Category: kesq-local-news

Spencer Blum

Happy Saturday! We are under a First Alert Weather Alert today as we begin to track the impacts of an incoming low pressure system. This system will increase winds throughout Southern California and lead to widespread breezy to gusty conditions as we head into the afternoon.

An Air Quality Alert will take effect at 2 PM later this afternoon as we track potential air quality concerns throughout the Coachella Valley. A Wind Advisory is also in place for the San Gorgonio Pass and Desert Hot Springs.

Taking a look at the next seven days, we can see a bit of a rollercoaster in our temperatures. Highs will fall back into the 70s by tomorrow. Temperatures will slowly warm back up next week, reaching the triple digits by Friday. We will remain under a First Alert Weather Alert through the weekend.

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Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Local Catholics continued to remember and honor Pope Francis on Friday evening at a special mass held at Sacred Heart church in Palm Desert.

Father Ian Hollick says it was important to bring the different parishes of the area together for the special mass because people need to have an outlet to mourn in times of sadness.

Hollick continued, “I think so often in life people will say, ‘Oh, just don’t be sad, just enjoy life.’ But there’s a time to weep and there’s a time to dance and so this is definitely a time for us to gather together and be sad together.”

The Pontiff passed away at the age of 88 last week, on Easter Monday.

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Athena Jreij

SALTON CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A group of parents at West Shores High School in Salton City say the school has a bullying problem that turned violent this week, as several students can be seen in a school yard fight video.

Jerson Ceja reached out to News Channel 3 asking for help. He says over the past few months, online tensions have escalated into violence on campus.

“It makes me feel like the school’s not safe, especially on the video. You can see they don’t have a lot of security,” Ceja said.

Ceja shared video with News Channel 3 of his daughter and her friend assaulted on campus. Parents say the altercation led to head injuries for both girls.

Her friends mother, Melissa Mendoza-Garnica, agrees the issue needs a solution and quick.

“At some point she told me that she blacked out, that it was so many people around her and stuff that she couldn’t even think. All she felt was hits and blows to her face,” Mendoza-Garnica said her daughter told her about the fight.

Holding officials accountable, News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij took parents’ concerns to the Coachella Valley Unified School District’s student support service team.

Karina Vega and Julisa Hernandez say existing programs at West Shores High try to target violence before it happens.

“Before conflict even happens, we already have interventions in place.  So they have social emotional lessons. They have opportunity for dialog. We have restorative questions that are asked of the students weekly,” Vega said.

They also say families have been given resources to seek counseling at the school, but parents say that’s not enough.

“My daughter can go to therapy all she wants. But if these girls keep antagonizing her, how is that going to help?” Mendoza-Garnica said.

Both parents and administrators say the issue of violence is much bigger than just one fight.

“There’s a lot of outside stressors on our students right now. Immigration, political issues, family conflict. We have a lot of grief, separation, divorce,” Vega said.

Both families filed police reports with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office. News Channel 3 reached out to authorities but has yet to hear back.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Construction on South Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs is set to begin next week, and city officials advised commuters to prepare for long-term lane closures.  

Work will take place from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. daily from May 5 to May 7, with a bridge demolition scheduled for May 12, according to city officials   

Long-term traffic control will be installed ahead of the demolition and remain in place for eight to 10 months.   

According to the city, commuters can expect the following traffic changes:  

— One lane open for traffic in each direction, shifted to the east side of the bridge;

— The southbound lane on South Palm Canyon Drive will provide business access and serve as an alternate route via East Sunny Dunes;  

— Only right turns will be permitted at East Sunny Dunes;    — The west-side sidewalk will be closed for the duration of the project;   

— SunLine bus stops 630 and 492 on Route One West Valley near South Palm Canyon Drive and East Sunny Dunes will be closed throughout construction; and

— The speed limit will be reduced to 40 mph in the construction zone, with doubled traffic fines enforced.

Officials urged the public to plan ahead and use alternate routes to avoid delays.

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A teacher at a private school in Rancho Mirage charged with raping a teenager pleaded not guilty on Friday.

Stephen Spurlock, 43, a now former 3rd grade teacher at Palm Valley School, is charged with 21 felonies, including 19 counts of rape. He is set to return to court on May 7 at the Joshua Tree courthouse.

In addition to his time at PVS, Spurlock worked as a guest teacher/certificated specialist in the Desert Sands Unified School District from August 2013 to June 2022.

Spurlock’s wife, Ashley Spurlock, works as the Head of Lower School at PVS. School leaders said that while the charges did not involve Mrs. Spurlock, she has been placed on administrative leave and restricted from campus.

Spurlock, a Yucca Valley resident, was arrested Tuesday morning. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, his arrest came a day after a 911 call alerted authorities to allegations of ongoing sexual abuse between Spurlock and a teenager.

Deputies learned that Spurlock molested the victim on countless occasions over a nearly two-year span.

Investigators located additional evidence of the crime during a search warrant at Spurlock’s Yucca Valley residence, authorities added.

PVS officials told News Channel 3 that the incident did not involve a PVS student, nor did it occur on school property.

Detectives believe that, given the nature of this abuse by Spurlock and in his capacity as a school teacher and coach, it’s believed there may be additional victims in both San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. 

Anyone who may have been victimized by Spurlock is urged to immediately contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at 760-366-4175.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.  

PVS officials urge parents who have concerns about the investigation or have information on the case, contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.

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Jesus Reyes

Story Update 05/09/2025: LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) The Riverside County Sheriff’s Coroner Bureau has released the cause of death for Jeff Sperbeck, longtime agent of NFL legend John Elway.

According to the Coroner’s report, the cause of death is “blunt head trauma,” and the manner of death is “accident,” and the mode of death (how the injury occurred) is “passenger fell from golf cart.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reports the investigation into the incident remains open and ongoing.

Earlier story – 05/02/2025:

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said there doesn’t appear to be signs of any criminal activity in the golf cart accident that killed Jeff Sperbeck, longtime agent of NFL legend John Elway, in La Quinta over the weekend.

The accident happened Saturday afternoon at the 53200 block of Humboldt Boulevard, inside the Madison Club. Sperbeck was rushed to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead early Tuesday morning.

Elway was reportedly driving the golf cart at the time of the accident, witnesses told News Channel 3 Sports Director Blake Arthur.

Bianco shared a statement with News Channel 3’s Karen Devine on Friday:

“While the investigation is not yet completed, there is nothing we have learned to indicate this is anything other than a tragic accident.”

UPDATE: La Quinta Death Investigation The investigation is ongoing and has not been completed, but at this point, there is nothing to indicate that this is anything more than a tragic accident.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office pic.twitter.com/z8oATNrNXI

— Riverside County Sheriff (@RSO) May 2, 2025

Bianco expanded on the investigation in an interview with the Denver Post on Friday, where he stated that medical personnel at the scene did not find evidence that Elway was inebriated at the time of the accident. There were no specific details as to how medical personnel reached that conclusion.

Bianco added that the Sheriff’s Office is reviewing surveillance footage and witness testimony.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office did not respond to the scene as Bianco told the Denver Post that first responders didn’t immediately flag RSO for any sort of investigatation. The agency confirmed to News Channe 3 that they were made aware of the accident on Monday then launched their investigation.

TMZ reports that Elway was seen at a party two hours before the accident.

Elway has hired Denver-based attorney, Harvey Steinberg, according to multiple reports Friday. Steinberg issued a statement on behalf of his client.

“This has been a terrible time for everyone involved and our hearts continue to go out to the Sperbeck family. As John grieves this unimaginable loss, we appreciate the efforts of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The investigation has confirmed what we already knew: this was a tragic accident and sometimes things happen in life that we will never comprehend.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on the investigation.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs reached a settlement with Grit Development that includes a $1 million payment related to a patio issue delaying the multi-million-dollar Plaza Theatre renovation project.

The settlement stems from patio space at the restaurant Kalura Trattoria, located next to the theater. The city was set to acquire the property through eminent domain as was required to get the Plaza Theatre renovation project up to state code for people to safely enter and exit the theater.

The owners of the restaurant strongly opposed the move, telling News Channel 3’s Luis Avila in November that the process has been unfair and will impact their business. In February, Palm Springs reached a $500,000 settlement agreement with the owners of Kalura.

Grit Development, the owners of the property, filed a lawsuit over the issue in December, as well as a cross-complaint against the city in November. On Friday, Palm Springs announced a settlement agreement with Grit Development, where the city will pay $986,500 as well as work on a new replacement patio within the portion of a public sidewalk in front of Kalura.

Palm Springs — Grit Plaza Theatre Stipulation (FINAL)(VW Signature)-c1 (002)-c1Download

Statement from City of Palm Springs:

“The City of Palm Springs is pleased to have reached a positive resolution with Grit Development regarding access rights to the historic Plaza Theatre. From the beginning, the City’s focus has been on ensuring public safety while preserving one of Palm Springs’ most iconic cultural landmarks. With the resolution of issues surrounding the patio and easement, the City is looking forward to finishing the project and restoring the Theatre to its original glory.

When the Plaza Theatre reopens this fall, it will once again host world-class performers and contribute significantly to the vitality of our downtown. The restored Theatre will serve as a cornerstone to the City’s Downtown Revitalization, delivering millions of dollars in economic impact and enriching Palm Springs’ vibrant arts and culture scene. 

We thank Grit Development for their collaboration and ongoing investment in our community. Together, we look forward to a revitalized Plaza Theatre that will benefit residents, visitors, and future generations.”

The Plaza Theatre is one of Palm Springs’ oldest and most iconic venues, and it is currently being restored in a multi-million-dollar project. It is set to open in December.

For more on the Plaza Theatre, visit: palmspringsplazatheatre.com and savetheplazatheatreps.com

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) –  The Texas Public Policy Foundation filed a lawsuit questioning the constitutionality of the Biden Administration of the 624,000-acre Chuckwalla National Monument.

The monument was declared in January, and plaintiffs claim the declaration was in violation of the Antiquities Act of 1906 allowing presidents to designated national monuments.

They argue “it was clear at the time that the bill was intended for much smaller areas of land,” according to the press release.

In a press release statement, the Texas Public Policy Foundation Attorney Anelise Powers said, “The earliest national monuments were between 160-1,000 acres, but now presidents are designating millions of acres at a time. It is abundantly clear that Congress never intended for the Antiquities Act to be used in this way, but that has not prevented the Executive branch from using the Act as a vehicle to acquire extensive control over essentially all public lands. For this reason, sitting members of the U.S. Supreme Court have indicated an interest in reviewing the Antiquities Act.”

The lawsuit includes two plaintiffs in Daniel Torongo and the BlueRibbon Coalition. Torongo’s family has been mining in the Chuckwalla territory since 1978, and plans to continue mining in the territory into his retirement. Torongo is a full-time Michigan resident.

However, the lawsuit says the monument proclamation “burdens” Torongo’s mining in the territory by increasing restrictions and regulations to maintain his claim, and will keep him from expanding to nearby areas.

The BlueRibbon Coalition joined Torongo’s lawsuit claiming its members are prevented from enjoying the same trails prior to the monument declaration. Uncharted trails along with other temporary closures halted BRC member activity.

The monument designation interferes with “the ability of members of BRC to drive, hike, and otherwise explore trails within the national monument.”

The case defendants include Douglas Burgum, the Secretary of the Interior and overseer of management of the Chuckwalla National Monument through the Bureau of Land Management, the BLM and the United States Department of the Interior.

For the full lawsuit go to texaspolicy.com

News Channel 3 is working to speak with the BlueRibbon Coalition and members of the Protect Chuckwalla National Monument.

Stay with us for the latest update on the lawsuit tonight at 5 p.m.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Felony charges were filed against two convicted felons suspected in shootings in Indio that left three people injured, including a mother and her five-year-old son.  

Jesus Delarosa, 25, and Ricardo Mercado, 29, both of Indio, were arrested Tuesday in connection with the shooting.

Delarosa was charged with multiple felonies, including assault with a gun and willful child cruelty. He pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to return to court on May 13.

Mercado was charged with multiple felonies as well, including two counts of assault with a gun. His arraignment was pushed back to May 13.

Both are being held without bail — Delarosa at the Benoit Detention Center, and Mercado at the Robert Presley Jail.   

According to the Indio Police Department, shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday, the victims, identified only as a 30-year-old Coachella Valley woman and her 5-year-old son, were riding with Delarosa when he parked his pickup in front of a property in the 82-000 block of Mountain View Avenue, near Monroe Street, where Mercado was waiting to meet him.  

As the two were speaking, another man, whose identity was not disclosed, drove up and elicited a hostile reaction from Delarosa, police Sgt. Abe Plata said.

He said that “an altercation ensued,” during which Delarosa allegedly drew a handgun and opened fire, wounding the man.   

“During this confrontation, Mercado fired multiple rounds at the pickup truck occupied by Delarosa, the mother and her child,” Plata said. “Both the mother and child sustained gunshot wounds.”

Delarosa, who wasn’t hit, floored his pickup and fled the location, stopping moments later in the 43-700 block of Deglet Noor Street to seek help for his wounded passengers, according to the sergeant.

The boy, whose injuries Plata described as severe, was ultimately airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center for treatment. He was stable as of Wednesday night.

The mom was taken to JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and was also stable. The man whom Delarosa allegedly shot drove himself to JFK for treatment but was soon after transferred to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, hospitalized with a non-life-threatening wound, Plata said.

“He was uncooperative with investigators,” the police spokesman said.  

A possible motive for the gunfight wasn’t provided. It was unclear how the parties were connected.  

Delarosa was taken into custody without incident on North Indian Canyon Drive in Palm Springs at the conclusion of the IPD investigation Tuesday night. Mercado was taken into custody around the same time after a search warrant was served at his Mountain View residence.

Delarosa’s and Mercado’s prior felony convictions weren’t listed.

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Allie Anthony

Youth mental health is in crisis. The National Alliance on Mental Illness found that 1 in 6 U.S. youth ages 6 to 17 experience a mental health disorder each year.

Family therapist Melissa Hawkins, from the Betty Ford Center, says many kids are overwhelmed by social media and online content, leading to anxiety and depression that often go unnoticed.

“Stress can start at an earlier age,” Hawkins said. “Sadness can start at an earlier age, and that can impact you physically, emotionally and mentally.”

Fifty percent of all lifetime mental health conditions begin before age 14 — and 75% start before age 24.

Those numbers prove that kids and teens need resources.

So, what’s the best way to help? According to Hawkins, it starts with a conversation.

“When you’re able to just plant those seeds and let them know that you’re listening and that you’re thinking about them, there may be a point in time where they’ll come to you and they’ll tell you something,” she said.

To find resources, you can contact your local school district or ask your pediatrician about available services.

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