Local & Community
Travis Walker Out As Cathedral City Police Chief
Six months after being placed on administrative leave amid sexual harassment allegations, Cathedral City police Chief Travis Walker and the city have officially parted ways, the city announced Tuesday.
“A separation of employment has occurred between Police Chief Travis Walker and the city of Cathedral City,” Chris Parman of the city said. “No further comment can be publicly announced at this time as the city is still subject to ongoing litigation and personnel matters.”
Walker, who became police chief in November 2017, was placed on paid administrative leave in May. City officials did not give a reason for the move, other than to call it a “personnel move.” Deputy Police Chief Anthony Yoakum will continue in his role as acting chief, according to city officials, who said the process of finding a permanent replacement will begin soon.
About two months after Walker was placed on leave, a police department dispatcher filed a lawsuit in Riverside County Superior Court against the city and Walker, accusing him of sexual harassment.
Loran Candelas alleges in the lawsuit that Walker harassed her “on at least six to eight separate occasions,” including one instance in which he allegedly forced himself on her sexually in an Indian Wells hotel room during a law enforcement conference. She claims in the suit she was eventually able to push him off of her and leave the room.
“After the encounter in Defendant Walker’s hotel room, (Candelas) was numb. She did not know what to do. Because she needed her job, she continued to work for the Cathedral City Police Department,” the lawsuit states.
According to the suit, Walker continued to fondle and grab Candelas after the hotel room encounter, including one instance inside his office in which he allegedly opened his pants and placed his genitals in her hand.
John Hall, a spokesman for the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, previously told The Desert Sun that prosecutors declined to file criminal charges against Walker following an investigation by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
In a prepared statement Tuesday, Walker’s attorney, Saku Ethir, said the city and the chief reached a “mutual separation agreement.” Ethir declined to comment further on the agreement or the lawsuit, noting that the court case is still pending.
Ethir added, however, “Under Chief Walker’s leadership the City saw a 14.3% reduction in Part I crimes. He also implemented several programs strengthening the department’s engagement with the community, brought about organizational efficiency through the use of upgraded technology and successfully raised funds to build the Cathedral City Fallen Peace Officer Memorial. Walker is grateful for the opportunity he had to serve the residents of Cathedral City, and wishes them all well.”
By: News Staff
November 19, 2019
Latest Instagram Posts
Former Silvercrest CEO, William Rodriguez is expected back in court today in connection with the deadly 2024 Cathedral City hit and run that killed a woman. The murder charge was dismissed, but Rodriguez still faces felony hit and run and suspended license charges.
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Murder suspect Vicky Kim has once again not been cleared to appear in court. Kim is accused of killing her husband at their Palm Desert condominium complex. Her arraignment has now been delayed three times. Stay tuned with NBC Palm Springs as we track the latest developments in this case. #VickyKim #PalmDesert #CoachellaValley #BreakingNews #CourtUpdate NBCPalmSprings
Palm Springs is mourning the loss of beloved entertainer James “Gypsy” Haake, who has died at 94. Haake began his entertainment career at just 19 years old as a Broadway chorus dancer. After retiring from the stage, he returned to performing at 82, becoming the host of Carnival Cabaret at Oscars in downtown Palm Springs. A longtime friend of our station, Haake was a familiar and beloved figure in the Palm Springs entertainment community — and his contributions were recognized with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars. His career spanned more than seven decades, proving that the spotlight never truly left him. ❤️ Rest in peace, James “Gypsy” Haake. Your legacy will live on in Palm Springs. #JamesGypsyHaake #PalmSprings #PalmSpringsWalkOfStars #CarnivalCabaret #PalmSpringsEntertainment #OscarsPalmSprings #PalmSpringsHistory
Social Time with Thalia & Jerry
Who makes the NBC Top 3, winner will be announced Sunday night on NBC Palm Springs, with the player who makes the number one spot winning a $250 prize from @hondaofthedesert! Comment below if it will be 1) Sterling Conley with the rushing TD, 2) Marcus Kennedy with the touchdown catch, 3) Cade Pinon with the big time sack, 4) Kingston Pellum with the pick-6, or 5) Caleb Hartwell with the saving throw #fypage #fridaynightlights #football #hondaofthedesert #highschoolfootball
James Nellis from @dsrt_club_lq and @rd_rnnr_lq makes us one of his signature dishes, his Maine scallops with hibiscus puree. His creativity and skill lead to unique bold flavors and scrumptious dishes. We chat about his love of trying new things in the kitchen, what being a chef means to him, and how food can different, flavorful, and fun. This is James Nellis on a plate. See it now on nbcpalmsprings.com
At the annual 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb at Morongo Casino Resort & Spa, first responders, families and community members came together to honor the lives lost—and the heroes who answered the call 25 years ago on September 11, 2001. Two first responders who responded to opposite sides of the World Trade Center met for the first time at the event, sharing a powerful moment of remembrance and connection. 26 flights. Three times. One enduring message: Never Forget. #NeverForget #September11 #911Memorial #MemorialStairClimb #FirstResponders HonorAndRemember 911
Palm Desert’s future takes center stage next week. The Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce presents the 2026 State of the City Address & Luncheon on Friday, September 18, at the JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort. The event brings together local business leaders, community members and city stakeholders for an inside look at the priorities, opportunities and future of Palm Desert. Friday, September 18 11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort Palm Desert Individual tickets are $85 for Chamber members and $95 for non-members. Get the details and registration information from the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. #PalmDesert #StateOfTheCity #CoachellaValley #PalmDesertBusiness #GreaterPalmSprings #PalmDesertChamber
25 years later, the memories of 9/11 remain vivid for the firefighters who witnessed the tragedy firsthand. A longtime FDNY firefighter reflects on the trauma, loss and moments that have stayed with him a quarter-century after the attacks. #911 #September11 #NeverForget #FDNY #Firefighter #911Anniversary #25YearsLater #NewYorkCity #Remembering911 #NBCTPalmSprings