Category: kesq-local-news

Tori King

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ)– A new candidate has entered the race for the 41st Congressional District.

On Tuesday morning, Katherine Aleman announced she will be running as a Democratic candidate, backed by an endorsement from Former U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer. Aleman is a public school teacher, working mom of four, small business owner, and former Norco City Council Member.

During the campaign announcement event, Aleman introduced herself to the community. According to Aleman, she was raised on El Toro Marine Corps base by a Helicopter Marine pilot father and an elementary school principal mother. Aleman attended local public schools in the Inland Empire, and following her family’s tradition of service, Katherine joined the United States Peace Corps. Katherine eventually returned to the Inland Empire as a public school teacher is currently raising her family in Norco.

Aleman has held office before, and was elected to the Norco City Council, running on a platform to hold officials accountable on zoning changes. During that time, Aleman was the only Democrat on the City Council. According to Aleman, during that stint, she learned to work across the isle to get issues solved. Aleman focused her efforts on address homelessness, building affordable housing for veterans, lowering utility rates, expanding the city’s small business loan program, and funding public safety.

For the 41st Congressional District, Aleman’s platform focuses on to putting working families first, bringing down the cost of living, and keeping health care affordable.

“The Inland Empire needs to have a fresh voice for change in Washington,” said Aleman to News Channel Three’s Tori King.

To learn more about Aleman and to see a full list of endorsements click here.

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Haley Meberg

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ)– The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians donates over 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Thermal Station as back to school approaches. 

As a part of their outreach initiative, officers have begun distributing the backpacks filled with supplies to families in need. The backpacks include a range of elementary school supplies from notebooks and pocket folders to pencil cases, pencils and erasers.

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Thermal and Palm Desert Stations extend their gratitude to the Twenty-Nine Band of Mission Indians for their generous donation of backpacks and school supplies. Your support not only strengthens our ability to serve the community but also highlights the powerful impact we can have when we work together. Thank you for your continued support,” said the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

The Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians continue their annual donations to show their continuous commitment to supporting education and investing in the future of students across the Coachella Valley.

“It’s unfortunate that not every child in the Coachella Valley has access to basic school supplies,” said Chairman Darrell Mike of  the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians. “The Tribe is committed to these kids and very proud that we are able to provide the tools they need to learn and succeed.”

The supplies provided by the tribe goes to support Twentynine Palms ASYMCA, Morongo Unified School District and the Coachella Unified School District.

The tribe is holding upcoming donation events at 10 a.m. July 22 at the ASYMCA Twentynine Palms, 8 a.m. July 30 at the Morongo Unified School District, and 6 p.m. August 12 at the Coachella Valley Unified School District. 

By the beginning of the school year the tribe hopes to provide a total of 1,800 backpacks to local communities in need 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds announced that goaltender Jack LaFontaine has been re-signed to a one-year, AHL contract through the 2025-26 season.

LaFontaine, 27, played in two games for the Firebirds last season, spending the majority of the season in the ECHL with the Kansas City Mavericks, Coachella Valley’s affiliate.

In 31 games with the Mavericks, LaFontaine went 21-8-1, while posting a 2.22 goals against average and a .914 save percentage. In the postseason, LaFontaine recorded four shutouts in 15 games, leading Kansas City to another appearance in the Western Conference Finals.

LaFontaine first joined the Firebirds in 2023.

Prior to joining the team, LaFontaine appeared in games for the ECHL’s Orlando Solar Bears and Norfolk Admirals. The 6-foot-3, 209-pounder skated in American Hockey League games with the Syracuse Crunch and Charlotte Checkers and earned two games with the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes.

LaFontaine began his collegiate career at the University of Michigan before transferring to the University of Minnesota. Following his senior season at the University of Minnesota. During the 2020-21 season with the Golden Gophers, LaFontaine held a 22-7-0 record, 1.79 goals against average, and a .900 save percentage. LaFontaine earned the award for the NCAA’s Top Collegiate Goalie (Mike Richter Award), a finalist spot for the Hobey Baker Award (NCAA Top Collegiate Hockey Player) and was named an NCAA (West) First-Team All-American.

The Coachella Valley Firebirds kick off their 2025-26 season at home on Oct. 10. Click here for the full season schedule.

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Kendall Flynn

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County is proposing the creation of an enhanced infrastructure financing district (EIFD) and is seeking community input for the process.

There is limited infrastructure in the Cabazon area and it’s an ongoing concern for residents. From weekend traffic along the Interstate 10, trains blocking resident exits or losing power to prevent wildfires, the community said the quality of life needs improvements.

The EIFD would be a financial tool not resulting in any new or increased taxes for property owners or residents. If approved, it would set aside a portion of future growth in tax revenue to invest in infrastructure needs. This would include roads, flood control projects, fire suppression and other improvements.

The county will hold two meetings for the community:

Tuesday, July 22 James Venable Community Center 50390 Carmen Ave., Cabazon 12 to 1:30 p.m.

Tuesday, July 22 James Venable Community Center 50390 Carmen Ave., Cabazon 5 to 6:30 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from residents about their concerns, and what officials are doing to help.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s been six months since President Trump began his second term in office. 

Local opponents of the president have made their voices heard in the months since his inauguration. Several protests have been held across the valley, with many expressing their discontent with the president’s agenda and policies.

While displeased of the President’s policies, desert Democrats like Elle Kurpiewski, the Political Coordinator at the Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, said their cause is growing.

“People are becoming upset with some of the things that he’s doing, and we’re seeing an increase in registration,” Kurpiewski explained.

Organizers of the protests in the Coachella Valley also said attendance at each protest have been growing since they started gathering in response to President Trump’s election. They said attendance has grown tenfold from January to their latest protest in June.

“The most wonderful thing about it has been, again, how peaceful it has been, but more importantly, the numbers. And quite honestly, it’s reminding me of the sixties and the seventies when we said enough is enough,” she continued.

Meanwhile, other groups, like the East Valley Republican Women Patriots, have held quieter celebrations in support of the President.

The group’s president, Joy Miedecke, was unavailable for an interview on Tuesday, but provided the following statement to News Channel 3, highlighting their satisfaction with the President’s first six months back in office:

“The Patriot Store is pleased to state that after six (6) months, President Trump has kept his promises:

The border is closed tighter than at any time in history

Illegal alien criminals are being deported

Crime rates are already dropping

Tariffs are creating historically high monthly national revenues

Tariff policies of President Trump are creating historically high investments in domestic manufacturing facilities. This investment will lead to even more jobs for Americans

Inflation has been reduced significantly

Negotiations for peace are making progress worldwide

As a result of Trump’s tax cuts, everyday Americans will experience income growth not seen in years

These “promises kept” are improving the lives of all Americans.”

Joy Miedecke, President (East Valley Republican Women Patriots)

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Promising signs in the fight against the HIV epidemic. But officials warn cuts to public health funding could reverse this progress.

Director of specialty services at DAP Health, Dr. Jason Halperin, says access comes down to cost.

“The biggest barrier I see for my patients are actually fighting to get the medications approved by their insurance. The cost is a real concern. This medication, the price is set by the pharmaceutical l company Gilead… What we’re doing at DAP Health is we have navigators who are focused on advocating for our patients through their insurance companies to get on the appropriate medication for them.”

Dr. Jason Halperin, DAP Health Director of Specialty Services

Lenacapavir, or Yeztugo, the latest HIV prevention shot that only needs to be taken twice a year, costing about $28,000 a year at list price.

Dr. Halperin say funding cuts could further prevent these resources from getting in the hands of those who need them.

“We’re in a tough spot. I can’t believe we’re in this position where we have the most amazing medical innovation for the treatment and preventions of HIV… That said, we are losing the political will to ensure accessibility of this medication, especially when you think about communities that need it the most and where there’s disparities to accessing this medication.”

Dr. Jason Halperin, DAP Health Director of Specialty Services

He says the first step toward saving costs, and saving lives, is HIV prevention strategies. It all starts with a simple test.

For resources, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Allie Anthony

The first day of school is just around the corner, and families are starting to shift back into school-year routines. While the transition from summer to the classroom can be tough, small changes now can make a big difference.

Mental Health Therapist, Sofia Prieto, from the Palm Springs Unified School District says now is the time to ease kids back into routines. She recommends easing into earlier bedtimes and wake-ups about a week before school begins.

According to The Northwestern Evaluation Association, students can lose up to 30% of their academic progress during the summer. Prieto encourages parents to help kids read, write, and talk about what they’re learning to stay sharp.

Preparing backpacks and choosing outfits can also reduce back-to-school anxiety. A little planning now can go a long way for a successful school year.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs City Council voted to approve the Oak View Group (OVG) taking over the contract of the Palm Springs Convention Center on Monday.

The agreement includes a base payment of $1,442,500 over five years, with potential performance-based incentive fees bringing the total contract to a maximum of $3,606,250. 

The initial term runs from Sept. 28, 2025, through Sept. 27, 2030, with the option to extend for an additional five years by mutual agreement.

OVG is the company that brought Acrisure Arena and the Firebirds to the Coachella Valley.

They’re also set to manage operations at the renovated Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs.

It comes after Tim Leiweke stepped down as the CEO of OVG after being indicted for an alleged scheme to rig the bidding process at a sports complex in Austin, Texas.

During the meeting, officials presented a detailed presentation breaking down background, contract overview and the OVG transition.

The company has a transition kickoff meeting with the city and current operator on July 22.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Surf Club management agreed to look into ways to mitigate noise levels at the park after meeting with the Palm Springs Planning Commission Tuesday night.

The park opened in January 2024, but several mechanical issues delayed the official opening. The park is now fully operational conducting daily business. 

According to a staff report posted on the city’s website, the Surf Club is supposed to give an update to the Planning Commission within six months of it’s opening as part of the park’s approval process.

The main topic of discussion was the noise generated at the park from events and the equipment.

According to Palm Springs Code Enforcement, there have been a total of 66 complaints from neighboring communities over a 3-year period. Most of the entries relate to the noise generated by the wave making machines, music, and the gathering of attendees at the park.

The park has been cited 6 times and the staff report states all fines have been paid in full.

News Channel 3 spoke with the Palm Springs Surf Club Director of Surf Operations Chance Gaul after the meeting about the changes they plan to make.

Gaul says, “So we’re going to look inside the machine rooms. We’re going to look outside the machine rooms, and then the simple fix for the amplified bass is turn the bass down and and we’ll work on that. I know that we will be implementing a living wall. And, you know, we just want to reiterate how ready we are to work with the community and make sure that they’re comfortable in their own home.”

The park has already adjusted their hours so they are not open as late.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At its meeting on Monday night, the Palm Springs City Council approved a license agreement with Palm Springs Pride for the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of a landmark flagpole in the Arenas District.

Palm Springs Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte says the decision paves the way for a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and equality in the heart of Palm Springs.

The Arenas District Flagpole Project will feature a prominent installation of the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag, considered the most significant piece of LGBTQ+ art created by the artist.

The installation will commemorate the Black, white, Latino, Asian, and Native-born activists who fought for LGBTQ+ equality since the flag was first flown in San Francisco in 1978.

It is planned to be located at Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, a key gateway to the Arenas Business District. The project is spearheaded by the Arenas District Merchants and will be managed by the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.

Gilbert Baker’s iconic rainbow flag emerged from a request by the late gay supervisor Harvey Milk, who urged Baker, a gay artist, to design a symbol for the 1978 San Francisco Pride parade. The flag was initially eight-striped and later refined to six colored stripes, becoming an international symbol for LGBTQ+ rights. The Baker flag was adopted as the official Pride Flag of Palm Springs Pride in 2011.

In addition to the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag displayed on the flagpole, approved alternative flags include the Transgender flag, designed by Monica F. Helms; the Leather Pride flag, designed by Anthony (Tony) F. DeBlase; the Bisexual Pride flag, designed by Michael Page; and the flag of the State of California.

Additionally, the U.S. flag will be displayed on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Flags can be lowered to half-staff by presidential, gubernatorial, or local proclamation.

“In Palm Springs’ 87-year history, no other cultural or civic group has stepped forward to propose funding a landmark flagpole to honor their community. Yet today, the LGBTQ+ community is doing just that, championing a powerful symbol of pride and inclusivity for all to see,” said deHarte. As Mayor of Palm Springs, deHarte was recused from participating in the project.

“You can support the Landmark Pride Flag. We’re actively raising funds for the Arenas District Pride Flagpole, an incredible piece of art that will symbolize hope and commemorate the tireless fight for equality among activists of all backgrounds,” said Mitch Battersby, the Palm Springs Pride Director of Volunteers and a project lead.

For more information on supporting the Arenas District Flagpole Project, visit https://bit.ly/arenasflag.

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