Author: KESQ

City News Service

NORTH SHORE, Calif. (KESQ) – Caltrans crews were working today on a roughly $4.2 million emergency project on State Route 111 along the Salton Sea in Riverside County to address roadway and shoulder damage caused by Tropical Storm Rachel.

According to Caltrans, the storm caused severe havoc on roadways, including flooding, washouts and debris flows, resulting in blocked culverts and inlets, erosion, undermined embankments and damage to rock slope protection and guardrails.

Thursday Report: Storm cleanup continues in North Shore as residents question county response

As a result of the damage, the agency immediately implemented all-day, one-way flagging operations.

Temporary k-rail barriers will be placed on the southbound shoulder of SR 111 Friday. Following the installation of the railing, construction crews will perform daytime repairs from 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. weekdays between Crooker Drive and Vanderveer Road, located near the North Shore area, weather permitting.

Repairs will include reconstruction of washed-out roadbeds and embankments, repair and/or replace drainage systems and asphalt concrete dikes, repair and/or replace rock slope protection, minor concrete repairs and removal of storm-related debris. Additionally, crews will clean and repair drainage basins and areas beneath bridges, stabilize and repair embankments and repair and/or replace guard rails and end treatments, according to Caltrans.

Motorists were urged to reduce speed when near work areas for the safety of crews and other drivers.

The California Highway Patrol will be on scene to assist with traffic control.

It was not immediately clear when the project will end.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two people were airlifted to the hospital with major injuries after a crash on Dillon Road in Indio Friday afternoon.

The crash was reported just after 12:50 p.m. on Dillon Road and Happy Valley Road.

“Upon arrival, firefighters extricated two patients from one vehicle, and they were transported to an area hospital by air ambulance with major injuries,” reads a post by CAL FIRE.

Details on what led to the crash were not available. We have reached out to the California Highway Patrol for additional information.

All lanes in the area were reopened just before 3:00 p.m., according to CHP.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Recreation District board has voted to remove Giovanna Healy as board president following a heated special meeting, as questions continue over the district’s finances, transparency and a proposed property tax increase.

The decision comes amid a public dispute over whether Healy has received adequate information about the district’s finances. Healy has raised concerns about financial transparency, while General Manager Dr. Gabriel Martin has disputed her account.

During the meeting, attendees expressed differing views about the board’s decision. Some questioned whether removing Healy would address the concerns she raised, while others defended the board’s handling of the dispute.

La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez, one of several local leaders who attended the meeting, opposed Healy’s removal. He said taxpayers deserve clearer explanations of the district’s spending before being asked to contribute more money through Measure P.

“Asking the taxpayers for more money when they can’t even themselves explain and justify what are they going to do with that money, how are they going to be more fiscally responsible,” Sanchez said.

Sanchez also questioned the decision to remove Healy, asking, “What are they hiding?”

Board member Rudy Acosta offered a different perspective, saying the dispute was not about whether questions should be asked, but how Healy raised her concerns publicly.

“I was disappointed that our board president chose that venue to go and air some frustrations and claimed that she was the only one asking questions.. BS, we all did,” Acosta said.

Acosta said the board had held several budget sessions and had opportunities to discuss the district’s finances.

Healy did not speak during the meeting but thanked those who attended. Acosta was subsequently voted in as board president for the remainder of the year.

The leadership dispute comes as the district seeks voter approval for Measure P on the November 3 ballot. The proposal would establish an annual property tax of five cents per square foot of building space. The district says the additional revenue would help fund recreation programs, maintain facilities and address rising operating costs.

District staffing increased from 343 employees in 2021 to 482 in 2024, while payroll wages rose from approximately $7 million in 2022 to more than $9 million in 2024. General fund support used to cover operating costs also increased from about $583,000 to more than $4.1 million over a three-year period.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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City News Service

OASIS (CNS) – A woman sustained unknown injuries in a single-vehicle rollover crash today on Highway 86 in the community of Oasis.

The crash was reported shortly after 9:50 a.m. Friday near 81st Avenue, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer David Torres said a Toyota Tacoma being driven at an unspecified speed northbound on Highway 86 overturned onto the right shoulder and landed on its roof.

The driver, identified only as a Thermal woman, escaped injury, but a female passenger was treated for injuries of unknown severity.

DUI is not suspected to be a factor in the crash, Torres said.

The cause of the crash was under investigation.

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Garrett Hottle

ADELANTO, Calif. (KESQ) A group of California House Democrats said staff at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center kept them waiting more than half an hour Friday and used the time to mop floors and lock detainees in their cells before the lawmakers unannounced inspection of the state’s largest immigration detention center.

Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, led the visit. He said the delegation did not tell U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement it was coming.

“They kept us around for over 30 minutes, and once we started walking in, it became clear why,” Garcia said at a news conference outside the facility. “They clearly had been cleaning. They were washing the floors. They were putting things away.”

The visit came two weeks after the Department of Homeland Security bought the three-facility Adelanto complex from private prison operator GEO Group for $950 million, and three months after a federal judge in Riverside ordered ICE to fix conditions there.

Rep. Dave Min, who represents coastal Orange County, said detainees were locked down for a head count when the group arrived, so members could not speak with them. He said the kitchen floors had just been mopped.

“You could see that the ovens, the cookware, the pots and pans that they were using were filthy, were not cleaned,” Min said.

Rep. Norma Torres, who represents Pomona and parts of the Inland Empire, stayed behind to tour the women’s side. She said women there told her sewage backed up a few days ago and that they were served meals while it came out of the drains. Torres said the warden told her he sent crews to fix it as soon as he learned of the problem.

Torres also said she saw hair on the floor of the men’s showers and mold in the shower areas, conditions she said she had not seen on the more than 25 visits she and her staff have made with advance notice.

Rep. Judy Chu, who represents Pasadena and the San Gabriel Valley, said staff told the group they were waiting for a director to arrive. “It was clear that they were putting the detainees on lockdown so that they could not talk to us,” Chu said.

Garcia said more than 1,800 people are held at Adelanto and that most have no criminal record. He said staff leading the tour repeatedly told the group the opposite. “That is actually a lie,” he said.

Garcia also said facility leadership told him that detainees had made sexual abuse accusations and that every one had been dismissed.

Four men held at Adelanto died between September 2025 and March, and in July a Judge in Riverside ordered ICE to fix conditions there, including clean drinking water, adequate food and medical care, with two independent monitors to check its work.

The first monitor report, filed Oct. 2, described mold and larvae in the showers, and on Oct. 7 the detainees lawyers asked the judge to hold the government in contempt.

Chu said she looked at a glass of the water herself Friday and saw nothing in it, and both she and Torres said the facility has added filters since the report. DHS has said claims of poor conditions at Adelanto are false.

The federal government bought the three-building Adelanto complex from GEO Group on Oct. 2 for $950 million, and GEO still runs it under a contract through 2034. Rep. Luz Rivas, who represents the San Fernando Valley, said the contractor leading Friday’s tour told the group he was surprised to read about the sale.

Federal law lets members of Congress inspect detention facilities without notice, but House Democrats including Garcia and Torres had to sue last year after DHS began requiring seven days’ notice, and a federal judge in Washington ordered the agency in March to let them in. Rep. Raul Ruiz, who represents the eastern Coachella Valley, was turned away from Adelanto twice before entering with a court order in February and was not part of Friday’s visit. Garcia said the court monitor is expected back in the coming weeks, and the lawmakers said they would be too.

Tune into News Channel 3 tonight at 6pm for the full story.

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Raymond Kalra

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – With Election Day less than three weeks away, voters across the Coachella Valley are already casting their ballots, while local Democratic and Republican organizations are ramping up outreach efforts ahead of a busy weekend of political events.

The November 3 general election is approaching, and California’s standard voter registration deadline is Monday, October 19.

From door-to-door canvassing and phone banks to ballot assistance and voter registration events, political organizations across the valley are working to connect with residents and provide information about the upcoming election.

News Channel 3 spoke with representatives from both political parties, a local rally organizer and voters who have already submitted their ballots.

Voters casting ballots early

At a local ballot drop-off location Friday, some residents said they were ready to get their votes in well before Election Day.

Erica, who had just dropped off her ballot, said she had been following the election closely but didn’t have one particular issue motivating her decision to vote early.

“I just wanted to get it done and out of the way,” she said.

Another voter, Steve Warren, said he has been closely following the election through television, podcasts and other sources.

Warren said his biggest concern is making sure votes are counted accurately.

“I just wanted to make sure my vote was in the ballot box safely,” Warren said.

Despite receiving political outreach messages, Warren said those efforts haven’t necessarily captured his attention.

“Good reminders. I put them right to spam so I don’t even read them,” Warren said of political text messages.

Warren added that he read his voter information pamphlet from cover to cover before casting his ballot.

Democrats ramp up outreach across the valley

At Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, political director Elle Kurps said the organization is expanding its efforts as Election Day approaches.

The headquarters is now open six days a week, providing residents with information about candidates, ballot propositions and voting procedures.

Kurps said volunteers are also making phone calls, canvassing neighborhoods and distributing door hangers to reach voters.

“There’s a lot of phone calls being made all over the place for all of the different candidates,” Kurps said.

The organization is also hearing from residents who have questions about the propositions appearing on their ballots.

Kurps said many voters have already decided which candidates they support but are still seeking clarification on individual ballot measures.

With the voter registration deadline approaching, Kurps said the organization is focusing on making information accessible and helping residents understand their options.

She also highlighted several events scheduled for Saturday, including gatherings in Palm Springs and Cathedral City.

Republicans offering ballot assistance

Meanwhile, the East Valley Republican Women are taking a different approach to voter outreach by focusing on helping residents navigate and complete their ballots.

President Joy Miedecke said the organization has been offering ballot assistance for years and regularly hears from residents who are confused about certain races and judicial contests.

“People are very confused about ballots, especially where judges are concerned,” Miedecke said.

Miedecke said residents travel from communities across the valley, including Coachella and Palm Springs, to seek assistance at the organization’s office.

The group also provides voter guides to its members and says it welcomes nonmembers who have questions.

“You need help. Ask for help because people will sit on it and not turn it in,” Miedecke said.

She added that assistance is available regardless of political affiliation.

“If you’re a Democrat, you can come in here and we’ll help you,” Miedecke said.

The organization says its office is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for residents seeking assistance.

Miedecke also emphasized the importance of participating in elections, regardless of which political party a voter supports.

No Kings rallies planned for Saturday

Beyond traditional party outreach, several No Kings demonstrations are planned across the Coachella Valley on Saturday, October 17, as organizers combine political demonstrations with voter engagement efforts.

Events are scheduled in Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Indio.

Alice Moran, vice president for political action with Democrats of Sun City Shadow Hills, is helping organize a rally in Indio.

Moran said the event will focus on political expression while also providing opportunities for eligible residents to register to vote.

“We’ve been advertising the rally, and it’s a combination of a protest and getting people out to vote,” Moran said.

“We’re going to register people to vote at the rally.”

Moran said organizers are preparing for a potentially large crowd. She estimated that a previous No Kings rally in the area attracted approximately 1,000 participants, although she said attendance at Saturday’s event remains uncertain.

The group has been coordinating safety precautions and preparing for the gathering.

Moran said concerns about the cost of living, immigration enforcement and the direction of the federal government are among the issues she has heard from residents.

She also described efforts to help voters who face transportation or mobility challenges.

At Sun City Shadow Hills, Moran said volunteers help residents with voting-related needs, including transportation and assistance returning completed ballots.

“So we’re doing everything we can to encourage people to vote,” Moran said.

Organizers are planning a No Kings gathering near Highway 111 and Monroe Street in Indio beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday.

Other scheduled Saturday events include:

Palm Springs: City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Canyon Way, 9 a.m. to noon. Palm Springs: Near Sunrise Way and East Palm Canyon Drive, 9 to 11 a.m. Cathedral City: City Hall, 68-700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero, 9 to 10:30 a.m. Palm Desert: Monterey Avenue and Highway 111, 9 to 10 a.m. Indio: Highway 111 and Monroe Street, 9 to 10 a.m. What voters need to know before Election Day

According to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, approximately 1.4 million vote-by-mail ballots were sent to the U.S. Postal Service beginning October 5 for the November 3 general election.

Registered voters can return completed ballots by mail, at official ballot drop-off locations or in person at designated voting locations.

California’s standard voter registration deadline is Monday, October 19.

However, eligible residents who miss that deadline can still register conditionally and vote through Election Day at designated locations, including county elections offices and vote centers offering the service.

The first vote centers in Riverside County are scheduled to open October 24, with additional locations opening October 31.

Ballots returned in person must be received by 8 p.m. on Election Day, November 3.

Ballots returned by mail must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by election officials no later than November 10.

Voters can check their registration status, register to vote and find information about the election through the following official resources:

California voter registration: https://registertovote.ca.gov/ California Secretary of State: https://www.sos.ca.gov/elections/ Riverside County Registrar of Voters: https://voteinfo.net/

As political organizations continue their outreach and more residents cast their ballots, both Democrats and Republicans say their efforts will continue through Election Day.

For voters like Erica and Warren, however, the decision to participate has already been made.

“Just get out and vote and make sure your vote is turned in,” Warren said.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Modernism Week is bringing midcentury modern architecture, vintage culture and new evening entertainment to the Coachella Valley for its fall lineup.

The schedule includes a 1970s disco-themed after-party at Spirit Animal and special dining experiences at restaurants including Bar Issi, Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge and King’s Highway.

Organizers are also highlighting tours that explore the area’s architecture and history, including Blue Skies Village: Behind the Gates of a Hollywood Hideaway, CoCo Cabana: Designed for Gracious Living and a downtown walking tour featuring local trailblazers and visionaries.

Other events include mod bingo, vintage shopping and Casual Concours — Swinging 60s on Route 66.

Modernism Week is a nonprofit organization that helps support historic preservation and community improvement efforts throughout Palm Springs. According to Marketing Manager Bob Bogard, some neighborhood home tours raise between $30,000 and $40,000, with proceeds going toward preserving neighborhoods, civic improvements and donations to local nonprofits. Organizers say the events help protect the city’s architectural heritage while giving back to the community.

A full list of this weekend’s programming can be found on the Modernism Week website.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Week 9 is here, featuring the league debuts for four teams. We’ve got 8 games this week, including a Thursday night matchup between Shadow Hills and Palm Desert.

Friday Games (All Games Scheduled to Start at 7:00 PM)

Coachella Valley0 @ Desert Hot Springs48 F Indio22 @ Desert Mirage20 F (OT) La Quinta47 @ Palm Springs14 F Xavier Prep14 @ Rancho Mirage21 F Twentynine Palms46 @ Cathedral City24 F Yucca Valley34 @ Banning27 F Desert Christian Academy49 @ Marantha7 F Shadow Hills32 @ Palm Desert27 F (Thurs)

The Best Local Sports Show airs LIVE every Friday night throughout the season.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of high school football.

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Luis Avila

NORTH SHORE, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly a week after Tropical Storm Rachel brought flooding, mud and debris to North Shore, residents are still cleaning up damage to their properties, with some raising concerns about the county’s response and the resources available to help them recover.

For resident Lizet Soto, the storm was a frightening experience.

“It was really scary. It started in the middle of the night. We were hoping for the best but we could hear it was pretty strong,” Soto said.

As residents work to clean up, Soto said she believes the county’s response came too late.

“It honestly has been very disheartening because we did not see the support from the county immediately. It took several days for them to come out here,” Soto said.

She said she contacted Riverside County multiple times with no answer. Soto also says she spoke with a county worker who told her there were no funds available to help repair the damage.

Soto said the destruction could create additional challenges for families across the community.

“A lot of these families are working communities, they work in agriculture, so for them it’s going to be very difficult all the damage that happened to their properties,” she said.

A few doors away, Agustine Ramirez Olvera is also dealing with the aftermath. Floodwater rushed through his property, leaving thick mud and damaged ground behind.

Ramirez Olvera has not been able to begin cleaning up because of work commitments and a lack of resources to handle the repairs on his own.

In a press release, Riverside County said it is working with organizations including TODEC, the American Red Cross and Team Rubicon to help residents remove mud and debris from their properties.

County officials reported that 14 homes had water or mud inside following the storm. The county described the damage as generally minor and said most of the affected homes could remain occupied after cleanup.

Several vehicles were also surrounded by mud and debris. Most affected roads reopened by Sunday, although county crews continued clearing debris and making road repairs.

For residents like Soto, however, questions remain about what assistance will ultimately be available to help families rebuild.

“Taking it day by day. Waiting to see what the county does ultimately provide before we can start to rebuild,” Soto said.

News Channel 3 reached out to Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez for comment but did not receive a response.

The county is encouraging residents to report storm-related damage and request information about available resources by calling 2-1-1.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire damaged a home inside the Club at Morningside in Rancho Mirage Thursday night.

The fire was reported just before 8:15 p.m. at the 10 block of Park Lane.

Firefighters arrived at the scene and reported a single-story duplex with one unit well involved with fire, according to CAL FIRE.

The fire was contained to the duplex just before 9:39 p.m.

No injuries were reported. There was no word on whether there anyone was displaced.

Firefighters will remain on scene for two-to-three hours performing salvage and overhaul. The cause is under investigation.

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