Category: kesq-local-news

Kiera McKinney

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Indian Wells voters are choosing two new City Council members, with three candidates competing for two open seats.

Councilmembers Dana Reed and Bruce Whitman are not seeking reelection, meaning both seats will go to new representatives.

UPDATE:

Early results show Rob Zwemmer leading with 41.12% of the vote. Michael Hazelton holds the second spot with 32.41%, followed by Karlyn Neel with 26.46%.

With two seats available, Hazelton leads Neel by 125 votes for the second seat.

These results reflect Riverside County’s 9 p.m. Tuesday update and remain preliminary as ballots continue to be counted.

The candidates are:

Michael Hazelton Karlyn Neel Rob Zwemmer

Hazelton, a real estate agent and retired educator, is emphasizing property values, responsible spending, public safety and communication between the city and residents.

Neel, who has a background in design, marketing and technology, is focusing on resident input, financial strength and preserving the city’s character. Her priorities also include public safety and access to essential services.

Zwemmer, a real estate business leader, is highlighting property values, low-density development, infrastructure and careful management of city finances.

What we’re watching

The two candidates receiving the most votes will win seats on the council.

The incoming members will help shape decisions about development, public safety, city spending and services for residents.

With no incumbents running, the race guarantees a change in council membership. News Channel 3 will follow which two candidates take the lead as Riverside County releases vote totals.

Check back for results and reactions throughout the night. Election-night results are preliminary and may change as additional ballots are counted.

Click here to follow the original article.

Raymond Kalra

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Election results show potential changes in Cathedral City’s leadership, with challengers leading incumbents in both a City Council race and the contest for City Treasurer.

Click Here for Full Election Results

Voters cast their ballots Tuesday in three City Council districts and the City Treasurer race.

According to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters, the results remain unofficial as additional eligible ballots may still need to be counted.

District 3: Christina Gordon leads Alberto Ruiz Jr.

Incumbent Christina Gordon is leading challenger Alberto Ruiz Jr. in the District 3 City Council race.

Gordon declared victory in a Facebook post Wednesday afternoon:

“We did it! I’m so eternally grateful for everyone who supported me, in ways big and small. Whether it was my Sunday sign-waving crew, the volunteers who knocked doors all over District 3, those of you who made donations, or planted signs or simply said, “What do you need?”, you are what made this campaign happen.

I set out to run a campaign led with integrity, focused on what matters to the people of Cathedral City. I think I’ve managed to do that, to have real conversations about the issues that are most pressing – our roads and infrastructure, community engagement, housing affordability and homelessness, and public safety. Because that’s what’s important. That’s why I’m doing this job. Not for ego or prestige. Because I want to make a difference where we all live.

And, my friends, my incredible Cathedral City family, at a time when politics has shown us the very worst in humanity, you – all of you – have shown the very best of what’s possible. You believed in my vision and got behind it. You threw yourselves into supporting me with joy and positivity and commitment to Cathedral City. You are what happens when community comes together to support a common cause.

To you, I simply say, thank you.”

Gordon was appointed to the council in January following the death of longtime Councilmember Mark Carnevale.

Tuesday’s election gives District 3 residents the opportunity to select their representative after Gordon initially joined the council through an appointment.

Ruiz is a retired Cathedral City police sergeant who spent more than three decades with the department.

Gordon planned to spend Election Night with supporters at Nick’s Bistro at Date Palm Country Club.

District 4: Rick Saldivar leads incumbent Ernesto Gutierrez

Challenger Rick Saldivar is leading the three-candidate District 4 race, with incumbent Ernesto Gutierrez in second place and David Koslow in third.

Gutierrez has served on the Cathedral City Council since 2018.

Saldivar is a longtime Cathedral City resident, businessman and educator with experience in community organizations.

Koslow is a former constitutional law attorney who has also worked in healthcare administration and the arts.

If Saldivar’s lead holds, District 4 could see a change in representation, unseating an incumbent who has served on the council for two terms.

The race remains undecided as the county continues processing ballots.

District 5: Antonio Baciu leads Danielle Mead

Antonio Baciu is leading Danielle Mead in Cathedral City’s open District 5 race.

Incumbent Councilmember Raymond Gregory chose not to seek reelection, leaving the seat open for a new representative.

Both candidates have experience serving on city commissions.

Baciu serves as vice chair of the Parks and Community Events Commission and is a member of the Finance Advisory Committee. He also has a professional background in hospitality.

Mead chairs Cathedral City’s Planning Commission and previously served on the city’s Historic Preservation Committee.

Whoever ultimately wins will replace Gregory on the City Council.

City Treasurer: Shelley Kaplan leads incumbent Greg Jackson

Former Cathedral City Councilmember Shelley Kaplan is leading incumbent City Treasurer Greg Jackson.

Jackson has served as City Treasurer since 2022 and has a background in business administration.

Kaplan previously served on the Cathedral City Council from 2014 to 2018 and has held leadership positions with the Cathedral City Senior Center.

Kaplan planned to attend Christina Gordon’s election-night gathering at Nick’s Bistro.

If Kaplan’s lead holds, Cathedral City would have a new City Treasurer.

Results remain unofficial

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters has reported results from all precincts, but that does not mean every ballot has been counted.

Additional eligible ballots, including vote-by-mail ballots, may still need to be processed before the results are certified.

The outcomes could change as counting continues.

News Channel 3 will continue following Cathedral City’s City Council and Treasurer races as additional election results become available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

Update 9:45 p.m.

Marni von Wilpert declared victory in her first speech after initial results were released. No winner has officially been projected in the 48th Congressional District, but as of 9:45 p.m., von Wilpert was winning by nearly 30,000 votes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by KESQ News Channel 3 (@kesq_news_channel_3)

Update 8:45 p.m.

Democrats are projected to take control of the Senate, in addition to the House, according to multiple news organizations.

Update 8:30 p.m.

Xavier Becerra is speaking live following the projection that he will be the next governor of California (ended before 9:00 p.m.)

Update 8:10 p.m.

The first batch of results has been released by the Riverside County Registrar’s Office

Full Election Results Here

Update 8:00 p.m.

Xavier Becerra is the next Governor of California, according to multiple projections, including ABC News

Update 7:55 p.m.

The polls are set to close very soon; however, if you are in line before 8:00 p.m., you can still cast your ballot.

Update 7:15 p.m.

Democrats will take control of the House, according to multiple projections, including CNN and CBS News

BREAKING: Democrats win control of the U.S. House of Representatives, CBS News projects. https://t.co/EIPmYqt0MP

— CBS News (@CBSNews) November 4, 2026

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s Election Day! We’ll have full coverage of federal, state, and local races all day.

We’ll Have Election Results Here Starting After 8:00 p.m. (PT)

Polls close at 8:00 p.m. (PT) in California. You can cast your vote as long as you are in line at a ballot drop-off location or Vote Center before 8:00 p.m.

Find your ballot drop-off location Map of Voting Centers in Coachella Valley

According to the Riverside County Registrar’s Office, as of Tuesday morning, approximately 457,299 have been returned in good condition. Approximately 1,524,182 Vote-by-Mail ballots have been issued.

Check Out Some of Our In-Depth Previews of Key Races:

Race for the Governor Assembly District 36: Gonzalez, Obeso-Martinez face off in competitive race 47th Assembly District: Greg Wallis looks to defend seat against Leila Namvar Coachella Mayor Race – Hear from Incumbent What’s in Measure P, the parks tax on most Coachella Valley ballots Proposition 39: What local voters have to say about voter identification Prop 40 would tax California’s billionaires once; Here’s what it does and who’s for and against it What is Prop. 44? The California ballot measure that would tell community clinics how to spend their money Check Out Our Voter Guide For More Info On Candidates Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Election Day has arrived. As you make your selections, sign your name, and drop your ballot in a drop box, the attention now shifts to the journey your ballot takes to the Riverside County Registrar of Voters.

On Monday, election officials spoke with News Channel 3 about the rigorous steps the county’s election authority took to ensure security and transparency this year. Security is taken seriously along every step of the process: county elections officials personally collect ballots that are dropped off at voting centers around the county, the county’s offices are guarded and monitored around the clock, and contingency plans are in place for the unexpected.

In an effort to be transparent, the Registrar of Voters maintains several live webcams the public can view if they’re curious about the process. You can find those livestreams by clicking here, or by heading to the registrar’s website, voteinfo.net.

As officials work to count and certify the results of the election, News Channel 3 will have a crew in Riverside, bringing you the hustle and bustle from the registrar’s office. Election officials will allow cameras inside the ballot processing area to give you an inside look at how officials are handling this year’s election. Stay tuned for our live coverage starting at 4:00.

Click here to follow the original article.

Dakota Makinen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Election Day is here, and Coachella Valley voters still have time to make their voices heard.

Polls opened today at 7 a.m. and close at 8 p.m. Anyone in line by 8 p.m. will still be allowed to vote.

Voters who still have their mail-in ballots can return them at an official ballot drop box or vote center. Eligible residents who missed the regular voter registration deadline may also be able to register and vote the same day through conditional voter registration at designated locations.

Damian Olivares, senior deputy clerk for the City of Palm Desert, says understanding the voting process and knowing your options can help eligible voters participate.

For voters who have questions about where to go or how to return a ballot, Riverside County election officials provide voting location information and other election resources online.

SunLine Transit is also offering free rides on Election Day to help people get to the polls.

Voters can find voting locations, ballot drop-off information and additional election resources at KESQ.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

KESQ News Team

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Following interruptions and challenges due to an intensification of immigration raids, the Day of the Dead celebration returned to the Coachella Valley.

News Channel 3 photographer Chris Tarpenning was at the public cemeteries in Cathedral City and Coachella as locals honored their ancestors through a highly elaborate celebration.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Lakers hosted a media day at Acrisure Arena on Monday ahead of the start of their inaugural season. The Lakers will host the Salt Lake City Stars on Friday, Nov. 6 to kick off the NBA G League season.

The Lakers started training camp Oct. 26 and many have been practicing with the main roster in Los Angeles. While the start of the season is just days away, they feel ready to hit the court for their new Coachella Valley fans.

“We’re looking forward to playing here,” guard Jace Carter said. “I think it’s definitely different…but we’re excited, and we’re really looking forward to playing on Friday and having a good experience.”

The NBA G League is all about player development and preparing them to reach a main roster. As an affiliate of the LA Lakers, the Coachella Valley team will mirror the play of the main roster in the event athletes are called up.

“A lot of the schemes that Alex Cerda wants to run are coming directly from JJ Redick,” forward Cole Swider said. “So you guys see a lot of a lot of athletes, a lot of high flying, a lot of a lot of speed, a lot of agility.”

While the team will still be training in Los Angeles and driving to the Coachella Valley for games, the players don’t anticipate it being a challenge.

“You can look at it as this can be a tough year logistically, or you can look at it as an opportunity,” Swider said.”And that’s one of the things that Coach Cerda and Nick Mazzella have been telling us: this whole entire training camp is like, ‘Let’s look at this as an opportunity.'”

The Coachella Valley Lakers will host their first game of the season at Acrisure Arena on Friday. Nov. 6. Tip-off is set for 7 p.m. against the Salt Lake City Stars. Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An Indio man who fatally shot a longtime acquaintance, possibly over relations each man had with the same woman, carried out a “deliberate and premeditated murder,” a prosecutor said today, while the defendant’s attorney argued his client shot while in fear for his life.

Miguel Mejia Cazarez, 44, of Indio, was arrested in 2021 following an Indio Police Department investigation into the slaying of 39-year-old Jose Luis Villegas III of Mecca. Cazarez is charged with first-degree murder, hit-and-run resulting in property damage and sentencing-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

Police close roads following the shooting (1/12/21)

In her opening statement Wednesday for Cazarez’s trial at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Jennifer Stevenson said that during an ongoing conflict, the defendant drove to the residence of his ex-wife on Sonora Avenue in Indio on the afternoon of Jan. 12, 2021.

The prosecutor alleged Cazarez intentionally drove his Ford F-150 pickup into the two sedans parked out front, belonging to the woman and her husband, Jose Villegas.

Both the Toyota Corolla and Volkswagen Jetta were damaged, though the latter was still drivable, Stevenson said, adding that Jose Villegas immediately went outside and jumped into the latter car, giving chase as Cazarez sped away.

The victim pursued Cazarez back to his residence on Ocotillo Avenue, where Villegas confronted the defendant, who pulled a handgun and opened fire, the prosecutor said, alleging Cazarez had “intentionally lured him” to the property.

“Despite being riddled with bullets, Jose drove away,” she told jurors.

The victim managed to travel about a block before passing out and losing control, plowing into the front gate of a business at 82025 Avenue 44, according to Stevenson.

An employee called the Indio Police Department, whose officers arrived a short time later with paramedics. The victim was taken to a Coachella Valley trauma center, where he died that night.

“The defendant’s execution is complete,” Stevenson said. “He committed a willful, deliberate and premeditated murder.”

Defense attorney Shaun Sullivan rejected the proposition that his client had acted out of vengeance, though he acknowledged Cazarez did plow into the vehicles belonging to the victim and his wife — the defendant’s former spouse.

“That car collision is not where the story begins,” Sullivan told the jury. “He’s known Jose as long as he’s known his ex, Monica.”

The attorney characterized Cazarez as the vulnerable one, asserting his client had been the target of repeated acts of intimidation and violence by Villegas. The reasons weren’t specified.

Sullivan said the defendant was attacked in 2019, suffering a sliced arm and stomach that required emergency medical treatment. The attorney suggested Villegas was the person responsible, but he didn’t say exactly how or why.

“Jose Luis has a persistent axe to grind with Miguel,” Sullivan told jurors, describing instances in which Villegas allegedly drove past the defendant’s parents’ house, where he resided, frightening him and them.

Cazarez reacted by purchasing a handgun, but “he doesn’t brandish it in a threatening manner,” the attorney said. “The message is this: back off,” he said.

After confirming his client was responsible for damaging the vehicles, Sullivan insisted that Cazarez had “never done anything like this.”

Sullivan said when Villegas caught up to his client at his parents’ property, Cazarez believed the man had deadly intentions and opened fire in self-defense.

“He sits with his mom and dad,” Sullivan concluded. “He waits for law enforcement. The surrounding circumstances make it clear that he fired out of fear.”

Cazarez was taken into custody without incident.

He’s being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the nearby Benoit Detention Center. He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

Get the News Channel 3 app here. Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

LOS ANGELES (CNS) – A man believed to be the boyfriend of a former “Saturday Night Live” writer’s sister was charged today with murdering the 38-year-old woman, whose body has not been found.

Delorean Bijon Brandon, 41, of Los Angeles, was charged with one count of murder involving Christina Downer, with the criminal complaint alleging that the crime occurred on or about Sept. 19, 2025.

He is also facing two felony counts of injuring a spouse involving a separate victim — his wife — in 2022, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office

The criminal complaint alleges that Brandon has convictions from 2008 for robbery and attempted robbery and 2015 for criminal threats.

Downer, the sister of Jimmy Fowlie, was reported missing Dec. 18, 2025, after her ex-husband requested a welfare check after not hearing from her for an extended period of time, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.

Police said Downer’s boyfriend, Brandon, claimed she had moved out of their home several months earlier, leaving behind all her belongings, including her vehicle and her dog.

Detectives assigned to the Robbery-Homicide Division assumed the investigation after Downer’s cellphone was discovered washed ashore on Santa Monica Beach, police said.

Brandon was arrested by detectives from the Robbery-Homicide Division last Thursday along with Kaylee Markowski, 34, of Los Angeles.

Markowski — who was identified by the District Attorney’s Office as Brandon’s girlfriend — was charged with one felony count of being an accessory after the fact. She is accused of helping him to dispose of the victim’s body, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

“More than a year has passed since Christina Downer vanished and her family and friends have dealt with uncertainty amid the profound loss of someone they loved so much,” District Attorney Nathan Hochman said in a statement in which he vowed that the prosecution would hold the two defendants “accountable for their actions.”

Brandon and Markowski were set to be arraigned Monday in a downtown Los Angeles courtroom.

Brandon faces a potential life prison term if convicted as charged, while Markowski could face up to three years in county jail, according to the District Attorney’s Office.

As we reported earlier this month, investigators searched a property in Joshua Tree last month in connection with Downer’s disappearance. According to NBC4, the LAPD said detectives were led to an Airbnb property during their search.

On April 29, Fowlie wrote in a post on Instagram that LAPD officials informed the family that Downer was “no longer alive” and that the case transitioned from a missing person to a homicide investigation.

“I am sharing this because I believe that whoever is responsible is hoping to erase her in every way possible. I want to amplify her story in the only way I know how. And to express that she was a beautiful person who matters in this world, especially to me,” Fowlie said.

Anyone with information about the murder was urged to contact the LAPD Robbery-Homicide Division West Bureau Section at 213-382-9470. Calls during non-business hours should be directed to 877-527 3247. Tipsters who prefer to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at 800-222-8477 or visitlacrimestoppers.org.

Get the News Channel 3 app here. Click here to follow the original article.