Author: KESQ

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) is set to begin a major phase of pipeline installation on Cook Street between Merle Drive and Hovley Lane East starting Wednesday, July 30. 

Construction crews are set to begin work Wednesday, July 30, and continue through with the project to mid-September. 

CVWD reports they are expecting planned lane closures and traffic pattern shifts throughout the time the project is being worked on. Beginning Wednesday, northbound traffic on Cook Street will be rerouted into the southbound lanes, creating a two-way traffic configuration. 

Both directions of travel will be limited to one lane in each direction between Merle Drive and Hovley Lane East while construction is in place. As the project progresses cross-streets in the work area may be temporarily closed, with signage redirecting traffic. 

These new traffic patterns will be in effect for approximately six weeks. CVWD urges travelers to use caution when traveling through these areas and allow extra travel time for potential delays and alternate routes. 

More information about the project can be found on CVWD website at https://www.cvwd.org/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=476 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Peter Daut

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented another Impact Grant to a local nonprofit working to improve lives and help those in need.

A $50,000 charitable gift was awarded to Soroptimist House of Hope, a residential addiction program helping women establish and maintain sober and healthy lives.

“I know this program works. I know it can help women heal,” Lisa Mann said. She has been sober for 17 years, thanks to the treatment she received at Soroptimist House of Hope. Since 1981, the Desert Hot Springs nonprofit has helped thousands of women like her overcome substance use disorders and build lives of purposed and stability.

“They taught me how to live, they gave me a safe space to be nurtured, to heal. To uncover and discover what the roots were of my addictions,” she said.

The structured program includes safe and supportive housing, peer companionship and guidance, and therapeutic activities, all tailored to meet each woman’s individual needs.

“All ages, walks of life, socio-economic. Doesn’t matter. Addiction touches everyone,” Vice President Tim Radigan said.

Soroptimist House of Hope was recently awarded a state grant of $5.2 million to expand its facility, at a new location in Sky Valley.

“This is a 4.75 acre piece of property. We’re going to have horses, equine therapy, pigs, chickens. It’s going to be such a healing environment for women,” Executive Director Nicole Yingling said.

The ranch will transform into a 14-bed residential facility. The existing property will then be used for detox care. “So it’s going to help with continuity of care where the clients can transition from detox at our location and just move over to the other property and get residential treatment,” Yingling said.

But the state grant requires a 10 percent cash match, and that’s where the Berger Foundation and News Channel 3 stepped in with a special gift. The $50,000 Impact Grant will help Soroptimist House of Hope get closer to that 10 percent match, alleviating the financial burden of the expansion project.

The goal is that more women in our community like Lisa Mann will be empowered on their journey to recovery.

“There is hope,” Mann said.

If all goes according to plan, the organization hopes to have the project completed by mid-2027. But it still needs about $100,000 to meet that match for the state grant. If you would like to help, and for more information, head to https://www.recoveryhouseofhope.org/.

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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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