Author: KESQ

City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Bighorn Cares will award more than $800,000 in grants to 53 Coachella Valley nonprofit organizations next month in Palm Desert.

The funds will be presented at an invitation-only awards dinner Jan. 20 at The Vault, a state-of-the-art car museum inside the Bighorn Golf Club at 255 Palowet Drive, officials said.

This year, the grant program received $4.8 million in funding requests from 200 nonprofits across the region.   

“Every request represents important, meaningful work,” Kelly Levy, Bighorn Cares’ director of charities, said in a statement. “What made this year particularly challenging is how interconnected these organizations are in their efforts to strengthen our community.’  

Nonprofits selected to receive funding include Animal Samaritans, Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert, Inc., Coachella Valley Repertory, Desert Arc, Galilee Center, Hanson House Foundation, Los Medicos Voladores, Mizell Center, Olive Crest, Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, Rancho Mirage Woman’s Club, Smiles for Seniors Foundation, The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens and Voices for Children.  

“Our goal is to invest in projects that deliver real, measurable outcomes,” Bighorn Cares Chairman Joe Kirby said in a statement. “These grants are a reflection of our belief in the local organizations doing essential work and our commitment to helping them build a stronger future for the region.”

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – The California Highway Patrol today reminded motorists that a series of new traffic and safety laws will take effect in the new year, affecting everything from e-bikes to school zones and autonomous vehicles.

Under Assembly Bill 486, it will be 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.

In response to the growing popularity of electric bicycles, AB 544 requires riders to outfit their bikes with a red reflector or a solid or flashing red light with a built-in reflector on the rear at all times — not just during darkness as previously required.   

Minors cited for helmet violations will be able to meet safety education requirements by completing an online CHP e-bike safety and training program.

Another bill allows local governments to lower speed limits in school zones from 25 mph to 20 mph by posting signage.   

A separate law affecting autonomous vehicles authorizes law enforcement agencies to issue a “notice of autonomous vehicle noncompliance” to manufacturers when an autonomous vehicle allegedly commits a traffic violation.

Beginning July 1, AB 1777 will set requirements for how autonomous vehicles interact with first responders, including mandating that manufacturers provide a two-way communication system for emergency personnel.

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Kendall Flynn

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Members of the Yucca Valley community are holding a vigil for Michael Ramos Jr. on Friday. Ramos, 18, was taken off life support Friday after sustaining injuries from a shooting at a party on Dec. 22.

Friends and family gathered to share memories of Ramos and speak about who he was as a person, his coaches taking an extra step to remember his life.

“To see everybody that cared so much for him, you know, he touched a lot of lives and for everybody to keep his spirit alive like that. The coach says they’re going to keep him his 13, retire his jersey for the 13,” said Christina Barreto, Ramos’ grandparent.

The shooting was reported Sunday at around 9:50 p.m. on the 57000 block of Chipmunk Trail.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the shooting was at a party. Ramos was involved in an argument with another man, identified as Nicholas Daniel Lee, 29, of Yucca Valley. Lee allegedly shot Ramos and fled the location.

Lee was found hiding in the area and arrested. He was charged on Wednesday with murder, attempted murder, among several other charges, according to court records. He pleaded not guilty to all charges on Friday. Lee remains in custody on $2 million bail.

After the shooting, Ramos was placed on life support, where the family reported through a GoFundMe page that he was not expected to survive. During the vigil, it was announced he was taken off life support.

“I left him a voicemail too. On his phone and he put it on his Instagram when I heard it the other day, it kind of like hit me hard, but you know what he’s he’s in a better place right now,” said Anthony Morales, Ramos’ grandparent.

The family says they’re unsure of what the future looks like, but they hope the community continues to remember this hometown hero. Live life to the fullest.

“Live life to the fullest. That’s what Michael would want, AKA Froggy. Live life to the fullest. That’s, that’s it. Live the way he lived,” said Jesse Barreto, Ramos’ grandparent.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on the case.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – If a holiday gift didn’t fit quite right—or arrived broken—you’re not alone. The day after Christmas marks the start of gift return season, and retailers and shipping stores across the Coachella Valley are preparing for a surge of post-holiday returns.

Local shoppers wasted no time heading back to stores to exchange unwanted items. Some came prepared with receipts and credit cards in hand, hoping to make the process as smooth as possible. Others opted to ship their returns instead of returning items in person.

At AIM Mail Center, Matt Sater, owner, says the weeks following Christmas are among the busiest of the year.

“The big volume comes in after Christmas. Obviously people got something that they need to exchange so in the month of December our returns, our drop offs double or triple in size depending on the store.”

Matt Sater, AIM Mail Center Owner

Clothing and electronics top the list of most-returned items, mainly due to sizing issues or duplicate gifts. But many shoppers are caught off guard by an added expense—returning items can cost money.

According to the National Retail Federation, nearly three-quarters of retailers charge some type of return fee, especially for online purchases. Sater says customers are often surprised to learn that shipping isn’t truly free.

“Understand what you got. Shipping isn’t free. When you buy it they hide that shipping cost so they believe it’s free. So understanding that so when you get here you know that it’s going to cost you a little bit of money.”

Matt Sater, AIM Mail Center Owner

There is some good news for shoppers who need extra time. Many retailers offer extended holiday return windows.

Key Retailer Deadlines:

Apple: Most items through Jan. 8, 2026

Best Buy: Most items through Jan. 15, 2026.

Target: Most items through Jan. 24, 2026.

Amazon: Most items through Jan. 31, 2026

Macy’s: Most items through Jan. 31, 2026. 

Walmart: Most items through Jan. 31, 2026

Shipping experts say preparation can save both time and frustration. Having items packaged properly, labels ready, and receipts available can speed up the process and help avoid delays.

Shoppers are also encouraged to act quickly and double-check receipts for exceptions or special conditions.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission served more than 600 meals to those in need this Christmas during their annual holiday breakfast and dinner.

The meals were free and open to the general public, serving a wide range of clients from those experiencing homelessness to others living paycheck to paycheck.

For many, it offered more than just a hot meal, but a sense of community.

“It’s about family, friends and in my heart it’s about being with the less fortunate,” Richard Otero, a volunteer at the mission said.

One Salt Lake City family said volunteering at the mission has become apart of their Christmas tradition.

“My brother passed away about ten years ago, and so to honor him, we wear this little bell necklace on Christmas and do something to serve other people in his memory,” Mindy and Nick Rich said.

For many clients working to rebuild their lives at the mission, helping serve the meals is a stepping stone in their recovery.

“Maybe we didn’t do the same things, but we all met the same demise, right? So it’s beautiful that we can all bond over that and just better ourselves in the end … Working here in the kitchen four days a week has helped me get a new job outside of here and stuff and just rebuild my life completely,” Leah Juarez said.

To learn more about the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission’s programs, visit: https://cvrm.org/.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Well in the Desert partnered with Oscar’s Palm Springs to help provide free breakfast meals to those in need of one during the holiday.

Oscar’s has been continuing this annual tradition since 2016.

“It’s the least I can do as a community member is get back to the community, and especially people that in need, especially on a, on a holiday like today. It’s, it’s, it’s important,” said Dan Gore, owner of Oscar’s.

The event provides not only hot meals but also gifts cards, clothes, and what members of Oscar’s say, lots of love for those in need of it for the holidays.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Walter Clark Legal Group is once again offering its New Year’s Eve Safe Ride Home Program, reimbursing taxi or Lyft rides after New Year’s celebrations.

Take a cab or Lyft ride home after the party when you’ve become impaired by alcohol, and get your fare reimbursed by Walter Clark Legal Group because you made the choice to keep everyone safe. The program is only available for taxis or Lyfts; it will not apply for Uber.

WHO CAN USE THE SAFE RIDE HOME PROGRAM?

The Walter Clark Legal Group Safe Ride Home Program is intended for people who drive to a local restaurant or bar, have one or more alcoholic drinks, and find themselves over the legal BAC limit. For over a decade, Walter Clark Legal Group has paid for rides home to keep drivers like these off the road during busy holidays, when the number of accidents increases.

“I have, and just about everybody I know has, at some time driven when they shouldn’t, and the reason that happens is that after you have a drink, you think you’re fine. That’s the effect of impairment,” says Walter Clark, founder of Walter Clark Legal Group. “If you see somebody who doesn’t look like they should be driving, get them a Lyft or cab ride home, and we’ll pay for it.”

HOW DOES IT WORK?

Walter Clark Legal Group is offering reimbursement for rides home taken between 10:00 PM PST and 3:00 AM PST on:

Tuesday, December 30, 2025

Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Thursday, January 1, 2026

Ride must be taken within the following areas of Southern California:

Coachella Valley cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, Coachella

Victorville

El Centro

Banning

Yucca Valley and Morongo Valley

To be eligible for reimbursement, register for a Reimbursement Coupon on Eventbrite. You will receive an email that confirms your receipt of a free Reimbursement Coupon.

After the event, registered participants will receive an email with instructions on how to apply for reimbursement. Reimbursement checks will be mailed to a participant’s mailing address.

ADDITIONAL PROGRAM RULES:

• Reimbursement coupon is valid for a single one-way ride from a bar, restaurant, or residence to a safe destination. The “safe destination” must be a hotel or residence. Requests for reimbursement for destinations that are business locations will not be honored.

• Valid for a maximum fare of $50.00.

• Participants must be 21 years of age or older.

• Participants must have a valid driver’s license.

• Rides must be taken within the Coachella Valley cities of Palm Springs, Palm Desert, Cathedral City, Desert Hot Springs, Rancho Mirage, Indian Wells, La Quinta, Bermuda Dunes, Indio, Coachella; Victorville; El Centro; Banning; Yucca Valley; or Morongo Valley.

• Only valid for cab or Lyft rides taken between 10:00 PM PST and 3:00 AM PST on Tuesday, December 30, 2025; Wednesday, December 31, 2025; and Thursday, January 1, 2026. Uber fares will not be reimbursed.

• Limit 1 reimbursement per household per day.

This offer is sponsored by Walter Clark Legal Group, a personal injury law firm specializing in cases serving the Coachella Valley, Banning, Victor Valley, Yucca Valley, Morongo Basin, and El Centro areas of Southern California.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two people were arrested after Indio police served search warrants as part of an ongoing investigation into narcotics and firearms violations earlier this week.

Indio police detectives assigned to the Street Crimes Unit, with assistance from the IPD Major Crimes Unit and the  Eastern Region Post-Release Accountability and Compliance Team (P.A.C.T.)

During the operation, detectives contacted a 29-year-old woman who was inside a vehicle stopped by detectives in Indio. Police said she was found to be in possession of methamphetamine and marijuana packaged for sales and was taken into custody for narcotics-related violations.

Detectives also served a search warrant in the 47000 block of Monroe Street in Indio. During the search, detectives located a stolen revolver, a fully automatic  AR-style pistol, and fentanyl packaged for sale. The male suspect associated with this residence was not located at the time of the search and is currently wanted for multiple weapons-related violations.

A separate search warrant was served in the 47000 block of Iris Way in the  City of La Quinta. The suspect at that location, a 22-year-old man, was taken into custody without incident. During the search of the residence, detectives located a Glock pistol.

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Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 has partnered with General Air Conditioning and Plumbing to provide gifts to families in need this Christmas.

Nearly 60 Coachella Valley families sent in letters to the North Pole with their wishlist from Santa. A group of people went through each letter and picked 22 families to deliver gifts to based on need. Patrick Somers, the President and CEO of General Air Conditioning and Plumbing said it’s a special tradition.

“It goes along with a lot of our philosophy, and that is when we’re blessed, we want to be able to bless others,” Somers said. “We want to give back to the community.”

The families for this Christmas have been selected and gifts have been delivered, helping to spread holiday cheer and even essential supplies to locals. For many residents, they are facing hardships and wanted to be able to provide gifts to their children.

“This means a lot, because, as you know, and times are rough and we’re really trying to, provide a good Christmas for my daughters,” Linda Vega, one of the recipients said.”

Vega said she wrote a “Dear Santa” letter because he husband is currently undergoing cancer treatment. She asked for two bikes for her daughters, which is a gift that goes beyond learning how to ride.

“Once my husband, finishes treatment,” Vega said. “Our goal is to provide a very healthy lifestyle for my my husband, my family.”

Another recipient, Nora Diaz and her daughter, were in need of an additional carseat for her one-year-old granddaughter Dahlia Rodriguez. Nora helps her daughter taking Dahlia to daycare, but they’ve been having to take extra time to switch the carseat between vehicles.

“It’s amazing that this community can, help out parents that are going through times right now and to just a simple act of asking for a car seat,” Diaz said.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from recipients on their message to other families facing challenges this Christmas.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities today were continuing their search for a 47-year-old felon accused of perpetrating numerous thefts at hospitals throughout the region, netting tens of thousands of dollars of equipment while posing as an employee at each facility.

Jason Suniga Brauner of San Jacinto was due to appear for a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice on Dec. 19 but didn’t show, according to court records.

Riverside County Superior Court Judge Francisco Navarro immediately revoked Brauner’s $100,000 bond and signed a bench warrant for the defendant’s arrest. As of Christmas Day, he had not been located.

Brauner is charged with burglary, receiving stolen property and being a prior-strike felon. He pleaded not guilty during his arraignment in August. At that time, his public defender requested that the case be transferred to the county’s Veterans Court for a determination as to whether Brauner may qualify for the program.   

Information regarding the defendant’s prior military experience was unavailable. Former service members who have committed nonviolent offenses can be referred to Veterans Court and, if accepted, they’re able to receive therapy, obtain vocational training and exercise other options while onprobation. The program is intended to keep offenders out of jail.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, on the afternoon of  July 9, deputies were alerted to a theft at Eisenhower Health on Bob Hope Drive, resulting in the loss of unspecified medial gear.  

Sgt. Bryan Whitley said the ensuing investigation identified Brauner as the alleged perpetrator.  

“Brauner … gained access to restricted areas of the facility while dressed as hospital staff,” the sheriff’s spokesman said. “Over three separate incidents in June and July, Brauner stole more than $100,000 worth of surgical equipment and skin grafts, wearing blue scrubs and a surgical mask to blend in with hospital personnel and avoid detection.”   

Whitley said further investigation confirmed the defendant had committed similar thefts at hospitals in Loma Linda and Newport Beach.   

“There may be additional victims,” he said.   

On the afternoon of Aug. 6, San Diego County sheriff’s deputies, acting on information received from detectives in Riverside County, spotted the defendant driving southbound in Del Mar and initiated a traffic stop, taking him into custody without incident and turning him over to authorities in Riverside.  

Detectives additionally executed a search warrant at his residence in the 1400 block of Potomac Circle, “resulting in the recovery of additional stolen medical supplies valued between $10,000 and $25,000,” according to Whitley.

Details on Brauner’s prior convictions were unavailable, but court records indicated he served time in state prison.

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