RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A June 11 trial date was confirmed today for a 23-year-old woman accused of joining two young men in robbing and killing a Riverside man in his apartment. Merlin Perales Ortiz of Yucca Valley was arrested in December 2020 following a Riverside Police Department investigation into the slaying of 20-year-old Wesley
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INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — $213,000 worth of drugs were found hidden in a semi-truck at the Highway 86 checkpoint near the Salton Sea. The discovery was made last Wednesday. At approximately 10:46 a.m., a yellow semi-truck approached the U.S. Border Patrol State Route 86 immigration checkpoint and was referred for secondary inspection. During the secondary
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BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) – Costa Mesa police reached out to the public today to identify possible additional victims of a man arrested in Beaumont who is suspected of committing lewd acts with a pair of teenage girls. Peter Michael Mejia, 27, of Redlands, was arrested Monday, according to the Costa Mesa Police Department. He has
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DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At Tuesday night’s Council meeting, Desert Hot Springs City Council members honored Police Chief Jim Henson for his 20 years of service to the city. Chief Henson officially announced his retirement, effective February 28, 2025. The Chief was recognized for his dedication of over 30 years to law enforcement, with
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Missing hiker searches continue to go high tech in Palm Springs with the help of drone technology. Last Saturday crews were called out to search for a lost hiker off of Araby Trail. Officials say the Palm Springs Police Search and Rescue Team used its drone to help in the
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RAMONA, Calif. (KESQ) – Detectives investigating the fatal stabbing of a Cal Fire captain in her Ramona home “are treating this case as a potential domestic-violence incident,” a Sheriff’s lieutenant said today. Deputies responding to a report of an assault about 9 p.m. Monday found Rebecca “Becky” Marodi, 49, mortally wounded at her residence in
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City leaders met Tuesday night to address growing concerns over La Quinta’s electrical capacity, as substations serving the area are at or near their limits. The discussion comes amid rising energy demand and stalled efforts to expand infrastructure. The Imperial Irrigation District (IID), which provides electricity to La Quinta and other parts of the Coachella
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The Palm Springs Unified School District hosted a teacher recruitment fair last Saturday, and the turnout was high. According to PSUSD, around 240 people registered in advance for the event. Interviews were given in all subject areas with emphasis on hard-to-fill positions in the areas including math, science, and foreign language. Special emphasis was also
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Veterans in the Coachella Valley are concerned after the Department of Veterans Affairs cut 1,000 of its employees late last week. According to the VA, these layoffs will save the department more than $98 million. These funds will be redirected towards veteran care, services, and benefits. The VA also says more than 43,000 employees currently
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Palm Springs peak tourism season is from January to April, known for its warm weather conditions and consistent tourist attractions, including the Date Festival and more. Typically, March is the most popular time for visitors, especially during the Indian Wells Open. However, locals say they’ve noticed more people visiting this month. Tourism in the Coachella
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The price to fuel up is creeping up again. The state’s average price per gallon inching closer to $5, according to new data from AAA. AAA reports that as of Feb. 17 the average price for a gallon of gas in California is $4.84, while the national average is $3.16. Average price of a regular gallon
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SAN JACINTO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man confronted by California Highway Patrol officers for allegedly throwing rocks at passing vehicles just north of San Jacinto was fatally shot when he threw rocks at them, authorities said today. The shooting occurred shortly before 5 p.m. Monday on Gilman Springs Road, just east of Highway 79, according
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The under-renovation Plaza Theatre has received a $1 million donation from local real estate entrepreneur Brad Prescott, the theater announced today. In addition to the initial seven-figure sum, Prescott, through his Brad Prescott Foundation, promised to match up to $1 million in additional donations, according to a statement from the
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PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)Â – Gene Autry Trail has reopened through the Whitewater Wash. It comes after it was closed Tuesday morning due to wind and sand. If the area becomes closed again, motorists are advised to use alternate routes, including Indian Canyon Drive and Vista Chino.
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The Palm Springs Fire Department is giving a warm welcome to its newest member – Maximus, a 1-1/2 year old Yellow Lab. Maximus will be out and about in the community with his handler, Fire Captain Ronnie Skyberg. Say hello when you see them, and follow Maximus on Instagram: @maximus_in_action.
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People gathered Monday morning in Indio for the annual Presidents’ Day parade. Cheerleaders — marching bands — police — and firefighters along with a number of community groups all marched through the downtown area. The holiday honors our nation’s presidents.    Today’s holiday initially celebrated our first president George Washington’s birthday but was changed in 1970
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A suspect is in custody after a high-speed pursuit ended in a brief standoff Monday afternoon. The incident started at Noon when deputies saw a vehicle reported stolen in the area of 66th Avenue and Tyler Street in Thermal, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. Deputies followed the vehicle and a pursuit was later
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Political groups in the Coachella Valley hosted a local protest in solidarity with nationwide protests this President’s Day. Two local political groups, Courageous Resistance and Indivisible of the Desert, hosted the protest at Palm Springs City Hall at noon on Monday. “We’re gathering to stand against corruption and advocate for a government that serves all
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RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco formally announced his candidacy for governor of California on Monday. “I am running for governor because our beautiful state — which I absolutely love — is heading down the wrong track and has been for years. Everyone knows it, except those sitting in the Sacramento echo
Continue ReadingGLP-1 medications like Ozempic and Monjaro have gained popularity for weight loss, leading to rising costs for insurance companies. Studies show that GLP-1s can lead to substantial weight loss, with some individuals losing up to 10% of their body weight when used appropriately. And from 2022 and 2023, prescriptions of GLP-1 medications for obesity patients more than
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