Peter Daut
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After a nationwide search, the Palm Springs Art Museum has found its next director close to home. Christine Vendredi had been serving as the interim executive director since Adam Lerner stepped down earlier this year.
News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Vendredi about her new role and her goals for the museum.
Jesus Reyes
LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Four people were injured, including one critically, after a crash involving a Sunline bus and a pickup truck in La Quinta Tuesday evening.
The crash was reported at around 6:20 p.m. on Washington Street and Eisenhower Drive.
Authorities said the driver of the bus and one passenger were transported to a local hospital in stable condition. The driver of the vehicle was airlifted to a local hospital in critical condition.
Courtesy: Juan Murguia Lopez
The other four passengers reported no injuries.
Details on what led to the crash were not immediately available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office is investigating the incident.
No arrests have been made.
Roads were closed in the area for over an hour, causing long traffic delays for drivers.
Statement from Sunline Transit Agency:
“SunLine Transit Agency is fully cooperating with the police investigation underway regarding a collision involving one of the Agency’s buses in La Quinta. Investigation updates will be provided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.”
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
John White
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – California voters will be deciding the fate of Proposition 50 in a state-wide special election on November 4th in a little over four weeks.
And the decision could have major implications in the battle for control of Congress in next year’s mid-term elections.
It would redraw the state’s congressional districts, giving democrats an edge in some seats currently held by republicans.
The effort is being spearheaded by Gov. Gavin Newsom who announced in August, “We’re doing this in reaction to a President of the United States who called a sitting governor of the State of Texas and said find me five seats.”
The proposition was put on the ballot after Texas re-drew its districts in the hopes of picking-up five Republican seats.
Co-Chair of No on Prop 50, Stop the Sacramento Power Grab, Jessica Millan Patterson counters that argument.
“Well, this is very clearly a power grab from Sacramento politicians, and this power was given to the people in 2010 with our citizens redistricting commission,” Patterson says.
Local Democratic candidate for congress, Brandon Riker, disagrees with that.
“This isn’t something I think anyone wanted to do, but Texas did it first. We’re responding to Texas. We didn’t start this, but we need to make sure we respond and that we’re able to hold this administration accountable,” Riker says.
Rep. Ken Calvert (R) CA-41 responds, “Well, I have no control over Texas, and Texas is going to do what they are going to do. But two wrongs don’t make a right.”
Proposition 50 would set aside the independent commission’s districts for three election cycles.
In the Coachella Valley, the current 41st district would be gone, moved into heavily Democratic East Los Angeles County.
The 48th district is especially complicated.
Proposition 50 adds Palm Springs and Indian Wells into a district in San Diego County, stretching almost to the coast.
Former state lawmaker Chad Mayes says, “You know, you’ve heard the term gerrymandering, if we all learned that in in high school civics, the way that district lines are moved around to look like a gerrymander. They don’t have communities of interest, and so when politicians draw their lines, they draw lines to maximize their party’s electoral success.”
It’s going to be an expensive fight, with state records showing 3 dozen committees raising money.
As of September 20, state records show:
The Governor’s committee, “Yes on 50″ The Election Rigging Response Act had raised over $77 million.
The “No on 50” Congressional Leadership Fund had raised nearly $42 million
“No on 50” Protect Voters First had raised nearly $31million, nearly all of it from Charles Munger, Junior who financed the initiative to create the independent redistricting commission in California.
The Director of Insights for OpenSecrets.Org, Brendan Glavin says, “People need to be, you know, understand who’s behind the messaging. What are their motivations for this, either supporting or opposing it, and you know, educated voters are able to make better decisions.”
The fight over the proposition is also creating uncertainty for the candidates.
Incumbent Republican Ken Calvert is a primary target of the proposition and won’t say what he will do if it passes. His home would be in the newly drawn 40th district. He says his focus right now is defeating 50.
Democrat Brandon Riker lives in Palm Springs and is running against Calvert right now in the 41st district and against Republican Darrell Issa in the proposed 48th district.
Democrat Marni von Wilpert, a current San Diego City Council Member is running in the 48th against Issa but won’t know if Palm Springs and Indian Wells will be a part of that until November 4th.
Mayes describes the entire battle as one that’s entirely based on power, “This is really a symptom of a really deeper disease here in this country. You know, our polarization has gotten the best of us. It is true. This would not have happened in California had Republicans not done it in Texas. And at the end of the day, both Republicans and Democrats, all they care about is themselves, and they care about is power.””
Interactive Map of Current Districts: https://wedrawthelines.ca.gov/final-maps/
Interactive Map of Proposed Districts: https://aelc.assembly.ca.gov/proposed-congressional-map
Campaign Finance Information for Proposition 50: https://cal-access.sos.ca.gov/Campaign/Measures/Detail.aspx?id=1483327&session=2025
Barney Lerten
(Update: Adding video)
La PINE, Ore. (KTVZ) — The Bureau of Land Management has spent about $200,000 to remove five long-term homeless camps from BLM land near La Pine, a nearly month-long effort that also included using boulders and soft soils to block illegal access roads, in an effort to keep it from happening again.
The BLM’s Prineville District led a coordinated response with Deschutes County officials before the cleanup took place, which the agency said in a news release Tuesday “was necessary to address hazardous materials, trash and abandoned vehicles remaining in the area.”
The BLM said it worked closely with the City of La Pine and the Deschutes County Sheriff’s Office to carry out the cleanup of the eight-acre parcel, with direct involvement from the La Pine City Manager and Mayor.
“Partnering with the City provided the BLM with important local insight, helping ensure the response reflected the specific needs and priorities of the community and connected individuals in the camps with appropriate social services,” the agency said.
BLM Public Affairs Specialist Suzanna Burke told KTVZ News the project began August 29 and ended last Thursday.
“We normally don’t have access to funds like this,” she said, “but because it was the end of the (fiscal) year, we had the funding available.”
The area of the cleanup is about a half-mile southeast of Gordy’s Truck Stop in La Pine, east of Darlene Way and south of Rosland Road.
Five camps were located on the eight acres, the largest covering about a quarter-acre, Burke said. Three apparently had been abandoned for some time, while the other two appeared to be recently occupied.
The cleanup effort removed “probably about 300 cubic yards” of trash, she said, similar to what was removed during another camp clearing by the Newberry Regional Partnership last May of an area known for years as “Camp Covid.”
While there were not a lot of people who had to leave when the recent cleanup began, Burke said, “We did have communication with a couple people out there and led them know we were going to do a cleanup of the area, gave them time to gather the items they wanted.”
The total cost of the cleanup is expected to exceed $200,000, including staff time and materials from the BLM, Deschutes County and the City of La Pine.
The contracted cleanup itself was $165,000, she said, and part of the reason was “the sheer size of this area, the potential for hazardous materials, excess trash, drug debris and human waste.”
Mayor Jeannine Earls said, “As the Mayor of La Pine, I have listened to my community, both within city limits and outside. I want our residents of South Deschutes County to know that we hear you, we are responsive, and we live here too. I am proud of the measurable progress that has been made, and I am committed to our regional needs going forward.”
As the final piece of the effort, BLM staff decommissioned and barricaded illegal routes leading into the sites to help prevent future long-term use, using boulders and soft subsoil difficult or drive on..
“This kind of response requires participation from many agencies,” said Lisa Clark, BLM Deschutes Field Manager. “The BLM is tasked with managing public lands but has no resources to address the human component of the houseless issue. With support from the City of La Pine and Deschutes County, we’ve been able to develop a partnership that can take action to protect both the citizens and the environment.”
The BLM and Deschutes County have identified public safety concerns in several camp areas, including incidents that required coordination with local law enforcement.
The agency said, “These efforts align with the President’s Executive Order on reducing crime and reflect the BLM’s commitment to maintaining safe, accessible public lands through responsible stewardship and collaboration with community partners.”
La Pine City Manager Geoff Wullschlager said, “Collaborative efforts like this do not happen in a vacuum, and this project represents a clear commitment from all parties involved in responding to public health and safety concerns of the larger La Pine area.”
He added, “We could not be more pleased with the relationships and the subsequent outcomes of this initiative. Hopefully, we have collectively provided a baseline for other communities and districts to tackle similar challenges.”
“The BLM, the City of La Pine, and Deschutes County remain committed to ongoing collaboration to address public safety and community needs,” the release concluded. “All three partners look forward to continuing their work together to support the region and its residents.”
Caleb Nguyen
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – Luxury grocery store Erewhon could soon set up more shop on the Central Coast.
Erewhon’s Instagram page posted a series of maps in various major cities, including New York, Chicago, San Francisco, and Santa Barbara.
The brand’s Chief Growth Officer, Kabir Jain said its store could expand locations past its LA and Ventura County base.
Though popular among celebrities, exorbitant prices at its stores, including $26 hyperoxygenated water and $154 premium steak, alienate many.
Santa Barbara citizens voiced their opinions on the potential change to the city’s official subreddit:
“Erewhon makes Bristol Farms look like the 99 cent store. I’m not sure if it will pass the vibe check here but we’ll see.”
Reddit user, locallylit805
“SB becoming like the richest, shallowest, most expensive parts of LA is what will make me leave this city. I don’t want a $25 strawberry or $50 cashew milk. And I don’t really like the idea of my neighbors being the type of people that do either. Ew.”
Reddit user, cheeky_pterodactyl
“Jeez, 98% of people replying with their opinion didn’t even read the post. Its pretty clear there is NO physical brick and mortar opening up in town. They will just be available to ship to people in SB apparently.”
Reddit user, ZapatosDeMarca
Your News Channel reached out to Erewhon’s press team and are awaiting comment on the potential arrival to Santa Barbara.
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) — Work started Tuesday on a ramp to the Old Mission Santa Barbara.
The long-awaited ramp is being built on the right side of the Mission steps. For the first time, people who can’t take the steps will be able to enter through the front doors without going the long way around.
“It will be the first time everyone—no matter their mobility—can enter through the front doors of the church,” said Father Dan Lackie of Old Mission Santa Barbara.
The $1.1 million project is being paid for through donations, with about $760,000 raised so far. St. Barbara Parish has pledged $150,000 from its reserve fund as a matching grant. Architect Fred Sweeney is also donating his work.
“This Mission design hasn’t been altered in 150 years. Even in 1952, the front was rebuilt only as a replica of what had been here before. This is very historic,” Sweeney said.
To preserve the Mission’s look, the ramp will be built with stone that matches the church’s façade. The material is being sourced from Tepusquet Canyon in the Santa Maria Valley, where the original stone was cut centuries ago.
Some of the existing steps have already been removed. Construction is expected to be complete in March of 2026, weather permitting.
“This is a vital improvement for parishioners and visitors. It allows everyone to share in the life of the Mission,” said Maria Cabrera, a Mission docent and former Fiesta Presidente.
For more information visit https://santabarbaramission.org
Jesus Reyes
DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An 18-year-old man died after being struck by vehicles Tuesday morning in Desert Hot Springs.
The crash was reported at around 4:10 a.m. near the area of N. Indian Canyon Drive and Scenic Drive.
The man was identified as Jaime Castro of Desert Hot Springs.
Police said officers arrived at the scene and found Castron in the roadway suffering from fatal injuries after having been struck by vehicles.
Several vehicles stopped at the scene and contacted the police.
“Based on preliminary information, investigators believe there may be outstanding drivers who may have either collided with the victim or observed the victim’s movements prior to the collision,” police wrote.
The Desert Hot Springs Police Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) is continuing its investigation.
Anyone with information on this collision is encouraged to contact MAIT Investigators, Detective Chris James at cjames@dhspd.com or Cpl. Gustavo Ramirez at gramirez@dhspd.com, or by phone at (760) 329-2904.
City News Service
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two companies donated video and sound systems to the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre, it was announced today.
“The incredible scope of these two important technology donations has significantly increased the ability of the Plaza Theatre to attract acts,” J.R. Roberts, president of the Plaza Theatre Foundation, said in a statement.
SACO Technologies, the company behind the Sphere technology in Las Vegas, donated a video wall featuring a cast aluminum frame and LED panels that will be installed against the back wall of the theater’s stage.
Fender Musical Instruments Corp., a leading manufacturer of guitars, basses, amps and other accessories, donated a range of high-end amplifiers, which officials said will reduce equipment rental costs for future acts.
The amplifiers, otherwise known as a backline package, include an acoustic Junior amplifier, a 1964 Deluxe Reverb amp, a Tone Master Deluxe Reverb amp, a 1959 Tone Master Bassman amp, a bass 800 amp head, an acoustic 100 amp, two 4×10 Bass cabinets, amplifier covers and speaker cables.
“Having this industry-standard backline package will be very useful and will be included in our tech package sent to managers and agents when we are attracting acts,” Brian Ray, foundation board member, said in a statement.
Following extensive restorations, the theater will open in early December, officials said.
Shay Lawson
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — Nearly a year after a drunk driver killed Ryan Provost in a DUI motorcycle crash, his family said they are still waiting for justice.
The driver has not been charged at this time.
Ryan’s mother, Cynthia Provost, said the family paid for a billboard at Vista Chino and Date Palm Drive to keep his case in the public eye.
“It’s time that we get justice, we’re going on a year in October 18th,” Provost said. “I’m hoping that they just quickly look, you know, because I want everybody to be safe while they’re driving… and just mainly see my son and know that he’s loved.”
Provost, 22, was killed in October 2024 in a collision on Dillion Road at Desert Crest Avenue.
The crash happened in an unincorporated area of Riverside County under CHP Indio’s jurisdiction.
According to a CHP spokesperson, the Indio office oversees highways and freeways and shares jurisdiction with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in unincorporated areas. CHP is the lead agency for traffic collisions within these areas.
He said investigators finished Provost’s case on January 14, 2025, and recommended charges to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.
It’s now up to the DA to decide whether to file. News Channel 3 has reached out for comment.
For Cynthia, the wait is agonizing — and she hopes her son’s story serves as a warning about the dangers of drunk driving.
“It’s very upsetting,” she said. “It makes me angry because nobody’s safe with drunk drivers out and about.”
Jesus Reyes
Thousand Palms, Calif. (KESQ) – SunLine Transit Agency will offer free rides on its fixed route bus during California Clean Air Day (Oct. 1) and Rideshare Week (Oct. 7-11).
Sunline officials said there is nothing specific needed by riders in order to receive free rides on October 1 and between October 7 and 11 – they can simply show up to their selected fixed route stop and board the bus.
Both California Clean Air Day and Rideshare Week are rooted in the idea that shared experiences can inspire collective action to improve community health. These campaigns encourage commuters to try alternative modes of transportation such as riding the bus, biking, walking, or sharing rides with others instead of driving alone.
“By making small changes in how we travel, we can significantly reduce air pollution, ease traffic congestion, and promote healthier lifestyles throughout the Coachella Valley and beyond,” said Mona Babauta, CEO/General Manager of SunLine Transit Agency.
SunLine has long been committed to clean air initiatives, and this special opportunity to ride SunLine’s alternative fuel buses for free allows others in the community to do their part in helping our environment, as well. It is also an ideal opportunity to try transit.
Visit SunLine.org for more information.
