Category: kesq-local-news

Garrett Hottle

A high-profile wellness initiative is officially underway in Palm Springs. But the launch of the Blue Zones Project is being overshadowed by confusion and controversy surrounding the sudden resignation of its first local leader.

Geoff Kors, the former mayor of Palm Springs and the original director of the local Blue Zones effort, stepped down just a few months after taking the role. But after hearing what current project leaders were saying about why he left, News Channel 3 reached out to Kohrs, and what he had to say raised more questions than answers.

Blue Zones is a health and lifestyle initiative that uses research from long-living populations around the world to promote community wellness. A recent Netflix documentary described the five original “Blue Zones” places like Okinawa, Japan and Loma Linda, California where people consistently live past 100.

Screen grab from https://www.bluezonesprojectpalmsprings.com/

The concept is now being applied in cities across the U.S., including Palm Springs, where local officials and organizers say the goal is to make the healthy choice the easy choice.

Chris Ruetz is the current Community Engagement Lead for the Blue Zones Project in Palm Springs. (KESQ)

“What we plan to do is to create activities in Palm Springs specifically, where we can bring those characteristics here,” said Chris Ruetz, current Community Engagement Lead for the Blue Zones Project in Palm Springs.

Ruetz described Kors’ departure as amicable, saying Kors had a “very busy life” and felt comfortable passing the torch.

But Kors says that’s false.

Geoff Kors, the former mayor of Palm Springs and the original director of the local Blue Zones effort, stepped down just a few months after taking the role. (KESQ)

He says he’s under a non-disparagement agreement he was required to sign when he joined Blue Zones LLC. According to Kors, that agreement prevents him from speaking openly about why he left. But he tells News Channel 3 he detailed those reasons in his resignation letter and that Blue Zones has his permission to release it.

They haven’t.

“It’s disappointing that given they’re preventing me from saying why I left, Kor’s explained. “That inaccurate and false statements were made by a Blue Zones employee.”

News Channel 3 asked the City of Palm Springs for a copy of Kors’ resignation letter. City officials told us they don’t have it. We also asked Blue Zones for the letter and directly asked whether they’re refusing to release the letter.

In respons we received the following email from Naomi Imatome-Yun with Blue Zones:

“Blue Zones, like most companies, doesn’t comment on or share details about why an employee leaves from their role,” the statement read. “It’s part of our policy for legal, privacy, and professional reasons. So we wouldn’t comment on or share anything about Geoff Kors’ departure.”

Despite the dispute, the Blue Zones Project appears to be moving forward. Palm Springs Mayor Ron Dharte tells News Channel 3 the city is committed to a three-year agreement, contributing $60,000 annually to support the effort.

However, in a statement from Palm Springs Mayor Ron Deharte to News Channel 3 on Thursday evening, Mayor Deharte said he no longer has confidence in the long term participation in the Blue Zones Project.

“Personally, I no longer have confidence in long term participation in the Blue Zones Project. This decision was not made lightly and follows Geoff Kors resignation as executive director from the project in Palm Springs. The high-profile Kors departure combined with growing concerns regarding a lack of transparency in the project’s processes, and a subsequent loss of trust in the overall approach, combined with insufficient accountable communication have all contributed to my loss of trust.”

“While the initial intent of exploring initiatives to improve the health and well-being of our community was laudable, the execution and information sharing surrounding the Blue Zones Project have not met MY expectations for the City and, more importantly, our residents.”

“This is my personal opinion, and I remain committed to fostering a healthy and vibrant Palm Springs for all. I’m open to exploring strategies and partnerships that prioritize transparency, community involvement, and clear, accountable communication to achieve these important goals.”

– Statement from Palm Springs Mayor Ron DeHarte on Blue Zones

For now, Kors’ resignation letter, it remains unseen and the full story behind his exit still unclear.

News Channel 3 is continuing to request the document and follow developments on the Blue Zones rollout.

The city of Coachella launched its Blue Zone initiative in 2022. There are six other Riverside County cities taking part in the initiative as well.

For more information visit: BlueZonesProject.com

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Homelessness in Riverside County continues to grow, but the rate is slowing, according to initial results in the county’s 2025 Point-in-Time Count.

The County’s Homeless Point-in-Time Count took place on January 22 after a two-year delay. It helps determine the level of federal funding for homeless initiatives.

The complete date has not been released yet, however, initial results identified 3,990 people who were sleeping in a shelter or on the streets. That’s up by 265 people compared to 2023’s results.

Despite the increase, county officials said the result shows a slowed growth in homelessness across the region. The growth rate dropped from 15% in 2022 to 12% in 2023, and now to 7% in 2025.

County officials touted a 19% reduction in unsheltered homelessness between 2023 and 2025, which “represents a significant milestone in the County’s efforts to address the most visible and urgent aspects of the crisis.”

“It is tremendous progress that we have huge reductions, less people living on the streets and more having access to shelters,” said Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, Chairman of the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. “County, city, and nonprofit collaborations have focused efforts and investments that are yielding measurable results, and our work continues. By targeting the root causes of homelessness and expanding access to housing and care, we are helping more residents find stability and hope.”

Additionally, all four subpopulations of veterans, seniors, families with children, and youth saw significant reductions, according to the county.

Check Out: Inside the Palm Springs Homeless Navigation Center

“This decline underscores the effectiveness of the County’s comprehensive Homeless Action Plan, a collaborative initiative with the Riverside County Continuum of Care. Through this strategic plan, the County has aligned federal, state, and local resources around a shared set of Five-Year Regional Goals, significantly expanding access to both emergency and permanent housing. At the same time, the County is integrating critical systems like health and behavioral health care into its homelessness response, reinforcing its commitment to making homelessness rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”

While the county did not conduct a Point-in-Time Count in 2024, agencies did do a “sheltered only” homeless survey.

County officials said this year’s count also highlights a significant increase in shelter bed capacity of 57% since 2023, and an 11% increase over 2024.

“With more individuals accessing shelter, the reduction in unsheltered homelessness is both meaningful and indicative of system-wide progress” said Heidi Marshall, Director of the Riverside County Department of Housing and Workforce Solutions (HWS).

Data specific to cities was not available. The full results of the count are set to be released soon, after approval by the Board of Supervisors.

Carl Duncan, a combat veteran, said he’s been homeless for more that a year.

He said he’s seen the impact of these results first hand.

“Eight of my friends in the last 3 months have gotten semi-permanent housing and they’re paid up for the next 6 months,” Duncan said. “It’s great. If people really reach out, it’s there.”

The count was coordinated by HWS’ Office of Homeless Services and in partnership with the Riverside County Continuum of Care, a broad network of public and private homeless service providers across the County. Mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Point-in-Time Count provides critical data used to assess regional needs and guide strategic planning.

The count was conducted by 879 community volunteers and agency partners, all 28 cities, and including the Department of Public Social Services (DPSS), Riverside University Health System – Behavioral Health (RUHS-BH), Riverside Count Information Technology (RCIT), Code Enforcement, Probation, the Riverside Sheriff’s Office, and municipal police departments.

As part of its More Than A Count initiative, the County was able to fast-track vulnerable populations such as seniors, families and youth into care the day of the count which was largely supported through both the Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) and Molina Healthcare.

For more information on Riverside County’s housing and homelessness programs and how you can get involved, visit rivcohhpws.org.

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Jesus Reyes

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A 16-year-old student was arrested after allegedly attacking two school district employees in Twentynine Palms, authorities announced.

The incident was first reported at around 2:35 p.m. on Tuesday at the PLUS Program at a campus in Twentynine Palms.

“Deputies learned a 16-year-old male student violently battered two female Morongo Unified School District employees then fled on foot from the school,” reads a news release by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. “One of the staff members fell to the ground, sustained a concussion and an injury to the head. The second staff member also sustained a head injury.”

Medical aid was provided at the scene, however, one of the employees was hospitalized.

The teen was located and arrested Wednesday morning. He has been booked into the High Desert Juvenile Detention Center.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Coachella Valley teen died from a flu-related illness, county health officials announced.

It’s the first pediatric death of the 2024-2025 flu season in Riverside County.   

County health officials said the teen died in late March and was identified through death records, which can take months to confirm while the cause of death is being determined and then finalized.

“The teen was not believed to have any underlying health conditions; a flu vaccination record was not located,” reads a news release by Riverside University Health System.

The death is a tragic reminder of the danger that influenza and other vaccine-preventable diseases can pose, even for individuals who are generally healthy, said Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky, Public Health Officer for Riverside County.  

“We are committed to continuing our efforts to partner with the community to prevent further tragedies like this one,” Chevinsky said. “We must remain vigilant and proactive in reducing the spread of infectious diseases through vaccination and hygiene practices.”  

This season, 226 child deaths which range in age from 0 -17 from flu-related illness have been reported nationwide – the highest number in 15 years, according to RUHS, citing the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The previous high of 207 was reported during the 2023-2024 season.  

There have been 25 total pediatric deaths related to flu reported in California, according to California Department of Public Health. 

So far this season, among children who were eligible for influenza vaccination and with known vaccine status, 90% of reported pediatric deaths in the United States occurred in children who were not vaccinated against influenza, county health officials said.

Vaccine hesitancy and lower levels of flu vaccination are possible contributing factors to the higher and more severe trends for influenza among children, Chevinsky said. 

“Getting the seasonal flu vaccine remains one of the best ways to protect both children and adults from influenza. Staying up to date on all recommended vaccines is essential—not only for school or travel, but also during life changes, such as starting a job in healthcare or food service, where the risk of exposure or spreading infectious diseases may be higher,” Chevinsky said. “Vaccines are one of the most effective tools we’ve ever had to protect our communities from preventable illness and helps us stay healthy so we can keep doing the activities we enjoy.” 

Most people who get flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, but some will develop complications such as pneumonia that can be life-threatening.  Immediate medical care should be sought for children experiencing chest pain, trouble breathing, seizures, severe muscle pain, dehydration (dry mouth) or ribs pulling in with each breath while battling flu.   

Additional warning signs include: 

Bluish lips or face  

Not alert or interacting when awake  

Fever above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that is not controlled by fever-reducing medicine  

Any fever in children younger than 12 weeks  

Fever and/or cough that improves but then returns or worsens  

Worsening of chronic medical conditions  

Influenza season generally runs from October to April. Vaccinations for flu and other illnesses are available at medical offices and pharmacies, and through RUHS – Public Health’s vaccine clinics. 

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City’s City Council is cracking down on varying speed limits and crashes throughout the city. In a study session Wednesday night, council members discussed the speed limits on 74 roads.

Out of the roads discussed, for 11 of them the council proposed changes to either reduce or increase the speed limits. The council has not yet voted on the changes, and they have not been approved, but they expect to discuss them again on May 21 before the decision to adopt the ordinance on June 25.

Residents told News Channel 3, they feel these speed limit changes are necessary.

“I asked a policeman here not too long ago if the speed limits around here were advisory,” Larry Sherris laughed. “He of course said, ‘Of course not.'”

Sherris has been living part time in Cathedral City for nearly 20 years, and said he’s had scary experiences driving on Ramon Road and Vista Chino on his motorcycle. Areas he said other drivers speed and drive recklessly.

“I started out with my motorcycle and some fella blew the light coming the other way and turned right in front of me,” Sherris said. “And I was able to get my motor cycle stopped and down before he hit me, and I was very fortunate.”

Another Cathedral City resident, Rick Wenzel, said the speed limit signs are inconsistent. Whether it’s a lack of signage or speed jumps, he feels there needs to be improvement.

“You don’t know which street you’re on [or] how fast you’re supposed to go,” Wenzel said.

Sherris and Wenzel agree reducing the speed limits would help the safety of the community, and they believe it should’ve been done sooner.

“I’ve long thought that these major thoroughfares should have a much lower speed limit,” Sherris said. “So I’m thinking they should not be over 40 [mph]. To me driving here is very dangerous.”

The Cathedral City City Council is proposing speed limit changes to 11 roads. Those changes are below:

For the city council study session discussion on the speeding and crash survey leading to this proposal go to https://www.youtube.com/live/NWY7NgahTCE?t=329s

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more about the proposed changes to busy roads in the Valley and how locals are responding.

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Athena Jreij

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — A months-long, mass layoff process at Coachella Valley Unified School District is coming to a head Thursday, the deadline for finalizing layoff notices.

News Channel 3 has followed this story since the beginning, when it was revealed CVUSD was facing a more than $50 million budget deficit.

The district has authorized 300 staff members to be laid off, including 44 teachers and 252 classified staff.

CVUSD has stood behind the layoffs, saying the district is overstaffed due to pandemic funds they used to hire on more people. Now, they say they have a surplus of employees they can’t afford to keep.

In March, News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij spoke with the Coachella Valley Teacher’s Association, after more than 900 Reduction In Force (or RIF) notices were sent out by CVUSD.

This evening, News Channel 3 speaks with several teachers impacted by layoffs and how they think this could hurt students.

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Allie Anthony

As triple-digit temperatures return next week, the heat could be dangerous for our active desert community.

The Palm Springs Fire Department is urging hikers to take precautions. Here’s how you can protect yourself:

Plan ahead: Tell someone where you’re going and when you plan to return.

Pack the right gear: Bring a first-aid kit, plenty of water, snacks, and a flashlight. Sun protection is essential — wear a hat, sunglasses and use sunscreen.

Dress appropriately: Wear lightweight, light-colored, moisture-wicking clothing.

Choose proper footwear: Sturdy, comfortable, waterproof hiking boots are best.

Stay on marked trails: Be aware of your surroundings and avoid going off-trail.

Don’t hike alone: Go with a friend. Keep the slowest hiker in front.

The department says knowing these tips is critical, as heat-related emergencies spike during this time of year. “We’re going to see an increase — maybe not in hyperthermia cases necessarily — but definitely more emergencies related to dehydration and heat exhaustion,” said Capt. Ronald Skyberg, from the Palm Springs Fire Department.

Some signs of heat exhaustion include heavy sweating, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, dizziness and confusion can all be warning signs. If symptoms appear, seek shade, hydrate and get help immediately.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County has launched a new program that will help owners of mobile homes and manufactured homes with up to $50,000 to revitalize their homes.

Officials said the Riverside County Manufactured Housing Rehabilitation Program is designed to assist with rehabilitating homes to improve their safety and condition.

Residents can apply for grants of up to $50,000 for eligible repairs that could cover plumbing, roofing, electrical, heating, accessibility upgrades, and energy efficiency upgrades, or even replacement of the home.

“We are using these funds that we received at the county level to help owners of mobile homes improve their quality of life and safety,” said Supervisor Manuel Perez and Chairman of the Board of Supervisors. “This is a program that helps fill a gap so people can afford the home repairs they need and maintain their housing.”

The Riverside County Manufactured Housing Rehabilitation Program is administered by the Riverside County Housing and Workforce Solutions Department.

Application information, including income limits, is available on the program’s Web page, https://rivcohws.org/manufactured-housing-rehabilitation-program.

The program is funded with $5 million in state Manufactured Housing Opportunity and Revitalization (MORE) Program funds that the county successfully secured.

Applicants can reside in an unincorporated community or a city. Preference will be given to applicants from unincorporated communities, county officials noted.

Homeowners utilizing the grant are required to continue to live in their home for five years.

In the Fourth District, there are approximately 12,500 mobile homes registered through the California Department of Housing and Community Development.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs now has an updated comprehensive Emergency Operations Plan that city leaders say reinforces the city’s commitment and approach to public safety, disaster preparedness and animal care.

The most recent plan for Palm Springs before the adoption of this new plan dated back to 2012. News Channel 3’s I-Team Investigator Jeff Stahl previewed the city’s plan in his exclusive “Planning for a Disaster – How several local cities are updating their plans to keep you safe” report earlier this month. 

The City Council approved the updated plan during Thursday night’s Council meeting. The new plan outlines a coordinated response and recovery strategy for a wide range of emergencies and major disasters, including earthquakes, wildfires, floods, storms, hazardous material incidents, pandemics, and other natural or human-caused events.

City officials say that for the first time, the plan also includes detailed provisions for the evacuation and sheltering of animals, ensuring that pets and service animals are protected during emergencies, a critical step in supporting the whole family during times of crisis.

“This comprehensive plan strengthens our ability to act quickly and efficiently when disaster strikes,” said Fire Chief Paul Alvarado. “It also enhances coordination and communications with county, state and federal partners to better serve our residents.”

The Emergency Operations Plan is structured around the Four Phases of Emergency Management: Preparedness, Response, Recovery, and Mitigation. While not every emergency involves all four phases, the plan ensures the city is equipped to manage each phase effectively.

“Our leadership in Palm Springs is defined by a clear vision: a future where every member of our community is safe and secure,” said Mayor Ron deHarte. “To achieve this, we are taking bold steps in our emergency planning and response, embedding inclusion, preparedness, and compassion into every aspect. This proactive approach ensures that no one is left behind, including our beloved pets.”

Highlights of the updated plan include:

Public education and emergency training initiatives for residents.

Robust communication systems for community alerts, warnings, and notifications.

Emergency protocols specifically designed to protect animals and ensure pet-friendly sheltering.

The City of Palm Springs is encouraging all residents to familiarize themselves with the Emergency Operations Plan and take steps to be personally prepared.

For more information and to review the Emergency Operations Plan, visit engagepalmsprings.com.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Reactions pouring in after former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet pleaded guilty in a bribery case stemming from an alleged scheme to buy off the mayor to ensure his support for a real estate developer’s projects.

Palm Springs residents finding out just before Wednesday’s city council meeting.

Some said the guilty plea was long overdue, while others said although he made some mistakes, Pougnet did a lot for the city.

Ron deHarte, current Palm Springs mayor, shared his reaction.

“It’s a long process,” deHarte said. “And the city resolved issues a long time ago. We certainly have moved forward.”

“Thank goodness he did the right thing,” Ann D’amico, Palm Springs resident said. “Save us some money to go through trials.”

“He did a good job as the mayor,” Nancy Ferguson, Palm Springs resident said.“I think he just made some bad mistakes.”

After years of delays, the case coming to a head on Wednesday.

“This should have been wrapped up much sooner,” Mike McNulty, Palm Springs resident said.

Pougnet pleaded guilty to a bribery scheme — accused of taking at least $375,000 from developers to push projects like the Kimpton Hotel and Palm Springs Downtown redevelopment.

“The amount that was alleged that he was bribed with or whatever word you want to use is not very much,” McNulty said. “I was actually surprised that he did something like that.”

“I worked with Mayor Pougnet on certain projects,” Ulrich McNulty, attorney said. “I’m surprised to hear that he pled guilty. It was my impression that he wanted his day in court, but obviously he did what was best for himself.” 

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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