Author: KESQ

KESQ News Team

As thousands of students prepare to head back to the classroom next week, the Palm Springs Unified School District is helping families with incoming transitional kindergarten students get ready for the new school year.

The district will host its Transitional Kindergarten Resource Fair on Thursday July 30th from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Desert Hot Springs High School.

The free event is designed to help families make a smooth transition into transitional kindergarten by connecting parents with valuable school and community resources. Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about after-school programs and other services available to support students throughout the school year.

District officials encourage parents of new transitional kindergarten students to attend, ask questions, and gather information that can help their children get off to a successful start.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – If you look around town, you might come across one woman searching for bottles and cans in the recycling bin.

“This is definitely a smelly job,” said Alisha Gerholdt, lifiting her shirt to cover her nose, laughing.

Her journey hasn’t been an easy one. Despite being a cardiac patient since she was a toddler and undergoing several heart surgeries, her fight and determination hasn’t wavered.

After her most recent open-heart surgery, she said changes to her health have changed her life for the worse. In the year since, she lost her home, belongings, financial stability, and independence – as well as her son, who she became separated with. She said because of her declining health, she could no longer provide a stable life for him, and she sent him to live with his father in Texas.

Now, she has created an initiative to reunite with him: “Recycle to Reunite.”

It’s a community-wide recycling campaign to raise money to purchase a used mobile home and move closer to her son in Texas.

That’s why, despite dealing with the heat, she goes out to sift through trash bins in search of bottles and cans. She recycles them, and slowly, nickel by nickel, she’s saving money with a dream in mind.

On her GoFundMe page, she wrote the following:

“Every can collected, every bottle donated, every dollar contributed, and every person who shares this story helps bring me one step closer to home.

I am not asking for someone to fix my life. I am asking for an opportunity to rebuild it.”

On the side, she’s been using some of the money to purchase supplies for “blessing bags” – a program her church provides to give the homeless key hydration, snacks, and other essentials to the unhoused in Palm Springs. Elders at Our Saviors Church in Palm Springs called her actions inspiring.

“It’s painful at times to see her go through her medical stuff,” said church elder, Chris Meyer. “Not to have anything, and to be homeless if it wasn’t for her grandmother. It makes us all a better person. We get to see God in action through Alisha.”

For Meyer, the most inspiring part of Gerholdt’s story was her selflessness. Despite going through so much, her willingness to help others stood out to him.

I asked Alisha that question: “How do you still find the ability to go out and make things like these homeless bags and be able to give back to the community?”

“Because it’s something I’ve always done regardless,” she said without missing a beat. “I’ve got things, but, you know, somebody else may have it worse.”

You can find her GoFundMe donation page by clicking here. She had put in $1,100 on the page in an offline donation, representing what she had saved and raised through recycling as of Wednesday, July 29th.

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Dakota Makinen

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. — A mobile home fire in Desert Hot Springs destroyed one home and damaged two others Wednesday morning, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire was reported around 9:43 a.m. in the 17700 block of Langlois Road.When crews arrived, they found one mobile home on fire with flames spreading to two additional double-wide trailers.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire, preventing the two additional homes from being completely destroyed, officials said.

Nine pieces of equipment responded to the scene, including eight engines, a truck, and a battalion chief.

Fire officials said mobile home fires can present unique challenges because of the close spacing between homes and the way the structures are built.

One civilian was treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The Red Cross is assisting four adults displaced by the fire, including two adult men and two adult women.

Firefighters remained on scene for several hours conducting salvage and overhaul operations. The incident was cleared shortly after 12:30 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Tommy Gallegos

MECCA, Calif. — One person was killed, and two others were injured following a suspected DUI traffic collision on eastbound Interstate 10 near the Cactus Rest Area on Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:01 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, preliminary investigation suggests a Tesla Model 3 was driving in the #1 lane going eastbound when it was struck in the rear by a Kia Forte traveling at a high rate of speed.

“For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Kia failed to adjust the vehicle’s speed for changing patterns ahead,” reads a news release by CHP. “The force of the crash caused both vehicles to veer out of control and overturn in the median.”

During the rollover, a passenger in the Kia, later identified as Alexis Dare, 33, of Desert Hot Springs, was ejected from the vehicle, police said. Dare was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Tesla and the driver of the Kia were transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for their moderate to major injuries.

Police said alcohol and/or drugs are suspected to be a factor in the crash. The crash is still under investigation and anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to call Officer J. Young, at (760) 772-5300.

No other injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, CALIF. (KESQ)- We are now halfway through the 100 deadliest days of summer, that is the dangerous period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal traffic crashes.

CHP says crashes have not increased compared to previous years, and we’re looking at what that means as we head into the second half of the summer.

Key Risk Factors

Inexperience: Teen drivers are 3 times more likely to be in a fatal crash than older drivers.

Distractions: Cell phones/multiple teen passengers in the car heavily raise the risk.

Risky Behavior: Speeding, driving late at night, and failing to use seat belts.

Impairment: Summer parties increase instances of driving under the influence.

Anlleyn Venegas, Senior public affairs specialist, AAA says, “We are asking all drivers, especially teens, to commit to these four simple actions. Put the phone away and avoid distractions at all times. Obey speed limits. Always wear a seatbelt and never drive impaired.”

AAA says that more than 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers happen during the summer.

Brian Schmidt, Morongo CHP says “I don’t think we’ve had any significant increase in injury or fatality crashes over the summer as compared to last year.”

CHP says drivers should still avoid distractions behind the wheel.

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KESQ News Team

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s time to hit the bowling alley. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is offering Valley residents a way to get out of the heat and under the neon lights.

Organizers say the summertime matinee is kicking off at Fantasy Lanes. For those interested, their special laser bowling nights take place every Friday and Saturday. And if that’s not enough to entice you, here is one thing that will scholarship money. Fantasy Lanes has its own student bowling league where winners may get some big payouts.

“All of this is all scholarship-based, so whatever money they win from tournaments, fundraisers, it all accumulates in a smart account once they graduate high school. It is all returned back to the bowler to whatever studies they decide, if it’s a trade, if it’s school, whatever it is,” said Jose Rodriguez, bowling center manager for Fantasy Lanes.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is also holding a series of other summertime promotions through the end of September.

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Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Drivers are raising concerns about gas prices at a US Fuels Station near Date Palm Drive and Vista Chino in Cathedral City after noticing a difference between the advertised price and what they’re charged at the pump.

“I’ve been tracking this place for two months,” said Cathedral City resident Wilfredo Diaz. “I’m not happy at all.”

Diaz says the station’s roadside sign showed a lower price than the pump, leaving customers paying more than they expected.

The sign on the left shows the advertised unleaded price, while the image on the right shows the actual price displayed at the pump.

He says he brought the issue to employees several times but was told they couldn’t do anything about it.

“I’ve complained to them in the last two weeks five times and still the price isn’t changing,” Diaz said.

Seeking answers, News Channel 3 visited the station and spoke by phone with the owner, Aviender Shawla, who initially said the price sign was broken and would be repaired later in the week.

But moments later, during the reporting process, a man pulled up next to the News Channel 3 vehicle and began yelling profanities. A short time later, another individual walked to the station’s price sign and corrected the displayed price.

News Channel 3 reached out to the owner once again. He said the sign is malfunctioning and sometimes must be programmed multiple times before the correct price appears.

“The sign is broken. We have to change two or three times to get the right price,” the owner said. “The price was wrong and I apologize. This was not to mislead anybody.”

When asked why customers said they had noticed the problem for weeks, the owner said it may not have been caught because employees failed to check the sign.

The owner says anyone who believes they were overcharged and has proof of purchase should contact the station to discuss reimbursement.

The owner later told News Channel 3 he believes the man who yelled profanities was a customer, not an employee.

Anyone who notices a discrepancy between a gas station’s advertised price and the price charged at the pump can file a complaint with the Riverside County Department of Weights and Measures, which investigates fuel pricing and pump accuracy.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Haley Meberg

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ)– A Twentynine Palms resident was taken into custody in connection to a vehicle theft Sunday morning and remains hospitalized at Desert Regional Medical Center.

Officials report the Morongo Basin Station was alerted about a stolen vehicle at approximately 6:41 a.m., June 26, from an area near State Route 62 and White Feather Road. Following the alert authorities tried to stop the vehicle, but the alleged suspect led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit.

The 21-year old Twentynine Palms man slowed once to allow the victim to exit the vehicle, before repeatedly driving into opposing lanes of traffic. Following intervention pursuits from Morongo Deputies the suspect crashed onto a dirt embankment and was transferred to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Law enforcement officials report the man accused is set to face charges for vehicle theft, felony evading, and kidnapping once released from the hospital.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division has assumed the investigation and urges anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the SID at 909-890-4904.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information.

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Dakota Makinen

UPDATE: 7/29/2026

Indio police cited 39 people for committing various violations during a bicycle and pedestrian safety operation, officials announced today.

The operation was conducted from 6 a.m. through 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Indio Police Department.

The citations were issued for numerous violations, including speeding, driving without a license, holding a cell phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, pedestrian in the roadway, failure to stop at a stop light, failure to stop at a stop sign and a warrant arrest, police said.

Original report

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Indio Police Department is focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety, targeting the driving behaviors officers say can put people walking and biking at the greatest risk.

The department conducted a traffic safety operation today focused on violations including speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield, and drivers not stopping for signs or signals.

News Channel 3’s Dakota Makinen rode along with the Indio Police Department’s traffic unit to see what officers are watching for on the road.

Officer Russell Peddycord says keeping people safe requires everyone sharing the road to do their part.

“It’s the responsibility of both the driver and pedestrians to ensure their safety on the roadway,” Peddycord said.

Officers recommend pedestrians use marked crosswalks when available, pay attention to approaching vehicles, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Indio Police also remind drivers that speed can increase the severity of a crash.

For cyclists, safety experts recommend riding with the flow of traffic, staying visible with front and rear lights, wearing a helmet, and making sure bikes are properly maintained.

Kevin Brown, owner of the bike shop, Bikeman, says cyclists should be predictable on the road so drivers know what to expect.

“It’s really, really important to act like a motor vehicle when you’re riding a bike, so drivers can expect what you’re going to do,” Brown said.

Indio Police say the goal of the operation is not only enforcement but also education — reminding drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians that everyone has a role in preventing crashes.

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Peter Daut

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ)– Local doctors are concerned that California has confirmed 52 measles cases so far this year, more than double the 25 cases reported in all of 2025.

These numbers include five confirmed cases here in Riverside County. Children ages 5 to 19 account for more than half of this year’s confirmed cases, with four people requiring hospitalization.

Doctors say the vast majority of people infected were not vaccinated. Measles is a highly contagious virus, and doctors are predicting more cases. Healthcare professionals warn some age groups may need to get re-vaccinated.

“People born in the 60’s may not have had an adequate vaccination. So they should either get re-vaccinated or have their antibodies checked. I was re-vaccinated, I did not have adequate antibodies,” said Dr. Phyllis Ritchie CEO & Founder of P.S. Test

Many public health officials say the US will soon lose its measles elimination status.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information on the growing measles cases.

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