Category: kesq-local-news

Garrett Hottle

FOREST FALLS, Calif. (KESQ) We’re learning new numbers tonight on just how destructive last week’s September debris flows were in the San Bernardino Mountains.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department reports a total of 14 homes, one commercial building, and four outbuildings were damaged across Forest Falls, Oak Glen, and nearby areas. That includes three homes destroyed, one with major damage, four with minor damage, and six more listed as “affected.”

Officials say crews have completed their surveys, but with rain possible again Tuesday, firefighters remain ready to respond if more slides occur.

In Forest Falls, families like Arturo Guerrero’s told News Channel 3 they don’t plan to rebuild after losing everything for a second time. 

Longtime resident Trent Reid described the latest debris flow as “the worst one,” saying it sounded like a freight train.

This is the worst one from debris flow standpoint, not from damage,” Reid said. “Three years ago, we had somebody die just on the other side of the creek.”

As of Monday, no injuries or rescues were reported, and evacuation warnings for mountain communities have since been lifted.

In Oak Glen, cleanup reached a crescendo near Chagall Road, where bridges that we’re buried under what residents said was at least 10 feet of mud, have now been cleared out, and water has been let flow through the creek once again. 

Business owner Alison Law Matheson from Country Mom Orchards in Oak Glen told News Channel 3, the development couldn’t have come at a more important time.

 “Our little community makes 75% of its income in the fall season,” she explained. “is needing business because we all got ready for the seasons like we always do.” 

The National Weather Service says Forest Falls saw 1.5 inches of rain in just one hour, followed by another half inch soon after  nearly triple the rate of a typical summer thunderstorm.

Still, with rain in the forecast on Tuesday, county officials caution residents to remain alert with the chance of more wet weather this week. They’re encouraging residents to grab sandbags and be prepared. For more info on sand availability visit sbcfire.org/sandbags. 

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Some Palm Springs residents are raising concerns about a proposed nine-story hotel and condo project that would become the city’s tallest building.

The Nexus Hotel, planned near the Palm Springs Convention Center, cleared the Planning Commission last week, but Stephen Dixon and other neighbors said the project is out of scale for a city known for its mountain views and mid-century modern charm.

“I have a condominium here at Plaza Villas, which would be very closely affected by the hotel,” Dixon said. “This could very well set up a precedent for future development. So a nine-story hotel right next to the Plaza Villas is bad enough as it is, but the idea of other development projects going to 9 stories would really change the flavor of the city.”

Others point to how quickly the plan is moving forward.

Dan Donahue, who has lived in Palm Springs for over 20 years, said he received notice of the Planning Commission meeting just days before it happened.

“Most of our residents are gone,” Donahue said. “The timing of this was very suspicious.”

In a statement to News Channel 3, Christopher Hadwin, Palm Springs Planning Director said:

“This is a private application initiated by a private developer. In issuing their approval, the City’s Planning Commission was guided by Section 14’s unique zoning rules – set by the Tribe in partnership with the City – which allow buildings up to 100 feet tall on properties like this one. In response to community concerns, the Planning Commission required changes to the building to step back the height in certain locations and to better integrate into the neighborhood. 

The Commission also acknowledged the economic benefits of the development, which will add 257 hotel and condo-hotel units to the downtown core bringing additional visitors and residents to support the convention center and our local businesses. Final architectural and landscaping details will be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee in the coming weeks.”

The Nexus Hotel staff report says the hotel portion of the building will be 7-stories and the residential portion will be 9-stories or 99 feet and 8 inches, consisting of 125 hotel rooms and 132 residential condominium units which will be associated with the hotel and have access to hotel amenities and services.

Terra Nova

Neighbors said they are not against city growth, but are worried about the projects scope.

“I’m not anti-development,” Donahue said. “This is the first project I’ve opposed because of the scale. I’d support a modified version of this development.”

Neighbors said they are now working to appeal the Planning Commission’s approval.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – President Trump made what he described as “one of the biggest medical announcements in the history of our country” on Monday.

He says it’s an answer to autism, linking the disorder to Tylenol use during pregnancy.

The President says the FDA will issue a physician’s notice about the risk of patients using Tylenol during pregnancy, unless they have a fever. There will also be a nationwide campaign to inform patients about the risk.

But the recommendation clashes with a bulk of scientific research, suggesting there is no link between autism and exposure to Tylenol in the womb.

While autism rates have been steadily increasing, an exact cause has eluded the scientific community for decades. Doctors say the answer to what causes autism is likely far more complex, involving genetics and environmental factors.

And many doctors, including some here in the valley, remain skeptical, believing it ignores decades of science. They also say there is insufficient data linking autism and Tylenol.

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with a local pediatrician, who says the evidence of a connection is lacking.

When asked if she is concerned that Monday’s announcement may give some people false hope about the cause of autism, Desert Regional Medical Center Pediatrician Dr. Rebecca Ward said, “Absolutely. I do think that is an unintended consequence of this announcement that people say, “If I just avoid Tylenol my child won’t have autism.” And I think that is an unfortunate consequence that’s probably going to occur as a result of this announcement.”

Tylenol parent company Kenvue issued a statement, saying independent scientific research shows that taking acetaminophen – the generic name for Tylenol – is the safest pain reliever option for women throughout their entire pregnancy, adding there is no credible evidence linking Tylenol to autism.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Home sales declined in Riverside County in August, the California Association of Realtors announced today.   

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 264,240 in August. Last month’s home sales edged up 0.9% from the 261,820 homes sold in July and slipped 0.2% from a year ago, when 264,640 homes were sold on an annualized basis, according to CAR.   

The statewide annualized sales figure represents what would be the total number of homes sold during 2025 if sales maintained the August pace throughout the year. It is adjusted to account for seasonal factors that typically influence home sales.

Riverside County sales last month were down 6.2% from July, and down 7.0% from August of 2024.  

Meanwhile, home prices fell in Riverside County last month.   

The median sale price of an existing, single-family home in Riverside County in August was $625,000, down from $630,000 in July, but an increase from $618,940 a year ago.

August’s statewide median home price $899,140, a 1.7% increase from July and up 1.2% from $888,740 one year ago.   

The highest median price in California in August was San Mateo County’s $1.98 million. The lowest was Lassen County’s $221,000.   

“Despite a softer-than-expected home buying season this year, a bounce back in pending sales last month is an encouraging sign that sales could improve the rest of the year,” CAR President Heather Ozur said in a statement. “Many prospective homebuyers have been holding out in hopes of lower mortgage rates, and the declining trend in rates observed in the last few weeks could be the nudge that draw them back to the market.”

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today authorized the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office to move ahead with preparing a series of revisions to fees charged by the agency for background checks, subpoena deliveries, coroner’s operations, fortune-telling licenses and other services.

In a 5-0 vote without comment Monday, the board cleared sheriff’s personnel, in coordination with the Office of County Counsel, to revise fee schedules that have not been updated since June 2010.

The sheriff’s office is expected to return with a new fee “ordinance” for board consideration within the next several months.   

It was not immediately known whether the agency’s current fee schedule would be completely revamped, or only partially. It was also uncertain whether a few fees may be reduced, rather than increased.  

“The office can assure the board that any amended ordinance that it may propose as part of its updated schedule … will amend only the amount of the fees or details of sheriff’s procedures which may be included in the ordinance and would serve to justify the amount of the fee,” according to a statement posted to the board’s agenda.  

Massage parlor technician licenses, which went from $500 to $595 under the previous fee adjustments 15 years ago, are expected to be considered in the updated ordinance.

Similarly, U.S. Department of Justice fingerprint screening fees, charged for concealed firearms permits and other applications, may be impacted, along with background check charges for fortune teller business licenses, second-hand dealer licenses and fingerprint checks for individuals completing background checks to work in schools or county agencies.

The charge for a deputy to serve a civil subpoena was unchanged during the previous round of fee revisions, remaining at $150 per service attempt. It’s possible that will be hiked.

The private party autopsy fee, in which a person requests that coroner’s pathologists conduct an independent examination that is not related to any criminal matter or other fatality requiring a post mortem, was reduced in 2010 from $2,045 to $1,958 per exam. That fee, too, may be increased. The coroner’s office has contended with a backlog of autopsies over the years.

The board would be required to hold at least two public hearings before formally approving any proposed fee adjustments.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man and woman convicted in a shooting at the Cathedral City Dollar Tree store in 2023 were sentenced, prosecutors announced.

David Garcia, 23, and Leah Lopez, 21, were each sentenced on Sept. 9, according to court records.

Garcia was convicted of attempted murder and was sentenced to 32 years in state prison. Lopez was convicted of attempted voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to 4 years. The judge denied parole for the duo.

The shooting happened on June 4, 2023 at the Dollar Tree on Date Palm Drive.

According to the DA’s office, Garcia confronted a person in line at the store, made threats, and revealed a firearm tucked in his waistband.

“A physical struggle broke out over the weapon. During the fight, Garcia’s co-defendant Leah Lopez joined in, pulling down the victim’s pants, assaulting him, stomping on his head, and repeatedly telling him he was going to die. Garcia’s grandmother also joined in,” the DA’s office wrote on social media. “The struggle seemingly stopped as Garcia and the victim shook hands until Garcia retrieved the gun, pointed it at the victim, and pulled the trigger. The weapon failed to fire. Garcia then pistol-whipped the victim in the face. As the victim tried to flee, Lopez pointed Garcia in his direction. Garcia followed, reloaded, and fired six shots as the victim ran away.”

The victim was struck four times by gunfire but survived.

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City News Service

DESERT HOT SPRINGS (CNS) – A 33-year-old man suspected of stabbing another person in Desert Hot Springs was in custody today.   

Daniel Anthony Diaz of Desert Hot Springs was arrested Thursday and booked into Benoit Detention Center in Indio, according to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. DHSPD shared video of his arrest last week.

According to court records, Diaz was charged with assault with a deadly weapon. His bail was set at $1 million. He was set to appear in court Monday at the Larson Justice Center.

Officers responded about 2 a.m. Sept. 3 to the 66300 block of Pierson Boulevard and found a man suffering from stab wounds, police said. The victim, whose name was not released, was taken to a hospital with injuries described as not life-threatening, according to police.

The motive for the attack was not immediately known.   

Diaz was arrested about 9:30 a.m. Thursday near his residence, police said.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival is officially sold out, organizers announced on Monday.

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Passes for both weekends are no longer available on the festival’s website. You can still sign up to join the waitlist if more passes become available.

According to several publications, it’s the first time the festival has sold out since 2023.

It’s also the earliest that the festival has announced its lineup.

The 2026 Coachella festival will be headlined by Sabrina Carpenter, Justin Bieber, Karol G, and Anyma.  Other performers set to appear include KATSEYE, The Strokes, Young Thug, Iggy Pop, Kaskade, Suicidal Tendencies, Nine Inch Nails and dozens more.

Bieber, who is known to stay in the Coachella Valley often, built up excitement for his Coachella performance, shooting a music video on the festival grounds.

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The festival will take place April 10-12 and April 17-19 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more on the festival.

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Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Ongoing construction along East Palm Canyon Drive is causing delays and frustration for Cathedral City residents — just as new businesses in the Cathedral Cove Center begin to open their doors.

Both roadwork and development of the Cathedral Cove shopping center have created traffic bottlenecks along one of the city’s busiest corridors. With multiple lanes closed or barricaded, residents say they’ve seen a noticeable increase in congestion.

For those living in the nearby Cathedral City Cove neighborhood, the situation has become more than just inconvenient. East Palm Canyon Drive is the only route in and out of the community.

“It’s irritating. I take my father to the doctor over at Eisenhower hospital… traffic has been backed up. I think unnecessarily.”

Lawrence Sutherland, Cathedral City Resident

In response to these concerns, Cathedral City officials acknowledge the impact, attributing much of the disruption to the ongoing construction tied to the Cathedral Cove Center. The developer is currently adding a third lane and completing frontage improvements along East Palm Canyon.

“Right now, you have the challenge with the developer doing its work in the East Palm Canyon, backing up traffic a little.”

John Corella, Cathedral City Public Works Director

City officials also pointed to broader infrastructure improvements funded by grants aimed at enhancing the entire East Palm Canyon corridor.

“All these improvements have been the result of grants we’ve successfully secured to enhance that corridor… We’re trying to mitigate it as much as possible but at the end of the day we’re going to have wider roads, traffic lights working better and have a better city — better streets.”

John Corella, Cathedral City Public Works Director

According to the city, the current work on the median is expected to be completed within the next month. The frontage improvements along Cathedral Cove Center will likely continue to affect traffic for the next four to six weeks, with cones and lane closures in place during that time.

While many residents say they understand that growth comes with temporary inconvenience, some hope future projects will be better planned to minimize the disruption.

City officials say they will continue monitoring the area and are committed to keeping the public informed as the project progresses.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today unanimously approved the appropriation of $78 million to fill a budget gap left over from the previous fiscal year.

In a 5-0 vote without comment Monday, the board cleared the Executive Office to implement the “cleanup” allocations connected to expenses that weren’t on the books when the 2024-25 fiscal year officially concluded on June 30.

The irregular Monday meeting was scheduled because of an unexpected cancellation of the Sept. 16 meeting, which stemmed from supervisors’ absences and the lack of a quorum for votes. Meetings are generally always held on Tuesdays.

“While most adjustments are resolved during the year, certain year- end adjustments, often resulting from unanticipated costs in the final fiscal month, require board approval to ensure that all budgetary units remain balanced,” the Executive Office said. “(We) request board approval to increase appropriations where necessary to address these final adjustments.”  

The board formally approved the 2025-26 budget, totaling $9.98 billion, on June 24.

Generally every September, the EO identifies a series of budgetary holes that require draws on the General Fund or reserve accounts to fill.   

The agencies currently requiring delayed appropriations include the Office of the Public Defender, the Emergency Management Department, the Department of Code Enforcement, the Fire Department and multiple others. Three-quarters of the $78 million in required infusions will be from the General Fund, while the remainder will be from contingency accounts, as well as the individual agencies’ own appropriations for the current fiscal year, according to officials.

The board approved a tentative hiring freeze in 2025-26 for most agencies to limit outgo in the face of an anticipated deficit.   

“The freeze … will require (some departments) to shrink by attrition,” county CEO Jeff Van Wagenen said. “Revenue is not decreasing across the system, but we are seeing it flatten and go down in certain areas.”

The last payroll pause to rein in spending occurred in 2016-17, and he said that saved $40 million to $50 million.   

The current deficit stems from “inflationary pressures, growing labor costs, unpredictable state and federal funding and necessary investments in aging infrastructure (that) strain our financial capacity,” according to the 500-plus-page budget book.

The Executive Office predicts a year-end reserve pool of $655 million. It had been projected at $728 million, but the total will have to be pared down to fix the gap.

Payrolls continue to consume half of outlays. The county employs 25,632 people on a regular or rotating temporary basis.

More than two-thirds of the county budget is composed of programmed spending, including federal and state earmarks for specific uses, along with grants and related external source revenue. The board has little control over those dollars.

Direct property taxes remains the county’s largest source of discretionary income. It rose to $574 million in 2024-25, compared to $542.6 million in 2023-24, according to figures. The projection is for a $54 million, or 10%, jump in 2025-26.

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