Author: KESQ

City News Service

THERMAL, Calif. — The Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) Governing Board has approved a resolution formally expressing its opposition to data center development within district boundaries, citing concerns over the potential impacts on students, staff and the broader community.

The resolution was approved during Thursday’s Board of Education meeting. District officials said they are concerned about the possible effects data centers could have on local water resources, electrical infrastructure, environmental quality, community sustainability and the operation of CVUSD schools.

Although the district has no authority over where data centers are built or how they are regulated, officials said the board can adopt resolutions to communicate its position on issues that may affect the quality of life for the school community.

The resolution comes off the heels of recent moves from local city governments to implement moratoriums and bans against data center development, in both Indio and Coachella.

The action follows a statement released by CVUSD on June 23, in which the district first publicly outlined its concerns over proposed data center projects near its campuses. The newly approved resolution reinforces that stance and formally places the board’s opposition on record.

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KESQ News Team

FAWNSKIN, Calif. (KESQ) The land where Big Bear’s beloved bald eagles Jackie and Shadow nest is officially safe from development.

Friends of Big Bear Valley announced Friday it has secured the full $10 million needed to save Moon Camp, a 63-acre stretch of forested open space and shoreline on Big Bear Lake, according to a press release from the nonprofit.

The property was slated for a luxury development of 50 custom homes and a marina. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the project last September despite receiving more than 5,000 emails from people opposed to it, the release said.

The nonprofit launched its fundraising campaign in mid-February. More than 25,000 donations from supporters around the world raised nearly half the total, according to the release. A donation of more than $5.5 million from Anna and Greg Brockman pushed the campaign over the finish line.

“We are beyond grateful for the tireless support of so many people these past six months,” said Jenny Voisard, spokesperson and fundraising lead for the nonprofit.

The money clears the way for the San Bernardino Mountains Land Trust to buy the property, with leftover funds covering closing costs, taxes, legal fees and long-term care of the land. The land trust expects to complete the purchase by July 31, the release said.

Moon Camp is the last undisturbed shoreline on the lake, according to the nonprofit. The parcel supports a rare endemic plant, San Bernardino flying squirrels and other wildlife, and experts have warned since the 1980s that developing it would cause significant harm to biological resources, including the bald eagle.

The announcement comes months after the death of Sandy Steers, the nonprofit’s longtime executive director, who died Feb. 11. Steers helped negotiate the purchase agreement with the property owners before her death, and the release called it her most important priority.

The land trust plans to preserve Moon Camp permanently.

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KESQ News Team

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The next St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is officially underway in the Coachella Valley, marking the eighth Dream Home built by GHA Companies in support of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.

Before construction can begin, organizers must first find the perfect location. During a preview tour, News Channel 3’s Angela Chen and a St. Jude representative visited the future homesite in a quiet Palm Desert neighborhood, highlighting its peaceful cul-de-sac setting, spacious lot, and scenic mountain views.

Organizers say Palm Desert has consistently been one of the most popular locations for Dream Home ticket buyers, making it an ideal community for the next giveaway. The selected lot also offers the flexibility to build a home suited for a variety of families, with no homeowners association fees.

Construction is expected to be completed by the end of January, with the official reveal of the lot and home details scheduled for Monday, July 27 at noon.

The St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway raises funds to support the hospital’s lifesaving research and treatment for children battling cancer and other life-threatening diseases. Families at St. Jude never receive a bill for treatment, travel, housing, or food, allowing them to focus entirely on their child’s care.

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Timothy Foster

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A Desert Hot Springs man accused of critically injuring a pedestrian in a hit-and-run crash was arrested before investigators say he could leave California.

According to police, detectives used Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras to quickly identify the suspect vehicle, obtain its license plate, and develop key investigative leads.

As the investigation continued, detectives learned the suspect had purchased bus and train tickets in what investigators described as an apparent attempt to leave the area and avoid arrest.

The suspect, identified by police as a 53-year-old Desert Hot Springs man, was arrested Friday around 5 p.m. in Palm Springs, just hours before he was scheduled to leave the state.

He was booked into the Riverside County Jail, where he is being held on $500,000 bail. He is facing one count of felony hit-and-run resulting in serious injury or death.

While court records list the charge as involving “serious injury or death,” the injured person’s caretaker told News Channel 3 the victim is alive and remains hospitalized. Out of respect for the family’s privacy, News Channel 3 is not identifying the victim.

The caretaker said the victim continues to receive medical treatment and also claimed the victim’s apartment has been targeted by break-ins while they remain hospitalized.

News Channel 3 plans spoke with the caretaker about the victim’s condition and recovery.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Palm Springs Police Department.

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Kiera McKinney

PALM DESERT, CALIF. (KESQ)- The desert sun can do more damage than people realize. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and experts say years of UV exposure can silently damage your skin before you ever notice it.

With extreme UV levels common in the Valley there are warning signs people often miss, the biggest sunscreen mistakes, and the simple steps people can take to protect themselves.

According to skincancer.org 1 in 5 Americans will develop skin cancer by the age of 70. When it comes to suburns, having five or more doubles someones risk for melanoma. In the United States more than 9,500 people are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.

Natalie Nasser, MD, FAAD, a Dermatologist at Kaiser Riverside said “We hear so much about sunscreen, but that’s just a small part of the story. It has much more to do with a mindset of sun protection. And, safe sun habits.”

Nasser says real protecting is about building daily healthy habits- those including wearing long sleeves, a wide brim hat, finding shade, and limiting time outside during intense UV hours.

Some of the first places that damage are often the most forgotten. Chandace Sylvester, a Medical Esthetician for SkinLab Palm Desert said the “neck and chest and back of hands are the areas that age the quickest on us. “

Nasser also says don’t ignore skin that is trying to tell you something, such as new or changing spots, spots that are bleeding, scabbing, or crusting. Catching those signs early can save your life.

“I’ve had patients that I’ve lost to skin cancer and we never want to see that happen. I don’t want to lose one person to skin cancer, especially since it’s preventable,” Nasser said.

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Tommy Gallegos

Cathedral City, Calif. — A Cathedral City family is asking for the public’s help in locating their 17-year-old son, Tristan Franz, who has reportedly been missing since Tuesday, July 21, 2026.

According to the family, Tristan is 5 feet 11 inches tall, weighs approximately 145-150 pounds, and has not been seen since Tuesday. Additional details about the circumstances of his disappearance have not been released.

The family is urging anyone who may have seen Tristan or has information about his whereabouts to come forward.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cathedral City Police Department, their local law enforcement agency, or call 911 immediately.

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Dakota Makinen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – What looks like a full-sized dining room, cozy living room or family home is actually small enough to fit in the palm of your hand.

The National Association of Miniature Enthusiasts is holding its annual convention this weekend at La Quinta Resort & Club, bringing together hundreds of artists, collectors and hobbyists from across the country.

The convention showcases handcrafted dollhouses, furniture and detailed room displays, with many pieces created entirely by hand. Enthusiasts build in a variety of scales, from the traditional one-inch-to-the-foot scale to even smaller miniatures, using techniques that range from crafting every detail from scratch to assembling kits or incorporating work from other artisans.

For many attendees, the convention is about more than tiny creations.

“It’s a passion. It’s a real love,” said NAME President Nancye Claypool.

In addition to browsing exhibits and shopping from miniature artisans, visitors can take classes, watch demonstrations and connect with fellow hobbyists who share a love for the craft.

The convention continues through Sunday. Public hours are Saturday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Admission is $6 for adults and $3 for children ages 6 to 12, with two-day wristbands available for $10 for adults and $5 for children. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

Organizers say they hope the event inspires newcomers to discover that miniature building is about more than making things small — it’s about creativity, craftsmanship and community.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Dozens of demonstrators gathered Friday morning outside the U.S. Customs and Border Protection station in Indio, calling for immigration reform and greater accountability following two recent fatal encounters involving federal immigration agents.

The protest, organized by Comité Latino, Democrats of the Desert and several immigrant rights organizations, brought together community members from across the Coachella Valley. Participants waved American and Mexican flags, held signs and chanted in support of migrant communities.

“It’s really important to speak out and give a voice to the people that don’t have voices,” one demonstrator said.

Organizers said the demonstration was sparked by the July 7 fatal shooting of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, 52, in Houston, and the July 13 fatal shooting of Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero, 26, in Maine. The incidents have fueled protests nationwide and renewed calls for greater oversight of federal immigration enforcement.

Speakers at Friday’s rally accused federal immigration agencies of using excessive force during enforcement operations and called for changes.

“ICE is to handle immigration. It’s not to be used as a private force for intimidating communities, being reckless with firearms, killing people,” another protester said.

For many who attended, the demonstration was also about supporting family and neighbors living in fear.

“I personally know a lot of people who are afraid, affected,” one attendee said. “It’s scary and so we have to be here.”

Others said public demonstrations are necessary to pressure lawmakers to act.

“We need immigration reform. Being out here is for the pressure to do that,” another protester said. “We all know this is not going to take away anything, but getting the voice out and letting people know that we are not for what’s going on empowers other people to stand up and speak out.”

News Channel 3 reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for comment on the demonstration but had not received a response.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Traffic was moving slowly on the eastbound lanes of Interstate 10 following a big rig fire Thursday night.

The fire was reported just before 10 p.m., between Jefferson and Monroe Streets.

According to the California Highway Patrol, one lane was open.

Details remain limited; we’ve reached out to CAL FIRE and the California Highway Patrol for more information.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley High School girls soccer team received championship rings recognizing their historic 2025-2026 season.

The Lady Arabs team was presented with the championship rings during Thursday’s Coachella Valley Unified School District board meeting.

“To see all the support we got specially because it was the first time the whole bleachers were filled and everybody was just excited,” said Monserrath Davila, a player on the team.

The team made school history by winning the CIF Southern Section Division V Championship, capturing the CIF Southern California Regional Division IV Championship, and advancing to the CIF Division IV State Championship, the first state title game appearance in the program’s history.

The valley has been showing its support for the Lady Arabs’ historic season, with a parade and the Key to the City of Coachella.

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