Author: KESQ

Gavin Nguyen

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The family of a mentally ill Cathedral City man who stabbed a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy, prompting the lawman to fatally shoot him in the back, was awarded $13.1 million at the end of a civil trial against the county, it was announced today.

Logina Perez Monroy and David Monroy, parents of Jeffrey Alexander Monroy, filed suit claiming federal civil rights violations in connection with the death of their 33-year-old son, as well as other factors warranting compensatory awards.

Following a nine-day trial that ended Thursday at U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles, jurors returned with the high-dollar findings in favor of the plaintiffs, whose attorneys characterized it as the “largest ever excessive use of force” verdict against the county.

It was not immediately clear whether the defendants intended to appeal.   

“There is no excuse for shooting Mr. Monroy multiple times in the back when he was no threat at all to the deputy,” plaintiffs attorney Houman Sayaghi said. “Thankfully, the jury saw the truth and came to the right conclusion and held law enforcement accountable for its egregious actions.”   

Attorney Kaveh Navab said it was an “honor and privilege” to represent the plaintiffs.

“Nothing can ever replace what they lost, but this verdict represents justice and accountability,” Navab said.   

Though the county was the principal target of the suit, Sheriff Chad Bianco and the deputy who fired the fatal shots, Corporal Ruben Perez, were also named.   

The defendants submitted an answer to the civil complaint in 2021 stating they unequivocally denied “all liability or wrongdoing,” questioning the “legal conclusions and arguments” submitted by the plaintiffs.

According to the complaint, the deadly shooting occurred on the afternoon of Aug. 7, 2020, while Monroy was working for his father’s pool service company, providing assistance with repairs to a pool in the 70800 block of Tamarisk Lane in Rancho Mirage.

Monroy became agitated and walked away from the job site, calling his brother, Will Monroy, to retrieve him so he could go home, the plaintiffs said.   

A resident on the block thought Monroy appeared suspicious due to his bandana and dark clothing, leading the party to call 911 to report a possible troublemaker, the attorneys said.

Perez and Will Monroy arrived at the same time minutes later, and Perez attempted to question the agitated man, who did not want to answer him. When the lawman tried to detain Jeffrey Monroy, a struggle ensued, and Monroy pulled a screwdriver, stabbing the deputy multiple times, including in the neck, according to court papers.

Will Monroy attempted to intervene, physically separating his brother from the deputy and “pulling him 20 feet away from the confrontation,” according to the plaintiffs.

“Corporal Perez suddenly and without warning or verbal command, unjustifiably shot the unarmed Jeffrey in the back multiple times, resulting in his tragic and untimely death at the scene shortly thereafter,” the plaintiffs said.

Will Monroy was not hurt. Perez was taken to a Coachella Valley hospital, where he was treated and ultimately recovered. Perez’s work status could not be confirmed Monday.

The plaintiffs argued that the confrontation was already in the process of de-escalation when the deputy opened fire.   

An incident report made by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office disputed that claim, though. In the weeks following the shooting, Sheriff Chad Bianco released a video breaking down the incident, in which he said, “At one point, the second man intervened and pulled Mr. Monroy away from the deputy. The suspect was able to break free and again advanced toward the deputy. At that point, a deputy involved shooting occurred.”

After the verdict was reached, News Channel 3 reached out to the department’s Media Information Bureau and Sheriff Chad Bianco directly. Those requests were forwarded to the County of Riverside.

A spokesperson with the county responded on Tuesday, writing the following:

“While we disagree with the verdict, we respect the jury’s decision and the legal process.  In the coming days, we will be evaluating our options for next steps.”County of Riverside

The sheriff’s department is among the most sued agencies in Riverside County, resulting in seven-figure payouts or settlements.

Expecting additional appeals and post-trial motions, Sayaghi challenged the county: “But frankly, I think they will lose again, so let them.”

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Luis Avila

The Palm Desert City Council voted 4-1 today to reject Councilman Joe Pradetto’s proposal for the city to stop recognizing Pride Month.

Pradetto’s proposal would also have the city no longer display a Pride banner at City Hall.

Mayor Evan Trubee and Councilmembers Karina Quintanilla, Gina Nestande and Jan Harnik voted against Pradetto’s proposal Tuesday at City Hall.

You can watch the full meeting below:

The decision happened after more than three hours of public comment, with all but one of the over 50 speakers voicing their displeasure with the proposal.

Packed city council chambers including the overflow room (12/16/25)

“To see that in the city that I live in, which is Palm Desert, and so for that to be. On the line of being taken away, really hits close to home,” said Eugene Williams, who attended Tuesday’s special meeting.

“Everyone’s kind of having the same reaction from what I hear in the community and especially the businesses here in Palm Desert that are so supported by the LGBT community’s dollars,” said Gary Williams, who also attended the meeting.

The lone supporter of the proposal during public comment period, spoke with News Channel 3 about why he was in favor of it.

“When you talk about government mixed with social things, there kind of comes a gray area. At what point do you accept one social thing and ignore others?” said Christian Jelmberg, a Palm Desert resident.

“I brought this forward to solve a problem. It stems from the love I have for my community. It isn’t about the LGBTQ community, but how we get along and move toward our goal of greater unity and acceptance, Pradetto said during Tuesday’s meeting. “However, regarding the banner on City Hall, I still believe the principled, smart strategy is neutrality. No banners recognizing individual groups should adorn City Hall. This is about stability and social cohesion.”

Pradetto reacted to the decision in an interview with News Channel 3 shortly after the vote.

“I am not disappointed that the resolution went down the way it did. I stood on my policy principles and the way the government should involve itself with the residents but I also learned that the government does have a role in social issues and that celebrating pride is more than about celebrating individual identities. It’s about the hard-fought fight for equal rights and that is very American,” Pradetto said.

Pradetto originally made the proposal during Thursday’s city council meeting. The proposal would include no longer displaying a Pride banner at City Hall. He said during the meeting that he does not believe it’s necessary for the city to highlight one community over another, arguing that doing so can create division rather than unity.

“My goal is to create unity in our community and the formula for unity is simple, and it’s common sense. When you focus on differences, you get division, and when you focus on similarities, you get unity and that’s what I’m trying to do,” Pradetto told News Channel 3. “I made a request for action in response to comments I received from constituents stating that they felt that the city’s policy to display an LGBTQ banner in honor of Pride Month elevated some members of our community over others, and they felt that that violated their sense of the government’s role in treating everyone as equal and valued members of the community.”

Two other council members originally supported revisiting the city’s policy. However, both ended up voting againt it on Tuesday.

State Assemblyman Greg Wallis denounced the proposal, writing in a statement on Saturday, “Pride month recognition doesn’t create division, it affirms that every resident deserves to be celebrated and respected.”

Wallis also called it a ‘slap in the face’ to LGBTQ+ residents.

Greater Palm Springs Pride called the proposal a “shortsided political maneuver that prioritizes grandstanding over police representation.”

Palm Springs City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein also issued his own statement, calling the proposal an attack on the LGBTQ+ community and a threat to the local economy:

Tomorrow, December 16, 2025 at 1:30 pm, the Palm Desert City Council will hold a special meeting to discuss Mayor pro tem Joe Pradetto’s proposal to rescind Palm Desert City Council Resolution No. 2024-0183.’ This resolution, from 2024, includes the display of a banner at City hall in November to Commemorate Pride Month and coincide with local events.

This proposal, to stop recognizing Pride Month and no longer display the banner, is a reminder that the fight for equality is not yet over.  Veiled among suggestions that celebrating one group separates rather than unites, this move must be condemned for what it is: an attack on the LGBTQ+ community.

Celebrating all is what unites us. We are a nation of Native Americans and immigrants, a great melting pot where all should be welcome, where all should be celebrated. The proposal before the Palm Desert City Council divides us.

We are Valley of great diversity and it is important to recognize those communities that have long suffered discrimination. In this day and age, when there is an increase in hate and divisiveness, it saddens me that this proposal comes from a Council Member in a neighboring city with whom Palm Springs  shares so much.

It is unfortunate that in an era where we speak about Greater Palm Springs with such pride, if this proposal passes, we must now be in a position to remind the world that not all of Greater Palm Springs shares Palm Springs’ values.   

I would be remiss if I didn’t add that this proposal by Mayor pro tem Pradetto also poses a threat to our economy, one that is based on tourism, and ensuring that all feel welcome. We know the LGBTQ+ community plays a significant role in our economic success.

I am so proud to live in and work for the City of Palm Springs, where all are celebrated.  I’m proud of our City where all peoples are celebrated:  LGBTQ+, Filipino, Latino, Black, Veterans, Native Americans and all others. I’m proud of our City where we hang flags for Pride Month, Juneteenth, Black History Month, POW/MIAs and so proudly display the flags of California and United States

I urge the Palm Desert City Council to do the right thing and uphold the resolution.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The sudden death of director Rob Reiner has left the Palm Springs community in shock. Reiner, who starred as “Meathead” on the sitcom All in the Family and directed beloved films such as When Harry Met Sally and The Princess Bride, was set to speak at the Plaza Theatre Tuesday, December 16.

Many stopped to pay their respects, while others took photos of a flyer displaying the month’s lineup, with Reiner’s name prominently listed.

“I was devastated by the news that he had been killed. I remember him when he was meathead. I watched that program when it first aired.”

Susan Skora, Whitewater Resident

“I saw that yesterday and it was a shock. Very upsetting especially with his wife and in his own home.”

Natalie, Visitor

Reiner had been scheduled to kick off the Palm Springs Speaks series, which brings influential voices and conversations to the valley. Jeannie Kays, event organizer, described the news as especially difficult.

“This was going to be our kick off for the season and what a great kickoff it was going to be and we’re just extremely saddened that we’re getting off to such a icky start.”

Jeannie Kays, Palm Springs Public Library & Palm Springs Speaks

In response to the cancellation, Kays confirmed that the Plaza Theatre is issuing full refunds to all ticket holders.

Organizers say the outpouring of support underscores the profound impact Reiner had on both Hollywood and the communities he touched.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – A rock climber was rescued after falling 40 feet in the Indian Cove area at Joshua Tree National Park.

Joshua Tree National Park—San Bernardino County Fire crews responded to the scene on Sunday. Crews found the patient suffering from severe injuries after the fall.

Firefighter paramedics immediately began advanced medical treatment to stabilize the patient on the treacherous rock face. Crews coordinated with a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s helicopter for a hoist operation to safely extract the patient from the remote location.

The patient was successfully hoisted and transported directly to a local trauma center.

San Bernardino County Fire reminds outdoor enthusiasts to climb within your abilities, use proper safety equipment, and always climb with a partner.

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CNN

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills was part of a news conference Monday morning with the FBI and DOJ. Mills said PSPD was in a supportive role for the operation, making sure the FBI had what it needed.

Mills expanded on that in an interview with News Channel 3, adding that Palm Springs police played a logistical role in the arrests — PSPD’s station was a command post for the FBI ahead of the arrests.

“We had over 100 FBI agents and analysts and operators here in our building for the week and as they were putting together a massive operation, we are mostly in a logistical support role and happy to help our fellow. Law enforcement officers out as they were taking down a significant terror network that wanted to do damage to our nation and to our way of living,” Mills told News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen.

Mills reiterated that neither Palm Springs nor the rest of the Coachella Valley were targeted.

Originally Published: 15 DEC 25 11:41 ETUpdated: 15 DEC 25 12:42 ETBy Casey Gannon, CNN

(CNN) — The Justice Department on Monday said it has arrested four people in the Los Angeles area for allegedly working together on a bomb plot that was set to take place around the city on New Year’s Eve.

The four people arrested – Audrey Ilene Carroll, Dante Garfield, Zachary Aaron Page, and Tina Lai – were identified as members of the Turtle Island Liberation Front, which according to the Justice Department and FBI, has an anti-government ideology.

A federal court complaint alleges that three members would plant “backpacks with ieds at different points along their assigned buildings,” adding that the “ieds” would be “complex pipe bombs.”

The plan also had outlined all of the security precautions the members should take while executing the plan, including using burner phones, de-clothing locations, and setting up long movies to stream at home to serve as an alibi, DOJ said. The documents also allegedly included a step-by-step process for crafting a pipe bomb.

“The subjects self-identified as members of a radical offshoot of the Turtle Island Liberation Front (TILF), an extremist group motivated by pro-Palestinian, anti-law-enforcement, and anti-government ideology. They were allegedly planning coordinated IED bombing attacks on New Year’s Eve, targeting five separate locations across Los Angeles,” FBI Director Kash Patel said in a statement on X.

The members planning to carry out the attack were using the encrypted messaging platform, Signal, the FBI alleges in the complaint. Carroll, the document says, “provided a list that identified components, chemicals, and tools along with prices which would be required to create the pipe bombs needed to go through with the planned attack.”

The Signal group chat was titled “Order of the Black Lotus,” according to the Justice Department.

On December 12, the group allegedly went to the Mojave Desert to construct and test the explosive devices.

“Based on an FBI Bomb Technician’s review of the materials found at the co-conspirators’ campsite, the FBI Bomb Technician determined that the components could likely be used to build both (1) improvised explosive devices and (2) Molotov cocktail devices, and that the components were readily assemblable,” the complaint says.

First Assistant US Attorney Bill Essayli tied the arrests to a push by the Trump administration “to extinguishing the far-left-terror threats,” in the US.

“This case is another reminder about the dangers that radicalized Antifa-like groups pose to people public safety and the rule of law,” Essayli said during a press conference. The complaint against the group does not name Antifa specifically.

Essayli said that the group was targeting “US companies” with their bombs, but he did not elaborate on the companies they were targeting. The bombs were set to blow up at the same time on New Year’s Eve.

The complaint also alleges that the four involved in the plot were not attempting to kill people, and if they saw anyone in the area of their bombs, they would try and warn them.

The four defendants are expected to make their initial appearance in federal court Monday afternoon in Los Angeles.

This story has been updated with additional details.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) A community cooking event months in the making is now helping put food on tables across the Coachella Valley.

FIND Food Bank received a $37,000 donation generated by Tuscan Friendsgiving, a sold-out culinary fundraiser hosted at Miralon in Palm Springs. The funds are expected to help provide more than 150,000 meals for local families during the holiday season.

Organizers said planning for the event began in February, when Jamie and Lance Huante, working alongside Jeri Wilson, coordinated efforts to bring the fundraiser to Miralon. Months of planning and tireless work followed, ultimately culminating in an event centered on food, culture and community giving.

The fundraiser featured renowned Italian chef Sandra Lotti, founder of the Toscana Saporita Cooking School in Tuscany, Italy. Organizers said they were fortunate to have Lotti travel to Palm Springs to lead the hands-on culinary experience, bringing an authentic taste of Tuscany to the Coachella Valley.

One hundred guests attended the cooking event at Miralon’s Demo Kitchen and Pavilion inside The Miralon Club. After the class, guests gathered at the MiraBar and The Hub, where they sampled and purchased specialty olive oils from Temecula Olive Oil Company. Many attendees were first-time visitors to Miralon, traveling from areas including Orange County, and some had previously attended Lotti’s cooking school in Italy.

FIND Regional Food Bank, the Coachella Valley’s regional food bank, distributes food through a network of community partners and sources supplies through donations, purchased goods and federal nutrition programs such as TEFA, The Emergency Food Assistance Program administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

In a statement provided to News Channel 3, FIND Food Bank addressed the broader context of food insecurity and federal nutrition support:

“We are thankful for lawmakers working together to reopen the government and ensure stability for our neighbors facing hunger. With the President expected to sign the legislation, today’s vote brings us closer to ensuring that federal employees will receive their paychecks and critical nutrition programs like SNAP/CalFresh, WIC, and TEFAP can continue supporting families who rely on them to put food on the table. While we’re relieved that individuals at risk of starvation are much closer to counting on their benefits again, this remains a very challenging moment for neighbors navigating continued uncertainty and rapidly changing information. Food insecurity continues to impact too many of our community members, and FIND Regional Food Bank remains committed to providing essential food access and connecting people to programs like SNAP/CalFresh to help stabilize their households.”

Miralon, developed by Freehold Communities, is a 309-acre master-planned “agrihood” in Palm Springs that emphasizes sustainability, community engagement and access to fresh food. A signature feature of the development is the transformation of a former 18-hole golf course into working olive groves, community gardens and walking trails throughout the neighborhood.

Organizers said the success of Tuscan Friendsgiving shows how collaboration and community-driven events can translate into meaningful support for families facing food insecurity across the Coachella Valley.

For more information on A Tuscan Friendsgiving, visit this link. For more information on FIND Regional Food Bank, and how you can help families in the Coachella Valley, visit this link.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Jewish events and Hanukkah celebrations are continuing across the Coachella Valley in the wake of a terror attack in Australia.

A community celebration hosted by the Jewish Federation kicked off Sunday evening, and more events are being held this week. That includes a Hanukkah celebration at Boomers Monday evening, a Hannukah Concert at Temple Isaiah on Tuesday, and a Jewish Heritage Night at Acrisure Arena on Wednesday, among others.

“Antisemitism is on the rise and people are attacking Jews,” said one local Jew we spoke with, who said it’s important now more than ever to hold these celebrations. “We’re here to stay and we’re not going anywhere.”

News Channel 3 is speaking with faith leaders this evening about celebrating after the attack and how security concerns are being addressed.

Stay with us for the latest.

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Daniella Lake

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City hosted a celebration of life service for Councilmember Mark Carnevale Monday at the Mary Pickford Theatre.

Carnevale represented District 3 and was first elected to the council in 2014. He served as the city’s mayor twice, in 2019-20, following the passing of Mayor Gregory S. Pettis, and again in 2023-24.

For those unable to attend in person, the service was livestreamed on the City’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/discovercathedralcity.

They had to use two overflow auditoriums for the service due to the large turnout. “He was a legend in Cathedral City. Everyone just loved him,” says his son, Nick Carnevale.

The celebration was emceed by Stan Henry, with speeches by family members, Cathedral City Mayor Raymond Gregory, Scott Robinson from the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City and News Channel 3’s Chief Meteorologist, Patrick Evans.

“Mark is just truly larger than life,” says his daughter, Karrie Edgar.

News Channel 3 asked those at the service what they will miss most about Carnevale. Jo Anne Kennon, his former campaign manager says “his laugh and his smile and his way to turn anything around that was negative, to make it positive.”

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Isaiah Mora

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A bicyclist is recovering in the hospital following a DUI hit-and-run crash in Palm Springs on Sunday night.

Around 7:13 p.m. on Sunday, the Palm Springs Police Department received a report of a traffic collision involving a vehicle and a bicyclist, near the intersection of Avenida Caballeros and Vista Chino. Officers responded and located an adult male bicyclist who had sustained moderate injuries. The bicyclist was alert at the scene and was transported for medical treatment.

During the investigation, officers determined the involved vehicle had fled the scene. Police were able to identify and locate the suspect vehicle at a residence within the city of Palm Springs.

Through the investigation, officers determined the driver involved in the collision was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. The driver was arrested for felony hit-and-run resulting in injury and driving under the influence causing injury.

Anyone with additional information related to this crash is encouraged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department Traffic Division at (760) 323-8125.

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

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Athena Jreij

BRENTWOOD, Calif. (KESQ) – Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife, Michele Reiner, are dead after an apparent homicide in their Brentwood home Sunday.

Los Angeles Police Department officers responded to Reiner’s home Sunday after a family member discovered the couple dead with multiple stab wounds.

LAPD homicide detectives are now investigating the scene as an apparent homicide.

A spokesperson for the family said in a statement, “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the tragic passing of Michele and Rob Reiner. We are heartbroken by this sudden loss, and we ask for privacy during this unbelievably difficult time,” the spokesperson said in a statement.”

The news comes just days before Reiner was set to appear at the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre on Tuesday, December 16 to discuss his film career and book, “A Fine Line Between Stupid and Clever: The Story of Spinal Tap.”

Reiner was 78-years-old and his wife, Michele, was 68.

Reiner’s work included “The Princess Bride” and “A Few Good Men.” His breakout role was as Archie Bunker’s son-in-law on TV’s “All in the Family.”

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.

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