Category: kesq-local-news

Raymond Kalra

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – When someone calls 911, every second counts. But repeated emergency service disruptions across the Coachella Valley are raising concerns about whether residents can always rely on getting through when they need help most.

Following another widespread disruption on October 22, News Channel 3 went inside the Palm Springs Police Department’s dispatch center to find out how emergency responders are handling these incidents and what needs to change to prevent them.

For Jennifer Hill, a dispatch supervisor with the Palm Springs Police Department, the importance of answering those calls is personal.

“Seconds is lives,” Hill said.

Hill has worked as a 911 dispatcher for more than 21 years. During that time, she’s helped people through emergencies, supported officers in the field and witnessed firsthand how critical communication can be during life-threatening situations.

But she says repeated disruptions to emergency phone service have become an increasingly frustrating part of the job.

“It’s very frustrating,” Hill said. “The public needs help. And that’s what we’re here to do.”

What caused the latest 911 disruption?

On October 22, problems with emergency phone service affected several Coachella Valley cities, including Palm Springs, Indio and Cathedral City.

Some AT&T and T-Mobile customers experienced difficulty connecting to 911, prompting local police departments and Riverside County officials to issue public safety alerts and provide alternate numbers for emergency assistance.

According to previous News Channel 3 reporting, Palm Springs began reporting problems shortly after 2 a.m., while Indio reported disruptions around 3:30 a.m.

Indio Police announced that its 911 lines were restored shortly after 4 p.m. Riverside County later issued an alert around 5 p.m. confirming that emergency phone service was operational countywide.

Palm Springs dispatch supervisor Jennifer Hill told News Channel 3 that the disruption involved damaged fiber-optic infrastructure, including reports of cut lines locally and in the Los Angeles area.

The precise location of the damage and whether the same infrastructure problem was responsible for all reported carrier disruptions have not been independently confirmed.

The issue also affected phone carriers differently. At one point during the disruption, Indio Police reported that AT&T customers could reach 911 again while T-Mobile customers were still experiencing problems.

It remains unclear why service was restored at different times for different carriers.

Dispatchers working behind the scenes to keep residents safe

Despite the disruption, Palm Springs Police Acting Captain Mike Torres told News Channel 3 that the department did not experience any known missed emergency calls or delays in response.

“No. We were very fortunate that we didn’t have any issues because of the protocols and the procedures that we have in place and that our staff is already prepared for if these events do occur,” Torres said.

Hill explained that when dispatchers learn of a disruption, they immediately begin troubleshooting to determine which emergency communication systems remain operational.

That includes testing different cellphone carriers, checking text-to-911 capabilities and determining whether calls are being redirected to other emergency dispatch centers.

In some cases, calls intended for Palm Springs may be received by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office or other agencies, which can then transfer them to the appropriate department.

Hill also described an emergency location system that can alert dispatchers to incoming 911 calls before they reach the center.

“We can actually look and see where the caller is calling from. We have the phone number. So we’ve been able to call those callers back to see whether they have an emergency or not,” Hill said.

But those backup systems can present challenges of their own.

Hill said certain fiber-optic disruptions have affected the department’s ability to make outgoing calls, forcing dispatchers to rely on backup cellphones or an alternate landline.

“We can receive calls into the center. We just can’t make outgoing phone calls,” Hill explained, describing problems the department has encountered during some disruptions.

The department also uses public notification systems to alert residents when emergency communications are affected.

Why do these 911 disruptions keep happening?

News Channel 3 has documented numerous emergency communication disruptions across the Coachella Valley in recent years.

For Hill, the frequency of these incidents has raised serious questions about the reliability of the telecommunications infrastructure that connects residents to emergency dispatchers.

She said her department began documenting the disruptions several years ago because they appeared to be happening so frequently.

“We have redundancy within our system,” Hill explained. “But what redundancy do these carriers have? It seems like there’s none. You cut a line and now things are disrupted.”

Hill says one of the biggest frustrations is the lack of detailed information dispatch centers receive from telecommunications providers when service is interrupted.

She explained that dispatchers often receive generic notifications informing them that repairs are underway, without learning exactly what went wrong or when the problem will be resolved.

Acting Captain Torres echoed those concerns, saying reaching the companies responsible for maintaining phone service can be difficult during overnight disruptions.

“We don’t have the luxury of being to call the 8 a.m. or in the morning when there’s a live person on,” Torres said, describing the challenges of contacting carriers outside regular business hours.

Torres said the department has established procedures to continue handling emergencies when service is disrupted, but acknowledged that communication technology must continue improving.

He described Palm Springs’ current backup systems as adequate while emphasizing the importance of adapting as technology changes.

For Hill, improvements must also include better communication between telecommunications companies, emergency dispatch centers and the public.

“I would think just better communication, better communication with us, better communication with the public, because we just want to know what’s going on and that a fix is coming,” Hill said.

Riverside County reviewing emergency notification procedures

In a statement to News Channel 3, Riverside County Sheriff’s Public Information Officer Lieutenant Deirdre Vickers said Sheriff’s Dispatch notified the Riverside County Emergency Management Department after learning about the October 22 disruption.

Both agencies shared social media notices advising residents about the problem and providing an alternate emergency phone number.

The county’s Emergency Management Department also initiated a countywide Wireless Emergency Alert to notify residents.

Vickers said neither the Sheriff’s Office nor Emergency Management was aware of any residents who were unable to reach emergency services or experienced delays. However, she recommended contacting individual police and fire departments for additional information.

County officials said they will review their response protocols and encouraged residents to register for Alert RivCo to receive emergency notifications through alternate methods.

What should residents do if they can’t reach 911?

Palm Springs Police say residents should still attempt to call 911 first during an emergency.

If the call does not connect, residents in Palm Springs can try texting 911 or calling the department’s alternate dispatch number at 760-327-1441.

Other communities have their own alternate numbers, which residents should keep accessible in case emergency calling services are disrupted.

Residents can also sign up for Riverside County emergency notifications at RivCoReady.org/AlertRivCo.

While local dispatchers have established backup procedures, Hill says broader improvements are needed to ensure emergency communications remain reliable when infrastructure is damaged.

“There definitely needs to be some redundancy because emergencies aren’t going to wait,” Hill said.

For the people answering those calls, the goal remains the same: making sure residents can reach help when they need it most.

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Kiera McKinney

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — For someone facing a mental health crisis, waiting weeks for an appointment can make getting help even harder. A new center in Indio offers a place to walk in and receive support at any hour.

The Indio Behavioral Health Crisis Walk-In Center served more than 200 patients in less than two months after opening, according to Riverside University Health System–Behavioral Health. Officials say the number of people seeking help has been rising each week.

The center serves children ages 5 and older, teens and adults. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, with no appointment or referral required.

Services include behavioral health assessments, crisis stabilization, counseling, medication support and peer support. Staff also help patients create safety plans and connect with ongoing care.

The goal is to provide immediate support during a crisis while helping people figure out what comes next.

People can come on their own or be connected through family members, schools, therapists, hospitals, law enforcement and other community organizations.

The center is part of RUHS–Behavioral Health’s Crisis Support System of Care, which connects people with services based on their needs.

Located at 47-915 Oasis St., Suite B, in Indio, the center accepts patients regardless of insurance or ability to pay.

Stay tuned for my full story at 6.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Hollywood’s golden age is getting a spooky makeover in Palm Springs, where SunLine Transit Agency is transforming one of its buses into a haunted celebrity tour for Halloween.

The “Scare-lebrity Tour” will be part of Palm Springs VillageFest on Thursday, Oct. 29, from 6 to about 8 p.m. The bus will be parked near Indian Canyon Drive and Tahquitz Canyon Way, in front of Oscar’s.

The Halloween attraction puts a ghostly spin on Palm Springs’ connection to old Hollywood, inviting visitors to step inside a not-so-glamorous version of a celebrity tour.

The attraction is free and open to the public, and vistors who prefer fewer scares can request a less-frightening walk-through of the bus.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Palm Springs swore in Jim Vanderpool as interim city manager, as officials also honored retiring city manager Scott Stiles and Fire Chief Paul Alvarado.

Vanderpool has 30 years of experience in municipal government, most recently serving as the city manager of Anaheim for six years, and comes to Palm Springs from that position.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to serve in two amazing cities, to keep the momentum going,” Vanderpool said.

Stiles’ last day is on Nov. 1, bringing to a close more than 43 years of public service, including the last three in Palm Springs.

Alvarado’s last day is on Nov. 2. He’s retiring after 35 years in fire service, including the past 3-and-a-half years leading the Palm Springs Fire Department.

Check out Peter Daut’s recent interview with all three officials:

Jim Vanderpool’s first interview since being named interim city manager Scott Stiles discusses reasons for retiring Paul Alvarado looks back at his 35-year career

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Jesus Reyes

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – A 27-year-old Beaumont man accused of murdering a woman in front of their toddler son in El Salvador has been extradited at the request of the government, the Department of Justice announced.

Michael Alejandro Castillo Murga, a dual U.S.-Salvadoran citizen, was surrendered on Wednesday to Salvadoran authorities to face criminal charges of aggravated feminicide and imperfect homicide.

Castillo Murga had been in U.S. custody since October 2024.

The murder is believed to have happened on Jan. 31, 2019. Authorities said Castillo Murga picked up the victim and their son from her mother’s house to take her to a house he rented, ostensibly for the purpose of living with him as a family. Salvadoran law enforcement believes that Castillo Murga then killed the victim and abandoned the child at the site of the victim’s murder.

An autopsy revealed the victim died from a massive hemorrhage resulting from cuts to the veins in her neck, among other wounds caused by a plastic knife found at the crime scene.

According to El Salvador’s extradition request, Salvadoran authorities discovered the body of a woman near a highway on Feb. 1. Three days later, farmworkers found the boy, who is under the age of two years, in the vicinity of where the victim’s body was found.

The boy, identified as the son of the victim and Castillo Murga, was found in a state of severe dehydration and starvation and showed signs of child abuse. He also had cuts on his face, dry lips and nose, and insect bites. Authorities concluded that the physical and environmental conditions of the rugged area where the boy was found put the child’s life at risk.

Castillo Murga’s cellular telephone was determined to be in the area of the victim’s murder at the time of her death, and two witnesses who were passing Castillo Murga and the victim on the highway observed a tall, thin person attacking a woman in the back seat of a gray vehicle, while she was kicking and screaming.

During this time, Castillo Murga ignored telephone calls and messages from his girlfriend, whom he later contacted by sending her a photograph of himself covered with blood stains on his face and neck.

Salvadoran authorities also learned that Castillo Murga and others – including his girlfriend, his grandmother, and a lawyer – attempted to conceal the victim’s death and the abandonment of their son.

The grandmother and lawyer instructed two individuals to wash Castillo Murga’s car because there was blood on both the interior and exterior of the vehicle. The individuals used water, car shampoo, and vinegar but were unable to remove all the blood in the car.

On February 2, 2019, allegedly with the help of his grandmother and lawyer, Castillo Murga left El Salvador, on foot, for Guatemala, and used his U.S. passport at a border checkpoint there.

In October 2024, the United States acted on a request for Castillo Murga’s extradition submitted by the Government of El Salvador and the U.S. Marshals Service arrested him. On July 28, 2025, United States Magistrate Judge Sheri Pym certified his extradition to El Salvador.

Castillo Murga then filed a petition for writ of habeas corpus, which United States District Judge John W. Holcomb denied on November 5, 2025.

The Secretary of State issued a warrant ordering Castillo Murga’s surrender to Salvadoran authorities. Judge Holcomb subsequently denied Castillo Murga’s request for a stay of extradition on September 24, 2026.

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Jesus Reyes

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – The search continues for a missing teenager last seen in Mecca on October 15.

Anthony “Aswet” Holleman was reported missing on the morning of October 16, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Holleman’s father, Larry Holleman, told News Channel 3 that his son ran away from home following an argument. Larry said Anthony has brain trauma that has resulted in a learning disability and has been known to wander away from home.

“We are asking that you keep your eyes open, please. It’s important that we find out where he is at so that we can get him home safe,” Larry said.

Larry said he has been searching areas throughout the East Valley for his son.

Anthony has been known to spend time in North Indio and near Miles Park. The Torres Martinez Desert Cahuilla Indians, of which Holleman is a member, also shared information about his disappearance on the tribe’s Facebook page, noting that he has been known to frequent North Indio and Mountain View.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded after receiving a report that the juvenile had left a location in an unknown direction. Deputies searched the area but were unable to locate him.

“Deputies entered the juvenile into the missing person database as a runaway, and the investigation remains ongoing,” the Sheriff’s Office said in an email.

Holleman is described as 5 feet, 6 inches tall, weighing approximately 125 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Holleman’s whereabouts is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951-776-1099 or his family at 760-469-6990.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — Four candidates are vying to become Coachella’s next mayor as the city faces questions about public trust, government transparency and its future development.

The race comes after a turbulent year in city politics. In March, then-Mayor Steven Hernandez resigned after pleading guilty to a felony conflict-of-interest charge. Months later, a proposed data center project sparked community protests and recall efforts targeting two City Council members.

The candidates include incumbent Mayor Frank Figueroa, Councilmember Denise Delgado, Francisco “Frankie” Molina and Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez.

Check Out: Coachella Mayor Dr. Frank Figueroa discusses his reelection campaign

Molina, who does not have experience in city government, says restoring public trust would be his first priority if elected.

“We need a clean and transparent government because without that we’re not able to move forward in any initiatives we need to do,” Molina said.

Molina criticized what he described as a history of problems within city government, saying they have prevented Coachella from reaching its potential.

“The problem is we have a long history of corruption, negligence, nepotism and incompetence that plagues our city,” Molina said. “It’s like a cancer and we need to get rid of it.”

His proposals include creating a public dashboard to track city spending, improving access to city contracts, investing in infrastructure and expanding affordable housing. He also wants to create more opportunities for residents to receive job training and pursue better-paying jobs.

Molina said he hopes to bring an entrepreneurial approach to city government by listening to residents and developing solutions based on their needs.

“We need to know who our customer is, what they like, what they don’t like, how they behave, in order for us to develop solutions that are tailored specifically for them,” Molina said.

Delgado, who has served on the City Council since 2020, is also making the case for changes in how the city operates.

“I think this city is ready for a new style of leadership and a new approach to how the city is managed and how it’s operated, specifically when it comes to services that we provide our residents,” Delgado said.

Delgado was one of two councilmembers targeted by a recall effort launched in June amid backlash over the proposed data center project and concerns about city finances.

Gonzalez was among those leading the recall effort. Delgado said she believes the campaign was politically motivated, pointing to the absence of a recall question on the ballot.

“For me that’s testament that it was never about the recall, it was a way of doing dirty campaign,” Delgado said.

Delgado also said she authored a proposal to review industries beyond data centers that could have significant environmental impacts, including businesses that use large amounts of water and energy. She said the policy would also consider how close such industries are to schools.

Delgado said she wants to continue working to improve residents’ quality of life, particularly for working families.

“I work really hard and I give 100 percent to the city,” Delgado said. “I’m known as a hard worker and I dedicate my time to help working families be able to live a good quality life.”

Figueroa and Gonzalez did not respond to News Channel 3’s requests for interviews.

In addition to the mayoral race, five candidates are running for two open seats on the Coachella City Council.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people were injured after a crash along N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs on Wednesday.

The crash was reported at the intersection of North Gene Autry Trail and Salvia Road shortly before 3:10 p.m.

Police said initial reports indicated that a gray Toyota Camry and a red vehicle were involved in the collision.

Emergency medical personnel were requested after at least one occupant reported chest pain.

Upon arrival, officers identified three individuals who may have sustained injuries as a result of the collision.

Emergency personnel responded to assess those involved and provide medical assistance.

The Palm Springs Police Department’s Traffic Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined.

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City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Augustine Casino announced today that it will host a food and beverage career fair next week in Coachella.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at the casino’s administration building, located at 84-001 Avenue 54.

“We are looking for team members who are passionate about providing the elevated service our guests have come to expect at Augustine Casino,” Veronique Lang, director of human resources, said in a statement. “Whether you are looking to start a career in hospitality or are an experienced food and beverage professional, we want to meet you.”

Applicants will be able to meet directly with hiring managers during walk-in interviews for numerous positions, including host or hostess, dining room attendant, food server, barback, cook, expeditor, food and beverage shift supervisor and manager.

Job seekers must be 21 years or older to apply for most positions. Applicants were encouraged to dress in professional attire and apply for their desired position online prior to arrival at augustinecasino.com/careers/.

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After 22 years of bringing Broadway and Hollywood talent together, producer Michael Childers has announced that One Night Only will not continue, citing medical problems this year.

In a Facebook post, Childers reflected on the production’s remarkable journey across Santa Fe, Hollywood and Palm Springs.

“It’s been the thrill of my life to work with over 300 great performers from Broadway and Hollywood who have performed in this show,” he wrote, noting that the productions raised nearly $2 million for various charities.

The celebrated production raised nearly $2 million for charity and featured more than 300 Broadway and Hollywood performers.

Childers thanked the many directors, choreographers and musical directors who helped make the shows possible, including Stuart Ross, Calvin Remsberg, Lucie Arnaz, Bruce Donnell, Jason Graae and Scott Coulter. He also expressed gratitude to the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert and the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs for hosting the productions.

Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill responded to the announcement with a heartfelt tribute, praising Childers for setting a high standard.

“You set the standard. Those shows were some of the biggest treats of the year,” she wrote, adding that he deserved to rest and take care of himself.

Calling him a “shining star,” Arnaz added, “Next to the phrase ‘Class Act’ in the dictionary there is a photo of YOU!”

She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform in and direct the productions.

As One Night Only concludes its 22-year run, its legacy includes memorable performances, lasting creative partnerships and nearly $2 million raised for charitable causes.

“It’s been a great ride these last 22 years,” Childers wrote.

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