Category: kesq-local-news

Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Palm Springs International Airport Executive Director was named Airport Executive of the Year by the Southwest Chapter of the American Association of Airport Executives (SWAAAE).

Harry Barrett Jr., Executive Director of the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP), received the highest individual honor by SWAAAE for Airport Executive of the Year. This award is granted to a leader who demonstrates courage, innovation, and measurable impact on their airport, community, and the aviation industry. 

Barrett joined PSP in 2020 and was named Executive director in 2022. Over his time working at PSP he has overseen a period of historic growth for the airport.

During his tenure, he has secured more than $6 million in FAA grants to modernize PSP’s outbound baggage system and led major infrastructure projects, including a $36 million TSA and ticket lobby expansion and an $11 million passenger loading bridge replacement.

Employees note his commitment to transparency, accountability and community engagement helps foster an environment where both travelers and passengers feel supported and empowered. 

“Harry’s ability to balance warmth with clarity, friendship with leadership, and bold vision with 

everyday execution has created a rare kind of workplace: one where people feel proud to serve,”  one nomination reads. 

Barrett launched ProgressPSP.com, a public-facing website that tracks airport capital projects 

and promotes fiscal transparency. Beyond capital growth, the executive has double staffing for PSP creating inclusive jobs for adults with disabilities. 

His continuous efforts to better not only the airport but the community is a testament to his transformative leadership. 

For more information stay with News Channel 3. 

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KESQ-Newsroom

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs City Councilmembers approved a long-debated bridge project on South Palm Canyon Drive on Monday, despite concerns from environmental advocates.

After years of delays and design changes, the council voted to approve a version that will impact the Oswit alluvial fan.

Some conservation groups worry about the environmental effects — but other nearby residents say it’s a necessary move to ensure emergency access for the neighborhood, especially during flooding.

City leaders said that delaying the project any further could raise costs and put crucial funding at risk.

The project has had state funding secured for years — including nearly $5 million from Caltrans that must be used by the end of 2026.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy announced a public comment period and Tribal consultation process for their proposed Proposition 4 Grant Program. 

The proposed Proposition 4 Grant Program was enacted on November 5, 2024 by the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024. The program aims to uplift public improvement efforts and tackle urgent climate needs throughout the state of California. 

“The Proposition 4 Grant Program will bring $11 million in conservation funding to public agencies, Tribes, and nonprofit organizations in the Coachella Valley over the next five years,” said Elizabeth M. King, Executive Director of the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy. 

“Funds will be available for land acquisitions, habitat enhancement and restoration projects, and public access improvements that tackle our most urgent climate needs.” 

In light of the proposed program the Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy opened a public comment period where any interested parties can submit comments on the grant programs guidelines, eligibility criteria and priorities. 

The comment period began on July 10 and will be open until October 10, with a virtual interest meeting being held on September 2 at 10:00 a.m. via Microsoft Teams. 

“The public comment period allows stakeholders to provide valuable input on the proposed grant program, while the Tribal consultation is a crucial step in upholding our government-to-government relationship with Tribal Nations and addressing their unique needs and concerns,” King adds. 

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy reports they hope to create an open dialogue with federally recognized Tribes who could potentially feel the impacts of these changes in their communities.

The consultation period will run concurrently with the public comment period, beginning on July 10 and concluding on October 10, with a Virtual Tribal Consultation Session being held on September 2 via Microsoft Teams. 

RSVPs for both events must be placed by August 27. For more information visit https://www.cvmc.ca.gov and stay with News Channel 3.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s an alarming number at first glance: according to CAL FIRE, arson arrests are up 30% compared to this time last year.

The department posted the stats on Facebook in early July. They update the total each month.

CAL FIRE law enforcement has made 74 arson arrests statewide through the end of June, 2025 — a 30% increase over the same period last year.Arson puts lives, property, and natural resources at risk.

The increase in arrests by CAL FIRE law enforcement represents the department’s statewide numbers. These stats, though, differ from community to community. Locally, the Palm Springs Fire Department said they have not seen a large increase in arsons.

Captain Blake Bonelli, who manages the Palm Springs Fire Department’s investigative team, told News Channel 3 that a large portion of fires are caused accidentally.

The cause of a fire can have big impacts on the aftermath of a fire, like fire insurance claims. It’s important to check if your fire insurance policy covers damage from fires caused by arson, especially when some local wildfires, like the Line Fire in 2024, were found to be set intentionally.

News Channel 3 is also speaking with a fire captain from Palm Springs Fire who heads the department’s investigative unit. Stay with us to learn more about the tools they use and how they determine causes of fire – including if a fire was accidental, or intentional. 

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Luis Avila

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A shakeup at the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter after months of public controversy. The shelter’s longtime manager stepping down, a promising sign for local advocates towards improving operations.

Criticism of the Yucca Valley Animal Shelter began gaining momentum in January, when residents started attending council meetings to speak out about alleged mismanagement. The controversy deepened after two former employees accused Smith of using improper euthanasia methods. Although the town initiated a 90-day review of shelter operations in March and introduced several changes, many residents remained concerned about Smith’s continued presence.

Last week, Yucca Valley officials announced the retirement of Doug Smith, its Animal Care and Control Manager, following months of public pressure and concern over shelter conditions.

“There’s a lot of belief amongst the community that the management’s practices are outdated… and that’s evident by the lack of modern programs… Brining more modern practice with a manager who genuinely believes in the value of those will lead to better results.”

James Porter, Yucca Valley resident

News Channel 3 spoke with Curtis Yakimow, the town manager, back in April about the changes that were coming.

“We’re already began to address how we can better get our animal information to the public for adaptability. So this is placement on website, pet of the week, things like that to get word out and encourage animals… We’ve implemented emergency hires already to supplement our staff able to relieve some of our full time staff to being some these programs to help.”

Curtis Yakimow, Yucca Valley Town Manager

Local advocates say there has been “positive movement.”

“Recent changes that have occurred have included increased social media outreach. The town assigned a part time person to run that whose name is Brooke so shout out to her.”

James Porter, Yucca Valley resident

“Some of the things they’re implemented recently is putting stray online along with adoptables and what we call red listed dogs, dogs that will be euthanized very shortly. Having that online is huge for the community to see those animals and they have promised us that a volunteer and foster program is coming very soon.”

Susan Herring, Yucca Valley resident

According to shelter data, the live release rate in 2024 was 38 percent. This year, so far, it’s increased to almost 61 percent.

In a press release, town officials say they are focused on improving shelter operations, with an emphasis on outreach, animal welfare, and transparency.

But advocates say the work isn’t over.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Tori King

HEMET, Calif. (KESQ)– A man was arrested by the Hemet Police Department for impersonating a motorcycle police officer.

According to the Facebook post, the rider was found wearing a uniform closely resembling a local law enforcement agency, along with a duty belt and what appeared to be a Glock-style pistol.

For officer safety, the man was safely detained and disarmed. A further search revealed the subject was also carrying two taser electronic control devices, an ASP baton, and a container of OC Spray. Both electronic weapons were function tested and found to be operational.

Through investigative efforts, it was confirmed that the man is a convicted felon and legally prohibited from possessing firearms or related weapons. Additionally, the man is not licensed to provide any security services through California’s Bureau of Security and Investigative Services (BSIS).

The man was arrested and booked on several charges.

But how can you tell whether the person pulling you over is a real or fake officer? News Channel Three’s Tori King is speaking with local agencies about the warning signs. See her coverage at 4, 5 and 6pm.

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Haley Meberg

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– Eisenhower Health received the American Heart Association’s Get with the Guidelines- Stroke Gold quality achievement award for its commitment to appropriate stroke treatment, helping save lives. 

Get with the Guidelines is the American Heart Association as well as the American Stroke Association’s hospital-based quality improvement program that aims to provide hospitals with the latest research-based guidelines.

The goal of the organization is to provide quality care and education to stroke patients to help improve their health and recovery from the hospitals to their homes. 

 “We are incredibly pleased to recognize Eisenhower Health for its commitment to caring for patients with stroke,” says Steven Messe, MD, volunteer chair of the American Heart Association Stroke System of Care Advisory Group. “Participation in Get with the Guidelines is associated with improved patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality rates — a win for health care systems, families and communities.”

Along with the Get with the Guidelines recognition, Eisenhower Health has been awarded the American Heart Association’s Target: StrokeSM Honor Roll award and the American Heart Association’s Target: Type 2 Diabetes Honor Roll award for their continuous commitment to ensuring patients get the most up to date treatments.  

“We are proud to be recognized by the American Heart Association for our team’s ongoing commitment to excellence in stroke and diabetes care,” says Martin Massiello, President and Chief Executive Officer, Eisenhower Health. “This achievement reflects the dedication of our clinical teams to provide timely, evidence-based care and improve outcomes for stroke patients throughout the Coachella Valley.”

For more updates stay with News Channel 3. 

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Occasionally in Palm Springs, military aircrafts will practice their routine training exercises in the airspace of Palm Springs International Airport. 

Tuesday afternoon, many callers reached out to News Channel 3 with concerns for why military aircrafts were in the sky, but it is no cause for concern, according to PSP. The airport does not have military units or aircrafts based there, but federal law requires it allows military access to the airfield when needed. 

The airport said they do not receive advance notice of these flights. While it can be a shocking loud encounter for anyone near the airport, it is a unplanned show for the Palm Springs Air Museum which sits just outside the tarmac to PSP. 

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear about the training operations from the PS Air Museum, how common they are and why they are important for pilots.

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Athena Jreij

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Over the weekend, 443 animals at Riverside County shelters found their new ‘fur-ever’ homes thanks to new initiatives pushing animals out of kennels.

Programs like ‘Ticket to Ride,’ a short-term foster program, and extended weekend hours, have all helped save lives.

Launched earlier this summer, ‘Ticket to Ride’ provides transitional foster homes for animals between shelters and adopters. Just days ago, 66 dogs were transported in the program’s first flight to Maine and New York.

“It’s a great way to help out, make some space at the shelter, and know that pet already has placement,” Marlo Clingman with the Department of Animal Services said.

It comes after months of new measures tackling overcrowding, that saw record numbers of 240% overcapacity just days ago.

Imalia Diego, a Riverside local and parent to three dogs already, was one of the first fosters in the program. She says before the Fourth of July, she went to the shelter hoping to lighten the load of animals left in kennels during the stressful holiday.

But an idea for one foster, quickly became two.

“They had told me that it was one dog and that if I took the one dog, a kennel would free up. So I went in and they were like, oh, actually, it’s two puppies in that kennel, so if I take one then I’m not going to free up that kennel. So I was like, okay, I’ll take both of them,” Diego said.

While she only hosted the pair, Kylo and Sally, for two weeks, she believes it changed her life.

“They were kind of shy, a little skinny. Then I was able to socialize them a little, potty train them, get them walking on a leash. All the progress that they made is so, so rewarding, then to know that they’re going to a family. The day before they had to fly out I was hugging them and crying. It was very emotional.”  

Clingman says folks like Diego are the solution they need to show up in the community.

While this weekend’s progress likely saved hundreds of lives, their work isn’t done yet.

“The more volunteers we can see show up and get involved, they really are like the beating heart of any shelter. We really rely on the volunteers, the fosters, getting those pets out of the shelter,” Clingman said.

For more information on ‘Ticket to Ride’, visit: https://rcdas.org/ticket-ride

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Allie Anthony

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Mixed Martial Arts, or MMA, is rapidly growing in popularity across the country, with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) helping bring the sport into the mainstream. According to Gitnux, MMA training enrollments jumped 25% in 2022 alone.

The growth of the sport can been seen right here in the Valley. MMA is making an impact for the community.

In the valley, local athletes are training at the Diaz Brothers Training Camp in Indio. For the fighters there, the training camp offers more than skills training. It’s become a place where discipline and community come together.

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