Cal Poly introduces Tim Skipper as new head football coach

KEYT on December 8, 2025

Dave Alley

SAN LUIS OBISPO, Calif. (KEYT) – Cal Poly formally introduced Tim Skipper as its new head football coach Monday morning.

During a press conference held inside the Performing Arts Center, Skipper officially took over the reigns of a Mustangs program that is seeking a re-establish itself as a premiere team in the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS).

“We’re in paradise right now,” said Skipper. “The Central Coast is one of the most beautiful places in the whole country, so I’m just excited and ready to roll.”

Skipper arrives in San Luis Obispo with significant name recognition following his most recent position as interim head coach at UCLA.

Following the dismissal of DeShaun Foster in October, Skipper was named interim head coach and proceeded to win his first three games, including a stunning victory over then 7th ranked Penn State.

In the next two games after the Penn State win, Skipper led the Bruins to a pair of victories over Michigan State and Maryland before finishing with a record of 3-6 during his nine games as interim head coach.

His stint in Westwood followed another run as interim head coach at his alma mater at Fresno State.

In 2023, Skipper served as acting head coach for the Bulldogs in the team’s 37-10 victory over New Mexico State in the New Mexico Bowl.

Several months later, following the depature of then head coach Jeff Tedford, Skipper was named interim head coach and led the Bulldogs to a record of 6-7 and a bowl game appearance.

“I always will draw back from those days,” said Skipper. “When you take over a program in the middle of the season, that is tough and you have to get the mentality and your culture in days where it usually takes years. It’s a challenge, but I will use all those experiences that will not go to waste.”  

Now, he takes over a Cal Poly program that has struggled since earning its last winning record nearly 10 years ago in 2016,

Over the past nine seasons, the Mustangs have an overall record of 23-69 and a mark of 14-53 in the Big Sky Conference.

Skipper acknowledged there are inherent challenges that are unique to coaching at Cal Poly compared to other universities, but believes he has the ability to bring winning football back to the program.

“Right now, you hear about challenges, but I want to kind of live them, I want to see them. I want to feel them. Once you do that, then what are you going to do? Are you going to go have excuses and go hide? Or are you going to go attack it? I’m going to go attack it full speed ahead. We’re going to recruit our tails off, and we’re going to fight on that practice field, and then we’re going to go out there and go win games. I expect to win. There’s always going to be hurdles. There’s a reason why I’m here, so it’s my job to go fix it, keep the guys mentally correct and mindset and go win. That’s what we’re going to do. Problems are problems and you just have to solve them.” 

New Cal Poly athletic director Carter Henderson has only been on the job for a few weeks himself after he was hired in September to succeed longtime athletic director Don Oberhelman.

Making his first coaching hire, Henderson said he, along with others in the hiring process, identified 17 characteristics they were looking for with a new head coach, including four essential attributes, which included energy and passion, recruiting ability, someone who will establish a program culture and resourcefulness.

Henderson said Skipper not only possesses those four main characteristics, he actually has all 17 of them.

“I was sitting in my office late at night and I was kind of looking at our board and our characteristics, and it hit me that not only did we have a candidate who was best in class and the four preferred characteristics, this candidate actually checked all 17 of our other boxes, which I’ve never seen anything like it before,” said Henderson. “He has such an infectious energy and enthusiasm, which I think our players are really going to benefit from. He has a really unique portfolio of work. He’s been an assistant coach. He’s been a head coach. He’s had a great playing career, so he really checked all the boxes that we were looking for, and I can’t wait for our student-athletes to experience his day-to-day culture that he will develop here.”

While speaking at the podium, Skipper talked about the style of football he intends to bring to the program, he hearkened about his former coach and mentor Pat Hill, who coached at Fresno State for 15 years.

“It’s going to come back to the root of tough, hard nosed, aggressive, fundamental football play with fanatical effort for as long as it takes to win,” said Skipper. “That’s what we’re going to be. We are going to be tough, hard nosed. We’re going to play physical and aggressive. Until they take the pads off and we start pulling flags, this game is physical. It is physical. It is the root of football. Bottom line. And we are going to match that intensity. That’s where we’re going to start I believe the teams inside out, so starting with the offensive line and the defensive line and then the quarterback. You have to be sufficient there. You have to impose your will at all three those spots and we will do that. You will then branch out to where we get to the wideouts and the DBs (defensive backs) and things like that, where speed and athleticism comes into play, but the trenches, we will own the trenches. I’ll tell you that right now.”

However, with the soon-to-be opening of the John Madden Football Center, along with the hiring of Skipper, there is optimism Cal Poly may be able to return to both regional and national prominence within the FCS.

 Now, he takes over a . 

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Riverside County Reports Slight Increase in MPOX

KESQ on December 8, 2025

Tauli Anderson

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County health officials are reporting a slight increase in mpox cases in recent weeks, prompting renewed reminders for residents to stay aware.

Experts say the overall risk to the general public remains very low. Still, health leaders emphasize that early diagnosis can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and help limit further spread.

“The symptoms vary depending on how long you’ve had it. Initially, it might feel like any other illness — fever, fatigue, malaise,” said Lindsey Valenzuela, Vice President of Population Health Integration at Desert Oasis Healthcare.

Health officials say individuals at higher risk—including those who may have close physical contact with multiple partners—should consider getting vaccinated.

Mpox has a two-dose vaccine given 28 days apart.

The mpox vaccine continues to be available throughout Riverside County, and public health leaders encourage residents to stay informed about symptoms, prevention methods, and vaccination options. 

 

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Lance Bass, Patrick Evans help light up Christmas Tree at Palm Springs Aerial Tramway

KESQ on December 8, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lit up its Christmas Tree Sunday, with the help of pop star Lance Bass and News Channel 3’s Chief Meteorologist Patrick Evans.

The Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree is comprised of over 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.

Bass, one-fifth of the renowned vocal group NSYNC, served as the celebrity tree lighter at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

Patrick Evans was the emcee of the event.

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Deputies start countywide anti-DUI campaign Friday, continuing to New Year’s

KESQ on December 8, 2025

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Beginning Friday and continuing to New Year’s Day, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies will engage in operations countywide to deter drunken and drug-impaired driving.

The department’s annual “Winter Mobilization” is slated to run roughly three weeks in multiple locations, relying on saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and similar efforts to crack down on impaired motorists.   

“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely, so that they can celebrate the Holiday Season with their families and loved ones,” sheriff’s Sgt. Evan Bechtold said. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”  

Bechtold emphasized the importance of securing designated drivers in advance to ensure a sober person is at the wheel for any trips following Christmas parties, or any other outings where drinks were provided.

“Impaired driving is not just from alcohol,” the sergeant said. “Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment.”

Deputies will take a zero tolerance approach to intoxicated driving.   

The mobilization is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual “Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over” campaign to discourage driving under the influence.  

The California Highway Patrol will be undertaking similar operations during its Christmas and New Year’s maximum enforcement periods, when all available officers deploy onto Inland Empire freeways, highways and unincorporated roads to catch traffic violators.

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City Council OKs purchase of six drones, raises for police, dispatchers

News-Press NOW on December 8, 2025

Cameron Montemayor

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — A new fleet of state-of-the-art drones for emergency response scenarios and salary increases for police and 911 dispatchers were approved at tonight’s City Council meeting, a boost to public safety and emergency operations. 

City Councilmembers approved two working agreements this evening with the Fraternal Order of Police, Lodge #3 and the Emergency Communication Operations, Lodge #1 to provide salary increases over a three-year period.

The agreement with FOP will see the city appropriate $450,000 in Police Sales Tax funds to implement a 6% salary increase for the department retroactive to June 30, 2025, with additional 4% salary increases for fiscal years 2026-27 and 2027-28.

A second agreement with the Emergency Communication Operators, Lodge #1, will raise salaries by 3% for fiscal years 2025-26, 2026-27 and 2027-28.

New drones set to provide critical vantage point for public safety

Local public safety personnel will have a new set of eyes in the sky backing them up on everything from structures fires, search and rescue or other emergency operations with the help of advanced autonomous aerial technology.

A $1.3 million contract was approved Monday to purchase six Skydio high-tech drones and multiple docking systems from Axon Enterprise for use by various city departments, particularly public safety and emergency operations with police, fire and public works. Roughly $274,000 is being appropriated for the first year payment.

This Associated Press photo shows the Skydio X10 with the RTK GPS attachment.

Capable of moving up to 45 mph and equipped with advanced 360-degree cameras, spotlights, night vision and enhanced AI, Skydio’s state-of-the-art drones will provide a critical vantage point for police, firefighters, public works and transit, boosting response times and safety for residents and public safety personnel.

“Drone technology has advanced over the last decade to a point where it’s a very viable platform for public safety,” St. Joseph Police Chief Paul Luster said. “It’s going to allow us and firefighters to have a very fast response to areas of town.”

Using dispatch and CAD systems, drones can respond automatically within seconds, serving as first responder units, assisting police officers and firefighters before they arrive on scene and providing rapid situational awareness at transit stops, among numerous applications.

Skydio’s technology enables drones to autonomously launch from fixed stations in response to any location that a bus can travel to, all the while providing real-time video and data to responding staff or officers.

“Sometimes officers respond to calls and they don’t know exactly what they’re getting into. There could be someone just behind a fence that they can’t see. With this technology that’s not going to be the case,” Luster said. “For fire, they’ll be able to tell potentially how big the fire is before they ever arrive on the scene, so they can start coordinating their resources appropriately.”

Drones would even be able to help snow plow crews by evaluating snow routes and verifying completion of snow removal, among other useful capabilities for public works and transit.

Additional capabilities with drone technology

Can be used to inspect bridges for damage.

Bus shelters can be inspected, saving manpower.

Monitor real-time traffic and transit conditions

Identify obstructions or route hazards, and provide early alerts for congestion or delays.

Enhances the City’s ability to prioritize maintenance and ensure safe travel for transit users and the public

FBO airport agreement approved between City and Pan-Am Flight Services

A high-profile airport agreement will move forward tonight following an extended selection process earlier this fall that drew concerns from competing bidders.

City Councilmembers signed off on a lease and operation agreement with Pan Am Flight Services to serve as the Fixed Base Operator at Rosecrans Memorial Airport. FBOs are businesses or companies selected to provide a broad range of services to support general aviation aircraft, including services like maintenance and refueling for local and visiting pilots.

Pan Am intends to construct a new aircraft hangar with attached lobby and office space at Rosecrans to accommodate larger aircraft and passengers.

Animal Services in line to receive new department vehicles

St. Joseph will purchase two new vehicles, including a new truck and cargo van, to assist with daily operations at St. Joseph Animal Services.

City Council voted to approve two bills this evening worth just over $100,000 to purchase a 2026 Chevrolet Silverado and a 2026 Ford Transit Cargo Van for the department. Vehicles will be purchased from two dealerships, Anderson Ford of St. Joseph and Nashville Automotive, LLC using Marijuana Sales Tax funds.

City to contract outside companies to assist with landfill services

Monday’s agenda included a pair of agreements to provide on-call engineering services at the St. Joseph Sanitary Landfill. 

The agreements approved on Monday with Olsson, Inc. and SCS Engineers will allow the companies to provide services on a project-to-project basis to assist operations and avoid unnecessary delays.  

Professional engineering services include project engineering, construction inspections, structural, traffic, stormwater and wastewater engineering, transportation design and geotechnical and material testing.

Other bills approved by City Council:

Agreement with Fox Creek Design LLC and Brooner Construction and Crane to provide a grant in the amount of $50,000 toward the exterior rehabilitation of the structure at 716 Felix Street as part of the River Bluff Gateway project.

An ordinance waiving the collection of liens, assessments, and other administrative penalties in the amount of $3,573, plus applicable interest and penalties, on the property located at 1107 Mitchell Ave.

Supplemental agreement with Ideker, Inc., for the runway reconstruction project at Rosecrans Memorial Airport in the amount of $77,820.

Purchase of Procore Technologies, Inc. Project Management Software from Carahsoft Technology group both in the amount of $59,215 for tracking and managing capital improvements and other projects.

An ordinance authorizing the purchase and installation of required strobe lighting on the Frazier, Smith, and Lewis Tower sites by Midwest Mobile and an amendment to the public safety radio and tower maintenance fund budget all in the amount of $12,375.

Purchase of a Bauer high-pressure breathing air compressor in the amount of $89,856 from Conrad Fire Equipment, Inc., for use by the fire department.

Execution of work order with HDR engineering, inc. In the amount of $172,012 for collections system asset management program development at the water protection facility.

Nominations and appointments

Councilmember Andrew Trout nominates Danielle McGaughy to serve as a member of the Museum Oversight Board for a term expiring Jan. 1, 2029; she will be replacing Dan Hausman, whose term expires on Jan. 1, 2026. 

Mayor John Josendale nominates James Preston Dollar to serve as a member of the Museum Oversight Board for a term expiring Jan. 1, 2029; he will be replacing Hannorah Harrah, whose term expires on Jan. 1, 2026.

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Freedom Library hosting takeover night at Lutes Casino

KYMA on December 8, 2025

Marcos Icahuate

YMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Freedom Library is hosting a takeover at a local restaurant.

The takeover is planned for Thursday, December 11 at Lutes Casino.

Proceeds from the night at will go towards education and scholarships. The Freedom Library must be mentioned during purchase.

Lutes Casino is located at 221 S. Main Street in Downtown Yuma.

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College of the Desert Foster Youth Center collecting donations for comfort bags

KESQ on December 8, 2025

Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Foster Youth Center at College of the Desert is collecting donations to create comfort bags for foster students across the Coachella Valley. What began as a holiday project has grown into a year-round effort to ensure local foster youth receive basic essentials—and a reminder that they are not alone.

Philip Salas, Foster Youth Services counselor, says the bags will go to 112 foster youth students identified throughout the valley. Each one is filled with hygiene products, blankets, coloring books, and other personal essentials meant to provide dignity and immediate support.

“Their scars and their bruises are hidden. You don’t know who they are. There’s a lot more than you realize.”

Philip Salas, Foster Youth Services Counselor

Many foster youth, he explains, enter care with only a few belongings—often carried in trash bags. The center hopes these donations will replace those with sturdy, personal bags students can call their own.

“We felt that they needed a bag to put their belongings in so it’s not a trash bag, something they can actually have that’s their own and it’s filled with items that they may need quickly and items that they can use to try and take their minds as much as possible off it.”

Philip Salas, Foster Youth Services Counselor

Also helping lead the initiative is Alexandria Miller, a former foster youth student who knows firsthand how difficult these transitions can be. She recalls being given only a Walmart bag to gather her belongings.

“That part by itself is traumatizing, scary for anyone… These normal necessities, they’re not just normal for us anymore, this is a gift, this is something huge for us because we don’t have this.”

Alexandria Miller, Former Foster Youth Student

Miller notes that the holiday season can amplify feelings of isolation and uncertainty for foster youth.

Despite that reality, Salas says the community’s response has been overwhelming. Donations have poured in, filling the center with boxes that volunteers have eagerly broken down as supplies are sorted and packed.

Donations can be dropped off at College of the Desert’s Foster Youth Center during regular business hours.

For more information, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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San Mateo man charged in 2004 Idyllwild murder case

KESQ on December 8, 2025

City News Service

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – A 43-year-old man from San Mateo was officially charged Wednesday in the killing of an 18-year-old man whose body was found near a hiking trail in Idyllwild over 21 years ago, authorities said.

James Landi was charged with first-degree murder. He appears in court on Wednesday afternoon at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Deputies responded to a report made by a hiker who discovered human remains in the hills near Southfork Trail and Highway 74 in Idyllwild at 2:20 p.m. on March 21, 2004, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, who showed obvious signs of trauma. He was later identified as 18-year-old Reynaldo Burts of Hemet.

After several years, investigators identified James Landi as a person of interest, but still did not have sufficient evidence at the time to make an arrest, and the case went cold, the sheriff’s department announced.   

In August of this year, investigators from the sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit conducted a review of the case and identified additional investigative leads, and the case was reopened.

On Friday, investigators located Landi in San Mateo with assistance from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Gang Impact Team. Landi was arrested without incident on suspicion of murder and was booked into the Southwest Detention Center, where he was being held without bail.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact the department’s Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

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Santa sessions now available at East Hills Shopping Center

News-Press NOW on December 8, 2025

Leah Rainwater

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) — The St. Joseph Chamber of Commerce will celebrate one local business, which helps create lasting family memories during the holiday season.

Personally Yours brings Santa magic to St. Joseph and the surrounding areas, one jolly visit at a time.

The celebration will take place at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at the East Hills Shopping Center at Belt Highway and Frederick Avenue

Personally Yours, located at 3702 Frederick Ave., captures Santa photo sessions, in-home visits and holiday parties and events.

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Suspect arrested for fatal hit-and-run of Yuma woman

KYMA on December 8, 2025

Eduardo Morales

YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA) – The Yuma County Sheriff’s Office (YCSO) says a driver hit and killed 21-year-old Mariella Acosta of Yuma on South Avenue B and West County 14th Street early Saturday morning.

Deputies say she was walking along the side of the street when a passing vehicle hit her and did not stop.

Acosta died at the scene and the suspect, a 27-year-old man from Somerton, later turned himself in.

“It’s very important to stay on scene of a collision and that way all the facts and circumstances can be basically told to the first responders on scene,” said Cpl. William Rice, a corporal for YCSO.

The suspect is still in custody with a $100,000 bond and is facing one count of failing to stay at the scene of an accident involving death or injury.

YCSO has a warning for those considering leaving a scene like this.

“If you do happen to flee, this case and your case will not be closed, the sheriff’s office, and investigators will continue to work the case until the suspect is located,” says Tania Pavlak, the Public Affairs Specialist for YCSO.

The suspect is still in custody and is set to appear in court on Tuesday morning.

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