Author: KESQ

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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Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A water pipeline project in Palm Desert has sparked frustration among local business owners.

Joel Ontiveros, Harv’s Car Wash owner, said he was blindsided by construction.

“I’ve been doing business here for over 20 years,” Ontiveros said. “I’ve never had something like this happen where you get no notice of something that’s going to affect you tremendously.”

News Channel 3 took these concerns to the city and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), who’s leading the Nonpotable Water Pipeline Project.

“We understand that construction can be disruptive,” Lorraine Garcia, CVWD Communication Manager/Public Information Officer, said. “We are making progress quickly, and we are notifying customers as we move onto Cook Street soon. We are also collaborating with the City of Palm Desert on the outreach.”

The project is installing non-potable water lines along Cook Street between Hovely Lane East and the Whitewater Wash.

“The project spans approximately 1 mile, extending from Sheryl Avenue to Riviera Drive, near the Marriott,” Garcia said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this significant project for the residents of the Coachella Valley.”

In the full statement, CVWD said the pipeline work is part of a long-term water sustainability effort that will help provide recycled water for irrigation instead of using groundwater.

The Coachella Valley Water District has been working on our Nonpotable Water Pipeline Project over the past few years. We have installed several miles of pipelines in various areas throughout the valley, enabling us to deliver recycled water to them. We are currently expanding our delivery capacity at our Wastewater Reclamation Plant on the Cook Street segment to serve our customers.

This is significant in providing an alternative water source to large-scale customers to use for irrigation instead of our precious groundwater, which is the valley’s primary source of drinking water. It is also part of CVWD’s long-term water supply strategy to ensure a water supply for current and future customers.

However, we understand that construction can be disruptive. We are making progress quickly, and we are notifying customers as we move onto Cook Street soon. We are also collaborating with the City of Palm Desert on the outreach.

The project spans approximately 1 mile, extending from Sheryl Avenue to Riviera Drive, near the Marriott.  We appreciate everyone’s patience during this significant project for the residents of the Coachella Valley. The project is estimated to be completed before the end of August.  

— Lorraine Garcia, Communication Manager/Public Information Officer

The City of Palm Desert said it has a limited role in the project, which they said falls under CVWD’s management.

“The City of Palm Desert’s role has been limited to approving CVWD’s required encroachment permits and reviewing traffic control plans to help ensure public safety during construction,” Ryland Penta, Community Relations Supervisor said. “The City of Palm Desert values its business community and understands the challenges that come with construction-related impacts. We are committed to advocating for our local businesses and maintaining open communication with CVWD to ensure project impacts are minimized wherever possible and that their concerns are addressed.”

He said the city has not been provided a list of specific businesses contacted.

Garcia said the project is expected to be completed before the end of August.

For a list of the city’s street projects, use this link.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this developing story.

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Haley Meberg

BEAUMONT, Calif (KESQ) – A suspect was killed in an officer-involved shooting while police were serving a search warrant Monday afternoon in Beaumont.

The shooting happened Monday just before 4 p.m. on the 800 block of West 4th Street.

According to the San Bernardino Police Department, an officer from its Auto Theft Task Force served a search warrant with assistance from the Beaumont Police Department. When task force members arrived, they encountered a suspect with a firearm.

Details on what led to the shooting were not released.

After the shooting, officers immediately performed lifesaving aid, however, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in coordination with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, is currently conducting the investigation and urges anyone with information about the case to contact Master Investigator David Sandoval at (760)770-2236. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Assemblymember James C. Ramos will present a symbolic $10 million state-funded check Friday to California Indian Nations College as part of an effort to help the school become the state’s first federally accredited tribal college.

The presentation featuring a “blown-up” check is scheduled for 10 a.m. at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum, 140 N. Indian Canyon Drive, and will be livestreamed on multiple social media platforms.

Participants will include Ramos, D-San Bernardino, California Indians Nations College Founder Theresa Mike; CINC President Erica Munoz; Rose Saubel, a 2023 CINC graduate; Dakota Galindo, associated students of CINC vice president; and members of California Legislative Native American caucus.

The two-year college, located at 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive in Palm Desert, received pre-accreditation in January from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges.

The college receives no ongoing federal or state support, aside from a one-time $5 million state allocation in 2022 to help reach accreditation and a $9 million donation from the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians.   

With only 11.4% of American Indian students in California graduating high school and just 14.4% enrolling in college, officials say tribal colleges could help boost academic success.

“Native students who attend a tribal college are four times more likely to complete a bachelor’s degree,” according to a statement made by Ramos’ office.

“More than 30 accredited tribal colleges with 75 campuses are located in 13 states across the Southwest, Northwest and the Great Plains — from Kansas and Oklahoma to Minnesota and the Dakotas,” according to the American Indian College Fund.

Ramos represents the 45th Assembly district including the cities of Fontana, Highland, Mentone, Redlands, Rialto and San Bernardino. He is the first and only California Native American serving in the state legislature.   

To view the livestream, go to https://www.facebook.com/events/751279414146428/, orhttps://youtube.com/live/XqcQByr5Law?feature=share.

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City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A convicted felon accused of gunning down a 50-year-old man in a drive-by attack on the edge of the Morongo Indian Reservation northeast of Banning pleaded not guilty today to first-degree murder and other charges.

Robert Eugene Leonard, 43, of Beaumont, was arrested last month following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation into the slaying of Orlando Lara of Banning.

Along with murder, Leonard is charged with being a felon in possession of a loaded firearm, being in possession of controlled substances while armed, a special circumstance allegation of perpetrating a murder in a drive-by and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

He was arraigned before Superior Court Judge Jay Kiel, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Aug. 6 at the Banning Justice Center.   

The defendant is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail.    Lara’s remains were discovered by passers-by shortly before 11 p.m. on June 25 in the 47000 block of Morongo Road, near Cottonwood Road, along the upper boundary of the reservation, according to sheriff’s Sgt. Alberto Loureiro.  

“Upon arrival, deputies found the male with a traumatic injury,” Loureiro said, confirming there were “obvious signs” the victim had been shot to death.

The likely circumstances and motive were not disclosed.   

Within two days, Central Homicide Unit detectives gathered sufficient evidence pointing to Leonard as the alleged shooter.   

He was tracked to a residence on the reservation, where he was taken into custody without incident on June 27.   

Court records did not list Leonard’s prior convictions, which occurred in another jurisdiction.

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Allie Anthony

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – A national youth golf tour backed by NBA superstar Steph Curry is making a stop right here in the Coachella Valley.

The “Underrated Golf” tour is about more than just winning on the green, it’s about building life skills and empowering underserved youth.

Nearly 100 talented golfers have qualified to travel with the Underrated tour, gaining the opportunity to compete on elite courses and learn from golf legends.

Steph Curry is a basketball icon, but his passion for golf led him to want to help kids. He understood how expensive and inaccessible the sport can be.

The tour covers all costs for young athletes.

College golf coaches are scouting talent at Underrated tournaments, too.

One youth golfer says he’s playing his best in hopes of getting noticed and earning a spot on the college team. Duncan Reid says, “Honestly, a lot of coaches are looking at these leader boards, so just go out there and play your golf. People are paying attention to this because it’s on such a big stage. So you’re just going out there and trying to focus on your game.”

After a stop at PGA West in La Quinta, players will compete at TPA Sawgrass in Vedra Beach, Florida, then head to Liberty National Golf Club in Jersey City, New Jersey.

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Jesus Reyes

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating a missing man last seen last week in Cabazon.

Benjamin Cole, 42, was last seen July 9 at his residence in the 51000 block of Ida Avenue, near Peach Street, on the south edge of the unincorporated community, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities said Cole did not inform loved ones where he was headed, and his whereabouts remained unknown Thursday.

Cole is described as five feet, 11 inches tall, weighing approximately 155 pounds, with black hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing all dark clothing.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s office at 800-950-2444.

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Peter Daut

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ)– The World Health Organization just announced this week that they want all countries to help make a breakthrough HIV drug reach people as quickly and safely as possible.

The drug’s nickname is “Len,” and it only needs to be injected twice a year to offer near-total protection from the virus and developing aids.

The FDA recently approved the drug, but it carries a price tag of more than $28,000 per person per year, making it unaffordable to most people.

Local doctors say a more affordable, generic version could soon become reality.

Dr. Phyllis Ritchie, CEO & founder says, “The potentials are huge, because the question is if we have a prep like that, do we even need to work on an HIV vaccine, and those are all the questions that are being brought up presently. But we have to wait and see if insurance companies will actually pay for it.” 

Right now, doctors say there are only a few people in the valley taking the drug.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information.

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Garrett Hottle

CHIRIACO SUMMIT, Calif. (KESQ) History is hard to miss along I-10 in Riverside County — especially when it’s made of steel.

The General Patton Memorial Museum has unveiled its newest addition: a massive M59 armored personnel carrier, recently donated to the museum and now on display in the tank yard.

The vehicle joins a fleet of restored M48 AND M47 tanks, but stands out for its size and function.

The M59 is an American armored personnel carrier that entered into service in 1954, replacing the M75. It’s currently on display at the General Patton Memorial Museum.

“This could actually take a Jeep inside of it,” museum’s co-founder and president, Margit F. Chiriaco Rusche, explained.

Margit F. Chiriaco Rusche, Co-Founder and President of the General Patton Memorial Museum speaking with News Channel Three’s Garrett Hottle

Chiriaco Rusche, said the site began humbly in 1985 with a single flagpole, a map, and a commitment to patriotism. By 1988, the museum officially opened — fittingly on November 11, which is both Veterans Day and the birthday of General George S. Patton.

Rusche also recalled her family’s personal connection to Patton. During World War II, her father raised concerns about the water quality being used to train troops in the desert.

Patton’s legendary response: “You run your business, I’ll run the war.”

Rusche also recalled her family’s personal connection to Patton. During World War II, her father raised concerns about the water quality being used to train troops in the desert.Patton’s legendary response: “You run your business, I’ll run the war.”

This week, Rusche shared the museum floor with Chuck Montgomery, executive director of the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix — the largest firefighting museum in the world. Montgomery visited the Patton Museum for the first time, despite his museum’s brochures being featured there for years.

Chuck Montgomery, executive director of the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix

During the visit, Montgomery spoke about a fire truck from the 9/11 attacks — one of 350 lost that day — which his team was able to acquire and restore to original condition. Also on site was a Soviet firefighting vehicle once used for both riot control and emergency response.

Looking ahead, the museum is preparing for its annual Veterans Day celebration.

Guests are invited to take part in a community tribute by picking up a rock from the museum to paint and return. The painted rocks will be placed in the Memory Garden to honor fallen service members and heroes. Rocks are free through November 12.

From tanks to tributes, the General Patton Memorial Museum continues to grow as a living legacy in the Coachella Valley.

For more information about the General Patton Memorial Museum, including their upcoming events and how to participate, visit this link.

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