Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A 2025 impact report released Tuesday revealed Friends of the Desert Mountains, a nonprofit organization dedicated to land conservation, offered hundreds of free public hikes and talks, generated more than a $1 million in revenue and returned 1,073 acres of land to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians among other factors.

“Our work is ultimately about connection,” Tammy Martin, executive director of the nonprofit, said in a statement. “When people spend time on the land, learn from it, care for it and see themselves as part of its future, conservation becomes something we do together.”

The report highlighted a few key accomplishments, including offering 502 free public hikes and talks, volunteers contributed 5,800 hours, and the organization, with assistance from Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy, returned thousands of acres to the local tribe, which included two parcels consisting of 936 acres and 137 acres purchased by the tribe from Friends.

“Preservation of our homelands is essential to maintaining our cultural heritage,” Tribal Chairman Jeff Grubbe of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians said in the report.

“Who better to care for these lands than the original stewards who have been doing so since time immemorial,” Martin said.

Friends_2025_AnnualReport-tmDownload

Additionally, more than 500 students participated in Friends’ education programs and the organization generated $1,119,058 in revenue last year through fundraising efforts, programs and grants and admin fees.

“Every person who connects to the land becomes part of its future,” the report concludes.

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Gavin Nguyen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Top law enforcement officials are speaking out about safety after a deadly pursuit crash Monday night.

The person who died was identified as a 42-year-old Cherry Valley man. Police say he was running from police when he turned onto Interstate 10, heading the wrong direction, and triggered a head-on crash. The man was pronounced dead at the scene. Two women from Indio were also injured in the crash.

Video shared with News Channel 3 from a Tesla following the two women who were struck showed them make an evasive turn to the right in an effort to avoid the oncoming car. The vehicle being pursued turned in the same direction — then, the two collided.

California Highway Patrol officer David Torres said the women did everything right in that situation.

“We ask you to make an evasive movement and pay attention,” he said. “It looks like they were paying attention. Unfortunately, the other vehicle was traveling really fast. He was going the wrong way and there was nothing they could do.”

In the aftermath of that crash, we asked the top law enforcement officials at Indio Police Department’s National Night Out on Tuesday night.

While the pursuit did not involve his officers, we asked Indio Police Chief Brian Tully, “How can you assure the public that they’re safe from these types of pursuit crashes?”

“What we’re doing and what you and I are doing right now is educating the public,” he said, gesturing to the gathering around him. “We’re constantly educating how to prevent or or be aware of certain things that could occur or could put you in danger. The most important thing is we’re trying to keep people from being victims.”

Officers from Indio PD and CHP had similar answers when it came to pursuit policy. Chief Tully outlined how they only pursue for serious crimes, and if officers assess a situation is becoming too dangerous to the public, his officers back off. He said they employ technology, like drones and automatic license plate readers (ALPR cameras) to track suspects, rather than put the public at risk.

He added, though, “We have to keep in mind – and the community is concerned – we always have to balance public safety and privacy rights.”

Chief Tully pointed out that events that educate and engage the public, like National Night Out, were critical in helping bridge that gap.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Ballots for the Nov. 3 election began arriving in Coachella Valley mailboxes this week, and polling shows many voters plan to use them against a candidate rather than for one.

A national NPR/PBS News/Marist poll conducted Sept. 14-15 found 45% of registered voters say their vote for Congress is a vote against President Donald Trump. About a quarter said their vote is in support of the president. The survey of 1,280 adults has a margin of error of plus or minus 3.8 percentage points.

In California, a UC Berkeley Institute of Governmental Studies poll conducted Sept. 15-20 found 37% of likely voters list fighting Trump administration policies as a top issue, second only to the cost of living at 44%. Among supporters of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Xavier Becerra, it was the top issue, at 59%. Supporters of Republican Steve Hilton most often cited reducing taxes, at 62%. The poll of 4,512 likely voters, funded in part by the Los Angeles Times, has a margin of error of about 2 percentage points.

Elle Kurpiewski of the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert said she is not surprised, pointing to gas prices, grocery prices and the war with Iran.

“I think people are voting against a party, and they’re voting against the Republican Party, because the leadership of the Republican Party has let the American people down,” Kurpiewski said.

Joy Miedecke of the East Valley Republican Women Patriots said the election should be about process, not vengeance.

“You hate Trump and so you’re going to slit your own throat. That’s what’s happening,” Miedecke said. She said Republicans are voting for their candidates, including Hilton for governor and Herb Morgan for state controller.

Not everyone is voting against. A woman who stopped by Democratic headquarters for a Raul Ruiz yard sign said she supports the congressman because of his record.

“I think he’s very sensible. He knows a lot about health. He knows a lot about the environment,” she said. “And I think he is far from corrupt.”

Ruiz, a Democrat, represents the 25th Congressional District and faces Republican Joe Males in November.

The president added to the debate Monday at a campaign rally in Grand Island, Nebraska, where he argued high gas prices are the cost of the war with Iran.

“It’s a small price to pay for keeping the world safe, keeping our country safe. They can take out a city. … Let them take out Los Angeles. Let them take out San Diego. This is a very small price to pay, and it’s going to be over very soon,” Trump said.

The White House said the president was misunderstood and was making the case for stopping Iran from ever being able to attack U.S. cities with a nuclear weapon.

Republican Jim Desmond and Democrat Marni von Wilpert, the candidates in the 48th Congressional District, which now includes Palm Springs, both criticized the remark. Desmond, a Navy veteran, said on social media he served to protect Americans, not to write off cities as a cost of war.

Kurpiewski also urged voters to skip the mail.

“The post office is a wonderful place. But with this election, we’re asking, urging, pleading. Go to a drop box,” she said.

Under a U.S. Postal Service rule that took effect Dec. 24, a postmark does not necessarily reflect the day mail was dropped off. California counts a mailed ballot if it is postmarked by Nov. 3 and received by Nov. 10. The secretary of state advises anyone mailing a ballot on Election Day to get a hand-stamped postmark from a clerk inside a post office.

Riverside County’s ballot drop-off sites opened Oct. 5 at city halls, libraries and community centers across the valley. City hall sites are open during regular business hours. Most others are open Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. All sites are open 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Election Day.

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Jesus Reyes

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – A pedestrian was struck and killed by a vehicle Tuesday morning in Joshua Tree.

The crash was reported just after 4:35 a.m. on State Route 62 near Rice Avenue.

CHP officers responded and began life-saving measures until emergency medical arrived on scene, however, the pedestrian was pronounced dead at the scene, authorities said.

His identity is withheld pending notification to next of kin.

The driver of the vehicle was uninjured.

The investigation remains ongoing. If you have any additional information concerning this crash, you contact the California Highway Patrol – Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-3707.

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert City Council will consider adopting a proposed artificial intelligence policy citywide, governing how AI can be used in city work during a council meeting later this week.

The proposed policy would allow routine uses of city-approved AI tools to assist city employees only, including interns, volunteers, elected and appointed officials, with city work.

Artificial intelligence is defined as a “machine-based system that uses machine learning or other computational techniques to infer patterns from data or other inputs and generate outputs, including content, predictions, recommendations, classifications, estimates or actions,” according to a staff report.

Officials said a key feature of the proposed policy is a risk-based approach, with the use of AI classified as low, moderate or high-risk based on capabilities, access and potential impact. Moderate or high-risk, which involves accessing sensitive or restricted city information, independently communicating or taking action without prior human approval, and taking an autonomous action that creates a legal or financial commitment for the city, will require approval from the Department Director or City Manager, according to a staff report.

In March 2026, the city established an artificial intelligence officer position, who will administer the policy and AI’s governance and risk classification program.

A requirement from the policy includes employees will be prohibited to use AI to “falsify or fabricate a city record or communication, falsely attribute to a real person or the city a statement or action not made not taken by that person or the city, or circumvent city security controls, access restrictions, or requires approvals.”

If approved, the policy would take effect immediately.

Thursday’s meeting will be held at 4 p.m. at 73-510 Fred Waring Drive.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 36-year-old man accused of fatally stabbing his elderly stepfather last week in Rancho Mirage was officially charged with murder on Tuesday.

Joshua Jordan Kohain-King of Yucca Valley was arrested on Thursday in connection with the murder of Carl Harry Smith, 76, of Rancho Mirage.

Joshua Jordan Kohain-King

Kohain-King was arraigned on a murder charge Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, in which he pleaded not guilty. He is scheduled to return to court for a Felony Settlement Conference on Oct. 15. He remains in custody on $1 million bail.

Deputies responded to a report of an assault with a deadly weapon at 8:33 p.m. Thursday in the 36000 block of Palm View Road. Arriving deputies encountered Smith suffering from “injuries consistent with stab wounds,” the department stated. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Kohain-King was identified as the suspect and taken into custody without incident. It was unclear what led investigators to identify Kohain-King as the suspect. A possible motive was not disclosed.

The investigation was ongoing, and anyone with additional information was asked to call 951-955-2777.

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Luis Avila

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – UPDATE: 10/8 1:45pm- Following our report about dozens of clients demanding answers from Rancho Mirage immigration attorney Joe Luna, saying they paid for legal help from the Luna Firm but are now left looking for answers after learning the attorney’s license was suspended, News Channel 3 received a statement from Representative Raul Ruiz.

“I’m deeply concerned to hear about these allegations. These allegations should be investigated fully. People seeking help with their immigration cases should not have to worry about being taken advantage of by the very people they’ve trusted to represent them.

If you believe you may have been defrauded by an immigration service provider, you can file a complaint with the State Bar of California at (800) 843-9053 or report suspected fraud to the California Attorney General’s Office at (800) 952-5225.

Our office stands ready to help with immigration or other federal agency matters. Constituents can request casework assistance through our website or by contacting one of our district offices.”

Original Report

Dozens of clients are demanding answers from Rancho Mirage immigration attorney Joe Luna, saying they paid for legal help from the Luna Firm but are now left looking for answers after learning the attorney’s license was suspended.

Luna is currently not eligible to practice law in California, according to the State Bar of California.

The Luna Firm’s Rancho Mirage office has also had its signage removed.

Clients tell News Channel 3 they have been waiting months for updates about their immigration cases, with little to no answers.

One client, who News Channel 3 is identifying as Jane Doe because she asked that her name and face not be shown, says she went to the Luna Firm with other clients looking for answers.

“It’s just really hard and I haven’t cried as much as I probably should. It sucks because I don’t know where it’s going to go. I don’t have answers,” Jane said.

Jane says she did not know Luna’s license had been suspended until she went to the office asking for answers.

Jane says she paid thousands of dollars for representation and says Luna never showed up to any of her court hearings.

Jane is now worried about what could happen if nothing is done in her case.

“I do have court November 3rd. According to my judge, she said that if there’s nothing filed or in motion, I will be getting the deportation order,” Jane said.

News Channel 3 also obtained video showing a group of clients confronting people at the Luna Firm office. During the confrontation, one person is heard threatening to call U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE.

News Channel 3 went to the Luna Firm office to get answers but was not allowed inside.

After that, a former employee reached out to News Channel 3 and shared what she says was happening behind the scenes at the firm.

“There was money taken and work not performed. Clients were put off,” the former employee said.

When asked what she believed the issue came down to, the former employee said, “Lack of supervision by the attorney.”

She also said, “This isn’t the first suspension this year.. it’s the second. Normally notification is sent out to clients. It wasn’t done. That’s why clients are finding out on social media.”

The former employee said she believed staff members had the best intentions.

But when asked whether she believed Luna had the best intentions, she said, “No, I don’t think he had the best intentions at all.”

News Channel 3 has been in contact with Luna to give him an opportunity to respond to the concerns raised by clients and the allegations made by the former employee.

Luna told News Channel 3 he was unavailable to speak Tuesday but would be available to speak Wednesday.

News Channel 3 will follow up with Luna and bring you his response.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — Early voting is officially underway across Riverside County, where 107 ballot drop-off locations have opened for voters to return their completed ballots through Election Day.

In-person voting in the county is currently limited to the Registrar of Voters office in Riverside until additional voting centers open later this month.

The registrar’s office recently sent out over a million ballots to registered voters throughout the county on Monday. Elizabeth Florer, with the registrar of voters in Riverside County, advises voters to allow adequate time for delivery through the postal system.

“We did mail out 1.4 million ballots yesterday,” Florer said. “So we do say allow time for them to get through the USPS system. So if you have not received them by Tuesday of next week, contact our office because it does take about three to five days to get through the system to get to voters.”

Election officials are encouraging residents to return their ballots early to assist with the vote counting process and allow time to resolve any potential issues, such as signature verification discrepancies. Those who plan on voting by mail are advised to send their ballots at the latest 5 days before election day to give it adequate time to reach the registrar’s office.

“We do say don’t delay,” Florer said. “Vote early. It helps us with the vote count. It also helps make sure that there are no snags in the system, like your signature not being accepted and you need time to cure that, right?”

Voters who have not received their ballot by Tuesday of next week are advised to contact the Riverside County Registrar of Voters office. Additional vote centers across the county are scheduled to open later this month leading up to Election Day.

For a city-by-city list of ballot drop-off locations, click here.

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Raymond Kalra

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley’s busy tourism season is taking off earlier this year, with some seasonal flights returning to Palm Springs International Airport weeks, and in some cases, months ahead of last year.

Airport officials say the earlier return of seasonal service is helping stretch the region’s travel season, giving both residents and visitors more options for a longer portion of the year.

“We’re seeing several of those seasonal returns earlier than last year, weeks and even months in some cases,” PSP spokesperson Jake Ingrassia said. “Which is fantastic because more options and more traveling for anybody who wants to get here or get from here.”

Palm Springs International Airport is coming off a record-setting 2025, when more than 3.3 million passengers traveled through the airport. Ingrassia said 2026 passenger numbers are currently slightly below last year’s record pace, but the airport is still experiencing one of its strongest years on record.

Last season, PSP added five new nonstop routes, including United Airlines service to Newark, American Airlines service to Charlotte, Alaska Airlines service to Santa Rosa and two new nonstop options to Austin. Those routes are returning this season, with some coming back earlier than they did last year.

For travelers, having more nonstop options can make the difference between an easy trip and an additional connection.

Allison Hume told News Channel 3 she travels to the Coachella Valley four or five times a year to visit friends in La Quinta and Rancho Mirage. She described traveling through PSP as “easy peasy,” but said getting to Palm Springs from Reno still requires two flights.

“We’d like you guys to get a direct flight,” Hume said.

Hume said the airport’s convenience is one of the reasons she enjoys using it, pointing to easy rental car access, security and navigation through the terminal.

That access is also becoming increasingly important to hotels across the Valley.

Dan Johnson, general manager of the Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort and Villas, said additional nonstop flights provide a significant boost to occupancy and help resorts compete with other warm-weather destinations.

“We are very encouraged,” Johnson said. “Q4 and Q1 are well ahead of pace versus same time last year.”

Johnson said additional nonstop service can be especially important for group and conference travel, where planners are often considering both cost and travel time when deciding where to hold an event. Direct service from key markets can make the Coachella Valley an easier choice.

He also wants to see the traditional tourism season expand beyond the winter and early spring months.

Johnson said the period from roughly mid-November through festival season in April is already strong, but believes additional flights could help grow tourism during the “shoulder” months in late spring and early fall.

Strong demand is also showing up at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa.

General Manager Nusrat Mirza said the property is seeing strong bookings through the end of the year and into the beginning of next year.

“We are having an amazing year,” Mirza said. “Probably I would say, the best year in the history of the hotel since we opened. We’ve been here for 40 years.”

Mirza said both conference and leisure travel are contributing to that growth. He said conference visitors often extend their trips or bring family members with them, creating additional spending outside the resort at restaurants, shops and other attractions throughout the Valley.

For local tourism leaders, the impact stretches far beyond hotel rooms and airport terminals.

PSP says travelers generated more than $2.55 billion in total economic impact in 2025. More than $1.1 billion was spent by PSP travelers in local communities, including at hotels, restaurants, shops and attractions.

Airport activity also supported more than 16,500 jobs last year, according to PSP. Ingrassia said that includes not only airport employees, but workers throughout the hospitality industry and other businesses that depend on visitor spending.

The connection between tourism and employment is also being felt inside the Valley’s resorts.

Mirza said the JW Marriott now employs more people than it did before the COVID-19 pandemic. With 884 rooms, two golf courses, a spa and other amenities, he said stronger tourism demand translates directly into more work for local employees.

“The more business we have, the more work they have and the more money in their pockets,” Mirza said.

Johnson made a similar connection, saying higher occupancy creates greater job security and can help resorts retain employees throughout the year.

“If we deliver strong tourism, job security advances,” Johnson said, adding that year-round employee retention helps create a better experience for visitors as well.

Airport officials say airline decisions ultimately depend on demand. Ingrassia said carriers continually evaluate where to place aircraft and whether individual routes are being used enough to justify extending seasonal service or potentially making it year-round.

He encouraged local travelers to consider using PSP when possible, saying passenger demand can help demonstrate to airlines that the market can support additional service.

For airport and hotel leaders, the next opportunity is extending the Valley’s tourism momentum even further – bringing more flights, visitors and tourism dollars to the region for more months of the year.

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Dakota Makinen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio Police are inviting the community to downtown Indio Tuesday evening for National Night Out.

The free event runs from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Center Stage, 82881 Miles Avenue.

The event will give families a chance to meet local police officers and learn more about public safety through police demonstrations, family activities and community partners.

Food trucks will also be on site.

Organizers say the event is designed to strengthen relationships between law enforcement and the community in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.

Indio Police say National Night Out also gives residents an opportunity to ask officers questions, learn about crime prevention and discover ways to get involved in keeping their neighborhoods safe.

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