Author: KESQ

Allie Anthony

At 8 a.m., the intersection of Landau Boulevard and McCallum Way was named in honor of Diego Jauregui. At 8:30 a.m., the intersection of Date Palm Drive and Dave Kelley Road was named after Kimberly Rodriguez Nunez.

Rodriguez Nunez is an International Baccalaureate Diploma Program candidate, the ASB senior class president, and the Cathedral City High School student board representative. She has helped organize community events with her peers and has been an integral part of CCHS. She will attend UCLA in the fall to study psychology.

Jauregui graduated one semester early from Mt. San Jacinto High School and is currently enrolled at College of the Desert. He served as the school’s student board representative for the Palm Springs Unified School District and was a member of both the School Site Council and the esports team. He is studying culinary arts at COD and hopes to become a chef.

“It’s an honor to celebrate these two students,” said Cathedral City Mayor Nancy Ross. “High school is not always easy. It’s great to have things to work towards, to care about, to lift you up and keep you going.”

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from these outstanding students.

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City News Service

JURUPA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Amid criticism — including from the White House — over a transgender Jurupa Valley High School athlete participating in this weekend’s state track and field championships, the organization that oversees California high school sports announced a change today to ensure “biological female” athletes are not excluded from the competition.   

The rule change from the California Interscholastic Federation, described as a “pilot entry process,” essentially expands the field of competitors in events at the CIF State meet set for Friday and Saturday in Clovis.  

“Under this pilot entry process, any biological female student- athlete who would have earned the next qualifying mark for one of their Section’s automatic qualifying entries in the CIF State meet, and did not achieve the CIF State at-large mark in the finals at their Section meet, was extended an opportunity to participate in the 2025 CIF State Track and Field Championships,” according to CIF. “The CIF believes this pilot entry process achieves the participation opportunities we seek to afford our student-athletes.”   

The CIF statement did not specifically mention transgender athletes, although the governor’s office noted the change is aimed at ensuring biological female athletes won’t be displaced from this weekend’s meet, while still allowing transgender athletes to compete.

“CIF’s proposed pilot is a reasonable, respectful way to navigate a complex issue without compromising competitive fairness — a model worth pursuing,” the governor’s office Director of Communications Izzy Gardon said in a statement. “The governor is encouraged by this thoughtful approach.”

AB Hernandez, a junior on the Jurupa Valley High School track and field team, will be the only openly transgender athlete competing at the CIF State Track and Field meet at Buchanan High School in Clovis Friday and Saturday. She is ranked as one of the top athletes in California, ranked by athletic.net No. 1 in the triple jump and No. 2 in the long jump.   

Hernandez won the girls invitational portion of the prestigious Mt. SAC Relays in Walnut in April and CIF Southern Section Division 3 titles in May at Moorpark High School in the long jump and triple jump.

Despite Hernandez’s success, the board president of the Chino Valley Unified School District, a state Assembly member, and President Donald Trump are trying to prevent the junior from competing in girls high school track and field meets.

“I leave the controversy out at the meet,” Hernandez told City News Service at the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet at Moorpark High School on Saturday. “I just relax and … do what I can do, hone in, and leave it all out on the (field) and just focus. Do what I can do and just leave the controversy out.”

Hernandez finished first in the triple jump and long jump at the Masters Meet and qualified for the CIF State Track and Field meet in both events. She tied for fourth in the high jump at the Masters Meet and did not qualify for the CIF State meet in that event.

Hernandez’s participation in high school girls track and field meets has drawn the attention and ire of Sonja Shaw, the president of the Chino Valley Unified School District and a candidate for California superintendent of public instruction.

Shaw has been attending high school track and field meets in the district to draw attention to Hernandez competing in girls events. Shaw is vocally opposed to Hernandez, the only known transgender athlete competing in girls high school sports in the Chino Valley Unified School District, participating in girls high school track and field meets.   

“We will keep fighting, and our girls will win,” Shaw told CNS. “Our district has already sent a letter to President Trump asking him to intervene because one daughter hurt is one too many. This is the hill we are willing to die on, and we are not standing alone.”  

“I will continue to file claims with the Office of Civil Rights, the Department of Justice, and the Department of Education. Advocates for Faith & Freedom already has a lawsuit in motion, and California Family Council has launched a petition.”

Trump posted on social media Tuesday that he will withhold federal funding from California if transgender athletes are allowed to compete in girls sports, and he called on local authorities to prevent Hernandez from competing in the CIF State meet.

“California, under the leadership of Radical Left Democrat Gavin Newsom, continues to ILLEGALLY allow `MEN TO PLAY IN WOMEN’S SPORTS.’ This week a transitioned male athlete, at a major event, won `everything,’ and is now qualified to compete in the `State Finals’ next weekend.”

The athlete Trump is presumably referring to is Hernandez.   

“As a male, he was a less than average competitor. As a female, this transitioned person is practically unbeatable. THIS IS NOT FAIR, AND TOTALLY DEMEANING TO WOMEN AND GIRLS. Please be hereby advised that large scale Federal Funding will be held back, maybe permanently, if the Executive Order on this subject matter is not adhered to. The Governor, himself, said it is `UNFAIR.’ I will speak to him today to find out which way he wants to go??? In the meantime I am ordering local authorities, if necessary, to not allow the transitioned person to compete in the State Finals. This is a totally ridiculous situation!!!”   

The governor’s office stressed that the decision by CIF to implement the pilot rule change for this weekend’s state track and field meet was made prior to Trump’s social media post.

Hernandez also played on the Jurupa Valley High School girls volleyball team in the fall. Jurupa Valley reached the quarterfinals of the CIF Southern Section Division 8 girls volleyball playoffs.

Hernandez’s mother, Nereyda Hernandez, sent a cease-and-desist letter to Shaw in response to comments Shaw posted on her Instagram account. The comments were directed at AB Hernandez about biological males competing in high school girls sports.

Shaw brought the letter and read parts of it during a school board meeting in March.

When Shaw was finished reading the letter, she tore it in half and said, “This is how I feel about the letter.”

“I ripped up the cease-and-desist letter in front of the board and I’d do it again,” Shaw said. “That letter was nothing more than an intimidation tactic designed to silence truth and protect an agenda that’s hurting our girls. I’m not here to cower to threats or political theater. I’m here to stand for reality, fairness, and the rights of young women who are being erased in real time.”   

AB Hernandez has competed on the Jurupa Valley High School track and field team for three years. As a sophomore, AB Hernandez was third in the triple jump in the CIF State Track and Field meet at Buchanan High School in Clovis in 2024.

“I couldn’t be any prouder regardless of all the noise,” Nereyda Hernandez said. “She’s successful. She is first place, and it’s her third year. I couldn’t be any prouder.”   

Following the CIF Southern Section Masters Meet at Moorpark High School, AB Hernandez was ranked first by athletic.net in the state in the triple jump at 41 feet, 4 inches, set in April at the Mt. SAC Relays. Kira Gant Hatcher from St. Mary’s College is ranked second at 40 feet, 10.5 inches set at the CIF North Coast Section Meet of Champions on Saturday.   

AB Hernandez is ranked second in the state by athletic.net in the long jump at 20 feet, 1.5 inches, set in March in a meet against La Sierra High School. Katie McGuinness from La Cañada High School was ranked No. 1 in the state in the long jump at 20 feet, 4 inches, set in April at the CIF Southern Section Division 3 preliminary meet.   

AB Hernandez won the long jump and triple jump at the CIF Southern Section Division 3 finals at Moorpark High School on May 17. Hernandez won the long jump by 3 1/4 inches over McGuinness.

Hernandez won the triple jump by 4-feet, 2-inches over Reese Hogan, a junior from Crean Lutheran, and was the only triple jumper to break 41 feet.   

At the Southern Section finals, AB Hernandez stood on the first-place podium after winning the triple jump with Hogan standing on the second-place podium. When AB Hernandez stepped off the first-place podium, Hogan stepped on to it. Photos and video of Hogan on the first-place podium were posted online and on social media, drawing more attention, not all of it supportive, to AB Hernandez competing in girls track and field meets and winning events.   

AB Hernandez beat McGuinness in the long jump and Hogan in the triple jump at the Masters Meet. All three qualified for the CIF State meet. The top six athletes in each event automatically qualified to compete in the CIF State meet.

“At state, it’s a different environment,” AB Hernandez said. “Everyone’s pushing for that No. 1 spot.”   

When asked about competing against McGuinness in track and field meets, AB Hernandez said, “It’s always nerve-racking coming from (CIF) prelims where she got first, I was definitely nervous. I just need to relax and do what I can do.”

Assembywoman Kate Sanchez, a Republican from Rancho Santa Margarita, introduced a bill in January that would change the California Interscholastic Federation — CIF — rules regarding transgender athletes competing in high school sports. It would have banned biological males from competing in girls sports.

The bill, Assembly Bill 89, would have required CIF to change its constitution, bylaws and policies to prohibit pupils whose gender was assigned male at birth from participating in high school girls sports.

Sanchez said at a committee meeting in Sacramento on April 1 that allowing transgender athletes to compete in girls high school sports has had devastating consequences across the country. Changing CIF rules regarding transgender athletes was part of the solution, she said.

“It simply requires California Interscholastic Federation to align with federal policy ensuring that high school girls competitive sports are reserved for biological females,” Sanchez said at the committee hearing. “Let’s be clear. It is not about hate, it is not about fear, and it’s not about right-wing talking points. This is entirely about fairness, safety, and integrity in girls competitive high school athletics.”

The bill failed in a committee by a 7-2 vote on April 2.   

At the committee hearing, several people made comments in support and opposition to the bill.

Three high schools joined Shaw and Sanchez opposing AB Hernandez competing in high school girls athletics. JSerra Catholic High School, Orange Lutheran High School and Crean Lutheran High School signed letters stating their disappointment in CIF’s failure to respect and protect female athletes and opposed CIF’s gender identity policy. The letter was posted on social media via California Justice Center attorney Julie Hamill on May 9, prior to the CIF Southern Section preliminary track and field finals May 10.

“As a school, we are working our way through a significant issue deeply intertwined with a fundamental aspect of our mission. Tomorrow four of our female student-athletes will be competing in the CIF Track & Field State Prelims,” the letter to parents from JSerra said. “Unfortunately, in three of these events our young women will be competing against a young man (who identifies as a female). He will likely dominate the competition and handily win all three events. To be clear, we hold no malice toward this particular student. We do feel compelled, however, to take a stand for the right, duties and dignity of our young women.”  

On social media, the comments regarding AB Hernandez are more threatening and intimidating. Daisy Gardner, a friend of the Hernandez family, said the family has received death threats in social media posts and there are coordinated campaigns of harassment against transgender athletes, not only AB Hernandez.

“Some of the scariest people are coming out of the woodwork saying they wish harm on this family and this kid,” Gardner said. “I cannot tell you how impressive it has been to see a child compete and focus on her sport.”   

In the United States, about 3.3% of high school students identify as transgender, according to a 2023 report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As many as 122,000 transgender youth, ages 13 to 17, could be participating in high school team athletics, according to the Williams Institute.

“We don’t keep statistics on transgender athletes,” said Thom Simmons, assistant commissioner of the CIF Southern Section. “It’s not a data point we keep.”

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The “Murph” workout is a popular CrossFit Hero workout often done on Memorial Day to honor Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a Navy SEAL who was killed in Afghanistan.

It involves a 1-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 air squats, and another 1-mile run, all in a 20-pound weight vest. Many CrossFit gyms and individuals participate in this challenging workout to remember fallen service members.

On Memorial Day, members of multiple local gyms, including CrossFit Palm Springs, took on the “Murph,” a grueling workout honoring the fallen Lt. Murphy.

Pharos Athletic Club in Palm Springs also got in on the action. Trainer Josh Phillips talked with News Channel 3 about what the challenge includes.

Phillips explains, “So Murph is a one mile run followed by 100 pull ups, 200 push ups, 300 squats and then another mile of run at the end. And you’re probably wondering, why am I wearing this weight vest? It’s not just a fashion statement. It’s because the workout is meant to be done with a 20 pound weight vest.”

Participants say it’s a powerful way to honor those who gave everything and to remember the true meaning of Memorial Day.

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Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Juvenile Armed with Knife Surrenders After Standoff in Palm Desert.

Sheriff’s deputies were in an active standoff in Palm Desert Monday night with a person armed in a home in the 40000 block of Ventana Court, just off Hovley Lane.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reports that deputies were dispatched to the location regarding the brandishing of a weapon just after 6:30 p.m. They say that when they got to the home, they learned a juvenile was armed with a knife inside.

The Riverside Sheriff’s Crisis Negotiation Team responded to the scene and worked for hours to deescalate the situation.

After prolonged negotiations, the suspect surrendered and was taken into custody without incident.

There are no reported injuries. This is an ongoing investigation, and no further details are available at this time.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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KESQ News Team

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – People in Cathedral City paused on Monday to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice for their country.

News Channel 3’s Jeff Stahl emceed the annual Memorial Day remembrance at Forest Lawn, with Cathedral City Police Chief George Crum and members of Cathedral City Fire & EMS making appearances.

Along with the music, presentations and addresses, a wreath was delivered in honor of the nation’s fallen heroes.

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KESQ News Team

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The powerful sound of bagpipes echoed through Veterans Park in Desert Hot Springs as the city gathered for its annual Memorial Day ceremony.

Park caretaker and local veteran Edward G. Johnson shared his experience of losing fellow heroes and what this day means to him.

Johnson says, “It almost is really tough to explain to other people who have never experienced that, but when they do, it’s a whole new ball game and I choke up for the rest of my life on this. It’s a different thing. It’s just [that] war is different. So this is really – today’s ceremony is for all wars, all veterans who served in every war.”

Today’s service included a patriot flyover from the Palm Springs Air Museum, a presentation of colors, and participation from Desert Hot Springs High School ROTC students.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – American Legion Palm Springs Post 519 members honored those who have fallen this Memorial Day.

The chapter held a Memorial Day Run and Ceremony that drew dozens of veterans, families and supporters to NYPD Restaurant & Bar for a powerful tribute.

John Picken, Commander of Post 519 American Legion Palm Springs, explained what the event included.

“We had a luncheon,” Picken said. “We had a little ceremony with our color guard, a gun salute and we played taps.”

He said lunch, raffles and music by DJ Noriega brought people together, but the focus stayed on sacrifice — and those who didn’t come home.

“It’s more of a memorial for the veterans who didn’t make it home,” Picken said. “And that’s bittersweet.”

Coachella Valley Resources for Veterans

NAMI Coachella Valley – Offers free mental health support groups, education and advocacy for veterans and families.

Riverside County Veterans’ Services: Veterans Reintegration Program – Provides counseling and mental health support tailored to veterans, including those involved with the justice system.

Veterans Crisis Line – Serves veterans, service members, National Guard and Reserve members and those who support them.

Stay with News Channel 3 for a look inside the ceremony at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (CNS) — The Palm Springs fertility clinic that was targeted in what authorities have described as an act of domestic terrorism reopened its doors at a temporary location on Tuesday.

Officials with American Reproductive Centers said they would be open for existing patients, but anyone interested in becoming a new patient was encouraged to call to schedule an appointment. The temporary location is at the El Mirador Medical Plaza, across the street from the clinic’s original location on Indian Canyon Drive.

In the wake of the bombing, city officials, along with clinic representatives, have expressed optimism regarding the future of the original clinic location.

Emery Baucas, a patient who worked with Dr. Abdallah to start her family using IVF, says she’s happy to see the clinic in a new, temporary home.

“I’m so happy it’s just across the street, and I think that was on purpose because Dr. Abdallah is probably trying to get everything as back to normal as fast as possible,” said Baucas. “I think he’s trying to get those embryos transferred and I can’t wait to see how many of these embryos graduate this time around, and how many successful pregnancies result from this. This is such a day of hope.”

Baucas is also looking forward to working with the clinic to expand their family once again.

“When we did IVF to begin with, there was never a doubt in my mind that it was going to be successful with Dr. Abdallah,” said Baucas. “So it doesn’t surprise me that he got everything situated and good to go so quickly. And, you know, back to business for everyone again, especially for those who had just done retrieval, it must be a huge weight off their shoulders.”

And as for safety, Baucas says she isn’t worried at all.

“I just know security is probably even amped up even more, especially at Desert Regional,” said Baucas. “I know they already ramped it up at the old spot, like I know that they do have security footage all around the Reproductive Center.”

The clinic, at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, was hit with a bombing shortly before 11 a.m. on May 17, in which only the bomber was killed. Guy Edward Bartkus, 25, of Twentynine Palms, was identified as the suspect killed in the explosion. Bartkus was believed to have authored an “anti pro-life manifesto” and was motivated by disdain for families and childbirth in general, the FBI announced.

Embryos and other lab-preserved endowments are maintained at the clinic, which sustained extensive damage. There was additionally collateral damage to several buildings in the immediate vicinity, according to the FBI. Four people were hurt, but there were no reports of life-threatening injuries.

Despite the blast, clinic staff and first responders reacted quickly, reportedly saving most of the eggs used for in-vitro treatments.

“Our clinic, where hope is nurtured and futures begin, was the target of a senseless and destructive act,” Amer Abdallah, a representative for the American Reproductive Centers, said at a news conference last week. “Today, we reaffirm our mission to provide the highest-quality fertility care in a safe and compassionate environment, with the highest level of quality, integrity and service. We believe in miracles, we witness it every day.”

Federal agents are digging deeper into Bartkus’ background, probing “multiple online posts and audio recordings . . . where he had expressed these views,” according to the FBI.

“Evidence indicates the explosion targeting the American Reproductive Centers was premeditated and that the attack was an intentional act of terrorism,” the bureau said, noting Bartkus “had access to a large quantity of commercially available chemical products which could be combined to create ahome-made explosive device.” The specific type used in the attack wasn’t named.

“The Joint Terrorism Task Force investigation indicates that Guy Edward Bartkus had ideations of attacking clinics in the past and had anti-natalist beliefs,” the agency stated. “(The anti-natalist position) is thatit’s morally wrong or unjustifiable to have children. Anti-natalists base their views on a variety of concerns, including human suffering, consent, overpopulation and the environment.”

On Thursday, city officials joined the clinic’s operators in announcing expedited moves to keep the business running, relying on assistance from Desert Regional Medical Center and other facilities until a new building is built.

“As a city, we will continue to work closely with Dr. Abdallah to do whatever it takes to make the transition as seamless as possible to provide immediate care to your patients,” Councilwoman Naomi Soto said. “Their work creates our future residents, our future neighbors, our future communitymembers.”

American Reproductive Centers can be reached at 760-346-4334.

News Channel 3’s Tori King has reached out to the clinic for further comment. Stay tuned for her reports at 4, 5, and 6.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At first glance, it looks like any other thrift store.

But step inside and you’ll find a guy who’s been powering this place for nearly a decade.

“Life’s great. I have been here almost nine years, so that explains how cool it is here… This place is kind of like a community center.”

Chris Fisher isn’t just the store manager at Revivals in Palm Springs.

He’s part coach, part host, and full-time community builder.

“We’ll have visitors from out of town… I’m like, we’re just a cool store. It’s a great cause. We’re great people.”

Every rack, every register, every morning lineup out the door fuels something bigger.

“We are DAP Health’s fundraiser… this store is one of the few things that funds those initiatives.”

And when you lead a team of 125 volunteers, Chris says the mission matters.

“We know that we’re doing good for the community… we know them by name.”

So next time you drop off a donation, don’t be surprised if you see a hero in action.

He won’t say it… but we will.

Know someone like Chris who deserves the spotlight?

Click this link Neighborhood Heroes, and submit your nomination today.

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Tori King

Indio, Calif. (KESQ)– Memorial Day is one of the busiest travel days of the entire year, which means traffic will likely be heavy throughout the day.

Experts with AAA estimates that 45.1 million Americans will travel domestically for Memorial Day weekend in 2025, according to a press release from INRIX. This is a record number, according to AAA’s official statement. 

The majority of travelers will be driving, with 39.4 million expected to take road trips. Another 3.61 million are projected to travel by air, and 2.08 million will travel by other modes.

With so many people on the roadways, local authorities are ramping up enforcement. California Highway Patrol Officers will be on the lookout for drivers that are speeding, driving recklessly, or driving under the influence.

News Channel 3’s Tori King spoke with Indio CHP Public Information Officer David Torres about the enforcement.

“People at the end of a holiday weekend tend to be in a hurry,” said Torres. “They want to get back home. They’ve had a fun time with their family, or they’re ready to get home and they try to speed back, but we just ask that people drive carefully. Be patient. Your number one priority should be getting home safely. And so that’s what we’re here for.”

During the 2024 Memorial Day weekend enforcement period in California, CHP arrested over 1,100 drivers for DUIs and 42 people were killed in crashes. 

“You want to be with your friends and sometimes drinking is involved,” said Torres. “So we’re out there looking for people that are under the influence, and it’s clear that DUI and drinking or driving is illegal, and if you do get arrested, you will be charged with a DUI.”

Nearly half of the fatalities were not wearing seatbelts. 

“We have full staff of officers out on the road all day,” said Torres. “We’re out there looking for different kind of violations, and we’re just making sure that you get home. But there will be a lot of traffic too. Traffic tends to back up more where the lanes go from three to four lanes, or four to three lanes.”

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