Jesus Reyes
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Roads are back open in Cathedral City following a gas leak Wednesday morning.
Cathedral Canyon was closed between Ramon Road and Corral Road. The road was reopened by 11:30 a.m.
Cynthia White
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Democrat Lucas Piñon of Palm Desert announced Tuesday he is throwing his hat into the ring to run for the 47th Assembly District, challenging incumbent Greg Wallis.
Piñon currently serves as Director of Special Projects for Rep. Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA).
Raised in Palm Desert, Piñon also served in Afghanistan with the U.S. Air Force Security Forces. He says he is running for State Assembly “because our communities deserve a fighter in Sacramento who will put people ahead of politics and corporate special interests and deliver results for a change.”
In an interview with Hernán Quintas of Telemundo 15, News Channel 3’s sister station, Piñon adds, “Service has been at the heart of who I am. I’ve served the United States Air Force, and I learned early on experience of leadership and discipline and service before self. And now, as a husband and father, I understand the challenges that face our communities, the cost of living and the cost of housing, cost of rent – Overall, it’s very hard for our families to succeed.”
Piñon will be representing the Democratic party, and says he is entering the race with the support of community leaders including Congressman Raul Ruiz, M.D. (D-CA) and Congressman Juan Vargas (D-51).
He and his wife live in Palm Desert with their two children.
Republican Greg Wallis is running for a third term as assemblyman in District 47.
In a statement to News Channel 3, Wallis says of Piñon’s announcement for candidacy, “I welcome anyone who wishes to run – Our democracy is stronger when more voices step up. I’m proud of my record delivering for our district. From tackling affordability to strengthening public safety I’m focused on building a stronger, more sustainable future for our community.”
The California statewide primary election will be held on June 2, 2026.
Shay Lawson
SKY VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Water District tabled a decision that would have shifted water service responsibility in unincorporated areas east of Desert Hot Springs to Mission Springs Water District.
During Tuesday’s meeting, CVWD boardmembers made it clear this process isn’t being driven by them.
CVWD Statement:
The CVWD Board of Directors appreciates the public’s constructive input as we begin exploring complex issues that affect multiple municipalities and our shared community.
The Board voted at today’s public meeting to revisit the item regarding an application to the Riverside County LAFCO for review of the potential divestiture of water and sewer services, and the concurrent annexation of a portion of CVWD’s boundaries to Mission Springs Water District. This item will be revisited at a future meeting, following Mission Springs Water District’s discussion and potential vote to initiate a financial and feasibility analysis of the proposed acquisition.
CVWD is committed to working with the community and to operating efficiently and responsibly as we evaluate the course of action that best serves the interests of its customers and the broader community.
Statement from MSWD:
Today’s meeting does not alter our primary focus or our commitment to the residents of Desert Hot Springs and the surrounding communities. Before our board can take any action, MSWD must gather additional information and conduct the necessary due diligence to determine the best path forward for our customer base.
At the staff level, we will continue to support the City of Desert Hot Springs’ economic development efforts while working with the CVWD team to develop a mutually beneficial path forward, whether this results in a service agreement between the agencies or a transfer of service to take part or all of the ID-8 area remains to be determined.
The CVWD board also discussed looking at other options to get water to that area — but again, nothing will move ahead unless MSWD takes action.
Last week, News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson spoke with Sky Valley and Desert Edge residents who pushed back on the proposal, citing increasing costs.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.
Peter Daut
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – FIND Food Bank will soon hold a grand opening and ribbon cutting for its new, 80 thousand square foot Food Security Campus in Indio.
The organization says it had outgrown its current facility, exceeding its storage capacity by 80 percent.
The new, expanded facility will also provide several services, including workforce development and financial literacy courses.
FIND Food Bank President and CEO Debbie Espinosa says the outreach services offered help others by “Looking at the root causes of hunger, and identifying what we can do to help people become truly independent from not receiving food in the future, but being able to self-feed because they’ve tackled those root causes.”
The grand opening will be this Friday, and the public is invited to tour the new facility starting next week.
For more information, visit findfoodbank.org.
Shay Lawson
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Update 9/24/2025
In a new statement to News Channel 3, Tamara Wadkins, The Desert Sands Unified School District Public Information Officer, said:
“There were two separate situations involving two different students. Both are being addressed, and the school is working closely with the families to provide care and support. In the instance that occurred off campus, school administration was not informed until several days later, which delayed our ability to respond right away.
Bullying is not tolerated at Thomas Jefferson Middle School or at any of our DSUSD campuses. We are committed to addressing incidents proactively as soon as we become aware of them. When concerns are reported, our staff investigate, conference with students, contact families, and assign appropriate support and consequences. In addition, our team works diligently every day to prevent incidents and to promote positive relationships among students.
If families have an incident to report, we strongly encourage them to reach out directly to their school site as soon as possible so we can respond quickly and effectively. The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our highest priority.”
Original report 9/23/2025
Sarai Cervantes, an Indio mother, is demanding answers after she says her autistic son was beaten by classmates near Thomas Jefferson Middle School in Indio.
“We come from Dr. Carreon, now Thomas Jefferson,” Cervantes said. “He’s been being bullied, targeted by other children because he’s in special ed. He’s autistic. He has ADHD and two different mood disorders.”
She said the violence escalated Monday afternoon when her son, Evan Cervantes, was followed to Pawley Pool, about a 4 minute walk from campus.
“Some kids got him, took him to the restroom and started beating him up,” Sarai said. “They covered his mouth. They told him not to say anything. They hit him several times in his face, upper body, back and his stomach.”
She said she took Evan to urgent care, where a doctor found swelling in his liver and kidneys caused by the assault.
“It makes me feel horrible,” Sarai said. “I sent him to school to learn. It’s already hard enough for him with all his disabilities. And it’s supposed to be his safe spot.”
In a statement to News Channel 3 Tamara Wadkins, The Desert Sands Unified School District Public Information Officer, said:
“There was one incident reported on the Thomas Jefferson Middle School campus. Upon learning of it, school staff took immediate action, investigated thoroughly, and worked directly with the parents of those involved. Appropriate consequences and discipline were administered.
DSUSD is committed to fostering a school culture where all students feel safe, supported, and valued. Our staff work diligently to prevent incidents and to promote positive relationships among students. If families have concerns or questions, we encourage them to reach out directly to their school site.”
“He is not the only one,” Sarai said. “There are several other kids who are being bullied.”
She said she’s filed a police report but has yet to hear from the school principal or district leaders.
“I just want answers,” Sarai said. “Today it was my son, tomorrow it’s going to be someone else’s. There’s no proof. There’s nothing. All there is is bruises, marks, pain and anxiety.”
Now, she’s asking the community for help identifying those involved.
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear directly from Evan in the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.
City News Service
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man accused of intentionally setting a fire that fatally injured a 43-year-old Coachella woman must stand trial for first-degree murder and other charges, a judge ruled today.
Richard Michael Carmona, 41, was arrested in December following an extensive investigation into the alleged arson attack that killed Arlene Danielle Avila.
At the end of a preliminary hearing at the Larson Justice Center in Indio Tuesday, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Randolph Rogers found there was sufficient evidence to bound Carmona over for trial on the murder count and a special circumstance allegation of causing death by arson.
The judge scheduled a post-preliminary hearing arraignment for Oct. 8. Carmona is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.
According to sheriff’s investigators, shortly after midnight last Oct. 31, the defendant allegedly ignited an outdoor fire in the 51000 block of Cesar Chavez Street, near 51st Street, to which Avila was directly exposed.
The specific circumstances were not disclosed, including a possible motive.
Carmona allegedly fled the scene, as witnesses called 911. Patrol deputies and firefighters reached the location within minutes and discovered the victim severely burned and the fire still raging in surrounding brush, authorities said.
The blaze was quickly knocked down, and Avila was airlifted to a regional trauma center, where she lingered in intensive care for weeks before succumbing to her injuries, according to court documents.
Central Homicide Unit detectives gathered sufficient evidence to obtain an arrest warrant for Carmona, who was taken into custody without incident on Christmas Eve.
Background information on the defendant was unavailable.
NPG Content Share
var cachebuster = Math.round(new Date().getTime() / 1000); var player = new Playerjs({id:”player_kyma”, file:”https://kyma.b-cdn.net/2025/09/MERLON-KIDWELL.jpg”, poster:”https://kyma.b-cdn.net/2025/09/MERLON-KIDWELL.jpg”, label:”Watermaster for IID retires after 50 years of service” , vast_replace:{“[wpcategory]”:”spanish”,”[wprand]”:””+cachebuster+””}});
Dillon Fuhrman
EL CENTRO, Calif. (KYMA) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) says Merlon Kidwell, their Watermaster for 50 years, has retired.
Joining IID in 1975, Kidwell ensured “the reliable delivery of water to nearly half a million acres of some of the nation’s most productive farmland, as well as to cities, businesses, and industries in California’s Imperial Valley,” IID said.
“Being the Watermaster can be a great job, but you have to be able to accept the world as not being perfect,” Kidwell said, who also trained and supervised staff in the trade. “If the water is in the banks when you get to work, then a smart Watermaster will take that as a win. As we operate over 1,600 miles of irrigation infrastructure, we are always prepared for any challenges that may come up during the course of a day.”
IID says Kidwell is one of six people to hold the job title since 1940, and his contributions include “improving the water scheduling system to allow more effective planning, ensuring timely delivery, shorter-duration orders, and reducing inefficiencies.”
“The work of our Water Department is truly fascinating as it involves so many critical moving parts that need to be in sync in order for us to reliably deliver water 24/7,” said IID Board Chairwoman Gina Dockstader. “We are amazed at the expertise this requires, which is exemplified by such dedicated and respected employees as Mr. Kidwell. We truly thank him for all that he has done over the years and remain in a debt of gratitude.”
To learn more about this, click here.
Jesus Reyes
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The grand marshals for the 2025 Palm Springs Pride Parade were announced on Tuesday, which includes News Channel 3 anchor Peter Daut.
Peter is joined by Sister Roma, Holly Near, Esther Loewen, Renae Punzalan, and Jasper Price.
Organizers said the grand marshals were chosen for their profound commitment to fostering inclusion and community connection in the Greater Palm Springs area who embody this year’s Pride theme, “Be Heard.”
Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy, also known as Dottie and Maude, are recognized as 2025 Pride Royalty.
The Palm Springs Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, November 9.
“Amidst a rising tide of challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community nationwide, from legislative bans on gender-affirming care and curriculum censorship to a surge in anti-trans legislation, the dedication of these Grand Marshals is more crucial than ever,” said Jasmine Sullivan Waits, Executive Director of Palm Springs Pride. “They stand as a powerful force against a coordinated effort to silence LGBTQ+ stories and erase their presence from public life. They remind us that our stories cannot be silenced, and our community will not be erased.”
This year’s Grand Marshals are:
Sister Roma, Grand Marshal: For nearly four decades, Sister Roma has been a globally recognized member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in San Francisco. She joined the order in 1987, inspired by their pioneering work in HIV/AIDS education and fundraising. A tireless activist and fundraiser, Roma has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes and helped create impactful social movements, such as the #MyNameIs campaign.
Holly Near, Celebrity Grand Marshal: A renowned singer and storyteller, Holly Near has dedicated over 40 years to creating music that inspires activism and celebrates a more equitable world. Her powerful, consistent voice has made her an outspoken ambassador for peace and justice. Through her music and performances, she connects with audiences who believe in peace, justice, and feminism, a true reflection of humanity’s beautiful spectrum.
Peter Daut, Community Grand Marshal: A six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist for KESQ News Channel 3, Peter is being honored for his commitment to community service and his powerful reporting. A strong believer in giving back, he hosts numerous events to raise funds for worthy causes, including the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, and uses his platform to raise awareness for deserving local nonprofits.
Esther Loewen, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and podcast host, Esther is being honored for her work in creating inclusion and celebrating authenticity. She brings a deep understanding of mental health and human connection to her advocacy, sharing her insights through her podcast, Transgender Woman Talking.
Renae Punzalan, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: A native Chamorro from Guam, Renae is the Director of Youth Services at the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. She is recognized for her advocacy for transgender rights, a mission she has pursued through her work at the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center and by helping organize events like Trans Pride and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR).
Jasper Price, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: As the Director of Trans & Gender Expansive Programs at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Jasper works to expand affirming resources and programming throughout the Coachella Valley. With a background in Gender Studies and Social Work, he focuses on mental health and education for both youth and adults, providing brave and affirming spaces where people can explore their identities.
“Dottie and Maude” have been declared Palm Springs Pride Royalty for Life. Together since 1976 and Palm Springs residents since 1980, they have been an integral part of the Pride Parade since 1995. As Les Dames du Soleil, they have helped raise over $2 million for local HIV/AIDS charities, cementing their legacy as pillars of the community.
For more information about the Grand Marshals and the full list of official events, visit pspride.org.
Kendall Flynn
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert Library is embracing Emergency Preparedness Month and bringing it into story time with local families.
The library is bringing in the city’s public works team to demonstrate how they keep the city safe and clean with their trucks. They’ll also be joining story time for local children, by reading them a couple books before the show and tell.
Workers with Palm Desert Public Works tell News Channel 3 it’s important to tell children about their jobs because they see them on the street but may not know what they are doing. Workers turned on equipment for the families and demonstrated how the machinery is used.
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local workers about the importance of their show and tell today.
Jesus Reyes
YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A 52-year-old Yucca Valley man was arrested following multiple reports of sexual assault involving children between the ages of five and 14 over several years.
Julio Cesar Vega Medina was identified as the suspect in the sexual assaults after the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station received multiple reports.
“During the course of the investigation, three victims positively identified Julio Cesar Vega Medina as the individual who sexually assaulted them,” reads a news release from the agency.
Medina was arrested Wednesday morning.
During a search of his residence, deputies located evidence linking Medina to a 2012 sexual assault of a minor in the city of Gardena, authorities said. Detectives later determined Gardena Police Department had an active felony warrant for Medina’s arrest in connection with that case, which was listed under one of his many aliases.
Medina was known to use the aliases Julio Calzada-Vega, Julio Calzada, Julio Vega Calzada, Julio Medina, Julio Cesar Vega, and Julio Cesar Vega Medina.
Authorities said several of the local incidents under investigation are believed to have occurred at a private residence in Yucca Valley where Medina played part in religious gatherings.
Medina was booked into the Morongo Basin jail, where he is being held on $3 million bail. He was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to charges on Tuesday.
Gardena Police Department has also placed a hold on him as part of their ongoing lewd acts with a minor sexual, assault of a minor investigation.
Any additional victims or anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Tyler A. Bengard or Detective David Rodriguez of the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.
