Category: kesq-local-news

Tommy Gallegos

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — On Tuesday, the La Quinta City Council voted 3-2 to remove Sean Webb from the Arts and Community Services Commission.

The vote comes just two weeks before Webb faces voters in a race for the Desert Recreation District Board of Directors.

The La Quinta City Council voted 3-2 to remove Arts and Community Services Commissioner Sean Webb, just two weeks before he faces voters in a race for the Desert Recreation District Board of Directors.

Webb is accused of leaving required information off his financial disclosure forms. He told News Channel 3 that he corrected the paperwork immediately and completed the necessary business license documentation.

In an exclusive interview on Wednesday, News Channel 3’s Patrick Evans asked Webb directly about concerns over conflicts of interest.

“The public will want to look into things. I see it as a non-issue,” Webb said, denying any conflict of interest.

“That there was never a conflict of interest for me. As a commissioner with the city of La Quinta, where there were ever any dealings with my wife’s work or my small business, or the fact that I worked for Comic-Con, there were never any dealings with them whatsoever,” Webb said.

We also asked about why he wasn’t present at the meeting that removed him from the arts commission.

“I’ll tell you that I got notification on Friday. The notification for the meeting was at 4 o’clock. As a commissioner, when there’s a 4 o’clock meeting, I make arrangements to be there because it’s early for me to leave on my workday. So I make arrangements for that. I did not have the ability to do that on such short notice. I did issue a statement,” Webb said.

Webb’s revised financial disclosure is still being reviewed by the California Fair Political Practices Commission. There is currently no set date for action.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more details on this developing story.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A local human rights advocacy group is raising questions after being denied participation in the Palm Springs Pride Parade for the second consecutive year, as organizers explain their decision and the group pushes back.

This year’s parade carries the theme “Be Included,” but members of CODEPINK, a grassroots organization focused on human rights and peace activism, say they are not feeling that same sense of inclusion.

“I think they have a narrowing definition of what inclusion is. It only applies to certain groups,” said Jane Dodd, a CODEPINK volunteer.

Dodd said the group first encountered issues with Greater Palm Springs Pride organizers last year, when its application was initially approved before that decision was reversed.

“We turned in an application and got approved within the hour, then by the end of the day we were unapproved. They said the parade was full but yet the application was still open,” Dodd said.

At the time, according to CODEPINK, organizers cited the group’s late entry and the size of the parade as reasons it could not participate.

However, CODEPINK shared emails and application receipts with News Channel 3 that the group says contradict those explanations.

This year, the organization decided to apply again, hoping for a different outcome.

Dodd said the group initially received no explanation about the status of its application.

“I haven’t heard one word,” Dodd said.

That changed Wednesday. News Channel 3 received a statement from deHarte explaining the organization’s decision.

According to deHarte, CODEPINK’s proposed entry did not meet parade guidelines requiring participants to communicate a clear message supporting or celebrating LGBTQ+ rights, achievements and culture.

However, Dodd questioned how those guidelines are being applied to different organizations participating in the parade.

“I know groups like Planned Parenthood are going to be in the parade. So how do they fit and we don’t fit?” Dodd said.

In his statement, deHarte also pointed to concerns raised by Jewish LGBTQ+ community members and their supporters who expressed fears about their safety during the celebration.

Dodd pushed back on those concerns and questioned how CODEPINK’s advocacy is being interpreted.

“To say it’s anti-Semitic to say it’s wrong to bomb children, I don’t know what that has to do with religion,” Dodd said.

Despite the rejection, Dodd said CODEPINK still plans to take part in Pride festivities, even if the organization is not permitted to march in the parade.

Full statement from Greater Palm Springs Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte

“Greater Palm Springs Pride remains dedicated to protecting our community, fostering unity, and ensuring our parade remains a safe platform for LGBTQ+ visibility, advocacy, and celebration.

Greater Palm Springs Pride is committed to organizing an inclusive, celebratory space that honors, protects,and advances the rights, history, and safety of our LGBTQ+ community and all our allies.

While our parade guidelines invite participants to express diverse perspectives on culture, politics, and society,all entries must align with the foundational purpose of our event.

Individuals or organizations that support or celebrates the rights, achievements, culture, and aspirations of LGBTQ people is welcome to participate. Entries must communicate a clear message of support or celebration relating to LGBTQ people.

After reviewing the proposed entry from Code Pink, and seeing social media posts about their Greater Palm Springs Pride participation, we determined that the entry did not meet this core requirement. While Code Pink engages in broader political advocacy, parade entries are strictly required to convey an explicit, central message focused on supporting and celebrating the LGBTQ+ community.

Furthermore, Greater Palm Springs Pride has heard the serious concerns voiced by Jewish LGBTQ+ community members and their non-Jewish supporters who have expressed fear for their safety as parade participants and spectators. We take these concerns deeply to heart.

We stand firmly against harassment, intimidation, and anti-Semitism in any form. We acknowledge concerns, and we are committed to taking concrete action working closely with community leaders, safety liaisons, and law enforcement to ensure that our parade remains a safe, welcoming, and secure environment where all people including Jewish members of our community and their friends can celebrate Pride free from harm or threat.

Because Code Pink’s entry did not center on celebrating LGBTQ+ rights and achievements as required by our guidelines, and to uphold our commitment to maintaining a safe space for all community members, the entry could not be accepted for this year’s parade.”

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Tommy Gallegos

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — Desert Mirage High School in Thermal was placed on lockdown Wednesday after a report of a person with a firearm prompted a response from Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded at 11:57 a.m. to the 86000 block of 66th Avenue regarding a report of an armed subject. Upon arrival, deputies contacted a juvenile who was found in possession of a replica firearm. The juvenile was taken into custody without incident.

Coachella Valley Unified School District said the lockdown was prompted by a pellet gun on campus. District officials say after an assessment from Sheriff’s, the lockdown was lifted and students were dismissed at their normal time, and parents were notified through the district’s text messaging system.

No injuries were reported, according to the Sheriff’s Office. The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional details were immediately available.

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Friends of the Desert Mountains will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument at the visitor center Friday in Palm Desert.

The festivities will take place at 8:30 a.m. at 51-500 CA-74, south of Highway 111. It will feature guided hikes, educational programs, youth activities, walking tours, giveaways and a time capsule installation.

Participating attendees will include Mayor Evan Trubee, former Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument Manager Jim Foote and former Rep. Mary Bono, R-Palm Desert.

“We’re excited to bring our community together to celebrate 25 years of this extraordinary place,” Tammy Martin, executive director of Friends of the Desert Mountains, said in a statement. “The monument represents decades of dedication to protecting the land and connecting people with it. Theanniversary is an opportunity to celebrate what we’ve accomplished together and look ahead to the next 25 years.”

The monument was designated by Congress on Oct. 24, 2000 and protects roughly 280,000 acres of biological, cultural, recreational, geological and educational resources. It is managed by the Bureau of Land Management, the USDA Forest Service and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

More information can be found at desertmountains.org.

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Matthew Pearce

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) — The conflict in Iran, along with tariffs, has contributed to rising inflation, particularly for diesel fuel.

Rising prices directly impact farmers across the nation, including those here in the Coachella Valley.

However, at a rally in Kansas on Monday, President Donald Trump announced that his administration would introduce an $8 billion aid package for farmers nationwide.

However, economists warn that direct subsidies may not fully offset higher fuel expenses that ripple through the food supply chain. Gbenga Ajilore, Chief Economist at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, pointed out that diesel costs compound as goods move from fields to store shelves.

“So everywhere along the supply chain, diesel, higher diesel prices, higher prices is going to impact what we pay at the grocery store,” Ajilore said.

George Tudor, president of Tudor Ranch, tells News Channel 3 that diesel fuel is an unavoidable expense for daily agricultural operations.

“We don’t have a choice but to use our equipment to get our job done. So there certainly is a direct cost there with that diesel being so expensive,” Tudor said.

Additionally, Tudor noted that high freight costs leave domestic farmers at a distinct competitive disadvantage compared to foreign importers.

While agricultural producers appreciate federal support, many growers prefer long-term market stability over government intervention. Tudor expressed that farmers desire an economic climate where they can sell produce without relying on financial assistance.

“But I think I speak for all farmers when we would much rather be in an environment where we can be competitive, growing and marketing our crops, rather than suffering input cost increases and other things because of what’s going on in the world,” Tudor said.

For more information on the “harvest fuel relief program,” check out this article.

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Raymond Kalra

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – For some families across the Coachella Valley, putting food on the table has become a daily struggle. At the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, staff and volunteers are working to meet that need, serving hundreds of meals each day while preparing for an even greater demand during the upcoming holiday season.

On Wednesday morning, the organization distributed five pallets of food boxes to residents facing food insecurity. The supplies were gone within the first hour, despite the distribution typically being scheduled for a two-hour window.

Andrew Newton, who helps manage the kitchen at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, said the demand for food assistance continues to be significant.

“We’re seeing a lot of seniors coming through our lines,” Newton said. “Like this morning, we just gave away five pallets of food boxes this morning and they were gone within the first hour.”

Newton said the organization is currently meeting much of the demand, but some residents still leave without receiving assistance once supplies run out.

“There are still some people who show up and everything’s gone,” Newton said. “And so that’s hard to turn people away and to tell them, you know, try and be here earlier next week because there’s no telling how many people are going to show up.”

The mission typically distributes approximately 150 to 180 food boxes every Wednesday, providing groceries to families and individuals struggling to afford food.

Newton said the organization is seeing seniors, families with young children, pregnant women and other residents seeking help.

He pointed to the rising cost of everyday necessities as one reason people are struggling.

“Everything’s more expensive,” Newton said. “So filling your pantry now cost twice as much as it once did.”

Inside the kitchen: Preparing up to 1,200 meals a day

Beyond its weekly food distributions, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission operates a kitchen preparing approximately 1,000 to 1,200 meals every day for people staying at the facility and members of the surrounding community.

On Wednesday, kitchen staff worked along a food preparation line, placing hot dogs and tater tots into individual to-go containers for lunch.

Newton said each meal requires a significant amount of preparation, with the kitchen typically serving around 300 people per meal.

A normal morning can include preparing gallons of eggs and oatmeal, dozens of trays of bacon and hundreds of pancakes. Staff also prepare sandwiches, potatoes, meats and other food throughout the day.

Newton said the kitchen typically has between four and six people working behind the scenes, including individuals participating in the mission’s job skills training program and volunteers from the community.

However, the kitchen’s menu is often determined by the donations it receives.

“The biggest challenge is the amount of food that we have at hand, on hand at the time,” Newton said. “And that’s what our menu usually revolves around, is what we have on hand. And that’s dependent on what we get from donations from people around this valley.”

Newton emphasized that contributions from the community make the mission’s daily food operations possible.

“Those donations are absolutely vital,” he said. “They are the reason why we are able to make the meals that we’re able to make for the people that are living here and for the public out and around the valley that need to eat a meal.”

From receiving help to helping others

For Newton, working in the kitchen carries a deeply personal meaning.

Before helping prepare meals for others, he experienced struggles similar to those faced by many of the people now turning to the Rescue Mission for assistance.

“I know where these people are coming from. I know the hurt that they are going through,” Newton said. “I can sympathize and empathize with what these people are going through, because I also went through this situation myself.”

Newton said his own experiences have shaped how he approaches his work and interacts with people receiving assistance.

He said providing a meal is about more than making sure someone has something to eat. It’s also about helping them feel supported during a difficult time.

“I know how important it is to have somebody there that cares about your well-being and that will be there and listen to you and give you a shoulder to cry on and a nice meal to make you feel good,” Newton said.

He added that witnessing the progress of people participating in the mission’s programs is one of the most rewarding parts of his work.

Newton said he hopes those receiving meals feel welcomed, respected and cared for.

“I hope that they feel loved, and I hope that they feel comfortable, and I hope that they feel like they belong like that they matter because they do,” he said.

Preparing for an even greater Thanksgiving demand

With Thanksgiving approaching, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission is preparing for a significant increase in demand for food assistance.

The organization anticipates potentially distributing close to 3,000 Thanksgiving food boxes in the days leading up to and on the holiday, according to preliminary estimates shared with News Channel 3.

Newton said the mission is preparing for holiday demand that could be nearly double what it has experienced in recent years.

“What we’re expecting this year is probably almost double what we have been receiving in the last few years,” Newton said. “At least that’s what we’re going to prepare for just so that we’re ready.”

In addition to its food assistance distributions, the mission plans to serve holiday meals to its clients and members of the public.

Newton said Thanksgiving breakfast service will begin at 6 a.m., with pancakes, eggs, bacon, hash browns, sausage and fruit on the menu.

Later in the day, the kitchen plans to serve a traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, stuffing, candied yams, green beans and pies.

Preparing for Thanksgiving requires substantially more food than an ordinary day.

Newton said the kitchen may need to prepare several times its usual quantities to accommodate the additional people arriving for holiday meals.

“The difference is we have to prepare about ten times the amount of food because it is an unlimited service for a four hour window just for breakfast,” Newton explained.

The mission also expects to welcome family members of individuals staying at the facility, along with other residents seeking a holiday meal.

Volunteers play a critical role

As the mission prepares for Thanksgiving and Christmas, staff say community volunteers are essential to keeping operations running.

Scott Wolf, development coordinator at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, said hundreds of volunteers contribute their time each year, helping with everything from meal preparation to mentorship programs.

“Volunteerism and volunteers are the backbone of what we do here,” Wolf said. “We couldn’t do what we do without hundreds and hundreds and hundreds of volunteers coming here every year to serve, to mentor our clients, to teach classes, to help us in the kitchen, serve meals.”

Wolf said the mission is already operating at high capacity, and the holiday season brings additional demand for food and other services.

“We really highly depend on our volunteers and we cherish our volunteers,” Wolf said. “They really come together and they really make it special for us during the holidays.”

Volunteer opportunities extend beyond the kitchen.

According to Wolf, community members can help prepare and serve meals, mentor individuals participating in the mission’s long-term programs, teach classes or sort donations at the organization’s thrift store.

Wolf said the mission welcomes people with different skills and backgrounds who are interested in giving back.

How the community can help

As Thanksgiving approaches, the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission is appealing for additional food donations, financial contributions and volunteers to help serve residents in need.

Newton said every contribution, regardless of size, can help the organization continue its work.

“Any donation matters. Every donation matters, no matter how big or how small,” Newton said. “It doesn’t matter if it’s one can of food or 100 cans of food. Every donation matters and everything counts.”

The mission also wants people who may be struggling to afford groceries or meals to know that assistance is available.

“If you’ve never used this service before, come down, take a look, see what we can do for you,” Newton said.

For Newton, the mission’s work is about more than providing meals. It’s about giving people hope and a sense of belonging during difficult times.

And as the kitchen prepares for another busy holiday season, he hopes the community will continue supporting the people who depend on its services.

Residents interested in volunteering, donating or learning more about available services can visit the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission website.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of how local organizations are addressing food insecurity across the Coachella Valley.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Proposition 44 asks California voters to set a spending floor for the nonprofit community clinics that care for low-income and uninsured patients.

If it passes Nov. 3, those clinics would have to spend at least 90% of their total revenue each year on providing health care services, according to the Legislative Analyst’s Office. Everything else, including administrative costs, would be capped at 10%. The California attorney general would decide which expenses count.

A clinic falling short would pay the state an amount equal to the gap. It could get the money back by meeting the requirement within five years. If not, the state would keep it for clinic workforce programs. Clinics could ask for a temporary waiver in some cases.

The measure applies to private nonprofit safety-net clinics, known as federally qualified health centers. California has about 2,000 safety-net clinics, and the analyst’s office says they report spending an average of about 80% of revenue on care.

Opponents include the California Primary Care Association, the California Medical Association, the California Hospital Association, Planned Parenthood Affiliates of California and both the state Democratic and Republican parties. A study commissioned by the primary care association estimates clinics would owe $1.7 billion in penalties in the first year and says many could close.

Supporters had reported raising about $16.9 million and opponents about $34.9 million as of Aug. 2, according to the secretary of state. A September Public Policy Institute of California poll found 34% of likely voters support it, the lowest of any measure on the ballot.

The analyst’s office estimates state enforcement would cost in the low tens of millions of dollars a year, paid for by fees on the clinics.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Pickleball players in Palm Springs have a new place to play, as the city celebrated the grand opening of a 22-court complex at Demuth Park.

The $5.1 million project, funded in part through Measure J, includes new courts, shade structures, seating areas, drinking fountains and sports lighting.

The grand opening celebration was held at 4 p.m. at Demuth Park, 4365 E. Mesquite Avenue. The event featured a ribbon-cutting, demonstrations, open play, music, refreshments and giveaways.

The new courts will be open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. All courts will be available for reservations from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. After 3 p.m., one court per skill level will remain available for reservations, while the remaining courts will be designated for open play.

The complex is designed to expand recreational opportunities and give players of all ages and skill levels a place to stay active and connect with the community.

For more information, visit the City of Palm Springs Recreation website.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Pickleball fans get ready to serve up some fun! The city of Palm Springs is celebrating the grand opening of its brand-new pickleball complex at Demuth Park on Wednesday.

The facility features 22 courts, which will open to the public following a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 4 p.m.

And the national pickleball league champion, the “Coachella Valley Scorpions,” will be part of the celebration.

Players will put on an exhibition, offer tips, and even hit the courts with members of the community.

There will also be giveaways, raffles, and free refreshments.

“Initially, we had 12 pickleball courts and we needed more. And that’s why we’ve unveiled now 22 new courts, and we’re already seeing a lot of interest about new leagues, new tournaments, and just other people wanting to host more events and have more open play available for pickleball,” said Nick Gonzalez, director of the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Department.

The event is open to everyone, and you’re encouraged to bring your paddle.

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Garrett Hottle

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The La Quinta City Council voted to remove Sean Webb from the city’s arts and community services commission.

The vote was 3 to 2, with Mayor Linda Evans, Mayor Pro Tem Kathleen Fitzpatrick, and Councilmember Steve Sanchez voting to remove Webb.

Webb was not present during Tuesday’s council meeting, but councilmembers said they extended an invitation for him to join, but he was not available today. Councilmembers John Pena and Deborah McGarrey voted No on the proposal, mentioning that they wanted to hear from Webb before voting.

Webb is currently on your ballot right now, running for a seat on the Desert Recreation District board.

As News Channel 3 Luis Avila reported on this earlier this month, Webb is accused of leaving required information off his financial disclosure forms, including his spouse’s income, and running a business in La Quinta for years without a license.

A complaint was filed with the Fair Political Practices Commission last month.

Webb says he considers the issue a non-issue, telling News Channel 3 that he corrected the paperwork immediately after learning about what he described as an inadvertent administrative oversight. He also says he completed the necessary paperwork for the business license.

La Quinta Mayor Linda Evans, however, told News Channel 3 the issue raises concerns about Webb’s approach to required disclosures, calling the situation “sloppy and unacceptable.”

“It’s just shocking that somebody who is a self-proclaimed community guy, community leader, didn’t follow the instructions that were on the first page. Over and over again,” Evans said in an interview last month.

The FPPC has not announced any findings in the case, and there is currently no set date for action.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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