Author: KESQ

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRING, Calif. (KESQ) – President Donald Trump said there is ‘real starvation’ in Gaza and that the United States will set up food centers.

It comes as thousands of Palestinians are suffering from malnutrition.

As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues, local organizers from CodePink in the Coachella Valley are calling on elected officials to take a stronger stance.

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson is speaking with local advocates about the grassroots initiatives they’re leading and why they believe the region’s representatives must act now.

KESQ is also speaking with Rabbi David Lazar of Congregation Or Hamidbar in Palm Springs.

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

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Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– The Indio Police Department (IPD) held their badge pinning and swearing-in ceremony to welcome the new Assistant Chief and congratulate the promotion of an IPD Sergeant.

Earlier Monday, the Indio Police Department celebrated the badge pinning and swearing-in ceremony to welcome Assistant Chief Aaron Ponce and congratulate Sergeant Andres Meraz on his recent promotion. 

Assistant Chief Aaron Ponce joins the IPD with over 30 years of experience working in public safety, bringing a plethora of knowledge from the Los Angeles Police Department where he served as Commanding Officer.

Sergeant Andres Meraz was recognized for his recent promotion to the position of sergeant. He began working with the IPD in February 2010 and has proudly been serving the City of Indio for over 15 years. 

The city urges residents to join in on congratulating them both in their achievements.

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Zachariah Perez

RIVERSIDE, Calif (KESQ)- The Riverside County Probation Department will roll out two fully equipped Mobile Service Centers.

These Mobile Service Centers are designed to bring community supervision services directly to unhoused individuals and clients who face transportation challenges. The new units will travel throughout the county, to local parks, public libraries, shelter parking lots, and resource fairs. 

This will make it easier for clients to check in with officers, attend counseling sessions, and access supportive services without missing critical appointments. They are encouraging community members to come out and  tour the vehicles immediately following the Riverside County Board of Supervisors meeting on July 29th, 2025, at the County Administrative Center.

“Reliable transportation should never be the deciding factor in whether someone succeeds on probation,” said Chief Probation Officer Christopher H. Wright. “By meeting people where they are, our Mobile Service Centers remove a major obstacle, helping clients stay on track, fulfill court-ordered requirements, and ultimately move forward with their lives.”

Each climate-controlled vehicle functions as a “probation office on wheels,” featuring:

Secure interview space for confidential check-ins and risk-needs assessments.

Remote Court Appearance opportunities that allow clients to appear in front of a judge virtually, without traveling to the courthouse.

Telehealth stations for virtual counseling, substance-use disorder treatment, and mental-health appointments.

Document printers and scanners so clients can sign, submit, and receive paperwork immediately.

On-site referrals to housing, employment, and vocational training partners, reducing the number of homeless clients living on the streets.

Wi-Fi access that allows clients to complete job applications, schedule medical appointments, or connect with social-service portals.

The funding for the Mobile Service Centers was made available through a California Board of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) grant.

According to Assistant Chief Natalie Rivera, early pilot testing was well received by clients who were excited about adding the Mobile Service Center. “We firmly believe that the addition of these units will lead to fewer violations, fewer warrants, and more success stories,” Rivera said. “When clients can focus on rebuilding rather than scrambling for a bus ticket, everyone—families, neighborhoods, and taxpayers—wins.”

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Haley Meberg

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ)– The Indio Water Authority will begin the installation of a new main water line on Avenue 50, just east of Jefferson St, beginning Monday, July 28. 

It was reported by the City of La Quinta that work on this project is set to begin Monday, July 28, with repairs planned through mid-December. 

Possible delays are expected throughout work zones. One lane will remain open in each direction to maintain the flow of traffic. 

The city is advising drivers to take alternative routes to avoid possible congestion during this project. 

For more information, contact the Indio Water Authority at (760) 391-4038.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif (KESQ)– A car pursuit ending in a vehicle collision took place in Indio, early Monday morning. 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) reported that at approximately 8:24 a.m. Monday morning, they contacted the Indio Police Department regarding an active vehicle pursuit for a stolen vehicle on Highway 111 and Adams Street in La Quinta, traveling eastbound to the city of Indio. 

At approximately 8:33 a.m., RSO claims they called for the backup from the Indio Police Department for a traffic collision involving the stolen vehicle and an uninvolved motorist at the intersection of Highway 111 and Jackson Street.

No injuries from this incident were reported and the suspect was taken into custody at the scene by RSO deputies.

The pursuit and collision are currently under investigation by the RSO with no further details being released at this time. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Zachariah Perez

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– Fantasy Springs is holding a Career Expo on Thursday, July 31st. From 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. 

The primary focus is on Public Safety Officers and Engineering positions. As the Coachella Valley’s top employer, Fantasy Springs is looking for motivated and qualified individuals to join the growing team. 

Hiring managers will conduct on-site interviews and extend job offers to well-suited candidates the same day. Interested applicants must bring a current resume and are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by calling the Fantasy Springs Recruitment Center at 760-238-5687.

Fantasy Springs is offering an employment package that includes competitive wages and advancement opportunities, tuition reimbursement, free meals for all team members, a robust health benefits package, 401 (k) retirement programs, entertainment and restaurant discounts throughout the property, wellness programs, free family events, scholarships available for employees’ High School graduates, and more.

“Fantasy Springs is more than a workplace, it’s a community where team members are supported, valued, and given the tools to grow,” said Fantasy Springs’ Director of Human Resources, Robert Silverang. “Whether you’re starting your career or seeking your next big step, we welcome you to explore what’s possible with us.”

With over 1,000 full- and part-time employees, Fantasy Springs offers numerous incentives and special recognition for those who best exemplify Fantasy Springs’ values.

To view all current job openings and learn more about working at Fantasy Springs, please visit their site.  

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Haley Meberg

DESERT EDGE, Calif. (KESQ)– A residential fire in the unincorporated area of Desert Edge broke out Monday morning, affecting one home and multiple vehicles. 

CAL FIRE reports that they responded to a call for a residential fire on the 18000 block of Langlois Road and Clifton Street in the unincorporated area of Desert Edge Monday morning. 

After arriving at the scene, the first arriving engine company reported a one-single wide mobile home, in the Healing Sands Mobile home and RV Park, fully engulfed in flames extending out to multiple vehicles. 

CAL FIRE reports firefighters are still on scene with utilities requested. 

No further information about the incident has been shared at this time. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Haley Meberg

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif (KESQ)– Long time philanthropist Wallis Annenberg passed away from lung cancer at the age of 86 early Monday morning. 

Wallis Annenberg was the daughter of publishing magnate Walter Hubert Annenberg. Following her father’s passing in 2002, Annenberg entered the role of President and CEO of the Annenberg Foundation which was founded in 1989. 

Throughout her 16 years as the Annenberg Foundation’s CEO, she broadened the foundation’s philanthropic sights on media, arts and education to include animal welfare, environmental conservation and healthcare, benefiting multiple regions throughout Southern California. 

The Times reports that over her time at the helm of the foundation, Annenberg gave away an estimated $1.5 billion to thousands of Los Angeles County based organizations and nonprofits. 

In the valley, the Annenberg Foundation runs Sunnylands Center and Gardens in Rancho Mirage, which was originally the official Annenberg Estate. Wallis Annenberg was the trustee of The Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands and was an instrumental executing the mission to preserve the estate as a venue for addressing global and national concerns, and to open the property to the public.

Former President Joe Biden provided a statement, saying, “Wallis Annenberg was a remarkable person who transformed philanthropy in our Nation. Devoted to family and public service, she understood deeply that community is at the center of everything. She was a visionary giver and innovator who advocated for change with empathy and compassion. Her support for the arts, education, the environment, medical research, and social justice transformed countless lives by advancing, healing, and inspiring communities across America. Jill and I send our love and prayers to the entire Annenberg family. May God bless Wallis Annenberg, a trailblazer who was unlike any other.”

“Wallis Annenberg was a visionary who believed not just in a better world, but in a kinder one,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “She worked on broader societal issues, including funding medical research, economic development, and environmental protection, but she deeply believed in supporting the American right to the pursuit of happiness. She was always determined to find new ways to help people achieve a better, more joyful quality of life, and above all else, to help people connect with each other.” 

Wallis Annenberg is survived by her four children and five grandchildren.

Her children, Lauren Bon, Gregory Weingarten and Charles Weingarten, co-directors of the Annenberg Foundation and Trustees at the Annenberg Foundation Trust at Sunnylands, say, “To the public, she was a dynamic force in philanthropy. To us, she was a mother, grandmother, friend, mentor, and a force of nature whose life and family remain committed to honoring public service. Her generosity and commitment will be lifting people up for many generations to come.”

Future plans for the Annenberg Foundation have not been released at this time. 

You can visit the Annenberg Foundation website at https://annenberg.org/

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Gavin Nguyen

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – The Shady Fire in Thermal reached full containment over the weekend. But, in the aftermath of the 52-acre brush fire, residents are left wondering: what’s been burning on the land next to their homes?

The Shady Fire left behind thick, dark smoke that was visible throughout the Coachella Valley when it began burning on July 25th.

Fires in the area often involve large mulch piles, which can continue spotting and burning slowly for several days. Fire officials have said landscaping companies have a tendency to dump mulch in the area, which fuels these brush fires, like the Buchanan Fire that burned in Thermal in late March.

But aside from the mulch, fire officials told News Channel 3 that hazardous chemicals often present a challenge for firefighters.

“We have a lot of issues with illegal dumping in the area when the fires burn through them. And we have a hard time getting in there because of the chemicals and and the hazardous nature of that garbage,” said Captain James Lopez, with CAL FIRE’s Riverside County Unit.

That happened during the Shady Fire, according to Lopez.

“We had a lot of salt brush and some tamarisk burning through a lot of dumps from the garbage, and some car parts, some cars, vehicles that were burning through there. Some palm trees, palm tree fronds ran through that area pretty quickly and came up to the road,” Capt. Lopez explained.

When it comes to different types of smoke, Capt. Lopez said the thickness and color can be indicative of the fuels that are burning.

Thick, black smoke is often produced by structures or chemicals burning. Meanwhile, smoke that is a lighter black is produced by brush or trees.

Residents, like Raquel Canela, who live next to the property where the fire started told News Channel 3 over the phone the property became more of a fire hazard after it was sold.

Previously, it was “working land,” and the owners grew crops like okra. After it was sold, though, Canela said the area became grounds for dumping. Mulch, dry brush, and other fuels collected there until the fire tore through the area Friday.

Fire officials said the dumping problem has eased recently, attributing the change to increased enforcement from Riverside County. Capt. Lopez, though, said he hopes the problem continues getting better through better education and enforcement.

“I think people are … being more aware and there’s more county enforcement that [is] taking place to take care of that.”

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Tori King

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) — The Rancho Mirage Community Park will be shutting down for a month to undergo some updates.

The city of Rancho Mirage released an announcement, saying it will be temporarily closing the tennis courts, basketball courts, two pickleball courts, and practice courts at Rancho Mirage Community Park beginning Monday, July 28th for scheduled court resurfacing. According to the city, the recently renovated pickleball courts will remain open for play during the project.

Rancho Mirage says the closure is expected to last approximately one month while the court surfaces are renewed to enhance overall quality and user experience.

For updates or questions, the city says to please contact Richard Grimaldo at (760) 343-0561 Ext. 534.

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