Victims’ attorney criticize Palm Springs parade safety reforms, cite ‘systemic failures’

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif (KESQ) The legal group representing 15 victims injured in last year’s Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade crash say the city’s newly announced police reforms don’t go far enough.

In a statement issued Monday, the Formica Law Group called the December 7, 2024, incident a “nightmare” caused by “preventable, inexcusable failures.” The group says its clients including children, seniors, and families are living with lasting injuries and trauma.

The Palm Springs Police Department’s August 2025 report cited multiple problems: unauthorized stunts, officer fatigue tied to overtime, lack of supervision, and communication breakdowns. But attorneys say the report “stops short of true accountability.”

“These were not isolated ‘unfortunate events,’” the statement reads. “They were systemic, repeated, and avoidable acts of recklessness. Chief Andy Mills and senior leadership were or should have been aware of these risks as early as 2019.”

The City of Palm Springs announced new safety protocols for parades and large gatherings last week. Attorneys described those changes as “a step in the right direction,” but said “empty promises and policy tweaks will not heal our clients’ wounds, nor will they restore public trust.”

The Formica Law Group said its lawsuit against Chief Mills and the city will outline what it calls “systemic failures and preventable decisions” tied to the crash.

The statement also called for concrete reforms: banning dangerous maneuvers, enforcing limits on overtime to prevent fatigue, and mandating stronger safety measures for large public events.

“One young boy and 14 other innocent people will carry these scars for the rest of their lives,” the statement reads. “Their courage in standing up today is about creating a safer Palm Springs tomorrow.”

The Festival of Lights Parade draws more than 100,000 spectators each year.

This is a developing story and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

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Gas leak in Palm Desert sends one to hospital

KESQ-Newsroom

Palm Desert, Calif. (KESQ)  – One person was sent to the hospital in Palm Desert following a report of a gas leak at a business.

Firefighters saying they responded to a compressed natural gas leak outside an industrial building just before 11 a.m. on Lennon Place, off of Hovley Lane and Cook Street. 

They say they were able to quickly activate the emergency shut-off to the tank, which shut off the leak. 

One person with minor symptoms was taken to a hospital for further evaluation, and another reporting illness declined further treatment.

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Palm Desert gas leak sends one to hospital

Athena Jreij

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – One person is in the hospital Sunday night following a gas leak at a Palm Desert business.

At 11 a.m., Cal Fire officials say they responded to a compressed natural gas leak outside an industrial building on Lennon Place off Hovley and Cook Street.

Authorities say they were able to activate the emergency shutoff to the tank, which shutoff the leak.

One person with minor symptoms was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

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Football season kickoff brings fans and business back to valley sports bars

Timothy Foster

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Football season is officially back, and sports bars across the Coachella Valley are already feeling the rush.

The 19th Hole in Palm Desert, the opening weekend of the NFL season brought in large crowds of fans decked out in jerseys, eager to cheer on their favorite teams.

“Football’s huge,” said Ryan Hansen, a manager at the restaurant. “We open at 9 a.m. on Sundays and you’ve got fans from every single team here. It brings people together and it really helps the business.”

Local bar owners say the return of the NFL season is especially important after the summer months, when business typically slows down. Extending hours on game days and adding food and drink specials helps bring customers back week after week.

“Usually we wouldn’t be this full at this time of day — but football brings everybody out,” said owner Bobby Campbell. “Thursday night, Friday night, Sunday — people are coming out for football.”

For many fans, the season is about more than just the score.“It doesn’t matter who you root for. Lions, 49ers, Patriots — everyone’s here together. That’s the beauty of it,” said Ken Humes, who lives in Palm Desert.

Others say they prefer to watch games at local spots instead of chain restaurants.“You’re supporting your community,” said fan Jesus Patino Jr. “Having a beer, kicking back, and keeping the money local.”

As games continue three nights a week — Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays — business owners say they’re preparing for foot traffic to pick up again!

The return of football means good food, cold drinks, and a chance to come together.

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California minimum wage increasing in 2026

Shay Lawson

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)  – California’s minimum wage is set to rise to $16.90 an hour on January 1, 2026 according to California’s Department of Finance.

While California’s cost of living varies, recent data indicates cost of living is about 12.6% above the national average according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Some supporters said the higher wage is necessary to help workers keep up.

While some opponents said increasing the minimum wage would increase business costs, forcing companies to pass those expenses on to consumers through higher prices.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear what residents are saying.

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Attempted murder suspect arrested in Desert Hot Springs police chase

Athena Jreij

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — A high-speed chase through the Coachella Valley ended with an attempted murder suspect in custody.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department posted the wild video of the chase to their social media account, commenting, “Another dangerous individual off the streets thanks to the proactive work of our officers.”

Officials say it all began on September 3rd, when officers spotted the suspect behind the wheel of a vehicle. When deputies tried to pull him over, the driver refused to stop and led officers on a pursuit that topped over 100 miles per hour on the freeway.

The chase eventually ended at a home where the suspect jumped out and ran from officers.

He was tased and was taken into custody. Authorities say he’s now facing multiple felony charges, including attempted murder.

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21-year-old killed in crash involving Riverside Sheriff’s patrol car in Cherry Valley

Timothy Foster

CHERRY VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — A young man is dead and a woman hospitalized after a two-vehicle crash involving a Riverside County Sheriff’s deputy on Saturday morning.

The collision occurred at approximately 10:03 a.m. on September 6, 2025, at the intersection of Cherry Valley Boulevard and Roberts Street.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved a 2018 Tesla Model 3, driven by 21-year-old male from Cherry Valley, and a 2018 Ford Explorer patrol vehicle driven by a 41-year-old male deputy from the Cabazon Station.

Authorities say the deputy was responding to a call for service with emergency lights and sirens activated, traveling westbound on Cherry Valley Boulevard. At the same time, the Tesla was stopped at the intersection, southbound on Roberts Street. For reasons still under investigation, the Tesla made a left turn onto Cherry Valley Boulevard and was broadsided by the oncoming patrol SUV.

The 21-year-old male was pronounced dead at the scene. His passenger, a 20-year-old female, also of Cherry Valley, was transported to a local hospital with major injuries.

The deputy suffered minor injuries and was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash, according to the California Highway Patrol.

Investigators say alcohol or drugs do not appear to be factors, but the cause of the crash remains under investigation.

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Pyrite Fire burns 500+ acres in Jurupa Valley

Athena Jreij

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Fire crews are battling a 500+ acre brush fire in Jurupa Valley this weekend.

Cal Fire officials say the Pyrite Fire began Friday afternoon around 5 p.m. near Pyrite Street and Granite Hills Drive, spreading quickly in the hills above the 60 freeway.

As of Saturday evening, the fire stands at 521 acres with 10% containment.

Nearly 300 fire personnel have been deployed to contain the flames. Evacuation orders and warnings have been issued and some still remain in place this evening.

An emergency shelter for evacuees has been set up at Jurupa Valley High School. Pets and animals can be taken to Riverside County West Animal Shelter on Van Buren Blvd.

There are no reports of injuries or damage to structures at this time. The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

Stick with News Channel 3 as we continue to follow this story.

Current evacuation orders according to CalFire:

Evacuation ORDERS for the following zones have been DOWNGRADED to WARNINGS:

JUR-0017

JUR-0018

JUR-0019

JUR-0031

The Evacuation WARNINGS have been lifted and return to normal status for the following zones:

JUR-0034

JUR-0036

JUR-0020

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Suspect who killed teen, wounded 2 others in Coachella shooting still at large

Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – The search continues for the suspect who killed a 17-year-old boy and wounded two other adolescent males in a shooting early August.

Riverside County Sheriff’s identified the 17-year-old boy as Alberto Castillo Jr.

The shooting unfolded August 2nd, when deputies said they were dispatched around 4 a.m. to the 49000 block of Corte Molino for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.

When they arrived, they found three men suffering from gunshot wounds and began performing life-saving measures.

Castillo Jr. died at the scene. The two other victims were taken to local hospitals for medical treatment in critical condition.

No arrests have been made, and investigators have not released information about possible suspects.

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Castaneda at (951) 955-2777 or Thermal Station Investigator Glasper at (760) 863-8990

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Powerball jackpot soars to $1.8B; Second largest in U.S. history

Shay Lawson

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Powerball jackpot has soared to an estimated $1.8 billion.

It is the second-largest lottery prize ever in the United States, just behind the $2.04 billion jackpot won in California in November 2022.  

The latest draw comes after 41 straight drawings without a jackpot winner, fueling the leap from $1.7 billion to $1.8 billion ahead of Saturday’s drawing.  

The two main options for lottery winners are the lump sum and the annuity payment methods.

The estimated cash value is approximately $826.4 million before taxes.  

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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