Month: June 2026

Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A newly announced framework peace agreement between the United States and Iran is offering hope for an end to months of conflict, but local leaders say many questions remain as negotiations move forward.

The agreement, announced Monday, calls for an immediate halt to military attacks and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global shipping route that carries a significant share of the world’s oil supply. The announcement helped ease concerns over global energy markets, with oil prices dropping following the news.

The framework also begins a 60-day period of negotiations aimed at reaching a broader peace agreement. Several major issues remain unresolved, including Iran’s nuclear program, U.S. economic sanctions, and long-term security arrangements in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel’s efforts to address threats in the region would continue, while officials from both the United States and Iran acknowledged that some of the most difficult discussions are still ahead.

For many in the Coachella Valley, the developments are deeply personal. Local residents and community leaders with family and friends in the Middle East have spent months following the conflict and hoping for an end to the violence.

Danny Labin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, said the temporary ceasefire is an encouraging step toward peace and expressed hope that ongoing negotiations will lead to a lasting agreement. He said the conflict has affected communities around the world and highlighted the importance of bringing people together to work toward peaceful solutions.

Labin also said recent events have underscored how connected communities have become, noting that conflicts happening thousands of miles away can have a direct emotional impact on local families with ties to the region.

Local leaders say the agreement has brought cautious optimism but are closely watching the next phase of negotiations to see whether the ceasefire can develop into a long-term peace.

A ceremonial signing of the framework agreement is expected later this week, with negotiators set to continue discussions over the next 60 days. Those talks are expected to address several of the complex issues left unresolved by the initial agreement.

For many Coachella Valley families with loved ones in the Middle East, community leaders say the hope is that the latest developments will lead to greater stability and a more peaceful future for the region.

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Dakota Makinen

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) — An 80-acre brush fire that sent a large plume of smoke into the sky over Mecca on Sunday is now contained, according to CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire was reported around 2:43 p.m. on Sunday near Avenue 72 and Highway 86. Battalion Chief Corey Clauson said the first engine arrived to find two to three acres burning at a dangerous rate of spread, with the potential to grow much larger.

Fire officials quickly called in additional resources, including engine companies and water tenders. The fire ultimately burned 80 acres before crews stopped its forward progress.

No evacuations were ordered and no injuries were reported.

Residents said the smoke was visible from miles away. Some expressed concern as they watched the fire spread, while others praised firefighters for quickly getting it under control.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Fire officials are reminding residents to prepare for wildfire season by clearing dry vegetation around their homes and having an evacuation plan in place.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – ABC Recovery Center, a nonprofit organization that provides addiction treatment services for individuals and families, celebrated the grand opening of a $27 million state-funded campus expansion today in Indio.

The grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony was held from 10:30 a.m. through 2 p.m. Monday at 44359 Palm St.

The event also featured remarks from staff and city officials and guided tours of the facility.

“This moment represents more than new buildings — it reflects hope, healing and the power of community,” Chris Yingling, CEO of the nonprofit, said in a statement.

The Behavioral Health Continuum Infrastructure Program campus added 120 new licensed beds across seven buildings, along with new residential spaces, clinical areas and wellness-focused amenities.

“Every space within this campus was designed intentionally — to foster connection, dignity and healing,” Yingling added.

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Kiera Seapy

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ)- With the Fourth of July just weeks away, Palm Springs fire officials are reminding residents to leave the fireworks to the professionals.

During a demonstration, Palm Springs Fire Capt. Ronald Skyberg showed how dry, brittle brush can catch on fire almost instantly if struck by a spark from a firework.

“There was some construction going on, and there was a spark from a piece of machinery that set the mountain on fire. A spark from a piece of machinery is the same exact spark that set the mountain on fire… A spark doesn’t know the difference. A spark is a spark” Skyberg said.

Officials say dry vegetation, high temperatures, and low humidity can create these conditions for a wildfire to ignite and spread.

Fire Marshal Taylor Teeple said that the city has a zero-tolerance policy on fireworks, including the so-called “safe and sane” fireworks.

Instead of lighting fireworks at home, officials encourage residents to attend a professional fireworks show.

Officials say anyone caught using fireworks within Palm Springs city limits can face a $1,000 fine.

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Peter Daut

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – For the first time since his sudden termination, former Desert Healthcare District CEO Chris Christensen is speaking out.

Christensen says he was fired in retaliation after publicly raising concerns about board conduct and the district’s performance review process. He also alleges he was offered nearly $100,000 in additional compensation to sign documents he believes were meant to silence him about what was happening behind the scenes.

“The district says your allegations are false. Why should people believe your version of events over theirs?” News Channel 3’s Peter Daut asked Christensen.

Christensen answered, “I would like to believe it’s because that I have the integrity to communicate the truth.”

DHCD sent a statement responding to the report:

The allegations made by the former CEO are categorically false and do not reflect the values, actions, or governance practices of our organization. We remain confident in the integrity of our board of directors who are dedicated to carrying out our mission in service to the community. Our focus remains where it has always been advancing health and. Wellness throughout the Coachella Valley through responsible stewardship, strong partnerships, and a steadfast commitment to integrity, accountability, and the public trust.”

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — An Indio veteran is celebrating a major milestone after reaching 10 million steps, the equivalent of more than 4,000 miles walked.

Rob Hartley reached the mark on Monday after spending the past eight months walking to raise money for veterans, children with disabilities and community projects.

What began as a personal challenge has grown into a mission to give back to the community. Along the way, Rob has continued to inspire supporters as he pushes himself to new heights while helping others.

After 10 million steps and more than 4,000 miles, his journey is far from over.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — The 32nd Palm Springs International ShortFest has announced its 2026 jury members and industry-focused Forum programming, spotlighting topics ranging from artificial intelligence in filmmaking to pitching, producing, and career development for emerging filmmakers.

The Oscar-qualifying short film festival, sponsored by the City of Palm Springs, will run June 23–29, with screenings held at Festival Theaters and Forum events taking place at the Hilton Palm Springs.

Leading this year’s Best of the Festival jury are filmmaker Dana Ledoux Miller (Moana 2), acclaimed director Gus Van Sant, director and actress Julia Aks, and producer Kayla Foster (Your Monster). Additional juries will recognize achievements in animation, documentary, live-action, international, comedy, LGBTQ+, and student filmmaking categories.

Award winners will be announced June 28 across five Academy Award-qualifying categories, with total cash prizes of $30,000.

The annual ShortFest Forum will feature panels, roundtables, mentorship opportunities, and networking sessions designed to connect filmmakers with industry professionals.

The Forum will also host one-on-one mentorship sessions, festival programming discussions, and networking opportunities with agents, managers, producers, distributors, and development executives.

Widely regarded as one of North America’s premier short film showcases, Palm Springs International ShortFest serves as a launchpad for emerging filmmakers, providing industry access and Academy Award-qualifying opportunities for selected films.

The full festival and Forum schedule is available through the Palm Springs International Film Society.

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Timothy Foster

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — Thousands of acres have burned in Riverside County as the Shore Fire continues to threaten communities, forcing evacuations and prompting significant road closures.

The wildfire sparked around 3:23 p.m. Monday near Lake Shore Drive and San Timoteo Canyon Road in the Badlands, southwest of Calimesa. Firefighters from Riverside County, Cal Fire, Hemet Fire Department, and Palm Springs Fire Department quickly responded to the blaze.

As the fire spread, Cal Fire issued mandatory evacuation orders for zones RVC-0231-B and RVC-0231-C, while several surrounding areas remained under evacuation warnings. Officials are urging residents in affected zones to leave immediately and stay informed through Cal Fire’s evacuation map at fire.ca.gov.

The wildfire also disrupted travel across the region. The westbound 60 Freeway was closed between Interstate 10 and Nason Street in Beaumont overnight, allowing firefighters to safely battle the flames and protect nearby communities. Eastbound traffic remained open, but officials warned that closures could continue as firefighting operations progress.

To support those displaced by the fire, Riverside County established an evacuation center for residents and their pets at Valley View High School in Moreno Valley. Large animals can be sheltered at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus in San Jacinto.

As of Tuesday morning, the Shore Fire had grown to 2,600 acres and was 25% contained. Fire crews continue to work in difficult terrain and changing weather conditions to slow the fire’s spread and protect homes and infrastructure.

Officials are encouraging residents to monitor evacuation updates and road conditions as firefighting efforts continue.

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Jesus Reyes

PINYON PINES, Calif. (KESQ) – A gunfight on Highway 74 near Pinyon Pines that ended with a 52-year-old man’s death began with a hit-and-run incident, before a dispute in a road construction zone broke out, the California Highway Patrol said today.

The deadly shooting occurred just after 2 p.m. Tuesday on the two-lane corridor between the communities of Ribbonwood and Pinyon Pines, southwest of Palm Desert, according to the CHP.

At that time, CHP Indio Communications Center received reports of a three vehicle hit-and-run crash involving a 2018 Ram 5500 tow truck driven by Gabriel Rodriguez, 52, of Midway City in Orange County. Investigators believe Rodriguez struck multiple vehicles and then fled eastbound on State Route 74. At about 2:15 p.m., Rodriguez reached a construction zone near Palm Canyon Drive where crews were directing one-way traffic. CHP says after ignoring traffic control workers, Rodriguez confronted a pilot vehicle that was guiding about 30 vehicles through the active work area. According to the preliminary investigation from CHP, Rodriguez, armed with a shotgun, fired several rounds into the air before exiting his vehicle. CHP says he then approached the pilot vehicle and pointed the shotgun at the driver. According to the investigation, the pilot vehicle driver fired a handgun after fearing for his life and the safety of others nearby, striking Rodriguez. Emergency personnel transported Rodriguez to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries. No uninvolved members of the public were injured during the incident. Detectives from the CHP Border Division Major Crimes Unit responded to the scene and took over the investigation. Detectives continue to collect evidence, conduct interviews, and review the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

The other individual involved in the shooting was initially taken into custody by Riverside County sheriff’s deputies on suspicion of firearm assault, but he was released the same day after questioning.

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact the CHP’s Border Division Major Crimes Unit at 858-944-6300.

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE (06/17/2026) 3:45 PM: The fire has burned 3,085 acres with 40% containment.

Evacuation orders for zones RVC-231-B and RVC-231-C have been downgraded to evacuation warnings. All other evacuation warnings associated with the Shore Fire have been lifted.

An evacuation orders remains in effect for the fire perimeter (Zone 117-SHORE FIRE PERIMETER), which encompasses the active fire area and immediate surrounding areas necessary to support ongoing firefighting operations.

Evacuation map as of 3:45 p.m. (6/17/26)

Evacuation and animal shelters established for the Shore Fire have been closed. Residents in need of assistance, shelter information, or access to virtual sheltering resources are encouraged to contact American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS (1-800-733-2767).

Residents & citizen in need of assistance or seeking relief from high temperatures are encouraged to utilize Riverside County’s Cool Centers. A list of available locations and operating hours can be found at: https://capriverside.org/cool-centers

UPDATE (06/17/2026) 8:08 AM: The fire remains at 3,085 acres and is now 40% contained. Ground crews made significant progress overnight constructing and strengthening containment lines, laying hose around the fire perimeter, and monitoring interior hotspot activity.

Original Report:

CALIMESA, Calif. (KESQ) – A brush fire in the Badlands southwest of Calimesa has grown to roughly 3,204 acres and 32% contained. The Shore fire is no longer posing a threat to the Moreno Valley (60) Freeway, which prompted authorities to reopen the westbound side of the corridor between Beaumont and Moreno Valley.

“Motorists should expect delays and remain alert for firefighters, law enforcement personnel and heavy equipment operating in the area,” according to a Riverside County Fire Department statement Tuesday. “Traffic conditions and roadway access remain subject to change.”

The westbound side of the six-lane freeway was shut down shortly after 10 p.m. Monday, affecting a three-mile stretch, as a public safety precaution. All traffic was diverted onto Interstate 10.

The California Highway Patrol said the dedicated westbound truck lane remained closed due to the number of emergency vehicles parked along the shoulder. Truckers were permitted to use the slow lane. A Sigalert remained in effect due to the ongoing disruptions.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 3:23 p.m. Monday in a sparsely populated area near Lake Shore Drive and San Timoteo Canyon Road.

County fire officials said multiple engine and hand crews from the county, Hemet Fire Department, Palm Springs Fire Department, Cal Fire-San Bernardino County and other agencies were sent to the location, which is on the north side of the rugged expanse between I-10 to the north and the 60 Freeway to the south.

Flames were moving at a moderate to rapid rate northward amid gusty afternoon winds, which died off around nightfall, enabling crews to begin encircling the brusher, officials said.

No homes or other structures were under imminent threat, but evacuation orders and warnings were issued for scattered residential and commercial properties in the immediate vicinity. A map identifying the impacted areas was available at protect.genasys.com/zones/US-CA-XRI-RVC-0231-B.

An evacuation center was established for people and pets at Valley View High School, 13135 Nason St., in Moreno Valley. Large animal intakes were also available at the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, 581 S. Grand Ave.

Cal Fire water-dropping helicopters were making targeted drops on the brusher Tuesday.

The terrain is difficult to negotiate on foot.

A hard closure along San Timoteo, between Redlands Boulevard and Lake Shore, remained in force.

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

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