Author: KESQ

Gavin Nguyen

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – Attorneys announced several lawsuits that will be filed over allegations of he exposure and injury of special-needs autistic children at a Coachella Valley Unified School District school.

According to the Oakwood Legal Group, seven lawsuits are being filed on behalf of vulnerable autistic students who they allege were “knowingly and negligently exposed to hazardous black mold conditions on campus.”

News Channel 3 has been covering the mold issue at John Kelley Elementary School over the past month. CVUSD officials said the district and several third-party companies they contracted to ensure safety after the mold was found said parents and students should no longer have concerns about the mold issue.

The district previously confirmed mold findings in two classrooms

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – New Year’s resolutions may start strong, but for most people they don’t last long. Every January, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions, especially around health and wellness. But studies show nearly 80 to 90% of resolutions fail by mid-February, with February 12th earning the nickname Quitters Day. Experts say one major reason that resolutions fall apart is unrealistic expectations. Others give up after a setback, mistaking one bad day for a total failure.

“Most people give up, I guess New Year’s resolutions sort of fail around mid-February because people try to change something maybe too drastically. They weren’t small changes at first or they just didn’t practice sort of that self-compassion that you need as you reach your health goals,” said Natalie Romero, community health coach at Desert Oasis Healthcare.

Health professionals say the key to long-term success is starting small, like a 10-minute walk, adding one extra serving of vegetables a day, or going to bed just 15 minutes earlier. At Desert Oasis Healthcare, the focus is on personalized nutrition and wellness plans that work for real life, not one-size-fits-all resolutions. 

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Peter Daut

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Sunline Transit Agency is launching a new community-focused initiative aimed at shaping the future of public transportation here in the valley. The program is called Sunline Rides Reimagined, and it invites residents to share ideas to help improve bus routes, rides, and future mobility options.

“We’re trying to find out from the community what they’re looking for as far as transit goes because it’s so important here in the Valley. So in order for us to shape transit in the future, we want to hear back from community members,” said Edith Hernandez, director of board and external affairs

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke in depth about intiative with Hernandez.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Police have arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with a recent stabbing along the CV Link in Palm Springs.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday near the CV Link trail in the area of the Cimarron Golf Course. He faces charges of attempted murder and resisting an officer.

The arrest stems from a stabbing on Dec. 31 along the CV Link trail between Golf Club Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive. The victim, a man out for a walk, reported that he made eye contact with a man on the trail as they passed. The victim said that about 15 minutes later, as he headed toward home, the suspect was still in the area.

The suspect reportedly put on a ski mask, approached while yelling profanities, and assaulted the victim, knocking him to the ground. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled on foot. After the altercation, the victim learned he had been stabbed.

The victim was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and later released.

Police said that the incident appears to have been an unprovoked attack. The suspect did not demand property, and the motive remains under investigation.

According to court records, the suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – As immigration enforcement continues locally and nationwide, Gabby Armenta co-founder of Indigenous Cultural Center Danza Azteca Citlaltonac, said children are increasingly stepping into adult roles after parents are detained, deported or too scared to leave their home.

“We know of families that there are 15 year olds taking on jobs, side jobs or part time jobs to help their families because their parents aren’t able to go out to work,” Armenta said.

Armenta said fear and uncertainty are widespread, with families seeking mental health resources as stress builds.

“There’s need for lots of resources for our community right now,” Armenta said. “Mental health is definitely one of those where we’re trying to make it as accessible as we can.”

She said her organization holds a monthly advocacy circle that brings people together to raise awareness on important community issues such as safety protocols for rallies and knowing your rights.

The next event is January 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Indigenous Cultural Center.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) KESQ News Channel Three has obtained the grand jury transcript that led to the indictment of Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez, offering a rare look at sworn testimony from current and former city leaders and regional officials about how City Hall operated behind closed doors.

The more than 500-page transcript shows jurors heard testimony from Coachella Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilmember Denise Delgado, former Coachella City Councilmember Megan Beaman Jacinto, and Celina Jimenez, the city’s director of economic development. Each testified about city decisions, internal dynamics, and their interactions with Hernandez.

Jurors also heard from Erica Felci, executive director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the regional agency that oversees transportation and housing programs across the valley. Her testimony focused on a regional homeless housing program connected to properties owned by Hernandez, according to the transcript.

Prosecutors questioned witnesses about city council votes, development projects, and financial disclosures, focusing on whether Hernandez took part in decisions while having personal financial interests connected to those matters. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to charges including perjury and conflict of interest.

Court records show Hernandez is next due back in court on Feb. 23, 2026.

This is a developing story and this article will be updated with additional information as it becomes available. Tune into KESQ News Channel Three tonight for full reports on the release of the grand jury testimony as we continue to follow the legal case against current Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez.

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City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Augustine Casino was completing the finishing touches today on a multi-department career fair for job seekers in the Coachella Valley that it will host Wednesday.

The fair will be held from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the facility’s administration building, 84-001 Avenue 54 in Coachella.

“We are looking for team members who are passionate about providing the elevated service our guests have come to expect at Augustine Casino,” said Veronique Lang, director of human resources. “Whether you are looking to start a career in hospitality or are an experienced professional in public safety orfacilities, we want to meet you.”

Candidates will have the opportunity to interview directly with hiring managers in numerous available positions, including in food service, housekeeping, facilities, marketing, surveillance and public safety.

To apply, candidates must be 21 or older for most positions, apply online prior to arrival at augustinecasino.com/careers, and are encouraged to dress in professional attire.

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Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – Modernism Week 2026, an 11-day celebration of midcentury modern design, architecture, art, and vintage culture, featuring hundreds of home tours and events, is returning to Palm Springs on Thursday, February 12.

Modernism Week runs from February 12–22, 2026, drawing in thousands of design enthusiasts, architects, collectors, and travelers from around the world. Programming includes exclusive home tours, cocktail receptions, panel discussions with renowned designers and architects, film screenings, and curated shopping experiences, all celebrating the enduring influence of midcentury modernism.

Natural Retreats is the platinum sponsor of Modernism Week, and many of the week’s most sought-after events are hosted at the luxury brand’s properties.

Natural Retreats curates a distinguished portfolio of vacation rental brands, offering travelers exceptional properties in some of the most iconic destinations across the United States. With a commitment to personalized, luxury experiences, Natural Retreats thoughtfully selects homes in the most coveted locations, from the desert oasis of Palm Springs to the breathtaking views of Big Sky and the shimmering shores of Florida’s Emerald Coast. A singular mission unites Natural Retreats: to inspire travel.

“Modernism Week is a celebration of thoughtful design, creativity, and a sense of place, which are values that align seamlessly with the Natural Retreats philosophy,” said Samantha McClendon, Senior Vice President of Marketing for Natural Retreats. “We are honored to serve as the platinum sponsor and to welcome guests into our Palm Springs homes, many of which exemplify the architectural innovation and lifestyle that define this iconic era.”

As platinum sponsor, Natural Retreats will host a selection of marquee events within its portfolio of architecturally significant Palm Springs residences, offering attendees rare access to private homes that showcase iconic design, indoor-outdoor living, and the timeless appeal of the desert modern aesthetic. One of their events includes an exclusive cocktail party and dinner at Frank Sinatra’s legendary Palm Springs estate.

For more information on Modernism Week, including tickets and a full schedule of events, visit modernismweek.com. To learn more about Natural Retreats and its luxury vacation home portfolio, visit naturalretreats.com.

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Jesus Reyes

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District Board of Directors approved increases to the District’s payment assistance programs, enabling more customers to qualify in 2026.

IID officials said for two of the agency’s most utilized assistance programs, eligible customers may now earn well above the federal poverty income thresholds and still qualify for meaningful payment assistance, helping ensure essential electric service remains affordable for households most in need.

“Our assistance programs are so helpful to many families, and our program updates can help even more customers,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “We really want to see that everyone who qualifies takes advantage of the assistance the District offers.”

In 2025, IID’s READY and CARE programs reached the highest enrollment of income-qualified customers on record, serving more than 12,670 participants and delivering over $8.3 million in financial assistance through these two programs alone. Building on this success, the District remains focused on expanding outreach and participation in 2026 to ensure support reaches customers who need it most.

Details on the updated assistance programs:

READY. Income eligibility qualifications (for the Residential Energy Assistance Designed for You program) allow customers to earn up to 200% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level, plus an additional $10,000. READY provides qualified customers with a 20% monthly discount and a 30% discount for seniors.

CARE (Customer Assistance for Residential Emergencies): Customers enrolled in the READY program who face disconnection can receive up to $500 in annual assistance, $125 per quarter. This is up from $450 annually in 2025.

SHIELD. (Senior Health & Income Energy Lifeline Discount):Income guidelines have increased from 200% to 322% of the 2026 Federal Poverty Level. SHIELD offers a 30% monthly discount to qualified seniors who incur medical/ pharmaceutical expenses exceeding 10% of their annual income.

EASE. The renewal period for IID’s Energy Assistance for Special Equipment (EASE) program increased to three years, rather than every two years. EASE is available to all qualified customers, regardless of income, and lowers monthly electric bills for homes where someone relies on medical equipment that runs on electricity.

READY and SHIELD income-qualifying information based on household size (maximum income limits):

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters were able to quickly contain a fire at a resort in Palm Springs Monday afternoon.

The fire was first reported at around 11:10 a.m. on the 2800 block of S Palm Canyon Drive.

“Palm Springs Firefighters responded to a 2 alarm structure fire contained to a single unit on the 3rd floor,” reads an email from the Palm Springs Fire Department. “Crews are currently conducting checks to determine whether any additional exposures occurred.”

No injuries were reported.

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