Month: September 2026

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) — Jackie the Bald Eagle, whose life at Big Bear Lake captivated millions around the world, is being honored by the California State Senate.

Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) introduced Senate Resolution 140, proclaiming September 4, 2026, as California Wildlife Day in memory of Jackie. The resolution passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

Jackie became an international wildlife sensation in 2015 after Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a livestream camera at her nest. For more than a decade, viewers followed Jackie and her longtime mate, Shadow, as they raised eaglets and faced the challenges of life in the wild.

Her final chapter drew renewed attention this summer. Jackie was found injured and grounded at Big Bear Lake in July after an altercation with other eagles. She was taken to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she received intensive treatment, including a blood transfusion. Despite efforts to save her, Jackie died August 10.

Her death sparked an outpouring of grief in Big Bear, with residents and visitors leaving flowers, photographs and other tributes. For many, Jackie had become a familiar presence in their lives through the nest livestream.

“Jackie captured the hearts of people in California and around the world, giving so many of us a front-row seat to the beauty, strength, and resilience of wildlife,” Strickland said. “Her story reminds us that wildlife conservation brings people together.”

The resolution also recognizes California’s extraordinary biodiversity and the importance of protecting its natural heritage, including species such as the bald eagle, California condor and Mojave Desert tortoise.

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KESQ) — The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is investing approximately $23.5 million to replace aging transformers in the Coachella Valley, helping strengthen electric reliability, reduce the risk of equipment-related outages and prepare for growing energy demands.

The projects will replace transformers that have served customers for more than 30 years at Monroe Substation, North La Quinta Substation and the Coachella Switching Station. The work includes replacements at Monroe Substation Banks 1 and 2, North La Quinta Substation Bank 1 and Coachella Switching Station Bank 1.

“This is exactly the kind of proactive work that supports reliable service for our customers,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “By replacing aging transformers before they become a larger issue, IID is investing in the infrastructure our communities depend on.”

Engineering, procurement and construction will take place over multiple years because of long equipment lead times. The projects are expected to be placed into service between 2028 and 2029.

The investment is part of IID’s Powering Our Community Together initiative, which focuses on modernizing infrastructure and strengthening reliable public power service across the utility’s service area.

“These investments may not always be visible to customers, but they are critical to keeping the electric system strong,” Eugenio said.

IID says it will continue investing in infrastructure to address aging equipment, improve reliability and meet the long-term needs of customers in the Imperial and Coachella valleys.

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorcycle rider died following a collision involving a vehicle early Friday morning in Coachella, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station were dispatched at approximately 5 a.m. to the area of Avenue 54 and Tyler Street regarding a collision involving a motorcycle.

Upon arrival, deputies found the motorcycle rider in the roadway and provided life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. The rider was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition, where they were later pronounced deceased.

He was later identified as Salvador Olivas, 55, of Thermal.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision remained at the scene and was cooperative with deputies, according to the sheriff’s department.

The Coachella Community Action Team responded and assumed the investigation. Authorities said drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been a factor in the collision, although the investigation into the cause remains ongoing.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said no further details will be released at this time. Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to contact Corporal T. Garfin at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at 760-863-8990.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 760-341-STOP (7867).

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ)- UPDATE: According to the California Highway Patrol’s incident page the sig alert has ended and the westbound Interstate 10 Washington Street off-ramp is now back open.

Original Report

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ)- A semi truck crashed into a light pole and guardrails on the westbound Interstate 10 Washington Street off-ramp early Friday morning, prompting the California Highway Patrol to request a hard closure of the ramp while crews work to clean up and recover the vehicle.

According to information provided by CHP, the crash was first reported at approximately 2:48 a.m. The semi struck a light pole and guardrails, leaving the Washington Street off-ramp blocked.

Caltrans was notified shortly after the crash, at approximately 2:51 a.m.

By 3:34 a.m., CHP reported that both drivers apparently told officers they were not injured. The semi truck was estimated to weigh about 40,000 pounds and was reportedly experiencing steering problems. Officers also reported leaking air lines.

A heavy-duty tow was requested as crews worked to determine how to safely remove the truck.

Officer Torres with CHP said the Washington Street off-ramp will remain closed for some time because of the cleanup and recovery operation. Torres said the closure is related in part to a diesel fuel leak from the semi.

CHP requested a hard closure of the off-ramp at approximately 3:38 a.m. and requested assistance from Cal Fire because of the reported leak. Cal Fire was notified shortly afterward.

Despite the collision and fuel leak, officials said no one was harmed. However, the disabled semi is blocking a lane and must be recovered before the roadway can fully reopen.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-10 should avoid the Washington Street off-ramp and use an alternate exit. Drivers should expect the closure to continue while cleanup, fuel removal and vehicle recovery operations are completed.

CHP has not provided an estimated reopening time for the off-ramp.