Author: KESQ

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Residents are scheduled to move into the highly anticipated Aloe Palm Canyon affordable housing project next week.

The Aloe Palm Canyon apartments, developed by West Hollywood Community Housing Corporation (WHCHC), features 71 one-bedroom units designated for residents 55 and older with incomes ranging from 0% to 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

Jesse Slansky, president and CEO of the nonprofit developer, said rents range from $903 to $1,480 per month depending on income level.

“We wanted to try to screen as many people in as possible,” Slansky said. “There are a lot of people here in Palm Springs who qualify as senior and are still working. Having a 55 year floor helps capture more people in need.”

Slansky said demand has been high with preference for people who live or work in Palm Springs in the lottery.

“There were hundreds of applicants in the initial lottery.” Slansky said. “We just go in order. It was randomly sorted. You get a call that your number has come up, and then you can come and fill out the paperwork.”

The development includes 25 units specifically reserved for seniors who have previously experienced homelessness leased through Riverside County’s coordinated entry system.

“We’re so excited. The residents are excited. The neighborhood is excited,” Slansky said. “This is bringing much needed, high quality, affordable housing here to Palm Springs.”

Slansky said 7 additional units will be leased with county assistance, targeting extremely low-income seniors and the rent is 30% of their income.

He said onsite staff will provide supportive services to help residents remain stable and independent.

The city provided the land for the project, issuing a request for proposals that ultimately led to Aloe Palm Canyon. Slansky credited current and past city leaders, including former Councilmember Geoff Kors, for backing the development.

“This was a unique opportunity for us because it was city-owned land,” Slansky said. “The city said, yes, we need affordable housing. Without their support, this project would not have come to fruition.”

Some amenities include:

A welcoming community room with a demonstration kitchen

A computer room/library for learning and leisure

A fully equipped fitness center

Laundry facilities, open off-street parking, and an on-site property manager’soffice

A beautiful outdoor gathering space designed for relaxation and socialization

The community is located at 1479 N. Palm Canyon Drive.

To apply visit this link. You will be added to the waitlist.

This is WHCHC first property in Riverside County. WHCHC “builds new high-quality apartment buildings and has renovated older ones that provide housing and services to lower and fixed-income people using environmentally sustainable materials and other components that protect the environment.”

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson received an exclusive first look preview inside the property, watch the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) The parents of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro appeared in court Tuesday morning for a felony settlement conference in Riverside.

A judge scheduled their next settlement conference for October 16 and set a preliminary hearing date for October 28. The court also signed a protective order, despite objections from both defense attorneys. 

Jake and Rebecca Haro have pleaded not guilty to charges of murder and filing a false police report. Prosecutors allege Emmanuel was abused over time and killed sometime between August 5 and August 14. His remains have not been found, despite weeks of searches in Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

Jake Haro appeared in court wearing an orange jail jumpsuit, seated with his attorney from the Public Defender’s Office. Rebecca Haro was present with her appointed counsel, Jeff Moore of Blumenthal Law Offices.

Outside the courthouse, volunteers with Emmanuel’s Law gathered signatures for their child-protection campaign.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, which is leading the investigation, said Tuesday there are no new updates on the search for Emmanuel’s remains.

Both defendants remain held in the Riverside County jail on $1 million bail each.

KESQ News Channel 3 will continue to follow developments in this case, including the October 16 settlement conference and October 28 preliminary hearing.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – A 33-year-old man already in jail has been charged with murder in connection with a homicide one year ago in Coachella, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced on Monday.

Adrian Martinez was charged Friday with the murder of Juan Sanchez, 58, of Coachella. Sanchez was killed in a shooting on the morning of Sept. 2, 2024, along the 85000 block of Valley Road.

After an extensive investigation over the past year, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Martinez was identified as the suspect in the murder. Investigators say they believe he acted alone.

Martinez is currently in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for an unrelated case.

If anyone has information regarding this investigation, you are asked to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator J. Adams or Investigator K. Farag at 951-955-2777. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez (CA-36) says the annual pilgrimage of Our Lady of Guadalupe from Palm Springs to Coachella should move forward, despite recent cancellations tied to fears over immigration enforcement.

In an interview with News Channel 3, Gonzalez said the tradition is an important statement of faith and unity. 

“I would have been there at that walk leading the charge,” Gonzalez said. “That pilgrimage would have been the right thing to do. I hope they do it again, because it crosses the entire Coachella Valley and it’s a statement of faith.”

The event, which typically draws thousands of participants each December, has been canceled or altered in recent years as community concerns over immigration enforcement grew. Gonzalez, the son of an immigrant, said leaders must show safety and empathy when addressing those fears.

The assemblymember also addressed the political climate following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk in Utah. Gonzalez said he remains committed to holding public events despite concerns of violence.

“Am I fearful? I’ve been to combat four times. Anyone who says they’ve been to combat and not afraid has never been there,” he explained. “But we do all the right things, we work with the CHP, and we will continue to speak the truth.”

Gonzalez, who represents California’s 36th Assembly District, marked his first year in office this month.

He pointed to bipartisan accomplishments, including his work on veterans’ issues, water policy, and blocking proposed cuts to in-home supportive services.

You can watch our interview with Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez tonight ay 4pm on News Channel 3. 

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Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A three-decade-old murder case in the Coachella Valley is moving forward in court after investigators used DNA technology to identify a long-haul truck driver as the suspect.

On March 30, 1993, the body of 30-year-old Sherri Herrera, a mother of four from Tulare, was discovered off the eastbound Hayfield Road on-ramp to Interstate 10 in Desert Center.

Prosecutors say she had been sexually assaulted and strangled.

For years, the case went unsolved. But in 2022, Riverside County’s Regional Cold Case Homicide Team worked alongside the Texas Rangers, using forensic genetic genealogy to connect the crime to 71-year-old Douglas Thomas, a truck driver already convicted of a separate 1992 murder in Titus County, Texas.

“In 2022, working with the Texas Rangers, we were able to determine this person was the killer,” explained, Supervising Investigator Billy Hester with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. “After three decades, DNA gave us the breakthrough we needed,”

I-Team Special Report: Advanced Forensic Science helping to do away with ‘The Perfect Murder’

Detectives traveled to Texas to interview Thomas before California prosecutors filed charges. He was transferred to Riverside County last month through an interstate detainer process.

Thomas has since pleaded not guilty to Herrera’s murder, along with a special circumstance allegation that the killing happened during the commission of a rape.

Hester said solving cold cases often comes down to timing and persistence.

“One of the most challenging things about cold cases is we’re racing against the clock,” he said. “Memories fade, witnesses die. So when we finally identify a suspect, it feels like we can bring justice for the victims and closure to the families,” he said.

Thomas remains held in Riverside County custody ahead of a felony settlement conference scheduled for December 3 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Tune into News Channel 3 tonight at 5pm and 6pm to hear more on the Riverside DA’s Office’s efforts in the case.

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Angela Chen

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – An alarming report about toxic emissions at the Salton Sea. Many of you have experienced that rotten egg smell.    

Now, reports of more severe medical issues than previously thought from those living in the area.  

This as data proves pollution is worse than what’s being recorded.

“When we speak with the community, we find that they always talk about, obviously, this rotten egg smell that we have kind of known to associate with the Salton Sea. But they also speak about episodes of asthma or having nausea or severe headaches whenever they smell this,” said Alejandra Lopez, Community Scientist & author of UCLA Salton Sea brief.

News Channel 3’s Angela Chen has what you need to know in a special in-depth report.

Click here to check out Angela Chen’s award-winning series on the Salton Sea

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Duran Duran, one of the most iconic and influential bands in music history, will perform live at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs on Monday, December 30, as part of their highly anticipated Invisible Days Tour.

After igniting stadiums and arenas across Europe this Summer, the exclusive headline show will give fans a chance to experience the magic of Duran Duran live in the US as they ring in 2026.

Amongst their busy live schedule, Duran Duran have also been in the studio together this year working on new material – most recently with Nile Rodgers at Abbey Road Studios in London.

Fans can expect a career-spanning set including timeless hits and selections from their latest album.

Tickets for the Greater Palm Springs show will be available through an Artist VIP presale beginning Wednesday, September 17 at 10:00 AM PT through Thursday, September 18 at 10:00 PM PT.

A local presale will follow on Thursday, September 18 from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM local, with the public on-sale beginning Friday, September 19 at 10:00 AM local time via Ticketmaster.com, the official ticket provider for Acrisure Arena.

For more details, visit Acrisure Arena’s website.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs will host a flag ceremony Friday as a tribute to American service member prisoners of war and those who remain missing in action.

The event will be held at 6:30 p.m. Friday in front of City Hall, 3200 E. Tahquitz Way.

The city will raise and fly the POW/MIA flag during National POW/MIA Recognition Day.  

Attendees will include Mayor Ron deHarte, several city council members, Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills and Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, R-Indio.

The City Council voted unanimously to display the POW/MIA flag on designated holidays, including Memorial Day, Veterans Day and National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

“We must never forget those who have not returned home and honor their service and sacrifice to our nation,” deHarte said in a statement. “Flying the POW/MIA flag is a powerful reminder of our enduring promise to account for every hero. My personal thanks to US Navy Veteran Amado C. Salinas II for his leadership in seeking city council approval to once again fly the POW/MIA flag and for organizing this flag raising ceremony.”

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Beginning Wednesday, Riverside County residents who call 911 with medical needs that may not warrant a trip to the hospital will be directed to healthcare professionals available 24 hours a day for phone consultations intended to reduce the burden on ambulance services countywide.

The “911 Nurse Navigation” program is slated to go live, with round-the-clock availability, under the supervision of the county’s Emergency Management Department.   

“As the county’s Emergency Medical Services Agency, we continually strive toward improving access to care and ensuring a robust EMS system,” agency spokesman Dan Bates said. “Launching the 911 Nurse Navigation service ensures our residents receive the most appropriate level of service, while helping offset some of the emergency response call volume that may not be life-threatening.”  

The Board of Supervisors in January 2022 established a committee to examine options for reducing the strain on ambulance services, mostly in reaction to worsening “patient offload” times at then overwhelmed medical center emergency rooms. The following year, the county entered into a contract with Pasadena-based Tele911 Inc. to develop protocols for managing sub-acute patients who may not merit emergency medical treatment, but rather benefit from virtual consultations or other alternate treatment regimens.  

The 911 Nurse Navigation program is the latest option, resulting from a partnership between the county and Global Medical Response, owner of American Medical Response, or AMR, which dispatches ambulances under a county contract.   

“EMS dispatch agencies who utilize 911 Nurse Navigation will … (guide) callers to the appropriate level of care (so) we can minimize unnecessary ER visits, shorten wait times and offer better healthcare optionsfor low-acuity 911 calls,” Bates said. “This initiative will enhance the efficiency of our emergency services and ensure that residents obtain timely and appropriate medical attention.”  

Similar programs are active in more than 30 communities across 14 states, according to the EMD.

The system relies on a screening process utilized by trained Riverside County Fire Department 911 dispatchers, who determine when callers may be routed to “nurse navigators (following) physician protocols to ensure callers receive direction to the most appropriate level of care,” the EMD stated.

“The screening system directs callers to the right care at the right time … enhancing outcomes while optimizing costs,” the agency said. “Depending on the caller’s unique needs, a nurse navigator may schedule an appointment at an appropriate health center, or facilitate a real-time virtual consult with a physician.”  

The main goal is to free up fire paramedics and ambulance crews, preserving them for “high-priority emergencies,” instead of tying them up with “calls that don’t need an emergency medical services response,” the EMD said.   

Estimates showed communities relying on 911 Nurse Navigation last year collectively saved $21 million by reducing deployments of emergency medical resources.

No draw on General Fund dollars was identified under the new program, about which more information is available at https://rivcoready.org/911Nurse.

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Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Some Coachella Valley communities are seeing the wealth of its residents change in big ways.

The Los Angeles Times published a new report on Monday, which showed some Coachella Valley communities taking the top spots in the state for income growth of its residents between 2017 and 2022:

Thousand Palms: 250% increase ($12,734 in 2017 to $44,893 in 2022)

Indian Wells: 85% increase ($138,653 in 2017 to $255,899 in 2022)

Indio, however, was on the opposite side of the spectrum, and ranked in the bottom five in the state – showing a decrease in average AGI:

Indio: 22% decrease ($48,135 in 2017 to $37,676 in 2022)

The Times found on average, income increased by 36% in that same five-year span across the state.

Chris Casas, a local realtor based in Indio, told News Channel 3 that the trends that he sees in the housing market corroborate the Times’ findings.

According to a report Casas created at the end of August, sales this year have been slower. In August, 40 fewer units sold compared to the yearly average. Despite the slower sales, the dollar amount has remained at $450 million compared to one year ago – a trend that Casas said indicates an influx of wealthy residents ready to pounce on bigger price tags.

News Channel 3 is breaking down the numbers tonight. Stay with KESQ for the latest.

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