Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) announced its transition from the Salton Sea Authority to the State of California’s newly established Salton Sea Conservancy.

IID officials said the transition in participation from the Salton Sea Authority to the Conservancy will strengthen alignment among state and federal agencies and facilitate project operations and management.

The next step reflects a natural evolution of IID’s long-standing leadership in Salton Sea progress that has led from studies to planning to on-the-ground projects, along with ongoing efforts to restore habitat and address regional air quality concerns.

Check Out Angela Chen’s Award-Winning Series on the Salton Sea

The Salton Sea Conservancy, established through Senate Bill 583, will serve as the central coordinating agency for the long-term management of restoration projects and community engagement at the Sea. The Conservancy brings together State, local, federal, and tribal representatives to ensure sustained attention to the region’s environmental and public health needs.

“This new partnership marks a turning point,” said IID General Manager Jamie Asbury. “The Conservancy brings everyone – local, State, and federal representatives and stakeholders – under one umbrella. It’s the most effective way to continue and expand Salton Sea progress and long-term planning responsibilities.”

IID’s appointment of its Board Chairwoman, Gina Dockstader, to serve as the District’s representative on the Salton Sea Conservancy Board underscores IID’s commitment to continued strong local leadership and advocacy for the Salton Sea within the State’s new framework.

“IID’s dedication to the Salton Sea remains unwavering,” said Chairwoman Dockstader. “We’re proud of our progress and deeply appreciative of the Salton Sea Authority’s decades of involvement. As IID’s representative on the Conservancy board, I look forward to building on that foundation with the State and the recent momentum toward real project delivery at the Sea and our communities.”

As the State prepares to launch the Conservancy, IID will continue implementing its comprehensive, science-based Salton Sea Air Quality Mitigation Program, while working alongside State partners to shape the Conservancy’s priorities.

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Jesus Reyes

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KESQ) – Tuesday marked 10 years since a terrorist attack that killed 14 people in San Bernardino.

Dozens gathered at a memorial site in San Bernardino to honor the 14 lives lost as well as the survivors and first responders who rushed to the scene that day.

The attack happened on Dec. 2, 2015. A coworker turned jihadi terrorist and his wife opened fire during a Christmas party and training event at the Inland Regional Center. The terrorists were killed in a shootout with police that same day. 

14 men and women were killed:

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy has launched its inaugural photo contest, aimed at showcasing the biodiversity, nature and wildlife of the Coachella Valley.

Participants must snap a photo that depicts landscapes, wildlife or native species of the valley within the conservancy boundary by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31. A map of the boundary can be found at mshcp cvag.hub.arcgis.com/.   

The photo must meet other standards, including that it must be an original work, with no edits allowed nor AI-generated images, and filters and must be family-friendly.

The first-place winner will have their work featured on the cover of the CVMC’s publication, “2025 Year in Review,” and will receive a private tour provided by Big Wheel Tours.

“By showcasing your photos, we are not just celebrating beauty — we are raising awareness of the importance of conservation, climate resilience and the protection of public lands for all people,” according to the organization. “Help us tell the story of why protecting these lands matter — today and for generations to come.”

Submissions must be posted on Instagram using the hashtag “#CVMCphotocontest2025” and tagging the account, cvmountainsconservancy.   

Finalists will be announced mid-January 2026 and winners announced on Feb. 6. The contest winner will be determined by the number of likes the photo receives on the organization’s Instagram page.

More information can be found at facebook.com/hashtag/cvmcphotocontest2025.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An attic fire left two adults displaced Tuesday afternoon in Desert Hot Springs.

The fire was reported just after 1:15 p.m. on the 13500 block of Cuando Way.

“The first arriving unit reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the attic of the structure,” reads a CAL FIRE post about the incident.

The fire was knocked down at 2:00 p.m., authorities said. Firefighters will remain at the scene for several hours for salvage and overhaul.

CAL FIRE confirmed there were no injuries reported.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Gavin Nguyen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man accused of a suspected DUI crash that killed a La Quinta teen has now been charged with murder.

Jose Villegas Orbe, 47, of Palm Springs, was back in court on Tuesday, where he received an additional charge of murder after the teen he struck with his car, Liam Cantu, died in the hospital. He was previously also charged with DUI causing injury, hit and run, and driving on a suspended license.

Villegas is being held in lieu of bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 4.

The crash killed Liam Cantu, a 14-year-old La Quinta High School freshman, as he was riding his bicycle with another teen on Highway 111 in La Quinta on October 10. The crash came as Cantu was excited to join the La Quinta High School baseball team.

According to authorities, Villegas had a history of DUI convictions. In a previous conviction, he had signed a Watson advisement, which could lead to a murder charge for the defendant if they cause a subsequent fatal DUI crash. When Cantu passed, that murder charge was added.

A second teen bike rider was also injured in the crash. They were released from the hospital to continue their recovery.

News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen was in the courtroom, he’ll have the latest on the case. Watch News Channel 3 starting at 4 p.m. for more.

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Jesus Reyes

Update 12/03/25

Aaron Garcia was found by police, his family told News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson.

Original Report 12/02/25

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities are calling on the community’s help to locate a 12-year-old Coachella boy reported missing on Monday.

Aaron Garcia was last seen on the 45900 block of Meritage Lane, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

He is described as five feet tall, weighing 90 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, and a silver chain with a silver outlined black cross.

If you have any information, you are urged to call Sheriff’s dispatch at 800-950-2444.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE: The hiker has been identified as Michael Pavelec, 63, of La Quinta.

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – A hiker died on a La Quinta trail Tuesday morning after a medical issue.

The incident was first reported just after 9:45 a.m. about 2.3 miles up the Boo Hoff Trail.

The patient was found by mountain bikers, according to CAL FIRE.

Battalion Chief Ryan Kirby told News Channel 3 that the patient was out hiking with some friends before the medical incident.

Fire crews worked to reach the patient by ground via off-road ATVs. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit made it to the patient first, who confirmed the hiker had died.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs hosted its “State of the City” Tuesday at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The address highlighted some of the city’s accomplishments and took a look ahead to future plans.

Mayor Ron deHarte shared updates on the recent accomplishments and new ideas for Palm Springs.

Local business owner Bob Kincaid told News Channel 3 that the city’s growth is evident, but questions remain about the future.

“I think the economic department for Palm Springs has done a really good job of trying to boost business with their, their local campaign that they did where they did the gift cards and such, and I know that the team over there is doing a really good job really trying to bring in business,” Kincaid said.

Two projects Kincaid mentioned are the Plaza Theatre reopening and the Convention Center modernization. While he sees the support, Kincaid says he’s hoping to see more small business support outside of downtown Palm Springs, like for his business in the Rim Rock Plaza.

“If you really look at sustainability, we also have to focus on our local community. While we love our people from Canada and everyone else who visits us, I think again, you know, having a solid plan. That comes down to a business plan for a lot of businesses,”

Holding officials accountable, we asked deHarte about initiatives, including how advancing technology in the city will bring more opportunities.

“We have to look at our processes internally so that the outside business community that wants to come work in Palm Springs and invest in Palm Springs can do it simply and can do it quickly and not have to lose a lot of money because it takes a long time to process their requests through City Hall,” deHarte said.

While there is success with business upgrades and 48 new businesses added, deHarte says there are still challenges ahead this year.

“We did well. We increased revenue. Next year we’re projecting a slight decrease. We have to pay attention to that. We have to watch the quarterly reports,” deHarte said.

deHarte said he attributes the slowing economy for the decrease.

“I think it’s just the slowing economy that we’re seeing, we can’t point our fingers to anything quite yet,” deHarte said.

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Tauli Anderson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Agave Caliente Tequila Bar has turned into a winter wonderland pop-up bar- Jingle & Mingle. The holiday bar, full of twinkling lights and extravagant decorations, is located at the Agua Caliente Casino in Cathedral City.

This is a month-long celebration packed with nonstop holiday happenings each day.

Guests will find festive entertainment around every corner—from sparkling light displays to holiday cocktails, live music, and even surprise appearances from Santa himself.

Holiday-themed bites and specialty cocktails are available at a range of prices, making it easy for guests to grab a cozy holiday treat or try one of the signature seasonal cocktails on the naughty or nice list.

Organizers anticipate a strong turnout, with thousands expected to visit throughout the holiday season.

 

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – City officials in Indio are pushing for clarity on recent immigration enforcement in the area, seeking information about who has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and why the public has been left in the dark.

Council member Oscar Ortiz is leading the effort to request data from the Department of Homeland Security under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), a federal law that allows the public to request records from federal agencies, with certain exceptions.

“Right now, we’re looking for transparency. A lot of us — even our leadership — don’t know how many people were taken from our city.”

Oscar Ortiz, Indio Council Member

The city’s FOIA request would seek details such as:

Number of residents arrested this year

Immigration status

Reasons for their detention

Length of time spent in detention centers

Outcomes of arrests

Sandra Reyes, program manager at TODEC, noted that access to this data is about more than just numbers.

“It’s important because that reflects the realities of our city. Having the data reflects the huge impact in the community.”

Sandra Reyes, TODEC Program Manager

Ortiz hopes the data will provide a clearer picture of what’s happening to its residents and allow the city and local organizations to better support affected families.

“We’re not requesting any personal information and so the data that we get back should be made public. My hope is that organizations and even students will use that information and get a better understanding of what’s going on.”

Oscar Ortiz, Indio Council Member

The city council will consider the FOIA request at its meeting tomorrow.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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