Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

RIVERSIDE (KESQ) – A veteran Riverside County prosecutor will take the No. 2 spot at the District Attorney’s Office, following the retirement of another career litigator who served in the post for a decade.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin on Thursday formally appointed Jared Haringsma as chief assistant district attorney.   

Haringsma takes the position previously held — until earlier this month — by John Aki, who retired after nearly a quarter century in the D.A.’s office. Aki had been in Hestrin’s executive circle since the three-term district attorney was first elected in 2014.   

“Jared has earned the respect of colleagues throughout our office for his integrity, skill and steady leadership,” Hestrin said. “His depth of trial experience and strong management background make him exceptionally well-suited to help lead this office. … He will continue to strengthen our leadership team and ensure our office upholds the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.”

Haringsma has been employed by the agency since 2002, serving in all of the regional offices countywide. He achieved a standout record for homicide prosecutions over many years, handling multiple complex cases, including five death penalty trials.

Among his previous assignments at the executive level were supervising the Cold Case Unit, overseeing the Administrative Division and managing the Accounting Office.  

Like Hestrin and Aki, prior to moving over to the management side of the D.A.’s office, Haringsma was active in the Riverside County Deputy District Attorneys’ Association, where many working relationships involving individuals now leading the office were cemented.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – CHiPS for Kids returns today! The event kicks off Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Walgreens at 44840 Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert.

California Highway Patrol officers will be collecting toy donations for its annual collection of toys for children in need around the Coachella Valley.

Toys you can donate include:- Sporting items- Hygiene items for preteens: body wash/spray combos- Dolls, toy cars, learning games, or board games.- Any toy for children up to 18 years old.

All toys will be distributed to local families in need this holiday season. Donate today!

CHiPS for Kids runs through Dec. 20 at various locations, including Walgreens, Walter Clark Legal Group, Children’s Museum of the Desert, and more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Victims injured in a police motorcycle crash during the 2024 Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade have officially filed a lawsuit against the city, the police department, and multiple officials.

Formica Law Group filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, on behalf of 15 victims of the crash, which includes children, seniors, and families.

The crash happened on December 7, 2024. Palm Springs police motorcycles led the Festival of Lights Parade through downtown. The department’s administrative review found officers performed unauthorized stunts, including “bumping up” their front wheels. One officer lost control, and his motorcycle slid into the crowd, injuring 11.

“This is a serious issue that left 15 people with lifelong conditions to battle,” said Formica. “This lawsuit aims to ensure that the victims and what they have suffered are addressed and that no tragedies like this happen ever again.”

Formica Law Group said the lawsuit names the City of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Police Department, Chief Andrew Mills, Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and Officer Kenny Merenda, among others, as defendants. It reserves the right to add additional parties as the case proceeds.

“That annual parade is once again upon us, on December 6th, and we have yet to see any changes or specifics of what is being implemented differently this year to ensure safety,” said Stefano Formica of Formica Law Group in Los Angeles. “As a result of last year’s incident, plaintiffs have sustained lifelong and consequential physical, emotional, and psychological injuries and damages.”

Attorneys said the lawsuit claims that the devastating injuries sustained were a result of a systematic failure occurring over several years that was known to City officials who failed to act to ensure the safety of its citizens.

“The specific allegations include negligence, dangerous conditions on public property, a failure to discharge a mandatory duty, and a lack of foresight in planning the parade. Additionally, the district attorney failed to press charges when any other civilian would have been in custody and charged with multiple felonies,” reads a news release by Formica Law Group.

The California Highway Patrol investigated the incident and turned its findings over the prosecutors, who declined to file charges.

The Palm Springs Police Department released an administrative review in August, citing unauthorized maneuvers dating back years, supervisory inaction, “mission drift” from safety to entertainment, breakdowns in communication, and officer fatigue tied to overtime.

PSPD announced multiple reforms in the wake of the crash, including:

Banning dangerous maneuvers at parades and public events

Limiting all event vehicles to 15 mph

Stronger command and supervision at large gatherings

Creating a full-time special events supervisor

Fatigue management protocols and retraining on incident command

In September, Formica told News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle that while the reforms sound like progress, they have not been implemented.

“It’s just a statement right now,” he said. “Several of the individuals that were involved are back at work. If this were an ordinary person on a motorcycle, we’d be talking about arrests and potential jail time.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 900 tourism and hospitality leaders gathered Thursday night at the Palm Springs Convention Center for the annual Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala, a signature celebration honoring the workforce that powers Greater Palm Springs’ number one industry.

The program this year received 285 nominations from hospitality partners across all nine cities of the destination—underscoring the depth, diversity, and enduring strength of the region’s tourism workforce.

Hosted by Visit Greater Palm Springs and supported by the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, the gala recognized employees, organizations, and emerging leaders who exemplify exceptional service, innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

“Tourism is the heartbeat of our region,” said Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “Each nominee and honoree represents the dedication, creativity, and spirit that makes our destination one of the most welcoming and inspiring places in California. We are proud to celebrate the individuals who elevate the visitor experience every single day.”

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY: SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION

In addition to industry awards, the evening highlighted the next generation of hospitality professionals through scholarships presented by the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation. Students from both the Coachella Valley High School Hospitality Academy and OneFuture Coachella Valley were recognized on stage, along with the recipient of the Tony Bruggemans Memorial Scholarship.

Coachella Valley High School Hospitality Academy Scholarship Recipients

Melanie Carranza Solorzano

Alessandro Frias-Dominguez

Deseray Merez-Perez

Erick Morales-Serrano

Sebastian Ramirez

OneFuture Coachella Valley Scholarship Recipients

Christopher Bravo Lopez

George Cabrera

David Flores

Brenda Franco Alcala

Ashley Garcia

Sebastian Jaimes-Miranda

Melanie Martinez-Chavez

Diego Rendon

Jacquelinee Sandoval

Tony Bruggemans Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Edith Alcala

CHAMPIONS OF HOSPITALITY AWARDS

Oasis Award (Sustainability)Recognizes leadership in eco-friendly, sustainable practices.

Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians

Santa Rosa Impact Award (DEIA)Honors excellence in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

HOSPITALITY AWARDSRestaurant | Bar Champions

Mary Bongard, Hunters Palm Springs

Francisco Castellanos, Chez Pierre

Oscar Cortes, Lulu California Bistro

Emma Vasquez-Lopez, Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

Attractions | Tours Champions

Janet Baker, Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Jackie Cameron, Drag & Fly Tours

Alfredo Garcia, BMW Performance Center West

Retail Champion

Taryn Gemmell, Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis – TheBoutique

Wellness | Spa Champion

Amy Kuschel, Sensei Porcupine Creek

Venue Champion

Luis Rosas, Desert Champions, LLC

Vacation Rental Champions

Ashley Bastardi, Palm Desert Vacation Properties

Amanda Benzra-Turner, Acme House Company

Boutique or Hot Spring Hotel Champion

Melanie Quinones, The Spring Resort & Spa

Select Service Hotel Champions

Alfredo Bolanos, Hampton Inn & Suites Indio

Rosa Resendiz de Cervantes, Courtyard by Marriott Palm Springs

Full-Service Hotel Champions

Pablo Aguiar, Hilton Palm Springs

Ken Starr Jr., The Dunes Palm Springs

Resort Hotel Champions

Guadalupe de la Cruz, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Josef Escher, La Quinta Resort & Club

Erika Escobar Flores, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

Belinda Espinoza, Thompson Palm Springs

David Giraud, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Norby Gonzalez, Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs

Branden Joven, Parker Palm Springs

Yessica Puga, Doubletree by Hilton Golf Resort Palm Springs

PALM AWARD – VISITOR EXPERIENCERecognizing outstanding guest service and memorable visitor experiences.

Diane Drucker, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Eddy Estrada, Smarter Property Management

Santos Perez, Indio Taphouse

Richard (Kip) Serafin, Locations 760

Ashley Stein, Saffron Restaurant & Lounge

SAN JACINTO RISING STARSRecognizing emerging leaders with fewer than five years in the industry or under age 40.

David Arreguin, Tac/Quila

Hailey Chapman, The Reserve Club

Justin Godfrey, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Katrina Jordyn, La Quinta Cliffhouse

Jasmin Lora, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells

Yokli Oktavianto, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs

Kayla Raffaelli, Acrisure Arena

Edgar Ramirez, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

SPIRIT OF TOURISM AWARDThe evening’s highest honor, presented to an individual or organization whose contributionshave significantly advanced tourism’s economic and cultural impact in Greater Palm Springs.

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Click here to follow the original article.

Timothy Foster

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – With Thanksgiving just a week away, Coachella Valley shoppers are already filling grocery aisles and making tough choices as holiday food prices continue to pressure family budgets.

The American Farm Bureau Federation reports that the cost of a classic Thanksgiving dinner for 10 people is averaging $55.18 this year, a 5 percent decrease from 2024. The drop is mainly tied to lower retail prices for turkey, often the priciest item on the holiday table.

But even with the slight break, not everything is cheaper. Ingredients like sweet potatoes and frozen vegetables have seen noticeable price increases, creating challenges for families trying to keep their holiday spending under control.

Across the Coachella Valley, residents say they are feeling the mixed impact. Some are shopping earlier, visiting multiple stores for deals, or scaling back menu items. Others are planning potluck-style gatherings to share the cost.

As Thanksgiving approaches, the combination of modest price relief and rising costs for other staples continues to shape how families across the Coachella Valley prepare for the holiday.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Infrastructure upgrades are on the way for Desert Hot Springs to prevent flooding and improve road access on Indian Canyon Drive and Mission Lakes Boulevard. The city often deals with flooding during major rain or wind events causing road closures, especially along Indian Canyon Drive.

On Tuesday, the city council unanimously approved a partnership with NV5 Inc. The company will be responsible for designing the Bridges Over Water project for just over $1.1 million. The city originally wanted to work on these improvements before tropical storm Hilary in 2023, but city officials said the damage from that storm has moved this project faster.

Under the proposed plans, the project will divert stormwater from the roads to Mission Creek and the box culvert system from the creek will be improved. There will also be new crossings on Indian Canyon Drive and Mission Lakes Boulevard.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear Desert Hot Springs plans for the improvements and how they are necessary for the safety of residents.

Click here to follow the original article.

Isaiah Mora

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A semi-truck crash shut down two lanes of the interstate 10 in Palm Desert for hours early Friday morning.

Just before 11 p.m. Thursday night, a semi-truck jackknifed and slammed into the center divider near cook street. The California Highway Patrol closed lanes one and two, while heavy duty tow crews worked to remove the vehicle.

A SIG alert was up for several hours, before it was lifted just before 3 a.m. on Friday. There was no reports of an injuries. CHP told News Channel 3 that the weather conditions may have been a factor in the accident.

Stay with us for any updates on this story.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Many local families will have a happier holiday season this year thanks to the generosity of all those who helped Fill the Bus on Thursday.

News Channel 3 and SunLine Transit Agency teamed together to fill a SunLine Bus with donations of non-perishable food items and hygiene products that will go to local families for the holidays.

Well in the Desert and Lift to Rise are the beneficiaries of the 2025 Fill the Bus event, now in its 18th year.

More than seven tons of food and products were donated at last year’s event, and the total is expected to exceed that weight this year.

More than 460 turkeys were donated on Thursday, along with 64 hams. All monetary donations collected went to purchasing more turkeys.

Lift to Rise will be distributing their received donations on Friday, and Well in the Desert plans to distribute donations on Saturday, in addition to using some for their Thanksgiving Meal.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Councilmember Lynn Mallotto was sworn in as the new mayor of Rancho Mirage.

Mallotto will serve as Rancho Mirage mayor until Nov. 2026. The city rotates the position between councilmembers every year.

Councilmember Michael O’Keefe was also sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem. He is set to serve as mayor next year.

Mallotto takes over for Councilmember Ted Weill, who received a special gift from the city after completing his third term as mayor.

Mallotto was first elected to the city council in 2022. She has been a Coachella Valley resident since 1980, calling Rancho Mirage home for 30 years.

Lynn entered public service in 1994, serving 18 years with Cathedral City and was part of efforts to revitalise downtown Cathedral City. Lynn retiried from Cathedral City in 2012, and became CEO of the Cathedral City Chamber of Commerce until 2015.

Lynn is a realtor with Keller Williams Real Estate in Rancho Mirage, joining the Brady Sandahl Real Estate Group as a Buyers Specialist. 

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A woman who caused the death of her newborn child and dumped her in a trash receptacle behind a Riverside business almost four decades ago pleaded guilty today to voluntary manslaughter and was immediately sentenced to four years’ felony probation.

Melissa Jean Allen Avila, 56, of Shelby, North Carolina, admitted the count under a plea agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. Avila had originally been charged with first-degree murder, but that was reduced to manslaughter under the plea bargain.

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Thursday, Superior Court Judge Gary Polk certified the terms of the agreement and imposed the term of probation, which expires in November 2029.

The defendant, who has remained free on her own recognizance, was arrested in August 2024 following a years-long investigation by the Riverside Police Department Homicide Cold Case Unit.

According to police spokesman Officer Ryan Railsback, detectives reopened the baby death case in 2020.

The newborn girl, known only as “Jane Doe,” was discovered on Oct. 13, 1987, by a man looking for bottles and cans in a trash bin behind a business in the 5400 block of La Sierra Avenue.

Investigators at the time had little to go on, pursuing all available leads without success in the weeks following discovery of the dead child, Railsback said.

DNA samples were taken from the tot’s remains and preserved.   

Railsback said the forensic evidence was used to locate and positively identify Avila as the mother of the infant, though he did not elaborate on the details.

“An essential partner in this investigation was Season of Justice, a nonprofit dedicated to providing financial assistance for investigative agencies and families to help solve cold cases through grant funding for advanced DNA analysis solutions and forensic genealogy,” the police spokesman said. “This funding allowed for DNA analysis to be conducted by Othram, Inc., a private lab that specializes in DNA technology.”  

He noted that investigators “have no reason to believe the baby’s father had any criminal culpability in the murder.”

The man wasn’t identified. Avila was 19 when the killing occurred.   

A possible motive was not disclosed, nor was the specific manner of death.   

The defendant was taken into custody without incident by U.S. Marshals in North Carolina on the morning of Aug. 5, 2024.   

She had no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

Click here to follow the original article.