Sunnyside Road closure for Union Pacific Railroad maintenance July 13–15

KIFI on July 10, 2025

News Release

The following is a press release from the City of Idaho Falls Public Works:

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) — Beginning Sunday, July 13, Union Pacific Railroad will close Sunnyside Road at the railroad tracks east of the intersection with Yellowstone Highway to complete scheduled railroad track maintenance. The closure is expected to remain in place through Tuesday, July 15.

The City of Idaho Falls is assisting Union Pacific Railroad during the project. Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes and follow posted detour signage.

Eastbound traffic should detour south on Yellowstone Highway to 65th South or north on Yellowstone to 17th Street to continue east. Westbound traffic should use South Boulevard to 17th Street or follow detour signs via South 5th West to 65th South to continue west.

Motorists should plan ahead for delays and use extra caution in the area. The city appreciates the public’s patience as Union Pacific completes this important maintenance.

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Steven Johnson retires as DWA GM, Esther M. Saenz set to take over as first female GM in agency’s history

KESQ on July 10, 2025

Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Desert Water Agency announces the retirement of General Manager Steven Johnson after 30 years of agency service.

Johnson began his work with Desert Water Agency in 1995 as a DWA assistant engineer and worked his way up to become the company’s Assistant General Manager.

Following the retirement of General Manager Mark Krause in 2024, Johnson took over the role of GM where he stayed until the end of his remarkable career.

Throughout his time at the company, Johnson negotiated new power purchase and land use agreements to generate revenue and keep rates down for DWA, while also guiding his employees through several departmental restructurings and increasing regulations. 

Upon his retirement former DWA Finance Director Esther M. Saenz is set to replace Johnson as General Manager

Saenz, a 15-year veteran of the agency, will mark a significant milestone for the company as she becomes the first female General Manager in Desert Water Agency’s history. 

Saenz began her work at DWA as a phone operator and worked her way through multiple positions at the company through hard work, continued education and dedication.

Former General manager Johnson comments, “Esther has been a key figure in our financial management and strategic planning. Her leadership will ensure a smooth transition and continued stability for Desert Water Agency. I’m confident that she will continue to drive our mission forward with the same dedication and expertise she has shown throughout her career.” 

This transition is set to take place this July where Saenz will oversee DWA operations including management of the community’s water resources and conservation regulations.

“Holding this position is a tremendous privilege and responsibility,” she said. “I have had the incredible honor of working closely with Steve and the talented team at DWA for more than a decade and I am dedicated to building upon our strong foundation. The continued reliability and sustainability of our water supply is vital for our region and the people who live, work and play here.” 

For more information contact Victoria Llort, Director of Public Affairs & Conservation, at 760-323-4971, ext. 273 or vllort@dwa.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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New fire safety training simulation comes to San Lorenzo Valley

KION on July 10, 2025

Jeanette Bent

BEN LOMOND, Calif. (KION-TV) — San Lorenzo Valley fire volunteers announced that they’ve received a federal grant to help educate the community regarding fire safety and prevention.

They said that in 2024, the US Department of Homeland Security awarded a FEMA Disaster Fire Prevention and Safety grant for $269.806.69 to the Ben Lomond Fire Protection District (BLFPD) along with Boulder Creek FPD, Felton FPD and Zayante FPD to purchase a new, contemporary Fire Safety Education Trailer and specialized training fire extinguishers.

“The award recognizes the courage, passion, and perseverance of our volunteer firefighters who show us every day that they are committed to doing everything they can to protect life and property in our mountain communities,” said Ben Lomond Fire Chief Stacie Brownlee.

Now, the four SLV fire districts can replace the 37-year-old Fire Safety Education Trailer with a newer model with specialized training fire extinguishers.

“Trailer features include many safety demonstrations, such as earthquake and storm simulations, doors that heat up with smoke, artificial fire extinguishers that teach the participants how to put out various fires, barbecue gas shut off, and a stove that simulates catching on fire,” said the fire district.

The new trailer is also set to be transported to each school site in October to help demonstrate hands-on tours and special curriculum for students.

“Since 1999, the volunteer firefighters of the fire districts – Ben Lomond, Zayante, Boulder Creek, and Felton – have conducted hands-on classroom and trailer instruction at SLV preschools and elementary classrooms, reaching more than 1,100 students and their families annually,” said the district. “The new trailer will serve more than 1,500 SLV students. Collectively, these volunteer fire departments serve more than 34,000 residents of the San Lorenzo Valley.”

A video tour of the Fire Safety Education Trailer is available here.

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Mountain View Fire in Chaffee County completely contained

KRDO on July 10, 2025

Celeste Springer

CHAFFEE COUNTY, Colo. (KRDO) – As of 10:30 Friday night, the Mountain View wildfire has grown to around 2,500 acres and evacuations are still in place for the Morrison Creek area.

Evacuations were issued on Thursday afternoon in the Morrison Creek Subdivision, an area of Mountain View Estates located north of Buena Vista. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office says that pre-evacuation warnings were also issued for outside areas within 5 miles of the subdivision. Despite the fire being fully contained, according to the Sheriff’s Office, fire crews are taking an abundance of caution and keeping those evacuations in place for now.

We’re still waiting to get another update Saturday morning. We’ll adjust this article when we hear back from officials.

The fire, which broke out in an area about nine miles northwest of Buena Vista, sat at approximately 60 acres at one point.

Firefighters worked on the ground alongside a state helicopter that combated the flames from above.

“For the excavating company, we have our own personal water truck. So anything can help — we brought, I think, 15,000 gallons of water — and we just keep supplying these guys as much as we can,” said Carter Stromer, Buena Vista resident and volunteer firefighter on Thursday.

The sheriff’s office says evacuations have not been lifted yet. While the fire is contained, there is still a possibility, while unlikely, that it will escape the boundary of the fire and spread, the sheriff’s office said. Those in the mandatory evacuation zone, as of 12:49 p.m. on Friday, are unable to return to their homes tonight.

The Chaffee County Sheriff’s office reports that two houses have been lost in the fire. The sheriff’s office says they have contacted everyone who lost their home.

Officials say that, at this time, they do not believe the fire has entered public lands, and there is currently no concern about having to evacuate livestock in the area. As of the sheriff’s office’s last few updates, there were no injuries or deaths of either livestock or humans to report.

Map shared by Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office

Map of the pre-evacuation area shared by Chaffee County Government

All evacuees can report to the Buena Vista Sheriff’s Office at 200 Steele Drive in Buena Vista.

Photo courtesy of Shelly Birch

If you are evacuating from the fire and need a place for animals, the sheriff’s office says the Ark Valley Humane Society, located at 701 Gregg Dr., will accept small animals. Large animals can be taken to the Buena Vista Radio Grounds on County Road 321. Water is on, says the Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office.

Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office says fire crews made a great initial attack on the fire with aircraft, they have crews from Chaffee County Fire Protection District, Salida Fire Department, DFPC from the state, and Federal partners, along with other mutual aid partners from neighboring counties.

Editor’s note: On July 10, we reported that at least four homes were lost to the fire. The Chaffee County Sheriff’s Office said that “four to five” structures were lost, and all were homes. By the morning of July 11, CCSO reported that prior information was incorrect, and two homes in total had been lost. During breaking news situations, first responders are coordinating with multiple crews on the ground, and information is subject to change. We apologize for the error, and are committed to providing the most accurate and up-to-date information.

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Man, 68, booked in Randolph County jail on suspicion of murder

KMIZ on July 10, 2025

Matthew Sanders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A Moberly man was booked into the Randolph County Jail on Thursday for second-degree murder.

David K. Heyde, 68, was awaiting arraignment and was jailed on no bond. Information about the accusations against him was not immediately available.

Heyde lives in the area where a 23-year-old woman, Bailey Scott, was shot dead Sunday night. Randolph County Prosecutor Stephanie Luntsford told ABC 17 News on Thursday that Heyde was charged in Scott’s death. Charges have yet to appear on Casenet.

Heyde was moved to the Macon County Jail on Thursday evening, according to an email from Brad Germann, of the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Crime and Drug Division.

The Missouri State Highway Patrol is investigating the shooting at the request of Moberly police. Heyde has an expired peace officer’s license, and City of Moberly records say he was once an employee there. Further details about his employment were not available because records more than 20 years old are not maintained.

Check back for updates to this developing story.

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Search for new Santa Maria Fairpark CEO continues as Santa Barbara County Fair opens

KEYT on July 10, 2025

Dave Alley

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The Santa Maria Fairpark continues to search for a new chief executive officer at the same time the facility’s biggest annual event takes place this week.

Earlier this year, former CEO Caitlin Miller announced her departure in March in order to begin a new position with a local produce company.

Since then, the 37th District Agriculture Association (DAA), which operates the Santa Maria Fairpark, has been looking for a replacement.

Miller’s departure came just weeks ahead of the Santa Maria Valley Strawberry Festival and just a few months before the Santa Barbara County Fair.

To help guide the facility through its two biggest annual events, interim management has been brought in including those from Kern County and the Antelope Valley.

“Our plan is to get through the fair,” said Santa Maria Fairpark Board of Directors President, Kevin Merrill. “We’re lucky we’ve got some help from neighboring fairs that come down and give us a hand. Once that’s done and the board will focus on getting a new CEO in place and working with our great staff.”

Merrill indicated the Board of Directors is hoping to fill the position as soon as possible following the conclusion of the fair, which runs through Sunday.

“I think we’re excited where we’re are right in the middle of a new CEO search,” said Merrill. “We have a great staff here to be able to put the fair together and maintain the quality we always enjoyed. I think the people can look forward to us continuing to be a great part of the community and a partner with the community, because other than the fair, we’re here all year round doing other things too. We have a great staff. We’re looking forward to a new CEO and and moving forward.”

For more information about the Santa Maria Fairpark and the Santa Barbara County Fair, click here to visit the official website.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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24/7 On-Call Fire Investigators in Santa Maria Finally Close a Critical Gap

KEYT on July 10, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – The Santa Maria Fire Department has joined surrounding communities with a 24-hour staff of on-call fire investigators.

This fills a critical gap found in recent assessments.

Investigators have deemed what was once Lassen’s Natural Foods store on Broadway as unsafe, and it will soon be scheduled for demolition.

For many years here in Santa Maria, the firefighters with their boots on the ground, the first responders, have often had to reach out to surrounding communities for investigative support.

Now, we have our own 24-hour team.

As of June 28th, there is an on-call staff of skilled fire investigators working 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, covering all of Santa Maria.

We had a community risk assessment analysis along with some other in-house analysis that determined that the there was a gap for having a qualified fire investigator available at all times,” says Santa Maria’s fire marshal Jim Austin.

Prior to that, scenes of incidents often cooled for hours before an investigator was able to arrive on scene, adding challenges to the already grueling jobs of first responders.

So we get to see the impacts of the fire as it’s occurring, which helps with our investigation as well,” says Francisco Santos, one of Santa Maria’s fire investigators. “If we’re on call and there’s a tone for a structure fire and it’s confirmed the structure fire, we’re automatically going to be dispatched.”

Recent incidents such as the devastation of Lassen’s Natural Foods store on Broadway, as well as suspicious carport fires and dumpster fires within a specific vicinity of the city since then remain unsolved, leaving locals still feeling edgy.

“No matter what happens, like I said, we are here to bolster our public and also help out our guys on the engines,” says John Mata, another of Santa Maria’s fire inspectors.

A shift rotation helps the investigators avoid burnout, as they must often lose sleep and be away from their families.

“It has boosted the confidence in the firefighter because they know the programs in place,” says Marshal Austin.

While the investigators have no significant updates on the mentioned cases at this time, they are continuing those investigations, actively monitoring people of interest and tracking any new activities.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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Katie Hobbs signs new animal cruelty law

KYMA on July 10, 2025

Madeline Murray

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – Governor Katie Hobbs (D-Ariz.) signed a bill making it a crime to fail to get medical attention for pets. Pet owners who fail to properly attend to their animals are at risk of a class 5 felony, class 6 felony, or a class 1 misdemeanor.

“Our previous animal cruelty laws did not define some elements very clearly, so like adequate water adequate food. There was real no definition to determine what those two things are, it’s all left up to interpretation,” said Anette Lagunas, Humane Society Executive Director.

Senate Bill 1658 gives more definition to the previous animal cruelty laws by allowing animal control officers to prosecute offenders quickly and effectively.

“Anytime you adopt an animal, you should automatically know that it’s going to require some medical care at some point in their lives,” says Lagunas.

Dr. Cheryl Haugo says sometimes it’s hard to access emergency care in Yuma.

“The best thing you can do is call around see if anybody can see you, and if not then, Phoenix, Tucson, San Diego, El Centro, El Cajon, those are your best options,” says Haugo.

If you happen to see an animal in bad condition, try to find proper assistance.

Haugo says, “If they say ‘Oh and you know I don’t know; he’s just skinny or whatever,’ then I would say maybe call animal control.”

The law takes effect in September.

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Coachella Valley Firebirds release full schedule for 2025-26 season

KESQ on July 10, 2025

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– The Coachella Valley Firebirds announced the team’s 2025-2026 regular season schedule on Thursday.

Caught up with Firebirds VP of Hockey Operations @TroyBodie on the 2025-2026 schedule release. No new opponents this year, but there will be new start times, as the organization says they took into consideration suggestions from the fans. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @Qassignmentdesk pic.twitter.com/6icFpRbTBE

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) July 11, 2025

The Firebirds open their season against the San Diego Gulls Friday, October, 10 at 7 p.m. at Acrisure Arena.

Throughout this 72-game season the Firebirds will go head-to-head with all teams in the Pacific Division as well as one out-of-division team, the Texas Stars. 

The 2025-26 #CVFirebirds schedule has landed 🔥

More info: https://t.co/eb3ZSTg6b1 pic.twitter.com/4W0cEIXgUr

— Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) July 10, 2025

Starting this season, weekday home games are set to begin at 6:30 p.m., Friday night games will begin at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday home days will begin at either 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. depending on the game. 

Their season is set to close late April at Acrisure Arena marking a total of 36 home games.

Last season the Firebirds ranked fourth in the Pacific Division with a record of 37 wins and 25 loses having fans eager to get back in the stands for the upcoming 2025-26 matchups. 

Scheduled dates and times are subject to change. 2025-26 season tickets are currently on sale at https://cvfirebirds.com/. More information about individual tickets, themes and promo nights will be released on the site at a later date. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more Firebirds updates.

FULL SCHEDULE (all times Pacific, home games in bold)

Day
Date
   Time
Visiting Team
@
Home Team

Fri
10/10/25
7:00 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
10/18/25
6:00 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
10/19/25
4:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Wed
10/22/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Fri
10/24/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Sat
10/25/25
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Thu
10/30/25
6:30 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
11/1/25
6:00 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
11/5/25
6:30 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
11/7/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Tucson

Sat
11/8/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Tucson

Tue
11/11/25
6:30 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
11/15/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Sun
11/16/25
3:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
11/21/25
6:00 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
11/23/25
3:00 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
11/28/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sat
11/29/25
6:00 PM
Texas
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
12/3/25
6:30 PM
Texas
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
12/6/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Sun
12/7/25
4:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Tue
12/9/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Thu
12/11/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Wed
12/17/25
6:30 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
12/19/25
7:00 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
12/20/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Sat
12/27/25
6:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
12/28/25
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Wed
12/31/25
5:00 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
1/2/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sat
1/3/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Wed
1/7/26
6:30 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
1/10/26
6:00 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Tue
1/13/26
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Texas

Wed
1/14/26
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Texas

Sat
1/17/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sun
1/18/26
5:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
1/21/26
6:30 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
1/23/26
7:00 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
1/28/26
6:30 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
1/30/26
7:00 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
2/1/26
3:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Wed
2/4/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Fri
2/6/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Sat
2/7/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Fri
2/13/26
7:00 PM
Tucson
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
2/15/26
3:00 PM
Tucson
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
2/18/26
6:30 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Fri
2/20/26
6:05 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Sat
2/21/26
6:05 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Thu
2/26/26
6:30 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
2/28/26
6:00 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
3/4/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Sat
3/7/26
6:00 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
3/8/26
3:00 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
3/13/26
7:00 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
3/14/24
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Wed
3/18/26
10:30 AM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Sat
3/21/26
6:05 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Sun
3/22/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Wed
3/25/26
6:30 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
3/28/26
6:00 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
3/29/26
3:00 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
4/1/26
6:30 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
4/3/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Sat
4/4/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Wed
4/8/26
6:30 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
4/10/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Sat
4/11/26
6:00 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Tue
4/14/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Sat
4/18/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sun
4/19/26
3:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

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Carpinteria City Council Approves $5,000 for Nonprofits After Immigration Raids

KEYT on July 10, 2025

John Palminteri

CARPINTERIA, Calif. – The Carpinteria City Council held an emergency meeting Thursday night and approved $5,000 in emergency funding to support nonprofit organizations assisting residents impacted by recent federal immigration enforcement actions.

The funds, allocated from the city’s General Fund, will go toward community-based groups that are often the first point of contact for affected individuals and are currently providing legal aid, emergency assistance, and resource navigation. The council also plans to establish criteria for selecting which nonprofits receive the funding.

The special meeting was called after videos showing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activity in Carpinteria circulated earlier this week, sparking alarm throughout the community.

“This is incredibly important—to hold this meeting, to listen to the community, what’s important to them, and show them we are listening and working hard to solve this issue,” said 1st District County Supervisor Roy Lee. “That’s just insane.”

Although the meeting was planned earlier in the week, it took place the same day as large-scale federal raids at Glass House Farms in Carpinteria and Camarillo. Ten people were detained from the Carpinteria site.

“I’m out here standing up for parents of my students who could get deported today,” said Carpinteria teacher Andrea Carrillo. “I’m scared for them. I’m worried for them—that they’re going to go home and not have a single adult at their house.”

Hundreds gathered outside Carpinteria City Hall, holding signs and sharing emotional testimony.

“I’m 20 years old. I should not be standing in front of my community,” said resident Natalie Vilchez. “I graduated high school two years ago. I should not be scared for my people.”

Later, Vilchez added, “I believe that a community and a village is what makes everything in life. You can never stand alone, and in these moments, it’s most important. Even just standing here—if you don’t use your voice—your presence is more than enough.”

Carpinteria Vice Mayor Mónica Solórzano was also in attendance. She reportedly suffered a scrape on her arm after being knocked down by a flash bang earlier in the day.

Solórzano, who drew national attention in June for remaining seated during the Pledge of Allegiance at two council meetings, continued her protest Thursday night. She previously stated the action was in response to the Trump administration’s bombing of nuclear sites in Iran and the deployment of Marines to Los Angeles following immigration protests.

Public comments during the meeting reflected a united message of support for immigrants and condemnation of the raids.

“We are a very strong community with a very strong base—wonderful people of all nationalities,” said one speaker.

“This city and this country are better because of mi familia mexicana,” said another.

The council typically meets every other Monday but convened this special session amid rising tension and calls for immediate action.

The Latest Breaking News, Weather Alerts, Sports and More Anytime On Our Mobile Apps. Keep Up With the Latest Articles by Signing Up for the News Channel 3-12 Newsletter.

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