Author: KESQ

Raymond Kalra

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One year after Amazon opened its massive PSP3 warehouse in Desert Hot Springs, city officials say the company has surpassed its original job creation projections, bringing thousands of employment opportunities to the Coachella Valley.

But while Amazon is celebrating job growth and employee promotions, some nearby businesses say the economic benefits haven’t been as significant as they originally anticipated.

News Channel 3 spoke with Amazon employees, site leadership, city officials and a nearby business owner to examine the impact of the facility one year later.

Amazon exceeds original hiring projections

When Amazon announced its inbound cross-dock facility in Desert Hot Springs, officials projected it could bring between 1,400 and 2,000 jobs to the area.

Now, the City of Desert Hot Springs says the facility employs approximately 2,400 people, exceeding those initial estimates.

“Amazon has not only met its original hiring goal, but it exceeded it,” said Saida Hernandez, Government Relations and Communications Manager for the City of Desert Hot Springs. “Originally, they said that it was around 1,400 to 2,000, and now it’s 2,400.”

The facility operates as an inbound cross dock, where employees receive, sort and organize inventory before sending it to Amazon fulfillment centers across the region.

City officials say the facility has helped expand employment opportunities while bringing jobs closer to home for residents who previously had to commute outside the community for work.

For Desert Hot Springs, Hernandez said the impact goes beyond employment numbers.

The city sees the facility as an important part of its broader economic development efforts, helping attract additional investment and interest in the surrounding industrial area.

More than 50 employees earn promotions

Along with job creation, Amazon is highlighting opportunities for employees to advance within the company.

According to Amazon, over 50 employees at the Desert Hot Springs facility earned promotions during its first year.

Those promotions include:

25 employees promoted to Process Assistant positions, helping oversee daily warehouse operations and train employees. 11 Process Assistants promoted to Area Manager positions. 10 Area Managers promoted to the next level of management. Three employees promoted to Operations Manager positions. Two employees promoted into Senior Operations leadership roles.

Amazon says those opportunities allow employees to move beyond entry-level positions and develop long-term careers within the company.

One employee who spoke with News Channel 3 described starting as a Tier 1 associate before advancing into operations management and eventually transitioning into a support role.

The employee said those opportunities came through learning new responsibilities, gaining experience and taking advantage of the company’s internal advancement programs.

Amazon also offers its Career Choice program, which provides eligible employees with educational opportunities and assistance pursuing additional training and career development.

During an interview with News Channel 3, site leadership emphasized the importance of providing opportunities for employees to learn different parts of the operation and pursue leadership positions.

The company says it plans to continue focusing on career development and employee growth during its second year.

Nearby restaurant owner remains optimistic about Amazon’s impact

While Amazon’s employment numbers have grown, nearby business owners are hopeful that the facility’s presence will continue creating economic opportunities throughout the community.

Patricia Salazar, who owns a family-operated restaurant near the warehouse, said she was excited when Amazon first began construction.

Her business was hired to provide food for construction workers on several occasions, giving her an early opportunity to benefit from the project.

Salazar said she had hoped to see more restaurant traffic following Amazon’s opening and remains optimistic about opportunities for local businesses to benefit from the facility’s presence in the community.

Her family also operates a nearby tire shop, which she said has experienced some additional customer traffic.

Despite restaurant visits being lower than she initially anticipated, Salazar views Amazon’s arrival as a positive development for Desert Hot Springs.

She hopes continued development in the surrounding area will attract more customers and create additional opportunities for local businesses.

City points to new development and community partnerships

Desert Hot Springs officials say Amazon has also helped generate additional interest in developing the city’s industrial area.

Hernandez told News Channel 3 that the warehouse helped establish momentum for further investment, including interest in a Hampton Inn, a Starbucks and additional logistics facilities.

The city views that growth as an opportunity to create more jobs and expand economic activity beyond Amazon’s warehouse.

Hernandez also said the city did not provide financial incentives or infrastructure investments specifically to support the Amazon project, instead assisting through the planning and development process.

Beyond employment and development, city officials highlighted Amazon’s involvement with local nonprofits and community organizations.

Hernandez said the company has participated in food distribution efforts, supported programs at local senior centers and helped sponsor community events.

Amazon employees also described partnerships with local organizations, including food assistance programs and the Desert Hot Springs Senior Center.

City officials say those partnerships are another way the company is contributing to the community.

Hernandez said the city hopes Amazon will continue supporting local organizations and expanding its presence as an employer and community partner.

Looking ahead to year two

As Amazon marks its first anniversary in Desert Hot Springs, the company is celebrating its workforce and the employees who have advanced into new positions.

Site leadership told News Channel 3 that continuing to create employment opportunities, support employee development and strengthen community partnerships will remain priorities.

For the city, the next chapter includes building on the development interest surrounding the warehouse and attracting additional businesses to the area.

For nearby business owners like Salazar, the hope is that continued growth will translate into more customers and increased economic activity.

One year later, the City of Desert Hot Springs says Amazon has exceeded its original employment projections.

But the experiences of surrounding businesses show that the benefits of a major development are not necessarily felt equally across the community.

As additional projects take shape, residents and local business owners will be watching to see how that growth translates into long-term economic opportunities throughout Desert Hot Springs.

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Garrett Hottle

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) – Abraham Feinbloom was sentenced Monday to 13 years to life in state prison for torturing and killing 17-year-old T’Neya Tovar, after her mother, father and sister stood in an Imperial County courtroom and told him what he took from them.

The judge followed the plea deal Feinbloom signed Sept. 28, seven years to life for torture and a consecutive six years for voluntary manslaughter. The 51-year-old gets credit for 294 days already served and must pay a $10,000 restitution fine. The judge found he had met the conditions of the deal, which required him to lead investigators to T’Neya’s remains and called for the murder charge to be dismissed at sentencing.

Charro Tovar, T’Neya’s mother, spoke for close to half an hour. She told the court about going to Feinbloom’s boarded-up house looking for her daughter and not being able to get inside, and about the photograph of a leg she had to recognize as her child’s.

“Thirteen years is not enough to me,” she said, and asked for the maximum the law allows. “You chose my daughter, and because you chose my daughter, you got me too,” she told him.

She added, “I’m the mother who wouldn’t stop, and I’m still not going away.”

Crystal Behn read statements from T’Neya’s sisters.

“You did not disappear her voice,” one said. “You gave her family a reason to speak even louder.”

Her father, Josh Carter, told the court it was “a blessing” the outcome was what it was, and that the man who killed their daughter “was caught.”

When the judge asked Feinbloom if he had anything to say, he did not apologize. Both parents said he never looked at them.

“Cowards don’t look people in the face,” Carter said outside the courthouse.

The judge said he had never seen a case “so exhaustively investigated and prepared for trial” and said the harshness of Feinbloom’s conduct was indescribable. He said motions had been filed before trial to bring in prior allegations of misconduct involving other children, some never successfully prosecuted, and invited prosecutors to pursue them if they can. The plea does not prevent it, he said.

Outside court, District Attorney George Marquez said the torture charge was how prosecutors got to a life sentence.

“The torture charge gives us the seven to life, and the manslaughter gives us the six years,” he said. “Sometimes when we’re reaching disposition on cases, we come up with charges that might be somehow connected, but it reaches the end result, which is what we wanted.”

He said prosecutors never learned exactly how T’Neya was killed, which would have made first-degree murder “problematic” to prove, and put his maximum exposure at trial at “15 or 16 years.” Feinbloom did not have to explain how she died, only lead investigators to her remains.

“He’s 51 years old,” Marquez said. “The chances are he’s probably going to die in prison.”

Defense attorney Melanie Roe called that “absolutely inconsistent with the law.” She said parole in California is “the rule, not the exception,” and she expects the board to recommend Feinbloom’s release when he is eligible.

Roe said it was “a no-body case from the beginning,” with no autopsy report until five days before the preliminary hearing, and that there are no past cases against him. The 2018 kidnapping charge was dismissed because the accuser had died, she said, and other allegations were never filed. She said reporters should ask the district attorney why.

Charro Tovar said she was told Monday the majority of her daughter’s remains have been recovered, but not all.

“We can’t get murder, but we got torture,” she said. “He tortured her to death. There’s no difference in my eyes.”

She said she will be at every parole hearing, and she still does not believe deputies took her reports seriously in December, when she went to the house with deputies four times and no one went inside.

T’Neya, of Hemet, called her mother Dec. 1, 2025, and said she was on her way to Palm Springs. She was reported missing that day. An FBI agent later testified a friend dropped her off at Feinbloom’s home on Harlequin Court in Salton City.

On Dec. 21, deputies found a human leg less than a mile away. DNA matched it to T’Neya on Feb. 6, the same day FBI agents searched the house. A week later, Feinbloom jumped a fence as a SWAT team arrived and was arrested.

He pleaded not guilty to murder and told agents he did not know her. Jury selection was set for Oct. 6. He took the deal eight days before, and a day later investigators recovered a skull and ribcage in a wash off Treadwell Boulevard, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

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Dakota Makinen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As Halloween parties approach, law enforcement is warning about the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit prescription pills.

Desert Hot Springs Police Lieutenant Saucier and Amber Royer, founder of Out of the Ashes, are urging people to avoid taking pills that weren’t prescribed to them.

According to the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), lab testing shows 16% of pills containing fentanyl have a potentially lethal dose.

The DEA seized more than 47 million counterfeit pills in 2025, along with nearly 10,000 pounds of fentanyl powder. Those pill seizures represented more than 369 million potentially lethal doses, according to the agency.

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Gavin Nguyen

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Voter identification is in the spotlight in California this year as Proposition 39 looks to make changes to elections.

Prop 39 would keep citizens from voting unless they present a form of government-issued identification. A “Yes” vote on the proposition would change California’s state constitution to require voters to provide additional information when they vote.

For in-person voters, they would be required to present valid government-issued identification (like a driver’s license or ID card). Citizens opting to vote-by-mail would need to write the last four digits of a government-issued number on their envelope (like their Social Security Number). If a voter fails to complete these steps, their ballot would be invalidated.

According to the official voter guide, Proposition 39 requires the state to provide a voter identification card at no cost to voters who request one. The voter identification card could be used as the government-issued identification that verifies a voter’s identity when voting.

The ballot measure would also require election officials to maintain accurate voter registration lists and use government data to verify the citizenship of voters. A State Auditor would also be required to audit government compliance during odd-numbered years.

In contrast, a “No” vote would keep things the way they are. As it stands, a voter’s signature establishes the identity of the voter when a ballot is cast.

Governor Gavin Newsom signed SB 1174 into law in 2024, which prohibits any local authority from creating a law that would require citizens to present ID before voting. If Prop 39 passes, it would supersede the state law.

Becki Robinson has volunteered as a voter registration coordinator with Indivisible of the Desert and Courageous Resistance for the past eight years. Every election cycle, you can find her at the Mary Pickford Theater, offering to help passing moviegoers fill out voter registration forms if they were new voters or needed to make changes to their registration.

She likened her work to helping people apply for jobs.

“When we’re helping somebody fill out the voter registration form, basically what we’re doing is we are helping them fill out an application for a job, and the job is to be a voter,” she said. We’ve introduced you to her before in previous election years; with those years of experience, she thinks she’s innately familiar with the process to verify voters’ eligibility.

“When a registration form gets up to Sacramento or gets up to Riverside County, depending on which one is going to go to or whatever county it is in, they then vet you through all of the different databases that they have access to state and federal,” she explained.

VoteCal is the voter registration database that California uses. Applications are run through departments like the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR), California Department of Public Health (CDPH), California Employment Development Department (EDD), and California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV). Voters can access public portions of the database online.

Through this process, voters provide identifying information and attest to their citizenship and eligibility under penalty of perjury.

She continued, “They check you on all of those to make sure you are a citizen and you are eligible to vote.”

Robinson was against the implementation of additional voter ID requirements. She said it would put additional roadblocks to keep voters from casting the ballots. She was firm in her belief that California’s existing processes were robust enough.

“I am very confident in the system that’s in place. I don’t think there’s anything else that we need to do,” she affirmed.

News Channel 3 reached out to several groups that support Proposition 39, but our requests for comment went unanswered.

One of the organizations that supported the proposition, Californians for Voter ID, listed a statement from its chairman on its website.

“Support for Voter ID laws transcends party lines—it’s not a Republican or Democratic issue. Polls consistently show that majorities of Republicans, Democrats and Independents favor these measures … Voter ID is simply a common-sense policy. California needs to modernize its elections to align with the vast majority of the world’s democracies. While our state leads in so many areas, it lags behind on this issue. It’s time for California to catch up and enact Voter ID laws.”

Julie Luckey, Chairman of Californians for Voter ID, Yes on 39

You can find more details on the proposition on California’s official voter information guide. Click here to go to the Secretary of State’s website.

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KESQ News Team

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — A passenger was killed, and the driver was seriously injured following a motorcycle crash Sunday morning on Highway 74 near the Devil’s Ladder Trail.

Authorities were dispatched to the scene around 9:15 a.m. following reports of a single-motorcycle crash.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was riding their Harley Davidson trike motorcycle on State Route 74 eastbound when a deer ran from south to north across the roadway, in front of the motorcycle.

The rider attempted to swerve to the left, into the westbound lane, in an attempt to avoid the deer. The Harley Davidson struck the deer, causing the motorcycle to leave the north dirt shoulder.

The Harley Davidson overturned and subsequently ejected the rider and 72-year-old female passenger from Hemet.

The 72-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified by authorities on Tuesday as Peggy Thomas of Hemet.

The driver, a 71-year-old man from Hemet, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Highway 74 was temporarily closed in both directions as emergency crews responded to the scene and investigated the crash. The roadway has since reopened to traffic.

Authorities have not released the identities of the two people involved.

Investigators are still investigating the cause of the crash.

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Kiera McKinney

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Decorated golf carts, community groups and families gathered along El Paseo Sunday for the 2026 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, with actor and television host Anthony Anderson serving as grand marshal.

This year’s theme, “Better Together,” celebrated the local schools, businesses and community organizations taking part. News Channel 3’s team also joined the parade.

For longtime paradegoer Mary Perry, the event’s appeal goes beyond the decorated carts. She has been attending for nearly 30 years and said the celebration continues to feel personal.

“But I think it’s that it’s such a local small town feeling,” Perry said. “You know, the golf cart parade started with just people in their golf carts driving down El Paseo, and now it features all of the local high school and middle school bands, the cheer squads, the dance teams, and so many people who just come out because it’s the family and community thing to do.”

Actor and television host Anthony Anderson served as grand marshal. The “black-ish” star said participating in community events is part of realizing a dream that began when he was growing up in Compton.

“And a part of that dream is being able to be at events like this and having fun and meeting people like you and, you know, giving back to the community, which is what it’s all about,” Anderson said.

Palm Desert Councilmember Jan Harnik said she has watched the parade since her own children were little. For her, the tradition reflects the community’s character.

“It’s the sweetness and the heart and soul of our community,” Harnik said. “It’s what we’re about. It brings everybody together for a very good reason.”

The celebration also included a pancake breakfast, local vendors, live bands and activities for children throughout the morning.

The annual event is organized by the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Jesus Reyes

Watch Live Below (Scheduled to Start at Noon)

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PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – One of the desert’s most fun and colorful events returns on Sunday, October 25, when scores of decorated carts, floats, and marching bands will head down world-famous El Paseo for the annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade.

The Golf Cart Parade steps off at Noon, following a flyover by the Palm Springs Air Museum. Creatively decorated golf carts and floats, local businesses, community organizations, marching and performance groups, classic cars and more will make their way along El Paseo.

Anthony Anderson, Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor, producer, television host, and philanthropist, will be the Grand Marshal.

While the parade itself starts at noon, activities start in the morning.

The Palm Desert Rotary will hold its popular annual Pancake Breakfast starting at 8 a.m. on the corner of El Paseo and San Luis Rey. Sponsor and vendor booths open at 9 a.m., and be sure to leave time to peruse the classic car show, too.

Other attractions include a Kid’s Play Zone, a section for our Super Seniors, food and drink vendors, awards and trophy presentations, and more.

Free seating can be found at multiple locations along the parade route. VIP seats ($30 each) and Senior Seating can be reserved in advance. For more information, please call the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce at 760-346-6111

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Matthew Pearce

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — First Tee Coachella Valley participants will honor Coach Kyle “Peanut Butter Cups” Winn, who served as program coordinator/director and executive director at First Tee and passed away earlier this year.

Participants in today’s golf-a-thon pledged to play 18 to 100 holes throughout the day to raise funds for First Tee Coachella Valley programs. The organization aims to teach critical life skills to children through the game of golf.

News Channel 3 is speaking with participants to learn more about the significance of this year’s fundraiser. To connect with First Tee Coachella Valley, visit its website and stay tuned for more.

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Jonathan Ramont

UPDATE: 10/26

Around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an off-road collision near Meccacopia Truck Trail.

The California Highway patrol says Two side by side offroad vehicles were driving in the open desert near when they collided head-on.

One of the vehicles was identified as a Can-am driven by a 36-year-old Hispanic male driver. The Can-am was also occupied by four additional passengers.

The crash resulted in injuries to the driver and the four passengers. The driver of the Can-am fled the scene and was later arrested for hit-and-run.

No injuries were reported for the driver and passengers in the other off-road vehicle.

ORIGINAL REPORT: 10/24

NORTH SHORE, Cali. (KESQ) – A viewer reached out to News Channel 3 with footage of a heavy police presence near North Shore.

We reached out to officials and learned that at 7:39 p.m., Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an off-road collision in the Meccacopia Off Highway Vehicle area near 70th Avenue and Sea View Way. Upon arrival deputies remained at the scene assisting the California Highway Patrol (CHP), who are leading the response to the incident.

We are awaiting further information from CHP.

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KESQ News Team

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City is celebrating Halloween weekend with several family-friendly events, including a dog costume contest, trick-or-treating and the city’s 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular.

The festivities kicked off Saturday morning at Panorama Park Dog Park with the dedication of a new sculpture called “Great Scott,” created by artists Karen and Tony Barone.

The dedication was followed by the Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest, where dogs competed in small and large dog categories. Prizes were offered for first, second and third place, along with an award for the best dog-and-owner costume combination.

The celebrations continue Sunday, October 25, with the 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular in Downtown Cathedral City.

The free event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall, located at 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero.

Families can enjoy trick-or-treating at more than 20 vendor booths, with organizers preparing more than 70,000 pieces of candy for children.

The event will also feature hourly costume contests, bicycle giveaways, music, games and demonstrations from the Cathedral City Police and Fire departments.

Adoptable dogs from Desert Paws Sanctuary will also be at the event.

City officials say the Spooktacular serves as Cathedral City’s version of National Night Out, giving residents an opportunity to meet local first responders and learn more about public safety services.

Following the event, families can attend a special screening of The Addams Family at Mary Pickford Theatre is D’Place, located at 36850 Pickfair Street.

The movie begins at 3:30 p.m., with tickets costing just $1. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission and parking for Sunday’s Halloween Spooktacular are free.

For more information, visit discovercathedralcity.com.

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