Category: kesq-local-news

KESQ News Team

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. — A grieving family is speaking out and demanding accountability after 18-year-old Jaime Castro was struck and killed in a tragic crash on a dark and often dangerous stretch of Indian Canyon Drive.

The fatal incident occurred on September 30th near the intersection of Indian Canyon Drive and Pierson Road — a stretch of road that lies near the border between the jurisdictions of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Jaime’s parents say confusion over jurisdiction may have delayed the initial response from law enforcement. According to the family, officers could not confirm which agency was responsible for responding to the scene first.

Adding to their frustration, Jaime’s mother, Yahaira, says the area lacks proper street lighting and is notorious for speeding drivers — conditions she believes contributed to her son’s death.

News Channel 3 spoke with Desert Hot Springs Police Chief Steve Shaw, who confirmed that his department did not receive any 911 calls prior to the crash — only one after the incident had occurred.

When asked whether Indian Canyon Drive is considered a hazardous area, Chief Shaw stated that there have been no recent incidents reported prior to Jaime’s death.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A parolee accused of trying to kill a real estate agent checking a Banning house where the convicted felon had evidently camped out was charged today with attempted murder and other offenses.   

Daniel Moreno, 32, of Banning was arrested Thursday following a police chase from Banning to Moreno Valley.   

Along with attempted murder, Moreno is charged with assault with a deadly weapon resulting in great bodily, attempted mayhem, false imprisonment, felony evading and parole violations.  

He pleaded not guilty to all charges during his arraignment Tuesday at the Banning Justice Center.

According to the Banning Police Department, shortly before 7 p.m. Thursday, the Realtor went to a vacant property in the 1200 block of Butterfly Way, near Eagle Drive, on the north end of the city, apparently to confirm everything was all right at the house, which is part of a new subdivision.

“Upon entering … the residence, the victim was attacked by a male, who was already inside,” police Capt. Brandon Smith said.   

He said the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, suffered serious injuries and was robbed before the assailant fled. The party was able to call 911, and patrol officers converged on the location minutes later, along with paramedics.

The victim was taken to a regional trauma center for treatment and was in recovery on Tuesday.  

“While on scene, officers received information regarding a possible suspect vehicle, described as a Hyundai Elantra, fleeing the location,” Smith said. “Officers located a vehicle matching the description and attempted to conduct a traffic stop to contact the occupant. The vehicle failed to stop, and a vehicle pursuit was initiated.”  

The chase transitioned from city streets onto westbound Interstate 10, according to the captain.  

Sheriff’s deputies and California Highway Patrol officers joined Banning police in pursuing the driver, later identified as Moreno, into Moreno Valley via the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway.

“The pursuit ultimately terminated near Frederick Street and Atlantic Circle in Moreno Valley, when a sheriff’s unit successfully implemented a pursuit intervention technique, commonly referred to as a PIT maneuver,” Smith said.

Moreno was arrested without further incident. No one was injured during the chase.

The defendant has two prior strikes on his felony record, though they weren’t listed in court documents.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A fundraiser benefiting Greater Palm Springs Pride will allow patrons to “Skip the Line” at six participating bars within the Arenas District, organizers announced today.

Participating businesses including Blackbook, Chill Bar, Dick’s, Hunter’s, Quadz and Streetbar collaborated to create a pass for purchase that will grants visitors priority access during Price Week.

“The Arenas District bars didn’t wait to be asked — we saw a need and stepped up,” Rob Giesecke of Chill Bar said in a statement.   

The promotion was created to help offset financial challenges facing many LGBTQ+ organizations, including a $350,000 shortfall this year.   

“While other cities are making difficult decisions to curtail programming, some are cancelling Pride events completely, Palm Springs is rising to meet the moment and creating space for the community to come together and celebrate,” the organization said.

The “Skip the Line” pass can be purchased online starting Tuesday, and it can only be used from Nov.6-9, officials said.   

“We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary level of support from each bar in the Arenas District,” President of Greater Palm Springs Pride Ron deHarte said in a statement.   

All proceeds will go towards Greater Palm Springs Pride programming.   

To purchase a pass, visit https://bit.ly/arenasskip.

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Jesus Reyes

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A West Hollywood resident was pronounced dead after a crash last week in Twentynine Palms, authorities confirmed on Tuesday.

Diego M. Thornton, 52, was pronounced dead after being struck by a vehicle Thursday, Oct. 2, just before 8 p.m. on Amboy Road, east of Mica Avenue.

The California Highway Patrol said the driver, identified as an Indio resident, was determined to not be impaired at the time of the crash.

The cause of the crash and the reason for the pedestrian being in the roadway remain under investigation

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Palm Springs has finalized the $5.9 million payment settlement to the survivors and descendants of Section 14, officials told News Channel 3 Tuesday.

According to the city, the Section 14 Settlement Agreement was signed by the Section 14 claimants on September 4 and by the City on September 5.  The City has received nearly 1,500 signed release/waivers.

Under the terms of the settlement agreement, as approved by the City Council unanimously in November (According to Palm Springs:

The City Council approved $5.9 million in direct financial compensation for eligible survivors and descendants. The payment was contingent upon receipt of at least 1,200 signed legal waivers. As of October 6, nearly 1,500 release/waivers have been received by the City.

The City Council voted to authorize the named claimant representing survivors and descendants and their attorneys the disbursement of individual payments once the required waivers were received. As with all settlements of claims or litigation, the City does not get involved in how the claimants and their attorneys share in the proceeds.

The settlement also includes $20 million in affordable housing programs to be implemented over the next decade, prioritizing access for former Section 14 families, along with $1 million in small-business support to strengthen economic opportunity in Palm Springs.

The City remains committed to establishing a public memorial and dedicating a future park to honor the families of Section 14.

In addition, the agreement provides that the City will offer support for a potential Section 14 Cultural and Racial Healing Center, which may include letters of support. The City is not obligated to fund any such center but remains committed to helping community-led efforts succeed.

“The City approached this settlement with care, transparency, and respect for everyone involved, said City Manager Scott Stiles. “Our goal from the beginning has been to resolve these longstanding claims in a way that is fair, equitable and with a focus on healing and progress.”

Not everyone is happy with the settlement. A petition signed by 37 people, including three survivors, who don’t think the settlement goes far enough, and it lists a number of demands.

Section 14 Attorney ResponseDownload

Section 14 is a one-square-mile tract previously held by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, adjacent to downtown Palm Springs. This area used to home hundreds of people, mostly minority families, until the 1950s and 1960s when they were evicted.

Section 14 became a prominent point of discussion of the Palm Springs City Council in June of 2020, when hundreds of people signed a petition to remove the statue of former mayor Frank Bogert in front of Palm Springs City Hall.

In September of 2021, the City Council voted to move forward with an apology for the city government’s role in the destruction of Section 14 more than 50 years ago. At that same meeting, city staff agreed to bring back budget proposals for reparations to those affected within the year. However, survivors of Section 14 felt as though conversations surrounding reparations began to come to a halt

As a result, the city of Palm Springs began facing legal action in November of 2022. The group of survivors, with the advice of economist Dr. Julianna Malveaux and lead attorney Areva Martin, began seeking direct payments for the racially motivated harm caused by the evictions, with damages ranging from $400 million to $2 billion. 

In a 3-2 vote in April of 2023, the City Council voted not to approve a consultant agreement to develop reparations program services like the survivors had long urged for.

Following a closed City Council meeting in January of 2024 in which Section 14 survivors rallied to discuss movement on the reparation plans, the Council issued a statement agreeing to several actions involving the issue in April 2024.

News Channel 3 has been covering the issue for several years. You can watch some of our reports below:

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (CNS) – A person was rescued today from a trail in Palm Desert after suffering from a medical complaint.   

The rescue was reported shortly before 3 p.m. Tuesday in the 470000 block of Portola Avenue, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.   

The agency said the individual suffered moderate injuries and was hoisted by helicopter to a ground ambulance nearby.   

No further information was immediately available.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The national nonprofit “Human Rights Campaign” announced that the city of Palm Springs and the Transgender Health and Wellness Center will receive awards at an upcoming event.

The “HRC Palm Springs Garden Party” raises funds to support the organization’s work to defend, protect, and advance equality for LGBTQ+ Americans.

The city of Palm Springs is being recognized for its staunch support of the LGBTQ community while the Transgender Health and Wellness Center is being recognized for the care and youth support it provides.

“LGBTQ+ Americans just want to live their lives and feel that we are due and should be afforded equality. Equality is not limited; it is something we should all be afforded,” said Brian O’Connor, Chair of HRC Palm Springs.

The 24th HRC Palm Springs Garden Party will be held Saturday, November 8, from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Click here for more information on the event, including how to purchase tickets.

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Gavin Nguyen

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A horse rescued from Cabazon has found his new calling.

After being rescued from a property in August of 2024, the horse, named Maverick, was taken by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services.

In the months that followed, he was transformed from “severely underweight” to a member of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Mounted Enforcement Detail (MED). 

Deputy Hubbard, who calls himself “Maverick’s dad,” is speaking with us about the journey he and his partner took to become a part of the elite unit of horse-riding deputies.

Tonight on News Channel 3, we’re bringing you the story of Maverick, the horse who found a new life in law enforcement. Stay with us for the full story.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs officials will unveil a large-scale art installation from its sister city in Mexico next week during a public ceremony celebrating international cultural exchange, it was announced today.   

Mexican artist Daniel “Mestiz” Valero, from San Miguel de Allende — Palm Springs’ official sister city — will begin installing his artwork “Deriva Floral” Wednesday along Museum Way, adjacent to Downtown Park.   

A ribbon-cutting ceremony is set for 9:30 a.m. Oct. 15, featuring remarks from Mayor Ron deHarte, city councilmembers, San Miguel de Allende Director of Tourism Tania Castillo and Palm Springs Sister Cities President Gary Armstrong.

“We are excited to host this beautiful art installation from our Sister City, San Miguel de Allende. Cross-cultural exchanges like these build bridges across languages, customs, and generations, enriching both communities in the process,” deHarte said.

The installation will feature 36 handcrafted flowers, each about four feet wide, with several suspended in the air. The piece reflects the vibrant colors and cultural identity of Valero’s hometown, officials said.

“San Miguel de Allende has always been a beacon of creativity, artistry and cultural fusion,” Castillo said.

The art installation will be open to the public through November, and was fully funded by San Miguel de Allende, according to officials.

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Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A Cathedral City woman in Israeli custody after being detained on a humanitarian aid boat headed for Gaza has been safely released and is now in Jordan, family told News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij.

Jordanian state media reported that 131 Gaza flotilla activists were deported to Jordan on Tuesday.

Family shared a video showing Geraldine Ramirez with the remaining US delegation members in Jordan.

“Our family cannot fully express the relief and gratitude we feel at this moment. These past days have been filled with fear, uncertainty, and countless prayers but also with incredible love and support from people all around the world,” reads a statement from Ramirez’s family. “Geraldine is now safe and receiving care. We ask for privacy and calm as she recovers physically and emotionally from her experience.”

Ramirez’s family said they do not know when she will be able to fly back to the United States, nor the exact location where she will be released or processed next.

“We remain in communication with officials and continue to trust that she will be safely reunited with the people she cares for soon,” Ramirez’s family added.

News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij interviewed Ramirez’s family last week, even bringing Ramirez’s story to the attention of local Congressman Raul Ruiz. Watch the interviews below:

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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