Author: KESQ

Haley Meberg

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KESQ)- This past Monday, U.S. Border Patrol agents and Homeland Security discovered the origin point of a sophisticated drug smuggling tunnel connecting Tijuana to the San Diego area. 

In early April, U.S Border Patrol agents from the San Diego Sector Tunnel team uncovered a drug-smuggling tunnel that was actively under construction. They report that the tunnel was equipped with electrical wiring, lighting, ventilation systems and a running track that seems to be designed to transport large amounts of contraband. 

This tunnel is said to have been incomplete but spanned over 1,000 feet into the U.S. with an exit that was projected to connect to a commercial warehouse space based on the initial evidence.

The tunnel itself was measured by authorities and spans 2,918 feet in total and about 50 feet underground at its deepest point. Border Patrol, along with Homeland Security and the Government of Mexico, located the origin point of the tunnel to a residence in Nueva Tijuana. Following a warrant served by the Mexican authorities, it was revealed that the entry point had been freshly tiled over. 

This was not the first obstacle that the agents faced. Upon their initial entry into the tunnel they were met with haphazardly placed barriers that were said to be placed in attempts to impede their progress.

 “As we continue to strengthen the nation’s air and maritime border security, it’s not surprising that foreign terrorist organizations would resort to underground routes,” said Jeffrey D. Stalnaker, Acting Chief Patrol Agent of the San Diego Sector. “Disruption of narcotics smuggling tunnels is critical to protecting American lives. I’m grateful for the exceptional work of the Tunnel Team agents who placed themselves in danger, as well as the cooperation of our Mexican law enforcement partners.”

This tunnel is set to be filled with thousands of gallons of concrete to prevent the tunnel from use by Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

Since 1993, over 95 different tunnels have been uncovered and remediated in the San Diego area alone. In hopes of preventing the smuggling of human, drugs and other contraband the U.S Border Patrol is maintaining high vigilance along pathways away from the U.S border. 

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Home prices dropped last month in Riverside County from $645,000 to $638,000 for an existing single-family home, as May’s sales pace fell 5.1% statewide, the California Association of Realtors announced.   

Closed escrow sales of existing, single-family detached homes in California totaled a seasonally adjusted annualized rate of 254,190 in May, the association said Wednesday. Last month’s sales pace fell 5.1% from the 267,710 homes sold in April and was down 4.0% from a year ago, when 264,850 homes were sold on an annualized basis.   

May’s sales level statewide was the lowest in four months. The year- over-year decline was the largest since December 2023, and the monthly decline was the first in 17 months. Year-to-date sales barely exceeded the same time frame in 2024 and could dip below last year’s level in June if the market continues to lose momentum.

“With home prices leveling off and more homes coming onto the market, it’s a great time for well-qualified buyers to enter the market,” CAR President Heather Ozur said in a statement. “Lower prices are making homes more affordable, and the growing inventory means buyers have more choices. It’s a rare window where people can find their ideal home at a good value — making now an ideal time to buy.”   

The CAR report found that sales of single-family homes in Riverside County dropped 2.5% from April to May, while prices decreased 1.1%. Home prices were $644,500 in May 2024.   

Localized data is not seasonally adjusted, accounting for any discrepancies between their increases and the statewide decrease in sales.   

After recording a new high in April, the California median price pulled back in May but remained above the $900,000 benchmark. Last month’s median price of $900,170 declined 1.1% from April and was down 0.9% from $908,000 in May 2024. The monthly decline was below the historical average of the 1.2% increase recorded between April and May.   

The statewide median price decline can be attributed to multiple factors including elevated interest rates, insurance availability/affordability, economic uncertainty and home sellers’ willingness to reduce prices.

Home prices will likely come down further from April’s record high as the market enters the second half of the year. Seasonality will play a role in the price moderation, and an increase in housing supply will also relieve upward price pressure.

“Although the market has slowed in recent months, there’s potential for a rebound if economic concerns subside,” said CAR Senior Vice President and Chief Economist Jordan Levine. “Consumer sentiment appears to have bottomed out and is now showing signs of improvement, which could support astronger housing market in the second half of the year. Buyers may take advantage of improved conditions, including deeper price reductions and increased housing inventory.”

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Garrett Hottle

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) The Drug Enforcement Administration says Wednesday’s large-scale operation was aimed at illegal marijuana grows near Thermal, involving roughly 500 federal agents and covering more than 700 acres across the eastern Coachella Valley. Authorities say they arrested 70 to 75 undocumented migrants and one U.S. citizen for obstructing law enforcement, and said the number of arrest was preliminary information, subject to change.

1) Today, DEA LA Field Division (Riverside DO), with crucial support from multiple federal partners, executed search warrants at multiple illegal #marijuana grow operations. The investigation resulted in several arrests. One trailer was padlocked with 2 people inside. @DEAHQhttps://x.com/DEALOSANGELES/status/1935558820014809383

Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez said the operation spanned far beyond the reported raid site, with federal agents seen throughout Mecca, Thermal, and even Coachella itself.

it didn’t happen just in, you know, the area where they said they were at,” Mayor Hernandez said. “It happened throughout the eastern Coachella Valley, and it happened in, thermal Oasis, Mecca, all throughout. Even in Coachella, they rode heavy through Coachella.”

Screengrab of viewer video taken at Oasis Park and Ave. 76 on Wednesday.

News Channel 3 received multiple viewer videos showing multiple law enforcement en-mass at sites across the Coachella Valley on Wednesday.

Screengrab of viewer video from Wednesday off of Buchanan and 62nd street.

But it wasn’t just the arrests drawing attention it was who showed up: agents from ICE, Border Patrol, the National Guard, and unmarked military-style vehicles. For Mayor Hernandez, the scope and scale of the operation was something unseen in his time in the Coachella Valley.

“I’ve never seen a 500 person crew, go into a marijuana field, and do such an operation,” he said. “I’ve never heard of it in the state of California. I’ve never heard of it in Riverside County. I’ve heard of 100, I’ve heard of 50, I’ve heard of large operations…And then I’ve also heard of, you know, when they actually let the local community know.”

He criticized the lack of communication from federal agencies, saying his office were never notified, and the matter has left some in the community gripped with fear.

“Very sad, very terrifying,” he explained. “A lot of fear. You know, the militarization of the approaches, the tactics. the goal was to create a presence and to, create fear and I think mission accomplished on their end. People were hiding in the fields in 115-degree heat,” Mayor Hernandez said. “Families didn’t know what was happening. It caused chaos.”

The DEA insists this was not an immigration enforcement action. But Hernandez, along with community advocates and some elected officials, questioned that distinction citing the visible ICE presence and the fact that the overwhelming majority of those arrested were undocumented.

“The facts speak for themselves,” Hernandez said. “If it wasn’t about immigration, why were 75 migrants taken?”

Asked about post on social media from residents and some elected officials describing the operation as an “ICE Raid” despite the DEA stating the operation was not an immigration enforcement action, Hernandez said it comes down to communication.

“Look, I think when there is a lack of communication,” Mayor Hernandez explained. “When the federal government and government is not communicating, then people are going to react the way they’re going to react. And you know, what we’ve seen across the US and what we’ve seen across California is that there is a lot of passion on both sides mobilizing and speaking out.”

Tune into News Channel Three at 4pm, 5pm, 6pm, and 6:30pm to hear more from Mayor Hernandez.

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Haley Meberg

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Haley Meberg

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — In honor of Juneteenth, Oscar’s in Palm Springs is ringing in the cultural holiday with a celebration hosted by Sunset Music & Education Foundation, Juneteenth: The Fight for Freedom.

From 5-7 p.m., the free event will feature a panel, live music, and entertainment. According to organizers, the event is sold out.

It’s not the only celebration in Palm Springs. Villagefest will also celebrate the holiday from 7-9 p.m. with free paints and crafts.

Tune in tonight from 4:30-6 p.m. for live coverage of the events.

For more information on the celebration, visit: https://gaydesertguide.com/events/juneteenth-the-fight-for-freedom-oscars/

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Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Oasis Healthcare (DOHC) was named “Largest Business of the Year – West Valley” by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC). 

Officials said the award highlights DOHC’s exceptional leadership, innovation, and commitment to providing help, ensuring the well-being of the communities that rely on them. 

“This kind of recognition means a lot, especially coming from our local business community. We’ll keep doing the work to earn the trust that’s been placed in us,” said Dr. Marc Hoffing, Medical Director of DOHC.  

To learn more about DOHC, visit our Living Healthy Section

The honor was awarded at the GCVCC Installation and Business Award Dinner on June 10 to recognize the contributions of business and civic leaders across the region. 

DOHC has been a cornerstone in our community for healthcare offering a multitude of services ranging from immediate care, home health, palliative care, behavioral health, and clinical research to name a few.

Beyond their health care services the DOHC supports local nonprofits, cutting edge health technologies, and produces educational media to help empower their patients and the community as a whole. 

Visit mydohc.com for more

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Haley Meberg

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)- City Manager Charles McClendon announced his retirement from Cathedral City following his 11 years of service to the community. 

McClendon began his tenure in March of 2014. City officials said he was the catalyst for significant growth and improvement in the community.

The most significant improvements during his time as City manager are marked by major developments in infrastructure, enhancement of public safety services and the implementation of community programs that have positively affected the quality of life for residents. 

Prior to coming to the desert McClendon had been active in local governments in areas such as Lexington, Kentucky, Glendale, Arizona, and Avondale, Arizona with his time here marking an impressive 47-year long career. 

“It has been the honor and privilege of my life to serve as the City Manager of Cathedral City for the past eleven years,” said McClendon. “Now, however, I am at an age where it is time for me to pass the torch to the next generation of leaders.”

Throughout his time as City Manager Charles McClendon; also known as “Charlie” to the community, has made ethical and responsible financial decision making in hope to set up the community for success even in economically uncertain times. 

McClendon oversaw the implementation of the city’s Five Year Plan which outlines longer-term perspectives for service delivery and budgeting while addressing the current needs and priorities of the community.

McClendon has dedicated the past 11 years of his life to Cathedral City overseeing the development of community events, the construction of Ocotillo and Esperanza Parks, the construction of the new Fire Station 1, along with the staffing and improvement of local emergency services and responders. Overall, McClendon has dedicated his tenure to modifying Cathedral City into a community working towards a better tomorrow. 

 “I believe I am leaving Cathedral City in a better place than I found it,” McClendon reflected. “I am especially proud of what we did together to improve the lives of the people of Cathedral City.”   

McClendon’s final day as City Manager is set for September 19. The City Council will begin the process of selecting his successor in the upcoming weeks. While McClendon notes there is still work to be done he is confident that with the City’s leadership and departmental management team there are even more great things to come for Cathedral City.  

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.    

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CNN

Originally Published: 19 JUN 25 14:53 ETUpdated: 19 JUN 25 15:59 ETBy Natasha Chen, CNN

Los Angeles (CNN) — US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents attempted to enter Dodger Stadium on Thursday but were denied entry to the grounds by the team, the Dodgers said on social media.

“This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled,” the team said in a post on X.

This morning, ICE agents came to Dodger Stadium and requested permission to access the parking lots. They were denied entry to the grounds by the organization. Tonight’s game will be played as scheduled.

— Los Angeles Dodgers (@Dodgers) June 19, 2025

Video shown by affiliate KABC showed federal agents stationed on one of the streets leading up to the stadium.

The exact nature of the reason why federal agents were at Dodger Stadium was not immediately clear.

CNN has reached out to ICE for comment.

In a post on X, DHS said the vehicles belonged to US Customs and Border Protection.

“This had nothing to do with the Dodgers. CBP vehicles were in the stadium parking lot very briefly, unrelated to any operation or enforcement,” the post said.

According to the Los Angeles Times, agents declined to say why they were at the stadium.

The agents’ presence at Dodger Stadium comes as the Trump administration has increased its immigration enforcement, which has been met with protests – particularly in Southern California. Los Angeles has been a hotbed of demonstrations in recent weeks after ICE operations in the city and surrounding areas struck fear into immigrants in the area.

The Dodgers are expected later Thursday to announce a plan to assist the immigrant community impacted by the recent round of immigration operations.

The team is set to host the San Diego Padres in Los Angeles on Thursday, as well as host a celebrity softball game hosted by star player Mookie Betts in celebration of Black Heritage Night. The Dodgers are averaging more than 50,000 fans in attendance per home game this season, the only team in the majors bringing in that many fans per game. Thursday’s home game against the Padres is likely to be a hot ticket as the two teams are heated rivals in the National League West Division.

The federal agents action comes days after singer Nezza, whose full name is Vanessa Hernández, performed the US National Anthem in Spanish on Saturday. She said she was first planning on singing the Anthem in Spanglish, but with the ongoing immigration raids, she decided to do the song in Spanish only.

She says a team employee told her not to. That didn’t deter her, and she performed the song in Spanish anyway.

Her performance took place the same day that demonstrators filled streets across the country for the “No Kings” protest and as frustrations in Los Angeles continued because of ICE raids that took place within the past few weeks.

While the team hasn’t outwardly spoken on the ongoing frustrations of the ongoing immigration crackdowns ICE raids that have been happening in the city, star player Dodgers player Kike Hernández, a native of Puerto Rico, showed his support for Los Angeles in an Instagram post.

“I am saddened and infuriated by what’s happening in our country and our city,” Hernández said in part. “Los Angeles and Dodger fans have welcomed me, supported me and shown me nothing but kindness and love.”

“This is my second home. And I cannot stand to see our community being violated, profiled, abused and ripped apart,” he said, adding, “ALL people deserve to be treated with respect, dignity and human rights.”

CNN’s Sara Smart contributed to this report.

The-CNN-Wire™ & © 2025 Cable News Network, Inc., a Warner Bros. Discovery Company. All rights reserved.

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Skin is the largest organ in the body, and dermatologists are advising locals to take better care of it, especially in the Valley sun.

They say daily sun exposure is a serious concern no matter what activity their engaging in outside. Skin cancer is the most common from of cancer in the United States and the Skin Cancer Foundation reports 1 in 5 Americans will develop it by age 70.

Officials say the risk is even higher for men, and they are more likely to die from melanoma at any age. By age 50, men are also more likely to develop melanoma and by 65 it jumps to two times as likely and by 80, it’s 3 times more likely than women.

The American Academy of Dermatology Association also found in a survey, 23% of men say they always wear sunscreen, and 27% never use it. Officials say many underestimate their risk, especially those with darker skin.

Dermatologists say skin cancer can appear anywhere on the body, and not just in areas exposed to the sun. But they also want people to know, skin cancer is preventable.

The Skin Cancer Foundation reports daily use of SPF 15 sunscreen, when used as directed, can reduce the risk of developing melanoma by 50%.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from a Kaiser Permanente dermatologist and from locals on the importance of sun safety.

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