Author: KESQ

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police say 22 people were arrested and nine guns were seized during a weekend gathering of the Mongols Motorcycle Club at Hotel Zoso in downtown Palm Springs.

Chief Andy Mills told News Channel 3 the event drew roughly 1,000 Mongols members for what he described as the club’s annual “church meeting,” where members elect a new president.

“This happens every year here in Palm Springs,” Mills said. “When you have a group that’s attuned to criminality, we’re going to have some problems.”

Mills said the department brought in support from the California Highway Patrol, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and gang task forces to maintain safety.

“We live in a capitalist society, and hotels have the right to bring people in but there’s a consequence,” Mills said. “When they invite organized-crime groups, we have to staff up and protect the community.”

The chief said his biggest concern is the potential for violence if rival groups such as the Hells Angels appear at the same time. He referenced a 2002 clash between the two clubs at Nevada’s Laughlin River Run that left three people dead.

Hotel Zoso General Manager Bill Babis told News Channel 3 no one was arrested on hotel property and said the hotel was unable to provide an interview at this time.

Palm Springs Police said the arrests stemmed mainly from traffic stops and outstanding warrants.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Seven people were left displaced after a vehicle fire caused smoke damage to a home in Desert Hot Springs Monday afternoon.

The fire was first reported at around 2:30 p.m. in the 66700 block of Cahuilla Avenue.

“The first arriving engine reported a vehicle on fire under an attached carport. The engines were quickly able to contain the fire to the vehicle and the carport with no extension into the structure,” writes Maggie Cline De La Rosa, spokesperson for CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire burned a small portion of the front porch that is attached to the structure.

Six adults and one minor were displaced due to smoke damage. The Red Cross was requested to assist.

There are no injuries to civilians or firefighters reported. 

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Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – In-Shape Fitness in Cathedral City is joining the company’s 11th annual “Fight Cancer” campaign, part of a statewide effort to raise $150,000 for all cancer research and support services this October.

The monthlong fundraiser incudes kettlebell sales, special fitness events and social media challenges with every dollar raised going toward vital services such as free cancer education, emotional support for those diagnosed and free lodging for patients and caregivers who must travel for treatment.

Additionally, contributions will fuel cutting-edge cancer research at the national level, helping to advance prevention, detection and treatment.

“In-Shape’s commitment to fighting cancer shows that the fitness community can be a powerful ally in creating a world without cancer,” said Alexis Padilla, Executive Director Sacramento for the American Cancer Society. “They are not only raising critical funds to support lifesaving research and patient programs, but also inspiring others to take action and prioritize wellness. We are honored to continue to partner with them in this important fight.”

Since launching the initiative a decade ago, In-Shape officials said the clubs have raised more than $1 million.

Members and non-members can join the fight by donating to the gym at 35935 Date Palm Dr, Cathedral City, CA 92234 or learn more by clicking on this link.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Blake Arthur

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Alex Yang has returned home. Well, sort of. Alex is back at Loma Linda Children’s Hospital.

Alex was in Philadelphia for clinical trail after being diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, also known as T-cell All.

Alex arrived at Loma Linda on Thursday, Oct. 2 after a medical flight from Philadelphia.

On Saturday, Oct. 4 Sports Director Blake Arthur went to visit Alex.

Stopped by with my son to see Alex Yang this morning. Alex remains in ICU at @LLUChildrens but is doing better today.

For those interested, here’s the story link and more information on how to help Alex in his fight against cancer >>> https://t.co/P9n1hltnnT pic.twitter.com/AIb7UIwyEz

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) October 4, 2025

If you would like to support the Yang family in Alex’s fight against cancer, there is a GoFundMe page where you can donate.

The family is deeply appreciative for any support during this difficult time.

Rarely do I do this, but rarely have I ever come across someone as special as local teenager Alex Yang. If you’d like to help the Yang family during this difficult time, please do so. They are some of the kindest and strongest people I’ve ever met. @KESQ https://t.co/3XHuXGyN1q

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) September 24, 2025

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for the latest on this story.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Chevron says its El Segundo refinery near Los Angeles is making “operational adjustments” following a fire that broke out late Thursday in a processing unit used to produce jet fuel.

The company confirmed Monday that the blaze is fully extinguished and that crews are stabilizing the site, but that “intermittent flaring” may continue to keep the facility running safely.

The El Segundo refinery represents more than 16 percent of California’s total refining capacity, according to the California Energy Commission. Chevron said it’s investigating the cause of the fire.

Experts say the disruption could push gas prices up in the coming days. “Prices will probably increase 13 cents a week for every week that the Chevron refinery is offline,” said Shon Hiatt, professor at USC’s Zage Business of Energy Initiative.

As of Monday, AAA reports the average price for regular gas is $4.61 per gallon in Riverside County, $4.65 statewide, and $3.13 nationwide.

Drivers in Palm Springs told KESQ News Channel 3 prices here still appear slightly cheaper than Los Angeles, where some stations top $5.30 a gallon.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Police Department has had Flock and intersection cameras for a few years, working to read license plates and surveillance road incidents faster. Within the last four to six months, they’ve added even more technology to better this process.

In recent months, PSPD added three drones to rooftops throughout the city that they can access through a database. They can fly autonomously or by remote control, working to get eyes on the scene before officers arrive.

When a call comes in through dispatch, pilots can see calls on their computer and launch a drone to that site if needed. They can watch the scene in real time and decide what type of units need to be sent to the area.

Just a few days ago PSPD was able to locate a stolen vehicle on their license plate detection, see where the car has driven with their intersection cameras and launch a drone to the site where the vehicle stopped.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear how officers use all of the technology together to keep the city safe.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today directed agencies to establish individually tailored policies related to the deployment and use of unmanned aerial systems — generally known as “drones” — to ensure compliance with federal regulations and safety parameters.

The Executive Office sought and got the board’s 5-0 approval of the new policy, A-76, which establishes the need for agencies to craft guidelines for use of drones, night or day.

“I’m in support of this,” Rancho Mirage resident Brad Anderson told the board ahead of its vote. “The public needs to know who is flying, where they’re flying and why they’re flying these drones.”

The county Sheriff’s Department has utilized the remote-controlled aerial vehicles for years, but other agencies are integrating them into their operations, too.

“Although many county departments currently use these systems successfully, it is prudent to communicate to the public and department personnel that the county has taken action to ensure safe and responsible operations of these systems,” according to an EO statement posted to the board’s agenda. “It is important to differentiate that these systems are being used for governmental purposes and not for recreational purposes.”   

A-76 mandates that agencies clarify when drones may be used under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 107. The Federal Aviation Administration regulates unmanned aerial systems.

New policies must incorporate training requirements and responsibilities for “remote pilot in command,” “person manipulating controls” and “visual observers.”

Agencies will need to ensure compliance with licensure requirements under Part 107.  

“Guidelines shall include unit composition,” according to the EO. “County UAS operations shall be comprised of those personnel recognized as qualified and assigned by county departments or districts and may include a UAS coordinator, RPIC, VO and others as deemed necessary. An individual may fulfill multiple roles.”   

Key features of each agency’s UAS operational standards will include “steps to ensure the UAS will pose no undue hazard to other people, other aircraft or other property in the event of a loss of control of the vehicle for any reason,” and that all “reporting requirements … meet or exceed current county standards if a flight operation results in injury or property damage,” according to the provisions of A-76.

There should be limitations on night operations, officials said, and each department will be required to maintain adherence to any changes to federal law.

Drones are generally required to remain at or below 400 feet vertical distance from the highest obstacle or terrain and not be operated in the immediate vicinity of airports or other locations where they could pose a hazard. However, the FAA does permit waivers that are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Agencies now have 60 days to draft UAS policies and submit them for review.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert launched an online survey to better understand the experiences and needs of the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ population and help steer future community programs. 

Every valley resident, full- or part-time, who identifies as LGBTQ+ is encouraged to set aside 30 minutes in October to complete the survey.

“At The Center, everything we do is driven by the needs, hopes, and lived experiences of LGBTQ+ people in the Coachella Valley.” said Center CEO Mike Thompson. “The Quality of Life Survey is an important opportunity for us to hear directly from those we serve – and those we’ve yet to serve – from across the valley. The insights we gather will help guide The Center’s future program priorities, inform where and how we expand geographically, and ensure our services reflect the realities of LGBTQ+ individuals and families across our region.” 

Survey questions relate to people’s experiences around accessing local services, connections to the community, personal safety, discrimination, and other topics. The survey can be completed anonymously, and responses will not be shared with others. 

The Center, working with consultants at HMA Community Strategies, conducted months of conversations and focus groups of diverse community members from every part of the Coachella Valley. The outcome was a survey that gets at the topics most on the minds of community members and questions intended to best understand their experiences. 

The survey is open through Oct. 31. The Center hopes to share preliminary results as they become available then follow with Community Convenings in early 2026 to share detailed findings.

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Shay Lawson

Watch the service below:

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The community gathered to celebrate the life of philanthropist Harold Matzner was held Tuesday at the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert.

The service featured tributes from family, friends and community leaders followed by a reception.

List of speakers:

• Carl Casazza , Vice President, Finance, CBA Industries• Garry Kief, President/CEO Stiletto Entertainment Group• Chief Andrew Mills, Palm Springs Police Department• Chairman Reid D. Milanovich, Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians• Elizabeth Matzner, Harold’s granddaughter 

Matzner, who died at the age of 88 on Sept. 4 in Palm Springs from a brief illness, was affectionately known as “Mr. Palm Springs” and was chairman of the Palm Springs Film Festival.   

He was laid to rest on Sept. 10 in a private ceremony attended by close family members.

Matzner donated more than $85 million to local nonprofits, health care, education and arts for more than four decades, according to his website.   

Recipients of his donations included Eisenhower Health, DAP Health, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, Palm Springs Art Museum, Find Food Bank, LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert and McCallum Theatre.   

Matzner was also credited with revitalizing the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

He is survived by his partner Shellie Reade, his son Devin and his daughter Laura.

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Former Rancho Mirage councilmember Dana Hobart has died at the age of 93, city officials confirmed.

Hobart was a member of the Rancho Mirage City Council since 2002. He served as the city’s mayor five times in those 19 years (2003, 2007, 2011, 2015, and 2020).

Hobart has been a major influence in the city during his time on the city council. As the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce noted, in his first year on the city council, Hobart initiated the move to eliminate all overhead electrical power lines throughout Rancho Mirage.

Other notable projects that Hobart was behind included:

He led the efforts to defeat Riverside County’s plan to eventually extend the City’s borders by 4,000 acres north of I-10, adjacent to Thousand Palms.

He was instrumental in solidifying the agreement with the Agua Caliente Tribe to annex their Casino and Hotel into the city, resulting in about $400,000 per year flowing to the City.

He eliminated employee “pension spiking” practices and reforming other pension and related benefits which continues to save the City significant sums in pension and other costs;

He led the efforts to completely discharge the City’s unfunded pension liability, which cost the City in excess of $500,000 per year in avoidable interest;

Hobart initiated the Rancho Mirage Observatory project

Mayor Ted Weill called Hobart “a pillar of Rancho Mirage, a man of vision, integrity, and extraordinary devotion.”

“His decades of service left a lasting imprint on our city through thoughtful leadership and a genuine love for the people he served,” Weill wrote in a tribute to Hobart.

Read Mayor Weill’s Full Tribute to Dana Hobart Below:

Yesterday, our city lost not only a dedicated public servant, but also a cherished friend.

Dana Hobart was a pillar of Rancho Mirage, a man of vision, integrity, and extraordinary devotion. His decades of service left a lasting imprint on our city through thoughtful leadership and a genuine love for the people he served. From guiding the undergrounding of utility lines to strengthening our financial foundation, and from championing cultural landmarks like the Observatory and Amphitheater to supporting community spaces such as the Rancho Mirage Dog Park, Dana helped shape a future we are proud to call our own.

To me, however, Dana was more than a leader. He was a mentor and a friend.

Our friendship grew over many years, through countless conversations and a shared belief in public service. Dana recognized something in me long before I saw it in myself. With quiet persistence and sincerity, he encouraged me to serve. His faith and guidance were the spark that led me to run for City Council and, eventually, to serve alongside him.

Working with Dana was one of the greatest privileges of my life. His passion was contagious, his intellect unmatched, and his principles unshakable. Even when faced with difficult choices, he led with humility and the conviction that government must always serve its people.

Dana’s legacy is etched into the very fabric of Rancho Mirage, but it also lives on in the leaders he inspired, the friendships he built, and the example he set.

Dana, thank you for your guidance, your encouragement, your friendship, and your lifelong commitment to this city we both love. Rancho Mirage is better because of you, and I am better for having known you.

You will be deeply missed, my friend. Rest in peace.

— Mayor Ted Weill

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