Author: KESQ

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As New Year’s Eve celebrations get underway, safety advocates are once again urging people to plan ahead before drinking and driving. While free rideshare programs are available to help keep impaired drivers off the road, organizers say participation remains lower than expected—despite New Year’s Eve being one of the most dangerous nights for traffic fatalities.

Rideshare driver Suzanne Golas says she’s preparing for what she expects will be a busy night, with many people heading out to celebrate the new year.

“We’re expecting that, that goes without saying. Just be mindful of your surroundings, be accountable for yourself, check the license plate of the car before you get in.”

Suzanne Golas, Rideshare Driver

Golas says she regularly helps people get home safely after they’ve had too much to drink and believes many in the Coachella Valley are aware of the dangers of drinking and driving.

However, attorney Walter Clark of the Walter Clark Legal Group says awareness isn’t always translating into action. His firm is offering a free rideshare program on New Year’s Eve to prevent impaired driving, but Clark says usage has typically been lower than anticipated.

“We’re just disappointed because the fact that we make it available and hope that by making it available we’re bringing attention to a problem which is really really serious.”

Walter Clark, Walter Clark Legal Group Attorney

Clark believes many people underestimate how impaired their judgment becomes after drinking, leading them to think it’s safe to drive.

Officials warn that drinking and driving can result in serious consequences, including crashes, injuries, arrests, fines, and license suspension. Despite these risks, Clark says the message still isn’t fully getting through.

“If we are taxing and benefiting from people serving alcohol at restaurants and bars and shocked when people go home – we’re encouraging the problem. We’re also looking the other way when we realize that the alcohol beverage industry spends 7 billion dollars a year encouraging people to drink, at every event.”

Walter Clark, Walter Clark Legal Group Attorney

As advocates continue calling for change, rideshare drivers say they’re ready to help keep roads safe.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Daniella Lake

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Local healthcare nonprofits, such as Elder Love USA in Palm Desert, are bracing for the expiration of Affordable Care Act subsides, which will affect how clients access their services.

“Because they can’t afford the premiums now, they are going to lose access to all the things we’re helping them with. So imagine your father, mother, grandfather, grandmother, no longer being able to bathe themselves, cook a meal, get to the doctor…” says Shannon Shea, director of Elder Love USA.

She says that without clients, their staff won’t have jobs.

Nonprofit leaders say that 2025 brought a lot of uncertainty for the sector. A report from the National Survey of Nonprofit Trends and Impacts found that one in three nonprofits reported experiencing government funding disruptions.

Stephanie Minor, director of development for the Regional Access Point Foundation, advises nonprofits to diversify their portfolios. “You need to have individual donors, you need to have corporate sponsorship, you need to have funding from foundations,” Minor says.

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Karen Devine

COACHELL VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As 2025 comes to a close, News Channel 3 is taking a look back at the crimes that shocked, saddened, and reshaped communities across the Coachella Valley.

From a deadly terrorist attack in Palm Springs to the heartbreaking death of a baby whose disappearance gripped the nation, this year marked a shift in how crime impacted local families and how law enforcement responded.

Terrorist Attack in Palm Springs

The biggest crime story of the year unfolded on May 17, when a vehicle packed with homemade explosives detonated outside the American Reproductive Centers in Palm Springs.

The blast, heard across the valley, killed the suspect, 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, and injured four others. Investigators say Bartkus was motivated by anti-natalist beliefs.

Federal authorities later confirmed Bartkus acted intentionally.An alleged supplier of the chemicals used in the bombing was arrested but later died in federal custody. The FBI says the terrorism investigation remains ongoing.

“This is good guys one, bad guys zero,” said Akil Davis, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office.

Missing Baby Case Ends with Confession

The disappearance of 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro became one of the most disturbing cases of the year.

His parents initially reported him kidnapped from a parking lot in Yucaipa, triggering a nationwide search. Months of investigation followed as a memorial grew outside the family’s Cabazon home and online sleuths descended on the area.

The case took a shocking turn when Emmanuel’s father, Jake Haro, confessed. He pleaded guilty to murder and was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison. Emmanuel’s body has still not been found.

His mother, Rebecca Haro, is awaiting trial and is accused of a pattern of abuse.

13-Year-Old Killed in Cathedral City Drive-By

One of the most brutal crimes of 2025 happened in Cathedral City.

Thirteen-year-old Alan Martinez was shot and killed in a drive-by while standing with friends in his neighborhood.

Two suspects — James Ian Carter, 19, and Christian Arturo Milward Ildefonso, 18 years old pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder and gang enhancement charges. They are scheduled to return to court on January 28.

Valley-wide Homicide Numbers

Across the Coachella Valley, 20 homicides were recorded in 2025 two more than the year before.

Palm Springs: 2 homicides (down from 5 in 2024)

Desert Hot Springs: 2 (down from 3)

Cathedral City: 2 (up from 0)

Indio: 6, plus one additional case under investigation (up from 1)

Coachella (Riverside County Sheriff areas): 4 (down from 6)

Other unincorporated areas, including Mecca, Cabazon, and county land near Coachella, accounted for the remaining cases.

Fentanyl and the Deaths of Children

The fentanyl crisis continued to impact the valley — including its youngest residents.

In Desert Hot Springs, two-year-old Nova Morreo died after accidental fentanyl exposure. Her mother, Crystal Monique Ward, and her boyfriend, Israel Contreras, were charged with felony child endangerment.

Nova was one of two children under the age of four in the city to die from fentanyl exposure in 2025.

“It’s a tragedy when anybody passes away,” said Detective Sgt. Cory Carranza. “It’s even worse when it’s a child and it’s 100 percent preventable.”

Countywide, fentanyl deaths dropped in 2024 to 328, down from 543 the year before. Final numbers for 2025 have not yet been compiled, but investigators warn the danger remains high.

High-Profile Arrests and Verdicts

Several long-running and high-profile cases reached major milestones in 2025:

Adam Slater, a Palm Desert father, was sentenced to death for the 2020 murder of his one-year-old daughter, Madalyn. Prosecutors called the verdict long overdue.

Local CEO William “Billy” Rodrigues was charged with murder and hit-and-run in a deadly crash. He was released on $2 million bail and awaits trial.

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez pleaded not guilty to felony conflict-of-interest and perjury charges, which could bar him from public office if convicted.

Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet pleaded guilty to bribery, conspiracy, and perjury, ending a decades-long political scandal. He was sentenced to probation and fines.

Developer John Wessman was found not guilty on all counts, closing a long-running City Hall corruption case.

A Case 15 Years in the Making

The year also brought closure to one of Palm Springs’ oldest murder cases.

The final defendant in the killing of Clifford Lambert was sentenced to life in prison, more than 15 years after the crime.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Phillip Zamudio, Palm Springs resident, said a prolonged power outage over Christmas has left him and neighbors uneasy as more rain is expected to move into the region, raising concerns it could happen again.

Zamudio said electricity went out at his home on Christmas Eve just as family and friends gathered for dinner.

He said Southern California Edison (SCE) initially estimated the outage would last about 45 minutes, but power was not restored for roughly 12 hours.

“It was super disappointing and upsetting on Christmas Eve to have no power,” Zamudio said.

He said the outage forced his guests to leave early and disrupted holiday plans, adding stress over food stored in refrigerators and freezers.

While power eventually returned, he said the experience has changed how his household prepares for bad weather.

“Now part of our routine is charging all the battery packs, charging our cell phones,” Zamudio said. “We had to go out and buy emergency lights after the last power outage.”

With rainy conditions in the forecast, Zamudio said he’s worried it could happen again.

“I’m extremely nervous,” Zamudio said.

Jeff Monford, SCE spokesperson, said the Christmas outage was caused by severe winds that brought down a power line and sparked a power pole fire.

“We know that any outage of any length is a hardship,” Monford said. “This one was especially difficult not only because of the holiday but because of the length.”

Zamudio said as a Palm Springs taxpayer, the lack of communication from the city is disappointing.

“We do a great job about announcing parades or someone getting a star, or an award or the film festival,” Monford said. “But when it comes to safety, not a lot of communication.”

In a statement to News Channel 3 Kitty Alvarado, Palm Springs Public Information Officer, said responsibility for power outages, including their cause and timing, rests solely with SCE.

“The City of Palm Springs is not notified in advance of unplanned outages and receives the same information as residents before, during, and after these events. For specific details about outages, we encourage residents to contact SCE directly.

We understand that these outages are frustrating for our community, and the City shares those concerns. The City of Palm Springs continues to work to keep SCE engaged and responsive to our residents. The City has hosted several “Power Talk” community meetings with SCE at City Hall and will continue to strongly encourage SCE to meet with residents, provide transparency, and address ongoing issues in our neighborhoods.

We also recommend that all residents sign up for SCE alerts to receive real-time updates on planned and unplanned outages. We have links conveniently located on Engage Palm Springs, our community information website.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) –

Update 10:00 p.m.: One man is in custody after a police standoff in Palm Desert that started about 4:00 p.m.

The man was taken from the scene by ambulance. Authorities have not released his identity or why he was wanted.

5:14 p.m.: Law enforcement is working to have a wanted suspect surrender at a community in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon.

There’s a standoff underway near the Canterra Apartments on the 74000 block of E Hovley Lane.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the incident started at around 3:45 p.m. when deputies responded to the area regarding a wanted suspect.

“Upon arrival, the suspect entered a residence and refused to exit and comply.  Deputies are currently on scene attempting to establish communication with the suspect.  The Riverside Sheriff’s Office’s Crisis Negotiations Team is also on scene, attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender,” writes Sergeant Robert Martinez, RSO spokesperson.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The opening of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was delayed Tuesday due to a plumbing issue, officials told News Channel 3.

The tram announced in the morning that it would be delaying its opening. The tram opened just before 4:30 p.m. In an earlier statement tram officials confirmed that plumbing crews were on scene working to correct the issue.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A man missing since Dec. 22 was rescued from a trail in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon.

Daniel Hernandez, 27, was rescued on the Art Smith Hiking Trail. The rescue happened at around 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

Fire crews responded to a report of an injured person on the trail. Crews made access on foot up the trail to the patient’s location. Riverside County Sheriff’s helicopter Rescue9 hoisted the man from the location.

Authorities identified the man as Daniel Hernandez, who was reported missing last week. He was last seen in the 63000 block of Highway 74 in Mountain Center.

There was no word on the severity of Hernandez’s injuries, but he is in stable condition, authorities confirmed. Family told News Channel that he has been taken to Eisenhower Health for treatment. As of Tuesday evening, he was heading into the ICU.

Highway 74 was closed for the rescue. It was reopened at around 2:45 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Hundreds of bills signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom are set to take effect in California in 2026.   

The list of new laws, most of which take effect Thursday, include a minimum wage increase, a ban on plastic grocery bags and new ingredient for tortillas. Other new laws among the more than 800 laws passed last year address antisemitism in schools, low-cost insulin, and protections for consumers, workers and renters.   

“California is proving once again that progress isn’t something we talk about, it’s something we build,” Newsom said in a statement. “While some in Washington remain stuck debating yesterday’s problems, we’re focused on delivering real solutions for today’s families. These new laws reflect who we are: a state that protects workers, respects students, puts people before politics, and isn’t afraid to hold powerful interests accountable.”  

Detailed information about some laws taking effect in California in 2026 can be found at newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/new-california-laws-going-effect-2026.

Here is a sampling (laws take effect Jan. 1 unless otherwise noted):

Minimum Wage  

SB 3. The minimum wage is set to increase to $16.90 per hour toaccount for inflation. The threshold for exempt workers will rise to $70,304per year. Some local minimum wages, along with wages for fast food and healthcare industries, are higher.  

Tip Theft

SB 648. The California Labor Commissioner can investigate, issue citations or file for civil action over tips that an employer takes from a worker.

Tortillas  

AB 1830. Most store-bought corn tortillas and other corn masa products must be fortified with folic acid. The law was passed in 2024 to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Small businesses that make the products are exempt.

Plastic Bags  

SB 1053. After phasing out plastic bags at retailers for nearly a decade, California now further tightens the previous law by completely eliminating single carry-out bags, including the thick kind that was widely considered reusable.

Cat Declawing  

AB 867 bans cat owners from having their cats declawed.

Immigration  

AB 1261 requires the state to provide legal counsel to immigrant youths in federal or related state immigration proceedings.

Juvenile Justice  

AB 651. Incarcerated parents must be given the opportunity to be physically present at dependency hearings related to their child. If physical presence is waived, they can participate through videoconference or teleconference.

Court Procedure  

AB 1524 will make public electronic records viewable at the court. People will be able to use their own equipment to copy court records for free, while the integrity of the record will still be protected.

Artificial Intelligence  

AB 316. A defendant may not say artificial intelligence that they developed, modified, or used that is alleged is to have caused harm to the plaintiff did so autonomously. Additionally, law enforcement agencies will need to identify when artificial intelligence was used in official reports and the type of program they used (SB 524).

 State Snake

SB 765 establishes the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) as the official snake of California.

Law Enforcement Identification  

SB 805 requires law enforcement officers operating in California to display their agency and a name or badge number to the public, with some exceptions.

Diwali Holiday  

AB 268 recognizes Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — as an official state holiday. The law authorizes public schools and community colleges to close, while state employees could also take the day off. Diwali falls on Sunday, Nov. 8 in 2026, meaning the holiday would be observed on the following Monday. 

Parking Tickets  

AB 1299. Agencies are allowed to reduce or waive parking penalties if a person can show evidence of an inability to pay it in full because of financial hardship or homelessness. The person could file a request for a payment plan.

Food Allergies  

SB 68. California becomes the first state in the nation to require restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus (takes effect in July).

Streaming Volume  

SB 576. Video streaming services are banned from making the volume of ads louder than the video that consumers are watching (takes effect in July).

Antisemitism  

AB 715 establishes a state Office of Civil Rights to help school districts identify and prevent discrimination based on antisemitism, gender, religious and LGBTQ status. It will also handle questions and complaints.

Insulin  

SB 40. Caps insulin co-pay costs at $35 for a 30-day supply for Californians on private health plans.

Renters’ Appliances  

AB 628. Property owners will be required to provide working appliances, including heating and hot water systems in rental units. For appliances, such as a stove and refrigerator, to be considered in good working condition, tenants should be able to safely cook and store food. Landlords will also be required to maintain the appliances. If a household item is subject to a recall, it should be repaired or replaced within 30 days.

Burglary Tools  

AB 486. It becomes a misdemeanor to possess a key-programming device, key-duplicating device or signal extender with the intent to commit burglary. Violators could face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Food Delivery  

AB 578. Food delivery apps and platforms are mandated to give customers full refunds, including tips, taxes and fees, if their order is not delivered or the wrong order is delivered. The new law also requires the companies to give refunds to the original payment method, not just credits.

Used Cars   

SB 766 allows people who buy or lease a used car to return it within three days. It also requires certain disclosures from the dealer (takes effect Oct. 1).

Cal State Admission  

SB 640 expands a direct admission program for qualified high school students. The students are guaranteed admission to CSU campuses.

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Jesus Reyes

MOUNT BALDY, Calif. (KESQ) – Rescue crews found three missing hikers dead and rescued two others Monday on Mount Baldy, authorities announced.

Three hikers found dead

The discovery was made after personnel from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and the Fontana Sheriff’s Station responded to a request to locate an injured 19-year-old male hiker near Devils Backbone. The hiker reportedly fell approximately 500 feet.

Authorities said his friend and hiking companion hiked to an area with cellular service and provided GPS coordinates to assist rescuers. The two were not injured.

Search and Rescue ground crews began their ascent while Sheriff’s Air Rescue initiated an aerial search.

During the aerial search, deputies located the injured hiker and located two additional individuals nearby who have not been identified. Authorities clarified that the two other people found were not with the 19-year-old; crews happened to locate them during the operation. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., an airship from Los Angeles County assisted in the effort. High winds again prevented a hoist operation; however, an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased.  Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue. Recovery operation for all the subjects is underway.   

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Two hikers rescued in separate incident on mountain

An 18-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were rescued Monday just before 2 p.m. near Ontario Peak Trail in Mt. Baldy. The two hikers were stranded on the trail after one of them fell approximately 100 feet, sustaining injuries. They were able to call 911 for assistance and provide their location.  

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Air Rescue arrived on scene, located the hikers, and performed a hoist rescue.

This rescue was a separate search-and-rescue call from the Devil’s Backbone Trail incident.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public to please prepare adequately before hiking, bring appropriate supplies, avoid hiking during inclement weather conditions, carry a global positioning satellite (GPS) device, and only hike on open and designated trails.

For further safety related information, please visit https://westvalleysar.org/wilderness-safety/.

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Gavin Nguyen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A new law aimed at improving safety within the homes of gun owners in California is set to go into effect with the turn of the new year.

Senate Bill 53, passed in 2024, mandates secure firearms storage in the state.

The bill’s text reads:

“This bill would, beginning on January 1, 2026, require a person who possesses a firearm in a residence to keep the firearm securely stored when the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the person or another lawful authorized user. For purposes of these provisions, a firearm is securely stored if the firearm is maintained within, locked by, or disabled using a certified firearm safety device or secure gun safe that meets specified standards.”

The California Department of Justice provides a webpage where gun owners can search for approved safety devices compatible with their firearm.

News Channel 3 previously reported on a looming ban on Glock handguns, as well. That ban stops consumers from purchasing new models on July 1st, 2026, but starting January 1st, gun dealers will no longer be able to import them for sale to civilians.

The owner of Golden State Armory, a local gun store in Thousand Palms, Kent Miller, said he experienced a rush of customers looking to purchase that brand in the months leading up to the ban, as he previously predicted.

Also coming down the pipe: California Assembly Bill 1263. That assembly bill imposes stricter rules for gun owners looking to purchase firearms parts and accessories.

“The red tape system been placed on buying accessories has caused the majority of people who sell online or ship firearm parts of components to just say they’re not going to ship or sell to California any longer,” Miller explained.

News Channel 3 is speaking with gun stores and gun owners in the Coachella Valley about what they think this new law will do for safety. Stay with us for more.

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