Category: kesq-local-news

Cynthia White

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Agua Caliente band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Council distributed 2,000 turkeys to ten different organizations across the Coachella Valley on Monday as part of their annual turkey donation.

The effort helps hundreds of local families receive a traditional holiday meal.

Organizations that received turkeys were:

Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs

Food Now

Father’s Heart Ranch

Farmworker Services Coalition of Imperial Valley

American Legion Auxiliary Owen Coffman Unit 519

Olive Crest

Martha’s Village & Kitchen

Riverside County Office of Education

Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Well in the Desert

Boys & Girls Club Executive Director Margaret Keung says of the donation, “The energy is really high. The kids have been doing arts and crafts, drawing turkeys, coloring turkeys. So last week has been all about turkeys. So we’re really excited about today and having the opportunity to reach out to so many families that are coming in to pick up their gift.” 

Well in the Desert President Matt Naylor says, “Typically we feed 250 meals a day in Palm Springs, and we feed 120 families on Saturdays. And so the turkeys really go a long way for feeding those with major food insecurities that we have here in our desert. . . I’d like to thank the tribe for the continued support of us for many years, for over 20 years, and the food does go to a good cause of feeding people. And it’s amazing how many people need food, and the tribe is such a big player that it helps so much, and we are very thankful that they’re here to be a partner with us.”

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KESQ News Team

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Help local families this holiday season – It all starts this Thursday with the News Channel 3 and SunLine Transit Agency “Fill the Bus” event.

We need your help to fill buses with non-perishable food items and hygiene products that will go to local families for the holidays.

You can drop off your donations at the Walmart on Monterey in Palm Desert, or at the Ralph’s at Smoke Tree Village in Palm Springs.

Join News Channel 3 and SunLine Transit this Thursday, from 7:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. – to help us Fill the Bus.

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Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – It’s a scam where buyers distract you, slip oil into the hood of your car to make the engine look “blown,” then pressure you to sell your car for a fraction of what it’s worth.

Mark Haye, Palm Desert part-time resident, said 2 men tried it on him — but he caught on before they could cost him thousands.

“I didn’t fall for it,” Haye said. “Came home and we Googled it and sure enough, found out that it was a legitimate scam that was going on around the world.”

Haye, a retired security professional, said he listed his Mercedes for sale on Craigslist and quickly heard from a prospective buyer who claimed he was from Bosnia and wanted the car for his wife.

“I met him at a public space,” Haye said. “They ended up being 40 minutes late. Turns out that was intentional. Because they wanted my car to cool down.”

He said they met on Sunday, in the Sprouts parking lot in Indian Wells.

The buyer and another man — who claimed to be a Mercedes mechanic — began the inspection.

“They asked me to pop the hood,” Haye said. “The buyer takes me down the other side of the car and he wants to look in the trunk. While we were in the back of the car, his buddy comes back up here, squirts oil on the engine and takes the cap off of the coolant and puts some oil in that, shuts the hood and then says let’s take it for a ride.”

That’s when Haye got behind the wheel for a short test drive.

“By the time we’re pulling back into the public market area, the car is smoking,” Haye said.

He said the buyers then insisted the engine was “blown” and claimed the car was now only worth a few thousand dollars.

“Instead of paying me $13,500 for the car, they say they’ll buy it for 4 because the buddy can put the new engine in,” Haye said.

But something didn’t sit right with Haye.

When he checked the coolant himself, he said he realized the oil was only floating on top.

“I just said no, I’m not selling it,” Haye said.

Leslie, Haye’s wife, said she later searched online and found identical scams in videos.

“It just blew our minds,” she said.

A spokesperson from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said they’re “unaware of any increase in scams related to car buying/selling in the Coachella Valley.”

They provided safety advice for those thinking about buying/selling a vehicle:

Meet in public places when possible.

Have a friend or family member assist in keeping watch while you are distracted with the potential buyer.

Always get a vehicle history report.  There are various services available that can provide you with history on the vehicle, including accidents, Title issues, Odometer discrepancies and number of owners.

Inspect the vehicle in daylight and good weather. Look for paint inconsistencies, rust, uneven tire wear and leaks beneath the vehicle.

Take a thorough test drive and check for acceleration and braking issues, transmission behavior and strange noises or vibrations. Test electronic components in the vehicle, such as the air conditioning, infotainment system, windows, lights, wipers, etc.

Have the vehicle inspected by a licensed mechanic. Their expertise will often help reveal problems that are not obvious.

Haye said he’s relieved he caught the scam before turning over the title — and hopes speaking out prevents someone else from losing money.

“I hate to see people getting ripped off,” Haye said. “I’m glad it happened to me and not somebody else.”

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A jury was seated today for the trial of an ex-Riverside County sheriff’s deputy accused of harassing and abducting a former girlfriend, as well as possessing child pornography.

Alexander Ravy Vanny, 34, of Hemet, was arrested last year following an investigation by the sheriff’s department’s Special Victims Unit.   

Vanny is charged with kidnapping, stalking, possession of child porn, unauthorized use of protected electronic data, maliciously destroying a wireless device, witness intimidation, illicit eavesdropping, using a concealed camera to invade a person’s privacy, illegal use of a tracking device, interference with a traffic control device and possession of a firearm in violation of a protective order, with a sentence-enhancing allegation of perpetrating a felony while on bail.

Jury selection spanned a week at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, where Superior Court Judge James Hawkins swore in a panel on Monday. He directed the prosecution and defense to present opening statements Tuesday morning.  

Vanny is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility.   

According to a post-preliminary hearing summary filed after the defendant was held to answer in May, Vanny was obsessed with an ex-girlfriend and allegedly engaged in a series of criminal acts last year while trying to get her back and prevent her from seeing other men.

The woman had been residing with the defendant at his Menifee home but moved out when she deemed the relationship no longer workable, according to court papers.

Among the most serious alleged offenses was his following her in the summer of 2024 to Chappies Bar in Hemet and demanding that she “leave and come home with him,” the prosecution said.

When she declined, Vanny “forcibly threw her into his truck,” according to documents.

“The defendant then drove her, without her consent, to his home … some 17 miles and 30 minutes,” the prosecution stated. “All this travel was after forcing her into his truck and doing so without her consent and without her permission.”

The victim was ultimately able to get away from him uninjured.   

The woman further alleged instances in which Vanny forced his way in her Hemet apartment, challenging men she was dating to fights and chasing them away, according to the prosecution.

Investigators discovered that Vanny had installed “tracker devices” on her vehicle to keep constant tabs on where she was day and night, prosecutors alleged. After he sneaked into her apartment one night, the ex-girlfriend became irate, “telling him she was calling 911,” according to documents.

“The defendant took her phone from her, preventing her from calling law enforcement,” according to the narrative, adding that he damaged the device.

There were instances of Vanny allegedly using the FLOCK law enforcement camera system deployed by the sheriff’s department and other agencies to procure license plate information from vehicles belonging to men visiting the victim, prosecutors said.

“On Nov. 29, 2024, the defendant secretly recorded the sounds of [the ex-girlfriend] being intimate with another man through her bedroom window,” court papers alleged.

Vanny’s alleged encounters with a sheriff’s volunteer landed him in trouble prior to the conflicts with his ex-girlfriend. In one visit with the volunteer in the spring of 2024, the defendant allegedly showed her a porn video involving underage victims, telling her “he would like her to participate in those activities with him,” according to the prosecution.   

Vanny was first arrested on June 22, 2024.   

He was booked into the Banning jail but posted a $1 million bond and was released. He was initially placed on paid administrative leave, but within a few months, he was fired from the department, according to sheriff’s officials.

While he was on bail, Vanny was separately charged in connection with the alleged offenses against the ex-girlfriend.  

He had been a sworn peace officer since he was hired by the sheriff’s department in 2016.

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City News Service

INDIO (KESQ) – The Empire Polo Club in Indio will transform into a drive-through holiday light display for the fourth annual “Magic of Lights” beginning Tuesday.

The event, sponsored by PNC Bank and produced by Family Entertainment Holdings, will take place from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Sundays through Thursdays and 5:30-10 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays starting Nov. 18 through Dec. 31 at 81-800 51st Ave.

“Magic of Lights has become a beloved holiday tradition for families right here in the Coachella Valley,” CEO of Family Entertainment Live Ken Hudgens said in a statement. “We’re proud to return to the Empire Polo Club and continue spreading the joy, wonder and togetherness that make this season so special in our community.”  

Attendees will be able to experience numerous holiday-themed displays, including the debut of a 750-foot palm tree tunnel, Toyland, Winter Wonderland, 12 Days of Christmas, festive Elves, a 32-foot-tall animated Christmas Barbie and the 200-foot Enchanting Tunnel of Lights.

In addition, Imperial Irrigation District will power Holiday Village, a walk-though attraction filled with holiday activities.   

“IID is please to be a new sponsor of the Coachella Valley’s dazzling Magic of Lights holiday tradition, where we will proudly be powering up the special Holiday Village that follows the wonderful drive through light display,” said Gina Dockstader, IID Board Chairwoman.

“Magic of Lights” will feature more than 2 million lights, 12.6 miles of light cord and 10 miles of LED lighting.   

“We’re thrilled to once again host the Coachella Valley’s beloved holiday tradition, Magic of Lights,” said Mark Girton, VP/GM of Empire Polo Club/Empire Grand Oasis. “Each holiday season, Magic of Lights brings joy and wonder to the community, and we’re proud to be part of a tradition that hasbecome a must-see (and do!) on everyone’s list.”

To learn more, or to purchase tickets visit https://magicoflights.com/locations/coachella-valley-ca/.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) One of the biggest gatherings in the nation for long-term care professionals has taken over the Palm Springs Convention Center this week.

The California Association of Health Facilities (CAHF) is marking a major mileston with its 75th annual convention and expo. The convention draws top caregivers, facility leaders and industry experts from across the country.

On Monday, State Sen. Rosilicie Ochoa-Bogh stopped by to present CAHF with a Senate resolution honoring the organization’s 75 years of work supporting some of California’s most vulnerable residents.

The association represents nearly 1,300 skilled nursing and intermediate care facilities statewide.

Hundreds of attendees are cycling through packed educational sessions on the biggest issues facing long-term care right now, from workforce challenges to quality improvement and new regulations.

On the expo floor, more than 185 vendors are showing off the latest tools, technology and services aimed at improving care for residents and patients.

The convention runs through Wednesday, you can find more information on the CAHF Annual Convention and Expo by visiting this link.

You can find out more about the Palm Springs Convention Center and future events at this link.

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City News Service

Update 11/26/25

The coroner’s office identified the person killed in the crash as Steve Law, 68, of Los Angeles.

Original Report 11/17/25

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorist was killed today and his passenger injured when a tire dislodged from a passing vehicle on the Moreno Valley 60 Freeway just west of Beaumont and flew into the victim’s windshield, causing him to lose control of the car and crash.

The fatality occurred just after 11 a.m. Monday on the westbound 60 near the exit for Jack Rabbit Trail, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Officer Ricardo Palomera said a 2011 BMW 328i driven by Philip Neil McKeehan, 54, of Riverside, was traveling at an unconfirmed speed eastbound when his left rear tire “became detached and airborne.”   

“The tire went over the center divider wall and onto Route 60 westbound,” Palomera said.  

A 68-year-old Los Angeles man was driving his 2017 Toyota Sienna in the No. 1 westbound lane when the “BMW’s tire hit the front windshield and roof of the Toyota,” the CHP spokesman said.

The minivan slammed into the center divider, then went off the freeway and plowed into an embankment, according to Palomera.   

The BMW came to a stop on the freeway. No other vehicles were involved.   

Riverside County Fire Department paramedics pronounced the Toyota driver, whose identity was not immediately released, dead at the scene. His passenger, identified only as a 54-year-old Santa Ana woman, suffered minor injuries and was taken to Riverside University Medical Center in Moreno Valley for treatment.  

McKeehan was not hurt.   

The crash led to lane closures that were lifted by early afternoon.   

Anyone with information was asked to contact the CHP San Gorgonio office at 951-846-5300.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Plaza Theatre celebrated “Palm Springs Icons” on Monday, honoring the legacy, artistry, and enduring cultural impact of eight extraordinary figures whose work has shaped Palm Springs and beyond.

Proceeds from the show are benefitting Arts Teach Kids, supporting arts access and education for young people across the Coachella Valley. 

Created exclusively for The Plaza by Scott Coulter’s Spot-On Entertainment and produced in partnership with the Plaza Theatre Foundation, Palm Springs Icons paid tribute to a remarkable inaugural class of honorees: Lucie Arnaz, Michael Childers, Paul Feig, Michael Holmes (and The Purple Room), Larry Luckinbill, Trixie Mattel, Brian Ray, and Frank Sinatra.

The evening blended storytelling, video, live musical moments, and special guest appearances, celebrating each honoree’s unique contribution to the city’s identity and creative history. 

Designed as a signature annual event, Palm Springs Icons honors individuals whose artistry, innovation, and influence have become woven into the cultural fabric of Palm Springs.

The event was hosted by the renowned Billy Stritch, the acclaimed composer, arranger, vocalist, and jazz pianist known for his longtime collaboration with Liza Minelli. He also served as music director for some of Broadway’s brightest stars.

“Palm Springs Icons is exactly the kind of celebration The Plaza Theatre was restored to host,” said John Bolton, SVP, Oak View Group and GM, Plaza Theatre. “This inaugural class represents the heart and soul of Palm Springs: the artists, innovators, storytellers, and trailblazers whose impact reaches far beyond our city. We’re honored to welcome them and thrilled to share an unforgettable evening with our community.” 

2025 HONOREES 

LUCIE ARNAZ Lucie Arnaz is an Emmy-winning producer, celebrated actress, and acclaimed musical theatre performer whose career spans television, film, and Broadway. Known for her breakthrough role on Here’s Lucy, she went on to star in Broadway hits including They’re Playing Our Song, Pippin, and Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, as well as the Golden Globe–nominated film The Jazz Singer. She continues to champion her family’s legacy while building her own remarkable artistic imprint. 

MICHAEL CHILDERS Michael Childers is an internationally recognized photographer and producer whose work spans fashion, theatre, film, and fine arts. A founding photographer for Interview and After Dark, he has created more than 200 magazine covers and 150 album covers, with his photography held in prestigious collections including the National Portrait Gallery, Palm Springs Art Museum, LACMA, and the Victoria & Albert Museum. His celebrated retrospectives, award-winning documentary work, and decades-long artistic contributions make him a pillar of Palm Springs cultural history. 

PAUL FEIG Paul Feig is a DGA-winning and Emmy-nominated filmmaker, writer, producer, author, and founder of Feigco Entertainment. He most recently directed and produced Another Simple Favor, starring Anna Kendrick and Blake Lively, which premiered as the opening night film at SXSW Austin and became the #1 film on Prime Video for several weeks. Up next, he directed and produced The Housemaid, based on the bestselling novel by Freida McFadden and starring Sydney Sweeney, Amanda Seyfried, Brandon Sklenar, and Michele Morrone, set for theatrical release by Lionsgate on Christmas Day. His films — including Bridesmaids, Last Christmas, The Heat, Ghostbusters, Spy, and A Simple Favor — have collectively grossed more than one billion dollars worldwide. Feig is also the creator of the award-winning gin brand Artingstall’s and the author of the cocktail book Cocktail Time! published by William Morrow. 

MICHAEL HOLMES & THE PURPLE ROOM A beloved entertainer and impresario, Michael Holmes has revitalized the legendary Purple Room, the storied supper club once frequented by the Rat Pack. Known for his long-running hit The Judy Show, Holmes blends musical mastery, comedic brilliance, and improv flair, channeling icons from Judy Garland to Bette Davis. Under his leadership, The Purple Room has become a premier destination for live music, classic Palm Springs glamour, and unforgettable nights out. 

LARRY LUCKINBILL Tony-nominee and Emmy winner Larry Luckinbill is a distinguished actor, playwright, and director whose career includes acclaimed performances on Broadway, in film, and on television. Known for his one-man shows portraying figures such as Ernest Hemingway, Clarence Darrow, and Lyndon B. Johnson, as well as his memorable role as Sybok in Star Trek V: The Final Frontier. Also a celebrated journalist, Luckinbill has contributed to The New York Times, The Los Angeles Times, American Theatre Magazine and Esquire. 

TRIXIE MATTEL Trixie Mattel is a globally recognized drag performer, singer-songwriter, comedian, entrepreneur, and “Skinny Legend.” Winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 3, Trixie is a chart-topping recording artist, successful touring act, bestselling author, cosmetics mogul, and half of the massively popular Trixie & Katya comedy duo. Her cultural influence, humor, and artistic reinvention have made her a modern entertainment icon. 

BRIAN RAY Brian Ray is an acclaimed guitarist, bassist, singer-songwriter, and musical director who has been a key member of Paul McCartney’s touring band since 2002. Before joining McCartney, he spent 14 years performing with Etta James and went on to collaborate with artists such as Smokey Robinson and Shakira. A solo artist and member of the rock band The Bayonets, Ray also serves on the Board of the Plaza Theatre Foundation. 

FRANK SINATRA An undeniable Palm Springs legend, Frank Sinatra’s contributions to music, film, and local community life remain a defining part of the city’s heritage. His presence and legacy continue to shape the cultural identity of Palm Springs, making him an essential inclusion in the inaugural class of Palm Springs Icons. 

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Luis Avila

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A major route in and out of Palm Springs is shut down this week. North Indian Canyon Drive is closed between Palm Springs Station Road and Garnet Avenue, a closure that began early Monday at 2 a.m. and will continue through Thursday.

For many residents, including Blanca Torres, the closure has created longer and more complicated commutes.

“Right now, it makes it very complicated for us. We need to go around many times to go to work and other places.”

Blanca Torres, North Palm Springs Residents

The project behind the closure will widen the bridge on Indian Canyon Drive and is part of a larger effort to improve the reliability of the corridor, which is frequently shut down due to flooding or blowing sand.

Joel Montalvo, Palm Springs City Engineer, says while the short-term inconvenience is frustrating, the work is necessary.

“We want folks to understand and hopefully be patient with us. These closures are required. We know that folks get really upset when they have to go around. It takes a little bit longer.”

Joel Montalvo, Palm Springs City Engineer

Dirk Voss, Desert Hot Springs Council member, emphasizes that the project has significant implications for his community, where most residents depend on the route daily.

“Seventy percent of our workforce leaves the city and goes into Palm Springs or south of the freeway. The fewer times we have to close Indian Canyon because of sand, wind, etc., the better.”

Dirk Voss, Desert Hot Springs Council Member

He noted that limited access points into Desert Hot Springs make reliability on Indian Canyon a matter of both convenience and safety.

Despite weekend rainfall, the city confirms the weather did not affect the project’s timeline.

Drivers traveling between Palm Springs and Desert Hot Springs are urged to use alternate routes until the project wraps up later this week.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Gavin Nguyen

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City announced Monday morning that Councilmember Mark Carnevale died Sunday.

“The City of Cathedral City is deeply saddened by the passing of Councilmember Mark Carnevale on November 16, 2025. Councilmember Carnevale was a dedicated public servant, beloved family man, and pillar of the Cathedral City community.”

– Cathedral City news release

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.

In a release from the city, Mayor Nancy Ross said, “We are deeply saddened by the loss of our colleague and friend, Mark Carnevale. He contributed so much to our community and was a tireless advocate for Cathedral City. He will be greatly missed.”

City officials said Carnevale was instrumental in the revitalization of Cathedral City’s Downtown Arts & Entertainment District, championing projects including the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater, the Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City, and supporting significant housing and economic development throughout the city. He was a passionate advocate for smart growth and believed deeply in Cathedral City’s potential.

“Mark was a steadfast leader who deeply cared about the people of Cathedral City,” said Interim City Manager Anne Ambrose. “His commitment to his constituents and his collaborative approach to governance made him an invaluable member of our team. Our hearts go out to Rhonda and his entire family during this incredibly difficult time.”

He has been a Coachella Valley resident since 1969. He, along with his wife Rhonda, owned and operated Nicolino’s Italian Restaurant in Cathedral City, which opened in 1985 and closed a few years ago. He had been operating Nick’s Bistro in recent years.

Carnevale is survived by his wife Rhonda; children Karrie and Nick; five grandchildren; and numerous extended family members. Services are pending.

In honor of Carnevale’s service to Cathedral City, flags at City facilities will be lowered to half-staff.

City officials said the city council has 60 days from Nov. 16 to address the vacancy for Carnenale’s District 3 seat.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest.

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