Author: KESQ

Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif (KESQ)– The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced they have received a $250,000 grant from the Auen Foundation to restore the historic theater’s mezzanine. 

The Auen Foundation, a Coachella Valley-based private grant-making foundation, has awarded the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre with a $250,000 grant in their mission to restore the historic structure to its former beauty. 

The Plaza Theatre has agreed to rename the mezzanine as the Auen Mezzanine to honor the donation. The Auen Foundation will receive prominent recognition as a Founding Donor as well as on the donor wall recognizing those that have taken the step to officially name an element or location in the theatre. 

“The Auen Foundation is proud to support the Plaza Theatre Foundation as a founding donor in the restoration of this cultural treasure in the heart of Palm Springs,” said Sherrie Auen, Trustee of the Auen Foundation. “Aligned with our mission to enrich quality of life — especially for our aging population — this transformative project will bring people of all ages together to enjoy performances, programs, and shared experiences, while ensuring this iconic space remains accessible and vibrant for generations to come.” 

The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation is still in the process of trying to fundraise the remaining $6 million needed to complete this restoration and update the theater which is set to open December 2025. 

‘With this incredible gift, the Auen Foundation is directly supporting and contributing to the cultural enrichment of our community,” said J.R. Roberts, President of the Plaza Theatre Foundation. “We are honored to work with this respected foundation which helps increase quality of life for so many. There are several significant naming opportunities remaining, so other organizations and individuals may join the Auen Foundation to help us restore this icon, where the culture of Palm Springs takes center stage.” 

The Plaza Theatre was built in 1936 and was a home for the arts until its closing in 2014. With the completion of the anticipated restoration the Plaza Theater will provide the city and its visitors entertainment for years to come. 

The Oak View Group will operate the theatre and is currently selling tickets for upcoming events. Visit the Plaza Theatre’s website at www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com for more information about their inaugural season.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Haley Meberg

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KESQ)– California is partnering up with the Trevor project to improve behavioral health services and affirming care following the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate specialized suicide prevention support for LGBTQ youth.

Just weeks after the Trump administration’s decision to eliminate specialized suicide preventative support for LGBTQ youth through the 988 Suicide and Crisis hotline, California, Governer Gavin Newsom and the California Health and Human Services Agency (CalHHS)  teamed up with the Trevor Project to provide 988 crisis counselors with competency training from experts to ensure better attunement to the needs to the LGBTQ youths.

State officials report LGBTQ youth are four times more likely to attempt suicide than their peers, and without affirming services, their risk increases dramatically. Since its launch in 2022, the 988 LGBTQ+ “Press 3” line connected more than 1.5 million in crisis.

The partnership is said to build upon existing collaborations like those under California’s Master Plan for Kids Mental Health and reflect an understanding of evidence-based LGBTQ+ affirming crisis care.

“While the Trump administration continues its attacks on LGBTQ kids, California has a message to the community: we see you and we’re here for you. We’re proud to work with the Trevor Project to ensure that every person in our state can get the support they need to live a happy, healthy life.” said Governor Gavin Newsom

According to the Governor’s office, twelve 988 call centers remain open around the clock ready to support anyone in behavioral health crises, including LGBTQ youth as a state endorsed access point. 

“To every young person who identifies as LGBTQ+: You matter. You are not alone. California will continue to show up for you with care, with compassion, and with action,” said Kim Johnson, Secretary of CalHHS. “Through this partnership, California will continue to lead, providing enhanced support for these young people.”

Through the Trevor Project hotline at 1‑866‑488‑7386 specialized services for LGBTQ youth are available. The Governor’s office urges anyone in crisis thinking about suicide to call or text 988 to be immediately connected to skilled counselors at all times.

For more information about digital mental health support visit CalHOPE Home.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire damaged a residence in Indian Wells Thursday afternoon, leaving one firefighter injured.

The fire was first reported at a little after 12:30 p.m. on the 45300 block of Sante Fe Cove Drive.

The first arriving engines reported the structure was fully involved in fire. Heavy smoke was visible throughout the area. The agency stated the fire was contained shortly after 2 p.m.

According to the city of Indian Wells, the residence sustained major damage, but all occupants were accounted for.

“If you observed, or have surveillance footage showing, members of the police or fire departments in your backyard or knocking on your door, please know this was simply out of an abundance of caution, as emergency personnel were working to initiate evacuations in the event the fire spread,” reads a statement by the city.

A firefighter sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital. It was unclear how he was hurt.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Riverside County resident has been confirmed to have died as a result of a carfentanil overdose, Riverside University Health System – Public Health announced.

The death – a male in his 40s – occurred in March 2025, outside Riverside County. The cause of death was recently confirmed as the process can take months to, particularly if it occurs outside of the county, officials said.

County health officials said carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

Carfentanil was developed for use as a tranquilizer in large animals, such as elephants, and due to its potency, even a minuscule amount can cause a fatal overdose, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.

“Every life lost from opioids is one too many. Together, we can continue to raise awareness about the risks associated with drug use and work as a community to support safety, reduce harm and care for one another,” Chevinsky said.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs) first entered the illegal drug supply in the United States in 2013 as a substitute for white powder heroin in the Northeast. Although rare, U.S. deaths with carfentanil detected increased approximately sevenfold, from 29 deaths in the first six months of 2023 to 238 during the same period in 2024. IMFs were responsible for roughly 70% of overdose deaths in the United States in 2023, the report said.

Despite the rise in IMFs, there has been success nationally and locally with opioid overdose deaths declining. Riverside County experienced a 25% decrease in overdose deaths in 2024. The use of naloxone (Narcan), the life-saving antidote that can sometimes revive individuals who have overdosed, and an increase in public awareness and action are among the contributing factors for the decrease.

“While overall we are seeing a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in Riverside County, this is a reminder that there are things each of us can do to prevent these terrible outcomes. Everyone deserves dignity, compassion and the opportunity to be safe,” Dr. Chevinsky said.

RUHS-PH suggests residents:

Carry naloxone. It is available without a prescription in many pharmacies and at local public health offices. Free training and kits are available through the department.

Share resources. Never Use Alone, the U.S. National Overdose Response line (800.484.3731), is a helpline available to individuals who are using by themselves. Volunteer operators take down location information, and alert EMS to that location if there is no response after using.

Offer help. Individuals struggling with substance use may call 800.662.HELP for help quitting.  

Because of the unpredictability and potency, using small amounts and spacing out doses does not guarantee safety. Fentanyl strips can provide some information on a drug’s contamination and risk but may not detect carfentanil.

Public Health collaborates with harm reduction organizations, local emergency responders and community partners to increase access to life-saving tools and education. RUHS-PH hosts California’s first Overdose Fatality Review and participates in the Riverside County Fentanyl Multidisciplinary Committee.

RUHS-PH offers overdose prevention and harm reduction resources and hosts a data dashboard to track and inform response to overdose trends through its Riverside Overdose Data to Action (RODA) program—a CDC-funded program that has improved the collection and analysis of County overdose data for prevention activities: www.ruhealth.org/public-health/riverside-overdose-data-action,

Narcan kits and training are available to residents here: www.ruhealth.org/public-health/road/naloxone-saves-lives.

Learn more at www.ruhealth.org/ruhs-public-health.

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City News Service

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents of Cabazon will have opportunities next week to submit input on a proposed special tax district intended to pay for improvements to streets, signs, gutters, flood channels and other projects throughout the unincorporated community.

The Riverside County Transportation & Land Management Agency is proposing establishment of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, encompassing all of Cabazon.

“Limited infrastructure in the Cabazon area has been an ongoing community concern,” according to an agency statement. “To support long-term infrastructure improvements and increase quality of life for residents, the county is proposing to create an EIFD, and community input into the process is essential.”

Public meetings are slated for Tuesday at the Venable Community Center, 50390 Carmen Ave. The first meeting is set for noon, while the second will begin about 5 p.m. Both are expected to last 90 minutes to two hours.   

Officials will outline how an EIFD operates and what the financing mechanism can be used for, including road upgrades, flood controls, new signage, wildfire mitigation measures and other infrastructure improvements.   

EIFDs were authorized under Senate Bill 628 in 2014 and permit bond sales to finance construction of private and public projects. Districts rely on “tax increment” to pay off the bonds issued in support of them. Tax increment is generated by projects within specified locations that increase property values. No separate property taxes are actually created by EIFDs.   

There are several already in operation in both the eastern and western halves of the county. Governing boards are set up to vote on proposed projects within a financing district, the foundation of which must be approved by voters.

“This is an important opportunity for Cabazon,” county Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez said. “It only works with community participation. We’re asking residents to be part of the conversation and help guide the improvements they want to see.”

More information about the proposed Cabazon EIFD can be found at rivco.org/cabazon-eifd.

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Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, (KESQ)– CalFresh is offering help to clients by providing replacement benefits to customers impacted by the recent Riverside County wildfires.

Wildfire season has been active throughout Riverside County this summer leaving officials urging nearby residents to take all necessary precautions to stay safe and prepared. 

In light of the Mindy, Wolf, Mandalay, and Juniper fires that started appearing June 29 and 30, CalFresh is allowing customers to apply for replacement benefits to those who lost food purchased with benefits in these fire zones.  

State officials report that CalFresh serves over 26,000 households in Riverside County providing over $5.3 million in benefits during the times that the fire occurred. 

“This fire season has brought real challenges for many families in our region,” said Sandra Bowlan, Interim Assistant Director of the Self-Sufficiency Division at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). “If you’ve suffered losses from the recent wildfires or power outages, please don’t wait—reach out to us by July 28 so we can help you recover.”

CalFresh is the state’s largest food assistance program helping households purchase groceries at supermarkets, farmers markets and even online. 

CalFresh urges customers looking to reclaim these benefits to report their food losses by July 28 to receive support. To report food loss and request replacement benefits, CalFresh customers can visit BenefitsCal.com, go to their nearest Self-Sufficiency office, or call 1-877-410-8827.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents across the Coachella Valley will take part in “Good Trouble Lives On”, a nationwide day of action honoring the legacy of the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis.

The event aims to highlight ongoing struggles for civil and human rights and push back against policies tied to the Trump administration. Organizers say the day is about continuing Lewis’ lifelong work for justice, voting rights, and human dignity.

In the Coachella Valley, events will take place in Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Idyllwild.

The Democrats of the Desert hosting a screening of the documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble at The Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City from 10 am to noon.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring unexpired, nonperishable food items to support immigrant families. Donations will be given to TODEC.

Organizers hope the day will inspire residents to stand up for the causes Lewis championed during his life.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Athena Jreij

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Earlier this month, News Channel 3 showed viewers a Desert Hot Springs home in desperate need of community support.

The homeowners say a recent eviction of squatters led to the discovery of over 50 abandoned animals, including dozens of cats and six dogs.

Now, Kitty Corralers, a rescue in the High Desert, says they are currently housing 14 cats after saving 22 from the home. Several other cat rescuers have also put in hours to trap-neuter-return other cats.

Betty Kerr explained, “It took us about a week because after we thought we had them all out, kitty crawlers came in and put these traps. They had traps with cameras, and we caught four more that we thought weren’t in there.”

Thanks to the community and local rescues, 46 cats and six dogs have now been relocated. Now a new challenge persists, finding fosters and adopters for these pets.

While they work to try and fix and vaccinate all animals they are leaning on Yucca Valley cat Sanctuary “Save the Meow Meows”

Tonight at 6, News Channel 3 gives an inside look at the home’s recovery and why rescues say they still need help from the public.

To connect with Kitty Corralers Rescue, visit: https://www.instagram.com/kittycorralers/?hl=en

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Garrett Hottle

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) There’s a new initiative to unite veterans groups throughout the Coachella Valley under a single banner.

Dozens of veterans, public officials, and community leaders gathered Thursday morning at the Salvation Army Cathedral City Corps to explore the creation of a unified coalition. The goal: speak with one voice on issues that affect local veterans and ensure the future of the Cathedral City’s annual Veterans and Community Expo.

Major Bill Young, is a veteran and long-time advocate for veterans in the Coachella Valley. He helped found the expo, and has spent a lifetime of service giving back to others. But today, he informed the attendees he’d like to move into the background of leadership and wishes to hand the reins down.

“You can’t do this forever,” Young said. “The best thing to do is be part of the transition while you still can.”

Brigadier General Guido Portante announced that the timing of the partnership is perfect. “We all have these different groups of people that do great work, but as a whole, we can do more to give back to veterans.”

Attendees included representatives from Congressman Raul Ruiz and Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez, local veterans groups like the American Legion and VFW, and cadets from Desert Hot Springs High School’s youth program.

La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez volunteered to spearhead an initiative exploring the official creation of the veterans coalition.

Brigadier General Guido Portante explained that the timing of the partnership is perfect.

“We all have these different groups of people that do great work, but as a whole, we can do more to give back to veterans.”

Following the meeting, Young outlined several outcomes that came from Thursday’s initial gathering:

There will be an exploratory meeting to discuss what it would take to officially create a veterans coalition. Councilmember Steve Sanchez volunteered to spearhead that initiative.

New task committees will be formed to collaborate and organize the next Veterans and Community Expo.

Earliest timeframe for next Veterans and Community Expo would be October 2026 with a target of having it in the central Valley at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.

Start Expo planning and Networking meetings (open to all) roughly 6 months prior to the scheduled Expo date.

While broad-based agreement existed that the coalition would be worthwhile, the majority of the attendees concurred that developing the coalition would be a gradual, complicated process.

The organizers agreed that the Expo would be a VEAP- and Salvation Army-sponsored event, supported by the broader veterans’ community, and it needs to be held annually.

“All want the coalition,” Young said. “But we have to take baby steps.”

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Cynthia White

WASHINGTON, DC (KESQ) – On Wednesday, U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem condemning DHS for unlawfully obstructing their efforts to visit immigration detention facilities operated by DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In the letter sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the lawmakers highlighted violations of federal law, specifically Section 527(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which prohibits DHS from denying Members of Congress access to detention facilities or making changes to alter what is observed during visits.

“For weeks, my office has been emailing DHS to schedule a visit, only to be met with shifting policies and ever-changing excuses for why Democratic Members of Congress can’t enter facilities,” said Congresswoman Torres. 

Congressman Ruiz added, “As Members of Congress, we visited the Adelanto ICE facility to ensure residents in our districts are not being subjected to inhumane conditions. The Department of Homeland Security’s sudden policy change requiring advance notice is unacceptable, unlawful, and clearly designed to block transparency and accountability,”

The lawmakers are demanding written assurances by Friday, July 18, 2025 that DHS will:

Cease all unlawful restrictions and partisan discrimination;

Fully comply with federal law regarding congressional access to facilities; and

Provide equal and prompt access to all Members of Congress regardless of party affiliation.

Read the full letter here.

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