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Garrett Hottle

Special Report: Tainted Water – California’s new Chromium rule and its impact on the Coachella Valley

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) Water agencies across the Coachella Valley are facing a costly mandate as California enforces the nation’s first drinking water limit on hexavalent chromium, also known as chromium-6, a chemical linked to cancer that occurs naturally in the region’s groundwater. Cr6-Tier2-Notice-CoveComm_2025_8-5x11_FINAL-11-06-2025_k5wsrksr6gn (2)Download The new state standard, which takes effect Oct. 1, 2024, limits

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Marni von Wilpert launches CA-48 listening tour in Palm Springs with Sen. Barbara Boxer

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) San Diego City Councilmember Marni von Wilpert is kicking off her districtwide listening tour in Palm Springs today, appearing with U.S. Senator Barbara Boxer as she campaigns for California’s 48th Congressional District. Von Wilpert, a Democrat and former labor lawyer, is holding a media availability at 12:45 p.m. at Lulu California Bistro

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Comment period closing on 2.85 million-square-foot tribal industrial project in north Palm Springs

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Public comments close today on a major proposal from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to build a 2.85 million-square-foot industrial complex on tribal land at the north entrance to Palm Springs. The development, called the Desert Mountain View Business Park, spans roughly 217 acres between Interstate 10, Highway 111

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Equine virus concerns rise as major Desert show-jumping event continues, no cases confirmed in California

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) One of the world’s largest winter show-jumping competitions is underway in the Coachella Valley as riders, trainers and veterinarians take added precautions following an equine herpesvirus outbreak traced to an event in Waco, Texas. The Desert International Horse Park’s Desert Holiday Series draws competitors from around the world. Marketing director Emily Randolph

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Hospitals across Coachella Valley expanding use of artificial intelligence to speed diagnoses and catch illnesses earlier

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) Hospitals across the Coachella Valley are adopting new forms of artificial intelligence to speed up diagnoses, reduce wait times, and catch serious conditions earlier according to officials at Desert Oasis Healthcare and Eisenhower Health. Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) is deploying AI inside remote patient monitoring devices, allowing clinicians to receive alerts

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State proposes $18,195 fine for Yucca Valley homes still using septic tanks

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) State water regulators are moving forward with enforcement against homeowners in Yucca Valley who have not connected to the community’s sewer system, proposing a one-time fine of $18,195 for certain properties that failed to comply with a 2024 cease-and-desist order. According to the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board, roughly 148 properties remain

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CVWD sends chromium-6 notices, says water remains safe, warns bills could double

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) The Coachella Valley Water District has notified customers across its service area that levels of naturally occurring chromium-6 are above California’s new drinking water standard, according to a state-approved notice mailed this week.  CVWD said the issue is not an emergency and the water “remains safe to drink.” Routine samples reviewed

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Embattled Coachella mayor appears at City Council meeting addressing city manager position

Update 6:20 p.m. Mayor Steven Hernandez made his first known public appearance since his arrest. Hernandez was present at Thursday’s special city council meeting. Hernandez was not present at the start of the meeting, but briefly appeared after the closed session. City officials originally told News Channel 3 that Hernandez would not be in attendance.

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Mayor Steven Hernandez misses first Coachella City Council meeting after his indictment

Update 10:30 p.m. Reactions mixed Wednesday night as community members spoke out after Mayor Steven Hernandez missed the Coachella City Council meeting. “I think he should step down,” Stephen Nelson, attendee, said. Others said it’s too soon to draw conclusions. “I’m not going to be calling for anyone’s resignation until all the facts are in,”

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