Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — A federal court granted a preliminary injunction for Cathedral City prohibiting Fantasy Balloon Flights (FBF) and its principals from engaging in conduct that interferes with the annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival, the city announced Monday.

City officials said the order protected the city’s rights to the hot air balloon festival by prohibiting the defendants from engaging in conduct that the Court found likely to be unlawful, unfair, and fraudulent under California’s Unfair Competition Law.

“Today’s order protects the integrity of our community’s beloved festival and gives residents, visitors, pilots, and sponsors clear assurance about who is running the official event,” said  Ryan Hunt, Communications and Events Manager. “We look forward to welcoming everyone to  the authentic Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival on November 21–23.”

The lawsuit centered on FBF’s use of the “Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival” name to advertise a competing event after its contract expired to operate the festival and losing a competitive bidding process in 2025, according to the city.

Last month, FBF “disavowed the future use” of the city’s balloon festival name.

According to the city, based on extensive declarations and exhibits, the Court found Cathedral City is likely to succeed on its UCL claim.

“The Court cited evidence that the defendants (1) held themselves out as  authorized organizers of the official 2025 Festival, (2) solicited and accepted sponsorships and  pilot deposits without the City’s authorization, (3) created confusion among pilots, sponsors,  and venues, and (4) took steps inconsistent with its prior statement to the Court that it had  “moved on” from the City’s Festival, including securing FAA approval in June 2025 under Cindy Wilkinson’s name for the ‘Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival.'”

Preliminary Injunction OrderDownload

The 11th annual Cathedral City International Hot Air Balloon Festival will take place on Nov. 21-23, featuring more than 20 colorful hot air balloons, food trucks, family activities, a drone light show, games and live entertainment, headlined by Robin Thicke.

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Garrett Hottle

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of high-profile bills aimed at tightening California’s rules on artificial intelligence, online safety, and antisemitism in public schools, part of a final push before the deadline to act on hundreds of measures from this year’s legislative session.

The governor approved a broad package focused on protecting children online, including new safeguards for AI chatbots, mandatory age verification, and social media warning labels. The laws also increase penalties for distributing deepfake pornography and require schools to adopt anti-cyberbullying policies covering off-campus conduct.

“Emerging technology like chatbots and social media can inspire, educate, and connect – but without real guardrails, technology can also exploit, mislead, and endanger our kids, Governor Newsom said in statement. “We’ve seen some truly horrific and tragic examples of young people harmed by unregulated tech, and we won’t stand by while companies continue without necessary limits and accountability. We can continue to lead in AI and technology, but we must do it responsibly — protecting our children every step of the way. Our children’s safety is not for sale.”

Among the signed bills:

SB 243 requires AI “companion chatbots” to disclose they are artificial, block explicit content for minors, and provide suicide-prevention resources.

AB 1043 mandates age-verification features in apps and operating systems.

AB 621 allows victims of deepfake pornography, including minors, to seek civil damages of up to $250,000.

AB 715 establishes a new Office of the Antisemitism Prevention Coordinator within California’s public school system to track complaints and develop educator training.

This is a developing story and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Eisenhower Health is set to pay $4 million to a former doctor who said he was forced out in 2020 for raising concerns about COVID safety, and retaliation for reporting discriminatory behavior.

“Its impact on Dr. Loftus was profound and life-altering. Defendants’ argument that “there is no evidence that EMC or EMA had advance knowledge of the unfairness of the employee acting against Dr. Loftus and employed him with a conscious disregard of the rights and safety of others” is belied by the overwhelming weight of the evidence and the previously detailed findings of the Referee,” reads the resolution by Judge Michael Latin.

Eisenhower Medical Associates, a co-defendant in the case, was not ordered to pay damages.

Loftus said he first warned Loftus to hospital leadership in February 2020 about the potential for a local COVID-19 outbreak in the region.

“This case was about the dozens of people at Eisenhower who worked with me, who had concerns about patient and worker safety, and also had concerns about a culture of bullying,” Loftus told News Channel 3’s John White in July.

Loftus said the bullying came in the form of discriminatory and misogynistic treatment.

Earlier this year, a retired judge awarded $1.6 million after ruling on the case.

News Channel 3 anchor John White investigated the case, speaking with Loftus after the ruling. Check out his report below:

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Garrett Hottle

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) A federal complaint filed in Atlanta and reviewed by KESQ News Channel 3, names Coachella Valley thoracic surgeon Dr. Daniel P. Logsdon as a defendant alongside Reston Legacy Capital, LLC, Reston Equity Group, LLC, and co-founder Kyle Motycka. 

The lawsuit, brought by Dr. Aaron Funk, alleges minimum wage and overtime violations under the Fair Labor Standards Act, retaliation, breach of contract, fraud, and related claims. It was filed September 22 in the Northern District of Georgia. 

The complaint describes Dr. Funk as an executive hired in 2023 to raise capital and develop investor relations for Reston. It alleges Funk was not paid for multiple pay periods, was denied agreed reimbursements including graduate school costs, and was later terminated after he complained to the U.S. Department of Labor. 

The filing also alleges Motycka and Logsdon acknowledged outstanding amounts and discussed a repayment plan before Funk’s termination. (Allegations in a complaint are claims by one party, not findings of fact.) 

The case follows an investigative report by Cincinatti local news station WCPO, into companies acquired by Reston in Northern Kentucky, which reported more than 20 lawsuits alleging unpaid bills and unfinished work. In the story, Logsdon is identified as a Reston co-founder.

Here at home, Logsdon is listed by Eisenhower Health as a thoracic surgeon at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Clinic in Rancho Mirage. He also serves as Treasurer, Zone 3 on the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation board.

News Channel Three has reached out to Dr. Logsdon’s Office, Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Eisenhower Health, and the legal counsel for Dr. Funk. 

In a statement provided to KESQ News Channel 3, Dr. Logsdon says he’s not involved in the day to day operations of the company, and his role is limited to that of an investor.

“I am not involved in the management or day-to-day operations of Reston Equity Group, Reston Legacy Capital, or any related entity. My role has always been limited to that of an investor and minority owner. From time to time, I have provided general business input or guidance when asked, but I have never been responsible for, or participated in, operational, financial, or employment decisions for the company.

Any suggestion that I oversee or direct Reston’s business activities is inaccurate. My professional focus and full-time work remain with my medical practice in California, and I have no involvement in the company’s internal management or personnel matters.

As there is pending litigation, it would be inappropriate for me to comment further on that matter.” – sent via text from Dr. Logsdon

Dr. Logsdon also tells News Channel 3, his legal counsel will be sending us an additional statement clarifying any misconceptions on the case.

This story will be updated with further information as it becomes available. 

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After a months-long closure for its annual maintenance, the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is back in operation.

Crews used the downtime to tackle major safety upgrades, including rebuilding one of the tram carriages, replacing critical cables, and conducting thorough tests of the control systems.

“Everything we do is about safety and the experience that the visitors have.”

Chris Bartsch, Vice President of Tramway Systems

The maintenance follows an unexpected shutdown in August due to an electrical issue, which prompted a closer inspection of the tram’s drive systems.

“That was prepared and replaced — so maybe a little more in-depth look at the drive system, but that’s checked every year… But we do have a spare one of those now, we unfortunately did not have one at the time.”

Chris Bartsch, Vice President of Tramway Systems

The annual closure allowed crews to perform other routine inspections and preventive maintenance tasks, which are part of a comprehensive safety protocol that includes frequent checks.

On reopening day, visitors were eager — and in some cases, a little nervous — to ride the iconic tramway. Others said the recent upgrades helped reassure them.

With the tram now running daily from 10:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m., visitors can once again enjoy the 2.5-mile ride from the desert floor to the top of Mount San Jacinto.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more. 

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Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The CEO/Founder of Silvercrest Advertising was arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash nearly one year ago in Cathedral City.

William Frank Rodriguez, 43, of Palm Springs, was arrested Monday afternoon, according to jail records. He was charged with homicide, along with other charges.

The crash happened on Oct. 11, 2024, just after midnight in the area of E. Palm Canyon Drive and Bankside Drive.

Christina Barrington, 60, was killed in the crash while riding her scooter in the area. Her dog was also injured in the crash but survived and was reunited with family members.

Christina Barrington

Police said the investigation revealed that the suspect vehicle dragged the scooter after the crash while fleeing the scene.

“Through investigation it was learned the scooter was traveling eastbound East Palm Canyon Drive when another vehicle struck it from behind. Barrington was thrown from the scooter and the suspect vehicle drug the scooter a significant distance while fleeing the scene,” reads a Cathedral City police news release on Tuesday.

Police were able to identify the vehicle that fled the scene as a black 2021 Porsche.

On Thursday, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office approved filing charges. Warrants were obtained the next day and Rodriguez was arrested Monday.

Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Silvercrest has a large reach in the Coachella Valley, as it is a presenting sponsor of the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival as well as the outdoor and VIP spaces at Acrisure Arena. PSIFF terminated their partnership with Silvercrest in February 2025, and they do not have any current affiliations with them.

If you have information related to this incident or believe you may have information, contact Traffic Investigator A. Felix at  (760) 770-0343 or email at AFelix@cathedralcity.gov; or via the Cathedral City Police Department website at: cathedralcitypolice.com; or email tips@cathedralcity.gov.

You can also report information anonymously through Coachella  Valley Crime Stoppers, by calling (760) 341-STOP; or through the WeTip hotline at: 1-(800)-78-CRIME or WWW.WETIP.com. Some tip information may qualify for a cash reward

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A kindergartener remains hospitalized after being bit by a rattlesnake last Friday.

The bite, which happened at Gerald Ford Elementary School in Indian Wells, came from a Colorado Desert sidewinder. The snake is a venomous pit viper native to the Sonoran Colorado Desert, right here in Southern California.

Emily Taylor, a professor of biology at Cal Poly, explained that sidewinders rank relatively lower on the danger scale when it comes to rattlesnake species.

“All rattlesnake bites are medical emergencies, and all rattlesnake bites are very dangerous. Luckily, we have good treatment so that outcomes tend to be good, but you still don’t want to get bitten,” Taylor said. Given the circumstances, though – and the fact that the victim has had 44 doses of antivenom administered to her so far – Taylor emphasized that the severity of bites can often vary.

“The fact that she had to have 44 vials of antivenom suggest that it was actually a very serious envenomation. And so it really highlights how even though there are differences in severity on average between species, any given bite can be very severe or much weaker.”

The rattlesnake that bit the 5-year-old was a baby, but Taylor also pointed out that the evaluation that baby rattlers are more dangerous than adults because they cannot control the amount of venom they release is a myth.

Local security teams understand the risks these rattlesnakes present to residents of the Coachella Valley and regularly send their personnel to trainings on how to handle the reptiles.

That training has come in handy plenty of times throughout the summer, according to Mitch Spike, a local Director of Security for a gated community that runs right up to the desert wildland.

“Probably dozens of times, yeah,” Spike recounted. “Yeah, we get quite a few of them. They’re not all rattlers. They’re not all venomous, but, you know, most of them are.”

And in October, snake sightings are bound to be more common, according to experts. Taylor said rattlesnakes are “bimodal.”

In the winters and summers, rattlesnakes become less active. During the winter, the serpents tend to enter a hibernation-like state; meanwhile, in the summer, the intense heat in the desert keeps them from being active during the daytime.

But during the spring and autumn, rattlesnakes again become active.

In the aftermath of this recent snake bite, Taylor acknowledged, “I completely would understand why people would become fearful, even develop disgust or hatred based on this terrible experience this family has gone through.”

She continued, “But by and large, the more people can be respectful of wildlife, dangerous wildlife, including rattlesnakes, the less likely it is they’re going to have a negative interaction.”

She advised residents – especially those who live close to the edge of the desert-city interface (an area close to wild areas) – to clear their yards of debris or places where rattlesnakes could seek shelter. Rattlesnakes may also seek out wet areas to drink from, so they may gather in those areas. When gardening or walking through tall brush, you should also mind where you place your hands and feet.

And in the event you run into a rattlesnake, she pointed to a little-known resource: a website where you can find trained volunteers who will come to your home and humanely remove the snake from your property, releasing it back into the wild. The link to that site can be found here. (freesnakerelocation.com)

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – As parade season kicks off in Palm Springs, police are emphasizing safety.

“One of the things to be mindful about is traffic,” Palm Springs Police Lt. Gustavo Araiza said. “Try to get to the event early.”

It comes after Kenney Merenda, Palm Springs Police officer, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a crowd of people during the annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade last year.

Since then, the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) said it’s implementing a series of significant safety reforms to prevent similar incidents.

“As we looked at that event and we did our administrative review, one of the things we thought was really important was to get a policy out that staff understands,” Araiza said. “When we work these events and we’re going to have vehicles involved, what the restrictions are going to be.”

Araiza said the department plans to implement those stricter safety policies for upcoming public events.

“Some of those things are avoiding sharp turns, abrupt stops. Also maintaining a speed limit of below 15 miles per hour,” Araiza said. “There are exceptions, however, if there’s an emergency that we must respond to.”

Palm Springs Police said they’re working to ensure nothing like last year’s incident happens again.

“Moving forward we want to make sure the community gets out there and enjoys the event,” Araiza said. “We will provide exemplary service to the community.”

The first major parade of the season, the Palm Springs High School homecoming parade, is scheduled for Wednesday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Allie Anthony

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley now has its own chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, officially opening in Indio this September.

The chapter was founded by Vietnam War veteran Richard Gauthier, who was awarded the Purple Heart in 1966. Until recently, Gauthier had to travel to San Bernardino to attend meetings.

With the launch of the new Indio chapter, local recipients of the Purple Heart now have a place closer to home to gather, support one another, and continue their mission of service. The chapter currently has 14 members and is looking to grow.

To get involved, email richgauthier@aol.com or call (910) 620 – 9485

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Luis Avila

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Banning is planning to close Opportunity Village, its only transitional shelter for unhoused residents, leaving dozens of people with nowhere to go. The decision has sparked concern and uncertainty among shelter residents, as well as criticism from community members.

Milaiza, a resident at the shelter, says she was notified over the weekend by the city’s Director of Homeless Services that the shelter would be closing in 90 days.

“Several of us have gotten full time jobs, expecting housing and proper placement so we can afford our housing but now we’re being told that’s not the case… I feel deceived.”

Milaiza, Opportunity Village Resident

On Tuesday, a group of community members rallied outside Banning City Hall in support of the shelter, including local residents, volunteers, business owners and former city officials.

Former Banning Mayor Alberto Sanchez attended the gathering and voiced concerns about the closure’s impact.

“It would add a lot more. There’s a lot of people who want to get clean, they want to co-exist with our community, be a part of it, and this program does that.”

Alberto Sanchez, Former Banning Mayor

Sanchez also pointed to what he sees as a lack of understanding among current city leadership.

“Leadership doesn’t understand what’s happening in our community… The problem is I don’t think they’ve come out here to see the problem for themselves.”

Alberto Sanchez, Former Banning Mayor

In a statement to News Channel 3, Mayor Sheri Flynn stated:

“We are doing a gradual shut down over the next 90 days of OPV. The residents have been notified. We did not get the third round of grants from the state to keep the shelter going and it costs the City over $600,000 in employee salaries a year to run it. The cost to success ratio was not productive. We will be transitioning those presently there to local, county , and state services that are available to them.”

As the threat of closure lingers, residents are left wondering what comes next.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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