Month: August 2009

PALM DESERT- It’s moving cars and trucks off of car dealership lots all across the Coachella Valley.It has generated $1.8 billionworth of sales across the country.But many local dealers say they are scared because they still have not been reimbursed by the government for the Cash for Clunkers rebates. The response from consumers to the

PALM DESERT – Hearing aids are expensive, but a new, local non-profit group is providing residents with free ones. Helping People Hear Again is doing just that –helping people hear again without breaking the bank. When Paul Desert resident Jean Hopper found out she was getting a pair of hearing aids for free, it was

JOSHUA TREE – For over 25 years, Morongo Basin Unity Home in Joshua Tree has been a safe haven for victims of domestic violence, providing shelter, counseling and other services. “Domestic violence touches so many people in different ways. You don’t appreciate a place like Unity Home until it’s yourself or daughter,” says Unity Home

DESERT HOT SPRINGS – A disabled woman forced to move from her foreclosed home by the middle of this month was given a one month reprieve. Myrna Blanc is disabled from a car crash 12 years ago. Financial woes involving refinancing a mortgage led to the foreclosure of her home. She also had to deal

COACHELLA- Human remains found in a burned-out pickup truck near Coachella were being examined by coroner’s investigators today, while sheriff’s deputies tried to figure out what happened and when. It was unclear who made the find along the 54000 block of Coachella Canal Road near Avenue 54 about 2 p.m. Tuesday. “(The truck) clearly was

NEAR DESERT HOT SPRINGS – Mindy Romero is one of many trainers at Guide Dogs of the Desert who have overcome the challenges of working in one of the windiest areas of the desert. “Besides the allergens and the dirt and dust that blow around for the staff members here, it affects the dogs and

PALM DESERT – There are more students training to be security guards at the Coachella Valley Security Academy. But that doesn’t mean they’re getting jobs. Bower Security guard Alex Reyes knows. “There’s a lot of times where there could be a lot of companies accepting applications, but there’s really no jobs, so it’s like I

CATHEDRAL CITY – Some Cathedral City residents are asking police to crack down against speeding motorists. They fear drivers might hurt their children. The Maravilla Avenue neighborhood is north of Ramon Road. Neighbors say cars speed along their street at more than 50 miles an hour, twice the 25 mile an hour speed limit. There

PALM DESERT – The first day of school is just around the corner. Now, it’s time to load up on supplies and new clothes. When it comes to school shopping, parents and children have two very different opinions on what really matters, but stylish deals can make everyone happy. When kids and parents head to

PALM SPRINGS – It’s the largest federal investment in the history of United States schools. President Obama wants to spend more than $4 billion on a new program called Race to the Top, but California schools may be out of the running. Teachers would get paid based on how their students score on tests. California

INDIO – Nurse Debbie Wells picks through the rubble of Indio’s JFK Arthritis Institute.Sixty patients come here each day. After a Saturday morning fire, the halls are empty and dark, filled with the charred remains of more than 10 years of hard work. Dr. Jonathan Braslow says, “It really hasn’t even hit home. It’s like

By: Elyse Miller News Channel 3 Reporter emiller@kesq.com The tough times are eliminating activities and sports for many kids here in the valley, but one organization is fighting back to keep the games going. The tough times are taking from the Indio Junior All-American Football League, sponsored by the Boys And Girls Club. “People only

La Quinta — The Homewood Suites will close August 26th. The hotel’s property owner, Richard Oliphant says the FDIC closed the banks they borrowed from. Now Oliphant is hoping someone will come forward and buy the property. General Manager Brad Poncher says the toughest part of the closure was informing his 40 employees, some who

PALM DESERT – The tough economic times are hitting college students from all angles. The cost of tuition is on the rise, books cost more, and classes have been cut because of budget cuts. Now, students are swamped with debt and many have no way to pay it off. “I owe about $5,000,” saysCal State-San

RIVERSIDE – As part of its belt-tightening strategy, Riverside County will be shutting down some offices every Friday, beginning this week. In addition to closing the County Administrative Center in Riverside and other government facilities countywide on Fridays, the county will be furloughing some employees to pare down labor and utility costs as it adjusts

DESERT HOT SPRINGS – A decision in July fell just two votes shy of passing the Senate. Now, people with concealed weapon permits in one state must get another in the state they are travelling to, or traveling through. Utah or Florida concealed weapons permits are valid in 30 other states. The Coachella Valley Security

THOUSAND PALMS – She turned her own life around. Now, she’s encouraging other to do the same. Marla Carias, 13, is taking a stand against drugs, violence, and teen sex by launching an after school program called Club Verdad, or Club Truth. “It’s sad to see kids on the streets doing bad things,” Carias remarked.

INDIO – A Good Samaritan was fired from his job after being treated for smoke inhalation that stemmed from him helping put out a fire. It all started at the Circle K on Clinton Avenue and Fred Waring Street.Ralph Franco was pumping gas and saw a mobile home catch on fire.He rushed to the scene