Category: kesq-local-news

Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Modernism Week announced the schedule for its 4-day festival, bringing more than 50 events celebrating midcentury modern architecture, design and culture to Palm Springs October 15 to the 18.

This upcoming festival debuts several new experiences like “Modernism Week Fall Dining Series” and “Modernism Week After Dark” connecting residents and travelers closer to the city and its history.

The 4 day event is set to be a smaller scale version of the 11 day festival in February, including events like exclusive home tours, guided excursions to the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, and a first ever tour of the Blue Skies VIllage.

“Modernism Week – October continues to feature a full, four-day event schedule which includes many new and unique activities that are produced exclusively for this Fall festival,” said Lisa Vossler Smith, CEO of Modernism Week. “I am very excited about our new curated events that will allow our guests to participate in dining, social, and exclusive wine tasting experiences. In addition, we are offering exciting new tours, including a first-ever Modernism Week produced tour of the famous Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. Of course, we are also bringing back many of the most popular tours and other activities from previous years.”

The event is set to bring back popular attractions like the architectural bus tours, walking tours, house tours and performances like the Palm Springs Modernism Show.

The full event schedule was released by the Modernism Week Team featuring events such as:

MODERNISM WEEK FALL DINING SERIES

·Modernism Week Fall Dining Series: Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge (10/15, $190) Located in the heart of Palm Springs’ Uptown Design District, Eight4Nine offers a stylish and contemporary dining experience inside one of the city’s notable midcentury-era buildings.

· Modernism Week Fall Dining Series: Bar Issi (10/15, $230) Known for its Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, Bar Issi celebrates fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and shareable dishes influenced by the coastal regions of Italy, France, Spain, and Greece.

·Modernism Week Fall Dining Series: Trio Restaurant (10/16, $165) A beloved Palm Springs gathering place for nearly two decades, Trio Restaurant has earned a reputation for lively hospitality, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere that attracts both locals and visitors alike.

·Modernism Week Fall Dining Series: King’s Highway (10/17, $120) Located at the Ace Hotel & Swim Club, King’s Highway pairs classic roadside Americana with a relaxed desert aesthetic.

·Modernism Week Fall Dining Series: Mr. Lyons Steakhouse (10/17, $230) Experience a luxurious evening at Mr. Lyon’s Steakhouse, where Palm Springs’ glamorous past meets contemporary culinary excellence.

MODERNISM WEEK AFTER DARK

Modernism Week After Dark’s new social events are uniquely curated to add a festive night cap to the evening.

·Modernism Week After Dark: Spirit Animal (10/16, $45) It’s Friday night of Modernism Week, and the celebration is just getting started. After the Palm Springs Modernism Show Preview Party, continue the evening at Spirit Animal inside Hotel Zoso, featuring a vibrant dance floor, expertly crafted premium cocktails and a soundtrack curated by DJ Aylex Song.

·Modernism Week After Dark: Amigo Room (10/17, $70) This after-dinner vibrant listening party with DJ Bobby at the legendary Amigo Room inside Ace Hotel & Swim Club Palm Springs features premium craft cocktails and the relaxed energy of one of Palm Springs’ most beloved gathering spots.

FEATURED NEW WINE TASTING EVENT

Modernism Week Wined-Up: Hall Winery (10/15, $150) Join Modernism Week CEO Lisa Vossler Smith and other Modernism Week insiders for this special evening at Hall Winery. Guests will enjoy a tasting experience featuring three curated wines, light charcuterie bites, and a relaxed social atmosphere with fellow design and Modernism Week enthusiasts.

For those looking to find rare vintage furniture or accessories, don’t miss the festive Preview Party for the Palm Springs Modernism Show (10/16, $95 in advance, $110 at the door). Held at the Palm Springs Convention Center, this party is the prime opportunity for participants to shop directly from dealers before the show opens to the public on Saturday. The ticket price includes cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, entertainment, and re-entry to the show all weekend.

Other evening entertainment options include:

·Cotino, a Storyliving by Disney Community (10/15, $50) Guests will embark on an evening of progressive dining, live entertainment, and exceptional design as they explore three homes, each offering a distinctive architectural experience. The evening culminates with an exclusive visit to Artisan Club and Cotino Bay, the shimmering centerpiece of the Cotino community.

·Sunset at The Lautner Compound: Architecture, Cocktails & Beats (10/16 and 10/17, $100) Experience The Lautner Compound at sunset during an exclusive Twilight Tour featuring Hotel Lautner, architectural history, restoration stories and a signature cocktail.

ARCHITECTURAL BUS TOURS

One of the best ways to experience Modernism Week is on the popular Premier Double Decker Architectural Bus Tour (10/15 – 10/18, $130). This unforgettable open-top sightseeing experience offers guests a unique vantage point to explore the city’s most iconic architectural landmarks, historic neighborhoods and stunning desert landscapes. In addition, Modernism Week offers other compelling double decker bus tours including:

·Sinatra’s Rat Pack Homes & Hangouts Bus Tour (10/15-10/18, $100) Hop aboard Palm Springs’ only double-decker journey into the glamorous world of Frank Sinatra and the legendary Rat Pack.

·Bella da Ball’s Celebrity Homes Bus Tour (10/16 and 10/17, $100) Bella da Ball, Palm Springs’ own drag ambassador, guides this special sunset tour of Palm Springs celebrity haunts, clubs and homes.

·The Homes That Define Palm Springs Bus Tour (10/15-10/18, $100) This 90-minute tour will feature some of the most popular neighborhoods in Palm Springs, showcasing the most spectacular home styles.

·Twilight Architectural Bus Tour (10/16 and 10/17, $100) This evening tour provides guests with a 90-minute illuminated view of some of the most significant midcentury architectural treasures of Palm Springs.

Seeking a more intimate tour? Try experiencing Modernism Week Architecture Tours (10/15-10/18, $130). Comfortable, climate-controlled 22-seat mini-coaches will enable participants to discover Palm Springs’ world-famous collection of modernist homes. These tours offer the ultimate experience that takes guests on a fun, fascinating, and inspiring exploration of the Palm Springs’ neighborhoods.

HOME TOURS

·Modernism Week Featured Home Tour: The Marquee at Twin Palms (10/15 – 10/18, $40) The Marquee at Twin Palm is a luminous showcase of Midcentury Modern design. Built in 1957, and meticulously renovated by H3K Home + Design, this architectural gem embodies the era’s signature midcentury style. Modernism Week sponsors Arizona Tile, Brizo, Dunn-Edwards Paints, Ferguson Home, Flor, INAX, James Martin Vanities, Kichler, and Monogram contributed to this home’s stunning renovation.

·Blue Skies Village: Behind the Gates of a Hollywood Hideaway (10/17, $85) Go behind the gates of Blue Skies Village to tour six interiors, two outdoor spaces, and the William F. Cody–designed clubhouse in this storied midcentury Hollywood retreat in Rancho Mirage.

·CoCo Cabana: Designed for Gracious Living (10/17, $60)

·Palm Springs Paradise Home Tour II: A Celebration of Bold Design, Color, and Desert Style (10/16, $90)

·Desert Lanai 4, A Charles Du Bois Desert Community (10/17, $55)

·A Sackley Stunner: The Liever Residence Tour (10/17, $40)

NEW SPECIAL TOUR

·Explore the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway with Modernism Week (10/16, $170)

Join Modernism Week and ascend the spectacular San Jacinto Mountains aboard the world’s largest rotating tramcar. Experience a remarkable collaboration between two of Palm Springs’ most influential modernist architects: Albert Frey, who designed the Valley Station, and E. Stewart Williams who created the Mountain Station.

LIVE PERFORMANCES

PS UNDERGROUND invites attendees to enjoy two special shows during the festival.

·Nod to Mod (10/16 and 10/17, $225) invites participants to step inside a glamorous midcentury supper club where every course is inspired by a different musical era of the 1940s, ’50s, and ’60s. Over four immersive courses, the evening travels from smoky jazz lounges and big band ballrooms to rock ‘n’ roll diners, Motown dance floors, and psychedelic pop culture.

·The Sunny Side Up (10/18, $130) brunch celebrates the sun-soaked world of midcentury Palm Springs, where the hi-fi is spinning, the cocktails are flowing, and the pool party is just getting started.

SPECIAL EVENTS

·Palm Springs Modernism Fall Show (10/17 and 10/18, $30) This popular event presents ana captivating selection of top-tier national and international exhibitors offering the best of midcentury and modern designs all under one roof.

·Casual Concours – Swinging 60s on Route 66 (10/17, $30, $25 for members)

FEATURED WALKING TOURS

·ONE PS Presents: Trailblazers & Visionaries, a Downtown Palm Springs Walking Tour (10/16, $100)

·Little Beverly Hills Walking Tour (10/16 – 10/18, $55)

FEATURED TALKS

·Charles Phoenix: LOS ANGELESLAND (10/17, $50) Midcentury pop culture expert Charles Phoenix will take his guests on a retro Travelogue tour of the City of Angels.

·Mod with a Twist at Ocotillo Lodge (10/15 – 10/17, $50) The iconic and historic 1957 William Krisel-designed Ocotillo Lodge in South Palm Springs is the setting for this humorous and informative series of five all-new 10-minute presentations about the midcentury era.

·Palm Springs, Tuned In: A Historic Retrospective on Music in the Coachella Valley (10/15, $30) Jim Cook will share a fascinating tale of how music and musicians were key to the development of Palm Springs. Brian Ray, guitarist for Paul McCartney and former Etta James music director and guitarist, will kick off the event.

The full event schedule can be found at modernismweek.com with tickets going on sale August 1 at 12 p.m.

For more updates stay with News Channel 3.

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City News Service

RIDGECREST, Calif. (KESQ) – An Amber Alert was briefly in effect across Southern California today as police searched for a man suspected of abducting three children from a park in Ridgecrest in Kern County, but the suspect and kids were later found.

According to the California Highway Patrol, which issued the alert on behalf of the Ridgecrest Police Department, 29-year-old Julio Roman-Garcia was suspected of taking the children, who had been last seen at about 11:30 a.m. Wednesday at a park at Coso and Las Flores avenues in Ridgecrest.

The children were identified as Maximus, Kaiser and Hailee Roman, aged 10, 8 and 4, respectively. Their relationship with Roman-Garcia was not specified.

Around 5 p.m. Wednesday, the CHP announced that the suspect and children had all been located. No details were released about where they were found, or the condition of the children.

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City News Service

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District has issued a conservation alert starting today due to extreme heat in the Coachella Valley.

The alert was in effect from 7 a.m. Wednesday through at least 10 p.m. Sunday to help reduce strain on the electric grid. The district is asking customers to voluntary reduce energy use between the hours of 4 and 9 p.m. Officials recommended that customers follow the following steps to conserve energy during the alert:

— Avoid use of major appliances, including washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps and electric vehicle chargers between 4 p.m. and 9 p.m.;– Set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher when home;– Turn off unnecessary lights;– Use floor or ceiling fans when possible and turn them off when leaving a room, and– Close shades, blinds and drapes to help keep homes cooler.

The agency provides electricity to La Quinta, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, Thousand Palms, Indio Hills, Sky Valley, Mecca, Thermal and Indian Wells.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) – The Palm Springs International Airport has updated its website ahead of a federal compliance date to improve access for people with disabilities and provide a more mobile-friendly experience to travelers.

“Accessibility is about more than meeting a requirement. It’s also making sure every traveler can easily access the information they need before and during their journey,” Victoria Carpenter, interim executive director at PSP, said in a statement.

Airport officials completed the changes before the April 2028 federal deadline and complied with the updated digital accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act, which requires public agency websites to meet modern accessibility guidelines.

The improvements include enhanced color contrast, improved readability and keyboard navigation. Additionally, the website was given several updated features, including a redesigned flight status page, an updated shops, restaurants and amenities section and simplified navigation.

The website can be found at flyPSP.com.

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Tommy Gallegos

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. — A 28-year-old instructional assistant employed by the Morongo Unified School District has been arrested following an investigation into the alleged sexual abuse of a developmentally disabled student under the age of 14 at Condor Elementary School.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Isaac Elias Carrillo, a resident of Twentynine Palms, was arrested on July 1, 2026, and booked into the Central Detention Center on suspicion of violating California Penal Code 288(a), lewd and lascivious acts with a child under the age of 14. He is being held on $1 million bail.

The investigation began on May 13, 2026, when the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station received a courtesy report from the Oceanside Police Department after a parent reported that their child had been sexually abused while attending Condor Elementary School.

Authorities said the alleged victim, who is developmentally disabled and under the age of 14, reported the abuse occurred during school hours.

The investigation was conducted jointly by School Resource Officer Deputy Stumbo of the Morongo Basin Station and Detective Winegar of the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail. Investigators identified Carrillo as the suspect following their investigation.

According to the Sheriff’s Department, Carrillo has been employed by the Morongo Unified School District since 2018 and has worked at several schools throughout the Morongo Basin. His most recent assignment involved serving as a one-on-one instructional assistant for developmentally disabled students at Condor Elementary School.

Investigators believe there may be additional victims based on evidence gathered during the investigation. The Sheriff’s Department has released Carrillo’s photograph and is urging anyone with information or anyone who believes they or someone they know may have been victimized to come forward.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact School Resource Officer Deputy Stumbo at the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175 or Detective Winegar with the Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted through We-Tip by calling or texting REPORT to 844-909-3006 or by submitting a report online.

The investigation remains ongoing, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to contact investigators.

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Tommy Gallegos

Big Bear Lake’s beloved bald eagle Jackie has reached an encouraging milestone in her recovery, but wildlife veterinarians say she remains in stable but critical condition and is still fighting for her life.

The Ojai Raptor Center announced that Jackie has been moved from the intensive care unit, where she required oxygen therapy, to one of the hospital’s regular care units. The center says that while the transfer marks a positive step forward, the rehabilitation team emphasized that she remains a very sick patient who continues to require intensive treatment, around-the-clock veterinary care, and close monitoring. Staff stressed that the move does not mean she is out of danger.

Jackie has shown signs of improvement in recent days after suffering a setback over the weekend. Following a blood transfusion, her blood values initially improved before declining again. Since then, she has rebounded with increased energy, alertness, and appetite, and caregivers report she is eating on her own and has become noticeably more active during feedings.

One of the most encouraging developments has been the improvement in her packed cell volume (PCV), a measure of red blood cells in the bloodstream. Her PCV rose from 8% before the weekend to 16% as of July 27. Although still below normal, veterinarians say the increase is a positive sign, and her bloodwork continues to be monitored daily.

Despite extensive diagnostic testing and consultations with experienced wildlife veterinarians, the cause of Jackie’s illness remains unknown. Her veterinary team is continuing supportive and preventative treatments while adjusting her care as new information becomes available.

Jackie’s absence continues to be felt throughout Big Bear Valley, where thousands of viewers regularly watch her and fellow bald eagle Shadow on the Friends of Big Bear Valley eagle nest camera.

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Peter Daut

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– Rancho Mirage councilmember Steve Downs is speaking out about an ongoing state ethics investigation involving allegations related to his economic interest disclosures and potential conflicts of interest.

The investigation by the California Fair Political Practices Commission comes after an anonymous complaint alleged Downs failed to report continuing work with a real estate company now run by his son.

I-Team investigators spoke exclusively with Downs to ask him the tough questions.

Downs says he is cooperating with the FPPC in their investigation; which so far, has not made any determination of wrongdoing.

We reviewed Downs’ statements of economic interests, commonly known as form 700 filings; which he filed in 2023 and 2024, showing the company he formed with his wife generated between $10,000 to $100,000 in gross income.

Downs says he sold his real estate company to his son who paid for the assets over time, which is why they’re listed as generating income in those years.

The commission received an anonymous complaint questioning whether Downs is still active in real estate, despite saying he’s retired, since he and his wife are still listed as team members on the company’s website.

“What we did in the sale is we agreed to allow my son and his business partner to use my name, image and likeness in his marketing and my wife Gerri’s name, image and likeness in their marketing. So the complaint alleges that since our name appeared in the marketing that we must have been active realtors and we must have drawn income from that activity. That’s false we did not. We sold the business to my son. He owns the business, it’s his business, not me, he manages the real estate team, not me, and I haven’t since the end of 2022.” said Steve Downs when asked about this topic.

It’s worth noting the state commission receives more than 2,000 complaints and referrals, opening investigations into only about half of those submitted in the last few years. Of those investigations, only 97 resulted in financial penalties.

For more updates stay with News Channel 3.

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Palm Springs Unified School District has appointed veteran educator Kim Ballard as the inaugural principal of its new Middle College High School, set to open in the 2027-28 school year.

The district introduced Ballard during Tuesday’s Board of Education meeting, where she briefly addressed trustees before they approved her appointment.

The Coachella Valley’s first Middle College High School will be located at the new College of the Desert Palm Springs campus, giving students the opportunity to earn both high school and college credits.

Ballard has been with Palm Springs Unified since 2005, beginning as a math teacher at James Workman Middle School before moving to Rancho Mirage High School in 2013. She has served as assistant principal there since 2017, overseeing programs including AVID, Career Technical Education, Advanced Placement, and Dual Enrollment while working to prepare students for graduation and college.

She earned an Associate of Science in Education from North Idaho College, a bachelor’s degree in Secondary Education from the University of Idaho, and a master’s degree in Education Administration from California State University, San Bernardino.

District leaders say Ballard’s student-centered approach and experience expanding academic opportunities make her well-suited to lead the new school as it prepares to welcome its first students in 2027.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE (CNS) – The number of automobile thefts throughout Riverside County plummeted 21% last year, while the county sheriff’s department ranked in the top five statewide among agencies that successfully recovered stolen vehicles, according to statistics released by the California Highway Patrol.

The number of countywide auto thefts reported in 2025 totaled 6,012, compared to 7,648 in 2024, the CHP said Tuesday in its annual publication of “California Vehicle Theft Facts.”

“Vehicle theft is not a victim-less crime,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “It fuels organized criminal activity and creates hardship for families across California. The CHP remains committed to holding offenders accountable, recovering stolen vehicles and working with our law enforcement partners to make our communities safer.”

The local decline dovetailed with downward trends across California, where the total theft count last year amounted to 133,372, compared to 176,230 in 2024, reflecting a 24% drop, figures showed. It was the second consecutive year-to-year decrease.

Riverside County ranked No. 6 statewide for vehicle thefts last year. Los Angeles County was No. 1 at 47,191, according to CHP statistics.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department ranked No. 3 for theft recoveries statewide, securing 2,292 cars, trucks and motorcycles that had been reported stolen, data showed. No other Inland Empire law enforcement agency landed in the top 10 for recoveries.

Of the 6,012 vehicles reported stolen in all jurisdictions countywide in 2025, 4,795 were later recovered, though there was no mention in the CHP report regarding how many were damaged.

The agency said the majority of vehicles stolen in 2025 comprised SUVs and light pickup trucks, amounting to 43% of the total number of takings. Cars made up 37% of the sum, with commercial trucks and trailers, motorcycles, recreational vehicles, construction and farm equipment comprising the balance of thefts.

In the category of pickups and SUVs, the 2001 Chevrolet Silverado remained the No. 1 target last year, just like in 2024. Among cars, the 2013 Hyundai Elantra was the chief preference for thieves, while Honda motorcycles manufactured in 2023 were also at the top of the list, statistics indicated.

The estimated composite value of all the vehicles stolen in 2025 was $1.2 billion, according to the CHP.

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Athena Jreij

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The story of a local grandmother in need has now reached thousands across the internet, and it all began with News Channel 3’s coverage about the family’s untimely air conditioning outage.

Earlier this month, News Channel 3 spoke with Nikita Potter, the granddaughter of 91-year-old Chuck Potter, who died in his home from heat exhaustion after the air conditioning unit failed. Potter was racing against the clock to install a new unit for her grandmother, Nona, with quotes between $20-30,000.

Potter told News Channel 3 her grandmother, Nona, was staying in hotels as they struggled to afford a new HVAC system.

“The Monday morning before you reached out, I had went to bed and I was crying and a little upset. I told my sister, we need a miracle to happen,” Nikita Potter said.

However, what began as a tragedy, ended in a new chapter for the Potter family.

After KESQ’s story aired, social media influencer and philanthropist, Jimmy Darts, reached out to help and has since raised over $90,000 to assist.

“I saw the news clip of the lady, in like the Palm Springs area, that her husband passed away. I was like, oh my gosh, it’s so hot there. I’m like, dang, this grandma needs a miracle,” Darts said.

Through one of Darts’ kindness challenges, the internet fell in love with Nona.

After connecting with Nikita, Darts met with Potter at a local Walmart and asked if a diamond ring found on the floor was hers. When she denied and told the truth, Darts offered her $1,000, and from there the viral video took off.

“I think everyone just kind of felt that connection with her, that she was such like a sweet lady and everyone felt like they were her grandkids. People from all over the country gave $5, $10, $20 and it just grew traction overnight,” Darts said.

In just 24 hours, the video blew up online and gathered the support of over $100,000.

Darts surprised Potter with the money at her home, where a free HVAC system was also awaiting her from Esser Air Conditioning and Heating.

“The fact that Esser really stepped up and handled everything. They handled the crane, the permits. It is such a weight lifted,” her granddaughter said.

It’s shined a light on a path forward for the Potters they never thought was possible before.

“I think if we didn’t get the interview we did on KESQ and getting the coverage that got and just all of it, I don’t think our miracle would have happened,” Nikita said.

Her granddaughter says Nona will use the money to pay off debts, taxes and bills accrued since her husband’s death.

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