Author: KESQ

Julia Castro

Thermal, Calif. (KESQ) — An 18-year-old driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and evading police after a crash that brought down utility lines in Thermal early Tuesday morning.

According to the California Highway Patrol, officers were attempting to stop a 2014 Nissan Pathfinder traveling at high speeds northbound on Harrison Street near Avenue 63.

As the driver approached Avenue 60, he lost control and crashed into a stop sign and a utility pole along the right shoulder of the road.

Cal Fire crews responded to the single-vehicle crash near Harrison Street and Avenue 60 around 2:15 a.m. Firefighters reported downed utility lines and requested assistance from the Imperial Irrigation District.

CHP said the 18-year-old driver, who was alone in the vehicle, suffered minor injuries. He was subsequently arrested on suspicion of evading police and driving under the influence.

IID also reported a power outage affecting 15 customers in the Thermal area, including near Avenue 60, Van Buren Street and Highway 86, as of 6 a.m.

The outage remained unresolved in the utility’s report, with no estimated restoration time available.

It was not immediately confirmed whether the crash caused the power outage.

News Channel 3 is working to learn more about the incident and when power is expected to be restored.

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Dakota Makinen

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Students at Nellie N. Coffman Middle School are turning unwanted shoes into opportunities through a fundraiser supporting their SkillsUSA club.

The shoe drive runs through December 12 and will help fund travel, uniforms and materials for 33 student competitors participating in regional, state and national leadership and technical skills competitions.

Community members can donate new or gently worn shoes at Nellie N. Coffman Middle School, located at 34603 Plumley Road in Cathedral City.

The donated shoes will be redistributed through Funds2Orgs’ network of small-business partners in developing countries, helping entrepreneurs generate income to support their families. The club is aiming to collect 100 bags of shoes, with 25 pairs in each bag, to help fund student competitions and support small-business owners overseas.

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Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – If you tried grabbing a bite to eat at the Denny’s in Thousand Palms Monday night, you might have been greeted with a unique sight: hundreds of people descending upon the restaurant, ready to rock out.

Cars filled the parking lot and surrounding streets. Only 200 people could fit inside, so a line quickly formed, wrapping around the area. A group of horse-riding Thousand Palms residents rode through the nearby Chevron for a closer look at what was going on.

The organizer, Noisepile, made it clear this was an all-ages, free show, meant to bring the community together. Bands that performed included Mella, Just Let Me Go, and Materia. The goal: shine a spotlight on the valley’s music scene and make it as accessible as possible for everyone to enjoy.

And enjoy they did. With phones out, recording every move, energetic concertgoers danced in a mosh pit, with some even crowdsurfing — and I can’t emphasize this enough — inside a section of the restaurant. Even though the venue was capped at 200 people, it was a tight squeeze.

Attendees came from all over. One of the drummers, Christopher Maldonado, came from Fontana, himself. He said he heard of people coming from as far away as Arizona.

A couple of livestreamers, from the streaming platform, Twitch, made their way from Los Angeles. One of the streamers, who went by the handle FiendOcular, brought his viewers along for the ride: “I like to go showcase them to people and just be like, you know, here’s like what life is like sometimes, you know, it’ll be at a venue, sometimes it’ll be like a little bar. But when it as something unique like this, I’m like, oh, I got to show that to everybody else.”

It mirrored a similar viral event from 2013, where bands descended upon a Denny’s in Houston, TX, dubbed “The Denny’s Grand Slam.” The video on YouTube has over 5 million views.

While performers didn’t think this event could top the original, they said it could certainly pave the way for more events.

“I don’t think anything will beat the original, but I think we’ll set a new path for future Denny’s shows,” said Christopher Maldonado, one of the drummers who performed.

Xavier, the promoter for the event, noted the Coachella Valley is often overlooked, and said, “Something to this scale is kind of less popularized out here, and I really just hope that it spreads the word about the Coachella Valley scene.”

By 10 o’clock, the show ended and the crowds started fizzling out. Still, some lingered, with others ordering food, ready to eat some all-day breakfast after dancing all night.

Judging by the hundreds who gathered, and the dozens more who stayed, gazing through the windows, that events like these are needed for both the valley’s music scene and its youth.

I asked 19-year-old Hector Zapata, who was standing in line dressed as a watering can and drove 20 minutes from Coachella, “Do you think this is something that’s needed more in the valley for young people?”

He replied, “Honestly, yes. Like there’s not much to do here. And like, I wouldn’t mind [another] reason to come out here.”

With the demand clearly showing, don’t be surprised if you see your local breakfast joint turn into a pop-up concert here in the Coachella Valley.

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Boxing has a deep-rooted culture in the Coachella Valley, and it’s become a passion for one local family. “Team Anzaldua,” as they call themselves, is a trio of siblings who share a passion for boxing and compete alongside each other.

Kadri Anzaldua is the oldest, at 15 years old, and she’s been boxing for four years. A passion inspired by her younger brothers: 13-year-old Rene Anzaldua and 11-year-old Roman Anzaldua.

“I just love that it keeps me in shape.” “It gives me something to do. I like punching people,” Kadri laughed. “I like sparring boys. I like punching boys.”

“I just like to punch people most of the time,” Rene said. “I like to workout and stuff like that.”

“I like to hit people,” Roman said. “Most of the time I like to punch, hit the bags, do pads.”

With countless hours of training and competing, boxing has become more than just a hobby for this family. Their success in the ring has made all three on “Team Anzaldua” nationally ranked junior boxers.

“I’m a two time SoCal champ,” Kadri said. “I won, Oxnard International Boxing in Oxnard and state Golden Gloves.”

“This one’s from Allen, Texas,” Roman said showing his belts. “This one’s from Jean Louis, Arizona, and this one is from Kansas.”

“This year I won Junior Golden Gloves, and then the rest of these belts are Jim Lewis and SoCal,” Rene said. I’m a two time SoCal champion…I have more [belts] at home though.”

This summer, Roman won the 2026 National Junior and Youth Golden Gloves Championship, earning his second national title. Kadri and Rene also competed in the tournament, each earning second place in their respective divisions.

“We’re all family, so we get to win belts and stuff for everybody.” Rene said. “We get to win championships together. Be in the ring with each other.”

While “Team Anzaldua” continues to win belts, being in the ring has given them more than just awards. It’s brought purpose and growth.

“My little brother, actually, he got me into it,” Kadri said. “I saw him doing it and I was like, ‘You know, it’s pretty cool.’ So, I wanted to try it out…It has really given me a lot of confidence outside the ring.”

“It gave me a way I can defend myself and just give me confidence,” Rene said. “A lot of confidence.”

Boxing takes dedication and persistence, it’s no question these athletes have both. They’re each determined to reach the professional level and keep representing the Coachella Valley just like those who came before them.

“When I turn 16 [or] 15, I want to be an Olympian,” Rene said. “And I’m trying to go pro after I become an Olympian.”

“I want to be a pro,” Roman said. “Maybe make it to Olympian as well.”

“There’s a lot of good boxers in this community, and it means a lot for me to be one of them and hopefully to follow in footsteps, like a lot of professional boxers to hopefully be one of them in the future,” Kadri said.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE (CNS) – Today marks the 20th anniversary of a monster wildfire near Banning that killed five federal firefighters — in what may be Riverside County’s most notorious case of arson.

The “Esperanza Fire” erupted in the predawn hours of Oct. 26, 2006, ignited by now 56-year-old Raymond Lee Oyler near the intersection of Esperanza Avenue and Almond Way amid a Santa Ana windstorm.

Before the blaze was stopped almost a week later in the San Bernardino National Forest, five U.S. Forest Service firefighters were dead, 41,000 acres consumed, 39 homes and other buildings destroyed, a highway damaged and a large number of livestock lost.

Riverside County Fire Department and USFS personnel are expected to mark the two-decade anniversary via social media tributes and moments of silence Monday.

“Twenty years later, the courage and selflessness of the Esperanza firefighters, and the lives of the families forever changed by their loss, remain close to my heart,” District Attorney Mike Hestrin, who prosecuted Oyler early in his career, told City News Service. “It was an honor to pursue justice for these brave men and their loved ones. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.”

Last year, the California State Supreme Court put an end to Oyler’s appeals to have his capital murder convictions overturned, ruling his arguments that alleged trial court errors occurred were invalid and that “the defendant is not entitled to relief on appeal.”

Oyler was convicted in March 2009 of five counts of first-degree murder and more than 30 counts of arson and possession of incendiary devices, along with special circumstance allegations of perpetrating murder by arson and taking multiple lives.

The same four-man, eight-woman jury that found him guilty recommended capital punishment, with which then-Superior Court Judge Charles Morgan concurred.

The crew of USFS Engine 57 was decimated by the Esperanza blaze after deploying to protect an outlying property on a hillside. Capt. Mark Allen Loutzenhiser, 43, and firefighters Pablo Cerda, 24, Daniel Hoover-Najera, 20, Jason Robert McKay, 27, and Jess Edward McLean, 27, were killed.

At its peak, the wildfire traveled at 30 mph, with flames as high as 70 feet, burning at 1,300 degrees Fahrenheit.

McKay, McLean and Hoover-Najera died within minutes of the fiery tidal wave crashing into them as they scrambled to establish defensive positions on Gorgonio View Road in Twin Pines, where a house with a pool provided a ready source from which to draw water.

Engine 57 was alone, with county and other USFS crews remaining a safe distance from the flame wall, which trial evidence showed gained speed in an uphill “chimney” effect as it blew toward the victims.

Loutzenhiser, who like his men had been gravely burned and suffered from “inhalation of superheated air,” clung to life for several hours after being transported off the hillside. Cerda, whose body was 90% scorched, was kept on life-support for five days, during which he was able to acknowledge the presence of others, according to testimony.

McLean’s remains were in the worst condition, covered in and out with fourth-degree burns, according to the Supreme Court’s citation of trial court testimony.

Hestrin described Oyler at the time as “obsessed with fire and a fascination with starting a fire and watching it burn.”

Testimony showed the defendant had developed a technique of creating so-called “layover” incendiary devices, binding stick and paper matches together with rubber bands, affixing debris to them, then flinging them into brushy places to trigger fires.

Hestrin said Oyler wanted to “see that mountain burn” when he lit the Esperanza blaze.

“You can go back and find the incendiary device left there by Ray Oyler, and it leads to the death of those men — directly,” Hestin told jurors.

In the aftermath of the fire, there were changes in protocols, with an emphasis on seamless communication between state and federal fire crews during a mutual aid emergency, enhanced planning before initiating a fire attack and improved mapping of fire hazard zones.

Oyler is among nearly 600 condemned inmates in California.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man who shot a motorist as the victim got into his vehicle in a Coachella parking lot pleaded guilty today to attempted murder and other charges and was immediately sentenced to 24 years in state prison.

Issac Marquez Vargas, 26, of Thermal admitted the attempted murder count, along with sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations, and an allegation of perpetrating a felony while on bail, under a pretrial agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. In exchange for his admissions, prosecutors dropped several related enhancements against Vargas.

During a hearing Monday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Superior Court Judge Elizabeth Tucker certified the terms of the plea deal and imposed the sentence stipulated by the prosecution and defense.

The shooting occurred shortly before 2 a.m. on May 30, 2022, in the 49200 block of Cesar Chavez Street, near Grapefruit Boulevard, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Sgt. David Aldrich said at the time that the victim, whose identity was not disclosed, had returned to his vehicle from a business in a strip mall when Vargas confronted him.

The sergeant said Vargas pulled a handgun and shot the man multiple times, then fled the scene. It was unclear whether an attempted carjacking or robbery had been planned.

Deputies and paramedics arrived minutes later and found the victim in serious condition. He was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs and ultimately recovered from his wounds.

Vargas was identified as the shooter within days and taken into custody on June 16, 2022, following a brief standoff at his residence in the 84200 block of Redondo Sur.

Not long before the shooting, he had posted bail in connection with a theft-related case that was apparently disposed along with the others Monday.

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Angela Chen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — For generations, Native tribes across the Coachella Valley fought to preserve what remained after losing land, language and, in some cases, nearly their entire populations.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians knows that history well.

Today, the tribe is one of the most influential forces in the Coachella Valley, with approximately 500 members and casino operations in Palm Springs, Cathedral City and Rancho Mirage. Yet Chairman Jeff Grubbe says his focus is not on the tribe’s successes today, but on what comes next.

“We’re not thinking about today. We’re thinking about tomorrow and the next generation,” said Grubbe.

In his first interview since being elected chairman this spring, Grubbe sat down exclusively with KESQ Morning Anchor Angela Chen to discuss his return to tribal leadership, the challenges facing Agua Caliente, and his vision for the future.

For a people who once fought simply to survive, the challenge now is different: How do you preserve prosperity, culture and opportunity for generations still to come?

Grubbe says the answer begins with remembering where the tribe came from.

“It wasn’t too long ago that we didn’t have the opportunities we have today. We have members who still remember living on Sectin 14 on dirt floors,” Grubbe said. “That’s always stayed with us and reminds us to make sure we don’t ever go back to that.”

The success enjoyed by Agua Caliente today stands in stark contrast to the hardships many tribal members experienced within living memory. The tribe’s economic growth over the past several decades has transformed both the reservation and much of the surrounding Coachella Valley.

But Grubbe says preserving culture remains just as important as building businesses.

The former chairman, who previously led the tribe from 2012 to 2022, points to ongoing cultural programs designed to ensure younger generations remain connected to their Cahuilla heritage, including weekly classes on basket making, language, preparing food, making bows and arrows, and more.

“It’s a cool mixture because it is the young ones, but it’s also you know we get some of our elders that start to participate and come back and they can remember things and offer their perspective of of their memories of how things were,” said Grubbe.

Those efforts come at a time when many tribes continue working to preserve traditions and languages that were threatened by generations of government policies aimed at assimilation and cultural eradication. Across the country, Native communities are rebuilding cultural practices that nearly disappeared.

An Unexpected Return

Grubbe’s return to leadership surprised some in the community.

After serving a decade as chairman, he relocated to the Dallas area to be closer to his wife’s family. Then, following Agua Caliente’s elections this past March, he was elected once again.

When asked about the election outcome, Grubbe emphasized that tribal governance is about the collective will of the membership, not any single leader.

“Our elections are are private. You know, we don’t really talk about it outside. And and I’ll say this: that not any one member is more important than any other member of this tribe,” said Grubbe. “It’s a tough question, but I think that it it it’s about the tribe. It’s not about me or any other chairman or any other future chairman, it’s about the tribe and will always be be about the tribe.”

Bringing Ideas Home

Grubbe says his four years away offered a valuable opportunity to observe how other tribal nations are expanding beyond gaming.

When Angela Chen asked what stood out to him while living in Texas and visiting tribes in neighboring states, Grubbe pointed to industries that could help diversify tribal revenue in the future.

“They’re manufacturing,” said Grubbe. “I don’t think we could do the farming type things. Obviously, not here in the desert, unfortunately. Energy energy projects. I think energy, especially in the state of California, there may be an opportunity to to be a player in the energy sector at some point.”

Business diversification is increasingly important as tribal governments look beyond casinos as their sole economic engine.

The Cost of Success

Even with the tribe’s economic strength, Grubbe says affordability remains one of the biggest concerns facing members.

Housing prices throughout the Coachella Valley continue to climb, creating challenges even for tribal members seeking to live within reservation boundaries.

“Our own members can’t afford to buy a home on the reserve within Palm Springs city limits specifically, even by the income that they receive. A 1,700 square foot house is over a million dollars, you know, which equates to a $6,000 house payment,” said Grubbe. “I mean that that blows my mind, you know, especially as a tribal leader. Like, how do we fix that, or what can we do to help that?”

Another concern is the future of the gaming industry itself.

Grubbe says tribes must be prepared for rapidly changing technologies and the growth of illegal online sports betting.

“There’s illegal sports baiting being operated in the state now, and it may have a minimal effect on on our businesses. But at some point, it’s it’s going to transition to that. So we need to be ready. We need to look, be prepared to, I think flip a switch where we will be offering online gaming at some point to be able to compete.”

As gaming evolves, Agua Caliente leadership is evaluating how to protect one of the tribe’s most important economic foundations while exploring new opportunities for growth.

Looking Ahead

The issues facing Agua Caliente today are dramatically different from those faced by previous generations. Instead of fighting for recognition or basic survival, tribal leaders are confronting questions about housing, economic diversification, energy development, gaming and groundwater rights.

Yet Grubbe says understanding the tribe’s history remains essential to understanding its future.

“it’s important for people to to learn and understand that you know we weren’t discovered. We’ve been here forever,” said Grubbe. “Coachella Valley is a big part of who we are, and we think every decision we make is how we can make this Coachella Valley better for not just the tribe but for everyone.”

For a tribe that survived centuries of hardship, the focus now is on ensuring the next generation inherits not only economic success, but a thriving culture, a strong community and a lasting connection to the land they have always called home.

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Tommy Gallegos

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ)- The lead-up to Halloween this year brings a bunch of spooky, family-friendly events across the Coachella Valley! Looking for a fun activity leading up to Halloween Saturday, October 31st? We’ve got you covered!

Coachella Halloween Carnival

When: Wednesday, October 28, 5:30–7:30 p.m.Where: Bagdouma ParkCost: Free

Get into the Halloween spirit at Coachella’s Halloween Carnival. Families are invited to wear their favorite costumes and enjoy an evening filled with candy, games, and the annual costume contest.

The event welcomes all ages, and no registration is required, making it an easy option for families looking for a fun night out.

Cathedral City Trick or Treat Trail Ride

When: Friday, October 30, 5:30–7:30 p.m.Where: Esperanza Park and CV LinkCost: Free

Trade the traditional trick-or-treat route for a one-mile Halloween adventure. Participants can follow a scavenger hunt trail, collect treats, and solve clues along the way.

The event welcomes all human-powered wheels, making it a fun option for families who want to celebrate Halloween on the move.

Good to know: Helmets are required. Costumes must be family-friendly and safe for riding, and masks are not permitted.

Palm Desert Wiener Dog Race

When: Saturday, October 31Schedule: Check-in begins at 7:45 a.m.; costume contest at 8:15 a.m., followed by the raceWhere: Palm Desert Civic Center Park AmphitheaterCost: $20 for residents; $30 for nonresidents

Halloween weekend gets an adorable start with Palm Desert’s Wiener Dog Race. Watch dachshunds compete on the course and show off their Halloween looks during the costume contest.

The event is a great pick for dog lovers and families looking for something a little different this Halloween.

Good to know: Participating dogs must be vaccinated, wear a name tag, and be between six months and 15 years old. Registration space is limited.

Palm Springs Halloween at VillageFest: Monsters on Main Street

When: Thursday, October 29, starting at 6 p.m. until candy runs outWhere: Tahquitz Canyon Way, between Indian Canyon Drive and Palm Canyon DriveCost: Free

Downtown Palm Springs will get a spooky makeover with Monsters on Main Street, a Halloween-themed edition of VillageFest.

Families can enjoy games, candy stations, a haunted bus, and a costume contest scheduled for 7 p.m. With activities for all ages and no admission fee, it is a festive way to celebrate Halloween in the heart of Palm Springs.

Halloween Carnival & Haunted House

When: Friday, October 30, 4–7 p.m.Where: James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center, 480 W. Tramview RoadCost: Free

Keep the Halloween fun going with a community carnival and haunted house experience. The event features games, candy, and a range of activities in a welcoming community setting.

Families looking for a free Halloween outing can enjoy an evening of seasonal entertainment and activities.

Día de los Muertos

When: Sunday, November 1, 10 a.m.–1 p.m.Where: Demuth Community Center, 3601 E. Mesquite Avenue

Celebrate Día de los Muertos with family and friends during a special Day of the Dead brunch. The gathering will feature food, cultural traditions, and an opportunity to remember and honor loved ones who have passed away.

The event offers a meaningful way to continue the seasonal celebrations beyond Halloween night.

Desert Hot Springs 11th Annual Desert Hot Springs Rotary Happy Healthy Halloween

When: Saturday, October 31, 2026 | 5–9 PMWhere: Mission Springs Park 14510 Palm Dr., Desert Hot Springs

Cabot’s Pueblo Museum Haunted House

When: October 30–31, Times: 4:00 – 9:00 PMWhere: Cabot’s Pueblo Museum, 67616 Desert View Ave., Desert Hot SpringsCost: Haunted House Admission: $10 for one person or $20 for four people

Thousand Palms Halloween Spooktacular

When: Saturday, October 31, 6–8 p.m.Where: Thousand Palms Community Center & ParkCost: Free

Families in Thousand Palms can celebrate Halloween with an evening of spooky crafts, ghostly games, and a costume contest.

The event welcomes all ages and offers a festive community gathering for those looking to enjoy Halloween activities close to home.

Indio Indio Movie Night: Hocus Pocus

When: Thursday, October 29, 6 p.m.Where: Center Stage, 82881 Miles Ave, IndioCost: Free

Halloween Themed Food Truck Fridays

When: Friday, October 30, 5 p.m.Where: Downtown Indio, Towne St. and Bliss Ave. Cost: Free

Día de los Muertos Family Day

When: Sunday, November 1, 10 a.m.–3 p.m.Where: Coachella Valley History Museum, 82616 Miles Avenue, IndioCost: Free

Celebrate Día de los Muertos at the Coachella Valley History Museum during a family-friendly event presented by Desert Recreation District.

The celebration will feature games, food, entertainment, cultural traditions, and activities for all ages. It is an opportunity for families to come together, celebrate cultural heritage, and honor the memories of loved ones.

Thermal Fifth Annual Día de los Muertos

When: Monday, November 2, 5:30–7:30 p.m.Where: Jerry Rummonds’ Community & Senior CenterCost: Free

Thermal will mark Día de los Muertos with its fifth annual community celebration. Families can gather to honor the lives and memories of loved ones while enjoying refreshments, snacks, and themed activities.

The event provides a welcoming space for community members of all ages to participate in this meaningful tradition.

North Shore Día de los Muertos

When: Monday, November 2, 5:30–6:30 p.m.Where: North Shore Beach & Yacht ClubCost: Free

Families and neighbors are invited to come together for a Día de los Muertos gathering focused on remembrance and community.

The event will feature themed activities, refreshments, and snacks, offering a chance to honor loved ones and celebrate the traditions of the holiday.

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Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — After the Cathedral City location lost its veterinarian, Loving All Animals has been left with no option but to suspend care in the west valley.

However, at an event Thursday, the organization will show off its new location in Indio, marking a new chapter in how it provides care for animals in the Coachella Valley.

The new building will continue offering services, including vaccinations, parasite control, low-cost spay and neuter procedures, and wellness examinations. For more information about attending Thursday’s event or connecting with Loving All Animals, visit its website.

News Channel 3 is speaking with officials from Loving All Animals to learn more about this next chapter. Stay tuned for the full story at 5 p.m.

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)— Palm Springs Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Van Lierop has been appointed interim fire chief, City Manager Scott Stiles announced. He will succeed Paul Alvarado, who is retiring after 35 years in the fire service.

Van Lierop joined the department in 2002 and has served as a fire engineer, fire captain, battalion chief and deputy fire chief. His career includes overseeing complex emergency responses, advancing firefighter training and supporting employee wellness initiatives.

He helped establish a Joint Apprenticeship Committee to strengthen firefighter training standards and implement the department’s Peer Support and Wellness Program. He has also served as a state-certified firefighting instructor for 20 years. In 2016, he helped rescue elderly passengers following a serious bus crash on Interstate 10.

“Jeff Van Lierop is a highly respected leader who has dedicated nearly 25 years of his career to protecting the Palm Springs community,” Stiles said, expressing confidence in Van Lierop’s ability to lead the department through the transition.

As interim chief, Van Lierop will oversee fire suppression, emergency medical services, fire prevention and emergency response operations.

Van Lierop thanked city leadership for its confidence in him, saying his priorities will be “supporting firefighters, maintaining operational excellence and ensuring a smooth transition while continuing to serve Palm Springs residents and visitors.”

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