Category: kesq-local-news

Cynthia White

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) presented numbers on Monday showing the progress the Department has made so far this year.

RCDAS spokespeople are calling the progress “encouraging” after focusing on efforts to make local adoptions easier and more affordable, and reaching out to other areas that are able to take in adoptable animals.

In August last year, RCDAS came under scrutiny as animal welfare and safety advocates filed a lawsuit calling into question the department’s policies in euthanasia.

The department says it is continuing to work on the challenges its been facing, from over-crowded shelters to staff and veterinarian shortages.

New RCDAS Director Mary Martin acknowledged there were challenges when she took over the position in March of this year. Martin says of the department’s progress, “These results are a testament to the hard work of our staff and the strength of our community partnerships. The team made real progress in just a few months, and we are committed to continuing this momentum to save more lives.”

RCDAS adds in its announcement on Monday that it “remains focused on long-term improvements that will help ensure more pets find homes, more families stay together, and more lives are saved in the months ahead.”

Here are the numbers released by RCDAS:

Live release rate increased to 80.9%, up from 72% during the same period last year

Euthanasia decreased by 33%, with 540 fewer animals euthanized

Adoption rate increased to 42%, up from 34% compared to same period last year

Transfer-out rates rose across both cats and dogs

And RCDAS lists the improvements as:

Expanded public access by opening shelters on Sundays and extending hours on Wednesdays, making it easier for families to adopt or reclaim pets

Waived Return-to-Owner fees to remove financial barriers and help more lost pets return home

Increased the frequency of fee-waived adoption events, leading to faster placements and reduced length of stay

Completed cross-country pet transfer flights and enhanced partner rescue outreach, creating more adoption opportunities in partner regions and reducing local overcrowding

Enhanced marketing and visibility for adoptable animals through improved photography, promotion, and outreach

For more information on the goals of Riverside County Department of Animal Services, visit www.rcdas.org/positive-change.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs officials announced today that two upcoming meetings will give residents a chance to weigh in on a proposed low-water bridge project aimed at improving emergency access to the Indian Canyon neighborhoods.

An in-person meeting is scheduled for 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on May 29 at the Indian Canyon Golf Clubhouse, located at 1100 E. Murray Canyon Drive, officials said.

A virtual Zoom meeting will be held at 5:30 p.m. June 2. The link is available at https://bit.ly/low-water-bridge-ps. Further information of the zoom meeting can be found at https://www.facebook.com/CityOfPalmSprings.

The project is intended to ensure residents have access in and out of the neighborhood during heavy rain or flooding events.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Gov. Gavin Newsom announced today the distribution of $3.3 billion in Proposition 1 grant funds to organizations and government agencies across the state to expand available behavioral health treatment beds and mental health services.

Among the projects receiving funding a $65 million grant for Los Angeles County to convert unused buildings at the Metropolitan State Hospital campus in Norwalk into a mental health care village.

“This mental healthcare village is exactly the type of facility voters were thinking of when they approved Proposition 1,” county Supervisor Janice Hahn said in a statement. “These buildings are doing no one any good sitting empty and we have a plan to convert them into the Los Angeles County Care Community — a mental healthcare village where we can provide humane, professional treatment and housing to people who desperately need it. This funding is a huge step forward for us and I appreciate the support we have already gotten from our state partners.”  

California voters narrowly approved Proposition 1 in March 2024, authorizing more than $6 billion in bonds to fund mental health services, treatment beds and supportive housing.

According to Newsom’s office, the grant funding announced Monday will create more than 5,000 residential treatment beds and 21,800 outpatient treatment slots.

“Californians demanded swift action to address our state’s behavioral health crisis when they voted for Prop 1 in March 2024,” Newsom said in a statement. “Today, we’re delivering our biggest win yet. These launch-ready projects will build and expand residential beds and treatment slots for those who need help. Whether it’s crisis stabilization, inpatient services, or long-term treatment, we’re ensuring that individuals can access the right care at the right time.”  

Hahn said the $65 million grant for L.A. County will renovate two of six buildings that will ultimately upgraded at the Norwalk hospital campus. They will be turned into psychiatric subacute facilities for youth aged 18-25. Each of the two buildings will have 16 beds, for a total of 32. When the campus renovation is fully complete, it will have 219 beds, according to Hahn’s office.

“This investment solidifies our shared focus on behavioral health and the wellbeing of all Los Angeles County residents,” Dr. Lisa H. Wong, director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, said in a statement. “With Proposition 1 funding earmarked specifically for the Metro campus, we can increase our capacity to provide the highest level of mental health services and resources to the individuals in our care. This much-needed investment is an important step in providing safe spaces and vital treatment for our county’s most vulnerable populations.”

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Shay Lawson

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 3,000 Riverside County children are in out-of-home care due to abuse or neglect according to Riverside County.

As the need for foster families continues to grow, Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS) and Faith in Motion are hosting a free community event on Monday to recruit foster families in desert communities.

Organizers said the session helps residents learn about becoming foster or adoptive families — and how local faith communities are providing assistance along the way.

It’s from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Southwest Church, 44-175 Washington Street, Indian Wells, CA 92210.

The initiative features a panel discussion and Q&A session where attendees receive information on fostering, adoption and volunteer opportunities.

Faith in Motion is an organization that provides support to foster and adoptive families — from initial interest to state certification and beyond.

Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

Desert Oasis Health Care and News Channel 3 have teamed up to roll out a new mental health awareness campaign aimed in part, at breaking the stigma that keeps many from seeking help.

The “Living Healthy” initiative launches today with an educational push on recognizing and responding to the warning signs of depression. Organizers say families often don’t know how to start conversations about mental health, leaving many to suffer in silence.

“One of the myths is you have to be crazy to come see a counselor,” said Dr. Lopez, with Desert Oasis Health Care said. “You can pray away severe major depression and just deny that you even have it.”

Dr. Lopez cautioned that depression is more than ordinary sadness—and that ignoring it can delay recovery.

“It’s really important to realize that there’s the difference between sad and depression,” she said. “So if it’s interfering—anxiety and depression interfering with your life—then you need to seek help. Many people suffer alone, and that makes it difficult. And it takes years to bounce back.”

Counselors involved in the campaign encourage anyone struggling to reach out to a professional, a trusted friend or a support group. They say that first step is often the hardest—but also the most critical on the path to healing.

To support the effort, viewers can scan a QR code displayed on News Channel 3 broadcasts to access the Healthy Living website, where they’ll find resources on counseling services, self-help tools and local support groups.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Several arrests were made in the Coachella Valley over the weekend during DUI checkpoints conducted by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

In Coachella, deputies arrested two drivers for DUI and one person for alleged narcotics sales during a Friday night checkpoint on Cesar Chavez Street, according to the department.

In Rancho Mirage, deputies conducted a checkpoint at Highway 111 and Library Way from Friday night into early Saturday morning. Authorities said three people were arrested for DUI, two for driving with a suspended license and 18 were cited for driving without a license.

In La Quinta, deputies held a checkpoint Saturday night at Avenue 52 and Jefferson Street. One driver was arrested for drug possession, and two others were taken into custody on outstanding warrants, the department said. Deputies issued 12 citations for unlicensed driving, three for suspended licenses and six for other violations.   

Funding for the program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Allie Anthony

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – May is Mental Health Awareness Month, and the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) is taking steps to support families and reduce the stigma around mental health.

This Saturday, May 17th, Desert Springs Middle School will host a Mental Health Awareness Conference. The event, held in partnership with Riverside University Health System, aims to support parents and caregivers and provide them with tools to support their children’s mental well-being.

Attendees can take part in six interactive workshops covering key topics such as anxiety, eating disorders, substance use, and building stronger parent-child relationships.

PSUSD offers a multi-tiered support system for students, including on-campus counselors, social workers, and licensed therapists. For those requiring more intensive help, additional services are available.

The upcoming workshops are open to the entire community. Interested participants can register through the PSUSD website. Mental Health Awareness Month is more than a reminder—it’s a call to act.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The stock market surged and locals are reacting following the latest news on reciprocal tariffs between the United States and China.

In a joint statement with China, the White House announced on Monday the 90-day roll back of tariffs between the two countries.

The change will take effect on Wednesday, May 14th. Tariffs on Chinese goods will be reduced from 145% to 30%, while China’s levies on American goods drop from 125% to 10%.

“100% hurting our bottom line,” says Judy Valdez, the manager of AJ Market in Palm Springs.

The Filipino grocery store, which sells a wide variety of imported Asian goods, has had to raise prices on some items as imports have become more expensive. A bottle of fish sauce, which used to sell for seven dollars, is now being sold for $12.99. It’s just one example Valdez provided of the increased prices.

“It’s absolutely terrifying because about 90% of our products are imported,” she explains. “[The customers] have seen the prices already increase and they are a bit scared. A lot of people have changed their buying patterns where they’re holding back on stuff they spend.”

In contrast, other Palm Springs businesses, like Repair Lab, are seeing minimal impacts. Mark Vanderpol, the owner of the repair shop, says he typically avoids ordering parts from China in the first place. The parts he does source from Chinese companies, though, have been harder to come by.

“There are like websites like Alibaba, AliExpress that we’ve noticed that it like they have actually completely just cut off from even like selling things right now,” says Vanderpol.

Vanderpol says batteries and screens are the only two types of parts he sources from Chinese companies. Even then, the increases have been, by and large, marginal.

“I haven’t seen a big increase in anything else. Batteries have gone up a few bucks. That’s about it.”

With the uncertain nature of tariffs and price increases, Vanderpol says he has steered clear of raising prices at his business. “We’ve chosen not to really talk about or implement it in our business just yet because we don’t want to scare people off or make intimidations, you know, of things getting more expensive unless they really are going to get more expensive.”

At AJ Market, Valdez says that uncertainty is the big worry moving forward, especially as the summer months slow business further. “Everything feels on and off, so everyone’s still unsure. So it’s really nice that it’s paused, but like, I’m pretty sure people are still going to hold the buying patterns as well, because of how summer is going to be. Obviously, the electricity bill is going to go up and all that stuff, so people are still holding on to their money.”

Be sure to stay with KESQ for the latest on these tariffs.

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Luis Avila

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A nursing shortage impacting the Coachella Valley. Hundreds of nursing positions are open right now as the need for care expands with a growing community.

According to a recent report, about 10% of nursing positions across the Valley are unfilled. That’s about 280.

Doctors say the shortage is driven by factors including:

Retirements outpacing new entrants to the field

Increased demand for health care from aging and chronic disease populations

Lingering impacts of the pandemic

But Eisenhower Health is getting ahead of the shortages by investing in resources for nurses. Their latest effort, a new statue to recognize the extraordinary contributions of staff.

“This statue and this event today is meant to honor individual nurses who go above and beyond and share compassionate and very skillful care with our patients.”

Martin Massiello, Eisenhower Health President and CEO

“That’s part of this wellness garden and why Eisenhower wanted to create this special tribute to the nurses so when it’s a rough day, we can put resources around the nurses and they can just come and have a moment.”

Sara Kollman, Eisenhower Health Senior Director of Professional Development

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Tori King

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Police Department just launched the largest radar-enabled drone responder program in the U.S., covering 37 square miles without the need for human spotters.

“We’re really excited as department to get this off the ground,” said Lieutenant William Hutchinson with the PSPD. “This asset matters not only to the officers in the field, but the public at large who really depend on emergency services to be there quickly.”

MatrixSpace is the sensor company behind the technology, and says the system speeds up emergency response times.

“We’re going to be able to take our response times from three to five minutes on average, and get get people on scene and assets on scene in under a minute,” explained Hutchinson. The drones will be used to improve public safety, and can be utilized on several types of emergency calls, including stolen vehicles, police pursuits, a missing hiker, a kidnapping, an active shooter, and more. The drones will keep officers safe, and prevent unnecessary injuries and deaths in dangerous situations.

MatrixSpace tells News Channel 3 the new tech will also improve safety for drone flights around airports and hospitals, especially when flying near medical helicopters.

“We want to geo-fence some areas so we don’t crash into buildings, or we don’t crash into power lines and things like that,” said Hutchinson. “And we have areas like the airport here. It’s outlined in red. So that means if our drone tries to go there, the system is going to stop it. It won’t even allow our pilots to go there.”

In addition to that, the company claims the sensors will allow the drone to conduct operations at night and during bad weather.

“We have thermal capabilities on our drones,” said Hutchinson. “Thermal capabilities means I can see heat at night. I cannot see into your home. I cannot use it as x-ray vision to see through objects. But if you’re running from the police and you try to hide under a bush, your body is going to emit heat, and we’re going to be able to see that. If you commit a crime and try to run, we will find you, and we will catch you.

MatrixSpace’s Chief Revenue Officer Lori DeMatteis says this radar technology is changing public safety in Palm Springs, and can inspire other cities to follow Palm Springs’ lead. And Hutchinson says transparency and honor are most important with programs like this. He explained that keeping the public’s trust is of the utmost priority when it comes to using drones.

“Not only are laws in place, but we have good policy in place to make sure that these drones are being used for the right purposes,” said Hutchinson. “First and foremost, we’re not going to conduct random surveillance. We’re not going to be flying over your house, looking into your pool and seeing you sunbathing in the backyard. We are going to be responding directly to calls for service.”

Hutchinson also says the public will be able to use a live dashboard to see where and when police drones have been used.

“We’re looking at these again, very responsibly, and we are putting good policy, good audit trails in place,” said Hutchinson. “We’re going to provide all of the flights that we conduct on a dashboard that are going to be available to the public. We do that now, but we’re now going to increase the type of transparency that we have. So if there is a question, you’ll see the flight path, where the drone went to, what it was there flying for. If you have a question about a drone over your house, or if you want to know if it was us, you can reach out to us. We’ll look at our logs, if it wasn’t already provided to you on our dashboard, and be able to confirm if that was our drone or not. And so I think that’s really, really important that we have that type of technology and that type of transparency for this program.”

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