Author: KESQ

Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – Family, friends and coworkers of late mail carrier Jose Daniel Piña gathered at a car wash on Saturday to raise funds for his funeral expenses and his infant daughter.

As News Channel 3 reported this week, Piña worked as a mail carrier in the Coachella Valley and was known around town for his friendly demeanor and consistent service.

He died earlier this month from ongoing health issues.

In response, family and friends organized a fundraiser car wash at the 7-Eleven in Indio.

“We’re doing a car wash for my brother,” said Esperanza Tapia, his sister. “We’re trying to raise funds to lay him to rest and after we pay that fee, then the rest will be going to his baby girl that was just born 2 days after his passing.”

Tapia said the community turnout was overwhelming and emotional.

“It’s a beautiful feeling,” Tapia said. “My brother would be very happy knowing that everybody’s coming out to support him and show him a lot of love.”

Along with the car wash, she said the family has organized other ways the community can help.

“We have a GoFundMe right now that’s happening, it’s under Esperanza Cisneros,” Tapia said. “Then we also have 3 raffles going that you can find on my Instagram page. It’s Epiiii___ — and you’ll be able to find the raffles right there and also the GoFundMe link.”

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Cynthia White

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Liam Cantu, a 14-year-old La Quinta High School freshman, has died in the hospital after being struck by a drunk driver, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Cantu was one of two teens riding their bikes on Highway 111 in La Quinta when a driver, later identified as 47-year-old Jose Villegas Orbe of Palm Springs, fled the scene.

Statement from La Quinta High School Principal O’Mara

Authorities said the other teen victim has been released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

Villegasorbe is now facing charges including vehicular manslaughter, DUI, hit-and-run and probation violation.

The news comes just days after the community held a prayer ceremony for Cantu at the La Quinta High School baseball field, who was fighting for his life at the hospital.

The collision happened two weeks ago, on Friday, October 10.

Shortly after the collision, News Channel 3 spoke exclusively with Cantu’s parents as they pleaded for prayers and support.

Cantu’s parents described their son as someone who is funny, outgoing, loved to dance and had an impact on everyone in his life.

They also said the crash came as Cantu was excited to join the La Quinta High School baseball team.

The Sheriff’s Office says this remains an active investigation, and anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy Martinez at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station or call anonymously at 760-341-STOP (7867).

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Cynthia White

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday an arrest has been made in connection with a deadly shooting that happened last month in Coachella.

Investigators say they identified the suspect as a 59-year-old Coachella man. He was located Wednesday and arrested near a home off Nile Lane and Genoa Street in Coachella.

Investigators add they are not looking for any other suspects in connection with the investigation.

The shooting was reported back on September 21st in the 85000 block of Calle Limon near Genoa Street. 51-year-old Enrique Arrieta of Coachella died at the scene.

Family members of the victim at the scene told News Channel 3 that the incident began as an altercation.

RSO officials say the investigation is ongoing.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this story.

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs is known for tourism and being a safe haven for the LGBTQ+ community.

Tourism leaders from around the world are in Palm Springs this week to promote destinations known for inclusivity. They say their work is about more than selling vacations.

The goal for hundreds of travel professionals gathering at the Palm Springs Convention Center this week is to improve LGBTQ tourism around the world.

Ace World Travel Founder Aurelio Giordano wanted to make sure he had the right resources for his LGBTQ clients to experience safe traveling, so he’s been attending the convention for the past decade.

Giordano says, “The number one thing is always safety, right? Am I going to be safe there if I decide to hold my partner’s hand while we’re walking down the street or even just down the hallway of the hotel? Are we going to feel okay doing that?”

This year, with a volatile political climate, there was a record-breaking turnout.

International LGBTQ+ Travel Association CEO John Tanzella says, “We do feel like in this country we’re kind of going backwards on a lot of LGBTQ rights. It’s becoming much more difficult for LGBTQ visitors to America, which is really challenging, particularly for the transgender community.

Between 2024 and this year, the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) found there were over 900 anti-LGBTQ incidents in the U.S. – That’s almost three incidents every day.

Visitors say that rainbow banners, decorations, and open displays of pride in and around the Palm Springs area truly make them feel welcome and safe here.

Giordano remarks, “I’ve been hearing about Palm Springs for a long time, being here, experiencing it. There’s just so much literal and figurative warmth, you know, from the people, smiles everywhere. . . I just love that, you know, people are just here, just living their lives in peace and freedom.”

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – In the past week, local business owners claim nearly 10 small businesses in Indio have been broken into and vandalized.

At CV BBQ in Indio, owner Sean Smith says their front glass door was broken earlier this week. The perpetrator stole the cash register and electronics in the restaurant.

“Intruder came in, decided to break-in through our door here and then proceed to take our cash box items inside, do damage and take off vandalism and take off,” Smith said.

Smith says this is the second time this year that vandalism has occurred on the property and that it’s happened consistently for the past 3 years, with no arrests. 

CV BBQ is just one of several businesses targeted this week, along with Indio Florist, who also had their door smashed through. 

Owners say Daily Grind Coffee and Juicing, and a Mexican restaurant were also vandalized, along with several others bringing the total to 10 businesses.

Jennifer Colin-Ortiz with Indio Florist says it’s also not their first time being targeted.

“The last couple times we had our vehicle battery stolen, we had our catalyctic converter stolen. We’ve had our air conditioning unit vandalized, our windows broken, and merchandise as well,” Colin-Ortiz said.

For business owners who love the community they serve, the smash and grabs have hit them hard both emotionally and financially.

“It’s something that no one looks forward to finding out when you come to work. You really put your blood, sweat and tears into your business. Just bringing what you do to the small community. Being a small business owner, it just brings joy to bring something uplifting to this area,” Smith said.

He estimates he spends between $500 and $1,000 on a new door every time it’s vandalized. Colin-Ortiz says that price ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 for their floral shop.

Now, they’re asking for accountability and persistence from local authorities.

“This is our livelihood. This is where we eat, this is how we eat. Financially, emotionally, it’s very distressful,” Colin-Ortiz said.

Indio Police said in a statement they are aware and investigating recent burglaries, and that officers have increased patrols in the downtown area.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057 or call Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP to provide information anonymously.

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Timothy Foster

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – As the government shut down continues, families across the Coachella Valley are facing mounting challenges. With CalFresh benefits delayed for November, more than 37,500 local residents, nearly the population of Palm Springs, are expected to lose access to roughly $9.5 million in grocery-buying power, leaving many households suddenly unable to afford food.

In response, FIND Regional Food Bank is mobilizing its emergency response network to ensure families do not go hungry. Over the past three months, FIND has already seen a 30% increase in demand at its Community Mobile Markets, and the shut down’s ripple effects are creating additional strain on local food distribution.

Debbie Espinosa, President and CEO of FIND Regional Food Bank, explained that families who were just managing to stay afloat are suddenly left without the means to buy food. She said FIND and its partners are stepping in to make sure everyone has access to nutritious meals during this difficult time.

FIND is increasing food allocations to its more than 100 local food pantry partners and 30 Community Mobile Market sites, ensuring equitable distribution across the region. If CalFresh disruptions continue, FIND plans to provide CalFresh Interruption Boxes containing staples such as rice, beans, pasta, canned protein, vegetables, fruit, and milk alternatives to help sustain families until benefits resume.

Community members are being called upon to help meet the growing demand. Every dollar donated can provide up to four meals, and volunteers are needed to pack and sort food at FIND’s warehouse. The organization is partnering with Feeding America, local agencies, and government bodies to maintain support until federal programs are restored.

Steve Goodfriend, a longtime volunteer, said the food supply chain is uncertain due to the shut down, creating a critical need for volunteers to ensure families continue receiving food. Goodfriend delivers food directly to families, many of whom work in local agriculture yet still struggle to feed themselves.

Residents seeking assistance or wishing to volunteer can visit findfoodbank.org to locate distribution sites or sign up to help.

FIND Regional Food Bank is committed to keeping the Coachella Valley fed through the shut down and is relying on community support to bridge the gap until federal assistance resumes.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ). California’s film industry is getting a major boost. Governor Gavin Newsom announced 52 film projects will receive new state tax credits through the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program, expected to generate more than $1.4 billion in economic activity statewide.

The lineup includes major titles like Jumanji and Heat 2, and is projected to employ nearly 8,900 cast and crew along with 46,400 background performers across 1,664 filming days. Officials say this round also sets a record for out-of-Los Angeles filming, with 511 days scheduled in 38 counties including San Bernardino and Imperial spreading production jobs and local spending beyond Hollywood.

“We’re welcoming projects from major franchises to independent films led by visionary artists,” said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission. “With 52 new projects, we’re seeing storytelling thrive once again, creating thousands of jobs and supporting local businesses.”

While the state program aims to attract both major studios and independent filmmakers, not every project qualifies. One who knows that struggle firsthand is Mike Caravella, a local filmmaker who self-financed his feature Astral Plane Drifter a genre-bending Western-sci-fi-comedy shot almost entirely in the High Desert.

He calls his film a “Western, sci-fi, kung-fu, grindhouse stoner comedy” made with sweat equity and community support. “It was a hustle and sometimes a hassle, but we pushed our chips in and went for it,” he said.

I’m a guy who believes in perseverance,” hesaid. “Once I get something in my mind, I just keep going until it’s done.”

His film screens this weekend at the Palm Screams Film Festival at Festival Theaters in downtown Palm Springs, highlighting how local creators are still finding ways to keep California’s filmmaking spirit alive.

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Cynthia White

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Starting Saturday, October 25, Riverside County voters will be able to cast their ballot at one of 23 vote centers throughout Riverside County for the November 4th statewide special election.

An additional 32 vote centers throughout the county will open next week, on Saturday, November 1st.

Voters can vote in-person or return their completed vote-by-mail ballot at any vote center; there are no specific locations assigned. Registered in-person voters may opt for a paper ballot to cast into a ballot box, or use a touch screen.

Also, eligible county residents can register to vote or update their registration at any vote center.

The Registrar of Voters also has 96 official ballot drop-off locations for voters to return vote-by-mail ballots. The secure drop boxes will remain through 8:00 p.m. on Election Day.

For more information on dates, hours of operation, and a map of vote centers and secure ballot drop-off locations, visit voteinfo.net.

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Athena Jreij

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Registrar of Voters held a demonstration for its auto signature verification tool, or ‘ASV’ ahead of the November 4th special election.

The new tool implements software in the Registrar’s sorting machines that compare voter signatures on a ballot to those in their voter profile, completing the verification process in just seconds.

“The process that we’ve been using without this technology is simply turning around ballots to take an image of the signature so we can compare it manually against our voter registration system,” Registrar of Voters Art Tinoco said.

Once put into the sorting machine, ballots are photographed by cameras reading signatures and comparing them to those on voter’s registration files. Those ballots are then sorted into ‘MSV’ and ‘ASV’ buckets. ‘MSV’, or manual signature verification buckets indicate the ballot did not pass the test and need another check by an employee.

The sorters scan ballots for at least a 45% confidence rate. Ballots below that rating are automatically put into the manual verification pile.

“We are looking for similarities not differences, So, we are looking for the similarities in the loops or looking at the similarities and just the way the signature is laid out. There is also an option in our election management system to look at past records, which we can also use, which is registration records that are saved on file,” Tinoco said.

While the technology is new to Riverside County, it’s already being used in San Diego and San Bernardino.

Once fully implemented, the Registrar estimates ‘ASV’ could cut back on their staffing by more than half.

“We do hire about 1,000 temporary employees, but for this process on this campus we’re hiring about 400,” Tinoco said.

Since the program is being piloted, all mail-in ballots that run through ‘ASV’ will be manually verified by employees after.

Officials estimate if the pilot goes well, it could be fully implemented by June 2, 2026 for the state gubernatorial primary.

Riverside County residents can see the process up close for themselves by attending an election observer tour. For more information, visit: https://rivco.org/news/election-observer-tours.

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