Local & Community

Joshua Tree Couple Charged with Child Abuse Awarded Custody

The Joshua Tree couple charged with felony child abuse has a victory Thursday. After a long day in family court in San Bernardino Daniel Panico and Mona Kirk got their children back.
The pair was arrested in late February after police say they found their three children under the age of 15 found living in a makeshift shelter near their mobile home on their property.
Since their arrest the community and strangers raised money to move them into a home and friends helped them meet the requirements set under the court to get custody back. The couple was not allowed to contact their children, and are now facing misdemeanor charges.

The home was made of plywood covered in plastic, and without electricity or running water, surrounded by trash and mounds of feces on the property.

Neighbors say the couple is kind and did not deserve to be arrested because they were doing the best they could with what they had.

After their arrest, neighbors say they received many phone calls and met a lot of people who know the family and want to support them.

By: News Staff

May 17, 2018

Link Copied To Clipboard!
Firebirds New Years Eve Celebration
El Paseo Art Walk Returns, Showcasing Global and Local Talent in Palm Desert

El Paseo Art Walk Returns, Showcasing Global and Local Talent in Palm Desert

The El Paseo Art Walk is back in full swing this season, offering a monthly opportunity to explore a diverse range of art from Coachella Valley artists and beyond. Taking place on the first Friday of each month, this self-guided tour allows visitors to experience new works, connect with artists, and appreciate a variety of artistic styles. Local galleries remain open later, offering a chance for the community to engage in conversations about art and discover unique pieces. The event highlights both local talent and international artists, cementing the El Paseo Art Walk as a vital part of the valley’s vibrant art scene.

23 hours ago • NBC Palm Springs

One Person Injured in Two-Vehicle Collision in Palm Desert

One Person Injured in Two-Vehicle Collision in Palm Desert

A two-vehicle traffic collision in Palm Desert left one person injured this afternoon, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. The accident occurred around 1:40 PM near the intersection of Monterey and Country Club. The injured individual was transported to a local hospital with complaints of pain. Authorities confirmed that no arrests were made related to the incident, and the cause of the collision is under investigation.

24 hours ago • NBC Palm Springs

New Details Emerge in Brutal 2020 Aguanga Murders

New Details Emerge in Brutal 2020 Aguanga Murders

Authorities in Riverside County are providing new details about the shocking 2020 murder of seven Laotian immigrants in Aguanga. Investigators now believe the killings were targeted, possibly linked to a Laotian street gang, and were likely a robbery gone wrong. Despite years of investigation, no suspects have been identified, although three persons of interest have been named. New evidence, including documents and a black van, has emerged, although the vehicle was destroyed before it could be processed for clues.

1 day ago • NBC Palm Springs

Weekend Workout with David Lyons

Weekend Workout with David Lyons

David Lyons returns with an episode of Weekend Workout, offering simple and effective exercise techniques for all fitness levels. This week, Lyons introduces a contraction training program targeting the chest, back, and shoulders, which can be done at home with just a resistance band. The workout, which takes only 20 to 30 minutes, focuses on controlled, slow movements, holding each contraction for four seconds. Lyons emphasizes that these exercises can be modified using household items like water bottles if you don't have resistance bands.

1 day ago • NBC Palm Springs

President Joe Biden Set to Visit Coachella Valley; Expected to Sign Chuckwalla National Monument Proclamation

President Joe Biden Set to Visit Coachella Valley; Expected to Sign Chuckwalla National Monument Proclamation

President Joe Biden and First Lady Dr. Jill Biden will visit the Coachella Valley this Tuesday, with reports suggesting that the president will sign a proclamation to establish the Chuckwalla National Monument

2 days ago • NBC Palm Springs

Manny the Movie Guy and Chloe Carlson Preview Excitement Ahead of Star-Studded Night

Manny the Movie Guy and Chloe Carlson Preview Excitement Ahead of Star-Studded Night

Manny the Movie Guy and Chloe Carlson are live on the red carpet, bringing exclusive coverage as the stars arrive for a night of celebration and honor

2 days ago • NBC Palm Springs

Palm Springs International Film Festival Kicks Off with Star-Studded Gala and Awards Ceremony

Palm Springs International Film Festival Kicks Off with Star-Studded Gala and Awards Ceremony

The 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival began yesterday, and the highly anticipated film awards will be presented tonight at the star-studded gala.

2 days ago • NBC Palm Springs

Palm Desert Launches Autism Center Certification Grant Program for Local Businesses

Palm Desert Launches Autism Center Certification Grant Program for Local Businesses

Palm Desert has made a significant move towards inclusivity by becoming the second city in the nation to gain Autism Center certification from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards. To further promote inclusivity, the city is offering a grant program that provides $2500 reimbursement to local businesses for training employees to better support individuals with autism and their families. This initiative aims to foster a more inclusive environment throughout Palm Desert.

2 days ago • NBC Palm Springs

President Biden Expected In The Coachella Valley Tuesday

President Biden Expected In The Coachella Valley Tuesday

No Specifics About The Trip Were Provided, We Will Provide More Details As They Become Available.

2 days ago • NBC Palm Springs

Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Show to Feature 2,800 Entries This Weekend at Empire Polo Grounds

Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Show to Feature 2,800 Entries This Weekend at Empire Polo Grounds

The Kennel Club of Palm Springs Dog Show is set to take place this weekend at the Empire Polo Grounds in Indio, showcasing 2,800 entries across various competitions, including confirmation, obedience, and rally.

3 days ago • NBC Palm Springs

Weather Near You And Where You're Going

Cathedral City
Weather Icon

0mph

Sunny, with a high near 74. West wind 0 to 5 mph.

Temperature Icon66°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon19%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

Coachella
Weather Icon

0mph

Sunny, with a high near 75. South wind around 0 mph.

Temperature Icon65°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon20%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

Desert Hot Springs
Weather Icon

15mph

Mostly sunny, with a high near 74. Northeast wind around 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph.

Temperature Icon64°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon18%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

Indian Wells
Weather Icon

0mph

Sunny, with a high near 74. Southwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

Temperature Icon65°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon21%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

Indio
Weather Icon

0mph

Sunny, with a high near 74. South wind around 0 mph.

Temperature Icon63°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon22%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

La Quinta
Weather Icon

0mph

Sunny, with a high near 74. East wind around 0 mph.

Temperature Icon67°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon18%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

Palm Desert
Weather Icon

5mph

Sunny, with a high near 74. North wind 0 to 5 mph.

Temperature Icon66°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon19%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

Palm Springs
Weather Icon

5mph

Mostly sunny, with a high near 77. West wind 0 to 5 mph.

Temperature Icon68°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon17%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI

Rancho Mirage
Weather Icon

5mph

Sunny, with a high near 74. Northwest wind 0 to 5 mph.

Temperature Icon66°F

Temp

Pollen Icon35

AQI

Humidity Icon19%

Humidity

Rain Icon0%

Rain

UV Index Icon3

UVI