Author: KESQ

City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A Banning man who sexually assaulted a developmentally disabled woman over a five-year span was sentenced today to eight years in state prison.

Rene Leonel Robles Cerna, 39, pleaded guilty last month to sexual penetration by force under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admission, prosecutors dropped six related counts against Cerna.  

During a hearing at the Banning Justice Center Thursday, Superior Court Judge Jorge Hernandez certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

According to the Banning Police Department, detectives were initially contacted about the offenses in the first half of 2020, culminating in an investigation that required extensive vetting because of the victim’s limitations.   

Court documents said the defendant first abused the woman in the winter of 2015, and following that time, he perpetrated additional offenses, ending in the winter of 2020.

The circumstances behind the acts and the way in which Cerna knew the victim were not disclosed.

Authorities also didn’t reveal who ultimately reported the crimes.   

An arrest warrant was obtained and served on the defendant on April 20, 2021, and he was taken into custody without incident at a residence on West Ramsey Street.

According to court records, Cerna had a prior misdemeanor conviction for driving the under the influence.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – A Los Angeles federal judge has ruled that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s decision not to provide Endangered Species Act protections for the imperiled Joshua tree is unlawful, according to court papers obtained today.

U.S. District Judge Wesley L. Hsu ruled Monday that the USFWS decision to not provide ESA protections for the Joshua tree is illegal and sidesteps climate science.

WildEarth Guardians sued the USFWS twice in Los Angeles to secure federal projections for the Joshua tree after initially petitioning to list the Joshua tree as “threatened” in 2015. The two species of Joshua tree, Yucca brevifolia and Yucca jaegeriana, face severe climate impacts that will cause the desert icon to become functionally extinct by the end of the century without immediate and robust action, according to the environmental organization.

“The agency’s decision, for a second time, reflected a massive disconnect from what the best available science shows — that climate change and wildfire will prevent Joshua trees from successfully recruiting new generations over the coming years,” Jennifer Schwartz, managing attorney for WildEarth Guardians, said in a statement. “I feel hopeful that a federal court recognizes the need to actually assess these risks to the Joshua tree’s survival. Now it’s up to the service to actually follow the court’s order.”

Hsu agreed with conservationists on all claims, determining “that the service has not provided a rational explanation as to why climate change alone does not threaten the species to become threatened or endangered.”   

WildEarth Guardians said the USFWS’ analysis failed to adequately take into account climate change modeling that clearly shows Joshua trees run the risk of extinction due to increasing temperature, drought and wildfire.   

The court order states that the USFWS “provides no explanation as to why it did not use current trends and standards regarding greenhouse gas emissions as a basis for its decision, when this data currently is available.”  

WildEarth Guardians has been fighting for federal protections for the Joshua tree since the organization’s initial petition to list the species as “threatened” under the ESA in September 2015, citing the severe impacts of climate change on the native succulent.

In August 2019, the USFWS first denied listing protection for what it clarified were actually two distinct species of Joshua tree — eastern Joshua tree (Yucca jaegeriana) and western Joshua tree (Yucca brevifolia) — because it believed neither species was likely to face a danger of extinction in the next 80 years, according to WildEarth Guardians.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Five local students received scholarships from the Palm Springs Chapter of the Military Officers Association of America Leadership and Scholarship Luncheon Thursday.

This year the organization gave out five $2,500 scholarships including the Hunter Lopez Scholarship.

Herman and Alicia Lopez, parents of fallen local Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez, presented the scholarship named in honor and memory of their son. Lopez was one of 13 U.S. service members killed in a 2021 terrorist attack in Afghanistan.

Desert Hot Springs High School JROTC presented the Colors, and La Quinta High School JROTC did the Missing Man Table Ceremony, better known as the POW-MIA Table.

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Cynthia White

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – In a study published by ‘Human Reproduction’ earlier this month, health experts suggest a healthy diet during childhood may be linked to starting menstrual periods later in life.

Local health experts add that eating inflammatory foods, like processed foods, sugary snacks, and saturated fats, can cause imbalances with hormones.

They say eating these foods could also impact overall health, which could be linked with other diseases and chronic conditions like diabetes.

Health experts also advise that health starts at home – They remind parents that the entire family should be on board with making healthier food choices together.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department invites the community to celebrate a free, fun-filled day with “Kids to Parks Day” on Saturday, May 17.

Kids to Parks Day is a nationwide event dedicated to connecting kids with nature and encouraging outdoor exploration.

From 9:00 a.m. to noon on Saturday, families with kids of all ages can enjoy lots of outdoor activities at Sunrise Park, located at E. Ramon Road and S. Sunrise Way. The activities – bike riding, skating (bring your own bikes and skates), line dancing, arts & crafts, games, water activities, and a toddler zone to name a few – are designed to inspire imagination and physical activity.

Then, from noon until 3:00 p.m., the fun continues with a Free Swim Day at the Palm Springs Swim Center. Families are invited to splash, swim and relax under the sun. All ages are welcome, and lifeguards will be on duty.

Palm Springs Parks and Recreation officials say it’s a great way to celebrate nature, community, and childhood fun. They add that Kids to Parks Day is more than just a day at the park, it’s a chance for families to make memories and experience the joys of outdoor play.

For more information, email Recinfo@palmspringsca.gov or call (760) 323-8272.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 is staying on top of former Palm Springs mayor Steve Pougnet’s bribery plea.

On Wednesday, we reported the former mayor pleaded guilty in a bribery case stemming from an alleged scheme to buy off the mayor and ensure his support for a real estate developer’s projects.

Tonight, a timeline of how the situation developed and how Palm Springs business owners are crediting him for helping shape the city.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Garrett Hottle

A high-profile wellness initiative is officially underway in Palm Springs. But the launch of the Blue Zones Project is being overshadowed by confusion and controversy surrounding the sudden resignation of its first local leader.

Geoff Kors, the former mayor of Palm Springs and the original director of the local Blue Zones effort, stepped down just a few months after taking the role. But after hearing what current project leaders were saying about why he left, News Channel 3 reached out to Kohrs, and what he had to say raised more questions than answers.

Blue Zones is a health and lifestyle initiative that uses research from long-living populations around the world to promote community wellness. A recent Netflix documentary described the five original “Blue Zones” places like Okinawa, Japan and Loma Linda, California where people consistently live past 100.

Screen grab from https://www.bluezonesprojectpalmsprings.com/

The concept is now being applied in cities across the U.S., including Palm Springs, where local officials and organizers say the goal is to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Chris Ruetz is the current Community Engagement Lead for the Blue Zones Project in Palm Springs. (KESQ)

“What we plan to do is to create activities in Palm Springs specifically, where we can bring those characteristics here,” said Chris Ruetz, current Community Engagement Lead for the Blue Zones Project in Palm Springs.

Ruetz described Kors’ departure as amicable, saying Kors had a “very busy life” and felt comfortable passing the torch.

But Kors says that’s false.

Geoff Kors, the former mayor of Palm Springs and the original director of the local Blue Zones effort, stepped down just a few months after taking the role. (KESQ)

He says he’s under a non-disparagement agreement he was required to sign when he joined Blue Zones LLC. According to Kors, that agreement prevents him from speaking openly about why he left. But he tells News Channel 3 he detailed those reasons in his resignation letter and that Blue Zones has his permission to release it.

They haven’t.

“It’s disappointing that given they’re preventing me from saying why I left, Kor’s explained. “That inaccurate and false statements were made by a Blue Zones employee.”

News Channel 3 asked the City of Palm Springs for a copy of Kors’ resignation letter. City officials told us they don’t have it. We also asked Blue Zones for the letter and directly asked whether they’re refusing to release the letter.

In respons we received the following email from Naomi Imatome-Yun with Blue Zones:

“Blue Zones, like most companies, doesn’t comment on or share details about why an employee leaves from their role,” the statement read. “It’s part of our policy for legal, privacy, and professional reasons. So we wouldn’t comment on or share anything about Geoff Kors’ departure.”

Despite the dispute, the Blue Zones Project appears to be moving forward. Palm Springs Mayor Ron Dharte tells News Channel 3 the city is committed to a three-year agreement, contributing $60,000 annually to support the effort.

However, in a statement from Palm Springs Mayor Ron Deharte to News Channel 3 on Thursday evening, Mayor Deharte said he no longer has confidence in the long term participation in the Blue Zones Project.

“Personally, I no longer have confidence in long term participation in the Blue Zones Project. This decision was not made lightly and follows Geoff Kors resignation as executive director from the project in Palm Springs. The high-profile Kors departure combined with growing concerns regarding a lack of transparency in the project’s processes, and a subsequent loss of trust in the overall approach, combined with insufficient accountable communication have all contributed to my loss of trust.”

“While the initial intent of exploring initiatives to improve the health and well-being of our community was laudable, the execution and information sharing surrounding the Blue Zones Project have not met MY expectations for the City and, more importantly, our residents.”

“This is my personal opinion, and I remain committed to fostering a healthy and vibrant Palm Springs for all. I’m open to exploring strategies and partnerships that prioritize transparency, community involvement, and clear, accountable communication to achieve these important goals.”

– Statement from Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte on Blue Zones

For now, Kors’ resignation letter, it remains unseen and the full story behind his exit still unclear.

News Channel 3 is continuing to request the document and follow developments on the Blue Zones rollout.

The city of Coachella launched its Blue Zone initiative in 2022. There are six other Riverside County cities taking part in the initiative as well.

For more information visit: BlueZonesProject.com

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Homelessness in Riverside County continues to grow, but the rate is slowing, according to initial results in the county’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count.

The County’s Homeless Point-in-Time Count took place on January 22 after a two-year delay. It helps determine the level of federal funding for homeless initiatives.

The complete date has not been released yet, however, initial results identified 3,990 people who were sleeping in a shelter or on the streets. That’s up by 265 people compared to 2023’s results.

Despite the increase, county officials said the result shows a slowed growth in homelessness across the region. The growth rate dropped from 15% in 2022 to 12% in 2023, and now to 7% in 2025.

County officials touted a 19% reduction in unsheltered homelessness between 2023 and 2025, which “represents a significant milestone in the County’s efforts to address the most visible and urgent aspects of the crisis.”

“It is tremendous progress that we have huge reductions, less people living on the streets and more having access to shelters,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “County, city, and nonprofit collaborations have focused efforts and investments that are yielding measurable results, and our work continues. By targeting the root causes of homelessness and expanding access to housing and care, we are helping more residents find stability and hope.”

Additionally, all four subpopulations of veterans, seniors, families with children, and youth saw significant reductions, according to the county.

Check Out: Inside the Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center

“This decline underscores the effectiveness of the County’s comprehensive Homeless Action Plan, a collaborative initiative with the Riverside County Continuum of Care. Through this strategic plan, the County has aligned federal, state, and local resources around a shared set of Five-Year Regional Goals, significantly expanding access to both emergency and permanent housing. At the same time, the County is integrating critical systems like health and behavioral health care into its homelessness response, reinforcing its commitment to making homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”

While the county did not conduct a Point-in-Time Count in 2024, agencies did do a “sheltered only” homeless survey.

County officials said this year’s count also highlights a significant increase in shelter bed capacity of 57% since 2023, and an 11% increase over 2024.

“With more individuals accessing shelter, the reduction in unsheltered homelessness is both meaningful and indicative of system-wide progress” said Heidi Marshall, Director of the Riverside County Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS).

Data specific to cities was not available. The full results of the count are set to be released soon, after approval by the Board of Supervisors.

Carl Duncan, a combat veteran, said he’s been homeless for more that a year.

He said he’s seen the impact of these results first hand.

“Eight of my friends in the last 3 months have gotten semi-permanent housing and they’re paid up for the next 6 months,” Duncan said. “It’s great. If people really reach out, it’s there.”

The count was coordinated by HWS’ Office of Homeless Services and in partnership with the Riverside County Continuum of Care, a broad network of public and private homeless service providers across the County. Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Point-in-Time Count provides critical data used to assess regional needs and guide strategic planning.

The count was conducted by 879 community volunteers and agency partners, all 28 cities, and including the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH), Riverside Count Information Technology (RCIT), Code Enforcement, Probation, the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, and municipal police departments.

As part of its More Than A Count initiative, the County was able to fast-track vulnerable populations such as seniors, families and youth into care the day of the count which was largely supported through both the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Healthcare.

For more information on Riverside County’s housing and homelessness programs and how you can get involved, visit rivcohhpws.org.

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Jesus Reyes

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A 16-year-old student was arrested after allegedly attacking two school district employees in Twentynine Palms, authorities announced.

The incident was first reported at around 2:35 p.m. on Tuesday at the PLUS Program at a campus in Twentynine Palms.

“Deputies learned a 16-year-old male student violently battered two female Morongo Unified School District employees then fled on foot from the school,” reads a news release by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. “One of the staff members fell to the ground, sustained a concussion and an injury to the head. The second staff member also sustained a head injury.”

Medical aid was provided at the scene, however, one of the employees was hospitalized.

The teen was located and arrested Wednesday morning. He has been booked into the High Desert Juvenile Detention Center.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Coachella Valley teen died from a flu-related illness, county health officials announced.

It’s the first pediatric death of the 2024-2025 flu season in Riverside County.   

County health officials said the teen died in late March and was identified through death records, which can take months to confirm while the cause of death is being determined and then finalized.

“The teen was not believed to have any underlying health conditions; a flu vaccination record was not located,” reads a news release by Riverside University Health System.

The death is a tragic reminder of the danger that influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases can pose, even for individuals who are generally healthy, said Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Public Health Officer for Riverside County.  

“We are committed to continuing our efforts to partner with the community to prevent further tragedies like this one,” Chevinsky said. “We must remain vigilant and proactive in reducing the spread of infectious diseases through vaccination and hygiene practices.”  

This season, 226 child deaths which range in age from 0 -17 from flu-related illness have been reported nationwide – the highest number in 15 years, according to RUHS, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The previous high of 207 was reported during the 2023-2024 season.  

There have been 25 total pediatric deaths related to flu reported in California, according to California Department of Public Health. 

So far this season, among children who were eligible for influenza vaccination and with known vaccine status, 90% of reported pediatric deaths in the United States occurred in children who were not vaccinated against influenza, county health officials said.

Vaccine hesitancy and lower levels of flu vaccination are possible contributing factors to the higher and more severe trends for influenza among children, Chevinsky said. 

“Getting the seasonal flu vaccine remains one of the best ways to protect both children and adults from influenza. Staying up to date on all recommended vaccines is essential—not only for school or travel, but also during life changes, such as starting a job in healthcare or food service, where the risk of exposure or spreading infectious diseases may be higher,” Chevinsky said. “Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we’ve ever had to protect our communities from preventable illness and helps us stay healthy so we can keep doing the activities we enjoy.” 

Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some will develop complications such as pneumonia that can be life-threatening.  Immediate medical care should be sought for children experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, severe muscle pain, dehydration (dry mouth) or ribs pulling in with each breath while battling flu.   

Additional warning signs include: 

Bluish lips or face  

Not alert or interacting when awake  

Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine  

Any fever in children younger than 12 weeks  

Fever and/or cough that improves but then returns or worsens  

Worsening of chronic medical conditions  

Influenza season generally runs from October to April. Vaccinations for flu and other illnesses are available at medical offices and pharmacies, and through RUHS – Public Health’s vaccine clinics. 

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