Author: KESQ

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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Dakota Makinen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The South Coast Air Quality Management District has issued a wildfire smoke advisory as smoke from the Shore Fire in Riverside County and the Mateo Fire in San Diego County impacts air quality across the region.

AQMD says smoke from the fires could lead to unhealthy air quality levels in parts of the Coachella Valley, with conditions changing throughout the day depending on wind, weather and fire activity.

Residents across the valley reported noticing hazy skies, the smell of smoke and irritation from the poor air quality. Some told News Channel 3 they chose to stay indoors, run air purifiers and limit outdoor activities as a precaution.

Air quality officials say wildfire smoke contains fine particles that can be harmful to health, especially for children, older adults and people with heart or lung conditions.

AQMD advises anyone who smells smoke or sees ash to take precautions, including limiting outdoor activity, keeping windows and doors closed and avoiding strenuous exercise outdoors.

The smoke advisory remains in effect as firefighters continue battling both wildfires.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates on the fires and air quality conditions.

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Kiera Seapy

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ)- Following a story we first reported on in 2025, the Palm Springs Fire Department is finally putting new fire engines into service.

Fire season in the desert is always a concern, and with this new equipment, this will improve response times and overall service.

Palm Springs Fire Chief Paul Alvarado explains that delays about fire engines aren’t unusual and that process could be up to five years.

“People aren’t aware of just how long it takes. From the time that you recognize, you’re going to need to replace a fire engine, to the time that they build it and deliver it. Five years is, it’s an incredible amount of time” Alvarado says.

With these new engines also comes new trainings for the fire crew to walk through and learn.

Alvarado says, “they’ll be walking through, driving it, pumping water through it, and making sure they know how to operate it. And so that’s an important safety factor we’re going to do.”

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Isabella Carballoso

LA QUINTA, Calif (KESQ)- La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez has conceded the Riverside County Fourth District Supervisor race to V. Manuel Perez.

Sanchez shared in a video on Facebook his disappointment with the outcome. He shared what election night was like for him, “I took a breath and I said a prayer not a prayer for me, a prayer for my opponent I pray that he governs faithfully.”

Sanchez said, “My commitment to this community was never dependent on a particular election. See, public service, it was never about a title; it has always been about the people.”

Democrat V. Manuel Perez has represented the Riverside County Fourth District since 2017.

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Tommy Gallegos

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — A new Riverside County Civil Grand Jury report is urging county leaders to establish independent civilian oversight of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, citing ongoing concerns over jail deaths, transparency, and accountability.

The report found that Riverside County remains one of California’s largest counties without a formal civilian oversight body for sheriff operations and county jails. Grand Jurors concluded that existing oversight mechanisms are fragmented, largely internal, and insufficient to identify systemic problems or maintain public trust.

Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco wrote to News Channel 3 following a request for comment to the grand jury report, saying in part, “The report is nothing but an attempt to pressure the Board of Supervisors into creating an oversight board and/or inspector general. The report is ridden with inaccuracies and patently false statements, combined with apples to oranges comparisons. The Office of the Sheriff will provide our required response to the Grand Jury as soon as possible.” To read the full statement from Bianco, scroll to the bottom of this article.

Civil grand jury reports are advisory, so the report does not compel the sheriff or the county to make any changes, although by law they do have to submit written responses, which will be made public.

The investigation follows years of criticism surrounding the county’s jail system, including a California Attorney General civil rights investigation launched in 2023 after a record number of in-custody deaths. According to the report, 29 people died in Riverside County custody between the start of the state investigation and April 2026.

Among its findings, the Grand Jury determined that internal investigations of jail deaths lack independence and that public reporting on jail operations is limited and inconsistent. The report also outlined that the Sheriff’s Advisory Committee has failed to provide meaningful oversight or documented recommendations.

To address these concerns, the report recommends that the Riverside County Board of Supervisors create an independent civilian oversight body with investigative authority, public reporting requirements, independent staffing, and the ability to review critical incidents and in-custody deaths. In July of 2025, the Board declined to create an independent civilian oversight body over the Sheriff’s Department.

The Grand Jury also recommends an independent audit of jail medical and mental health services, the creation of a public data dashboard, and the development of a long-term strategic plan for jail operations.

The Riverside County Sheriff must respond to the report within 60 days, while the Board of Supervisors has 90 days to provide its official response.

Full statement from Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco

Unfortunately, the Grand Jury in its recent report has severely damaged its reputation as a fact-finding entity for all future reports, at least with the current members. The report is nothing but an attempt to pressure the Board of Supervisors into creating an oversight board and/or inspector general. The report is ridden with inaccuracies and patently false statements, combined with apples to oranges comparisons. There also seems to be a major lack of understanding between deaths that occur in jails and those in the field. The majority of the report is inaccurate or simply false, and was obviously intentionally crafted to come up with the desired recommendation. One fact they conveniently left out of the report is that the National Institute for Justice has concluded that oversight committees rarely, if ever, achieve the intended result, and that more often than not, create more of a distrust between government and the public we serve. I stand by my previous statements that the demand for oversight is from political activists who dislike law enforcement. The county executive office has also conducted its own investigation into the need for an oversight committee and recommended against it. Another aspect conveniently left out of the report is that the Bureau of State and Community Corrections (BSCC) has 100 percent complete oversight of all statewide jail operations, including RSO. RSO is also currently under court ordered supervision of the Prison Law Office. The Grand Jury failed to even attempt to interview BSCC administration. Riverside Sheriff’s correctional institutions remain the standard and recommended example for all jails in the state, according to the BSCC. It appears the current make-up of the grand jury shares the same agenda as the anti law enforcement activists.

Sooner or later, the media will do their job and factually report on this topic so Riverside County residents have the truth. Eliminating 2022 and 2023, years where nationwide jail deaths skyrocketed because of across-the-board fentanyl and suicide increases, the average jail deaths since 2019 is 7.6 per year. Our 20 year average, including 2022 and 2023, is 7 per year. This is a non-existent problem. Going to jail does not prevent anyone from dying. No one has died because they were in jail, they died while they were in jail. Our jail deaths are from fentanyl, suicide, natural causes, and, unfortunately, murder. The CA DOJ has done absolutely nothing and recommended nothing, since their investigation into RSO for alleged atrocities cited by the Grand Jury. That is because there are none, and it is more proof of my statement that this topic is nothing but political fodder.

The Office of the Sheriff will provide our required response to the Grand Jury as soon as possible. We will not implement any of their recommendations concerning oversight. This current report is worth absolutely nothing and has tarnished the reputation of all previous Grand Jury reports. They should be embarrassed.

I said last year that the years of non-partisan government for Riverside County residents is over. The cancer of political party has infiltrated county government and is spreading. I will not stand by idly and let our residents suffer the consequences.

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Daniella Lake

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – This year is Cathedral City’s 10th annual LGBTQ+ Days, presented by Agua Caliente Casino. There will be several days with special performances from LGBTQ+ celebrities, pool parties, rallies, drone shows and more.

The celebrations kick off tomorrow night, with the Cathedral City drag race from 5 to 7 p.m. For a full schedule of events, visit the city’s webpage.

Coming up tonight at 4 p.m, hear from event organizers about the 10 year anniversary and why celebrating the LGBTQ+ community is important to the city on News Channel 3.

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Luis Avila

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Daniella Lake

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Several tennis stars set to play in the BNP Paribas Open are currently stranded in Dubai, as the two main airports in the country are experiencing disruptions due to the U.S.’s conflict with Iran.

Tennis star Daniil Medvedev is among those stranded, after wining the ATP 500 title in Dubai on Saturday. “The health, safety and wellbeing of our players, staff and tournament personnel is our priority. We can confirm that a small number of players and team members remain in Dubai following the conclusion of the recent ATP 500 event,” the ATP Tour said in a statement today.

Other tennis players stranded include Andrey Rublev and Karen Khachanov, who are set to play in the BNP singles field.

“We are in direct communication with those affected, as well as with tournament organisers and security advisors. At this stage, travel arrangements remain subject to ongoing assessment in line with airline operations and official guidance. We will continue to provide appropriate support to ensure players and their teams can depart safely when conditions allow,” said ATP officials in the statement.

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