Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A Coachella Valley Unified School District teacher accused of inappropriately touching a student must stand trial for lewd acts on a minor and other offenses, a judge ruled today.

Mario Manuel Valenzuela, 42, of Coachella, was arrested in February following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation.   

At the end of a preliminary hearing Thursday, Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling found there was sufficient evidence to bound Valenzuela over for trial on the lewd acts count, as well as annoying or molesting a minor under 18 years old.

The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for Sept. 11 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. The defendant is free on a $10,000 bond.

According to sheriff’s investigators, reports of alleged illicit acts involving the defendant were received in December, prompting an investigation that spanned several months.

The girl allegedly targeted by Valenzuela was not identified, and the circumstances behind the encounter were not disclosed.   

CVUSD officials released a statement soon after the defendant’s arrest in mid-February, stating “Our work with the sheriff’s department is still in progress.”  

“Please know that we do not tolerate any inappropriate behavior in our district, and the safety of our students and staff is our top priority,” the district stated.

Officials declined to reveal in what specific instructional capacity Valenzuela worked and for how long.

He was placed on unpaid administrative leave after he was taken into custody, but it was unknown whether the district had completed termination proceedings.

The defendant has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A roughly $400,000 project of installing 80 Level 2 electric vehicle chargers at a parking lot in Palm Springs International Airport was announced today.

“Palm Springs International Airport is proud to meet the new standard for sustainability and convenience with the installation of 80 EV chargers right at the terminal,” said Harry Barrett Jr., executive director of aviation at PSP, in a statement.

The charges were scheduled to be completed and in use by early next year in parking Lot B, in front of the terminal.   

The project aims to support the airport’s sustainability initiatives using airport-generated revenue, officials said.   

More information can be found at flypsp.com/progress/.

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City News Service

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) – Gov. Gavin Newsom announced Thursday that California Highway Patrol crime suppression teams will be deployed to major cities and regions across the state — where they will work with local law enforcement agencies as part of ongoing efforts to reduce crime statewide.

Newsom said the deployments are an expansion of CHP efforts that the governor said have led to significant crime reductions over the past year in Bakersfield, Oakland and San Bernardino.

The governor’s announcement highlighted that these new enforcement efforts will take place in San Diego, as well as Los Angeles, the Inland Empire, Central Valley, Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay Area regions.   

Crime suppression teams “will saturate high-crime areas, target repeat offenders and seize illicit weapons and narcotics,” the governor’s office said.

“When the state and local communities work together strategically, public safety improves,” Newsom said in a statement. “While the Trump administration undermines cities, California is partnering with them — and delivering real results. With these new deployments, we’re doubling down on these partnerships to build on progress and keep driving crime down.”  

READ: SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF RESPONDS TO GOVERNOR’S DEPLOYMENT OF CRIME SUPPRESSION TEAMS

   The governor’s office said the crime suppression teams will:   — Identify and suppress criminal activity in high-crime areas through data and intelligence-led policing;   — Conduct proactive enforcement operations designed to deter and disrupt organized crime;   — Provide increased CHP visibility and presence in communities most impacted by crime;   — Support local law enforcement by sharing intelligence, coordinatingenforcement, and assisting with investigations; and   — Maintain strict accountability through structured leadership, clear reporting and operational oversight.  

“These crime suppression teams will provide critical support to our local partners by focusing on crime where it happens most,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “By combining resources, intelligence, and personnel, we can better disrupt criminal activity and strengthen the safety and security ofcommunities across California.”

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Several Southern California Edison customers were without electricity today after a vehicle hit a power pole in Palm Springs.   

The outage was reported shortly before 5:40 a.m. Thursday in an area north of Avenue 20, east of Indian Avenue, south of Avenue 19 and west of Ruppert Street, according to SCE.

David Eisenhauer of SCE told City News Service that 35 customers were affected, and that power restorations were expected to be completed by 3:30 p.m.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Foundation for Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) distributed 2,500 pairs of new Vans shoes to students in need on Thursday.

The “Shoes for Students” campaign, launched in spring 2025, raised nearly $40,000 to support students and their younger siblings with new footwear for the school year.

The event took place from 3 to 6 p.m. at the PSUSD Board Room. Volunteers, staff, and board members helped distribute the shoes. Shoes were given to families who received an invitation and voucher.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was rushed to the hospital after a crash involving multiple vehicles at the Palm Springs Walmart parking lot.

The crash was reported at around 11:40 a.m. on the 5600 block of E Ramon Road.

Witnesses at the scene told News Channel 3 that a driver backed into two vehicles while reversing out of a parking spot, before jumping the curb over a cart. The vehicle sideswiped two more vehicles before hitting a parked vehicle, which then struck a pedestrian.

Capt. Ronnie Skyberg of the Palm Springs Fire Department confirmed the pedestrian suffered moderate injuries and is being transported to a local trauma center.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Indio Border Patrol agents found 176 pounds of methamphetamine after searching a vehicle at the Highway 86 immigration checkpoint.

The discovery was made on the morning of Aug. 22.

According to Border Patrol, during a primary inspection of a black SUV at the checkpoint, agents were “alerted to the probable presence of concealed people or drugs.” A subsequent inspection revealed numerous packages of a “crystal-like substance” wrapped in plastic hidden in vehicle compartments. 

The contents of the packages tested positive for methamphetamine. Authorities said the total street value of the drugs seized is an estimated $149,727.

The two women, both U.S. citizens, ages 42 and 36, were arrested.

Acting Chief Patrol Agent Joseph A. Remenar said this is the third significant drug seizure by Indio Station agents in two weeks.

“Any one of these seizures is significant on its own,” Acting Chief Patrol Agent Remenar said. “Together, they illustrate the dedication and tenacity that the men and women of the El Centro Sector display every single day. Border security is national security, and these seizures are a testament to the importance of the Border Patrol’s national security mission.”

On Aug. 12, while searching a van that emitted a pungent smell, agents discovered 238.72 pounds of packaged marijuana and tetrahydrocannabinol, commonly referred to as THC, products and $16,265 in cash. The total street value of the drugs seized is an estimated $190,976.

In a second smuggling event on Aug. 12, agents assisted by a Border Patrol K-9 discovered 21 wrapped bundles concealed in a vehicle’s floorboards. The contents of the packages, which totaled 79.9 pounds, tested positive for methamphetamine and are worth an estimated $67, 932.

In all three events, the suspected smugglers were placed under arrest. The vehicles, drugs, and cash were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds are reflecting on their first three seasons, and making changes geared toward a better fan experience ahead of the 2025-2026 season.

The Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, John Page, said officials heard concerns from fans about the high cost of attending games. One area they recognized the need for change was parking prices, and now they’ve developed a solution.

Fans who purchase parking in advance on the ParkWhiz app can access parking in the general Main Lot for $20, with increasing rates on the day of the game.

It’s not just parking prices decreasing, the Firebirds are offering low-cost food and beverage items with The Oasis during happy hour. This will include $5 draft beer, $10 wine and a variety of menu items, like combo meal offerings, under $10. Officials said there will be additional “pocket-friendly” food and beverage items at other concession locations throughout the arena.

For families in the Valley, hoping to attend games during the week, puck drop will now be earlier at 6:30 p.m. for games Monday through Thursday. Happy hour events during those days will also start early, at 5:30 p.m., at The Oasis.

These are just some of the offerings The Coachella Valley Firebirds are changing to improve what officials call the “fan-centric” game day experience.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from the Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds on these changes for fans.

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Allie Anthony

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Sixth-grade teacher Oracio Magaña of Valley View Elementary has been named the “One Class at a Time Teacher of the Month” by News Channel 3 and the Walter Clark Legal Group.

Magaña is a Coachella Valley native. He was recognized for his work with KidWind, an after-school STEM program where students design wind and solar energy projects.

“We started the STEM program here at Valley View. And once it started, it was a great opportunity for us to be able to incorporate a little bit of science with engineering. The kids are really attracted to it,” said Magaña.

His team has won multiple awards for their innovative designs. They build their very own small-scale wind turbines.

“It’s so impressive to right off the bat find such a great teacher doing something that’s really cutting edge at the time when we really need this kind of positive movement behind safe and clean energy,” said Walter Clark.

The $777.77 donation from the Walter Clark Legal Group will help fund materials for this year’s competitions.

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Cynthia White

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Sunnylands Center & Gardens is set to open on September 10th, offering many events throughout its new season, including “Films in the Gardens.”

The free outdoor movie series returns with a trio of films inspired from the new Sunnylands exhibition, “Curating Canopy: Trees at Sunnylands.”

As the new exhibition takes a look at the variety of trees that have helped shape the Sunnylands landscape for nearly 60 years, Films in the Gardens showcases movies in which trees play a role in the story.

The films in the series – titled “Tales Beneath the Trees,” are rated R or PG for their scary or supernatural themes.

The free film showings start at 7:30 p.m., with gates opening at 6:00 p.m., on three Fridays in September:

September 12 – Poltergeist, Rated: PG.

September 19 – Sleepy Hollow, Rated: R.

September 26 – Pan’s Labyrinth, Rated: R.

Reservations are not required, and carpooling is strongly encouraged.

Filmgoers are encouraged to bring lawn chairs, blankets, and small picnics, as no seating or food is provided. Snacks and drinks will be available from the Sunnylands café from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Large coolers, alcohol, smoking, and pets are not allowed, and films may be canceled at any time due to weather conditions.

Sunnylands Center & Gardens, located at 37977 Bob Hope Drive in Rancho Mirage, is presenting Films in the Gardens in partnership with the Palm Springs International Film Festival.

For more details on Films in the Gardens and information on other events at Sunnylands, visit sunnylands.org/events/.

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