Author: KESQ

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A lawsuit spearheaded by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office against Panda Express Restaurant Group Inc. over the alleged mishandling of sensitive substances was settled for $1.056 million, which the corporation will pay to Riverside and other counties, along with implementation of a program to correct past deficiencies, it was announced today.

The settlement agreement, which includes civil penalties and an injunction, was reached after roughly three months of litigation, all of which took place in Riverside. The stipulated judgment was agreed to by the defendant and plaintiffs on Nov. 20. Along with Riverside County, district attorney’s offices from 37 other counties were involved.  

The principal investigators behind the civil action originated from Riverside, Marin, San Joaquin and Solano counties.   

The suit stemmed from “the unlawful handling of hazardous materials, specifically carbon dioxide … at (Panda Express’) 500-plus California restaurant locations, including over 30 in Riverside County,” according to the D.A.’s office.

“Panda Express restaurants use carbon dioxide for their carbonated fountain beverage systems,” the agency stated. “Carbon dioxide is typically stored in tanks on-site and is widely used by restaurants. Carbon dioxide is safe if handled properly.”   

Prosecutors alleged that Panda Express employees had not received appropriate training in storage and management of the naturally occurring gas.   

The defendant did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Under the settlement agreement, the corporation will pay $881,925 in penalties, $100,000 to cover supplemental projects and $75,000 in general reimbursement for the plaintiffs’ legal expenses. Riverside County’s share of the aggregate payout will be $273,980.

Panda Express further agreed to abide by the terms of a Certified Unified Program Agency, provided under California Health & Safety Code section 25404. That’s part of an injunction mandating implementation of revised training protocols for employees and other compliance measures to ensure proper management of hazardous substances at all its restaurants.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – A federal judge in Los Angeles has again ruled for Cher in her lawsuit claiming Sonny Bono’s widow owes her $1 million in royalties for Sonny & Cher songs, according to court papers obtained today by City News Service.

U.S. District Judge John Kronstadt wrote in a final judgment issued Nov. 26 that Mary Bono could not use the federal Copyright Act to reclaim the 50% share of Sonny’s composition royalties granted to Cher in her 1978 divorce agreement with Sonny.

Sonny Bono’s widow had tried to dissolve those rights for such 1960s hits as “I Got You Babe” and “The Beat Goes On,” plus Cher’s 50% share of recordings she made with Sonny.

Kronstadt also held that Cher retains her right to have her composition and record royalties paid directly to her, even though she sold the rights to Irving Azoff’s Iconic Artists Group in 2022.

The judge also ruled Cher will be awarded costs as the prevailing party on all but one claim, and Mary Bono may recover costs on the one claim she won.

Cher, now 79, filed suit against the widow of her former partner/husband in the folk-pop duo in October 2021 in Los Angeles federal court. She alleged that Sonny Bono’s estate, administered by his widow, improperly tried to terminate her rights to Sonny & Cher royalties.

Mary Bono, 64, countered that the federal Copyright Act allows her to terminate the 50% right to royalties that Sonny Bono agreed to pay Cher when the ex-couple signed their divorce settlement in 1978.

Cher and Sonny Bono married in 1964 and began performing under the name Caesar and Cleo, before switching to Sonny & Cher. In addition to their music, the couple built their celebrity via television, starring in the 1971-74 CBS variety show, “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour.”

Their career as a duo waned by the mid-1970s, though each was successful on their own — Cher in movies such as “Mask” and “Moonstruck” and Sonny Bono as a California politician.

Sonny Bono was mayor of Palm Springs from 1988-92 and a Republican congressman from 1995 until his death in a skiing accident in 1998. He was succeeded by his widow, who served until 2013.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) The Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board voted Tuesday to impose administrative civil penalties on two Yucca Valley homeowners who did not meet the deadlines set by a 2024 cease-and-desist order requiring remaining properties to connect to the town’s sewer system. A third proposed fine was withdrawn after the board learned of significant financial hardship.

The decisions came during the board’s December meeting on Monday in Palm Desert, where enforcement staff emphasized that unconnected septic systems continue to pose a risk to groundwater.

The board unanimously approved a one-time $18,195 penalty for the first homeowner who appeared virtually. 

Her daughter, representing her virtually at the meeting, testified that Kenedy lives on $2,015 a month and took out a personal loan to cover the roughly $5,000 to $6,000 cost of connecting to the sewer system. She now makes $250 monthly loan payments.

After hearing that information, board prosecutors withdrew the complaint entirely.

Prosecutors initially recommended a reduced $3,623.40 penalty for Nancy Ann Kenedy, who connected roughly four years after the state’s final compliance notice.

Kenedy told News Channel 3 she was relieved by the board’s decision.

“I don’t know how I was going to make it if they didn’t, but somehow I would’ve, I guess,” she said.

The board then considered Agenda Item 9, involving Pedro Luna, who did not attend the meeting and has not responded to outreach, according to enforcement staff. The board approved a one-time $18,195.40 penalty.

Board staff previously told News Channel 3 additional cases are expected at upcoming meetings as the state continues enforcing the 2024 cease-and-desist mandate requiring full conversion from septic to sewer in Yucca Valley.

You can view the full Dec. 2 meeting at this link.

The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10, 2026.

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Jesus Reyes

EL CENTRO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) announced its transition from the Salton Sea Authority to the State of California’s newly established Salton Sea Conservancy.

IID officials said the transition in participation from the Salton Sea Authority to the Conservancy will strengthen alignment among state and federal agencies and facilitate project operations and management.

The next step reflects a natural evolution of IID’s long-standing leadership in Salton Sea progress that has led from studies to planning to on-the-ground projects, along with ongoing efforts to restore habitat and address regional air quality concerns.

Check Out Angela Chen’s Award-Winning Series on the Salton Sea

The Salton Sea Conservancy, established through Senate Bill 583, will serve as the central coordinating agency for the long-term management of restoration projects and community engagement at the Sea. The Conservancy brings together State, local, federal, and tribal representatives to ensure sustained attention to the region’s environmental and public health needs.

“This new partnership marks a turning point,” said IID General Manager Jamie Asbury. “The Conservancy brings everyone – local, State, and federal representatives and stakeholders – under one umbrella. It’s the most effective way to continue and expand Salton Sea progress and long-term planning responsibilities.”

IID’s appointment of its Board Chairwoman, Gina Dockstader, to serve as the District’s representative on the Salton Sea Conservancy Board underscores IID’s commitment to continued strong local leadership and advocacy for the Salton Sea within the State’s new framework.

“IID’s dedication to the Salton Sea remains unwavering,” said Chairwoman Dockstader. “We’re proud of our progress and deeply appreciative of the Salton Sea Authority’s decades of involvement. As IID’s representative on the Conservancy board, I look forward to building on that foundation with the State and the recent momentum toward real project delivery at the Sea and our communities.”

As the State prepares to launch the Conservancy, IID will continue implementing its comprehensive, science-based Salton Sea Air Quality Mitigation Program, while working alongside State partners to shape the Conservancy’s priorities.

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Jesus Reyes

SAN BERNARDINO, Calif. (KESQ) – Tuesday marked 10 years since a terrorist attack that killed 14 people in San Bernardino.

Dozens gathered at a memorial site in San Bernardino to honor the 14 lives lost as well as the survivors and first responders who rushed to the scene that day.

The attack happened on Dec. 2, 2015. A coworker turned jihadi terrorist and his wife opened fire during a Christmas party and training event at the Inland Regional Center. The terrorists were killed in a shootout with police that same day. 

14 men and women were killed:

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy has launched its inaugural photo contest, aimed at showcasing the biodiversity, nature and wildlife of the Coachella Valley.

Participants must snap a photo that depicts landscapes, wildlife or native species of the valley within the conservancy boundary by 11:59 p.m. on Dec. 31. A map of the boundary can be found at mshcp cvag.hub.arcgis.com/.   

The photo must meet other standards, including that it must be an original work, with no edits allowed nor AI-generated images, and filters and must be family-friendly.

The first-place winner will have their work featured on the cover of the CVMC’s publication, “2025 Year in Review,” and will receive a private tour provided by Big Wheel Tours.

“By showcasing your photos, we are not just celebrating beauty — we are raising awareness of the importance of conservation, climate resilience and the protection of public lands for all people,” according to the organization. “Help us tell the story of why protecting these lands matter — today and for generations to come.”

Submissions must be posted on Instagram using the hashtag “#CVMCphotocontest2025” and tagging the account, cvmountainsconservancy.   

Finalists will be announced mid-January 2026 and winners announced on Feb. 6. The contest winner will be determined by the number of likes the photo receives on the organization’s Instagram page.

More information can be found at facebook.com/hashtag/cvmcphotocontest2025.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An attic fire left two adults displaced Tuesday afternoon in Desert Hot Springs.

The fire was reported just after 1:15 p.m. on the 13500 block of Cuando Way.

“The first arriving unit reported heavy fire and smoke coming from the attic of the structure,” reads a CAL FIRE post about the incident.

The fire was knocked down at 2:00 p.m., authorities said. Firefighters will remain at the scene for several hours for salvage and overhaul.

CAL FIRE confirmed there were no injuries reported.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Gavin Nguyen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man accused of a suspected DUI crash that killed a La Quinta teen has now been charged with murder.

Jose Villegas Orbe, 47, of Palm Springs, was back in court on Tuesday, where he received an additional charge of murder after the teen he struck with his car, Liam Cantu, died in the hospital. He was previously also charged with DUI causing injury, hit and run, and driving on a suspended license.

Villegas is being held in lieu of bail. He is scheduled to return to court on Feb. 4.

The crash killed Liam Cantu, a 14-year-old La Quinta High School freshman, as he was riding his bicycle with another teen on Highway 111 in La Quinta on October 10. The crash came as Cantu was excited to join the La Quinta High School baseball team.

According to authorities, Villegas had a history of DUI convictions. In a previous conviction, he had signed a Watson advisement, which could lead to a murder charge for the defendant if they cause a subsequent fatal DUI crash. When Cantu passed, that murder charge was added.

A second teen bike rider was also injured in the crash. They were released from the hospital to continue their recovery.

News Channel 3’s Gavin Nguyen was in the courtroom, he’ll have the latest on the case. Watch News Channel 3 starting at 4 p.m. for more.

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Jesus Reyes

Update 12/03/25

Aaron Garcia was found by police, his family told News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson.

Original Report 12/02/25

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Authorities are calling on the community’s help to locate a 12-year-old Coachella boy reported missing on Monday.

Aaron Garcia was last seen on the 45900 block of Meritage Lane, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

He is described as five feet tall, weighing 90 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes. He was last seen wearing a red shirt, blue jeans, and a silver chain with a silver outlined black cross.

If you have any information, you are urged to call Sheriff’s dispatch at 800-950-2444.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE: The hiker has been identified as Michael Pavelec, 63, of La Quinta.

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – A hiker died on a La Quinta trail Tuesday morning after a medical issue.

The incident was first reported just after 9:45 a.m. about 2.3 miles up the Boo Hoff Trail.

The patient was found by mountain bikers, according to CAL FIRE.

Battalion Chief Ryan Kirby told News Channel 3 that the patient was out hiking with some friends before the medical incident.

Fire crews worked to reach the patient by ground via off-road ATVs. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit made it to the patient first, who confirmed the hiker had died.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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