Category: kesq-local-news

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) From streamlining clinical trials to pinning down new candidates for drugs in record time, artificial intelligence is fast rewriting the pharmaceutical industry playbook.

To get a better sense of what’s going on behind the scenes, News Channel 3 sat down with Christian Olsen, Strategy VP of Dotmatics, a worldwide research software business that serves more than two million scientists worldwide.

“AI and machine learning are technology that we’re using to be force multipliers in the research and discovery space,” Olsen said. “They let us connect sophisticated data, uncover patterns that we might’ve otherwise missed, and make better hypotheses more quickly.”

Dotmatics builds software that helps researchers organize and analyze vast amounts of biological and chemical data, especially in early-stage drug development. But as Olsen pointed out, AI is notreplacing researchers it’s enhancing their ability to do the work.

“We’re taking a conservative approach. Because at the end of the day, even if AI suggests something promising, it still has to be tested and validated in the lab,” he said. “Biology is complex—and sometimes the tech gets it wrong.”

The fears of artificial intelligence in medicine are more prevalent as products become a subject of general conversation. Olsen mentioned a potential disadvantage of too much dependence on conclusions created from AI, mentioning recent high-profile cases ofhallucinated sources in academic papers.

“If all you relied upon was that, then yeah—the fears are well-founded,” Olsen said. “That’s why experimental validation is so critical. You have to see the science work with your own eyes.”

Further down the line, Olsen thinks that the real revolutionizer is what he terms the broad digital revolution going on within research organizations loosening up data from secluded silos into systems where applications of AI can get to work.

“We are engaged with companies actively in that transition,” said Olsen. “And that doesn’t happenovernight. But when it’s in place, it unlocks a vast amount of what’s possible.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Federal cuts to SNAP under the Senate reconciliation bill could increase traffic to local food banks as more Valley residents lose access to affordable groceries, officials say.

The Congressional Budget Office projects over $186 billion could be cut in SNAP benefits over the next decade. It’s a nearly 20% cut that Debbie Espinosa with FIND Food Bank says they’ll be feeling as more clients walk in needing support.

“We’re projecting more people coming to the food bank because of the SNAP cuts and the Medicaid cuts that are happening. A lot of the times, people that are food insecure are also medically insecure, too, because they struggle paying for their health care bills,” Espinosa said.

For one local senior living community, they fear what the rollbacks could mean for their financial security.

“There’s not a single cut that won’t affect us down the road. Everybody in this building is on Social Security. So that’s definitely a concern of us. Everybody here is on Medicare. A lot of people use SNAP benefits, and we don’t know what’s going to happen with that,” Bryan de Simas said. 

While De Simas says he gets little from SNAP, he worries what the snaps could do to less-privileged neighbors.

“I get a little but every bit helps and I’m fighting more for people who can’t fight. I mean, there’s people in this building who can’t even get out of their apartments,” he said. 

According to a 2020 Desert Healthcare District & Foundation community health survey, the Coachella Valley’s low-income communities could suffer the most. Data from 2020 found Indio Hills and Desert Hot Springs had the highest percentage of households receiving SNAP benefits, at 23.9% and 17.8%. When considering households that had children and were receiving SNAP, those margins increase, with 100% of Bermuda Dunes households and 92% of households in Oasis receiving benefits.

Espinosa says they’re already preparing for this impact, by increasing outreach to local donors and supporters.

“In California, we are projecting that there’s going to be over 395,000 people that are affected by these cuts. We have to be preemptive. We have to be strategic. We have to be able to build up our resources now. So when it happens, we’re already prepared as opposed to being behind and trying to make up.” 

FIND is confident they’ll support the community through this rough patch, but are asking anyone who can to also contribute to the solution.

“We require food, friends meaning volunteers and funds, so we can maintain our resources.”

If you’re interested in volunteering with FIND, visit: findfoodbank.org/get-involved/volunteer/

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

Rancho Mirage, Calif.  (KESQ)—The Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage is back for the 2025 season, kicking off today with cool treats, great eats, and a chance to give back to the community.

Hosted annually by the City of Rancho Mirage, Taste of Summer is more than just a celebration of food. The food-focused initiative helps support local non-profits and independent restaurants during the slower summer months. Now in its 9th year, the event has become a seasonal favorite for locals and visitors alike.

This year, the city has approved to boost Shop Local gift cards for this program.

Click here to follow the original article.

Zachariah Perez

RANCHO MIRAGE, CALIF.  (KESQ) – Assemblymember Greg Wallis visited Desert Recreation District sites on Wednesday to thank and recognize local outdoor crewmembers who serve the community.

Over waters and frozen treats, Wallis gathered with Desert Recreation outdoor staff workers at two sites in Cathedral City to personally recognize and thank them for their service and hard work to keep our communities running.

The acknowledgment was in support of a recently introduced legislative resolution by Wallis, to formally recognize the week of July 21st through July 27th, 2025 as Outdoor Workers Appreciation Week – A statewide effort to showcase the critical contributions of those who often work outdoors in challenging conditions throughout the state.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

UPDATE 7/24/2025 – The California Highway Patrol reports that Jeri Chamberlin, the subject of the Silver Alert issued on Wednesday, has been located.

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The California Highway Patrol on behalf of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has issued a Silver Alert for 67-year-old Jeri Chamberlin.

She was last seen on Wednesday, July 23, around 1:00 p.m. near Muirfield Village and Golf View Drive in La Quinta.

She is 5-foot 5-inches tall, 110 pounds with gray hair and blue eyes.

Chamberlin is wearing a blue sundress, and believed to be on foot.

If you see her, you are asked by the CHP to call 911.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Whether you’re a foodie eager to explore new flavors or simply looking for great deals while supporting the community, the Taste of Summer Rancho Mirage has something for everyone.

It’s a great way to experience the best of Rancho Mirage, all while making a meaningful impact.

This annual community-wide tradition is designed to celebrate the city’s vibrant local culinary scene while supporting its restaurants, over 35 Coachella Valley charities, and the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce.

The event runs from July 24th through August 17th, 2025, at participating restaurants throughout Rancho Mirage.

Some locals enjoyed a preview of the culinary offerings from participating restaurants and mingled with Chamber of Commerce members and non-profit partners in a VIP Kick-Off Mixer Wednesday night at the Omni Rancho Las Palmas before the launch of the event.

Starting Thursday, you can enjoy the the same offerings, exclusive deals, and special offers at those participating restaurants by buying a Taste of Summer wristband for just $10. A portion of every wristband sold benefits local charities and the Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce.

To learn more about the event, purchase a wristband, and to view participating restaurants and specials offered, visit www.TasteofSummerRanchoMirage.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

UPDATE 7/25/25 9:05 A.M.- CAL FIRE reports that the “Mitchell” brush fire near Anza remains at 51 acres and is now 90 percent contained.

UPDATE 7/23/25 7:47 P.M. – CAL FIRE reports that the “Mitchell” brush fire near Anza remains at 51 acres and is now 70 percent contained.

All evacuation orders have been lifted.

The fire’s forward rate of speed was stopped, and crews will remain on scene for several hours mopping up.

UPDATE 7/23/2025 – CAL FIRE is reporting via social media that evacuation orders have been issued for the following zones: RVC-ANZA-7, RVC-ANZA-8.

A care and reception site is being established at Anza Community Hall: 56630 Hwy. 371, Anza. The fire is at 51 acres and 0% contained.

ANZA, Calif. (CNS) – A brush fire that broke out Wednesday northeast of Anza scorched roughly 12 acres, moving in the direction of the San Bernardino National Forest, before Cal Fire aircraft slowed it down. 

The non-injury blaze was reported at 3:25 p.m. in the area of Bautista Canyon and Glasgow roads, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said that multiple engine and hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a moderate rate across open space to the east, along the foot of the national forest.

Four Cal Fire air tankers and two water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the brusher 20 minutes after it started, trying to wedge the head of the fire between dirt roads. As of 4:10 p.m., the drops had significantly reduced the burn rate.

A mandatory evacuation order was issued for the few scattered properties in the immediate vicinity of the fire.

Officials at the scene said that a vacant structure, possibly an outbuilding, was damaged.

CAL FIRE reports that as of 4:15 p.m., there was zero percent containment of the fire.

There was no immediate word regarding how the brusher may have started.

The area encompassing Anza and Aguanga, abutting the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, has been the point of origin for a cluster of minor and major fires over the last few years.

   Eds: Riverside County Fire Department crews have deployed to a five-acre brush fire in the area of Bautista Canyon and Glasgow roads, north ofHighway 371, in Anza. The blaze is at the foot of the San Bernardino NationalForest. No homes are immediately threatened.   —

Click here to follow the original article.

Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Palm Springs International Airport Executive Director was named Airport Executive of the Year by the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE).

Harry Barrett Jr., Executive Director of the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), received the highest individual honor by SWAAAE for Airport Executive of the Year. This award is granted to a leader who demonstrates courage, innovation, and measurable impact on their airport, community, and the aviation industry. 

Barrett joined PSP in 2020 and was named Executive director in 2022. Over his time working at PSP he has overseen a period of historic growth for the airport.

During his tenure, he has secured more than $6 million in FAA grants to modernize PSP’s outbound baggage system and led major infrastructure projects, including a $36 million TSA and ticket lobby expansion and an $11 million passenger loading bridge replacement.

Employees note his commitment to transparency, accountability and community engagement helps foster an environment where both travelers and passengers feel supported and empowered. 

“Harry’s ability to balance warmth with clarity, friendship with leadership, and bold vision with 

everyday execution has created a rare kind of workplace: one where people feel proud to serve,”  one nomination reads. 

Barrett launched ProgressPSP.com, a public-facing website that tracks airport capital projects 

and promotes fiscal transparency. Beyond capital growth, the executive has double staffing for PSP creating inclusive jobs for adults with disabilities. 

His continuous efforts to better not only the airport but the community is a testament to his transformative leadership. 

For more information stay with News Channel 3. 

Click here to follow the original article.

KESQ-Newsroom

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs City Councilmembers approved a long-debated bridge project on South Palm Canyon Drive on Monday, despite concerns from environmental advocates.

After years of delays and design changes, the council voted to approve a version that will impact the Oswit alluvial fan.

Some conservation groups worry about the environmental effects — but other nearby residents say it’s a necessary move to ensure emergency access for the neighborhood, especially during flooding.

City leaders said that delaying the project any further could raise costs and put crucial funding at risk.

The project has had state funding secured for years — including nearly $5 million from Caltrans that must be used by the end of 2026.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

Click here to follow the original article.

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy announced a public comment period and Tribal consultation process for their proposed Proposition 4 Grant Program. 

The proposed Proposition 4 Grant Program was enacted on November 5, 2024 by the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024. The program aims to uplift public improvement efforts and tackle urgent climate needs throughout the state of California. 

“The Proposition 4 Grant Program will bring $11 million in conservation funding to public agencies, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley over the next five years,” said Elizabeth M. King, Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy. 

“Funds will be available for land acquisitions, habitat enhancement and restoration projects, and public access improvements that tackle our most urgent climate needs.” 

In light of the proposed program the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy opened a public comment period where any interested parties can submit comments on the grant programs guidelines, eligibility criteria and priorities. 

The comment period began on July 10 and will be open until October 10, with a virtual interest meeting being held on September 2 at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. 

“The public comment period allows stakeholders to provide valuable input on the proposed grant program, while the Tribal consultation is a crucial step in upholding our government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations and addressing their unique needs and concerns,” King adds. 

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy reports they hope to create an open dialogue with federally recognized Tribes who could potentially feel the impacts of these changes in their communities.

The consultation period will run concurrently with the public comment period, beginning on July 10 and concluding on October 10, with a Virtual Tribal Consultation Session being held on September 2 via Microsoft Teams. 

RSVPs for both events must be placed by August 27. For more information visit https://www.cvmc.ca.gov and stay with News Channel 3.

Click here to follow the original article.