Author: KESQ

Allie Anthony

As triple-digit temperatures return next week, the heat could be dangerous for our active desert community.

The Palm Springs Fire Department is urging hikers to take precautions. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

Plan ahead: Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Pack the right gear: Bring a first-aid kit, plenty of water, snacks, and a flashlight. Sun protection is essential — wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen.

Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing.

Choose proper footwear: Sturdy, comfortable, waterproof hiking boots are best.

Stay on marked trails: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid going off-trail.

Don’t hike alone: Go with a friend. Keep the slowest hiker in front.

The department says knowing these tips is critical, as heat-related emergencies spike during this time of year. “We’re going to see an increase — maybe not in hyperthermia cases necessarily — but definitely more emergencies related to dehydration and heat exhaustion,” said Capt. Ronald Skyberg, from the Palm Springs Fire Department.

Some signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, dizziness and confusion can all be warning signs. If symptoms appear, seek shade, hydrate and get help immediately.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County has launched a new program that will help owners of mobile homes and manufactured homes with up to $50,000 to revitalize their homes.

Officials said the Riverside County Manufactured Housing Rehabilitation Program is designed to assist with rehabilitating homes to improve their safety and condition.

Residents can apply for grants of up to $50,000 for eligible repairs that could cover plumbing, roofing, electrical, heating, accessibility upgrades, and energy efficiency upgrades, or even replacement of the home.

“We are using these funds that we received at the county level to help owners of mobile homes improve their quality of life and safety,” said Supervisor Manuel Perez and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “This is a program that helps fill a gap so people can afford the home repairs they need and maintain their housing.”

The Riverside County Manufactured Housing Rehabilitation Program is administered by the Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions Department.

Application information, including income limits, is available on the program’s Web page, https://rivcohws.org/manufactured-housing-rehabilitation-program.

The program is funded with $5 million in state Manufactured Housing Opportunity and Revitalization (MORE) Program funds that the county successfully secured.

Applicants can reside in an unincorporated community or a city. Preference will be given to applicants from unincorporated communities, county officials noted.

Homeowners utilizing the grant are required to continue to live in their home for five years.

In the Fourth District, there are approximately 12,500 mobile homes registered through the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs now has an updated comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan that city leaders say reinforces the city’s commitment and approach to public safety, disaster preparedness and animal care.

The most recent plan for Palm Springs before the adoption of this new plan dated back to 2012. News Channel 3’s I-Team Investigator Jeff Stahl previewed the city’s plan in his exclusive “Planning for a Disaster – How several local cities are updating their plans to keep you safe” report earlier this month. 

The City Council approved the updated plan during Thursday night’s Council meeting. The new plan outlines a coordinated response and recovery strategy for a wide range of emergencies and major disasters, including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, storms, hazardous material incidents, pandemics, and other natural or human-caused events.

City officials say that for the first time, the plan also includes detailed provisions for the evacuation and sheltering of animals, ensuring that pets and service animals are protected during emergencies, a critical step in supporting the whole family during times of crisis.

“This comprehensive plan strengthens our ability to act quickly and efficiently when disaster strikes,” said Fire Chief Paul Alvarado. “It also enhances coordination and communications with county, state and federal partners to better serve our residents.”

The Emergency Operations Plan is structured around the Four Phases of Emergency Management: Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. While not every emergency involves all four phases, the plan ensures the city is equipped to manage each phase effectively.

“Our leadership in Palm Springs is defined by a clear vision: a future where every member of our community is safe and secure,” said Mayor Ron deHarte. “To achieve this, we are taking bold steps in our emergency planning and response, embedding inclusion, preparedness, and compassion into every aspect. This proactive approach ensures that no one is left behind, including our beloved pets.”

Highlights of the updated plan include:

Public education and emergency training initiatives for residents.

Robust communication systems for community alerts, warnings, and notifications.

Emergency protocols specifically designed to protect animals and ensure pet-friendly sheltering.

The City of Palm Springs is encouraging all residents to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Operations Plan and take steps to be personally prepared.

For more information and to review the Emergency Operations Plan, visit engagepalmsprings.com.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Reactions pouring in after former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet pleaded guilty in a bribery case stemming from an alleged scheme to buy off the mayor to ensure his support for a real estate developer’s projects.

Palm Springs residents finding out just before Wednesday’s city council meeting.

Some said the guilty plea was long overdue, while others said although he made some mistakes, Pougnet did a lot for the city.

Ron deHarte, current Palm Springs mayor, shared his reaction.

“It’s a long process,” deHarte said. “And the city resolved issues a long time ago. We certainly have moved forward.”

“Thank goodness he did the right thing,” Ann D’amico, Palm Springs resident said. “Save us some money to go through trials.”

“He did a good job as the mayor,” Nancy Ferguson, Palm Springs resident said.“I think he just made some bad mistakes.”

After years of delays, the case coming to a head on Wednesday.

“This should have been wrapped up much sooner,” Mike McNulty, Palm Springs resident said.

Pougnet pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme — accused of taking at least $375,000 from developers to push projects like the Kimpton Hotel and Palm Springs Downtown redevelopment.

“The amount that was alleged that he was bribed with or whatever word you want to use is not very much,” McNulty said. “I was actually surprised that he did something like that.”

“I worked with Mayor Pougnet on certain projects,” Ulrich McNulty, attorney said. “I’m surprised to hear that he pled guilty. It was my impression that he wanted his day in court, but obviously he did what was best for himself.” 

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Peter Daut

A new chapter in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is about to begin in the Coachella Valley. The Desert Wildlife Center is just days away from its grand opening. But before that happens, News Channel 3’s Peter Daut got an exclusive sneak peak of the new, state-of-the-art facility in Indio, which officials are calling a “game changer.”

Once opened, the center will be the only of its kind in the Valley, a crucial sanctuary for our desert’s vulnerable wildlife. Set on the grounds of the former Wild Bird Center, the new center will initially focus on native birds, and eventually expand its services to reptiles and mammals.

“Most of the time it’s just members of the public that found an injured animal in their backyard, maybe on a hike, on the side of the road. And so when they see these animals, they will either give us a call or come to our front door and drop off these animals. And then, one of our veterinary staff members will look at the animal, assess it, do an examination, do some diagnostics and see what that animal needs to be successful back into the wild,” Director Mikah Curtis said.

Our region is home to a wide range of animals, many of them threatened or endangered.

“There’s over 300 different species in the Coachella Valley, so we could be taking up to 300 different species that need care,” Curtis said.

The center will be operated by the nonprofit Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies. Risks to the health and safety of local wildlife have increased over the years, as acres of desert continue to be converted into residential and commercial developments.

“We have window strikes, we have poisons, we have people intervening with wildlife. So there are so many threats, birds and animals are dying rapidly. And so we need to save them,” Board Member Linda Talley said.

But the center’s mission goes beyond care. It will also offer education programs, empowering Valley residents of all ages to become wildlife advocates, fostering a network of support for the creatures who share our environment.

“We’re going to be advising people and what to do, what not to do, not to bird-nap or baby-bunny nap, when it’s appropriate to keep animals where they are, and when to get them into see us so we can treat them,” Board Immediate Past Chair Tamara Hedges said.

Riverside County has just three wildlife rehab facilities, each at least an hour’s drive from the Valley. Officials also want to stress the new center is not a zoo for the public to look at animals. Rather, it is a hospital for animal patients who are not accustomed to humans, and only there for a short time.

“Wild animals are really good at healing themselves as long as we can give them the food, the space and medicine. They will do the rest. So usually it’s just a couple weeks in care, depending on the injury or life stage, and then we get to kick them right back outside,” Curtis said.

The public is invited to tour the center at its grand opening on Saturday, May 17 from 9-11AM. In addition to donations, it is also seeking volunteers. For more information, head to desertwildlifecenter.org.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The College of the Desert Board of Trustees has chosen Val Martinez Garcia as its new superintendent/president.

The board approved the hire with a 3-2 vote during a special meeting on Wednesday. School officials said contract details are still being finalized and will be presented for approval during a meeting on Friday.

“In Mr. Val Martinez Garcia, we have a leader who deeply understands both the challenges and opportunities facing College of the Desert,” said Dr. Joel Kinnamon, Chair of the College of the Desert Board of Trustees. ” His collaborative approach and commitment to educational excellence will help us build on our strengths and address the evolving needs of our students and community.

Martinez Garcia currently serves as the acting superintendent/president. Before that, he was COD’s Vice President of Instruction and Vice President of Student Services, overseeing programs and services for more than 14,000 students.

His accomplishments include expanding the dual enrollment program and leading the development of the Educational Strategic Master Plan.

A news release by the school also noted Martinez Garcia’s contributions to major facilities projects, including the Indio Campus Expansion and Palm Springs Campus Design.

He brings over two decades of leadership in higher education to his role.

He serves as Regional Representative for the Chief Student Services Officers Association. Martinez Garcia holds an M.S. in School Counseling and a B.S. in Sociology from the University of La Verne and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

The selection follows a comprehensive recruitment process conducted in partnership with AGB Search, LLC, a national firm specializing in higher education leadership searches. The college received 73 qualified applications from across the country, from which four finalists were selected to advance to public forums and final interviews.

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Cynthia White

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $400,000 in grants to dozens of non-profit organizations at its 4th Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon on Wednesday.

The 80 non-profit organizations receiving awards of up to $5,000 spanned across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including 25 groups from the Coachella Valley.

The Morongo grant program focuses on groups that provide social, education, or healthcare services, support for military and military families, or that preserve Native American culture.

“The Morongo Community Outreach Awards are about celebrating and supporting the life-changing work performed by dozens of remarkable nonprofit organizations dedicated to the service of others across the region,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “At Morongo, giving back to the community has always been a part of who we are, and our hope is that these grants will advance the missions of many deserving groups in local communities.”

Martin added, “The need is so diverse, that being able to address any need within the community has the ability to touch people… The financial support is absolutely necessary to get people on the right path.”

The program has awarded over $1.3 million in grants to nearly 300 non-profit organizations across the Inland region since its first year in 2022.

Some of the Coachella Valley groups that received grants from Morongo are Shelter from the Storm in Palm Desert, California Indian Nations College in Palm Desert, and the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their generous grant, which will have a meaningful impact on the children and families we serve,” said Heidi Maldoon, Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert in Palm Desert. “This grant will help support our programs and services that promote mobility, independence, and inclusion for children with special needs throughout the Coachella Valley.”

In addition to Morongo’s Community Outreach Awards Program, the tribe over the past decade has provided more than $20 million to support local and national non-profit organizations that serve the San Gorgonio Pass and the surrounding regions, as well as greater Southern California.

For information about the 2026 Community Outreach Awards program, groups may visit www.morongonation.org/donations/

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Jesus Reyes

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet pleaded guilty in a bribery case stemming from an alleged scheme to buy off the mayor to ensure his support for a real estate developer’s projects.

Hear from former Palm Springs Mayors Robert Moon and Geoff Kors, who dealt with the fallout of the bribery scandal:

During a court conference Wednesday involving Pougnet’s attorneys, prosecutors and Riverside County Superior Court Judge Samuel Diaz, a pretrial plea agreement was reached, with the terms submitted by the defense directly to the judge.

Pougnet, 62, pleaded guilty to nine counts of bribery by a public official, eight counts of illicit financial interest in public contracts and one count of conspiracy, as well as no contest to three perjury counts.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 2. Pougnet is free on his own recognizance.

John Hall, spokesperson for the DA’s office, told News Channel 3 that Pougnet reached a plea agreement with the court, not their office. The DA’s office objected, arguing that Pougnet took advantage of the public’s trust.

Check Out Our ‘Scandal at City Hall’ Section for More Coverage on this Case

Pougnet served two terms as mayor, leaving office in 2015.

He was charged along with businessman John Elroy Wessman, 86, in 2017. The pair were indicted by a Riverside County grand jury in 2019, along with Coachella Valley real estate developer Richard Hugh Meaney, 59.

Wessman and developer Richard Meaney were accused of paying Pougnet at least $375,000 to buy votes and influence projects in Palm Springs between 2012 and 2014. Projects include the Kimpton hotel and the surrounding downtown re-development project.

Steve Pougnet and John Wessman (2012)

The case drew national attention after the FBI raided Palm Springs City Hall in 2015.

Meaney pleaded guilty to a reinstated misdemeanor count of financial conflict in a government contract. Meaney is free on bond and is slated for sentencing in June.

Wessman case remains ongoing, jury selection continues Thursday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – City officials are urging residents and business owners to take part in a pair of important surveys aimed at finding ways to improve the Palm Springs Economic Development Strategic Plan.

One of the surveys is specifically designed for business owners while the other is for those who live, work, or are visitors in the city.

The information collected will help officials identify the needs of the community. The deadline to respond is June 1st, and city officials say all responses will be kept confidential.

“The Economic Development Strategic Plan will serve as the guiding document for the future of our Palm Springs economy,” Chief Economic Officer Wayne Olson said in a statement. “So many factors outside of our control contribute to economic change. From climate issues and national economic policies, even the way people shop, dine and visit is changing, so it’s critical for the city to have a plan to adapt to those changes and continue to support our great local businesses.”

“Now is the time for the people of Palm Springs – every resident, business and innovator – to collectively define the future of our local economy,” Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte said. “Tomorrow’s Palm Springs economy isn’t something that will simply happen, it’s something that we will create together.”

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Mayor deHarte on how the information collected will help the city plan its economic development.

To take either survey, visit engagepalmsprings.com and scroll down to “Economic Development Strategy Plan Survey” under “Community Surveys.”

Or:

The business survey can be found at https://qualtricsxm66fkrhrdb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3l6rBFAzaE8TBxI.

The resident survey cab be found athttps://qualtricsxm66fkrhrdb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4I7gATd9BfFDGLQ.

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Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Papa Dan’s is set to open back up, a little over a year after a devastating arson fire that destroyed a row of businesses in Palm Desert.

The restaurant has been part of Palm Desert for more than 40 years.

“I think I’m still in shock,” said Ira Mosley, the restaurant owner on the fateful morning the restaurant burned to the ground. News Chanel Three’s Tori King was the first one on the scene that day, and that’s where she met Mosley.

“I don’t think it’s really set in yet,” he told her. On the morning of April 14th 2024, Mosley, along with a crowd of horrified bystanders watched the beloved pizza restaurant was reduced to rubble. It had been a Palm Desert staple, serving customers for more than four decades, until the tragedy hit.

That day, Mosley swore to rebuild.

Since then, the shopping center has been leveled, and construction is on-going. The building’s framework is now standing, but the progress is slow.

But Papa Dan’s won’t be rebuilt in its old spot. Instead, its moving a few doors down. Still remaining in the same shopping center off Monterey and Country Club.Mosely gave News Channel 3 a behind the scenes look at the current progress as construction continues.

“This is where the patio is going to be,” said Mosley. “This will all have a block wall built around it because of the cars and parking lots.”Over the last 13 months Mosely has been planning, preparing, and progressing through red tape, construction delays, and permits to get this new building restaurant ready.

“It originally started out as a Jobs and Pools, and then it was a Wells Fargo,” said Mosley. “Then it was Curves Gym, but it’s never been a restaurant. I’m thrilled about a separate building, no neighbors, parking lot of my own, the visibility on Monterey.”

Mosely says the City of Palm Desert stepped in to help, providing him with a $200,000 dollar grant to resurrect the restaurant.

“These people have bent over backwards for me,” explained Mosely. “In everything that they’ve done, from permits, from inspections. I call for an inspection, they’re here the same day. I mean, I couldn’t ask for more.”And according to Thomas Soule, the city was more than happy to help.”We’ve also tried to be there to help him work through all the bumps in the road,” Soule explained. “As everybody knows, rebuilding building processes are complicated and unforeseen things happen, and so we wanted to be there to work hand in hand with him, to make sure that he could get through that process and get back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Mosely says the new space will be larger than the last, will include two kitchens, and a brand new bar, something the other location lacked. A majority of the original staff will also be returning to welcome back customers on opening day.

“All the weight staff is coming back,” said Mosley. “Almost all the kitchen staff is coming back. Almost all the front counter and delivery drivers are coming back. I didn’t want to leave this area, because this is geographically, the exact center of Palm Desert. And we’ve been here for 42 years. You know, it’s everybody comes here, it’s home, it’s home.

The construction continues, but Mosely says it will likely reopen in the late summer, making all of the work worth it in the end.

“I didn’t think I would do this at this 77,” said Mosely. “This is made for young people, not made for old people. Anyone can rebuild. How much effort you want to put in? It’s a lot of effort. And it’s finally going to be done soon.” News Channel 3 will continue checking in with Mosley for an official reopening date.

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