aims to protect homeowners in HOAs through two main avenues:

Increasing transparency and state regulation

Preventing or delaying home foreclosures

“Homeownership is one of the primary ways for families to create generational wealth, and under the current system, HOA fees can strip homeowners of everything they’ve worked for,” Senator Tony Exum (D), who represents parts of Colorado Springs, told KRDO13.

Senator Exum, along with representatives Naquetta Ricks and Jennifer Bacon, were prime sponsors of the bill.

“[The law] requires the HOA to provide clear and timely notices about outstanding balances, as well as information about free resources, regarding HOA collections and foreclosures,” Sen. Exum said. He added that now HOAs will have to report annual data to the Colorado Department of Regulatory Agencies (DORA) on delinquencies, judgment payment plans, foreclosures, and more.

Speaking of foreclosures, Sen. Exum says this new law will prevent homeowners from having the rug, floor, and foundation pulled out from underneath them.

“HOA foreclosures are on the rise and have been on the rise for a long, long time,” Sen. Exum said.

“Colorado HOA homeowners, especially in my district [in Denver], have had their largest asset taken from them and sold at an auction for a fraction of its worth over sometimes very small amounts owed to the HOA,” said Assistant Majority Leader Jennifer Bacon (D), who represents parts of Denver.

The new law will allow homeowners faced with foreclosure by their HOA to delay the foreclosure sale. To take advantage of this new provision, owners of the home or unit would have to file a motion with the court to delay the auction date and allow the owner to sell the property themselves. The delay could last up to nine months.

In theory, this would allow owners to recoup some of the money that they’ve put into their home, pay off HOA fees, and give them something to rebuild with.

But some homeowners are skeptical about how this new law will work in practice.

RELATED: Residents could lose their homes after hefty HOA assessment; HOA says out-of-control insurance prices are to blame

Heather McBroom first contacted KRDO13 Investigates when she and her neighbors were faced with a special assessment fee of up to $20,000 from their HOA.

“I think it’s a great start to a very complicated problem,” McBroom said.

However, McBroom expressed concern about the new transparency regulations being put into practice. “How many HOA governing documents are not going to match the current laws or haven’t been updated, such as ours hasn’t been updated in 20-something years?” McBroom asked. She also wondered if new regulations would result in higher fees from management companies.

As for the foreclosure delays, “First off, being able to notify the homeowner that a foreclosure is coming, I think, is super important. Being able to give them advice on credit, [and] companies that may help them.”

“If you don’t have money to pay an assessment, do you have money to first and foremost petition the court to ask to be able to sell your property? And then you have nine months to do so. Do you have the money to do the fixing of anything that needs to be fixed?” McBroom asked.

McBroom says this law is a step in the right direction and is still excited about state leaders creating more laws to protect homeowners, and hopes their next targets are around training HOA boards so they’re not as reliant on management companies.

As for the Soaring Eagles HOA, the legal team representing several homeowners gave KRDO13 Investigates the following statement:

“On September 22, 2025, the Soaring Eagles Townhomes Association, Inc. filed a lawsuit in El Paso County District Court against certain homeowners in the community. The Association is asking the court to decide whether it has the right to charge each homeowner a special assessment of $20,752.12.Robinson & Henry, P.C., represents several of the affected homeowners in this case. The parties have agreed that our clients will have until October 31, 2025, to respond to the Association’s complaint. They have also agreed to pause collection of the assessment for our clients while the case is pending, meaning our clients will not have to pay the amount—or face any penalties or interest—until the litigation has been resolved.”

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7 people displaced after vehicle fire causes smoke damage to Desert Hot Springs home

KESQ on October 7, 2025

Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Seven people were left displaced after a vehicle fire caused smoke damage to a home in Desert Hot Springs Monday afternoon.

The fire was first reported at around 2:30 p.m. in the 66700 block of Cahuilla Avenue.

“The first arriving engine reported a vehicle on fire under an attached carport. The engines were quickly able to contain the fire to the vehicle and the carport with no extension into the structure,” writes Maggie Cline De La Rosa, spokesperson for CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire burned a small portion of the front porch that is attached to the structure.

Six adults and one minor were displaced due to smoke damage. The Red Cross was requested to assist.

There are no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported. 

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Candidate for Colorado Springs School District 11 addresses past involving riot

KRDO on October 7, 2025

Mackenzie Stafford

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (KRDO)— A website has been circulated on social media regarding certain candidates for the Colorado Springs School District 11 school board.

The website “Danger for D11” claims that Charles Johnson is not fit for the District 11 school board. The website is paid for by a committee called D11 Parents and Teachers.

The group against Johnson references an arrest where Johnson faced multiple charges, but he was granted a plea deal from the District Attorney. He pleaded guilty to blocking the roadway during what police called a riot outside a CSPD officer’s home in the wake of the death of De’Von Bailey. He says he paid a $150 fine and completed 100 hours of community service.

Now, Johnson says he’s taking all the lessons he learned to make a positive change.

“The statement from the D.A. said that there are better ways to go about your action. I mean, this is one way to do that, is running for office and being active in your community, doing better ways besides just protesting. And so I just want to be transparent with the people that you know, people make mistakes in their lives, but they’re also able to come back and rework, redo something different for themselves,” explained Charles Johnson.

Johnson says he attended District 11 schools and says he wants to give back to the people who gave to him. He adds that he hopes to amplify students’ and families’ voices while showing how he’s changed over the past 5 years.

“I want to just be that voice that, you know, no matter where you go through, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. And so that’s why I’m here, to run in front of people, make sure that voices are heard, and that the future generation has leadership, and that they can see someone like them represented at the highest level,” shared Johnson.

On the other hand, Steve Durham, a Colorado Board of Education member representing District 5, says he does not believe Johnson would be hired as a teacher and that school board members should be held to a higher standard.

“When any individual applies for a license or to work for any school district, they undergo a criminal background check. That criminal background check is not limited in time. And it includes not only convictions but arrests, so that the districts and the state Board of Education can track the history of any individual, and not just look at the final outcome that perhaps they took a plea bargain to a lesser charge. And as, it’s just highly unlikely that, that given the nature of these charges that any responsible hiring agent out of a school district could overlook, the level of violence that took place and, and reach a conclusion that only three years ago, that he took that plea, that it would be perfectly safe to allow a person like that in the classroom,” said Steve Durham.

The only guideline the Colorado Association of School Boards (CASB) lists is that no person who has been convicted of a sexual offense against a child is eligible to serve on the school board. 

Durham says that in his 10 years on the Colorado Board of Education, he has seen many licenses revoked, but never this.

“I think this is the most shocking example I’ve seen of someone who wants to be elected to the school board. And I’ve seen, it just most people come to, come to the voters, at least with clean hands. And I think this is not one of those cases,” said Durham.

Ultimately, both of the people we spoke with believe it’s up to the voters to educate themselves and decide the fate of the District 11 board.

All of the Colorado Springs School District 11 board candidates can be found here.

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Bend housing advocacy group hosts event to remember those priced out of Central Oregon

KTVZ on October 7, 2025

Claire Elmer

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — Monday is World Habitat Day, a time for communities around the globe to reflect on the fundamental right to housing and the ongoing challenge of ensuring that everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home.

In Bend, this year’s observance carries special weight as local advocacy group Bend YIMBY (Yes In My Back Yard) stages an event titled “Remembering Our Neighbors.” The gathering serves to honor residents forced to leave the area because rising costs have made it impossible for them to remain.

Bend YIMBY, a volunteer-driven organization, is dedicated to advocating for an increase in all types of housing throughout the city—ranging from townhomes and apartments to infill development. The group’s central goal is to promote affordability and ensure that people who work in Bend can also afford to live there.

With the city’s rapid growth and soaring cost of living, many long-term residents find themselves priced out of their neighborhoods, resulting in a loss that, organizers say, resonates across the wider community.

“Anyone who’s lived in Central Oregon for some time has likely faced the heartbreak of seeing neighbors and friends uprooted as housing prices climb,” explains John Heylin, volunteer and organizer with Bend YIMBY. “Frankly, the cost of living here is incredibly high, making it increasingly difficult for people to stay. After years of watching friends leave, I wanted to host a memorial event—because those departures represent a real loss for the community.”

The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event goes beyond simply recalling those lost to the housing crisis. The aim is to prompt honest conversations about what Bend stands to lose if the trend persists and to motivate collective action around solutions.

Bend YIMBY hopes the event will spark dialogue about practical steps to address the crisis—such as boosting the overall housing supply and supporting policies that lower barriers and costs for building new homes. The organization’s message remains clear: maintaining Bend’s vibrance depends on enabling residents of all income levels to call the city home.

The “Remembering Our Neighbors” event will be held from 6 to 8 p.m. Monday night at Bevel Brewing, creating space for community members to gather, reflect, and chart a path toward a more affordable future for all.

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Columbia, Boone County to take closer look at stormwater management plan after DNR sets November deadline

KMIZ on October 7, 2025

Nia Hinson

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

The City of Columbia is planning to take a second look at its stormwater management plan’s language.

It comes after the Department of Natural Resources set a Nov. 15 deadline for the city to submit new draft ordinance language.

DNR sent a letter to Mayor Barbara Buffaloe and Boone County Commissioner Kip Kendrick last week, threatening penalties for failing to properly address waste from homeless encampments entering public waters. The department claims the city and county’s current stormwater and stream ordinances submitted in August are too broad.

The letter also claims the ordinances fail to address the prohibition of non-stormwater discharges from encampment activities and don’t set appropriate protections around streams within the city and county.

City of Columbia Utilities Director Erin Keys said within the next month, the city plans to look at ways to be more specific in its ordinance that would address the riparian areas. Currently, Keys said the city’s ordinance includes language related to any solid waste, trash or debris that becomes, or could become deposited in or impact waterways.

“But if we need to include riparian areas in that, I know that the city manager staff is currently looking at some urban camping restrictions, prohibitions, activities and how that plays out in public areas including parks and rights of way,” Keys said.

Kendrick told ABC 17 News via email on Monday evening that he spoke to DNR Director Kurt Schaefer Friday afternoon about the issue.

“I feel confident that we have identified a path forward to address DNR’s requests at the County level,” Kendrick said.

Keys said the city will submit a draft to the DNR and receive feedback from the public and City Council to determine whether or not the draft will be final, or if edits are needed.

The DNR claims Hinkson Creek, Grindstone Creek and Hominy Branch contain E. coli from human waste from homeless encampments near the streams. It claims this poses significant risks to Columbia’s water quality and public health.

Keys said all three of those creeks have been added to the 303D list, which identifies water that has impairments. She also said the city has taken active steps toward cleaning up homeless encampments as soon as they are made aware of them and believes the current ordinance allows the city to enforce and ensure public waters are safe and protected.

Keys said the city has also recently had a request for a proposal for vendors that would help with the clean-up process.

Columbia, Boone County and the University of Missouri outlined a coordinated plan in August to address illegal encampments and prevent waste from entering local waterways. The plan emphasizes compliance with city and county stormwater regulations, the Missouri Clean Water Law and federal pollution laws, while tracking complaints and cleanup efforts.

The three are currently trying to renew a joint-operating permit aimed at preventing contaminants, such as sewage and chemicals, from polluting local water sources.

DNR’s letter also claims it provided examples of stream protection measures used in San Jose, California, and Bozeman, Montana, as examples but never received a response. Keys said the city has looked at the examples and tried to determine how they’re relevant to Columbia.

“The San Jose one I looked at, it sounds like they have an extensive number of homeless encampments in their community, we’re talking hundreds of encampments,” Keys said. “My understanding of the ordinances there were to prioritize which ones got cleaned up first. In Columbia, we want to clean them all up, especially the ones on public property.”

The city and DNR have had several discussions regarding homeless encampments within the last year. DNR met with city and county leaders in July and September to discuss proactive measures to keep solid waste from polluting local streams.

The DNR also warned that future investigations finding human waste near streams in violation of the Missouri Clean Water Law could lead to penalties, potentially affecting the city and county’s eligibility for state and federal grants.

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Callaway County woman accused of using AR-15 to shoot at elderly man in skid steer

KMIZ on October 6, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Callaway County woman was charged on Monday after she allegedly shot an AR-15 at an elderly man who was driving a skid steer on Sunday in a residence east of Fulton.

Rebecca Elm, 58, was charged with second-degree assault, armed criminal action and first-degree property damage. She is being held at the Callaway County Jail without bond. A court date has not been scheduled.

The probable cause statement says Elm called law enforcement after she fired a round at the skid steer. When deputies arrived, the victim was not able to get out of the skid steer because of his age and physical ability, the statement says. The victim allegedly had a cut on his arm from broken glass.

The victim allegedly told deputies that Elm blocked his path to an easement with her car before she fired a shot, the statement says. Elm allegedly claimed the victim drove toward an easement that belonged to her and admitted to pulling out the gun from her vehicle and firing a round, the statement says.

The shot allegedly caused around $800 worth of damage to the skid steer and law enforcement determined the shot missed the victim’s head by about 6 inches, the statement says.

When deputies told Elm she was under arrest, she allegedly said “I should of just shot him then,” the statement says.

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Cathedral City gym joins statewide effort to fight cancer

KESQ on October 6, 2025

Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – In-Shape Fitness in Cathedral City is joining the company’s 11th annual “Fight Cancer” campaign, part of a statewide effort to raise $150,000 for all cancer research and support services this October.

The monthlong fundraiser incudes kettlebell sales, special fitness events and social media challenges with every dollar raised going toward vital services such as free cancer education, emotional support for those diagnosed and free lodging for patients and caregivers who must travel for treatment.

Additionally, contributions will fuel cutting-edge cancer research at the national level, helping to advance prevention, detection and treatment.

“In-Shape’s commitment to fighting cancer shows that the fitness community can be a powerful ally in creating a world without cancer,” said Alexis Padilla, Executive Director Sacramento for the American Cancer Society. “They are not only raising critical funds to support lifesaving research and patient programs, but also inspiring others to take action and prioritize wellness. We are honored to continue to partner with them in this important fight.”

Since launching the initiative a decade ago, In-Shape officials said the clubs have raised more than $1 million.

Members and non-members can join the fight by donating to the gym at 35935 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234 or learn more by clicking on this link.

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

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Boone County judge will not seek reelection in 2026

KMIZ on October 6, 2025

Ryan Shiner

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Boone County Associate Circuit Judge Tracy Gonzalez will not seek reelection in 2026, according to a press release from the 13th Judicial Circuit.

Gonzalez has served in the role since Jan. 1, 2019, and her term ends on Dec. 31, 2026. She has focused mostly on juvenile and family matters. She plans to maintain “senior judge status” in 2027, the release says.  

Gonzalez has worked mostly in public service during her 40-year career, the release says. She previously worked at the Boone County prosecuting attorney’s office for 16 years, focusing primarily on child abuse and neglect cases, the release says. She was also the director of the Child Protection Clinic at the University of Missouri School of Law from 2002-06.

“Serving the people of Boone County has been both a profound honor and a solemn responsibility that I have embraced with deep commitment and great pride in our community,” Gonzalez is quoted in the release. “I am sincerely grateful for the opportunities I have had and will continue to serve to the best of my ability throughout the remainder of my term.”

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Family Services Alliance provides help for domestic violence victims in Southeast Idaho

KIFI on October 6, 2025

Maile Sipraseuth

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI)– Domestic violence and abuse continues to be an issue around the world, but in Southeast Idaho, resources are available. Sarah O’Bannion is the executive director of family services in Pocatello and explained the signs of domestic violence

She defines domestic violence as “any behavior that is meant to scare someone or is aggressive in nature, something that is trying to get power over another person. And so that can look like anything from coercive behavior to threatening behavior to physical harm, like hitting or kicking or strangling.”

Signs of someone being an abuser can be telling, but O’Bannion says abusers rarely show signs of violence at the start of the relationship.

“We see things like a lot of jealousy, threatening behavior, doing things that bother you, like think about the fact that you live in the home, often with the person who is harming you,” O’Bannon said, “Many people who use power and control mask their behavior to people outside of their home. So sometimes you will think, ‘oh my goodness, this is the nicest person in the entire world, they’re a rock star in the office,’ They’re a great person to hang out with, but they’re also harming their partner at home.”

There are also telling signs that someone close to you may be experiencing domestic abuse.

“A couple other things that we often see in survivors that are just trying to survive on a daily basis is a lot of isolation. Often people who use power and control stop their victims from connecting to their friends and their families and their resources and their churches and their neighborhood barbecues. We see that a lot. And then just some general changes in someone’s personality,” O’Bannion said.

To help, the best way you can be there for the victim is to understand and have compassion.

“When you are concerned about a friend or family member, I think the one thing that you can really do for that person is to love them. You can really love them and believe them. When someone comes to you and they’re willing to share those really difficult things, those, things that feel embarrassing and have been a secret. Sometimes when you are able to listen without judgment, that can be incredibly empowering and incredibly healing,” O’Bannion said. 

There are always resources available, if you are in immediate danger, call 911.

The Family Services Alliance also provides free and confidential help for victims. They can assist you with housing, emotional support and court matters.

They will also host a free pumpkin decorating event to raise awareness against domestic violence, which will be on Oct. 27, 2025 from 4:00-5:30 P.M. at the OK Ward Park in Pocatello, Idaho.

The Family Services Alliance’s 24 hour hotline is 251-HELP, or (208)-251-1435.

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