Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

AGUANGA, Calif. (KESQ) – Fire crews worked through the night hitting hotspots and improving control lines to contain 85% of a brush fire south of Highway 371 in Aguanga that has scorched 126 acres and destroyed one structure.  

The Crossing Fire was reported at 1:38 p.m. Tuesday in the area of Petes Crossing and Janell Drive, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The agency said multiple engine and hand crews from the county, Hemet Fire Department, Riverside Fire Department and surrounding agencies were sent to the location, encountering flames moving at a moderate rate in light brush.   

One Hemet firefighter suffered heat exhaustion and was taken by ambulance to a regional trauma center for treatment. Temperatures in the Anza Valley Tuesday topped out in the low 90s.

One outbuilding in the fire’s path was destroyed, but no occupied properties were damaged or destroyed.   

At the fire’s peak, five Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters were making runs on the brusher as it pushed eastward. An evacuation order was issued for the dozen or fewer properties near Dove Drive and Gold Creek Lane.

The aircraft fire retardant and water drops had largely cut off the fire’s prospective fuel, enabling ground crews to establish tentative containment lines, relying on dirt roads to fortify defensive space, according to officials at the scene.   

The fire’s rate of spread was halted at 5:02 p.m. Tuesday.  

Minutes later, all fixed-wing aircraft departed the location. Several helicopters remained for targeted drops on hot spots threatening to jump containment lines.

The flames were 40% contained by 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, and working through the night, fire crews were able to bring containment up to 85% by 8 a.m. Wednesday.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today authorized Riverside County Fire Department Chief Bill Weiser to close access to multiple outdoor recreational locations for the duration of Southern California’s wildfire season to minimize public safety risks.

Since 2007, the agency has sought and received authorization to close designated grounds — located mainly in the central and southwest portions of the county — typically from June to November.   

Weiser intends to implement the closures on June 15.   

“Due to the potential for large damaging human-caused fires, the county fire chief has determined these areas should be closed, except on public roadways and on inhabited areas of private property within the closure areas,” according to a fire department statement. “The potential for large damaging fires this year may be enhanced by the extreme vegetation growth experienced throughout Riverside County.”  

Though precipitation totals from last winter were well blow average, there was growth after several storms in March and April, and that vegetation has already gone brittle and brown across large swaths of the inland region.   

Wildfires in any of the locations slated for closure would be difficult to manage, given their terrain and remoteness, officials said.   

The following sites fall under the closure order:   — Bautista Canyon, southeast of Hemet;   — Eagle Canyon, between Lake Mathews and the county landfill, just north of Cajalco Road;   — Indian Canyon and North Mountain, around San Jacinto;   — the Ramona Bowl, south of Hemet;   — Steel Peek, northwest of Meadowbrook, due west of Good Hope and south of Gavilan Hills; and   — Whitewater Canyon, near Cabazon.  

Officials noted the Ramona Bowl will remain accessible between sunrise and noon daily, with the area off-limits any other time of day.   

By reducing foot and off-road vehicle traffic in each location, the chances of a wildfire starting are much slimmer, according to the fire department.

Closure signs will be posted at entry points to warn potential violators of fines and other penalties. First offenses usually result in a minimum $100 ticket.

Residents will be permitted to come and go as they please.   

The closures are usually lifted at year’s end but can be rescinded before then by the chief, depending on the timing of winter rains.

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Tori King

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A lot of people in Palm Springs my be wondering how to go back to their normal lives after witnessing Saturday’s bombing that target an IVF clinic downtown.

If you are having those thoughts, you aren’t alone. Most people have never experienced a terror attack in their hometown, so dealing with the effects of such a large scale event like this can be tough for some. Especially those that were nearby the clinic and felt or saw the blast. Several residents have already expressed difficulty moving on from the attack. That’s why some local organizations are stepping in to help people heal and move on.

One of those organizations is a non-profit known as the LGBTQ Center of the Desert.

“Most of us has have never experienced an event like this,” said Dr. Jill Hingston, the Director of Behavioral Health Services at the Center. “So the shock, the trauma of this happening in our small community has impacted us in a way we might even not realize yet.”

Dr. Hinston says asking help can be difficult and intimidating, but ultimately those sessions can help people process trauma and PTSD. That’s why the Center is hosting several drop-in group therapy sessions for anyone affected by the Palm Springs fertility center bombing.

“Our goal is to provide a space for our whole community here at the Center, and just remind people how important connection is when these things happen,” said Hingston. “A lot of people tend to isolate because they’ve lost trust, they’re scared of the world. And we just want to provide a place where people can come and be together and help process this trauma.”

The center itself is still recovering from the attack, in fact, its building sits across the street from the site of the explosion and sustained damage, including several shattered windows from the force of the blast. Repairs forced the Center to close, temporarily suspending services for two days, but a growing need for mental health resources encouraged the organization to get back to work.

Not everyone may feel like they need mental health support following this attack, but if you do, the Center is offering a safe space for you to get the help you need and heal.

LGBTQ COMMUNITY CENTER OF THE DESERT

GROUNDING AFTER CRISIS: HEALING IN COMMUNITY

A DROP-IN GROUP THERAPY SPACE

Wednesday, May 21: 2:00 p.m.

Friday, May 23: 10:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m.

Tuesday, May 27: 4:00 p.m.

Thursday, May 29: 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.

All sessions are at The Center’s Scott Hines Behavioral Health Clinic, 1301 N. Palm Canyon Drive, second floor, Community Room 7

“When you walk in, you’re welcomed,” said Hingston. “It’s a space where you’re probably going to see somebody you know or who looks familiar. You don’t have to speak. You can just listen. You can share your experience. I think mostly what we want to do and the value in groups is people sharing how they’re coping.”

For more information or to learn more about The Center’s behavioral health services, please call 760.416.7790 ext 3

According to a report by News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen, several local organizations have stepped up in the aftermath of the explosion to address mental health concerns. Research shows generally, experiencing a traumatic event leads to increased rates of acute stress disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), major depression, panic disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and substance use disorder.

The City of Palm Springs also added mental health resources to its engagepalmsprings.com webpage, which has been used to log updates for the Palm Springs attack.

In a statement, the City addressed concerns for mental health help:

“The bomb blast has severely shaken the nerves of Palm Springs residents. This event was horrific for those who were close to the location and saw the results of the explosion, those who felt the shockwaves all across the City and experienced collateral damage to homes or business, and especially for the clients of the American Reproductive Center.

The City is gathering information and contacts for mental health resources that are readily available to our community.”

CRISIS TEXT LINE

This organization operates nationwide and is available to the public 24/7, free of charge. It is staffed by trained counselors and their service is offered via texting, but texting the number 741741

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Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Indio Police Department is heightening its focus on the dangers of distracted driving with an enforcement operation on May 20.

Under the hands-free cell phone law, California drivers are not allowed to hold a phone or electronic communication device while operating a vehicle. Indio PD traffic officers will be focuses on drivers suspected of violating this law.

“This includes talking, texting, or using an app,” according to the news release. If caught, officials say driving while using a handheld cell phone is punishable a fine. However, if the law is violated for a second time within 36 hours of a prior conviction, it will result in a point being added to a driver’s record.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from officials on the importance of this initiative for the Indio community.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After Saturday’s deadly bombing in Palm Springs, medical professionals are highlighting those who run towards danger to save others.

Desert Care Network planned its National Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Week ceremony well before the blast rocked the Palm Springs community. Hospital leaders, though, used the opportunity to honor first responders from the Palm Springs Fire Department, Cal Fire Riverside County, and American Medical Response (AMR) who performed “extraordinary lifesaving efforts” during emergencies in the Coachella Valley this year.

The ceremony wrapped up just after noon at Desert Regional Medical Center on Tuesday.

In attendance: Luan Mitani, a 15-year-old teenager who went into cardiac arrest at a Palm Springs pool in April. A bystander, Maria Calderon, performed CPR on the teen before ambulance and paramedic crews arrived to rush him to Desert Regional Medical Center, where he made a full recovery.

His mother, Akiko Mitani, expressed her gratitude to the first responders who stepped in to save her son. “My appreciation continues to grow every day, and I can’t express my gratitude in words,” she says.

“This instance is so rare that you could not only get the patient who survived together, but get the EMS crew together, too. … [Having] everybody here to reunite… it pulled on the heartstrings. It was amazing,” says Greg Boyles, the Business Development Manager at Desert Care Network, who served as an emcee of the event.

This led to an emotional moment at the ceremony for Boyles as he introduced the victim and his mother: “To see Luan and Akiko here, smiling in whole. Reminds us … why we do this,” he said, choking up. “It’s about families reunited. Futures restored. And love that endures.”

Assistant Chief Greg Lyle, of the Palm Springs Fire Department, was also recognized for his efforts to save embryos in the fertility clinic that was targeted in the attack.

Hospital leaders also expressed its gratitude to staff who kept the hospital open in the hours following the blast.

“There was a lot we didn’t know when it initially happened, and these caregivers continued to take care of our patients, keep them safe. And we are. We’re just tremendously proud of everything that they do,” said Mike Ditoro, the CEO of Desert Regional Medical Center.

The hospital sustained some damage in the explosion, including a lot of broken glass, but no structural damage. Ditoro provided an optimistic update to the repairs after the event: “We expect to be completely open on the outpatient side by the end of this week. Just truly amazing work. A lot of glass damage, but nothing structural, no integrity issues of the building.”

We’ll have the latest updates as Palm Springs continues to rebuild. Be sure to stay with KESQ.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – In the wake of Saturday’s bomb in Palm Springs, local businesses are stepping up to give back to first responders and those impacted by the bomb.

Among those is Cafe La Jefa, offering free food and drinks to first responders.

“People are happy that we’re able to do what we can. I know it’s a small gesture. Nothing big. It’s not as life threatening as what the first responders are doing but in the way that we can we’re helping out. I think it goes a long way.”

Daniela Jimenez, Cafe La Jefa barista

A small gesture for Daniela, but for Lieutenant Mike Villegas, it makes a whole difference.

“I’ve been here for almost 24 years and that’s why I love our community. They always support us, they love us, they reach out to us, take care of us.”

Lieutenant Mike Villegas, PSPD

The support doesn’t end there. Other businesses like Boozehound serving food to those impacted by damage caused by the blast.

Aric Ianni, executive chef at Boozehound, says providing meals in times of need is more than just food.

“I think food is just like a universal language that really speaks to people and giving them that energy to get them through their day.”

Aric Ianni, Boozehound executive chef

A community coming together stronger and more united.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Tori King

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – We’re hearing directly from some of the first responders who arrived at the scene of Saturday’s explosion in Palm Springs.

Fire crews found themselves at the site of the largest bombing in Southern California history on Saturday, but that didn’t stop them from going beyond the call of duty.

The FBI says the suspect, Guy Edward Barktus, used a car bomb to blow up a fertility clinic because of his anti-IVF and nihilistic beliefs. But what Barktus didn’t know was that his plan was going to fail, thanks to several heroes who put their lives on the line to make sure the embryos survived.

One of those heroes was Deputy Chief Greg Lyle, who says he was called in about an hour after the blast went off. He immediately got in contact with the clinic’s doctor, who informed the team about the embryos being stored inside the lab. 

Asst Fire Chief Greg Lyle (Left) and FBI agent Chris Meltzer (Right)

That’s when Lyle, along with the bomb squad, was tasked to come up with a rescue plan.

“There was kind of a lot of uncertainty. I didn’t feel comfortable in sending my guys in,” Lyle said.

At the moment, they weren’t sure if it had been affected by the blast but after careful consideration, they decided to go inside, saying saving the embryos was non-negotiable. 

“And so, you know, I said that if anybody was going to go, it was going to be me, the bomb squad technician. He agreed. So him and I decided to go in there. At some point, there was conversation where we said, you know, if we don’t try, the bad guy wins,” Lyle said.

The pair found a room where the cryogenic tanks were being stored and found they hadn’t been damaged by the homemade bomb. 

Lyle says the team realized the tanks were too large to remove but determined they were stable enough to keep inside; the only problem, the power was out.  It’s a problem, because embryos have to be stored at a certain temperature in order to survive, they’re frozen in liquid nitrogen at -321 degrees Fahrenheit, preserving them indefinitely. 

Since they couldn’t move the tanks, Lyle says that had to get the power back on.

The generator failed, but after a few hours, and a few more personnel, they managed to restore the power and save the embryos. 

Lyle said this was one of the most important jobs he’s ever worked on, and that since the rescue, one of the patients reached out to thank him. That patient was one of our very own Palm Springs firefighters. 

“I received a text message later on that night from one of the personnel fire department thanking me for saving his embryos, and then in later talking to him, it was, it’s his wife that had a scheduled appointment on Tuesday with the office,” Lyle said.

“Despite the building suffering structural collapse, this was nothing short of heroic, and I’m so proud of our firefighters,” said Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado.

Lyle said that knowing he helped out one of his own, made the save that much more special.

“That’s when things started to kind of kind of hit home, that, like we were we, we were involved in something that was pretty special. So it was a team thing. It was not just me, if anything, I was just the one that came up with a crazy plan,” Lyle said.

“We were able to save all of the embryos at this facility. Good guys one. Bad guys zero,” said Akil Davis, assistant director in charge of the FBI in Los Angeles.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on the Palm Springs explosion investigation.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — A powerful explosion rocked downtown Palm Springs Saturday, leaving damage scattered over a 100-yard radius according to investigators.

The blast shattered windows, rattled nerves and left local businesses like The Velvet Rope reeling.

Owner David Rios said he’s spent days sweeping up debris and repairing broken windows — without the help of insurance.

“No one tells you that you need terrorism insurance, you think about fire and floods,” Rios said. “In the meantime, when we gave them the claim, we were denied.”

Despite the devastation, Rios said a strong sense of community has emerged.

“They have given me love and support,” Rios said.

Rios colleagues said he is a beacon of kindness not only to the community of Palm Springs but to all those around him.

To support The Velvet Rope during this time, visit its GoFundMe.

Crews are continuing cleanup efforts as the investigation proceeds.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte spoke live with News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson to share his message to the community after a bomb explosion rocked the city on Saturday.

“It’s going to take time to heal the wounds that have been caused and the emotions and the incredible stress, not just for us two-legged folks, but our pets also that have been really impacted,” deHarte said “So I asked for patience. We’re going to get there. It’s still an active crime scene, so the investigation is, we’re not even 48 hours in, so answers are going to come it’s going to take a little bit of time.”

deHarte said the city has been working to provide resources and supplies to homeowners or businesses that were impacted by the blast.

“We’ve been working and having conversations for the last two days, talking to our other elected officials in different departments. Asking the questions about what resources are available, especially since insurance companies are looking at this as an act of terrorism,” deHarte said. “So we are rallying all the partners. I know Supervisor Perez has been checking with their Economic Development Department at the county level, we’re talking with Small Business Administration and any other department we can. Reach out to so we’re gathering the information on what programs may be available to our residents and our businesses.”

deHarte directed residents to visit EngagePalmSprings.com for a list of resources and information from the city.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on the Palm Springs explosion.

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Garrett Hottle

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – Opening statements began in the trial of a real estate developer accused of providing six-figure bribes to former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet, who pleaded guilty last week to a slate of felony charges connected to his support for the defendant’s projects.

John Elroy Wessman, 86, is charged with nine counts of bribery of a public official and one count of conspiracy to commit a felony.   

After several days of jury selection at the Banning Justice Center, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Samuel Diaz on Friday swore in a panel to hear the prosecution’s case against Wessman, who is free on his own recognizance.

During a court conference Wednesday, Pougnet, 62, admitted nine counts of bribery by a public official, eight counts of illicit financial interest in public contracts and one count of conspiracy, as well as no contest to three perjury counts. The plea was directly to the court, without negotiations between the defense and the District Attorney’s Office.   

Prosecutors objected to the plea because “the defendant took advantage of the public trust,” the D.A.’s office said in a statement. Pougnet, who is also free on his own recognizance, is slated for sentencing on July 2 and is expected to receive probation.   

He, Wessman and 59-year-old Richard Hugh Meaney were criminally charged, for the first time, in 2017 and later indicted by a grand jury.   

All the felony charges against Meaney were later dismissed. However, he pleaded guilty to a reinstated misdemeanor count of financial conflict in a government contract. Meaney is free and due for sentencing in June.   

The case, which began as a federal corruption probe until it was turned over to county investigators in 2016, has been plagued by repeated delays, some resulting from ongoing challenges by the defense to the indictment, as well as the COVID lockdowns, Pougnet’s relocation to another state, changes to legal counsel and related complications.   

A trial judge in December 2020 dismissed all counts against Wessman, characterizing them as baseless, but the charges were reinstated by the Fourth District Court of Appeals in Riverside less than two years later.   

Pougnet served two terms as mayor, leaving office in 2015.   

The influence-buying scheme that prosecutors say the men were involved in netted Pougnet close to $400,000 between 2012 and 2014, securing his public support for projects brought before the Palm Springs City Council, specifically The Dakota, the Desert Fashion Plaza, The Morrison and Vivante.

Steve Pougnet and John Wessman (2012)

Payments to Pougnet were drawn directly from accounts maintained by Meaney’s Union Abbey Co. and Wessman Development Inc., according to the prosecution.

Deputy District Attorney Amy Barajas told the grand jury in 2019 Pougnet planned to move to Colorado to join his husband and two children when his first term ended in 2011, but the two developers allegedly put him “on their payroll” in order to gain his votes of confidence in their projects.

“This is a case about political corruption in Palm Springs,” Barajas said. “What kind of corruption? Well, one of the oldest stories in the book. Some wealthy real estate developers get a politician on their payroll, and in exchange they get favorable treatment, inside access and large contracts.”   

She said Pougnet was hesitant about remaining for a second term as mayor. The grand jury was shown an email exchange from May 30, 2011, between him and Meaney, in which the latter wrote, “Everything is in place. The big question from everyone is … what are your plans?”  

Pougnet’s response indicated their relationship hinged on the defendant securing something in return.

“I need to know that an offer is very real, that I am an employee somewhere that has a letter `of employment,”’ Pougnet wrote. “That will make a decision much easier. As you know, a month ago, this was not even an option on the table with me and Christopher. Staying (in Palm Springs) has huge family implications considering I would be going back and forth.”

The then-mayor accepted $225,000 as an initial incentive to remain active in local government, according to prosecutors.

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