Category: kesq-local-news

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A change to the green card process takes effect September 18, changing how U.S. immigration officials evaluate some applicants.

The change involves the federal government’s “public charge” rule, which is used to determine whether someone seeking permanent residency is likely to become primarily dependent on government support.

Under the previous regulation, USCIS generally considered a narrower set of public benefits when making that determination.

Starting September 18, USCIS will give immigration officers more discretion to consider relevant information about an applicant’s overall circumstances.

For some immigrant families, the change is creating new uncertainty around an already lengthy green card process.

Mayeli, who asked to remain anonymous, is currently applying for a green card.

“We’ve been here for a long time with the hope of attaining residency and then the time comes when that opportunity arises but then situations like this arise,” she said.

Mayeli says she is concerned about what the changing immigration rules could mean for her future.

“I’m feeling not happy because there is that uncertainty. Right now, I don’t have a status… with everything going on, with the political climate, I am fearful,” she said.

She also described the green card application process as difficult.

USCIS says the new rule is intended to enforce immigration law and protect taxpayers from supporting people who may become dependent on public benefits.

The agency says officers will review each case individually and consider all relevant information rather than basing a decision on one factor alone.

Congressman Raul Ruiz says the change could add another barrier to an already complicated immigration process.

“Our immigration system is broken and putting more barriers is going to lengthen the time and make people get fed up of the actual process of applying for a green card,” Ruiz said.

Ruiz also criticized the Trump administration’s broader immigration enforcement policies, saying he believes the administration’s approach is creating additional fear and hardship for immigrant communities.

Claudio Koren, an immigration attorney with TODEC Legal Center, says the change reflects a broader shift toward stricter reviews of immigration benefits.

“This administration has made very clear what is their position on immigration in general. Situations with applicants, document or with particular status, they want to reconsider if those people are entitled or deserve to receive particular immigration benefits,” Koren said.

Koren says the public-charge determination is not based on one issue alone.

“It’s an analysis that the government says, ‘Okay, you came to me for immigration status, I want to know and be sure that you can sustain yourself, support yourself, that you will not become a public charge,’” Koren said.

USCIS says officers must review the totality of an applicant’s circumstances when making a determination.

“Anybody that will apply today, be very careful because not only the risk is the denial of this particular benefit, is also the consideration if that person can still remain in the country or be removed and deported,” Koren said.

Koren also says there are still multiple legal pathways available for people seeking immigration status, depending on their individual circumstances.

The change does not mean people who already have green cards automatically lose their status.

Lawful permanent residents who are simply renewing their green cards are generally not subject to a public-charge review.

USCIS says receiving a benefit does not automatically mean someone will be denied a green card.

For Mayeli, the goal remains the same despite the uncertainty.

“We are hardworking people. We are not hurting anyone. The only thing we want to do is work and provide for our family and the country,” she said.

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Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — Around 7 p.m. Tuesday in the Chatsworth area of the San Fernando Valley, a news helicopter crashed, leaving three people dead.

NBC4 later confirmed the helicopter was from its station and that 38-year-old reporter Eliana Moreno and pilot George Marciniw died as a result of the crash.

Additionally, a person on the ground was killed in the crash. On Wednesday, the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner identified 29-year-old victim Edy Gutierrez Mejia as the person killed on the ground.

The National Transportation Safety Board arrived in Los Angeles to lead the investigation into the fatal incident. Federal investigators are conducting a field investigation at the scene, gathering factual data while reviewing maintenance logbooks, weather conditions and pilot training records.

Moreno, who reported on NewsChopper4 graduate of Chapman University in Orange in 2010 with bachelor’s degrees in television and broadcast journalism and political science. Additionally, Moreno announced her engagement to her partner, Robert Barrientos, on her instagram on Oct. 28, 2025.

Former Chapman University professor Sally Rubin remembered Moreno as a born leader with a strong dedication to her career goals.

“She was definitely one of those students that you’re not at all surprised when they achieve their dreams,” Rubin said. “I just remember the smile on her face like, never went away. There was nothing you could say that would make that smile go away.”

Rubin also highlighted the courage required in broadcast journalism and shared how she intends on honoring Moreno’s legacy through her teaching.

“One of the very first things I thought when I heard the news was how brave journalists are and Eliana was,” Rubin said. “Just running out into the field, getting in a helicopter, whatever’s needed to get the story and share the news… I plan to do her story justice by sharing it in my classes and making sure people never forget how committed she was to journalism and how important that field is to all of us.”

The NTSB stated that a preliminary report on the crash will be released in about 30 days. A full probable cause report is expected to take up to 18 months to complete. Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — September is National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, bringing attention to a cancer that can be difficult to catch early because many of its symptoms can feel like common, everyday health problems.

Ovarian cancer causes more deaths than any other cancer of the female reproductive system. For Megan Geier, the first signs started with bloating and stomach problems.

Geier says she dealt with digestive issues for nearly two years. At first, she thought they could be connected to food or another less serious problem. But the bloating continued, and eventually the pain became difficult to ignore.

“It wasn’t until all of those symptoms hit me at once that I was like, okay, this is something that I can’t just overlook,” Geier said.

While on a family vacation, Geier eventually went to the emergency room. Doctors found her ovaries looked abnormal and ordered additional testing. Geier was just 28 years old when she was diagnosed with ovarian cancer.

“I remember just kind of like freezing because cancer wasn’t even on my mind at all,” she said.

Geier says she was alone when doctors first explained what was happening.

“I didn’t even know what to ask because I know nothing about cancer. Besides, that’s something that other people get, not me,” Geier said.

Dr. Noah Rodriguez, a gynecologic oncologist with Kaiser Permanente Orange County, says the average age at diagnosis is about 63. Rodriguez says ovarian cancer can also be difficult to diagnose because symptoms may be confused with gastrointestinal problems.

Symptoms

Some symptoms can include persistent abdominal bloating or swelling, needing to urinate more often and changes in appetite.

Rodriguez says if those symptoms continue for more than about two weeks, it is important to talk with a doctor. There is also no routine screening test for ovarian cancer.

“A Pap smear does not detect ovarian cancer. Pap smear is for cervical cancer,” Rodriguez said.

The American Cancer Society estimates more than 21,000 women in the United States will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer this year.

For Geier, treatment moved quickly. At one point, she was preparing to begin chemotherapy.

“He was saying after the weekend we would start chemo. And so I was preparing myself for that,” Geier said.

But the treatment plan changed. One year ago, Geier underwent surgery to remove the tumors. Now 29, she continues to get regular scans.

Little Red Collection and moving forward

Outside of her cancer journey, Geier is a dance teacher, actor and choreographer. She also runs Little Red Collection, a personal care and beauty business she started before her diagnosis. The business includes handmade products such as bar soaps, natural lip balms, perfumes, bug repellent and lotion bars.

Geier says she started the brand with a focus on simple ingredients and personal care products she would feel comfortable using herself. After her diagnosis, she says having the business already established gave her a familiar outlet during a stressful period of appointments, treatment and recovery.

“Because I had already had that and I already fell into a groove with that, then I just kept getting more excited about making more products,” Geier said.

She says she continues experimenting with new products, including moisturizers, lotions and face masks, while focusing on self-care.

Little Red Collection can be found on Instagram and Facebook. Geier also sells at pop-up events around the Inland Empire, and some of her products are available at EastBrew Cafe in Eastvale.

Today, Geier is back to teaching, performing and running her business. She is also using her experience to encourage other women to ask questions and seek medical care when something does not feel right.

“Definitely go get seen, ask questions, and don’t just take ‘oh, that’s weird’ as an answer,” Geier said. “Things shouldn’t have to get worse in order for you to know what’s going on.”

Rodriguez also recommends knowing your family history, particularly whether relatives have had breast or ovarian cancer, and paying attention to symptoms that continue or keep coming back.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — More than 100 businesses and organizations will come together Wednesday night for the 2026 Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs.

The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is hosting the event from 5 to 9 p.m. at Indian Canyons Golf Resort.

The annual showcase will feature more than 40 restaurant and beverage partners, along with food and drink tastings, wine and beer, live entertainment and opportunities to connect with local businesses.

This year’s entertainment includes “Never a Dull Moment: A Tribute to Sir Rod Stewart.”

General admission is $40 and includes entry, food and beverage tastings and live entertainment. VIP admission is $90 and includes early entry at 4 p.m., an air-conditioned lounge, golf simulators, premium wine tasting and a commemorative wine glass and holder.

Tickets are available through the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. Online ticket sales close at 10 a.m. Wednesday, with tickets also available at the event while capacity allows.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A semi-truck fire is causing major traffic issues on the eastbound side of Interstate 10 near Golf Center Parkway in Indio.

According to the California Highway Patrol, an Amazon truck caught fire just after 7 p.m. on the eastbound lanes east of Golf Center Parkway.

Authorities confirmed the fire is burning cardboard in the trailer and there are no hazardous materials involved. Crews will remain at the scene overhauling for several more hours.

There were no reports of injuries.

All eastbound lanes were closed for nearly an hour. One lane was opened just before 8 p.m.; however, all lanes were shut down again shortly before 9 p.m. to allow for an excavator to get in position.

Traffic as of 9:20 p.m.

As of 9 p.m., eastbound traffic is backed up at Jefferson Street.

There is no word on how long the closure could last. No details are available. We’ve reached out to the CHP for info.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Gavin Nguyen

Update 09/15/26, 10:30 PM: This article has been updated to include a written statement from Sunshine Herrera, sent to our newsroom after our story aired.

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Every March, Cathedral City puts on a large event for the LGBTQ+ community, known as “LGBT+ Days.”

“We had over 12,000 visitors over the course of the weekend from 28 different states,” said Michael Westman, the marketing manager of Montage Events, the company that produces the celebration. “And so growing on that success, we want to continue to elevate the event.”

The path forward includes renaming “LGBT+ Days” to “Cathedral City Pride.”

“I think that describes more what the event really is. It’s your your you’re proud to be in Cathedral City to live in Cathedral City. The city is very supportive of the community. And so that’s really the point of of what we’re doing,” reasoned Westman.

Organizers also want to move the event back a week, to March 12th through 14th, in 2027.

The two changes are set to be considered during Cathedral City’s council meeting on Wednesday, September 16th.

A call-to-action is making the rounds on social media for members of the Coachella Valley’s LGBTQ+ community to attend Wednesday’s meeting. Several prominent voices on Facebook want to fill the council chambers in support of the event.

It comes two weeks after the city’s previous meeting on August 26th. During that meeting, public comments were made by Sunshine Herrera, who asked the council to look into the money that was being spent for LGBT+ Days and the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

In reference to LGBT+ Days, Herrera commented from the podium, “I would like to know what is the total cost of the LGBTQ plus days to Cathedral City, how much outside revenue is being generated, and what financial reporting is council receiving before additional payments are made.”

She continued, “This is a reoccurring city event and the city’s financial involvement goes way beyond the contract payment itself. I am asking council to consider a study session or a public presentation on the LGBTQ days before the next payment is made.”

“I am not asking this because I oppose the event,” Herrera clarified at the end of her comment. “I am asking because if the city is spending this amount of public money every year, council and the public should be able to see the complete financial picture.”

Herrera, who is also running for a seat on the Coachella Valley Water District board, sent News Channel 3 a statement, clarifying her position, seen here:

“I’m shocked and appalled that legitimate questions about public spending are being portrayed as opposition to the LGBTQ+ community. I support Cathedral City Pride, have earned the support of LGBTQ+ community members, and am proud that LGBTQ+ individuals serve on my campaign team.

The attached public contract pays Montage Agency $85,000 for the 2026 event and $90,000 for 2027. It states that sponsorship revenue should primarily offset event costs but allows Montage to retain excess sponsorship funds as additional compensation. If sponsorship increased by a reported 120 percent, Mayor Raymond Gregory and the City Council should explain why the City’s payment is also increasing.

Questions about a $175,000 public contract should be answered with financial records, not inflammatory accusations. Supporting Pride and demanding transparency are not opposing positions.

Pride belongs to the community. Public money belongs to the public. Both deserve protection.”

Sunshine Herrera

At the end of the meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Ernesto Gutierrez referenced Herrera’s comments: “We’ll be working on something possibly for our next meeting so we can possibly request a City Council study session as to our event that was mentioned earlier by our speaker.”

It led to some pushback from Mayor Raymond Gregory, who asked, “Will that be all events or are you going to single out a certain event?”

“Just one single event,” Gutierrez responded.

“Alright,” Gregory replied. “Well, I’ll be interested to see why you would want to single out a certain event.”

You can view the archived livestream from that meeting by clicking here.

A full agenda for Wednesday’s meeting can be found by clicking here.

“There have been pushbacks all over the country from pride events,” said long-time Cathedral City resident John Joiner. “It always concerns me. But if you stay active and you stay proactive, then you’re going to win more than you lose.”

For Michael Westman, he said he was hoping to see a large turnout at Wednesday’s meeting.

“It’s all about coming together, about being united. And, you know, having a great event and a great chance for the community to… show that.”

“It’s not anything new. We’ve been around a long time,” Joiner reasoned. “I’m not sure why we need to be studied. I think we just need to be celebrated.”

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Tommy Gallegos

SACRAMENTO, CA (KESQ) — Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation ratifying an amended tribal-state gaming compact between the State of California and the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians.

Assembly Bill 2173, authored by Assemblymember Greg Wallis, R-Bermuda Dunes, extends the agreement through Dec. 31, 2061, while providing the tribe with additional flexibility for future growth, including up to 500 additional gaming devices.

The agreement also restructures the tribe’s contributions to California’s Revenue Sharing Trust Fund, which provides financial support to non-gaming and limited-gaming tribes across the state.

“Agua Caliente has been a tremendous partner to the Coachella Valley for generations, working closely with our local governments and investing in the communities we call home,” Wallis said. “This agreement respects tribal sovereignty, supports continued economic opportunity, and strengthens a partnership that has delivered real benefits throughout our region.”

The Agua Caliente reservation encompasses significant portions of Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Cathedral City. The tribe operates both gaming and non-gaming enterprises throughout the Coachella Valley and is one of the region’s major employers.

Agua Caliente Chairman Jeff Grubbe and tribal representatives worked with state officials throughout the compact amendment process.

The amended compact provides a long-term framework for the tribe’s gaming operations while maintaining its financial contributions to California’s tribal revenue-sharing system.

AB 2173 passed both houses of the California Legislature without opposition. As an urgency measure, the bill took effect immediately upon the governor’s signature.

The agreement represents a continuation of the longstanding relationship between the Agua Caliente Band and the State of California, while providing the tribe with additional flexibility to pursue future economic development in the Coachella Valley.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Five airports throughout Riverside County are set to be awarded $8.5 million in total for projects ranging from apron improvements to a new control tower, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation.

The agency released a complete list of 280 Airport Improvement Program grants Monday that will be distributed in the current fiscal year, and among the dozens of aerodromes in California slated for funding are Blythe Airport, French Valley Airport, Hemet-Ryan Airport, March Air Reserve Base and Palm Springs International Airport.

“As we continue to strengthen the National Airspace System, we are providing funding for airports to quickly put critical safety investments in across the country,” Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Bryan Bedford said.

The aggregate outlay nationwide is $3.77 billion. California’s share comes to $306.44 million, according to transportation officials.

Blythe Airport is designated to receive two grants totaling $905,667. They’ll cover expenses tied to apron rehabilitation and lighting.

French Valley’s earmark will be $3.43 million, all for construction of a control tower. The airport, which serves southwest Riverside County, has grown substantially in air traffic volume over the last several decades. Pilots currently coordinate their own arrivals and departures at the non-controlled field. The future tower will not be staffed by FAA personnel, but rather contract controllers, which are also deployed at Riverside Municipal Airport and San Bernardino International Airport.

Hemet-Ryan will receive the largest local grant at $6.15 million, stipulated for runway improvements.

March ARB’s $1.31 million grant will pay for apron re-surfacing, and Palm Springs International’s $140,600 grant will go toward equipment acquisitions, according to federal officials.

The complete list can be found at faa.gov/airports/aip/2026_aip_grants.

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Peter Daut

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ) – Scammers are becoming more sophisticated, using increasingly convincing tactics to target victims, and experts say artificial intelligence is making it even harder to tell what’s real and what’s a scam.

The issue is especially concerning for aging and senior populations, including communities across the Coachella Valley.

To help residents recognize warning signs and protect themselves, an upcoming “Scaminar” in Palm Desert will focus on some of the most common scam patterns being seen today and offer practical steps people can take to avoid becoming victims.

According to the IRS, financial crimes targeting seniors continue to be a growing concern, with more than $2 billion in reported losses last year, an eightfold increase since 2020.

Leeann Flores, a senior vice president with Bank of America, said fraud can affect people from all walks of life and often happens before victims realize they are being targeted.

“Fraud is on the rise, and innocent people lose their hard-earned money every day because of these scams,” Flores said. “While our bankers are trained to spot these scams, unfortunately by the time we see it, it is too late. And we really want to help people get ahead of it before it’s too late.”

The Palm Desert “Scaminar” will cover scam trends and techniques designed to make fraudulent calls, messages and other forms of communication appear legitimate.

Organizers say the goal is to give residents the information they need to recognize red flags, slow down when something feels suspicious and take steps to protect their finances and personal information.

The event will be held September 25 at the Bank of America Palm Desert branch.

The “Scaminar” is free and open to the public.

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Jesus Reyes

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) – The elected City Treasurer of Beaumont has been charged with multiple offenses following a public corruption investigation, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office announced on Tuesday.

Anup Giresh “AJ” Patel, 39, was charged with providing false information on Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) return forms regarding a motel he operated in the city, and subsequently stealing another individual’s identity to communicate with the city and make false claims regarding the TOT he owed, resulting in six felony counts:

• Count 1: Penal Code section 118(a), Perjury, on or about April 5, 2021• Count 2: Penal Code section 118(a), Perjury, on or about August 19, 2022• Count 3: Penal Code section 118(a), Perjury, on or about March 13, 2024• Count 4: Penal Code section 530.5(a), Identity Theft, on or about May 6, 2025, through May 30, 2025• Count 5: Penal Code section 470(d), Forgery, on or about May 6, 2025• Count 6: Penal Code section 529(a)(3), False Personation, on or about May 30, 2025

According to the DA’s office, an investigation by its Public Integrity Unit revealed that Patel submitted multiple Transient Occupancy Tax (TOT) return forms to the City of Beaumont, signed under penalty of perjury, that stated he received $0 in gross rent for occupancy of rooms from April 2020 through December 2023 in a motel he operated in the City.

In January 2025, the city initiated an audit on all motels/hotels from January 2021 through December 2023. The audit showed Mr. Patel’s motel collected $1,667,300.68 in gross rent from January 2021 through December 2023. Mr. Patel, as owner of the motel, owed the city $166,730.07 in TOT plus additional penalties for the timeframe.

Additionally, Patel stole another individual’s identity and used it to create a fraudulent lease agreement and communicate with the city of Beaumont regarding the Transient Occupancy Tax owed to the city.

If convicted on all counts, Patel faces a maximum of six years, four months in state prison.

Patel posted bail in the amount of $30,000 and is scheduled to appear in court for an arraignment hearing on October 26, 2026.

The case is being prosecuted by Deputy District Attorney Natasha Sorace of the District Attorney’s Public Integrity Unit.

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