Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The fall version of Modernism Week in Palm Springs will include more than 50 events featuring free and low-cost programs during its Oct. 16-19 run, officials announced today.

“We are so excited to continue sharing the momentum of our twentieth-year celebration with this popular fall version of our festival,” Modernism Week CEO Lisa Vossler Smith said in a statement. “We will continue to showcase new events and some of the most popular programs that have made Modernism Week in February so famous.”

The four-day event will highlight mid-century and modern architecture, art, interior, landscape design and vintage culture throughout the city.   

A full schedule will be released online Friday at modernismweek.com, and tickets will go on sale Aug. 1 at noon.   

The signature 11-day festival will be held Feb. 12-22, 2026, with tickets available starting Nov.1 at noon.

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Peter Daut

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– Scams targeting older adults are on the rise, becoming more deceptive and more costly. An upcoming “senior scam awareness seminar” in Palm Desert aims to give people the tools to stay informed and alert.

The event is being hosted by assemblyman Greg Wallis in partnership with the desert recreation district. Organizers say scammers are targeting older adults every day through fake phone calls, deceptive emails, and online schemes. 

Just this past April, the Palm Springs police department issued a warning about new and ongoing scams affecting local seniors.

Nick Anziano District Director for Assemblymember Greg Wallis says, “Unfortunately, once they engage with the scammer from there it’s kind of a slippery slope. So you can’t wait until someone’s been scammed to act, and that’s the whole point of this event to help protect people. and help people to protect themselves.” 

The District Director reports that a number of state agencies and representatives will be there to present the most current information on this growing topic. 

“With technology and how prevalent AI is becoming, these criminal predators become increasingly sophisticated. and their tactics are quite terrifying honestly,” Anziano adds. 

The free seminar will be held August 13, at the Palm Desert Community Center from 9 to 11 a.m.

For more information stay with News Channel 3.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An unlicensed motorist who killed a woman and injured three others in a driving under the influence collision in Cathedral City on Christmas Day 2023 was sentenced today to 10 years in state prison.   

Angel Gabriel Torres Hernandez of Cathedral City pleaded guilty last week to DUI gross vehicular manslaughter, two counts of reckless driving and a sentence-enhancing great bodily injury allegation under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors dropped several related counts against Hernandez.  

During a hearing at the Larson Justice Center in Indio Tuesday, Superior Court Judge Dean Benjamini certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the stipulated sentence.

According to the Cathedral City Police Department, the deadly wreck occurred shortly after 11 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2023.   

Hernandez was driving northbound on Date Palm Drive when he veered into southbound lanes while attempting to make a turn onto Varner Road, plowing into two southbound cars because he was heavily intoxicated, police said.   

One of the drivers, identified in court documents only as “Enma C.,” was injured in the crash and pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics.   

Occupants of the other vehicle, two women and a man — suffered minor to moderate injuries, according to investigators.   

The defendant fled the scene but was apprehended minutes later without incident by patrol officers.

Hernandez had no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents were surprised when a fighter jets took to the skies in the Palm Springs area conducting military training.

We’re working on getting more information on the training.

Residents called News Channel 3 just before 3 p.m.

According to the airport, military use of Palm Springs International Airport is not new as it dates back to the 1940s.

“Since the federal government released the land to Palm Springs and has provided millions of dollars in grant funding from the Federal Aviation Administration to help construct runways, lighting systems, terminal buildings, and a control tower, the airport is required to allow the federal government, which includes the military, to use its facilities in perpetuity. This means the City of Palm Springs cannot prevent United States military aircraft from using the airport. Palm Springs International Airport does not have any military facilities or aircraft based on airport property, but the airport does experience military aircraft landings mostly related to fuel and rest stops, and some practice takeoff and landings.”

Palm Springs International Airport Noise Page

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE 7/23/2025 – All westbound lanes are now open.

UPDATE 7/22/2025 – CHP reports that the westbound lanes on I-10 lanes in the Cactus City area are still closed at this time due to extensive bridge damage.

They state they are working on opening the right shoulder for traffic to continue traveling westbound, with an estimation of the shoulder opening around 11:15 p.m.

They ask drivers to please remember to slow down and drive safe as you pass through the area.

CACTUS CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was found dead inside the cab of a tractor-trailer overturned and caught on fire near the Cactus City rest area. All westbound lanes on Interstate 10 have been shut down.

Westbound traffic is being diverted to Box Canyon Road.

SIG Alert 🚨 7/22/25 – 1:15 pm

CHP is investigating a traffic crash on I-10 east of the Cactus City Rest Area. The westbound lanes are closed at this time. Westbound traffic is being diverted to Box Canyon Road.

— CHP Indio (@chpindio) July 22, 2025

The crash was reported just after 12:20 p.m. east of the rest stop.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the tractor trailer went out of control and off the side of the freeway, rolling over next to an underpass and frontage road. No other vehicles were involved.

The trucker was reportedly able to self-extricate from the wreckage before flames spread from the engine compartment to the rest of the big rig, jumping into surrounding brush moments later.

There is no word on any injuries. Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A 31-year-old man was arrested following a suspected DUI crash that killed a driver over the weekend in Yucca Valley.

The crash happened Saturday at approximately 1:50 a.m. along State Route 247, north of Ancient Woman Springs Road.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the suspect, a Wildomar resident, was driving a Ford F-150 southbound on SR-247. He crossed over the solid double yellow line and crashed head-on with the driver of a Honda Civic.

The driver of the Honda, identified as Michael Lopez, 49, of Wildomar, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspected DUI driver suffered major injuries.

CHP investigators determined the driver of the Ford was under the influence. He faces multiple charges, including murder. County jail records show he is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Zachariah Perez

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)- Teal Thron has been named Chief Executive Officer of the nonprofit First Tee Coachella Valley.

Officials said Thron is no stranger to the Coachella Valley, as she has deep roots in the region, with decades of experience and connections. 

Thron joined the nonprofit in 2008 as the first Program Director of the Coachella Valley Chapter.

Thron then spearheaded the launch of the First Tee in Orange County, where she served as the program Director for eight years.

In 2020 she returned to the desert to lead FTCV as Executive Director and later joined the national First Tee Headquarters team in 2023 as Director of Chapter Relationships. 

“Coming home to lead First Tee – Coachella Valley feels both deeply personal and powerfully purposeful,” said Thron. “The experiences I’ve gained at the chapter and national levels have only strengthened my resolve to empower the next generation through this game I love,” said Thron. 

She was born and raised in Palm Springs, and her life has been shaped by golf as a standout on the boys golf team at Palm Springs High School, she earned a full golf scholarship and competed at the collegiate level before playing professionally.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Teal back to the First Tee Coachella Valley team,” said Lindsay Woods, Interim General Manager of Desert Recreation District. “Her deep roots in the Valley and strong leadership background make her an ideal fit to guide this important program. Teal brings passion, vision and a sincere commitment to kids and families, and that’s exactly what this role requires.”

The First Tee organization’s mission is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programs that build character and promote life-enhancing values through the game of golf. 

For more information or to get involved with First Tee – Coachella Valley, visit www.ftcv.org   

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Tori King

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ)– A new candidate has entered the race for the 41st Congressional District.

On Tuesday morning, Katherine Aleman announced she will be running as a Democratic candidate, backed by an endorsement from Former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. Aleman is a public school teacher, working mom of four, small business owner, and former Norco City Council Member.

During the campaign announcement event, Aleman introduced herself to the community. According to Aleman, she was raised on El Toro Marine Corps base by a Helicopter Marine pilot father and an elementary school principal mother. Aleman attended local public schools in the Inland Empire, and following her family’s tradition of service, Katherine joined the United States Peace Corps. Katherine eventually returned to the Inland Empire as a public school teacher is currently raising her family in Norco.

Aleman has held office before, and was elected to the Norco City Council, running on a platform to hold officials accountable on zoning changes. During that time, Aleman was the only Democrat on the City Council. According to Aleman, during that stint, she learned to work across the isle to get issues solved. Aleman focused her efforts on address homelessness, building affordable housing for veterans, lowering utility rates, expanding the city’s small business loan program, and funding public safety.

For the 41st Congressional District, Aleman’s platform focuses on to putting working families first, bringing down the cost of living, and keeping health care affordable.

“The Inland Empire needs to have a fresh voice for change in Washington,” said Aleman to News Channel Three’s Tori King.

To learn more about Aleman and to see a full list of endorsements click here.

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Haley Meberg

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ)– The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians donates over 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Thermal Station as back to school approaches. 

As a part of their outreach initiative, officers have begun distributing the backpacks filled with supplies to families in need. The backpacks include a range of elementary school supplies from notebooks and pocket folders to pencil cases, pencils and erasers.

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Thermal and Palm Desert Stations extend their gratitude to the Twenty-Nine Band of Mission Indians for their generous donation of backpacks and school supplies. Your support not only strengthens our ability to serve the community but also highlights the powerful impact we can have when we work together. Thank you for your continued support,” said the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians continue their annual donations to show their continuous commitment to supporting education and investing in the future of students across the Coachella Valley.

“It’s unfortunate that not every child in the Coachella Valley has access to basic school supplies,” said Chairman Darrell Mike of  the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “The Tribe is committed to these kids and very proud that we are able to provide the tools they need to learn and succeed.”

The supplies provided by the tribe goes to support Twentynine Palms ASYMCA, Morongo Unified School District and the Coachella Unified School District.

The tribe is holding upcoming donation events at 10 a.m. July 22 at the ASYMCA Twentynine Palms, 8 a.m. July 30 at the Morongo Unified School District, and 6 p.m. August 12 at the Coachella Valley Unified School District. 

By the beginning of the school year the tribe hopes to provide a total of 1,800 backpacks to local communities in need 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds announced that goaltender Jack LaFontaine has been re-signed to a one-year, AHL contract through the 2025-26 season.

LaFontaine, 27, played in two games for the Firebirds last season, spending the majority of the season in the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks, Coachella Valley’s affiliate.

In 31 games with the Mavericks, LaFontaine went 21-8-1, while posting a 2.22 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. In the postseason, LaFontaine recorded four shutouts in 15 games, leading Kansas City to another appearance in the Western Conference Finals.

LaFontaine first joined the Firebirds in 2023.

Prior to joining the team, LaFontaine appeared in games for the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears and Norfolk Admirals. The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder skated in American Hockey League games with the Syracuse Crunch and Charlotte Checkers and earned two games with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.

LaFontaine began his collegiate career at the University of Michigan before transferring to the University of Minnesota. Following his senior season at the University of Minnesota. During the 2020-21 season with the Golden Gophers, LaFontaine held a 22-7-0 record, 1.79 goals against average, and a .900 save percentage. LaFontaine earned the award for the NCAA’s Top Collegiate Goalie (Mike Richter Award), a finalist spot for the Hobey Baker Award (NCAA Top Collegiate Hockey Player) and was named an NCAA (West) First-Team All-American.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds kick off their 2025-26 season at home on Oct. 10. Click here for the full season schedule.

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