Author: KESQ

Shay Lawson

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ)  – Jennifer Fagan is pleading for help finding her brother.

She said her brother, Casey Fagan, 54, living in La Quinta for a couple of months, disappeared after crashing his car along Highway 74 last week.

She said a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department spokesperson told her that while driving home from San Diego, Fagan crashed his car on October 7 near mile marker 88 in the evening.

The California Highway Patrol responded to the scene that night, according to Jennifer.

Jennifer said witnesses told investigators Fagan appeared intoxicated and injured. They said he left the scene after the crash and has not been seen since.

Search teams with the Sheriff’s Department reportedly deployed a search party to the area of his crash. Jennifer said they had about 20 people on foot, along with cadaver dogs and helicopters, but did not find him.

Jennifer said she’s frustrated by what she describes as delays in the early response to his disappearance and is asking the public to keep watch for any sign of Casey.

“He didn’t take anything with him,” Jennifer said. “There was just no way that he just left.”

Sheriff’s investigators advised there are no updates to provide, but that this is still an active missing persons investigation.

News Channel 3 has reached out to the CHP for confirmation of these details and any updates on the investigation, and is waiting to hear back.

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Timothy Foster

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) —video game fans, cosplayers, and pop culture enthusiasts gathered this weekend in Palm Desert for GameAcon, a celebration of gaming, creativity, and community. Short for Game Arts Conference, the event offers a platform for game developers, artists, and fans to come together and explore the world of gaming beyond the screen.

Founded more than a decade ago on the East Coast, GameAcon was designed to highlight game development and digital artistry. Organizers said the event aims to give independent creators a space to showcase their work, connect with fans, and gain recognition, similar to what Sundance does for the film industry.

Ben Fox, CEO of GameAcon, explained that the event was created to provide a dedicated space for game development, with the goal of growing it into something that represents the future of indie games in the Coachella Valley.

The Palm Desert edition of GameAcon featured tournaments, retro gaming, cosplay competitions, and a marketplace with handmade items. Unlike many traditional conventions, the event was open to the public, giving local residents and visitors alike a chance to explore gaming culture up close.

Attendees praised the event for its welcoming atmosphere, noting that the friendly and inclusive environment made it feel like a community. Visitors also highlighted that GameAcon offers an opportunity to discover new interests and meet others who share their passions.

Organizers expressed hope that GameAcon will become a recurring fixture in the Coachella Valley’s event calendar, viewing it as a complementary cultural offering alongside Coachella and Stagecoach. They emphasized that the event provides something fun, engaging, and unique for both locals and visitors of all ages.

With plans already underway for next year’s convention, GameAcon is positioning itself as a growing hub for gaming and pop culture enthusiasts, promising more events, competitions, and creative showcases in the future.

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Timothy Foster

Update: 10/15/25

The five-year-old bitten by a rattlesnake last week has been released from the hospital, her mother told News Channel 3 on Wednesday.

“Our daughter has been released from Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital after receiving 48 vials of antivenom, and several hours of sedation. She will need testing every 3 days and is being monitored for serum illness at home as it can be a side effect of the medication which can happen any time between now and 3 weeks from now,” the mother said.

Original Report: 10/10/25

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) — New details are emerging after a 5-year-old kindergartener was bitten by a rattlesnake during lunch recess at Gerald Ford Elementary School in Indian Wells on Friday afternoon.

The girl’s mother tells News Channel 3 her daughter was bitten on her index finger while playing on the playground. Another student, also 5 years old, jumped in and pulled the snake off the girl, killing it.

The child was taken to the hospital, where she was first treated in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit before being moved to acute care early Saturday morning. Her mother says she has received 44 vials of antivenom so far, though doctors are still determining if more will be needed.

At one point, swelling from the bite cut off circulation to her hand and fingers, but hospital staff were able to restore blood flow before surgery was needed. Her care team continues to work closely with poison control and pit viper experts across the country to ensure her recovery.

The snake has been identified as a Colorado Desert Sidewinder, a small species of horned pit viper native to the region.

The family has been relocated to the Ronald McDonald House while their daughter continues to receive treatment. They are asking for continued thoughts and prayers during what they call a terrifying and difficult time.

The Desert Sands Unified School District confirmed that staff immediately called 911 and brought the student and another nearby student to the office out of an abundance of caution. Both students were evaluated, with one transported to the hospital.

The playground was immediately cleared and all students were brought inside. It remained closed for the rest of the day while pest control conducted a thorough inspection.

The district later released an additional statement saying:

“The playgrounds will remain closed until treatment to the area is complete. This step is being taken out of an abundance of caution to ensure student and staff safety. We will provide an update as soon as we have confirmation the area is clear.”

Pest control crews are continuing to inspect and treat the area. News Channel 3 will provide updates as the girl’s recovery continues.

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KESQ News Team

Update 10/13/25

The fire has been mapped at 72 acres and is 80% contained, according to CAL FIRE.

According to the National Park Service, the area around the Black Rock Campground is closued until Thursday.

“Joshua Tree National Park is currently responding to a fire near Black Rock Campground. As of now, Black Rock Visitor Center, Black Rock Art Gallery, Black Rock Campground, and surrounding trails are closed until Thursday, October 16th. The fire in its current footprint has reached 72 acres and it is now 80% contained,” reads a post on the NPS website Monday.

Original Report 10/12/25

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters are on the scene of an approximately 66-acre brush fire burning in Joshua Tree National Park, just south of Yucca Valley.

The fire was first reported just before 11:00 a.m. Sunday morning within the Black Rock Campground on the far western end of the park, which has since been evacuated and closed to the public.

Just before 2:00 p.m. incident command reported that the fire had been fully surrounded by fire retardant, and reported its forward rate of spread had been stopped at 66 acres burned, with 25% containment achieved.

Authorities have not confirmed a cause of that fire.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Kendall Flynn

COACHELLA (CNS) – Five Indian tribes have joined forces to create an intertribal commission aimed at incorporating their cultural heritage, values and knowledge into the management of the Chuckwalla National Monument, it was announced on Monday.

“Chuckwalla National Monument is imbued with religious, spiritual, historic and cultural significance for Tribal Nations that trace their origins to these lands,” President of the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe Jonathan Koteen said in statement.

Check Out: Chuckwalla National Monument status threatened by lawsuit

The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, the Fort Yuma Quechan Indian Tribe, the Cahuilla Band of Indians, the Chemehuevi Indian and the Colorado River Indian tribes have banned together to “work towards a Tribally-led vision for the monument that benefits Tribal Nations, sacred objects within the monument and the broader Chuckwalla landscape,” said Daniel Leivas, chairman of the Chemehuevi Indian Tribe.   

The commission aims to steward the more than 624,000 acres of public land that includes village sites, camps, a food processing site, trails and historical artifacts that tie the tribes to the protected land.

“The formation of the Chuckwalla National Monument Intertribal Commission will help ensure that Indigenous values and principles are integrated into the region’s land management plan,” Koteen said.

Stay with News Channel 3 at 6 p.m. to hear about this commission and what it means during the monument lawsuit.

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Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — A federal court granted a preliminary injunction for Cathedral City prohibiting Fantasy Balloon Flights (FBF) and its principals from engaging in conduct that interferes with the annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, the city announced Monday.

City officials said the order protected the city’s rights to the hot air balloon festival by prohibiting the defendants from engaging in conduct that the Court found likely to be unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent under California’s Unfair Competition Law.

“Today’s order protects the integrity of our community’s beloved festival and gives residents, visitors, pilots, and sponsors clear assurance about who is running the official event,” said  Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to  the authentic Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival on November 21–23.”

The lawsuit centered on FBF’s use of the “Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival” name to advertise a competing event after its contract expired to operate the festival and losing a competitive bidding process in 2025, according to the city.

Last month, FBF “disavowed the future use” of the city’s balloon festival name.

According to the city, based on extensive declarations and exhibits, the Court found Cathedral City is likely to succeed on its UCL claim.

“The Court cited evidence that the defendants (1) held themselves out as  authorized organizers of the official 2025 Festival, (2) solicited and accepted sponsorships and  pilot deposits without the City’s authorization, (3) created confusion among pilots, sponsors,  and venues, and (4) took steps inconsistent with its prior statement to the Court that it had  “moved on” from the City’s Festival, including securing FAA approval in June 2025 under Cindy Wilkinson’s name for the ‘Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.'”

Preliminary Injunction OrderDownload

The 11th annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place on Nov. 21-23, featuring more than 20 colorful hot air balloons, food trucks, family activities, a drone light show, games and live entertainment, headlined by Robin Thicke.

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Garrett Hottle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of high-profile bills aimed at tightening California’s rules on artificial intelligence, online safety, and antisemitism in public schools, part of a final push before the deadline to act on hundreds of measures from this year’s legislative session.

The governor approved a broad package focused on protecting children online, including new safeguards for AI chatbots, mandatory age verification, and social media warning labels. The laws also increase penalties for distributing deepfake pornography and require schools to adopt anti-cyberbullying policies covering off-campus conduct.

“Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect – but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead, and endanger our kids, Governor Newsom said in statement. “We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability. We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way. Our children’s safety is not for sale.”

Among the signed bills:

SB 243 requires AI “companion chatbots” to disclose they are artificial, block explicit content for minors, and provide suicide-prevention resources.

AB 1043 mandates age-verification features in apps and operating systems.

AB 621 allows victims of deepfake pornography, including minors, to seek civil damages of up to $250,000.

AB 715 establishes a new Office of the Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator within California’s public school system to track complaints and develop educator training.

This is a developing story and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Eisenhower Health is set to pay $4 million to a former doctor who said he was forced out in 2020 for raising concerns about COVID safety, and retaliation for reporting discriminatory behavior.

“Its impact on Dr. Loftus was profound and life-altering. Defendants’ argument that “there is no evidence that EMC or EMA had advance knowledge of the unfairness of the employee acting against Dr. Loftus and employed him with a conscious disregard of the rights and safety of others” is belied by the overwhelming weight of the evidence and the previously detailed findings of the Referee,” reads the resolution by Judge Michael Latin.

Eisenhower Medical Associates, a co-defendant in the case, was not ordered to pay damages.

Loftus said he first warned Loftus to hospital leadership in February 2020 about the potential for a local COVID-19 outbreak in the region.

“This case was about the dozens of people at Eisenhower who worked with me, who had concerns about patient and worker safety, and also had concerns about a culture of bullying,” Loftus told News Channel 3’s John White in July.

Loftus said the bullying came in the form of discriminatory and misogynistic treatment.

Earlier this year, a retired judge awarded $1.6 million after ruling on the case.

News Channel 3 anchor John White investigated the case, speaking with Loftus after the ruling. Check out his report below:

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Garrett Hottle

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) A federal complaint filed in Atlanta and reviewed by KESQ News Channel 3, names Coachella Valley thoracic surgeon Dr. Daniel P. Logsdon as a defendant alongside Reston Legacy Capital, LLC, Reston Equity Group, LLC, and co-founder Kyle Motycka. 

The lawsuit, brought by Dr. Aaron Funk, alleges minimum wage and overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, retaliation, breach of contract, fraud, and related claims. It was filed September 22 in the Northern District of Georgia. 

The complaint describes Dr. Funk as an executive hired in 2023 to raise capital and develop investor relations for Reston. It alleges Funk was not paid for multiple pay periods, was denied agreed reimbursements including graduate school costs, and was later terminated after he complained to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

The filing also alleges Motycka and Logsdon acknowledged outstanding amounts and discussed a repayment plan before Funk’s termination. (Allegations in a complaint are claims by one party, not findings of fact.) 

The case follows an investigative report by Cincinatti local news station WCPO, into companies acquired by Reston in Northern Kentucky, which reported more than 20 lawsuits alleging unpaid bills and unfinished work. In the story, Logsdon is identified as a Reston co-founder.

Here at home, Logsdon is listed by Eisenhower Health as a thoracic surgeon at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic in Rancho Mirage. He also serves as Treasurer, Zone 3 on the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation board.

News Channel Three has reached out to Dr. Logsdon’s Office, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Eisenhower Health, and the legal counsel for Dr. Funk. 

In a statement provided to KESQ News Channel 3, Dr. Logsdon says he’s not involved in the day to day operations of the company, and his role is limited to that of an investor.

“I am not involved in the management or day-to-day operations of Reston Equity Group, Reston Legacy Capital, or any related entity. My role has always been limited to that of an investor and minority owner. From time to time, I have provided general business input or guidance when asked, but I have never been responsible for, or participated in, operational, financial, or employment decisions for the company.

Any suggestion that I oversee or direct Reston’s business activities is inaccurate. My professional focus and full-time work remain with my medical practice in California, and I have no involvement in the company’s internal management or personnel matters.

As there is pending litigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on that matter.” – sent via text from Dr. Logsdon

Dr. Logsdon also tells News Channel 3, his legal counsel will be sending us an additional statement clarifying any misconceptions on the case.

This story will be updated with further information as it becomes available. 

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After a months-long closure for its annual maintenance, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is back in operation.

Crews used the downtime to tackle major safety upgrades, including rebuilding one of the tram carriages, replacing critical cables, and conducting thorough tests of the control systems.

“Everything we do is about safety and the experience that the visitors have.”

Chris Bartsch, Vice President of Tramway Systems

The maintenance follows an unexpected shutdown in August due to an electrical issue, which prompted a closer inspection of the tram’s drive systems.

“That was prepared and replaced — so maybe a little more in-depth look at the drive system, but that’s checked every year… But we do have a spare one of those now, we unfortunately did not have one at the time.”

Chris Bartsch, Vice President of Tramway Systems

The annual closure allowed crews to perform other routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks, which are part of a comprehensive safety protocol that includes frequent checks.

On reopening day, visitors were eager — and in some cases, a little nervous — to ride the iconic tramway. Others said the recent upgrades helped reassure them.

With the tram now running daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., visitors can once again enjoy the 2.5-mile ride from the desert floor to the top of Mount San Jacinto.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more. 

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