Category: kesq-local-news

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – DAP Health is ending its annual Health Equity Walk after nearly 40 years of fundraising. The walk, which began in 1987 as the “Desert AIDs Walk” worked to benefit HIV/AIDS care, mental health services and more.

DAP Health CEO David Brinkman emailed an announcement to employees, donors and volunteers on May 7, writing the decision was due to multiple factors, including rising event costs and decreased participation.

On May 13, Palm Springs Pride announced it will have its inaugural Pride Equality Walk Oct. 25. This new fundraiser walk falls around the typically scheduling of the DAP Health Equity Walk, which was last held on Oct. 26, 2024.

Pride organizers said the “walk will ignite action and motivate the community to advocate for justice and foster a more equitable society for everyone,” according to a news release.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from DAP Health and Palm Springs Pride organizers about the events.

 

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Local leaders today were celebrating more than $333 million in state funding to expand access to critical mental health and substance use services in Riverside County.

The funding was awarded to the Riverside University Health System’s Behavioral Health Department through California’s Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program. Announced Monday, the investment will support projects, including the Behavioral Health Wellness Center and the Harmony Haven Children and Youth Wellness Center, among other initiatives.

“We are extremely grateful to receive these funds to expand behavioral health in Riverside County as a whole,” Supervisor V. Manuel Perez said in a statement. “We appreciate this incredible support from the State of California. We advocated with Governor Newsom for this measure, knowing the great need we have for high-quality behavioral health services and the continuum of care.”  

The funding is part of Proposition 1, a bond measure passed by California voters in 2024 to improve mental health treatment and substance use services across the state.

Of the total, $184 million will go toward the Behavioral Health Wellness Center in Moreno Valley. The center will include a 100-bed inpatient psychiatric facility to serve both adults and, for the first time, children under age 12. Officials said the project will increase access to mental health care and reduce strain on local emergency rooms.   

The remaining $149.7 million will fund services at the Harmony Haven Children and Youth Wellness Center in Beaumont, according to officials. The center will offer Riverside County’s first 30-bed adolescent residential substance use disorder facility, a 16-bed psychiatric residential treatment facility, a 15-station mental health urgent care unit and an outpatient clinic for ongoing behavioral health and substance use care.   

In addition, officials said the state funding will help serve Riverside County’s growing population of nearly 2.5 million residents, particularly children who often have to seek care outside the county.

“When someone is in crisis, delays can worsen their condition and separate them from their family and support system,” RUHS-BH Director Dr. Matthew Chang said. “These grants are a lifeline. The Wellness Center and Harmony Haven will help us bring timely, compassionate care to the people who need it most — right here in Riverside County.”

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Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – About 40 pets were evacuated after a fire destroyed an abandoned mobile home and several vehicles near Animal Samaritans in Thousand Palms Tuesday morning.

The fire was initially reported at around 9:40 a.m. on the 72000 block of Varner Road at what CAL FIRE initially called a “vacant single-wide, mobile home.” We’ve since learned the mobile home was refurbished, not abandoned.

CAL FIRE says the blaze was contained at around 10:30 a.m. Crews remain at the scene for a couple of hours for salvage and overhaul before clearing out.

According to CAL FIRE, the animal shelter was evacuated as a precaution. CAL FIRE initially reported 80 animals were evacuated as a precaution, however, Animal Samiritans later clarified that it was 40 pets.

Tom Snyder, CEO of Animal Samaritans, told News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen that evacuated animals were being held at their vet clinic.

Snyder added that their back awning burned, and some windows were blown out from the heat.

Firefighters spray water on the ceiling in the back of the animal shelter

A News Channel 3 crew at the scene also spotted several vehicles destroyed by the fire.

No injuries to people or animals have been reported. SoCalGas and Southern California Edison have been requested.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates. We’ll have live coverage starting at Noon.

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Allie Anthony

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) –  Cathedral City officials, residents and business owners gathered Tuesday morning at the DoubleTree by Hilton Golf Resort for the 2025 State of the City, Business Awards & Business Expo.

During the ceremony, a key topic was the early successes of Measure W, a voter-approved sales tax measure that is beginning to show measurable impact on public services and infrastructure.

The additional $5 million in annual revenue generated by the half-cent sales tax is already being used to improve core city functions. Measure W is funding expanded 911 emergency services, street repairs, and public park maintenance. The funds are also being directed toward crime prevention, storm preparedness, and initiatives to reduce homelessness.

The event is not only featuring an economic update, but also recognized business and civic leaders. The following leaders will be awarded:

Business of the Year: Cathedral City Auto Dealers Association

New Business of the Year: Mega Dollar

Restaurant of the Year: Meester Zebra

Nonprofit of the Year: Read With Me

Volunteer of the Year: Darlene Remalia

Lifetime Achievement Award: Richard Altman

Mayor’s Award: FIND Food Bank

While the State of the City reflects on the past year’s progress, it also sets the stage for what lies ahead in the coming year.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Unified School District African American class of 2025 graduates were honored and presented with Kente Stoles Monday evening.

The stoles will be worn during their graduation ceremonies.

African American Parent Advisory Council Board Member Jarvis Crawford says the event represents a coming of age – a transition from youth to adulthood where the students are presented with a Kente Stole to be worn to show their culture and their heritage. Crawford adds it is a small token of appreciation to the students for completing high school.

Graduating Senior Amia Mars says the event was “…a celebration of the black students in my community making it to graduation. It’s very important for us to go after higher education and higher learning, and I’m proud to be a part of it.”

A total of 107 African American graduating seniors were honored with the Kente Stoles a the ceremony.

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Cynthia White

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) presented numbers on Monday showing the progress the Department has made so far this year.

RCDAS spokespeople are calling the progress “encouraging” after focusing on efforts to make local adoptions easier and more affordable, and reaching out to other areas that are able to take in adoptable animals.

In August last year, RCDAS came under scrutiny as animal welfare and safety advocates filed a lawsuit calling into question the department’s policies in euthanasia.

The department says it is continuing to work on the challenges its been facing, from over-crowded shelters to staff and veterinarian shortages.

New RCDAS Director Mary Martin acknowledged there were challenges when she took over the position in March of this year. Martin says of the department’s progress, “These results are a testament to the hard work of our staff and the strength of our community partnerships. The team made real progress in just a few months, and we are committed to continuing this momentum to save more lives.”

RCDAS adds in its announcement on Monday that it “remains focused on long-term improvements that will help ensure more pets find homes, more families stay together, and more lives are saved in the months ahead.”

Here are the numbers released by RCDAS:

Live release rate increased to 80.9%, up from 72% during the same period last year

Euthanasia decreased by 33%, with 540 fewer animals euthanized

Adoption rate increased to 42%, up from 34% compared to same period last year

Transfer-out rates rose across both cats and dogs

And RCDAS lists the improvements as:

Expanded public access by opening shelters on Sundays and extending hours on Wednesdays, making it easier for families to adopt or reclaim pets

Waived Return-to-Owner fees to remove financial barriers and help more lost pets return home

Increased the frequency of fee-waived adoption events, leading to faster placements and reduced length of stay

Completed cross-country pet transfer flights and enhanced partner rescue outreach, creating more adoption opportunities in partner regions and reducing local overcrowding

Enhanced marketing and visibility for adoptable animals through improved photography, promotion, and outreach

For more information on the goals of Riverside County Department of Animal Services, visit www.rcdas.org/positive-change.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs officials announced today that two upcoming meetings will give residents a chance to weigh in on a proposed low-water bridge project aimed at improving emergency access to the Indian Canyon neighborhoods.

An in-person meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 29 at the Indian Canyon Golf Clubhouse, located at 1100 E. Murray Canyon Drive, officials said.

A virtual Zoom meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 2. The link is available at https://bit.ly/low-water-bridge-ps. Further information of the zoom meeting can be found at https://www.facebook.com/CityOfPalmSprings.

The project is intended to ensure residents have access in and out of the neighborhood during heavy rain or flooding events.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today the distribution of $3.3 billion in Proposition 1 grant funds to organizations and government agencies across the state to expand available behavioral health treatment beds and mental health services.

Among the projects receiving funding a $65 million grant for Los Angeles County to convert unused buildings at the Metropolitan State Hospital campus in Norwalk into a mental health care village.

“This mental healthcare village is exactly the type of facility voters were thinking of when they approved Proposition 1,” county Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement. “These buildings are doing no one any good sitting empty and we have a plan to convert them into the Los Angeles County Care Community — a mental healthcare village where we can provide humane, professional treatment and housing to people who desperately need it. This funding is a huge step forward for us and I appreciate the support we have already gotten from our state partners.”  

California voters narrowly approved Proposition 1 in March 2024, authorizing more than $6 billion in bonds to fund mental health services, treatment beds and supportive housing.

According to Newsom’s office, the grant funding announced Monday will create more than 5,000 residential treatment beds and 21,800 outpatient treatment slots.

“Californians demanded swift action to address our state’s behavioral health crisis when they voted for Prop 1 in March 2024,” Newsom said in a statement. “Today, we’re delivering our biggest win yet. These launch-ready projects will build and expand residential beds and treatment slots for those who need help. Whether it’s crisis stabilization, inpatient services, or long-term treatment, we’re ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time.”  

Hahn said the $65 million grant for L.A. County will renovate two of six buildings that will ultimately upgraded at the Norwalk hospital campus. They will be turned into psychiatric subacute facilities for youth aged 18-25. Each of the two buildings will have 16 beds, for a total of 32. When the campus renovation is fully complete, it will have 219 beds, according to Hahn’s office.

“This investment solidifies our shared focus on behavioral health and the wellbeing of all Los Angeles County residents,” Dr. Lisa H. Wong, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, said in a statement. “With Proposition 1 funding earmarked specifically for the Metro campus, we can increase our capacity to provide the highest level of mental health services and resources to the individuals in our care. This much-needed investment is an important step in providing safe spaces and vital treatment for our county’s most vulnerable populations.”

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Shay Lawson

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 3,000 Riverside County children are in out-of-home care due to abuse or neglect according to Riverside County.

As the need for foster families continues to grow, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and Faith in Motion are hosting a free community event on Monday to recruit foster families in desert communities.

Organizers said the session helps residents learn about becoming foster or adoptive families — and how local faith communities are providing assistance along the way.

It’s from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Southwest Church, 44-175 Washington Street, Indian Wells, CA 92210.

The initiative features a panel discussion and Q&A session where attendees receive information on fostering, adoption and volunteer opportunities.

Faith in Motion is an organization that provides support to foster and adoptive families — from initial interest to state certification and beyond.

Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

Desert Oasis Health Care and News Channel 3 have teamed up to roll out a new mental health awareness campaign aimed in part, at breaking the stigma that keeps many from seeking help.

The “Living Healthy” initiative launches today with an educational push on recognizing and responding to the warning signs of depression. Organizers say families often don’t know how to start conversations about mental health, leaving many to suffer in silence.

“One of the myths is you have to be crazy to come see a counselor,” said Dr. Lopez, with Desert Oasis Health Care said. “You can pray away severe major depression and just deny that you even have it.”

Dr. Lopez cautioned that depression is more than ordinary sadness—and that ignoring it can delay recovery.

“It’s really important to realize that there’s the difference between sad and depression,” she said. “So if it’s interfering—anxiety and depression interfering with your life—then you need to seek help. Many people suffer alone, and that makes it difficult. And it takes years to bounce back.”

Counselors involved in the campaign encourage anyone struggling to reach out to a professional, a trusted friend or a support group. They say that first step is often the hardest—but also the most critical on the path to healing.

To support the effort, viewers can scan a QR code displayed on News Channel 3 broadcasts to access the Healthy Living website, where they’ll find resources on counseling services, self-help tools and local support groups.

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