Author: KESQ

City News Service

Updated 7/2/25 1:17 p.m.

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ)- Earlier today, former Palm Springs Mayor Pougent who admitted accepting six-figure bribes was sentenced to two years of probation with a $325k fine for his counts of bribery. 

In court the judge read statements from former council members Christopher Mills and Ginny Float requesting leniency on the sentencing of the former mayor. The DA has noted that they do not agree with the probation sentencing of Pougent, with the judge pointing out that two of their star witnesses are advocating for the lighter sentence. 

While leniency in sentencing has been given the judge did note that Pougent will be considered a convicted felon and placed on probation while needing to pay back the $325k in funds that he owes to the city for his committed “crime of greed.”

Pougnet is currently located in Michigan where he will be under close watch throughout the period of his probation. It is noted that he is still receiving pension from the city of Palm Springs but says he is planning to use that money to pay back all that is owed. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for any additional updates on this case.

7/1/25

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – The one-time mayor of Palm Springs who admitted accepting six-figure bribes to publicly support development projects is slated for sentencing Wednesday in Banning.

Steve Pougnet, 62, in May admitted nine counts of bribery by a public official, eight counts of illicit financial interest in public contracts and one count of conspiracy, as well as no contest to three perjury counts.   

Pougnet, who is free on his own recognizance, submitted his guilty plea directly to Riverside County Superior Court Judge Samuel Diaz, at the outset of jury selection for his trial at the Banning Justice Center. The District Attorney’s Office objected to the court’s acceptance of the admissions, anticipating leniency for the ex-mayor, who’s likely to receive probation or mandatory supervision, without incarceration.   

Last month, a Banning jury acquitted one of his former co-defendants, 86-year-old real estate developer John Elroy Wessman, after a three-week trial. Wessman was found not guilty of nine counts of bribery of a public official and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.

Deputy District Attorney Amy Zois had alleged Wessman and fellow developer Richard Hugh Meaney, 59, conspired to favor Pougnet with high-dollar rewards to gain his support for the men’s redevelopment projects between 2012 and 2014.

Zois said Pougnet’s $3,605-a-month salary during his two terms was “peanuts” compared to the hefty cash infusions into his bank account facilitated by the developers.

She argued it was Wessman’s influence that landed Pougnet work on the Palm Springs International Film Festival, for which he received $150,000 in 2012. The festival board chairman ended the mayor’s consultancy when it didn’t net results.

Zois alleged the developers provided $225,000 in illicit payoffs to the mayor, all to ensure his active support for their downtown renaissance projects, which court records said included construction of the The Dakota, the Desert Fashion Plaza, The Morrison and Vivante.

Pougnet was in office from 2007 to 2015.   

He, Wessman and Meaney were criminally charged, for the first time, in 2017 and later indicted by a grand jury. The case began as a federal corruption probe until it was turned over to county investigators in 2016.   

A judge in December 2020 dismissed all counts against Wessman, characterizing them as baseless, but the charges were reinstated by the Fourth District Court of Appeals in Riverside less than two years later.

“This is … about corruption and the public trust,” Zois said during his trial.

One of the defendant’s attorneys, Elliot Peters, countered that most of the prosecution’s case rested on “speculation, guesswork and the false testimony of Mr. Meaney,” whom Peters characterized as a “dishonest, manipulative person.”

Zois cited evidence confirming Wessman’s signature appeared on numerous checks issued against Wessman Development Inc. in 2012 and 2013. The money was part of the payoff scheme involving Pougnet, the prosecutor said.   

Peters asserted his client took appropriate steps and remained within the bounds of the law to get his projects approved by the Palm Springs City Council.

He said that Wessman was steeped in business affairs, deferring to Meaney to handle smaller details, including direct email correspondence with the mayor.

The defense underscored how Wessman relied on creative financing to contend with impacts of the Great Recession that started in 2008, seeking what amounted to a “public-private partnership” between Wessman Development Inc. and the city to move forward.   

The efforts led to Measure J being put before voters in 2011. It passed, resulting in $43 million in municipal bonds going to the developer’s projects, which began in the winter of 2012.

All the felony charges against Meaney were dismissed over a year ago. However, he pleaded guilty to a reinstated misdemeanor count of financial conflict in a government contract.

He’s free on his own recognizance and is scheduled for sentencing on July 28.

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Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Department of Animal Services is calling out for immediate help from fosters and adopters as they continue to push capacity numbers to the highest levels all year. 

RCDAS announced on Tuesday they are operating at 125% capacity for cats with a population of over 300 cats in their care, bringing numbers for this group higher than they have been all year. 

The organization noted that they had not reached capacity for cats prior to this week, with over 80 cats being added in just this month, especially in the Coachella Valley location. 

RCDAS also revealed they are currently at 230% capacity for dogs with over more that 1,000 dogs in their care, continuing to show that levels of unhoused animals are still on the rise. 

Officials say the Fourth of July holiday marks the busiest time of year for lost dogs entering shelters all across the country. This, along with wildfire season that is already affecting parts of the county, makes the situation more urgent than before.

As this weekend approaches, RCDAS says community support and engagement in housing the expected influx of pets is needed now more than ever. 

They say without adopters and fosters they will not have the space at their facilities to safely and humanely house these animals and are in need of immediate help.

Community members can also show their support for these pets by donating to the RCDAS disaster relief fund to help with rescue, sheltering, and treatments of animals or visit https://rcdas.org/support/donate to give a donation directly online. 

For more information on fostering or adopting, visit www.rcdas.org.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today approved a new three-year contract with the union representing upper-level Riverside County sheriff’s personnel, District Attorney’s Office investigators and other county peace officers, guaranteeing pay increases to members totaling 19% over the duration of the compact.  

In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board authorized implementation of the $96.79 million collective bargaining agreement between the county and the Law Enforcement Management Unit, which takes effect immediately. It will expire on June 30, 2028.

Like the $164 million agreement the board approved in December for the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, which represents line deputies, automatic pay hikes are at the core of the LEMU contract and apply to all members, according to the terms.

Sheriff Chad Bianco informed the board during budget hearings last month that the LEMU and RSA agreements bore unavoidable impacts to the departmental budget.

The first across-the-board hike, totaling 9%, will go into effect immediately. The next auto hike, totaling 5%, will take effect on Dec. 11, 2025, and the final 5% hike will be added to LEMU members’ paychecks beginning Dec. 10, 2026, according to the agreement.

The county General Fund will cover roughly three-quarters of the contract costs, while the sheriff’s, D.A.’s and Department of Public Social Services’ budgets will cover the remainder.

“Approving the terms of this memorandum of understanding will help the county remain market competitive in attracting and retaining qualified public safety employees,” according to a Department of Human Resources statement posted to the board’s agenda Tuesday.

More than 400 employees are covered under the compact, which encompasses supervisory sheriff’s sergeants, lieutenants, captains, senior aviation personnel, District Attorney’s Office bureau commanders, DPSS chief investigators and DPSS welfare fraud investigative managers.

The bargaining unit’s previous five-year compact with the county was due to expire at the beginning of February, but according to human resources administrators, LEMU negotiators wanted to initiate talks on another contract early, so that process started in March, formally ending just over a week ago with a tentative agreement, which the board formalized.

The new compact features an automatic 40 additional hours of “special vacation time,” which can be applied any time. However, unlike other vacation leave to which members are entitled, the special time cannot be redeemed or cashed out. LEMU members already accrue annual leave at one hour per pay period.   

Sick leave will accrue at four hours per pay period, and qualifying members will be entitled to accrue one hour of pay for every eight hours he or she is placed on “standby duty,” awaiting possible callout to perform functions during what might otherwise be days or time off.

Designated “crisis negotiators” will realize a $50 bump per period solely by having that designation, whether the parties are deployed. Further, the new contract requires an automatic 5% upward adjustment in base hourly pay for those operating under “special assignment” designations, including laboratory analysts, hazardous devices — or bomb squad — supervisors, mounted enforcement detail and motorcycle unit supervisors.   

The county’s contributions to members’ medial-dental-vision insurance plans shall, for one insurance recipient plus one dependent, go from $1,611 per month now to $1,711 per month in November, where it will remain. For those members with two or more dependents, under the “family plan,” contributions will increase from $2,087 to $2,187 per month.   

There will, lastly, be pay increases for welfare fraud specialists, rising anywhere from 2.7% to 12% in hourly hikes, depending on the level of certification.

“By ensuring that salaries remain aligned with the organizational structure and long-term workforce goals, the county can better support clear promotional pathways and provide meaningful incentives for career growth,” the Department of Human Resources said.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Acquiescing to concerns expressed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the U.S. Department of Defense agreed today to release 150 California National Guard troops who had been deployed to protect federal buildings and personnel in Los Angeles and return them to their wildfire-protection assignments.   

According to U.S. Northern Command, which is overseeing the deployment of federalized National Guard troops in the Los Angeles area, the move came at the recommendation of Northern Command Gen. Gregory Guillot, with the approval of the Secretary of Defense.

Newsom, who has opposed the federal takeover of 4,000 Guard troops who were assigned to the L.A. area following protests over immigration-enforcement actions, complained that the move had left the Guard’s wildfire-fighting unit woefully understaffed, leaving the state vulnerable to damaging brush fires.

Newsom hailed the decision to release the 150 troops Tuesday.   

“Our firefighters are finally returning to fight wildfires,” he wrote on X. “Better late than never. Now — send the rest home. Nearly 5,000 soldiers — including police, paramedics and first responders — are still sitting idle in L.A. for nothing.”  

The National Guard troops were federalized by President Donald Trump and deployed to Los Angeles to protect federal buildings and personnel. Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass blasted the move, saying it exacerbated already-heightened emotions in the city. They also called it an intimidation tactic by Trump amid stepped up deportation actions.   

In addition to the Guard troops, Trump also ordered the deployment of roughly 700 Marines from the Twentynine Palms base to the area.

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Garrett Hottle

29 PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) Another national retailer is shutting down locations across our valley. rite aid is closing all of its stores in the coachella valley and that’s leaving customers scrambling to fill prescriptions and workers uncertain about their futures.

The doors are still open but not for long. rite aid’s 29 palms location is one of the last in the valley still operating… until Wednesday.

“So basically, Rite Aid announced that the company is going out of business… ours is tomorrow, July 2nd. And then the prescriptions that are remaining here… is going to be sent all the way down to Cathedral City.,” a pharmacy technician at the 29 Palms Rite Aid location explained.

For customers like Douglas Smith and his wife Virginia, that’s not just inconvenient it’s frustrating.

“A week goes by, they still don’t have it. They’re like, ‘Well, you gotta drive down the hill.’ I said, ‘I gotta drive down the hill to Cathedral City? Are you kidding me?'”

“We used to get our medicine here… we transferred. It was easy, but still it’s a big store. Kind of surprising.”The closures are happening fast. And for employees, the end comes with few options.

“There’s a standby pool… you can opt in to help close other stores. And then after that, we just kind of get laid off.”Still, she says grateful even as she packs up.

“It’s sad. I really did love working here. And I love the community as well… but we move forward.”

Every Rite Aid in the Coachella Valley is either already closed or will be by early July. If your pharmacy is impacted, experts say it’s best to contact your provider now to transfer prescriptions.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to impose special assessments totaling $4.16 million on thousands of Riverside County property owners’ tax bills to collect unpaid trash collection debts.  

In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board signed off on Department of Environmental Health Director Jeff Johnson’s request to apply the liens.   

According to Johnson’s staff, 6,955 residents in unincorporated communities owe the county’s four waste haulers for rubbish pickup and disposal services in 2024. Amounts in arrears range from a low of $150 to a high of $10,300 per customer, according to the special assessment roll.

Johnson sought approval for the assessments to be tacked onto delinquent payers’ annual property tax obligations.   

The environmental health director noted that “regular removal of solid waste from residential properties is a basic sanitation practice that protects both the environment and the public.”  

“The mandatory collection of solid waste and the payment for the collection is critical,” he said.  

The hearing Tuesday provided an opportunity for ratepayers to argue their cases against assessments and offer specifics about mitigating circumstances, to the extent they haven’t been able to meet some obligations. However, no one requested to speak.

In the past, petitioners presented appeals to the board based on the fact they oversee their own waste disposal and shouldn’t be on the hook for the waste haulers’ costs. Sometimes, properties are also under lease, and the owners aren’t responsible for paying trash disposal charges.

Former Supervisor Kevin Jeffries often pointed out instances in which haulers were charging for services never rendered, failing to regularly pick up garbage but still charging as if they had been.

With the board’s imposition of the special assessments, an additional $82-per-parcel charge can be applied to delinquent bills to cover the cost of public noticing and county staff time. Officials said residents may avoid the supplemental charge by paying their bills in full on or before July 25.

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Haley Meberg

Here’s some celebratory events happening around the Coachella Valley for the holiday weekend! 

Palm Springs

Thursday, July 3, enjoy the Fourth of July weekend “Kick-Off Party at Villagefest,” located at Downtown Palm Springs, Tahquitz Canyon Way and Palm Canyon Drive to celebrate the patriotic weekend with games, live music, arts and crafts and snow cones from 7:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.

Friday, July 4, “All- American Pool Party,” located at the Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way where guests can dive into festive pool fun from 3:00 p.m. – 10:00pm. with inflatable slides, water games, music, delicious food and a firework show 

Friday, July 4, Palm Springs Power Baseball “Fourth of July at the Ballpark” event at Palm Springs Stadium, 1901 E. Baristo Rd. starting at 6:00 p.m. 

Friday, July 4, Concert in the Park and “All-American Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular” with an evening performance from a Beatles tribute band and a firework show that begins at 9:15 p.m.

Saturday, July 5, Dive-In Movie Night at Palm Springs Swim Center, 405 S. Pavilion Way, where guests can float under the stars at the pool during a screening of “Captain America.” Pool opens at 6:00 p.m. and the movie begins at 7:00 p.m. 

Desert Hot Springs

Saturday, July 5, “Independence Day Fireworks Spectacular,” located at Mission Springs Park, 14510 Palm Drive. Community event with family-friendly activities, food vendors, and music. Bring blankets and lawn chairs. 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., with fireworks show launching at 9:15.

Rancho Mirage 

Friday, July 4, “11th Annual Fourth of July Fireworks Extravaganza,” located at Agua Caliente Resort Casino Spa Rancho Mirage starting at 9:00 p.m. Guests can enjoy this free drive-in firework experience at the South Parking Lot with gates opening at 3:00 p.m.

Indio

Friday, July 4, City of Indio’s Independence Day Bash returns at the Empire Polo Grounds, 81-800 51st Ave from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. with free admission for all and a drone show that begins at 9:30 p.m.

Palm Desert 

Friday, July 4, “Independence Day Celebration at Civic Center Park” with fun for kids starting at 4:00 p.m., food trucks at 5:00 p.m., live music at 7:00 p.m. and fireworks at 9:00 p.m.

Coachella

Saturday, July 5, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians “5th of July at Coachella Crossroads,” located at Spotlight 29 Casino, 46-200 Harrison Place. Featuring family-friendly fun with food trucks, giveaways and prizes, DJ music, with a breathtaking fireworks display. 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Twentynine Palms

Friday, July 4, Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians “4th of July at Tortoise Rock Casino,” located at 73829 Baseline Road. Featuring family-friendly fun with food trucks, games, giveaways for the kids, and live music, with a breathtaking fireworks display. 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

Banning 

Friday, July 4, “City of Banning 4th of July Celebration,” located at Nicolet Middle School Stadium, 101 E Nicolet St., featuring music, inflatable interactives, food and craft vendors. Gates open at 6:00 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9:00 p.m.

Beaumont

Friday, July 4, “Red, White and LIGHTS” celebration at Town Center, Beaumont Ave. between 6th Street and 8th Street featuring live music at a drone show from 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) – Palm Springs’ “Love Local” digital gift card program will return Monday to encourage residents to shop at participating businesses.

Starting July 7, residents can purchase a digital gift card with a maximum value of $300 per person, and the city will contribute an additional 50%. While the gift card itself has no expiration date, the bonus funds will expire Oct. 31, 2025.

“Our local businesses are the heart of our community and deserve our support, especially during the slower months,” said Mayor Ron deHarte. “This program is a great way to rally around them, keep dollars in our neighborhoods and remind everyone that shopping local makes a difference.”

The cards can be used at more than 100 participating stores in Palm Springs.

The program originally launched during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week, which ran from May 19 to June 8.   

“We know summer can be tough for local businesses. Encouraging everyone to shop and dine local is one way we can say thank you to our favorite local spots,” said Wayne Olson, the city’s chief economic development officer.   

Participating businesses and more information can be found at LoveLocalPS.com.

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Tori King

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)–The Cathedral City Fire Department just commissioned a brand new ambulance, making it the department’s fourth in it’s fleet.

The ambulance, along with six newly-hired firefighters and paramedics, were introduced to the community in a ceremony on Tuesday. The celebration took place at CCFD’s Fire Station #2.

Cathedral City Fire Chief Michael Contreras says this new rig is a culmination of years of collaboration between the department, the city, and residents.

“Through our accreditation, through our ISO rating, through our hiring, our service, delivery, you know, we’re the only ones that have ambulances,” said Contreras. “All that is what this is about. Because at the end of the day, if we can’t serve the people, why are we here.”

City Manager Charles McClendon agreed.

“I’m so happy to see this because the whole reason for what we do is to serve the community,” said McClendon. “And that’s what this new ambulance and the staff that will be working on it represent.”

The new rig and crew members will increase response times and positive outcomes for medical emergencies around the city. They were paid for by ‘Measure W’ funding, a half-cent sales tax that was approved by Cathedral City voters in November.

“We had a goal get this in place by July 1st, and let the community see the results of what they voted for in November, and we did it.,” said McClendon. “I’m just so happy to know that when we all pulled together, we were able to get this done.”

During the event, the new crew members had their badges pinned on by their chosen loved ones.

“It’s been an extremely great day to finally be a firefighter paramedic for serving the great city of Cathedral City,” said Tyler Kramer, one of the new firefighters and paramedics. “It’s been a long road coming. Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve always looked at the fire engines going past my house, and have known that this is the dream job that I wanted to do for my whole entire life. For Fire Chief Michael Contreras to give me the opportunity, and for this being my first department, I will do everything for it.”

After the ceremony, the rig was pushed into the fire station by community members, firefighters, city leaders, and friends and family.

“It’s here. It’s home,” said Juan Ramirez. “It’s a great feeling to have another ambulance here, and we’re ready to serve.”

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A mother and her son were charged in connection with the death of a 24-year-old Indio woman who was found last week near the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission campus.

Mario Morales Jr., 25, of Coachella, faces multiple charges, including murder, for the death of his girlfriend, Alexis Cano. He pleaded not guilty to all charges Tuesday afternoon.

Mario’s mother, Juana Hernandez De Morales, 55, of Coachella, was charged with accessory in aiding in an escape. She pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Both are scheduled to return to court on July 11.

Cano was found dead with a gunshot wound after deputies conducted a welfare check at around 9:40 a.m. Thursday at a home on the 84000 block of Manila Avenue in the unincorporated area of Coachella, according to court documents.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said the incident stemmed from a domestic disturbance.

According to court documents, Mario allegedly told his family about the murder at around 3 a.m. He asked his mother, Juana, to take him to Mexico. Mario was dropped off at a friend’s ranch in Mexico, but Juana was stopped at the border coming back into the United States.

Investigators questioned Juana, who allegedly admitted to knowledge of the murder and dropping off her son in Mexico.

Mario was located by Mexican authorities at the ranch. He was taken to the Calexico Port of Entry on Friday, where RSO deputies took him into custody.

Mario Morales was being held on $5 million bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. Juana De Morales was being held at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on $1 million bail.

The investigation remains active. Anyone with additional information is asked to call Master Investigator D. Hernandez or Investigator G. Gonzalez at 951–955–2777.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.

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