Author: KESQ

Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Terrence “Terry” Scott, a Palm Springs resident, has been missing for over a month according to his family members. Scott’s family says he has schizophrenia and takes daily medication.

“He’s gone and he’s missing a month now, that’s not okay,” says William Warne, his roommate.

He was last seen on January 5th near his home in the area of South Farrell Drive & East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. His roommates say they also have mental health issues and can relate to Scott.

“When you break from reality like that, you’re not certain of anything. And it leaves one in a situation to be victimized. So that’s the scary part,” says Eric Montanez.

His family lives on the east coast and says it’s been extremely challenging to find him, and believe there should be more help for people with mental illness.

“The help there is not where I feel like it should be for people with mental health issues, especially schizophrenia. And a lot of times they consider him voluntarily missing, but he’s not able to make decisions for himself,” says his sister Brittany Johnson Scott.

If you see Scott, contact Palm Springs Police Department at (760) 323-8116.

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Garrett Hottle

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) New details are emerging about the FBI search carried out Friday at a home on Harlequin Court in Thermal, as authorities clarify their roles and News Channel 3 obtains new video and photos from the scene.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to News Channel 3 that its deputies were not conducting the investigation tied to the search and were only assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a limited role.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies provided traffic and spectator support only, while the FBI conducted what officials described as the search-investigation at the residence.

“The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office assisted the FBI on Friday with traffic and spectator support only,” the agency said in an email. “The FBI was conducting the search-investigation. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is not currently investigating the case you inquired about. I would refer all questions to the FBI for further information.”

News Channel 3 has obtained new video showing the moment FBI agents arrived at the property, including audio in which agents can be heard using a loudspeaker to announce their presence before entering the home. We have also obtained new photos of police canines used during the search, images that had not previously been released.

Federal officials have previously confirmed the FBI was assisting with a state-issued warrant, but have not publicly detailed what prompted the search or whether it is connected to the disappearance of 17-year-old T’Neya Tovar.

Neighbors told News Channel 3 that agents canvassed the area and asked questions related to Tovar’s disappearance, but law enforcement has not confirmed whether the search was tied to a missing persons investigation.

The FBI has not yet responded to follow-up questions seeking clarification on the scope of the investigation, what resources were used, or whether the activity is related to a missing persons case or another type of federal or multi-jurisdictional investigation.

This story remains developing. News Channel 3 has reached out to the FBI and will update this article as soon as additional information is confirmed.

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Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — At 81 years old, Jonathan Bechtel has spent more than six decades quietly making a difference in his community by donating blood.

Jonathan first gave blood at age 20, after a friend’s mother needed a transfusion following an accident. Over the years, he has witnessed how much a single donation can accomplish and how far its impact can reach.

His donations have helped patients locally and across the country, including people with cancer, trauma injuries, and other emergencies. One memorable experience for Jonathan involved a young girl who survived because of blood transfusions, which put a personal face on the life-saving work he has contributed to over the years.

Jonathan encourages healthy individuals to donate blood, noting that it takes very little time and can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Blood banks in the region rely on donors like Jonathan to maintain adequate supplies. Isaac Lopez, regional account manager with LifeStream Blood Bank, says the community blood bank provides blood to all local hospitals and that shortages exist both locally and nationally. Any opportunity to collect blood and have people donate is greatly appreciated.

Despite being recognized as this month’s Neighborhood Hero, Jonathan considers donating blood a simple, meaningful act rather than a heroic feat. He emphasizes that the process is only a small time commitment and provides a life-saving product for those in need.

For Jonathan, giving blood has become a lifelong routine that consistently helps others and strengthens the community, proving that a small act can have a big impact.

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Bruno Lopez-Vega

Update 7:43 p.m. :

The forward rate of spread has been stopped.

Firefighters will be committed for approximately four hours performing heavy mop-up, and Pierce Street remains closed between Avenue 70 and Avenue 72.

Drivers are asked avoid the area as crews and heavy equipment continue working.

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters are on scene of three separate vegetation fires burning in close proximity south of Mecca, near the community of Oasis.

CAL FIRE says those fires were first reported at 4:55 p.m. at Pierce Street near Avenue 72.

The first fire is about 2 acres as of the latest update, burning at a moderate rate of spread in heavy fuels, with two other smaller fire burning nearby.

Additional ground resources, as well as assistance from Cathedral City Fire were requested.

Crews are actively working to contain the fires and limit further spread.

Pierce Street is closed in both directions, and motorists are advised to avoid the area, and no injuries reported.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Athena Jreij

Update: 02/09

Authorities say 24-year-old Tristan Mitchell has been found unharmed.

Original report: 02/08

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities are looking for 24-year-old Tristan Mitchell, who was last seen in the 1900 block of North Palm Canyon Drive.

Mitchell is reported to be 5’9, 130 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a grey shirt and jeans.

Officials say Mitchell is autistic with aspergers and schizophrenia, and the mental capacity of a 6-year-old.

Police issued the missing person alert Sunday afternoon.

If seen, call the Palm Springs Police Department at 760-327-1441 to report information.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands of cyclists took to the streets of Palm Springs on Saturday for the 28th annual Tour de Palm Springs, honoring military members, first responders, and veterans. Riders of all ages and skill levels participated, enjoying scenic desert routes and a lively community atmosphere.

The event offered courses for everyone, from a 7-mile beginner ride to a full 100-mile challenge for experienced cyclists. Participants came from across the country, some returning year after year and others riding for the first time. Families, friends, and groups joined in, making the event a true community celebration.

The Tour de Palm Springs has raised nearly $5 million for more than 150 local nonprofits since it began in 1998. Saturday’s ride continued that tradition, combining fitness, fun, and fundraising in a day-long event for participants of all ages.

Honorary guests included retired professional cyclist Frankie Andreu, who competed in nine Tour de France races, and longtime Salvation Army board members Bill and Deanna Young.

Saturday’s event showcased the spirit of the cycling community, bringing together beginners, seasoned riders, and families for a day of activity, camaraderie, and support for local nonprofits.

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John White

Over 300 people attended the 2nd annual Parkinson’s Today: An Educational Symposium at UCR Palm Desert Saturday.

The event is hosted by Parkinson’s Resource Organization and the Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Attendees heard from three panels focused on treatment, building a care team, and research.

The Auen Foundation is the presenting sponsor for the symposium aimed at bringing the latest information to the estimated 10,000 people with Parkinson’s Disease in the Coachella Valley.

You can get more information on support services at Parkinson’s Resource Organization here:

https://www.parkinsonsresource.org

Find out about PRO’s upcoming Chocolate and Champagne fundraiser on February 26th, here:

https://www.parkinsonsresource.org/news/articles/chocolate-champagne-2026

You can find more information on the Michael J. Fox Foundation here:

https://www.michaeljfox.org

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Gavin Nguyen

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Ground has officially been broken on the Eagles Sports Park in Desert Hot Springs!

The new sports park, located on the corner of Hacienda Avenue and Cholla Drive, will be the new home of the Desert Hot Springs youth football/cheerleading and senior baseball programs.

Local leaders gathered on Saturday morning for the groundbreaking ceremony to a crowd of young athletes and their families. Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas said the park is a much-needed amenity as the city continues to grow.

Renderings of the new football and baseball fields at Eagles Sports Park

“Part of our quality of life is building parks. And as our city grows, you know, more kids, more working families – it’s time for us to get another park built and be able to have our youth sports have a home,” he affirmed.

The mayor said the youth football team currently has to share space with other youth sports programs, like the AYSO soccer league. They often had to rent facilities at nearby schools to play their sport. The same is true for the city’s senior baseball league for kids 13 years old and up. Once the park is open, though, the mayor said both teams will be able to have their own space.

A map of the new Eagles Sports Park

When asked about the feedback he’s received from the youth athletes and their families, Matas said, “They’re excited. We’ve been planning this for a couple of years and they keep pushing: ‘When are we breaking ground, when are we breaking ground?’ And we’re finally here. Today’s the day we get to break the ground. And in about a year from now, they’ll have their own facility.”

Speakers at the ceremony said talk of the park began nearly a decade ago. While the process to get to this point has been lengthy, Matas said he anticipates it will open in about a year.

Stay with us for the latest on the progress of this new park in Desert Hot Springs.

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Daniella Lake

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Living Desert Zoo and Gardens is hosting their fourth annual Women in STEAM career day today. Students K-12 will have the chance to talk with women accounting, animal care, conservation, education, engineering and more.

The event is free with membership or paid park admission. It will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Living Legacy Garden located right inside of the main entrance.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands of cyclists descended on Palm Springs Friday evening for the 28th annual Tour de Palm Springs bike ride.

The ride kicks off Saturday morning, taking riders from downtown all the way to Coachella and back.

A big part of Friday’s celebration was highlighting the charitable causes behind the ride, something cyclists and vendors say keeps them coming back.

“I think just to be able to support other people should help everybody pick up their own internal soul kind of stuff. It’s nice to be able to do that while doing something for yourself,” Joe Martin from Homer, Alaska said.

“I represent the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 78, and we’ve been riding for the tour for about 25 years, and I do the Pledge of Allegiance at the kickoff every year,” Bob Solomon said.

Many said they also ride for a deeper purpose, like Frank Platt.

“I just recently lost my husband to cancer last year, and he bought me my first bike 10 years ago. I decorated all in purple for a memory on my husband, his favorite color was purple,” Platt said.

Founder Tim Esser says the tour has raised over $5 million since it’s inception for local charities.

“These are all the charities that can use the money. It’s a lot of high school groups, a lot of them being that we benefit, first responders, and veterans, we do a lot of the ROTC is in these high schools. It’s not just about the money, it’s about volunteering as well. We want these kids to learn what it’s like to give back to the community,” Esser said.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of Saturday’s ride.

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