Category: kesq-local-news

Peter Daut

A new chapter in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation is about to begin in the Coachella Valley. The Desert Wildlife Center is just days away from its grand opening. But before that happens, News Channel 3’s Peter Daut got an exclusive sneak peak of the new, state-of-the-art facility in Indio, which officials are calling a “game changer.”

Once opened, the center will be the only of its kind in the Valley, a crucial sanctuary for our desert’s vulnerable wildlife. Set on the grounds of the former Wild Bird Center, the new center will initially focus on native birds, and eventually expand its services to reptiles and mammals.

“Most of the time it’s just members of the public that found an injured animal in their backyard, maybe on a hike, on the side of the road. And so when they see these animals, they will either give us a call or come to our front door and drop off these animals. And then, one of our veterinary staff members will look at the animal, assess it, do an examination, do some diagnostics and see what that animal needs to be successful back into the wild,” Director Mikah Curtis said.

Our region is home to a wide range of animals, many of them threatened or endangered.

“There’s over 300 different species in the Coachella Valley, so we could be taking up to 300 different species that need care,” Curtis said.

The center will be operated by the nonprofit Greater Palm Springs Animal Allies. Risks to the health and safety of local wildlife have increased over the years, as acres of desert continue to be converted into residential and commercial developments.

“We have window strikes, we have poisons, we have people intervening with wildlife. So there are so many threats, birds and animals are dying rapidly. And so we need to save them,” Board Member Linda Talley said.

But the center’s mission goes beyond care. It will also offer education programs, empowering Valley residents of all ages to become wildlife advocates, fostering a network of support for the creatures who share our environment.

“We’re going to be advising people and what to do, what not to do, not to bird-nap or baby-bunny nap, when it’s appropriate to keep animals where they are, and when to get them into see us so we can treat them,” Board Immediate Past Chair Tamara Hedges said.

Riverside County has just three wildlife rehab facilities, each at least an hour’s drive from the Valley. Officials also want to stress the new center is not a zoo for the public to look at animals. Rather, it is a hospital for animal patients who are not accustomed to humans, and only there for a short time.

“Wild animals are really good at healing themselves as long as we can give them the food, the space and medicine. They will do the rest. So usually it’s just a couple weeks in care, depending on the injury or life stage, and then we get to kick them right back outside,” Curtis said.

The public is invited to tour the center at its grand opening on Saturday, May 17 from 9-11AM. In addition to donations, it is also seeking volunteers. For more information, head to desertwildlifecenter.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The College of the Desert Board of Trustees has chosen Val Martinez Garcia as its new superintendent/president.

The board approved the hire with a 3-2 vote during a special meeting on Wednesday. School officials said contract details are still being finalized and will be presented for approval during a meeting on Friday.

“In Mr. Val Martinez Garcia, we have a leader who deeply understands both the challenges and opportunities facing College of the Desert,” said Dr. Joel Kinnamon, Chair of the College of the Desert Board of Trustees. ” His collaborative approach and commitment to educational excellence will help us build on our strengths and address the evolving needs of our students and community.

Martinez Garcia currently serves as the acting superintendent/president. Before that, he was COD’s Vice President of Instruction and Vice President of Student Services, overseeing programs and services for more than 14,000 students.

His accomplishments include expanding the dual enrollment program and leading the development of the Educational Strategic Master Plan.

A news release by the school also noted Martinez Garcia’s contributions to major facilities projects, including the Indio Campus Expansion and Palm Springs Campus Design.

He brings over two decades of leadership in higher education to his role.

He serves as Regional Representative for the Chief Student Services Officers Association. Martinez Garcia holds an M.S. in School Counseling and a B.S. in Sociology from the University of La Verne and is pursuing an Ed.D. in Organizational Leadership

The selection follows a comprehensive recruitment process conducted in partnership with AGB Search, LLC, a national firm specializing in higher education leadership searches. The college received 73 qualified applications from across the country, from which four finalists were selected to advance to public forums and final interviews.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians awarded nearly $400,000 in grants to dozens of non-profit organizations at its 4th Annual Morongo Community Outreach Awards Luncheon on Wednesday.

The 80 non-profit organizations receiving awards of up to $5,000 spanned across Riverside and San Bernardino counties, including 25 groups from the Coachella Valley.

The Morongo grant program focuses on groups that provide social, education, or healthcare services, support for military and military families, or that preserve Native American culture.

“The Morongo Community Outreach Awards are about celebrating and supporting the life-changing work performed by dozens of remarkable nonprofit organizations dedicated to the service of others across the region,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “At Morongo, giving back to the community has always been a part of who we are, and our hope is that these grants will advance the missions of many deserving groups in local communities.”

Martin added, “The need is so diverse, that being able to address any need within the community has the ability to touch people… The financial support is absolutely necessary to get people on the right path.”

The program has awarded over $1.3 million in grants to nearly 300 non-profit organizations across the Inland region since its first year in 2022.

Some of the Coachella Valley groups that received grants from Morongo are Shelter from the Storm in Palm Desert, California Indian Nations College in Palm Desert, and the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians for their generous grant, which will have a meaningful impact on the children and families we serve,” said Heidi Maldoon, Executive Director of Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert in Palm Desert. “This grant will help support our programs and services that promote mobility, independence, and inclusion for children with special needs throughout the Coachella Valley.”

In addition to Morongo’s Community Outreach Awards Program, the tribe over the past decade has provided more than $20 million to support local and national non-profit organizations that serve the San Gorgonio Pass and the surrounding regions, as well as greater Southern California.

For information about the 2026 Community Outreach Awards program, groups may visit www.morongonation.org/donations/

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – 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.

Hear from former Palm Springs Mayors Robert Moon and Geoff Kors, who dealt with the fallout of the bribery scandal:

During a court conference Wednesday involving Pougnet’s attorneys, prosecutors and Riverside County Superior Court Judge Samuel Diaz, a pretrial plea agreement was reached, with the terms submitted by the defense directly to the judge.

Pougnet, 62, pleaded guilty to nine counts of bribery by a public official, eight counts of illicit financial interest in public contracts and one count of conspiracy, as well as no contest to three perjury counts.

He is scheduled to be sentenced on July 2. Pougnet is free on his own recognizance.

John Hall, spokesperson for the DA’s office, told News Channel 3 that Pougnet reached a plea agreement with the court, not their office. The DA’s office objected, arguing that Pougnet took advantage of the public’s trust.

Check Out Our ‘Scandal at City Hall’ Section for More Coverage on this Case

Pougnet served two terms as mayor, leaving office in 2015.

He was charged along with businessman John Elroy Wessman, 86, in 2017. The pair were indicted by a Riverside County grand jury in 2019, along with Coachella Valley real estate developer Richard Hugh Meaney, 59.

Wessman and developer Richard Meaney were accused of paying Pougnet at least $375,000 to buy votes and influence projects in Palm Springs between 2012 and 2014. Projects include the Kimpton hotel and the surrounding downtown re-development project.

Steve Pougnet and John Wessman (2012)

The case drew national attention after the FBI raided Palm Springs City Hall in 2015.

Meaney pleaded guilty to a reinstated misdemeanor count of financial conflict in a government contract. Meaney is free on bond and is slated for sentencing in June.

Wessman case remains ongoing, jury selection continues Thursday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – City officials are urging residents and business owners to take part in a pair of important surveys aimed at finding ways to improve the Palm Springs Economic Development Strategic Plan.

One of the surveys is specifically designed for business owners while the other is for those who live, work, or are visitors in the city.

The information collected will help officials identify the needs of the community. The deadline to respond is June 1st, and city officials say all responses will be kept confidential.

“The Economic Development Strategic Plan will serve as the guiding document for the future of our Palm Springs economy,” Chief Economic Officer Wayne Olson said in a statement. “So many factors outside of our control contribute to economic change. From climate issues and national economic policies, even the way people shop, dine and visit is changing, so it’s critical for the city to have a plan to adapt to those changes and continue to support our great local businesses.”

“Now is the time for the people of Palm Springs – every resident, business and innovator – to collectively define the future of our local economy,” Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte said. “Tomorrow’s Palm Springs economy isn’t something that will simply happen, it’s something that we will create together.”

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Mayor deHarte on how the information collected will help the city plan its economic development.

To take either survey, visit engagepalmsprings.com and scroll down to “Economic Development Strategy Plan Survey” under “Community Surveys.”

Or:

The business survey can be found at https://qualtricsxm66fkrhrdb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_3l6rBFAzaE8TBxI.

The resident survey cab be found athttps://qualtricsxm66fkrhrdb.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_4I7gATd9BfFDGLQ.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Papa Dan’s is set to open back up, a little over a year after a devastating arson fire that destroyed a row of businesses in Palm Desert.

The restaurant has been part of Palm Desert for more than 40 years.

“I think I’m still in shock,” said Ira Mosley, the restaurant owner on the fateful morning the restaurant burned to the ground. News Chanel Three’s Tori King was the first one on the scene that day, and that’s where she met Mosley.

“I don’t think it’s really set in yet,” he told her. On the morning of April 14th 2024, Mosley, along with a crowd of horrified bystanders watched the beloved pizza restaurant was reduced to rubble. It had been a Palm Desert staple, serving customers for more than four decades, until the tragedy hit.

That day, Mosley swore to rebuild.

Since then, the shopping center has been leveled, and construction is on-going. The building’s framework is now standing, but the progress is slow.

But Papa Dan’s won’t be rebuilt in its old spot. Instead, its moving a few doors down. Still remaining in the same shopping center off Monterey and Country Club.Mosely gave News Channel 3 a behind the scenes look at the current progress as construction continues.

“This is where the patio is going to be,” said Mosley. “This will all have a block wall built around it because of the cars and parking lots.”Over the last 13 months Mosely has been planning, preparing, and progressing through red tape, construction delays, and permits to get this new building restaurant ready.

“It originally started out as a Jobs and Pools, and then it was a Wells Fargo,” said Mosley. “Then it was Curves Gym, but it’s never been a restaurant. I’m thrilled about a separate building, no neighbors, parking lot of my own, the visibility on Monterey.”

Mosely says the City of Palm Desert stepped in to help, providing him with a $200,000 dollar grant to resurrect the restaurant.

“These people have bent over backwards for me,” explained Mosely. “In everything that they’ve done, from permits, from inspections. I call for an inspection, they’re here the same day. I mean, I couldn’t ask for more.”And according to Thomas Soule, the city was more than happy to help.”We’ve also tried to be there to help him work through all the bumps in the road,” Soule explained. “As everybody knows, rebuilding building processes are complicated and unforeseen things happen, and so we wanted to be there to work hand in hand with him, to make sure that he could get through that process and get back up and running as quickly as possible.”

Mosely says the new space will be larger than the last, will include two kitchens, and a brand new bar, something the other location lacked. A majority of the original staff will also be returning to welcome back customers on opening day.

“All the weight staff is coming back,” said Mosley. “Almost all the kitchen staff is coming back. Almost all the front counter and delivery drivers are coming back. I didn’t want to leave this area, because this is geographically, the exact center of Palm Desert. And we’ve been here for 42 years. You know, it’s everybody comes here, it’s home, it’s home.

The construction continues, but Mosely says it will likely reopen in the late summer, making all of the work worth it in the end.

“I didn’t think I would do this at this 77,” said Mosely. “This is made for young people, not made for old people. Anyone can rebuild. How much effort you want to put in? It’s a lot of effort. And it’s finally going to be done soon.” News Channel 3 will continue checking in with Mosley for an official reopening date.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Aerial Tramway officials today announced the return of extended summer hours and seasonal programming, beginning Memorial Day weekend.

On Sunday, May 25, the final tram up will depart at 9 p.m., with the last tram down at 10:30 p.m. On Monday, May 26, the last tram up will be at 8 p.m., and the final tram down will be at 9:30 p.m., officials said.  

The summer schedule will run from May 23 through Sept. 1, with extended hours every Friday and Saturday, including a final tram up at 9 p.m. and down at 10 p.m.

In addition to extended hours, summer programs hosted by Mount San Jacinto State Park and the Natural History Association will include topics such as backcountry navigation with map and compass training and tips for minimalist camping.

State park volunteers will also lead guided nature walks on Sundays from May 25 through Sept. 1, offering visitors the chance to explore either the Desert View Trail or the Long Valley Nature Trail, officials said.   

For more information on the program schedule, visit www.parks.ca.gov/?page_id=636.

Click here to follow the original article.

Luis Avila

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Pets are back safe and sound at the Animal Samaritans shelter in Thousand Palms, after a fire Tuesday.

Tom Snyder, CEO of Animal Samaritans, says he’s proud of the team for following the evacuation procedures for the animals. One of the reasons for the swift response was the availability of transport vans prepped with dog kennels and cat carriers.

He’s also glad there was plenty of space at the veterinary clinic to take in the animals.

Clean-up efforts are now underway and they’re asking for the community’s continued support. For more information, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly 300 motorcyclists hit the road Tuesday in Southern California for the annual “Run for the Wall,” a cross-country ride honoring America’s missing and fallen service members.

Riders like Karoni Forrester carry personal stories that inspire them to ride. Forrester’s father, Capt. Ron Forrester, was missing in action for more than 50 years before his remains were found and laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery.

“We’re honoring all who gave the ultimate sacrifice for our country,” Forrester said. “We get to ride across our country and celebrate a very unifying mission that brings us all together as Americans.”

The ride, which takes place over 10 days and ends at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C., serves as a moving tribute to the more than 58,000 names etched on the wall. Organizers say the sight of hundreds of bikes sparks curiosity and raises awareness wherever they go.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of La Quinta is proposing an ordinance banning homeless camping on public property, making such camping a misdemeanor. However, some local homeless advocates are calling for it to stop.

This comes after La Quinta sheriff’s officials report an increase in homeless encampments along the underpasses of busy roadway’s. The La Quinta City Council discussed the ordinance May 6, but did not put the ordinance to a vote. The ordinance’s proposal is expected for May 20.

Officials with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department are pushing the ordinance, as they said it’s important to improve the City’s quality of life.

“The ordinance gives the sheriff’s department a lot more options when it’s dealing with homeless camping,” Lt. Frank Velasco said.

Velasco said the homeless population in La Quinta in small, with just eight people in the most recent point-in-time count. However, he said the population is transient, meaning they aren’t staying permanently. But he said they have a great impact on the city either way.

“The ordinance needed to be expanded in order for the sheriff’s department to be able to actually monitor some of the encampments coming up,” Velasco said. “It ends up causing sanitation issues – clean up issues for the city.”

According to the May 6 council discussion, with the ordinance, officials goal is to persuade unhoused people to relocate to another part of the city or use services provided by services in the Valley. If both options are refused, they can be arrested for a misdemeanor.

Matthew Naylor, the president of Well in the Desert said there aren’t enough services in the Valley for the ordinance to be efficient. He sent an email to the La Quinta City Council calling for them to stop the ordinance.

“Homeless individuals are all human and they have their different individual story in their life,” Naylor said. “The City of La Quinta and other cities in our county they should get together and talk about homelessness as a group so that we can find the solutions together.”

Well in the Desert primarily works with the homeless population in Palm Springs, a city that has a homeless arrest ordinance. Naylor said it doesn’t work.

“When the Palm Springs police chief announced that he has arrested a thousand individuals, and no I’m feeding more people, it shows that didn’t work,” Naylor said. “So why do we want another city in the Valley arresting people when it’s not working?”

For the full ordinance proposal see page 347 of the La Quinta City Council May 6 agenda here www.laquintaca.gov

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from La Quinta city officials and from Well in the Desert organizers on how this will impact the homeless population.

Click here to follow the original article.