Jesus Reyes
BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ) – We have another bald eagle egg at the Big Bear nest.
Jackie laid her fourth egg, the second of this second clutch Friday just before 6:00 p.m.
Jackie had just laid an egg on Tuesday.
Jackie had laid two other eggs earlier this year, but last month, the eggs were abandoned and ultimately eaten by ravens.
You can watch the livestream of the nest, courtesy of the Friends of Big Bear Valley, below:
Jesus Reyes
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A Cathedral City man who molested two boys pleaded guilty to child sexual assault charges Friday at the Larson Justice Center.
David Hadley Pio, 67, on Friday admitted two counts of lewd acts on a child under 14 years old under a pretrial agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for Pio’s admissions, prosecutors agreed to drop two related felony charges against the defendant.
Pio is scheduled to be sentenced on June 12. He is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.
Pio was originally arrested for the crime in July 2012.
His case has been pending adjudication for more than a decade. It was unclear how much of his time in county jail may be credited toward his prison sentence. It’s possible he may receive only a “paper” prison commitment, avoiding further time behind bars.
In 1994, Pio was arrested on suspicion of lewd conduct, penetration with a foreign object and forced sodomy on a person under 14, but the case was later dismissed, according to a declaration in support of a search warrant by CCPD.
He reportedly worked as a local youth-sports volunteer and allowed juveniles to frequent his home, police said.
Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.
Jesus Reyes
ONTARIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two Palm Springs first responders will be among the heroes from Riverside and San Bernardino counties being honored by the American Red Cross at the Inland Empire Heroes Awards and Luncheon.
The event will be held on Tuesday, March 17, at the Ontario Convention Center. Honorees will be celebrated for their acts of courage and humanitarian service, the Red Cross of Riverside County announced on Friday.
“Not all heroes wear capes – many of them are our friends and neighbors right here in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties,” said Lois Beckman, Executive Director of the Red Cross of Riverside County. “The Inland Empire Heroes Awards and Luncheon recognizes ordinary people who have shown extraordinary courage. Each honoree’s story is remarkable, and we’re confident this year’s event will inspire everyone in attendance.”
2026 Inland Empire Heroes Awards Honorees
Animal Welfare Hero Award: CALFIRE Division Chief John Crater – Temecula, Calif.In September 2024, the Airport Fire burned more than 23,000 acres across Orange and Riverside counties, destroying or damaging nearly 200 structures. During this devastating fire, CALFIRE Division ChiefJohn Crater not only performed heroic duties to safeguard people and property but also worked to save the life of a beloved dog belonging to a man trapped in the fire. Division Chief Crater drove through active flames, spotted the homeowner, and urged him to evacuate. When the man asked if he could bring his dog, Division Chief Crater guided both to safety. Due to his bravery and selflessness, the man and his dog were safely evacuated and escaped the flames unharmed.
Corporate Hero Award: Fresh Up – Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.Fresh Up has been a Red Cross partner for the past four years, donating over $250,000 in WingStop meal voucher cards to encourage blood donations in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. Their support has boosted donor turnout, helping address critical blood shortages and strengthening community engagement around lifesaving blood collection efforts. This long-term commitment reflects their dedication to community preparedness and response.
Disaster Services Hero Award: Frank Kams – San Bernardino, Calif.Frank Kams, Emergency Services Coordinator for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, has improved public safety through the development of advanced disaster-evacuation technology and the modernization of fire evacuation mapping. By collaborating with fire agencies, GIS analysts, and regional partners, he helped create updated sound mapping products that have dramatically improved public communication and responder coordination. This platform has significantly increased the accuracy and speed of evacuations, ultimately improving efficiency and potentially saving lives. The software has proved vital during local wildfires, from the Line and Bridge Fires to the devastating fires in Los Angeles. Kams’ work has substantially impacted regional preparedness, interagency coordination and the safety of communities facing increasingly severe wildfire and flooding threats.
First Responder Hero Award: Deputy Christopher Cherms and Deputy Shawn Owens – Victorville, Calif.In December 2025, Deputy Christopher Cherms and Deputy Shawn Owens responded to a house fire in Victorville and learned an occupant was still inside. Without hesitation, Deputy Cherms forced entry through heavy smoke and heat, crawling into the burning home to search for victims while Deputy Owens prepared for extraction. Deputy Cherms located an unresponsive woman, briefly retreated for air, then reentered to bring her to safety. Deputy Owens provided immediate care as Deputy Cherms attempted to search for additional victims, but the rapidly deteriorating conditions ultimately prevented further entry. The rescued woman survived due to the deputies’ heroic actions.
First Responder Hero Award: Deputy Fire Chief Gregory Lyle – Palm Springs, Calif.In May 2025, a domestic terrorist attack occurred at the American Reproductive Center in Palm Springs. After a vehicle-borne improvised explosive device detonated in the clinic’s parking lot, firefighters rushed to the scene and got to work extinguishing fire and evacuating civilians from the surrounding areas until everyone was withdrawn for fear of a possible secondary device. Unwilling to place others at risk going back into the area but wanting to address the concern to protect the clinic’s embryos, Deputy Fire Chief Gregory Lyle and FBI Bomb Squad Chris Melzer volunteered to go themselves. After convincing the FBI to allow entry, Chief Lyle and Agent Melzer navigated the heavily damaged building to locate cryogenic tanks and attempted to restore power. With support from multiple agencies, the team ultimately reestablished electricity, preserving the embryos.
Deputy Chief Lyle at the site of the bombing (May 2025)
Gift of Life Hero Award: Captain Gustavo Araiza – Palm Springs, Calif.Captain Gustavo Araiza of the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) is committed to saving lives through regular blood and platelet donation. As a member of PSPD’s Command Staff, he consistently leads by example—always the first to sign up and donate at the department’s frequent blood drives. With AB+ blood, one of the rarest types, he recognizes the critical impact his donations can have. Captain Araiza’s consistent participation and encouragement has inspired many colleagues to become donors. Through his leadership and his example, the PSPD’s blood drives have grown in terms of both participation and impact, collecting lifesaving blood and helping patients in need.
Good Samaritan Hero Award: Freddy Aguirre – San Bernardino, Calif.Freddy Aguirre and his wife, Valerie, were driving when they saw a vehicle accident. A severely injured man ran toward them, and with no other cars around, the Aguirres immediately stopped their RV to help him and the three additional occupants of the vehicle. Freddy told Valerie to call 911 as he jumped out and grabbed a strap. Freddy sat the victim down, applied a tourniquet, and maintained pressure until paramedics arrived. The man was airlifted for further medical care. Firefighters and a police officer credited Freddy with saving the man’s life.
Service to the Armed Forces Hero Award: Brian Barber – Victorville, Calif.Marine Corps Veteran Brian Barber transformed his own struggle with PTSD and depression into a mission to help others heal. After discovering peace and connection through fishing, Barber founded Mission FISH: Fishing, Interacting, Sharing & Healing in 2015, a 100% volunteer-supported nonprofit dedicated to providing recreational fishing therapy to veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, and Gold Star families. More than 5,000 participants have benefited from the program, which blends recreation, community and access to mental health support in a stigma‑free environment. Barber’s deeply personal commitment has created a powerful ripple effect across the Inland Empire, offering hope, camaraderie and renewed purpose to those most at risk. His leadership continues to help save lives and strengthen the military and first responder community.
Youth Hero Award: Carter Sliney – Yucaipa, Calif.Carter Sliney, 13, has made a meaningful impact across Yucaipa through his compassion and community service. Recognized by Smiles 4 Seniors as their youngest honoree, he creates and delivers handmade cards to local senior centers, offering moments of joy and connection to older adults who may feel isolated. His commitment extends further through the “blessing bags” he assembles for unhoused individuals and local stray animals, filled with essential food and supplies. As a volunteer with the Yucaipa Animal Placement Society, he also assists with daily tasks and serves as their mascot, Yappy, helping promote pet adoption at community events. Sliney’s dedication to helping others continues to strengthen his community.
The Inland Empire Heroes Awards is made possible thanks to the generosity of Hometown Hero Sponsor Circle K, Regional Sponsor U.S. Bank; Presenting Sponsor Sysco Riverside; Community Sponsors Altura Credit Union, Double Tree by Hilton Claremont, IAPMO, Inland Empire Business Journal, JJ Roofing, Ed Monie, the Ontario Convention Center, San Antonio Regional Hospital and other local sponsors.
“Thanks to the generous support of our event sponsors, we are able to honor remarkable heroes from across the Inland Empire and strengthen our ability to deliver vital Red Cross services when our communities need them most,” said Yevette Baysinger, Executive Director of the Red Cross of San Bernardino County.
Nominations for the Inland Empire Heroes Awards are accepted year-round. Individual event tickets and sponsorships are also available now. For more information about the Inland Empire Heroes Awards, please visit redcross.org/IEHeroes.
Jesus Reyes
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – No injuries were reported after a rollover crash Friday morning on Interstate 10 near Date Palm.
The crash was first reported just after 2:05 p.m.
The vehicle ended up off the roadway.
According to CHP Officer David Torres, it’s believed that the driver lost control and ended up going to the right shoulder.
Torres confirmed there were no injuries reported.
Jesus Reyes
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County supervisors next week are slated to review proposed terms of a loan expansion for bankrupt Palo Verde Hospital, following the Executive Office’s decision to make a $3.4 million payment to sustain the facility.
Earlier this week, a “strike team” previously authorized by the board and composed of medical professionals from the Riverside University Health System initiated a reformation intended to stabilize the Blythe hospital’s emergency clinic.
The team’s deployment was appended to a $1 million stabilization loan for the hospital. However, on Tuesday, county Chief Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen signed off on a $3.44 million payment to the California Department of Health Services. That disbursal was made without a formal vote by the Board of Supervisors because the panel was not in session. Executive Office spokeswoman Brooke Federico said the payment covered a Palo Verde Healthcare District obligation to the state’s Voluntary Rate Range Program, or VRRP.
The “intergovernmental transfer” payment has enabled the Palo Verde Healthcare District to tap into taxpayer-backed credit to bolster hospital operations.
“As a result of the county’s action, the … district has already received approximately $8.9 million in program funds, with the remaining expected in the coming days,” Federico said, adding that because of Medi-Cal requirements, “immediate action was required” and could not wait on the Board of Supervisors to convene.
The board on Tuesday will scrutinize the revised proposed loan agreement with the district, under which it would be on the hook for the county’s $3.44 million outlay, on top of the $1 million previously authorized for the insolvent hospital.
Along with funding arrangements, the supervisors have been requested to fill two vacancies on the Palo Verde District Board of Directors. The vacant seats have hamstrung the district’s ability to convene a quorum to vote on pending actions, according to PVHD President Carmela Garnica.
“In the interest of restoring a fully functioning five-member board, I respectfully request that the county … complete the appointment process for the two vacant seats,” she said in a letter to Supervisor Manuel Perez, whose Fourth District encompasses Blythe. “This approach offers the most practical path forward under the current constraints.”
Under a proposed management services agreement also on the agenda, RUHS staff can implement all necessary processes connected to the county’s 180-day strike team support plan, with the long-term goal of maintaining emergency operations at the cash-strapped hospital.
“We aren’t just here to manage a transition; we are here to support the incredible frontline staff and ensure that every resident has access to the high-quality, stable care they deserve,” RUHS CEO Jennifer Cruikshank said last week.
In January, Palo Verde Healthcare District Clerk Joanna Gonzalez acknowledged the county’s $1 million loan “does not solve every challenge the district faces, but it provides us breathing room to work on long-term solutions.”
Without emergency services at the Blythe facility, the area’s roughly 20,000 residents would lose access to “timely treatment for life-threatening conditions where minutes matter,” according to a county statement in January. Outside of the hospital, the nearest option for emergency healthcare is more than 70 miles away.
The monetary agreement specifies the county will have “first priority” status among the healthcare district’s creditors and will under no circumstances be liable for any of its debts. The loan structure calls for a roughly nine-month grace period, during which no payments on the loan are required. However, starting in October, initial payment on loan principal will be necessary. A 3% annual interest rate will be assessed beginning January 2027, and the $1 million will have to be fully amortized by October 2031.
The Blythe City Council also approved a $330,000 bridge loan to help sustain emergency room operations.
At the end of September, the PVHD board voted to seek federal Chapter 9 bankruptcy protection while efforts were made to stanch ongoing financial losses.
Administrators noted the hospital had been struggling to remain afloat since the start of the current decade, with revenue streams withering while patient loads remained unchanged.
The California Health Facilities Financing Authority extended an $8.5 million infusion from the Distressed Hospital Program in 2023, but that turned into a short-term fix, according to the district. Administrators expressed frustration at the time about the inability to recruit a chief financial officer who would stay the course in sorting out possible solutions. Four CFOs came and went in an 18-month span.
Only the emergency room remains open. All other hospital operations have been shut down.
The county’s original loan will pay for staff salaries and benefits, pharmaceuticals, equipment purchases, utilities, billing operations and some legal expenses associated with Chapter 9 proceedings.
The possibility of a wholesale county takeover of the hospital’s emergency department has not been ruled out publicly.
Jesus Reyes
LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – A hiker was rescued today from the Cove Trail in La Quinta after suffering unspecified minor injuries.
The rescue was reported at 10:33 a.m. Friday, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.
The injured hiker and was taken to a hospital by ground ambulance, fire officials said.
No further information was immediately available.
Timothy Foster
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) is inviting prospective educators to its 2026–2027 Teacher Recruitment Fair on Saturday, March 7, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the District Service Center.
The district is seeking applicants across all subject areas who currently hold a teaching credential or will be eligible for one by the 2026–2027 school year. School counselors and speech-language pathologists are also encouraged to attend.
To attract candidates in high-need areas, PSUSD is offering financial incentives. Fully credentialed special education teachers, school nurses, and speech-language pathologists are eligible for a $12,000 incentive. Fully credentialed math and science teachers, including those specializing in biology, chemistry, physics, and general science, may qualify for a $9,000 incentive.
Teresa Haga, Director of Certificated Human Resources for Recruitment, Retention and Leadership Development, said the event is the district’s largest hiring effort of the year.
“This is our largest recruitment event of the year and we’re looking to hire qualified people who really enjoy working with students and are looking forward to supporting our scholars to be successful,” Haga said.
Candidates interested in attending must complete two steps prior to the event. First, applicants must submit an employment application through EdJoin and ensure it is active with the district. Second, they must complete a separate recruitment fair registration form. Registration is not considered complete until both steps are finished. Fully registered candidates will receive additional details via email during the week of the event.
Attendees are asked to bring three current letters of recommendation, a letter of introduction, and a resume. On the day of the fair, candidates will check in at registration before having their documents reviewed. Some may be invited to participate in first and possibly second round interviews on site, with select candidates potentially receiving contracts the same day.
Haga said the district’s greatest areas of need include speech-language pathologists, special education teachers at both the elementary and secondary levels, math and science teachers, and school nurses. While the district welcomes experienced educators, it also hires new teachers and provides support during their first years in the classroom to help them clear their credentials.
PSUSD emphasizes professional growth and student centered learning. The district offers a range of student programs, including drone soccer, robotics, afterschool enrichment, and career technical education academies designed to prepare high school students for college and careers. Staff members are supported with ongoing professional development opportunities and pathways for advancement.
Galilea Meza, a kindergarten teacher at Katherine Finchy Elementary School and a former recruitment fair attendee, said her experience with the district has been rewarding. A product of PSUSD herself, Meza began her career as a paraprofessional before becoming a credentialed teacher.
She described the hiring process as organized and welcoming, beginning with the online application submission and followed by panel style interviews with district administrators. Mesa said she was encouraged by the supportive environment and the opportunity for professional growth.
Meza added that her favorite part of teaching kindergarten is the energy and excitement students bring each day. She said working in the district offers daily collaboration with supportive colleagues and administrators who greet staff with a smile.
For those unable to attend the recruitment fair, Haga said applications are reviewed daily through the district website and EdJoin. Interviews will continue throughout the spring as the district prepares for fall hiring.
More information about the Teacher Recruitment Fair can be found on the Palm Springs Unified School District website at https://www.psusd.us/district-calendar/teacher-recruitment-fair.
Luis Avila
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Unseasonably warm temperatures are bringing an early taste of summer to the Coachella Valley, prompting local officials to remind residents and visitors to balance outdoor fun with heat safety.
Despite the warmer weather, business owners say the early heat is also boosting local businesses, including PS Surf Club, where visitors are taking advantage of the sunshine.
Hiking — typically one of the most popular winter activities across the valley — is also seeing steady turnout. However, officials caution that warmer-than-normal temperatures can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness, even in February.
Safety experts recommend hikers:
Start early in the morning or later in the afternoon to avoid peak heat.
Carry at least one liter of water per hour of activity.
Wear lightweight, light-colored clothing and sun protection, including hats and sunscreen.
Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.
Let someone know your hiking plans before heading out.
With a few simple precautions, authorities say residents and visitors can continue to safely enjoy outdoor recreation and local attractions.
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
Athena Jreij
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – After a 62-year-old woman was hit and killed earlier this week at Highway 111 and Frank Sinatra Drive, some residents are raising concerns about the intersection’s safety.
News Channel 3 dug deeper into the story and found a string of recent deaths and major injury accidents at the roadway.
On January 1, 2025, a 76-year-old cyclist was hit and killed by a car. The Riverside Sheriff’s Office say there was also a major injury traffic collision involving a pedestrian last year. Officials say 2023 saw a fatal crash, along with a 2022 major injury crash. In 2019, a 26-year-old Indio man was also killed while crossing the road.
Rancho Mirage doesn’t have a CV Link pathway through the city, meaning cyclists have to use Highway 111 and jump back on the route in Palm Desert. With only 2 out of the 4 crosswalks paved and no bike lanes through the intersection, News Channel 3 reached out to Rancho Mirage officials for more information.
Residents in the area agree fast cars and a lot of pedestrians can make conditions scary.
“It’s part of just, you know, the road traffic, a lot of traffic. People definitely do drive fast down this road, and, I think a lot of tourists who aren’t familiar with the area,” Eddie Franz Jr., of Rancho Mirage said.
City officials told News Channel in a statement that investigators often found pedestrians to be at fault in certain situations.
“In the 2019 incident, the pedestrian was walking in the roadway outside of the marked crosswalk and was determined to be at fault. In last year’s collision involving a bicyclist, investigators found that the cyclist entered the intersection against a red light. The driver was not cited. In the most recent incident, the pedestrian was crossing Highway 111 east of the marked crosswalk in an area where signage clearly prohibits crossing. That investigation remains ongoing.”
Officials went on to say,
“Highway 111 is a major arterial roadway, and the City continues to strongly encourage all pedestrians and cyclists to use the designated crosswalks and traffic control features provided, and to exercise caution when crossing. While these incidents are tragic, the findings to date do not indicate a pattern related to roadway design or traffic operations at this intersection that would warrant changes to traffic patterns at this time.
We continuously monitor traffic data and safety trends along Highway 111, and if conditions indicate a need for additional measures, we would evaluate those accordingly.”
Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on the road’s safety.
Jesus Reyes
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert Aquatic Center’s lap pool reopening has been pushed back due to issues with equipment manufacturing and delivery timelines, officials announced.
City officials said the lap pool, which was originally scheduled to open in February, is now expected to reopen in early-to-mid April.
All major equipment — including three new heaters — have been delivered. Construction in the equipment room is expected to be completed by mid-to-late March, followed by system startup and inspection by the Riverside County Health Department.
For the recreation amenities, replacement pumps and motors for the splash pad and water slides were ordered in early February. Updated manufacturer shipping timelines now place delivery in late April, with installation and operational readiness anticipated in May.
According to the facility’s website, recreational swimming is scheduled to return in June 2026.
Phased Reopening Plan:• Lap Pool: Target reopening early-to-mid April• Recreation Pool: Open in April as needed based on demand• Splash Pad & Water Slides: Expected to open in May following equipment installation
This phased approach ensures reliable operations and helps prevent temporary closures due to aging equipment, city officials said.
The lap pool has been closed since September due to issues with the facility’s filtration system. The facility was fully closed in November to allow for a major renovation project.
For regular updates on the pump room construction project, visit engagepalmdesert.com/pool.
