Category: kesq-local-news

Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, CA (KESQ)- Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has secured a $5.5 million FAA grant for its new outbound baggage handling system, bringing total federal funding for the approximately $93.6 million project to more than $66.5 million.

The $5,501,525 Airport Infrastructure Grant will fund the project’s final phase, including software integration, testing, commissioning, construction administration and project management.

Federal funding now covers more than 70% of the project’s total cost. The remaining funding includes $14.4 million in Passenger Facility Charge revenue and $12.6 million in airport funds. PSP said no city general fund or local taxpayer dollars are being used.

The new baggage system will expand PSP’s outbound baggage area, improve processing capacity and meet current TSA security standards. It is designed to accommodate projected passenger growth over the next 15 years.

“This investment is ultimately about making the travel experience at PSP better for our passengers,” said Victoria Carpenter, C.M., Interim Director of Aviation. “Modernizing this critical infrastructure will allow us to move checked bags faster, more accurately and more reliably.”

Construction is already underway while the airport continues operating its existing baggage system. The project is expected to be completed in late 2028.

The baggage system is part of Progress PSP, the airport’s broader initiative to modernize infrastructure and prepare for future growth.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kiera McKinney

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)- Desert Hot Springs High School students got a firsthand look at aviation careers Wednesday through a program with Palm Springs Unified School District and the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Nine students are taking part in the aviation and aeronautics career exploration program. Five took part in discovery flights Wednesday, riding with a pilot and getting a closer look at how an aircraft operates.

For student Arleth Velazquez, the experience marked her first time on a plane. She said aviation had already been in the back of her mind, and the program has introduced her to career options she had not considered before.

Students are learning that aviation careers go beyond becoming a pilot. The program also introduces jobs in air traffic control, aircraft maintenance, machining and other parts of the industry.

During Wednesday’s flights, students heard communications between the aircraft and the control tower, learned about weather information and saw how the aircraft’s controls work.

Flight Operations Volunteer Dirk Ellis said students are able to get a basic introduction to the controls and see what happens during a flight from takeoff to landing.

The goal is to give students a chance to experience aviation firsthand and decide whether it is a field they may want to continue exploring.

Four more Desert Hot Springs High School students are expected to take part in discovery flights next Wednesday. The program is also being offered to students from other Palm Springs Unified high schools this year.

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) – EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) Imperial County District Attorney George Marquez says he was ready to put Abraham Feinbloom in front of a jury. His witnesses were lined up. He’d even brought in help from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

Then T’Neya Tovar’s parents told him what they needed.

“The victim’s family wanted to bury their child. They wanted to bury their daughter,” Marquez told News Channel 3 on Wednesday. “That was something that was very important to me. And they kept telling us, we want to give her a proper burial.”

So instead of a murder trial, Marquez made a deal. Feinbloom pleaded no contest Monday to torture and voluntary manslaughter, 13 years to life, and in return agreed to show investigators where T’Neya’s remains are.

One day later, investigators recovered remains in a Salton City wash they believe are hers. DNA testing still has to confirm it.

“When we advised the family, they did break down and start crying,” Marquez said, “because this was something that was so important to them.”

Why not murder

Marquez said the plea was built backward from one goal.

“The important thing for us was the life sentence. Torture gives us the life sentence. It gives us seven to life. The manslaughter gives us an additional six years,” he said. “So we were able to come up with an offer that comes close to what he would have gotten if we went to trial. So 13 years to life versus 16 years to life, in exchange for where the remains were, so the family could get closure and they could bury their daughter.”

Marquez said the decision wasn’t easy.

“Going to trial on this case was very tempting. It’s something that I would have loved to have seen, to be frank with you,” Marquez said. “But at the end of the day, being a father myself, I know how badly her parents wanted to put her to rest. So that played a very big part in my decision.”

Marquez said the Riverside County DA’s office had assigned a prosecutor to help try the case. “They were both ready to go to trial,” he said. “But given the fact that the family wanted to bury their daughter, we came to this resolution.”

A deal with no guarantee

Under the agreement, reviewed by News Channel 3, the murder charge is dismissed at sentencing only if investigators recover portions of T’Neya’s torso and head first. Nothing Feinbloom told investigators during the search can be used against him unless he testifies and contradicts himself.

Marquez admitted he didn’t know if Feinbloom would follow through.

“To be frank with you, I wasn’t sure,” he said. “But he ended up being truthful.”

He would not say what Feinbloom told investigators, how T’Neya died or why her remains were at more than one site. “We can’t comment on that,” Marquez said. “When the final sentencing hearing is held, we will be able to tell you more at that time.”

Investigators had already spent months looking. Marquez said his office, the FBI and the sheriff’s offices in Imperial and Riverside counties used ground-penetrating radar, helicopters and “the latest technology” and came up empty.

“This is a vast desert. There’s a lot of land,” he said. “That’s another reason why we knew we weren’t going to find it unless he provided a location.”

The defense’s account

Feinbloom’s attorney, Melanie Roe, gave News Channel 3 a different account of how the deal started.

In a written statement Wednesday, Roe said the defense made the first offer “several weeks ago”: a plea to voluntary manslaughter at the upper term, with conditions requiring Feinbloom to help law enforcement recover the remains. She said prosecutor John Harter, who signed the agreement for the DA’s office, countered, and the two sides reached a deal after meeting in his office last Friday.

Marquez said prosecutors came up with the resolution.

Roe said the plea was entered one day before a judge was set to hear her motion to dismiss the murder charge, and before the trial was to begin. That motion argued the evidence at the preliminary hearing did not support a murder charge because prosecutors “failed to produce any evidence of intent to kill, premeditation, deliberation and malice aforethought.”

Roe said Feinbloom “fully satisfied all conditions” of the agreement Tuesday. She said the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office can confirm the remains using rapid DNA equipment and that the defense expects “notice of confirmation shortly.”

Her full statement is at the bottom of this story.

‘Never sees the light of day’

Feinbloom becomes eligible for parole after 13 years. Marquez said that doesn’t mean he gets out.

“It’s very unlikely he’s going to be out at the 13-year mark. The likely scenario is he’s probably going to die in prison,” Marquez said. “I gave my word to the family. We’re going to do everything possible so this guy never sees the light of day again.”

The deal covers only T’Neya’s case, he said. “If he committed any other crimes that we’re not aware of, somebody can prosecute any crimes that aren’t part of this one.” Asked if his office knows of any, Marquez said no.

Marquez said he spoke with T’Neya’s father Tuesday and with both parents in court. “They thanked me from the bottom of their heart,” he said, “for making this disposition where they could find the remains and they could bury their daughter.”

“Obviously, she’s not coming back,” Marquez said. “But he’s being held accountable.”

T’Neya, of Hemet, was 17 when she went missing Dec. 1 after a friend dropped her off at Feinbloom’s Harlequin Court home. Her parents drove to Salton City repeatedly asking deputies to check on her. Partial remains were found in the same area three weeks later. Feinbloom was arrested Feb. 13 and told an FBI agent he did not know her.

Sentencing is set for Oct. 26 at Imperial County Superior Court in El Centro.

Full statement from defense attorney Melanie Roe

“The plea was entered on the record one day before the hearing of my 995 motion to dismiss the murder count and before Day 1 of trial.

“That motion urged the court to dismiss the case on the grounds the evidence at preliminary hearing was insufficient to support a holding order on murder as the People failed to produce any evidence of intent to kill, premeditation, deliberation and malice aforethought (the same elements they must prove for a conviction at trial).

“Several weeks ago, Defense made an offer to resolve the matter with a plea to a reduced count of voluntary manslaughter (upper term) with conditions precedent to the settlement requiring the Accused to assist law enforcement in the recovery of the remains.

“DDA Supervisor John Harter countered and a plea bargain was reached after the defense team met with Mr. Harter in his office last Friday.

“Mr. Feinbloom fully satisfied all conditions precedent to the agreed upon disposition yesterday. Sentencing is set for 10/26.

“DNA confirmation of the remains can be tasked to and completed by the Imperial County’s Scientific Unit using the Rapid DNA equipment. We expect notice of confirmation shortly.

“I refer you to my 995 motion which details the Defendant’s case. I note that very little of our case has been reported despite the presence of numerous reporters at the three day preliminary hearing. The arguments therein are echoed in my trial brief filed with the court. And you are free to review same to guide you in your reporting.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Raymond Kalra

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police say they have seen an influx of altercations around the downtown nightlife area in recent months, with many of the problems happening around bar closing.

The Palm Springs Police Department said officers have increased their visibility in the area, particularly on weekends, as they work to get ahead of arguments and disturbances before they turn physical. Police said the biggest concern is around 2 a.m., when multiple bars and nightlife businesses close and large groups of people move into nearby streets, parking lots and parking structures.

PSPD also stressed that the issue should not be attributed to one business alone.

Police pointed to several nightlife businesses in the area that close around the same time, creating situations where groups from different locations can converge in the same place.

Andrew Hernandez, an operator and member of the ownership team at Reforma, said a busy night can mean hundreds of people leaving the business at once.

“We have a mass exodus of sometimes, you know, anywhere from 600 to 800 people, and so are the other bars that are just down the street,” Hernandez said. “So you have to understand that you have a lot of different groups kind of just merging at the end of the night.”

The recent concerns have gained more attention after videos of fights in the downtown area circulated on social media.

Hernandez said one recent fight near Reforma involved two people who had left the business without an issue before other individuals came from an adjacent street and a physical altercation began outside. He said Reforma security stepped in once the situation became a public safety concern.

Hernandez said Reforma works closely with PSPD and has added several preventative measures, including ID-scanning software and an “86 list” intended to help staff identify patrons who have caused problems before. He said the business also contacts police when issues arise and tries to stop problems before they begin.

“We do not want violence. We don’t condone violence. We have a zero policy about it,” Hernandez said. “But what could we do better? And that’s something that’s never going to stop.”

Police said they are also working with businesses on changes to nearby parking areas.

PSPD said the goal is to restrict access to some parking structures during overnight hours, with a proposed window of roughly 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. Police said they hope that will reduce the number of people gathering in the same areas around bar closing and help crowds disperse more evenly.

Hernandez said limiting access to some surrounding lots could make it easier for police to focus on fewer locations and monitor where crowds gather after businesses close.

Both PSPD and Reforma said they plan to continue working together as the downtown area gets busier.

Police said their focus is on maintaining a visible presence and preventing situations from escalating.

“We want them to have a good time in the city of Palm Springs,” a PSPD spokesperson said. “But what we’re doing is being very proactive and get in front of these issues. So hopefully we can have, once again, a safe environment for all.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Coachella Valley Firebirds are making changes to their food and beverage offerings ahead of the start of their fifth season in the valley.

Acrisure Arena Executive Chef Juan Hurtado and the arena’s culinary team began working on the new menu immediately following the final horn of last season. While traditional stadium favorites remain, several items have been revamped based on direct fan feedback.

“We hear again from the guests what they’re liking and what they’re not liking,” Hurtado said. “And we kind of brainstorm and we kind of come to a conclusion like, hey, this wasn’t selling so well, so let’s revamp it. Or maybe bring something different.”

One major addition to the dining lineup is a rotating food concept at The Oasis featuring the Truman Grill. The setup will offer a changing menu for every Firebirds game throughout the season.

“We have the Truman Grill, which is a really nice big grill that we do different concepts every Firebird game,” Hurtado said. “It could be like a tri-tip sandwich, it could be a mac and cheese and brisket. I mean, we have like 15 different menus that we’re going to be rotating through the truck and grill.”

In addition to rotating meat entrees, the arena expanded its plant-based options to cater to attendees with dietary preferences.

“We do have a different vegan options that you’re going to see today,” Hurtado said. “They’re going to be able to to meet those needs. Right. So you’ll see today as you kind of go through the food and see we do have different variety of of vegan and vegetarian options.”

One hockey fan praised the inclusion of vegetarian and vegan meals in stadium concessions.

“I actually accidentally grabbed the vegetarian and it was actually really good,” Wendy said.

The Oasis Grill will feature grilled carne asada as its first concept in the 15-item rotating menu during the Firebirds home opener this weekend.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dakota Makinen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Looking for a new job? The Valley-Wide Employment Expo is giving job seekers a chance to meet with employers, explore career opportunities and make connections in person.

The employment expo will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Fantasy Springs Special Events Center, bringing employers and job seekers together in one location.

The event is open to people at different stages of their careers — including those looking for their first job, searching for a new opportunity or hoping to move into a different career.

If you were unable to attend today’s event, you can find local job openings and career opportunities through Riverside County’s Employment Services.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – UPDATE: 9/30 2PM- Desert Hot Springs Police tell News Channel 3 that a pedestrian was crossing Palm Drive when he was struck by a vehicle on Tuesday afternoon.

He was taken to a local hospital with serious but not life-threatening injuries.

Police tell us the driver stayed and cooperated with officers, and that there was “no impairment on the part of the driver.”

The roadway was closed for over 3 hours, before it was reopened just before 10 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on this story.

Original Report

Palm Drive was closed for several hours after a pedestrian was struck by a vehicle Tuesday evening in Desert Hot Springs.

The crash was reported just after 7:00 p.m. on Palm Drive and Ironwood Drive.

Details are limited. We have reached out to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department for additional information.

The roadway was reopened just before 10 p.m., police announced on social media.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Road closures are already in place on Avenue 50 in Indio ahead of this month’s Head Trip electronic music festival, police said today.

Avenue 50 between Monroe and Madison streets will be temporarily closed for vehicles and pedestrians until 6 p.m. on Oct. 18, according to the Indio Police Department.

Additional full road closures will be in effect Friday, October 9 through Sunday, October 11, around the festival area.

Motorists traveling near Avenue 49, Avenue 50, Avenue 52, Washington Street, Jefferson Street, and Monroe Street should expect major delays and are encouraged to use alternate routes whenever possible.

Police advised motorists to plan ahead and use alternate routes, including Highway 111, Dr Carreon Boulevard, Avenue 48 and Avenue 52.

For pedestrian safety, no pedestrian or festival access will be permitted on Monroe Street between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52, or on Madison Street between Avenue 50 and Avenue 52.

The closure was ordered to accommodate festival operations and help ensure public safety, police said.

Streets will return to normal traffic patterns beginning Monday, October 12.

Head Trip will take place Oct. 10-11 at Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave. The first day’s lineup will include Calvin Harris, Peggy Gou back-to-back with Four Tet, Seth Troxler back-to-back with Ben Sterling, Fisher and Chris Lake.

The second day’s lineup will feature Skrillex, DJ Harvey, the Blessed Madonna, Dom Dolla back-to-back with Kettama and Swedish House Mafia.

More information, including set times and passes, is available at headtripindio.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tommy Gallegos

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ)— Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco has returned approximately 650,000 ballots and election materials to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters following a unanimous California Supreme Court ruling ordering the materials returned.

The court ruled last Thursday that Bianco violated state election law when his office seized the ballots from the November 2025 special election involving Proposition 50. The justices ordered the ballots returned immediately to the custody of the Registrar of Voters.

In a separate unanimous ruling issued the same day, the court upheld Attorney General Rob Bonta’s authority to order Bianco to stop the investigation and comply with state election procedures.

The Registrar of Voters confirmed that the county has received the ballots and election materials returned by the Sheriff’s Office following the Supreme Court’s opinion.

“The Registrar is working with the state to determine the appropriate next steps for the ballots,” the office said. “The Registrar will continue to safeguard the integrity of the election process and ensure the secure custody and accountability of all election materials.”

Riverside County Supervisor Medina also addressed the development in a post on Instagram, writing:

“This is an important step toward restoring public confidence and ensuring our elections are governed by the law and the safeguards designed to protect every voter.

The integrity of our elections depends on the integrity of the process.”

The returned materials will remain in the custody of the Registrar of Voters while county and state officials determine the appropriate next steps.

The Supreme Court’s ruling brings the seized ballots back under the control of the county’s election officials.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – As November’s general election inches closer, official voter information guides are being mailed out to voters across the state. As one Rancho Mirage woman found out, though, not each guide looks the same.

Maryan Baker reached out to KESQ with a peculiar problem. She received her voter guide in the mail, but when she peered inside, she was shocked to see dozens of pages missing. A gap in her booklet stretched from page 57 to 120. Several swaths of duplicate pages were mixed in, too.

Voter guide missing pages 57-120

“This is something that the public needs to know. And a lot of people don’t even look at their guidebook until they have their ballot or the night before they’re going to vote,” Baker emphasized.

She recounted opening her voter guide on September 21st and reading through the first 50 or so pages. Up to that point, nothing seemed wrong. But as she was reading information on Proposition 40, she noticed something odd.

“I was reading about proposition 40, and I was reading the argument in favor,” she explained, flipping through the pages. “And then the argument against is not there.”

News Channel 3 also reached out to the California Secretary of State’s office for clarification on the error. In its response, it explained an error was made during the printing and assembly process by a contracted printer.

Their response continued:

“We are so far aware of two voters who reported missing pages in their guides. These voters were immediately mailed replacement guides. Out of an abundance of caution, we are also mailing a small number of guides to the addresses located in the immediate area of the residences where misprints have been identified.

If anyone identifies an error with their [Voter Information Guide (VIG)], we recommend they notify their county election official or the California Secretary of State so that they can receive a replacement as soon as possible.

Additionally, a digital version of the Voter Information Guide is available on our website: https://voterguide.sos.ca.gov/“

CA Secretary of State Press Team

The Secretary of State’s office said the two voters with errors in their guides were both from the Palm Springs area. Since the printers the Secretary of State partners with to produce the guides are often regional, these errors could still be in circulation in the Coachella Valley. Baker said some of the neighbors she checked with also found missing or duplicate pages.

She had some advice, from one valley voter to another: “Be sure to research things and check your voter guide. And if yours is missing pages, especially on the propositions and on the candidate statements, those are really important.”

Click here to follow the original article.