The Vista Ridge football team has more bark this season

KRDO on August 13, 2025

Rob Namnoum

It’s year two at Vista Ridge for Matt Wibbels, “You know your kids names. Everything’s easier year to you. Just get to know each other and you just go, all right,” says Wibbels.

Vista Ridge slot back Aidan Vanaman adds, “You know, I like how Wibbs, He just understands, you know, every play. He listens to us.”

Coach Wibbs says if you listen closely, his team has more of a bark, “This year. We played a lot of puppies last year on defense, and they’ve all grown up a little bit. They’ve all got in the weight room. Their teeth have gotten a little bit sharper and we’re looking to go hunting this year,” says Wibbels.

Vista Ridge safety, Jacob Bourland adds, “We gain experience and knowledge. Our boys know. We know what we’re going against now. You know, we’re not little puppies no more. We’re big dogs.”

The puppies aren’t wetting in the floor anymore, “Yeah, exactly. When you play Pueblo West and Columbine and PR (Palmer Ridge) man, you’re going to get physical football. Last year, we were pretty young and sometimes 17 versus 15 years old gets you a little bit,” says Wibbels.

Bourland adds, “Our coaches come out here and they they tell us like, yeah, I mean, just because you’re young, you’re puppies, you know, you could still hang with the big dogs.”

The Wolves can’t wait to get their paws on the big dogs of Colorado high school football this year,

“We’re coming out with a different energy. This year we’re coming out this year and we’re gonna do it,” says Vanaman.

“This team’s hungry. We want to go against someone else. We don’t care if it’s five. We don’t care if their previous state champs. They’re going to get it. They’re going to get a different VR,” says Bourland.

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City of Madras and Jefferson County launch collaborative strategic planning process

KTVZ on August 13, 2025

Barney Lerten

MADRAS, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Madras and Jefferson County said Tuesday they are proud to announce the kickoff of a collaborative strategic planning process aimed at creating a shared vision for the community’s future.

The process began with the first joint City Council and County Commission work session, held on Monday, August 11, facilitated by SSW Consulting with support from the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council (COIC).

During the meeting, council members, commissioners, and staff reviewed demographic and economic data, highlighting significant population growth, increasing diversity, and economic challenges facing the region. Discussions focused on key community priorities such as economic development, housing affordability, health care access, emergency preparedness, infrastructure improvements, and technology investments.

“This partnership marks an exciting step toward aligning city and county goals and strengthening our community,” said Will Ibershof, City Administrator. “We are committed to involving residents every step of the way to ensure the strategic plan reflects what matters most to our diverse population.”

Community engagement will be the cornerstone of this process, with multiple opportunities planned for public input throughout September and October. Residents can expect surveys, interviews with key stakeholders, and outreach at local events designed to gather diverse perspectives.

Following the outreach period, the City Council and County Commission will reconvene in November to share data findings and begin developing the strategic plan based on community input. The goal is for each organization to have a comprehensive strategic plan ready for adoption early in 2026.

For ongoing updates, community members are encouraged to visit madras.gov or follow the City of Madras on social media. 

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City of Bend and St. Charles Health Systems announce plans for Bend’s Welcoming Week 2025

KTVZ on August 13, 2025

Barney Lerten

BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) — The City of Bend and St. Charles Health Systems said Tuesday they are thrilled to announce the eighth annual celebration of Welcoming Week in Bend, from September 12-21.

The City of Bend proudly supports Welcoming Week alongside numerous community partners in the shared commitment to foster a welcoming environment for all in Bend. This year’s national theme, “Stories We Share,” honors the lived experiences of all Bend residents, old and new, by fostering spaces for connection, reflection, and celebration.

Bend’s Welcoming Week roots trace back to 2017, when the Latino Community Association (LCA) successfully advocated for the City’s official designation as a Welcoming City. Since then, community-driven efforts have sustained this commitment.

Organizations and individuals hosting and supporting events include Bend-La Pine School District, High Desert Museum, NeighborImpact, Tower Theatre Foundation, Embrace Bend, Deschutes County Health Services, Mosaic Community Health, Volunteers in Medicine, Deschutes Public Library, Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Central Oregon, Bend Park & Recreation District, Latino Community Association, Art Sprouts Inc., Vamonos Outside, Asian and Pacific Islander Collective, The Father’s Group, Benditas, Community Based Consulting. BolaFilms, and more.

“We honor the people, places, and values that foster belonging year-round. Welcoming Week is an intentional collaboration that reminds us that we are all accountable for each other’s futures,” said Andres Portela, Equity and Inclusion Director for the City of Bend. “Our community is stronger when we share and listen to each other’s stories.”

The City of Bend invites everyone to celebrate Welcoming Week by attending events, supporting local partners, and amplifying the voices of diverse communities.

2025 Welcoming Week Upcoming Events

Friday, September 12 – Family Friendly Yoga (Deschutes Public Library) 

Saturday, September 13 – Culture Jam (Vamonos Outside, Asian and Pacific Islander Collective, The Father’s Group)

Sunday, September 14 – Threads of Belonging (Art Sprouts, Inc.)

Monday, September 15 – Tertulias…¡de película!” at the Tower (Benditas, Tower Theatre Foundation, Deschutes Public Library)

Tuesday, September 16 – Historias a través del Arte en Español (Deschutes Public Library); Affordable Home Ownership Fair (NeighborImpact, Habitat for Humanity, Rooted Homes, First Story, Thistle & Nest)

Thursday, September 18 – Your Invisible Neighbor (Community Based Consulting, BolaFilms)

Friday, September 19 – Cecilia Zabala Concert & Educational Workshops (Benditas, Tower Theatre Foundation)

Saturday, September 20 – Central Oregon Health and Wellness Fair (Volunteers in Medicine, Deschutes County, Mosaic Community Health and partners)

Sunday, September 21 – Belonging by Design: Matriarchal Systems in Action (Embrace Bend)

For more information, or to learn about how organizations can support Welcoming Week, please visit bendoregon.gov/events/welcoming-week or contact the Equity Department at equity@bendoregon.gov.

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Safety in session; School resource officers returning to campus

KESQ on August 13, 2025

Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – It’s not just students returning to school, officers are also back — patrolling campuses.

Brittnee Salazar, an Indio police department student resource officer (SRO), said safety is the top priority.

“Security and the SRO’s are constantly working with each other,” Salazar said. “If there’s any new developments or anything like that, we try to roundtable it and make sure that those issues are addressed.”

She said she’s spent 2 years assigned to Indio High School.

“The good thing about being a school resource officer is that most students, when they come into contact with law enforcement, it’s either on a traffic stop or a call for service,” Salazar said. “This allows us to be outside the norm of that, and we are more approachable.”

Emily Luna, student, said she does feel safe with the patrols, but has some concerns.

“I feel like there is a lot of assistance, but it’s not always available,” Luna said. “That’s an issue.”

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson took this matter to Ephraim Jacobo, Desert Sands Unified School District security manager.

“Last year there was a shortage due to staffing,” Jacobo said. “However, this year we are excited to announce that we are expecting 4 school resource officers on the Indio side and we’re also expecting 4 on the La Quinta and Palm Desert side through the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.”

He said the district has new contracts in place with both the Riverside County Sheriff and Indio Police Department.

“We are expecting more presence at the schools.”

Jacobo said there’s many moving parts that go into the safety and security of the students.

“There’s a lot of drills, a lot of training and extensive personnel. Not just on the district side, but also collaborating with Indio PD, CAL FIRE and RSO,” Jacobo said. “The goal in mind is keeping the campus safe, the students safe and assuring the community and all stakeholders that this is our number one priority.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Second Chick-fil-A location coming to the Coachella Valley

KESQ on August 13, 2025

Tori King

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ)– A brand new Chick-fil-A is coming to La Quinta. It’s set to open up in just a few days, and News Channel 3 got an inside look. The new restaurant is located just off Highway 111 and Dune Palms Road.

This franchise will become the second Chick-fil-A location to open up in the Coachella Valley, with the only other one being in Palm Desert. Tuesday morning, local officials and the owner of the restaurant hosted a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the big occasion.

La Quinta City Council Member Steve Sanchez attended the event, saying the city of La Quinta is pro-business, and constantly growing. He also says the council always looks forward to bringing in more opportunities and revenue to the area.”For months now, I’ve had friends and just random people asking when will it open up,” said Sanchez. “It’s really great not just for the community who loves Chick-fil-A, but great for commerce and great for the area. We’re grateful that Chick-fil-A chose La Quinta. It’s the gem of the desert for a reason. We welcome businesses. We work together. It’s a partnership. It is a family, our residents and our businesses and our visitors. It’s all a family.”This new location is also creating dozens of jobs for local residwnts. As of Tuesday morning, the company has hired over 100 employees, and they expect to hire even more in the coming days.The official grand opening is set for Thursday at 6:30 a.m.

If you dress up as a cow, you can also get a free meal, which is all part of their ‘Cows Eat Free’ event for the grand opening.

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“Hancock Hello” orientation opens campus prior to classes in Santa Maria

KEYT on August 13, 2025

Jarrod Zinn

SANTA MARIA, Calif. – Some schools are starting classes this week and orientations are underway.

Allan Hancock College held its annual ‘Hancock Hello’ in two parts–last week at the Lompoc satellite campus and tonight at the Santa Maria campus.

It’s a chance for new and returning students to bring their parents, learn about the campus and the myriad services—from counseling to clubs—the college has to offer.

Informational booths provided a one-stop-shopping experience in both English and Spanish.

“We’re offering campus tours,” says Allan Hancock College’s Public Information Analyst. “And so that’s the way for these new students to get familiar with the campus. So when they show up on their first day, they don’t have to worry about getting lost or of seeming unfamiliar. it’s a really nice crowd even this early in the event. So that’s great just to see all these students coming out and having fun and just, getting used to the environment.”

Classes begin next week, with local high school grads enjoying the Hancock Promise of 2-years of tuition free schooling.

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

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Authorities warn Rancho Mirage residents about rise in ‘aggressive solicitors’

KESQ on August 13, 2025

Tori King

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– The City of Rancho Mirage is warning its residents about a concerning new report of aggressive solicitors in the area. News Channel 3’s Tori King reached out to the city about these incidents, Rancho Mirage official released this statement:

“Rancho Mirage is a safe and welcoming community, and while these recent solicitor reports are unusual, they’re happening across the valley, not just here. We take them seriously and urge residents to stay alert…by working together, we can help keep our community safe.”

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, there has been a recent influx of residents experiencing these incidents. Authorities also say some people are being dropped off at night especially in the Magnesia Falls Cove neighborhood, and they’ve been seen entering people’s back yards and refusing to leave the property when asked. There have also been some reports of residents being threatened.

News Channel 3 spoke with RSO, who had tips for residents on how to stay safe. Here are some practical tips on what to do if someone encounters an aggressive solicitor:

1. Stay Calm: Remain composed and avoid escalating the situation. Take deep breaths and try to keep your tone calm.

2. Assess the Situation: Determine if the solicitor is being overly aggressive or if their approach is simply persistent.

3. Set Boundaries: Politely but firmly let the solicitor know that you are not interested. You can say something like, “Thank you, but I’m not interested in what you’re offering.”

4. Avoid Engagement: If the solicitor continues to press, avoid engaging further. Walk away or close the door if you’re indoors.

5. Document the Encounter: Take note of any details about the solicitor, including their appearance, the nature of their solicitation, and any aggressive behavior. This can be useful if you need to report the incident later.

6. Inform Neighbors: Share your experience with neighbors or local community groups to raise awareness about aggressive solicitors in the area.

7. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with local laws regarding solicitation, as there may be regulations that protect residents from aggressive sales tactics.

8. Use Community Resources: Encourage residents to reach out to local community organizations or neighborhood watch groups if they feel threatened or need advice.

9. Trust Your Instincts: Always trust your gut feelings. If a situation feels wrong, prioritize your safety and remove yourself from it.

10. Report Suspicious Activity: For non-emergency situations, contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department dispatch line at 760-836-3215. In any situation involving an immediate threat, call 911 without delay.

When reporting, provide dispatch with a detailed description of the individuals involved and any associated vehicles, including license plate numbers if available. Accurate and timely information helps law enforcement respond effectively and strengthens ongoing investigations.

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Concours for a Cause aims to give back to 12 local nonprofits

KION on August 13, 2025

Sergio Berrueta

CARMEL-BY-THE-SEA, Calif. (KION-TV) – Car Week continues along the Central Coast with events for owners and fans alike.

One show today turning downtown Carmel-by-the-Sea into a vintage voyage, all to benefit local nonprofits.

Dozens of old-school beauties lined Ocean Avenue, with the event expanding this year to include Lincoln Street and some side streets.

Each area spotlights a different region of the globe.

The fan-favorite event also creates a fundraising opportunity, donating 100 percent of all entry fees to Central Coast nonprofits. 

“To have this in the middle of this iconic venue carmel by the sea with all the cars and the businesses in the background is just magical,” said Concours for a Cause COO George Anderson.

The Concours for a Cause is benefiting 12 local nonprofits.  

Organizers added new additions, including an exciting racecar showcase and a vibrant Japanese section.

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Yuma County Cooperative Extension hosts safety day for tractors and forklifts

KYMA on August 13, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – The Yuma County Cooperative Extension hosted a safety day for people who use heavy machinery in agriculture to help avoid accidents while on the job.

The training was done by AgSafe and they covered multiple areas, with an emphasis on tractor and forklift safety.

They offered both hands-on and classroom instruction.

They are a non-profit that focuses on providing training for farm workers.

“Unfortunately, we have had too many accidents and fatalities in agriculture, that we feel it is a need to provide information to try to prevent those fatalities or injuries,” said Rigo Ceja a training and outreach specialist from AgSafe.

They also stressed the importance for supervisors and growers to evaluate their employee’s safety needs which is a critical concern.

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Local mother battles through another surgery following tumor removal

KYMA on August 13, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) – 27-year-old Jasmin Williams was first diagnosed with a cancerous tumor on her pancreas, however things soon became even more complicated.

After having surgery, there was a spike in Williams’ white blood cell count, and a scan revealed a leak in her stomach.

Now, she is back in Phoenix for another surgery for the internal bleeding.

“It’s kind of taken a tole on Jasmin, she used to be you know a happy outgoing girl, and she’s not as happy anymore, she’s in pain, you know the outcome of what’s going on is bleak,” said Jasmin’s aunt Michelle Gomez.

Amanda Johnson, a family friend, shares how much they value the community’s help.

“Everything that the community has done, or is willing to do to help, I just know that they’re so appreciative that they don’t even know how to take the help, but I believe, in my heart, that at this point in time they really need it,” says Johnson.

If you would like to donate to Williams and her family, click the link HERE.

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