Author: KESQ

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – For businesses, like Palm Springs Liquor, recovery and cleanup efforts are still underway after the bombing of the American Reproductive Centers May 17.

The liquor store, just dozens of feet away from the parking lot of the IVF clinic, sustained extensive damage, after a parked vehicle exploded at the American Reproductive Centers.

“56 windows were damaged,” Owner Moussa Dourghalli said. “Some of the inventory, a lot of the bottles, some of the expensive bottles, the AC units, both of them were damaged. They were shifted 14 inches from the pressure.”

Photo Courtesy: Moussa Dourghalli

Photo Courtesy: Moussa Dourghalli

Dourghalli said the damage is worth over $72,000, but he said it could have been even worse.

“My cousin was here,” he said. “When it happened he called me. So we were just in shock. Like it’s something unbelievable. You don’t expect something like that.”

Dourghalli’s cousin was sitting behind the cash register when the bombing happened. He said it was one of the only places in the store not damaged. Bottles even fell on either side of him, but did not harm him.

This is one of two situations Dourghalli said was luck for the family-owned business. He and his family bought the liquor store a year and a half ago, and was unsure of the insurance they had on the building.

Many other buildings with damage were unable to receive insurance aid because they didn’t have terrorism insurance. But Dourghalli said they got lucky.

“We didn’t know we had it. We called the insurance lady…we told her what happened…and then she called back with the good news. She said she check that one box by luck. I don’t know why she checked it. I just thank God she check it.”

While Dourghalli said he’s unsure what the insurance will cover, he has high hopes it will be everything. He did say the City of Palm Springs reached out to help rebuild, but he did not want to take additional money if there was a chance insurance could cover it.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from Palm Springs Liquor on its rebuilding process and gratefulness.

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KYMA

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA, KECY) – As summer temperatures climb in California’s farming regions, a new study from San Diego State University (SDSU) is raising alarms about the heat risks agricultural workers face daily, and how much rest they need to survive it.

Researchers looked at weather conditions in the Imperial and Coachella Valleys, where farmworkers regularly labor under intense sun. They found that in extreme heat, workers may need up to 32 minutes of rest per hour to avoid heat stress.

“There are more than 300,000 farmworkers active in these crop fields, and they are exposed to high heat stress every day as they work in those fields,” said Sagar Parajuli, a research scientist at SDSU.

The research team used local weather data and existing safety guidelines to determine when conditions become too dangerous for prolonged physical labor. Their findings suggest that breaks aren’t just helpful, they’re essential.

Despite existing regulations, farmworker advocates say these protections often go unenforced, especially among workers hired through small labor contractors.

“They don’t respect their breaks, or give them enough shade, or give them fresh water…It’s hard sometimes because many workers don’t work directly for big companies, but for smaller contractors who don’t always follow the rules,” said Ruben Partida with Comité de Acción del Valle.

Imperial County consistently reports the highest rate of heat-related illness in California, according to state data. That makes enforcement of heat safety guidelines more urgent than ever.

“The people work day to day, so sometimes they prefer to stay quiet to conserve their job, but what happens when they stay quiet is their working conditions become deplorable,” Partida added.

Researchers emphasize that rest breaks, water, and shade aren’t optional, they are scientifically proven tools to protect health.

“The farmworkers are the people who bring food to our table, they’re hardworking people, so we are responsible for protecting them,” Parajuli said.

For the full research article, click here.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A local business owner is speaking out after receiving an anonymous letter targeting one of his employees, a trans woman.

Matt Sater, owner of Aim Mail Center, says he was determined to do something about it, and show that hate would not go unchallenged. He put up a flyer calling out the author of the letter and reassured both employees and customers that everyone is welcome.

“At first it was just kind of like ‘it’s anonymous,’ but then you kind of get emotional, that’s my employee… we have to speak out about this because this is a place where everyone should feel comfortable to come work and do business.”

Matt Sater, Aim Mail Center owner

Jasmin Nicole Lopez, the employee who was targeted, says despite the support from her coworkers, it was an unfortunate reality she’s dealt with before, and had enough.

“I was very heartbroken… My mental state was so bad. I would call out work, I would be like ‘I know people don’t want me there why would I even show up.’ It started hurting my finances, I literally lost money and lost my apartment, as well. And I was hurting Matthew’s business, ‘it’s not fair to you or the rest of your employees.’” 

Jasmin Nicole Lopez, former employee

Nicole decided it was time to leave the hate behind and move to Los Angeles, a decision that helped her regain her confidence and sense of self. Since moving, she has been working to advocate for the LGBTQ+ community and has been recognized for her work.

Her message: Don’t let it get to you.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A person is in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle Thursday morning in Indio.

The crash was first reported at around 6:10 a.m. on Highway 111, east of Dr Carreon Boulevard.

According to the Indio Police Department, a vehicle was traveling eastbound on HWY 111 when, for unknown reasons, the pedestrian stepped into the roadway and was struck. The road does not have a crosswalk.

Police said the driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Julia Castro

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was hospitalized early Wednesday following a serious two-car crash at the intersection of Mountain View Road and Dillon Road in Desert Hot Springs.

The California Highway Patrol confirmed a white Nissan Rogue was traveling southbound on Mountain View Road around 3 a.m. when the driver ran a red light and broadsided a red Nissan Altima headed eastbound on Dillon Road. The impact caused the Altima to roll and land on its roof.

Courtesy of Allen Mealey

Courtesy of Allen Mealey

Photos shared with News Channel 3 by a viewer show fire crews and CHP officers actively working the scene. CAL FIRE says the male driver of the Altima suffered a head injury, had to be cut from the vehicle, and was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment.

The female driver of the Rogue was not injured, according to officials. CHP said drugs or alcohol are not suspected as factors in the crash.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates as this story develops.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Local Republican State Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez announced Wednesday the Joint Legislative Audit Committee has approved his request to consider an audit of the Coachella Valley Unified School District.

“This has to do with right and wrong. And wrong is taking place and we want answers!” Gonzalez said.

The announcement comes in the wake of the district’s announcement of its now $60 million budget deficit, which News Channel 3 has been following since it was uncovered.

The district is laying off hundreds of staff members in an effort to balance its budget, with Assemblyman Gonzalez saying local communities deserve answers.

“What do you hope a state audit will accomplish?” News Channel 3’s Peter Daut asked Gonzalez.

“Transparency,” The Assemblyman answered. “An audit of financials, shouldn’t be a controversial issue if there’s nothing to hide.”

CUSD Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza has attributed the deficit to the end of federal COVID relief funds, lower-than-expected state funding, and cost-of-living adjustments as contributing factors.

“This may be something that really doesn’t have to do with our finances. Unfortunately, I have to say that because but that’s really what I feel,” Esparza said.

“What do you mean by that?” Peter Daut asked.

Esparza answered, “I feel like this is more political. A political stunt to grab some attention.”

Peter followed up, asking, “But if the district has nothing to hide, why not support an audit by the state for full transparency?”

“We’re not saying no to it. We’re not saying no to it, but at what point does the Assemblyman have a conversation with the district, have a conversation with the board ‘Hey I’m concerned,'” Esparza said.

“So you’re saying Assemblyman Gonzalez has never reached out to the district or contacted anyone there about his concerns?” Peter asked.

“No. Never,” Esparza said.

Gonzalez said this is not a political stunt.

“They are tone deaf because the community has been asking for answers. You’re firing 300 people. I don’t need a question-and-answer session to tell me that. You’re doing that. We need answers, and we need them today! This is not a political stunt,” Gonzalez said.

Esparza shared a message to the community on the issue.

“What I want the community to know is I don’t think some of our politicians understand school finance or school districts, and it would be best for them to come and ask to sit down with us to ask those questions of us. But we’re not hiding anything. We’re not afraid of a state audit,” Esparza said.

Gonzalez told News Channel 3 he is willing to sit down and have a conversation with Esparza or a district representative.

“I’d love to have that conversation when they come up here for the audit,” Gonzalez said.

The Joint Legislative Audit Committee hearing is scheduled for June 18 in Sacramento, where legislators will formally review the audit request and next steps.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Joel Killam

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – First-time homebuyers in the Coachella Valley can get free expert guidance this June, thanks to a series of workshops hosted by Lift to Rise in partnership with Secure Choice Lending.

The one-time sessions are designed to help prospective buyers understand the homebuying process, offering tools, tips and resources to take the next step toward homeownership.

Workshops will be held in Palm Springs, La Quinta, Desert Hot Springs, Indio and Coachella. Space is limited, and early registration is encouraged.

For more information or to register click here.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – As the Palm Springs community continues to pick up the pieces, investigators continue to piece together what exactly happened. An arrest now made in connection to the bombing that targeted a fertility clinic.

A sense of relief for David Rios, owner of the Velvet Rope Hotel.

“We feel relieved. We feel that there’s going to be a sense of justice. There was frustration, sadness but now there will be some type of clarity of some kind of justice finally to all of us and questions that need to be answered.”

David Rios, Velvet Rope Hotel owner

Some business owners say they’re not surprised to hear about the news given the magnitude of the explosion.

“It’s shocking but not shocking when I found out that the bomb was 300 pounds. There’s no way that guy, 25 years old, could be able to lift that so I knew that was a planned bombing that he had to have assistance.”

David Rios, Velvet Rope Hotel

American Reproductive Centers not commenting on the arrest, but saying they are focused on moving forward and have complete confidence in the investigation.

While that continues, Rios says there is still a long road ahead for those impacted by the blast.

“It’s been a blessing. I think that’s the only saving grace. This community. This family. Doing as much as they can especially with all the fundraising that’s been going on.”

David Rios, Velvet Rope Hotel owner

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Katie Boer

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — After months of anticipation and worldwide attention, one of the two baby bald eagles nesting in Big Bear has officially taken flight.

Sunny, the older of two eaglets hatched earlier this year on the Friends of Big Bear Valley’s live nest cam, recently spread her wings and soared for the first time—marking a major milestone in the livestream saga that has captured hearts around the globe.

Her younger sibling, Gizmo, is not far behind.

The pair of eaglets have been under near-constant watch from fans around the world since their hatching earlier this spring. Perched high in a Jeffrey pine tree above the north shore of Big Bear Lake, the nest has become a symbol of wildlife recovery and a testament to the power of conservation livestreaming.

One of those keeping a close eye on their progress is Dr. James Daniel-Burg, a conservationist with The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens in Palm Desert.

“Everybody watches those cameras!” Dr. Daniel-Burg laughed when asked if he’s been following the livestream.

Sunny’s leap was met with cheers and even tears by some viewers. Gizmo, seen looking curious and slightly bewildered by her sister’s newfound freedom, is expected to take her own first flight any day now.

“Very often what we do find is that there’ll be one individual that is the dominant in the nest and they get the majority of the feeding,” explained Dr. Daniel-Burg. “And so as a consequence, they grow fast as they get biggest and can be more successful with their flying sooner than their nest mates, almost always.”

The livestream has served more than just entertainment. Conservationists point to it as a valuable educational tool—one that gives people a deeply personal look at an iconic species once on the brink of extinction.

“The great thing about cameras are that they provide a window into the life of the animals,” said Dr. Daniel-Burg. “So you see the animals not as a species, not as bald eagles–we see them as individuals. We see them caring for their babies. We see them covered with snow, knocking the snow off the eggs so that they can continue to incubate them. So we get that personal connection.”

Viewers have watched the eagle parents, Jackie and Shadow, protect their eggs through snowstorms, daily feedings with fresh fish from Big Bear Lake, and now, prepare them to fly on their own.

Sunny and Gizmo will keep growing–eventually becoming some of the largest birds in North America.

“They are huge… they’ll probably be six to eight feet wide from tip to tip when they’re fully adult,” Dr. Daniel-Burg said. “They’re quite large. They’re the largest raptor that we have in North America.”

After his initial flight Monday, Sunny returned to the nest Tuesday, sharing a meal with mom and dad and little sister Gizmo.

While Sunny and Gizmo could eventually migrate, experts say they may not go far from the forests of the San Bernadino Mountains.

“If there’s not a lot of competition around Big Bear she’d probably stay there,” Dr. Daniel-Burg explained. “You know why move a long ways when you can stay close to home?”

Bald eagles typically don’t develop their iconic white head feathers until they’re about three to four years old. They usually begin nesting and raising families of their own around the age of four or five. But Dr. Daniel-Burg says don’t expect the kids to take over mom and dad’s nest. Jackie and Shadow will continue to return to the nest; and when Sunny and Gizmo gradually reach reproduction age, they’ll find a mate and build their own new nest. Perhaps nearby?

For those hoping to catch a glimpse of these official national birds in the wild, there’s always a chance. The San Bernardino Mountains sit along one of the world’s largest migratory flyways, and many eagles call the area home year-round.

In the meantime, fans are waiting patiently for Gizmo, who was born four days after Sunny, to take her first flight.

While the Big Bear nest livestream shines a spotlight on bald eagles, there are a number of local conservation efforts here in the Coachella Valley, too.

At The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, dozens of wildlife rehabilitation and habitat restoration programs are underway—including caring for “Captain Nemo,” a bald eagle rescued from Alaska after a serious wing injury.

Unfortunately, Captain Nemo won’t fly again, but he’ll live a nice, long life at the zoo’s “Eagle Canyon” exhibit, where visitors can see him and other injured birds up close.

Bald eagles in the wild typically live 20 to 30 years, but if they do get injured, facilities like The Living Desert play an important role in helping animals recover.

You can watch the nest live camera on YouTube.

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Shay Lawson

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)  – “Think about how catastrophic that could have been,” Ryan Litherland a longtime Twentynine Palms resident said.

Litherland, who lives nearby, said if Guy Edward Bartkus —  the primary suspect in the Palm Springs bombing — had detonated the explosive in his neighborhood, the consequences could have been devastating.

“That house points out toward the main road. You’ve got parents taking their kids to school in the morning. You’ve got military people, civilian personnel working on the base,” Litherland said. “This is a very high traffic road.”

Federal authorities arrested Daniel Park, a 32-year-old man, in connection with last month’s deadly car bombing outside a Palm Springs fertility clinic, officials announced Wednesday.

According to FBI officials, Park shipped about 180 pounds of ammonium nitrate, which is “commonly used to construct homemade bombs,” from Seattle to Bartkus’ home in Twentynine Palms and also arranged for another shipment of an additional 90 pounds.

Litherland said he is shocked to learn this new detail.

“I know you can ship wild stuff through the mail, but there’s a fine line there,” Litherland said. “What do you give up as far as allowing things to be checked?”

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on this story.

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