Category: kesq-local-news

Timothy Foster

UPDATE 2/15/26 9:40 p.m.

California Highway Patrol is now identifying the person killed in the crash as the unborn child of a pregnant woman involved in the collision.

Officials say the pregnant woman was transported to a hospital where the fetus was pronounced dead.

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

Update 2/15/26 7:48 p.m.

The California Highway Patrol is now reporting the crash as a fatality.

Original Report:

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two people were hospitalized in serious condition following a head-on collision Sunday evening at the intersection of North Indian Canyon Drive and Pierson Boulevard.

The crash occurred around 4:56 p.m. when a white Honda and a gray Lexus collided.

Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and all lanes were reopened by 6:18 p.m.

Authorities say drugs and alcohol are not suspected to be factors in the crash.

Officials continue to investigate the cause of the collision, stay with News Channel 3 for further developments.

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Shay Lawson

SKY VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Tabitha Davies, co-director of Esperanza’s Sanctuary and a Sky Valley resident, reached out to News Channel 3 with concerns about recent meetings regarding the Improvement District No. 8 (ID8) water line.

“Despite prior statements from Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD) that chromium-6 remediation would be addressed systemwide at a cost of approximately $85 per month for all CVWD users, CVWD is now pursuing a sale of the ID8 line to Mission Springs Water District,” Davies said. “This is a significant shift from what was previously represented publicly. None of the ID8 users support this transfer.”

Davies said the potential transfer would move the ID8 water system serving Desert Edge, Sky Valley and Indio Hills from the CVWD to the MSWD, though officials said no final decision has been made.

Lorraine Garcia, CVWD Public Information Officer, said the proposal comes as California now requires water agencies to meet a lower chromium-6 limit of 10 parts per billion. Garcia said the four wells serving the ID8 system currently exceed that level, measuring between 10.4 and 12.5 parts per billion.

CVWD estimates it would cost roughly $25 million to meet the state’s chromium-6 standard in the ID8 system, significantly increasing the rates and increasing monthly service costs up to $85 without consolidation.

Garcia added:

“CVWD and MSWD are exploring the options to keep water rates affordable by consolidating the ID-8 domestic water system to MSWD’s system. The consolidation would be done through the state’s Safe and Affordable Drinking Water program. State funding could cover the consolidation and construction costs of treatment facilities to meet the new chromium-6 standard for the four wells in the ID-8 system. However, MSWD also has wells that can provide water in the ID-8 area without exceeding the chromium-6 standard. If the system were to be consolidated, MSWD would become the community water service provider. Customers would pay MSWD domestic water rates, which would cover operations and maintenance costs.”

A MSWD spokesperson said the proposed consolidation was discussed at a recent MSWD board workshop; however, no formal action was agreed upon. 

But Davies said many residents worry consolidation could lead to significantly higher long-term costs.

“For me and my family personally, we wouldn’t be able to live here,” Davies said. “It’s going to have a fixed set of time. So yes, our water rates will go up that much while they’re still doing their normal rate increases, but there’s caps on how they can do that. Whereas if they switch us to Mission Springs, there isn’t and we would have to fall in line to their current water rates, which are about three times the amount for residential use.”

Davies said residents understand upgrades are necessary but want clearer communication and protections for rural communities.

She said some residents created a website to educate the public with linked videos of the public meetings and more. You can access it at this link.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – For two weeks, you’ve seen her face and heard her name.

But for T’Neya’s family this story didn’t begin with what you saw it began with silence on December 1st, the day T’Neya stopped answering her phone.

In an all new interview today, I sat down with T’Neya’s parents – Charro Tovar, and Josh Carter.

They describe T’neya as a spark of personality, someone who’s creative and and passionate, but also force to be reckoned with.

A 17-year-old figuring out life, sometimes pushing boundaries, sometimes testing limits, but always staying connected to her parents.

Always sharing her location. Always checking in. No matter the distance or the disagreements, they say one thing never changed: she had parents who would show up when it mattered most.

Charro and Josh drove to Harlequin Court multiple times, asking police to search the home. They say they never saw Abraham Feinbloom face-to-face. They never saw him come outside. They’ve been watching the scene unfold from a distance these past two weeks fighting for answers, pushing for action, barely having a moment to grieve.

Some questions are beginning to get answers. Some of the most important have not.

Charro told us the one thing she has never had to question is the support from the Salton City community, neighbors who have treated T’Neya like their own daughter.

Tonight at 6 and 11 hear directly from her parents in their own words.

KESQ News Channel 3

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Gavin Nguyen

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Sunnylands Center & Gardens hosted a Family Day on Sunday, inviting valley families to take a moment to learn more about nature.

This month’s Family Day was centered around the center’s new exhibition, dubbed “Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands.” That exhibition debuted in September and will run for the next two years.

Many families brought picnic blankets to lay out on the lawn as kids ran past and played with toys set up on the grass.

With trees at the focus, the hands-on and educational activities for families involved things like coloring in wood rounds cut from trees you can find planted at Sunnylands. Also, exhibitors showed off ways you can weave palm fronds into origami to create art, like this roadrunner.

“We have a lot of tree-related activities, whether it’s the smell, whether it’s the things that come off of them, and a lot of interpretations of what we can do with those things,” highlighted Rhoda Coscetti, the Community Program Specialist at Sunnylands.

Soapmaker It Refills also provided guests with epsom bath salts scented with essential oils that smelled like trees at the center, among other activities. Coscetti said the goal: have the community reinterpret what makes trees special and the way we think about them in our daily lives.

Coscetti explained, “I hope that we can find appreciation and beauty in the nature that surrounds us. And in that appreciation, taking care of those things and just bringing light to that.”

Sunnylands staff said these family day events happen every month or so from January to April. If you missed this one, keep an eye out for the next day of family fun!

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Timothy Foster

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) –  Days after a fire tore through the home of the Garcia family, the community has stepped in to help the mother, her daughter, and a one-year-old grandchild begin the long process of recovery.

The fire destroyed much of the home, including personal belongings, furniture, and family keepsakes. While no one was hurt, the loss has been emotional for the family, who now face rebuilding from scratch.

Neighbors, friends, and relatives have been showing up to help clear debris, bring food and donations, and offer moral support. Volunteers described the outpouring of love as incredible, with neighbors even cooking meals for the family the night of the fire.

The cleanup has been difficult, especially as the family sorts through burned photos, toys, and other personal items. Supporters emphasized that this is a temporary setback and that the community’s encouragement has made a challenging time more manageable.

The family expressed gratitude that everyone escaped the fire safely and said the support of friends and neighbors has been essential. Michael Garcia said that, with the strong support of the community, the family is determined to rebuild their home from the ground up.

Currently, the Garcias are staying in hotels while planning their next steps. They have set up a GoFundMe to raise funds and continue to seek donations and volunteers to assist with the rebuilding process.

The family says the response from their community has been a source of comfort, reminding them that they are not alone as they work to recover from this devastating loss.

If you’d like to support the family as they rebuild their home, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuilding-after-indio-house-fire.

News Channel 3 is working to get the family results and find temporary housing during the difficult time. Stick with us for continuing coverage.

The family is also asking for donated supplies, including shovels, buckets, and other supplies to aid in the clean up.

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Gavin Nguyen

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Fighting cancer with a car show.

The Dr. George Charity Car Show returned to the delight of thousands of car enthusiasts on Saturday.

The Indian Wells Tennis Garden played host to the charity event as it marked its 23rd running as a Coachella Valley tradition. It’s a joint effort between the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association, which organizes the event, and the Desert Cancer Foundation, the beneficiary of all proceeds generated by the car show.

Organizers said about 1,100 show cars took center stage for the thousands of spectators that come through the gates each year.

Over $1.5 million has been generated by the event over the years. The Desert Cancer Foundation said that money goes directly to helping those struggling to pay for cancer treatment in the Coachella Valley.

Executive Director of the Foundation, Mark Scheibach, said several of the volunteers at the event were facing their own cancer battles.

“We have some volunteers here today who are our clients, who we are helping through their cancer journey,” Scheibach revealed. “And they love seeing the support that they receive and they like to give back in order to raise more funds for other people.”

The show attracts enthusiasts from far and wide.

“This is very encouraging and very, very flattering that the people should come from out of the area to support this cause,” said Ross McMullin, an ambassador for the Palm Springs Cruisin’ Association.

It’s all in memory of Dr. Sebastian George, who passed away 25 years ago. He was treating several members of the club before he passed in 2002. In the years after his death, the car club and foundation partnered to start the car show, which has now grown to what it is today.

The event kicked off at 9:00 a.m. with gates closing at 3:00 p.m. Organizers encouraged visitors and locals alike to check out the show – and if you missed it this year, don’t worry. They said the car show drives back into town the second week of February annually, so mark your calendars for the next one.

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Garrett Hottle

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — A 51-year-old Salton City was arrested in connection with the disappearance and death of 17-year-old T’Neya “TT” Tovar, according to the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office.

In a press release issued Saturday, the Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Abraham Feinbloom, 51, was arrested Friday morning following the execution of a search warrant at a home in the 2800 block of Harlequin Court in Salton City T’Neya Tovar Press Release.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, at approximately 7:30 a.m. on February 13, members of the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team, working alongside the FBI, served a search warrant at the residence.

Officials say Feinbloom was observed jumping a fence in what appeared to be an attempt to evade law enforcement. He was immediately taken into custody and turned over to FBI agents for questioning while the residence was processed for evidence T’Neya Tovar Press Release.

Feinbloom was later arrested and booked into the Imperial County Jail on charges of 187(a) PC — Murder and 148(a)(1) PC — Resisting a Peace Officer.

He is being held without bail T’Neya Tovar Press Release.

The arrest comes one week after FBI agents initially searched the same home as part of the ongoing investigation.

On Friday, law enforcement officials from the FBI, Imperial County Sheriff’s Office, and Riverside County Sheriff’s Canine Team were seen conducting operations at the property.

This development follows confirmation Thursday from the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office that human remains found in Salton City in December were identified as T’Neya Tovar.

News Channel 3 first reported Wednesday that T’Neya’s mother, Charro Tovar, said the Imperial County Coroner informed her that remains discovered near the Salton Sea area in December had been confirmed as her daughter’s. Authorities formally confirmed the identification Thursday following DNA analysis.

Investigators say deputies initially responded on December 21, 2025, at approximately 4:22 p.m. to the area of Portsmouth Avenue and Newhaven Court in Vista Delmar after receiving a report of found human remains. Deputies located a human leg showing signs of decomposition.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Unit later developed a DNA profile, and on February 6, 2026, officials received a positive female DNA match. After obtaining a DNA sample from Tovar’s mother, rapid DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to T’Neya Tovar.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office described the case as a multi-agency investigation and thanked the FBI, Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, and the Imperial County District Attorney’s Office for their involvement T’Neya Tovar Press Release.

The Sheriff’s Office extended condolences to T’Neya’s family and all those impacted by what it described as a tragic event T’Neya Tovar Press Release.

Anyone with additional information related to the investigation is asked to contact Investigator Moreno with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office at (442) 265-2265.

The FBI previously confirmed a $10,000 reward remains active for information leading to a resolution in the case.

This remains an active investigation. News Channel 3 will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Daniella Lake

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) – This afternoon, Guide Dogs of the Desert hosted a graduation ceremony for participants who’ve completed their guide dog training program. The organization says guide dogs bring independence, confidence, and mobility for those who are visually impaired.

Guide Dogs of the Desert says they are always in need of volunteer puppy raisers, who help raise future guide dogs. To learn more, visit their website.

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KESQ News Team

COACHELL VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Our St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway is coming up in March, and it’s time now to get your tickets and to show you how your support helps.

Tonight, we are introducing you to Reagan. We’re sharing her story and how her family says St. Jude offers them hope. 

Reagan’s journey to St. Jude began suddenly in October 2023. Doctors diagnosed Reagan with rhabdomyosarcoma, a rare childhood cancer. 

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – More budget cuts are coming to the Coachella Valley Unified School District.

On Thursday, the CVUSD Board of Education approved a fiscal stabilization plan. The plan includes multiyear reductions of $25.4 million — $9.4 million in 2026–27, $8 million in 2027–28, and $8 million in 2028–29

The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) required CVUSD to submit an updated, Board-approved Fiscal Stabilization Plan by March 17. According to the board agenda, the plan must incorporate salary and benefit cost projections and address the previously identified $20 million in budget reductions. The projections must include unrestricted funds, along with the detailed assumptions used in developing the plan.

According to the district, the reductions are designed to align spending with enrollment trends and available revenues, while keeping cuts as far from the classroom as possible.

Board Final 2025_26 Fiscal Stabilization – Update (Option 4)Download

In 2024, the district approved $57 million in budget reductions, which included staffing layoffs and program adjustments. CVUSD officials said in the December that the district was facing up to $20 million in additional budget cuts over the next two years

CVUSD officials added that the Fiscal Crisis & Management Assistance Team (FCMAT) presented from their findings an independent review of the District’s 2025–26 adopted General Fund budget. The review included the development of a multiyear financial projection (MYFP) and cash flow analysis for the current year and two subsequent fiscal years.

FCMAT Presentation_2.12.26Download

Coachella Valley USD final report (1)Download

While FCMAT reported no immediate cash flow concerns, the agency recommended continued monthly monitoring and emphasized that declining fund reserves weaken a district’s overall cash position. FCMAT also commended the District’s efforts to take necessary steps toward long-term fiscal stability.

Through the approved Fiscal Stabilization Plan, the District continues to address its structural deficit, maintain required reserve levels, and strengthen its long-term financial health.

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