Category: kesq-local-news

Kendall Flynn

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County is proposing the creation of an enhanced infrastructure financing district (EIFD) and is seeking community input for the process.

There is limited infrastructure in the Cabazon area and it’s an ongoing concern for residents. From weekend traffic along the Interstate 10, trains blocking resident exits or losing power to prevent wildfires, the community said the quality of life needs improvements.

The EIFD would be a financial tool not resulting in any new or increased taxes for property owners or residents. If approved, it would set aside a portion of future growth in tax revenue to invest in infrastructure needs. This would include roads, flood control projects, fire suppression and other improvements.

The county will hold two meetings for the community:

Tuesday, July 22 James Venable Community Center 50390 Carmen Ave., Cabazon 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22 James Venable Community Center 50390 Carmen Ave., Cabazon 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from residents about their concerns, and what officials are doing to help.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s been six months since President Trump began his second term in office. 

Local opponents of the president have made their voices heard in the months since his inauguration. Several protests have been held across the valley, with many expressing their discontent with the president’s agenda and policies.

While displeased of the President’s policies, desert Democrats like Elle Kurpiewski, the Political Coordinator at the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, said their cause is growing.

“People are becoming upset with some of the things that he’s doing, and we’re seeing an increase in registration,” Kurpiewski explained.

Organizers of the protests in the Coachella Valley also said attendance at each protest have been growing since they started gathering in response to President Trump’s election. They said attendance has grown tenfold from January to their latest protest in June.

“The most wonderful thing about it has been, again, how peaceful it has been, but more importantly, the numbers. And quite honestly, it’s reminding me of the sixties and the seventies when we said enough is enough,” she continued.

Meanwhile, other groups, like the East Valley Republican Women Patriots, have held quieter celebrations in support of the President.

The group’s president, Joy Miedecke, was unavailable for an interview on Tuesday, but provided the following statement to News Channel 3, highlighting their satisfaction with the President’s first six months back in office:

“The Patriot Store is pleased to state that after six (6) months, President Trump has kept his promises:

The border is closed tighter than at any time in history

Illegal alien criminals are being deported

Crime rates are already dropping

Tariffs are creating historically high monthly national revenues

Tariff policies of President Trump are creating historically high investments in domestic manufacturing facilities. This investment will lead to even more jobs for Americans

Inflation has been reduced significantly

Negotiations for peace are making progress worldwide

As a result of Trump’s tax cuts, everyday Americans will experience income growth not seen in years

These “promises kept” are improving the lives of all Americans.”

Joy Miedecke, President (East Valley Republican Women Patriots)

Click here to follow the original article.

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Promising signs in the fight against the HIV epidemic. But officials warn cuts to public health funding could reverse this progress.

Director of specialty services at DAP Health, Dr. Jason Halperin, says access comes down to cost.

“The biggest barrier I see for my patients are actually fighting to get the medications approved by their insurance. The cost is a real concern. This medication, the price is set by the pharmaceutical l company Gilead… What we’re doing at DAP Health is we have navigators who are focused on advocating for our patients through their insurance companies to get on the appropriate medication for them.”

Dr. Jason Halperin, DAP Health Director of Specialty Services

Lenacapavir, or Yeztugo, the latest HIV prevention shot that only needs to be taken twice a year, costing about $28,000 a year at list price.

Dr. Halperin say funding cuts could further prevent these resources from getting in the hands of those who need them.

“We’re in a tough spot. I can’t believe we’re in this position where we have the most amazing medical innovation for the treatment and preventions of HIV… That said, we are losing the political will to ensure accessibility of this medication, especially when you think about communities that need it the most and where there’s disparities to accessing this medication.”

Dr. Jason Halperin, DAP Health Director of Specialty Services

He says the first step toward saving costs, and saving lives, is HIV prevention strategies. It all starts with a simple test.

For resources, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

The first day of school is just around the corner, and families are starting to shift back into school-year routines. While the transition from summer to the classroom can be tough, small changes now can make a big difference.

Mental Health Therapist, Sofia Prieto, from the Palm Springs Unified School District says now is the time to ease kids back into routines. She recommends easing into earlier bedtimes and wake-ups about a week before school begins.

According to The Northwestern Evaluation Association, students can lose up to 30% of their academic progress during the summer. Prieto encourages parents to help kids read, write, and talk about what they’re learning to stay sharp.

Preparing backpacks and choosing outfits can also reduce back-to-school anxiety. A little planning now can go a long way for a successful school year.

Click here to follow the original article.

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs City Council voted to approve the Oak View Group (OVG) taking over the contract of the Palm Springs Convention Center on Monday.

The agreement includes a base payment of $1,442,500 over five years, with potential performance-based incentive fees bringing the total contract to a maximum of $3,606,250. 

The initial term runs from Sept. 28, 2025, through Sept. 27, 2030, with the option to extend for an additional five years by mutual agreement.

OVG is the company that brought Acrisure Arena and the Firebirds to the Coachella Valley.

They’re also set to manage operations at the renovated Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs.

It comes after Tim Leiweke stepped down as the CEO of OVG after being indicted for an alleged scheme to rig the bidding process at a sports complex in Austin, Texas.

During the meeting, officials presented a detailed presentation breaking down background, contract overview and the OVG transition.

The company has a transition kickoff meeting with the city and current operator on July 22.

Click here to follow the original article.

KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Surf Club management agreed to look into ways to mitigate noise levels at the park after meeting with the Palm Springs Planning Commission Tuesday night.

The park opened in January 2024, but several mechanical issues delayed the official opening. The park is now fully operational conducting daily business. 

According to a staff report posted on the city’s website, the Surf Club is supposed to give an update to the Planning Commission within six months of it’s opening as part of the park’s approval process.

The main topic of discussion was the noise generated at the park from events and the equipment.

According to Palm Springs Code Enforcement, there have been a total of 66 complaints from neighboring communities over a 3-year period. Most of the entries relate to the noise generated by the wave making machines, music, and the gathering of attendees at the park.

The park has been cited 6 times and the staff report states all fines have been paid in full.

News Channel 3 spoke with the Palm Springs Surf Club Director of Surf Operations Chance Gaul after the meeting about the changes they plan to make.

Gaul says, “So we’re going to look inside the machine rooms. We’re going to look outside the machine rooms, and then the simple fix for the amplified bass is turn the bass down and and we’ll work on that. I know that we will be implementing a living wall. And, you know, we just want to reiterate how ready we are to work with the community and make sure that they’re comfortable in their own home.”

The park has already adjusted their hours so they are not open as late.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At its meeting on Monday night, the Palm Springs City Council approved a license agreement with Palm Springs Pride for the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of a landmark flagpole in the Arenas District.

Palm Springs Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte says the decision paves the way for a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and equality in the heart of Palm Springs.

The Arenas District Flagpole Project will feature a prominent installation of the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag, considered the most significant piece of LGBTQ+ art created by the artist.

The installation will commemorate the Black, white, Latino, Asian, and Native-born activists who fought for LGBTQ+ equality since the flag was first flown in San Francisco in 1978.

It is planned to be located at Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, a key gateway to the Arenas Business District. The project is spearheaded by the Arenas District Merchants and will be managed by the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.

Gilbert Baker’s iconic rainbow flag emerged from a request by the late gay supervisor Harvey Milk, who urged Baker, a gay artist, to design a symbol for the 1978 San Francisco Pride parade. The flag was initially eight-striped and later refined to six colored stripes, becoming an international symbol for LGBTQ+ rights. The Baker flag was adopted as the official Pride Flag of Palm Springs Pride in 2011.

In addition to the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag displayed on the flagpole, approved alternative flags include the Transgender flag, designed by Monica F. Helms; the Leather Pride flag, designed by Anthony (Tony) F. DeBlase; the Bisexual Pride flag, designed by Michael Page; and the flag of the State of California.

Additionally, the U.S. flag will be displayed on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Flags can be lowered to half-staff by presidential, gubernatorial, or local proclamation.

“In Palm Springs’ 87-year history, no other cultural or civic group has stepped forward to propose funding a landmark flagpole to honor their community. Yet today, the LGBTQ+ community is doing just that, championing a powerful symbol of pride and inclusivity for all to see,” said deHarte. As Mayor of Palm Springs, deHarte was recused from participating in the project.

“You can support the Landmark Pride Flag. We’re actively raising funds for the Arenas District Pride Flagpole, an incredible piece of art that will symbolize hope and commemorate the tireless fight for equality among activists of all backgrounds,” said Mitch Battersby, the Palm Springs Pride Director of Volunteers and a project lead.

For more information on supporting the Arenas District Flagpole Project, visit https://bit.ly/arenasflag.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 has broadcast several special reports on air quality in the Coachella Valley since Hurricane Hilary hit back in August of 2023.

Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Vice President Greg Rodriguez says they continually see more patients with asthma problems. In fact, frequent exposure to poor air quality, such as ozone gas and floating particles can lead to coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks and even a variety of respiratory diseases.

To address the problem, the organization is teaming up with other healthcare providers and working to educate the community.

It’s called Healthy Desert, Healthy You Environmental Health Summit.

Last year’s Summit awarded one million dollars to providers to address environmental health concerns.

Rodriguez adds, “After Hurricane Hilary, we really saw an enormous increase in those particulates in cases of environmental concern. So the District felt that it was important to really build a collaborative approach with the organizations that were already doing great work in the valley around environmental issues. We brought together the that group and held our first Summit last year and really built a great collaborative approach.”

The Summit will be on September 11th and 12th. It will offer fascinating discussions and vendors exploring the challenges affecting health and wellness.

Topics will range from renewable energy to green technology.

For more information on the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Environmental Health Summit, visit healthydeserthealthyyou.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Two men accused with three others of gunning down a Mead Valley resident during a home invasion robbery that occurred almost two decades ago are slated to be arraigned Wednesday.   

DeShawn Cordell Hill, 36, and Kenneth Tucker II, 37, both of Riverside, were arrested in the last two weeks following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Cold Case Unit investigation.

Their co-defendants, Keith Isaiah Crutchfield, 37, of Kileen, Texas, and brothers Dennis Jamal Haynes and Kenneth Lamar Haynes, both 37 and of Phoenix, Arizona, are awaiting extradition following their arrests since the start of the month.

All of the men are charged with first-degree murder and a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a robbery for the 2007 slaying of 51-year-old Andres Valdes. All except Tucker are additionallycharged with sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

Hill is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside, and Tucker is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

Their alleged cohorts are being held on no-bail extradition warrants at correctional facilities in their respective states.   

Hill and Tucker are set for arraignment Wednesday morning before Superior Court Judge Melissa Hale at the Riverside Hall of Justice.   

Sheriff’s Sgt. Jarred Bishop said Cold Case Unit detectives reopened the Valdes homicide case in February after it lay dormant for years.   

The victim was attacked late on the night of June 13, 2007, according to Bishop.

He said the Mead Valley man was home with several family members in the 19000 block of Mariposa Avenue, near Wood Road, when the armed defendants allegedly forced their way onto the property and confronted the victims.   

“Deputies learned the masked suspects entered … with the intent of committing a robbery,” the sergeant said. “Valdes became involved in a physical altercation with the suspects, when one of them shot and killed him.”

The defendants grabbed what valuables were in view and immediately fled the location, Bishop alleged.

Valdes died at the scene. Several others in the household suffered unspecified minor injuries.   

“This case unfortunately went cold without an arrest,” Bishop said.   

Renewed efforts to identify the assailants by the Cold Case Unit turned up additional evidence, culminating in arrest warrants being issued for all of the defendants this month.

Background information on the men wasn’t available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Zachariah Perez

PALM DESERT Calif. (KESQ) –The Berger Foundation Iceplex announced a new partnership and arrival of the Palm Springs Hockey Academy (PSHA).

The academy is a new elite high school prep program that will offer top-tier hockey training and  competition for elite-level players set to begin in September. It will bring an exclusive group of athletes from Europe, Canada, Los Angeles, and San Diego for a unique training experience in the Coachella Valley at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. 

The Palm Springs Academy players will receive elite-level training Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m, while also having educational support and partnership from Desert Christian Academy.

It will offer a flexible path designed for student athletes to ensure that they will have the tools to succeed both academically and athletically while balancing the training schedule.

“We’re thrilled to bring this level of hockey to the desert,” said Justin Reynolds, President and Co-Founder of the Palm Springs Hockey Academy. “Our partnerships with Desert Christian Academy and the Berger Foundation Iceplex create a one-of-a-kind environment where student-athletes can train like pros while receiving a top-tier education.”

The program will feature the following for athletes during their stay here in the Coachella Valley.

Program Features:

Daily On-Ice Training focused on skill development, team systems, and hockey IQ at the Berger Foundation Iceplex

Academic Instruction through Desert Christian Academy, a respected faith-based private school in Bermuda Dunes, CA

Competitive Game Schedule against top North American prep programs, with 1–2 games per month scheduled for Saturday evenings

Mentorship and Development from experienced coaches, advisors, and scouts

Exposure to USHL, WHL, NCAA, and other junior programs

As the popularity of hockey grows in Southern California and the success of the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds, PSHA is in an ideal position to become a national leader in elite player development. 

With an addition of the PSHA the Burger Foundation will now offer a pipeline at all skill levels. This includes:

 Beginners: Learn to Play programs

Intermediate: Youth Rec leagues

Progressive: Jr. Firebirds Travel Hockey

Elite: Palm Springs Academy

“The launch of Palm Springs Hockey Academy has transformed the Berger Foundation Iceplex into a true center of excellence,” said Leslie Deason, Vice President of the Berger Foundation Iceplex. “We now offer a fully integrated developmental pipeline that supports every skill level, from Learn to Play for beginners to elite training through the Academy. This not only strengthens our commitment to player growth but also solidifies the Iceplex as a regional leader in hockey development.”

For recruitment and enrollment for the 2025–26 academic year is currently underway, with limited spots available visit pshockey.com or contact admin@pshockey.com.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for the Latest

Click here to follow the original article.