
More Interviews with Valley Leaders

Rep Ruiz introduces legislation expanding access to opioid-reversal drugs in schools
Valley Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz introduced legislation that he says would save lives by expanding access to opioid-reversal drugs, including Narcan, in schools. It’s called the “Helping Educators Respond to Overdoses” or ‘HERO Act.’ Ruiz and Congressman Adam Schiff co-authored the bill, which would also provide critical training for school staff.. and educate students on

‘Covered California’ raising awareness for open healthcare enrollment
Almost 80,000 people in Riverside County are without health insurance. So Covered California is now looking to help those people find a plan that works for them through the 2024 open enrollment. From now until January 31, anyone in need can apply for health insurance through Covered California. The organization says options are more affordable

YouTube star Mark Rober discusses teaching candy thieves a lesson on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live’
Does it ever annoy you that on Halloween there are some people who steal entire bowls of candy? Well, a NASA engineer turned YouTube star decided to do something about it. Mark Rober’s videos often get tens of millions of views. In his latest video, which will make its debut tonight on Jimmy Kimmel Live

Local health officials warn of recent spike in mpox cases
Valley doctors are warning of a comeback in mpox cases in Southern California. And in light of Greater Palm Springs Pride this week, they want to make sure people are vaccinated and take precautions. This month, two new cases were reported in Riverside County, the first since July. And there are 10 new cases in

Ron deHarte previews what to expect from Greater Palm Springs Pride 2023
Greater Palms Springs Pride kicks off this week with a variety of events leading up to Sunday’s parade. And this year’s theme is political. It is “Drag Now, Drag Forever,” which is in response to anti-drag bills and anti-LGBTQ extremism across the nation. Pride events include a block party, Latin event, and a festival. Last

Local Congressmen react to new Speaker of the House
Congressman Mike Johnson was elected as the Speaker of the House. We reached out to Republican Rep. Ken Calvert and Democrat Rep. Raul Ruiz to get their reaction to Johnson’s election. While both Calvert and Ruiz said they are relieved the house is back open and can get back to voting on important bills, they

Palm Springs City Council could vote to temporarily bar new cannabis dispensaries
Update 10/26/23 The Palm Springs City Council approved a 45-day moratorium on new cannabis dispensaries. Original Report 10/24/23 The Palm Springs City Council could vote Thursday to temporarily bar new cannabis dispensaries while considering bigger changes for an industry some council members think has become oversaturated and unsustainable. That change could include a major reduction

‘Lithium Valley Clean Tech Hub Consortium’ receives $500K grant
The Economic Development Administration selected the Lithium Valley Clean Tech Hub Consortium as one of its grant recipients for the tech hub program. The grant is $500,000. Several different federal agencies will soon be coming together to hash out the details for what the tech hub will look like. Valley Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz says

Former Palm Springs Mayor Robert Moon remembers Suzanne Somers
We’re hearing new reaction to the death of longtime Palm Springs resident Suzanne Somers, best known for her roles in “Three’s Company,” “She’s the Sheriff” and “Step by Step.” She died this weekend at the age of 76 after a long battle with breast cancer. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Somers’ dear friend

SoCal woman now living in Israel discusses experience in midst of war
People across the globe are impacted by the war in Israel and that includes a Southern California woman now living in Israel whose husband is a soldier on the frontlines. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Matana Horowitz about the tense situation there and what she wants Americans to know. Be the first to

Rivco District Attorney shares support for new law related to fentanyl
One of the bills recently signed into law by Governor Gavin Newsom was sponsored by Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin. Anyone convicted of drug-related offenses will soon need to complete a treatment or education program. Senate Bill 46 goes into effect beginning January 1. Check Out Our Fentanyl Crisis Section for Local Stories Hestrin

SBA representative discusses disaster loans for those affected by Tropical Storm Hilary
The deadline is approaching for homes and businesses damaged by Tropical Storm Hilary to apply for disaster loans. So how does the process work, and what do people here need to know? News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with the public information officer for the U.S. Small Business Administration Louise Porter. If you have damage,

Valley Rep. Ken Calvert says he supports Scalise for Speaker of the House
House Republicans will meet next week to discuss potential nominees for House speaker. Rep. Kevin McCarthy’s ouster, which has left the house paralyzed without a successor, leaves the next speaker with an enormous task uniting the deeply fractured GOP. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke today with Republican Valley Congressman Ken Calvert.

Tenet Healthcare strike authorized, potential impact on local hospitals
Union workers at Tenet Healthcare hospitals throughout California, including three desert locations, have voted to authorize a strike if progress is not made at the bargaining table. In the Coachella Valley and surrounding area, about 1,200 union members work at Desert Regional Medical Center, JFK Memorial Hospital, and Hi-Desert Medical Center. News Channel 3’s Peter

New documents suggest Desert Health Care District CEO was terminated “without cause”
New information obtained by News Channel 3 reveals new details about former Desert Health Care District Dr. Conrado Bárzaga’s contract and final pay, suggesting he was terminated without cause. The documents reveal he was paid a severance of 6-months salary, totaling nearly 150-thousand dollars, along with over 34-thousand dollars in vacation time among other things. The

Growing outrage among local leaders after sudden ouster of Dr. Bárzaga as DCHD CEO
There is growing outrage among Coachella Valley officials about the ouster of Desert Healthcare District CEO Dr. Conrado Bárzaga. Bárzaga had been in the role for four years before he was suddenly removed by the board Monday from his position. The DHCD is a local government agency. County Supervisor Manuel Perez says he is “shocked

9/11 remembrance events in the Coachella Valley
Monday marks the 22nd anniversary of 9/11, where terrorists attacked The World Trade Center and the Pentagon. Below is a list of ceremonies in the valley to remember all the lives that were lost on that very day. “9/11 Candlelight Vigil” September 11th at Civic Center Park in La Quinta at 7:00 PM. The city

Rep. Ken Calvert tours damage from tropical storm, meets with local officials for solutions to Indian Canyon closure
Valley Congressman Ken Calvert toured some of the damage from Tropical Storm Hilary on Thursday. He also met with several elected officials in Palm Springs, where they hope to build a permanent fix at N Indian Canyon, which remains shut down due to the damage from the storm. Calvert says there first needs to be

Valley-Wide Employment Expo returns on Sept. 20 at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino
The Valley-Wide Employment Expo returns on Wednesday, Sept. 20. The in-person hiring event takes place at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino at 84-245 Indio Springs Parkway in Indio. It’s an opportunity for job seekers to find their next career path in the Coachella Valley and for local businesses to find qualified and talented job candidates. The

News Channel 3 goes in-depth: CVUSD Superintendent Dr. Luis Valentino
Peter Daut asked Superintendent Dr. Luis Valentino a variety of questions about the upcoming school year, and some of the biggest challenges facing the Coachella Valley Unified School District. Dr. Luis Valentino said many changes involve safety and security. “We’ve added cameras, we’ve added buzzers indoors at the main office, and those sorts of things.

Palm Springs Fire Captain Nathan Gunkel discusses the impact of Hilary
As the Coachella Valley continues to clean up after Tropical Storm Hilary, many roads remain closed and some, including key arteries over the Whitewater Wash in Palm Springs, are expected to remain closed for several days. N Indian Canyon Drive and Gene Autry Trail are still covered in sand and mud. Palm Springs officials say

Coachella Valley mayors discuss tropical storm impacts on their cities
A group of mayors throughout the Coachella Valley spoke with News Channel 3’s Peter Daut about the impact of Tropical Storm Hilary on their cities. Get Storm Updates Here Palm Springs, Indio, Palm Desert, La Quinta, Desert Hot Springs, Coachella, Indian Wells, and Cathedral City have all declared local emergencies from the storm. In addition,

News Channel 3 goes in-depth: DSUSD Superintendent
DSUSD Superintendent, Dr. Kelly May-Vollmar, discussed with Peter Daut the upcoming school year, and the changes everyone in the district can expect. She said one of the biggest changes is that student ID badges for secondary students will have QR codes on the back: “That allow the students to very easily scan them with their

Family of fallen Marine Corp. Hunter Lopez seeks accountability on his death during Kabul evacuations
The family of Coachella Valley-native, Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez wants accountability surrounding his death. They gathered this week for a Congressional forum with other Gold Star families of the 13 service members who were killed in the 2021 attack at the Kabul Airport in Afghanistan. (top row left to right) Maxton Soviak, Kareem Nikoui, David

News Channel 3 goes in-depth: PSUSD Interim Superintendent Dr. Tony Signoret
PSUSD Interim Superintendent, Dr. Tony Signoret, discussed with Peter Daut the upcoming school year, and changes everyone in the district can expect. “We’re going to put a big emphasis on attendance,” Dr. Signoret said. “We really want to increase attendance district-wide.” Daut asked him: “Attendance has dropped in the wake of covid?” Signoret replied, “It