Author: KESQ

Cynthia White

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Attention drivers through Cathedral City – the speed limits on some city streets will be changing as of July 25th.

The city recently completed its 2025 Engineering and Traffic Survey as a state requirement. After receiving a draft survey from a traffic engineering consultant, the City Council began discussions in May on speed limits and crashes throughout the city, with a focus on 74 roads.

A final ordinance was adopted by the city in June, listing 13 streets with speed limit adjustments that reflect current road conditions, traffic patterns, and public safety needs.

City officials report the last citywide survey was completed in 2019, extended in 2024, and now updated in 2025 in response to recent infrastructure changes and evolving traffic conditions.

They say that the adjustments taking effect on July 25th will ensure that the city’s streets are safe, up-to-date, and compliant with state law.

In total, 12 segments will see speed limit reductions, and one segment will see an increase.

Here’s a summary of the 13 roadway segments affected:

Street
From
To
Change

Date Palm Drive
Vista Chino
30th Avenue
Reduced from 55 MPH to 50 MPH

McCallum Way
Date Palm Drive
Santoro Drive
Reduced from 30 MPH to 25 MPH

McCallum Way
Santoro Drive
Da Vall Drive
Reduced from 30 MPH to 25 MPH

Mountain View Road
Varner Road
North City Limits
Reduced from 55 MPH to 50 MPH

Palm Drive
Interstate 10
Varner Road
Reduced from 60 MPH to 55 MPH

Ramon Road
Date Palm Drive
Neuma Drive
Reduced from 50 MPH to 45 MPH

Ramon Road
Neuma Drive
Da Vall Drive
Reduced from 50 MPH to 45 MPH

Santoro Drive
30th Avenue
McCallum Way
Increased from 25 MPH to 35 MPH

Varner Road
West City Limits
Edom Hill Road
Reduced from 55 MPH to 50 MPH

Vista Chino
West City Limits
Landau Blvd
Reduced from 55 MPH to 50 MPH

Vista Chino
Landau Blvd
Avenida Maravilla
Reduced from 55 MPH to 50 MPH

Vista Chino
Avenida Maravilla
Date Palm Drive
Reduced from 55 MPH to 50 MPH

City crews are already preparing to install updated signage across these roads. City officials are reminding drivers that the updated speed limits are enforceable and meant to keep everyone safe—drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians alike.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Triple-digit temperatures Thursday evening didn’t deter people from attending Villagefest, the popular street fair in downtown Palm Springs.

Vendors, musicians and a small group of heat-defiant locals still showed up to keep the tradition alive.

VillageFest, which stretches along Palm Canyon Drive, shifts its hours during the summer from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in an effort to avoid the worst of the desert sun.

Despite the heat, several musicians still performed as pedestrians strolled past, many carrying handheld fans and icy drinks.

VillageFest continues every Thursday night throughout the summer.

For those planning to attend, officials said to dress light and stay hydrated.

Stay with News Channel 3 at 10 and 11 p.m. to hear why dozens still packed the streets.

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Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A crash involving a big rig Thursday morning is raising new concerns about safety on the road. A reminder of how dangerous things can be for all drivers.

Elena Patatanya, at Safeline Insurance Agency, says incidents like this are an unfortunate reminder of the risks truckers face daily.

“Common issues include driver fatigue, equipment failure, distracted driving and sometimes even poor road conditions. At Safeline we see even experienced drivers face unpredictable challenges.”

Elena Patatanya, Safeline Insurance Agency

Which is why ongoing training and maintenance is crucial.

“We always remind drivers that truckers have a larger blind spot and they need much more time and space to stop and swerve. Best thing commuters can do is stay out of blind stop, especially right side, and never cut them off particularly on the freeway.”

Elena Patatanya, Safeline Insurance Agency

For those stuck in traffic as a result of the crash, it’s another reason to be prepared.

Sergio Ceballos, owner of Sergio’s Automotive, says checking your vehicle’s condition before hitting the road is just as important to prevent further issues.

“The main thing, check tire pressure and then check levels for the coolant, oil, and also check the lights. Make sure the turn lights work, the brake signal works because that’s the main thing. If you stop and your lights don’t work, that’s a big problem.” 

Sergio Ceballos, Sergio’s Automotive

The desert heat can make a bad situation worse.

“What I see is a lot of cars overheating. Some cars you can see the temperature, some cars it’s only the light. When the light comes up, it’s too late, it’s already overheating.”

Sergio Ceballos, Sergio’s Automotive

A few extra steps to ensure a safe and smooth ride.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two small earthquakes were recorded a minute apart near Indio and Borrego Springs Thursday afternoon, the US Geological Survey reported.

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 5:16 p.m. west of Borrego Springs.

One minute later, a 3.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded east of Indio.

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Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– Indio officials are set to host “Moments in Time,” a 20-year time capsule celebration at City Hall to honor the city’s past. 

This celebration will be held July 16 at 3 p.m. in the council chambers at 150 Civic Center Drive. Officials say this time capsule was sealed in 2005 marking the 20-year anniversary leading to its opening. 

“Opening this time capsule allows us to reflect on how far Indio has come over the past two decades,” said Mayor Glenn Miller. “We’re also calling on our community to help shape the next chapter by contributing to the new ‘Moment in Time’ capsule — a lasting legacy that will tell future generations the story of who we are today.”

Following the opening the city will create a new time capsule that will be sealed for 50 years. In this event residents are able to submit photographs that they believe embody the city of Indio in 2025.

Through the “Moments in Time” celebration residents are able to honor the city’s past while creating a legacy for future generations. 

More information about submission details can be found at https://woobox.com/uuvryy.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Haley Meberg

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)– Two adults from Twentynine Palms were arrested following a six-month investigation into suspected child abuse, authorities said.

Christine Curington, 31, and Justin Surs, 34, were arrested and booked at Morongo Basin jail following a child abuse investigation that began Mid-December 2024. 

Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division — Crimes Against Children Detail — launched the investigation on Dec. 17, 2024, for an alleged occurrence of child abuse that took place on November 6, 2024.

The pair were identified as the main suspects of this case and were issued arrest warrants in violation of PC203, Mayhem and PC273a for Felony Child Endangerment.

Curington was arrested on June 26, and Surs was arrested on July 7.

A spokesperson from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office clarified the mayhem charge, stating that while the legal language may reference multiple body parts, the charge in this case pertains specifically to an eye injury.

“The way the complaint reads can be confusing,” the spokesperson said. “The charge is related to only an eye injury. The complaint reads that it includes other parts of the body like tongue and ears; however, that’s just the way the laws are written and/or translated to our filing documents.”

Both suspects have been formally charged. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Victoria Twardowski of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904 or place an anonymous call through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Shay Lawson

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Amazon’s Prime Day deal is in full swing running from July 8th to 11th.

With more demand this week Zoe Richmond, Amazon spokesperson, said drivers are busy delivering in extreme heat.

“We prepare ahead of time by training our employees and our driving associates on how to make sure that they are being safe during this heat,” Richmond said. “Simple things like making sure that they are hydrating correctly, taking the appropriate breaks.”

She said the company recently partnered with 7-Eleven and McDonalds to provide driver’s free places to cool down, refill their water or use the facilities.

“It’s a way to keep our drivers cool on the road,” Richmond said.

Richmond said the company offers cooling supplies to its employees.

“We provide 90,000 water activated cooling sleeves, which are very helpful during this time of year,” Richmond said. “As well as water tumblers, coolers, electrolyte powder and sunscreen. So as they’re making those deliveries, they are staying safe from the sun’s heat.”

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police officers were set to conduct a SWAT training exercise today.   

The department said the exercise would continue until 4 p.m. Thursday in the 1000 block of East Via Escuela Road.   

Officials issued the notification to dispel concerns among residents that Immigration Enforcement agents or Homeland Security were in the area.   

No further details were immediately available.

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Jesus Reyes

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – All evacuation warnings issued in Mecca following a gas leak have been lifted Thursday afternoon.

The leak was first reported just after Noon on Coahuilla Street and 2nd Street.

“Crews are on scene of a valve issue involving a 1,200 gallon propane tank,” CAL FIRE wrote on social media.

Evacuation warnings issued for north of 66th Avenue, south of 64th Avenue, east of Grapefruit Boulevard and west of Johnson Street has since been lifted.

Officials said the leak was caused by a valve issue, which was “returned to operational order.”

Crews has mitigated the leak but advise residents to stay clear of the area.  

The incident was turned over to the propane company and the Environmental Health Department.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Desert Water Agency announces the retirement of General Manager Steven Johnson after 30 years of agency service.

Johnson began his work with Desert Water Agency in 1995 as a DWA assistant engineer and worked his way up to become the company’s Assistant General Manager.

Following the retirement of General Manager Mark Krause in 2024, Johnson took over the role of GM where he stayed until the end of his remarkable career.

Throughout his time at the company, Johnson negotiated new power purchase and land use agreements to generate revenue and keep rates down for DWA, while also guiding his employees through several departmental restructurings and increasing regulations. 

Upon his retirement former DWA Finance Director Esther M. Saenz is set to replace Johnson as General Manager

Saenz, a 15-year veteran of the agency, will mark a significant milestone for the company as she becomes the first female General Manager in Desert Water Agency’s history. 

Saenz began her work at DWA as a phone operator and worked her way through multiple positions at the company through hard work, continued education and dedication.

Former General manager Johnson comments, “Esther has been a key figure in our financial management and strategic planning. Her leadership will ensure a smooth transition and continued stability for Desert Water Agency. I’m confident that she will continue to drive our mission forward with the same dedication and expertise she has shown throughout her career.” 

This transition is set to take place this July where Saenz will oversee DWA operations including management of the community’s water resources and conservation regulations.

“Holding this position is a tremendous privilege and responsibility,” she said. “I have had the incredible honor of working closely with Steve and the talented team at DWA for more than a decade and I am dedicated to building upon our strong foundation. The continued reliability and sustainability of our water supply is vital for our region and the people who live, work and play here.” 

For more information contact Victoria Llort, Director of Public Affairs & Conservation, at 760-323-4971, ext. 273 or vllort@dwa.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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