Author: KESQ

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) –  Palm Springs International Airport launched an online portal today designed for travelers to view found items in real time.   

In partnership with Liff Happens, a digital lost-and-found software platform, PSP is the first airport to implement this service. The company was mainly used at major events and destinations worldwide, including Coachella Valley Music and Art Festival, Stagecoach Festival, Austin City Limits, Bonnaroo and EDC.  

“Every touchpoint matter when it comes to our guests’ experience, and this is a meaningful improvement,” Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett, Jr., said in a statement. “By partnering with Liff Happens, we’re reducing the stress and uncertainty that comes lost items while making it easier for travelers to recover them.”  

Officials said the platform catalogs items using photos and key descriptive details and masks personal information for security reasons. Once a guest can verify ownership of an item, the person can securely finish the claim process and have their belongings shipped to a residence or to a preferred address.  

“We’re excited to partner with Palm Springs Airport as our first airport client,” Benji Friedl, Co-Founder of Liff Happens, said in a statement. “Airports present a unique opportunity to improve the lost and found experience at scale, and PSP is leading the way by putting convenience and guest experience first.”

The online portal can be found at flyPSP.com/lost.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – The state Attorney General’s Office today announced a civil rights investigation into the response to the January 2025 Eaton Fire, questioning whether race, age or disability discrimination contributed to delays in emergency notifications and evacuations in the historically black West Altadena area.   

Attorney General Rob Bonta noted that the 14,000-acre fire killed 19 people, all but one of whom lived in the West Altadena area, and the average age of the fire victims was 77 years old.

Check Out: One Year Later: Eaton Fire survivors speak out

“The investigation we’ve launched is driven by one over-arching question — did the Los Angeles County Fire Department’s delay in notifying and evacuating the historically Black West Altadena community during the Eaton Fire violate state anti-discrimination and disability rights laws?” Bonta said at a Los Angeles news conference announcing the investigation. “Meaning, did unlawful race-, disability- or age based discrimination in the emergency response result in a delayed evacuation notification that disproportionately impacted West Altadena residents?

“That’s the question. We don’t know the answer. We don’t know what this investigation will turn up, which is the whole point — to pursue the facts, uncover, reveal the facts and follow the facts.

“We’re also not starting from a blank slate here. There are concerning circumstances surrounding the Eaton Fire that have raised questions, making this investigation necessary. The biggest of which is that there was indisputably a delayed emergency notification and evacuation of West Altadena. We’re here to ask why.”   

Questions about the emergency response to the fire were raised shortly after the deadly blaze, with the Los Angeles Times reporting that evacuation alerts were issued in West Altadena only well after the fire was raging in the community, and fewer firefighting resources were deployed into the area, as compared to the eastern portion of Altadena.   

The Times reports noted that residents living east of Lake Avenue received evacuation notices within an hour of the fire erupting on Jan. 7, 2025, but residents west of Lake were not notified for nearly nine hours. An evacuation order was not issued in West Altadena until roughly 3:30 a.m. Jan. 8, with some residents not receiving evacuation orders until nearly three hours after that, The Times reported.

West Altadena resident groups have been pressing the state to conduct an investigation into the issue. A group called Altadena for Accountability issued a statement Thursday hailing Bonta’s announcement.

“Amidst increasing climate change catastrophes, this investigation is expected to enforce a high standard of equity in the dispensation of emergency services during a disaster for all communities regardless of race, disability, or socioeconomic status,” according to the group.

The organization pointed to reports that “sheriff and fire personnel failed to conduct timely door-knocks, adequate in-person evacuation support, and described that a shortage of LASD duty vehicles hindered coverage across all impacted neighborhoods, while a Los Angeles Times investigation revealed that only one county fire patrol was deployed to West Altadena during the fire’s first 12 hours and 911 calls for help also went ignored.”   

“While there have been prior efforts to analyze and audit the fires in Los Angeles, none rose to the level of investigation. In a time where climate change injustices are increasing, this move by Attorney General Rob Bonta marks a distinct and consequential path forward for fire survivors in search of accountability and justice,” according to the group.   

County Supervisor Kathryn Barger, who represents the Altadena area, said she welcomes the AG’s investigation.   

“If there were gaps, we must acknowledge them. If there were disparities, we must confront them. And if systems need to change, we must change them,” Barger said in a statement. “I stand ready to support the attorney general’s efforts and remain committed to working collaboratively to ensure we learn from this tragedy and strengthen our emergency response systems for every community we serve.”  

The county Board of Supervisors last year ordered an independent review of the fire response. The resulting report, released in September by the McChrystal Group pointed to a series of outdated policies, weaknesses and systemic vulnerabilities that hampered emergency notifications and evacuation orders during the early onset of the Eaton and Palisades fires.   

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The consultant group found “no single point of failure” relating to lapses in public alerts, warnings and notifications, referring instead to widespread weaknesses in the overall system.

“Beyond alerting and evacuation operations, this review identified systemic issues that impacted the alert and evacuation response,” the report stated. “Outdated and inconsistent policies, protocols and standard operating procedures created ambiguity around evacuation authority and responsibilities. In many cases, decision-making roles were unclear, and pre-incident public messaging responsibilities lacked standardization across agencies. These gaps contributed to nonuniform preparedness strategies across jurisdictions and slowed coordinated efforts.”

In response to the report, Sheriff Robert Luna said last year: “The Palisades and Eaton Fires were the worst natural disaster in our county’s history, and it tested us and our community in every possible way. This After-Action Report is not only a reflection about the past, but it’s a tool for building a stronger emergency response. It highlights what went well and identifies where we can improve, with a focus on enhanced cross training and better technology to strengthen our preparedness. I’m deeply proud of how our deputy sheriffs performed with professionalism and dedication under dangerous and extraordinary circumstances, which exemplifies the strength and resilience of our department, and how we serve our communities.”

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Garrett Hottle

VISTA DELMAR, Calif. (KESQ) The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Thursday that human remains found in Salton City in December have been identified as 17 year old T’Neya “TT” Tovar, who was reported missing out of Riverside County.

News Channel 3 first reported Wednesday that T’Neya’s mother, Charro Tovar, said the Imperial County Coroner informed her that remains found near the Salton Sea area in December were confirmed to be her daughter’s. At the time, authorities had not publicly confirmed the identification.

On Thursday, the Sheriff’s Office formally confirmed the remains were Tovar’s following DNA analysis.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded on December 21, 2025, around 4:22 p.m. to the area of Portsmouth Avenue and Newhaven Court in Vista Delmar after receiving a report of found human remains. Deputies located a human leg that showed signs of decomposition.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office Coroner’s Unit took over the investigation and sent the remains to the county’s forensic pathologist for examination. Authorities said the pathologist was initially unable to determine the sex, age, or race of the remains.

Over the following weeks, investigators worked to develop a DNA profile and searched neighboring agencies’ databases for a match. Those efforts were unsuccessful at first.

On February 6, 2026, the Sheriff’s Office Scientific Investigations Unit received a positive female DNA match from the remains. Investigators then contacted the mother of a missing female juvenile believed to have been in the Salton City area. After she provided a DNA sample, rapid DNA analysis confirmed the remains belonged to T’Neya Tovar, officials said. ICSO_Press Release_Human Remain…

The Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and that it is working with the FBI.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact Investigator Moreno with the Imperial County Sheriff’s Office at (442) 265-2265.

This is an ongoing investigation. KESQ will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An Indio family is left picking up the pieces after a devastating house fire destroyed their familial home, car and nearly all their belongings.

Marina Garcia says her family, including her one-year-old son, are now left without a home after Monday’s fire.

The fire broke out around 3 p.m. at the 82200 block of Kenner Avenue and was shortly contained by CalFire units.

“When I opened the garage door, the rolling black smoke started coming in. Where I was laying, I had my purse, my keys, my phone and everything on it. I just grabbed it. I didn’t even get my shoes. I moved my car went all the way around, parked over there and I watched my house burn,” Karen Garcia said.

While the investigation hasn’t concluded the cause, the family believes it was old electrical wiring in the garage. They say several homes in the neighborhood have burned down in recent years, most of which were built in the 1960s.

“It’s hard to see my home like this. I grew up here I can’t even look at it sometimes,” Marina Garcia said.

The Garcias say the home has been in the family for generations, since the ’80s for every birthday party, anniversary and new addition to the family.

Now, they have to rebuild from scratch, and without home insurance due to rising costs, they say they’re unsure what the future holds.

“I just want to go home, but I don’t have a home,” Karen said.

If you’d like to support the family as they rebuild their home, visit: https://www.gofundme.com/f/rebuilding-after-indio-house-fire.

News Channel 3 is working to get the family results and find temporary housing during the difficult time. Stick with us for continuing coverage.

The family is also asking for donated supplies, including shovels, buckets, and other supplies to aid in the clean up.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Fair and Date Festival is officially underway in Indio — but for some Coachella Valley families, celebration is colliding with concern.

As tens of thousands are expected to attend the annual event, recent immigration enforcement activity across the valley is causing some residents to think twice about going.

“I’m not sure if I’m going to go,” one local woman told News Channel 3, saying she has personally witnessed ICE activity in the area — and was even stopped herself despite being a U.S. citizen.

So, should fairgoers be worried?

News Channel 3 spoke with local police, fair officials, and state and federal leaders about what’s planned — and what families should know before heading out.

Indio Police say they do not participate in immigration enforcement and are not aware of any planned federal activity at the fairgrounds. Meanwhile, Congressman Raul Ruiz says fear in immigrant communities is very real.

We break down the concerns, the official response, and what fairgoers should know.

Watch the full report tonight at 6 on News Channel 3.

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María García

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) — A Banning High School student is under arrest after police say they brought a weapon to campus and threatened another student Tuesday morning.

According to the Banning Police Department, officers responded just after 9 a.m. to reports of a student in possession of metal knuckles.

When officers attempted to make contact, police say the student ran off campus by jumping a fence. A search of the area followed, and the student was later detained near San Gorgonio Avenue and Lincoln Street.

The student was not injured during the incident. However, one officer was hurt and transported to a hospital for treatment. The extent of the officer’s injuries has not been released.

The juvenile was booked on several charges, including possession of a weapon on school grounds, making criminal threats, and resisting an officer.

Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Banning Police Department.

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Timothy Foster

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Rancho Mirage High School welcomed a special guest speaker on Thursday as Michele Gold, a second-generation Holocaust survivor, shared her family’s powerful story with students.

Gold recounted her mother’s journey beginning with her childhood in Leipzig, Germany, her escape to safety through the Kindertransport program, and her life after World War II.

The Kindertransport, a rescue effort that brought thousands of Jewish children to safety in Great Britain before the outbreak of the war, remains one of the most significant humanitarian efforts of the era.

The assemblies are designed for sophomores who are currently studying World War II in their World History classes and reading Night by Elie Wiesel in English.

Gold’s presentation provided students with a deeply personal perspective that complements their classroom learning and brings historical events into a human context.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs city leaders are taking a closer look at last week’s Prescott Preserve fire.

The blaze broke out Sunday, Feb. 1, burning about three and a half acres and nearly 100 palm trees before firefighters stopped its advance.

At Wednesday night’s City Council meeting, Fire Chief Paul Alvarado presented an after‑action report detailing how crews contained the fire despite several challenges.

According to the report, heavy natural fuels in the preserve and limited access to water made the initial attack more difficult. Alvarado said a rapid response from Palm Springs firefighters along with mutual‑aid support prevented the flames from spreading to nearby homes.

City officials also outlined ongoing work by Code Compliance teams, who are overseeing vegetation removal and defensible‑space improvements throughout the preserve as part of long‑term mitigation efforts.

Several residents have called for stronger prevention measures, including more frequent inspections of an aging clubhouse located on the property.

City leaders said they plan to meet with members of the Mesquite Country Club next week to discuss next steps. A full follow‑up report is expected as officials evaluate long‑term safety and fire‑prevention strategies for the area.

At the meeting, Fire Chief Paul Alvarado told council members, “The cause of the fire is undetermined, although human caused in origin could not be ruled out.”

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Shay Lawson

Update 2/22/26

Tim Parker said Francisco Torres-Osanaya is now receiving his medicine after repeated visits.

“They finally started giving Frank his medicine,” Parker said. “But he went more than 2 weeks without it, which is not good.”

He describes the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility conditions.

“They don’t let them go outside very often,” Parker said. “The place is overcrowded.”

Parker said 2 major hurdles remain, money for legal fees and finding Osanaya’s children.

Osanaya’s deportation hearing is scheduled for March 10th.

You can support Osanaya at this link.

Update 2/12/26

Statement from Consulate of Mexico in San Bernardino

In response to the report by News Channel 3 concerning a Mexican national currently held at the Adelanto ICE Processing Center, the Consulate of Mexico  in San Bernardino confirms that it is aware of the case and is actively providing  consular follow-up.

The Consulate has formally requested that facility authorities ensure the  individual receives appropriate and timely attention. Additionally, a  representative from the Consular Protection Department will conduct a visit at  the earliest opportunity to verify his condition, review his legal situation, and  confirm that his rights are fully respected in accordance with applicable laws and standards.

The Consulate remains committed to safeguarding the rights and well-being of Mexican nationals within its jurisdiction and will continue to monitor  the case closely.

Press OfficeConsulate of Mexico in San BernardinoFebruary 12, 2026

Original Report 2/11/26

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Tim Parker, a Desert Hot Springs resident, said he fears his best friend could die inside the Adelanto Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facility claiming the longtime Coachella Valley gardener has not received critical HIV medication while in custody.

“We’ve known each other maybe 15 years,” Parker said. “He’s my best friend in the world. I’ve never met a more selfless, more helpful person.”

He said Francisco Torres-Osanaya, known to friends as “Paco,” was detained last week.

“They had been pulled over by multiple White SUVs with the capital ICE emblem on them,” Parker said. “Francisco was taken away, and no information was provided as to where he was taken.”

Parker said it took him days of driving across Southern California and repeated calls to immigration authorities before he finally located him after 3 days in Adelanto.

“I drove blindly to Adelanto and discovered that he was being held there,” Parker said.

He said he doesn’t know Torres-Osanaya immigration status, but that he has lived in the U.S. for 35 years with no criminal record.

“He had his paperwork in order as recently as a couple of years ago,” Parker said. “I think he must have let it slip.”

Parker said his greatest concern is Torres-Osanaya’s health.

“I brought his HIV medication‘s, but was told he would not be allowed to receive them,” Parker said. “I informed them of his condition and they said that he would have received these medication‘s from a doctor at ICE upon his processing.”

He said he has not been given his prescribed daily medication.

“He’s told never skip a dose,” Parker said. “Well, now he’s missed 7 days and if it comes back, it’s going to be a mutated or a version that probably is not responsive to the drugs. It’s a death sentence for him.”

Parker said when he visited Torres-Osanaya, he told him he had received no medication.

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson contacted U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement seeking confirmation of Torres-Osanaya’s immigration status and whether he is receiving necessary medical care.

We’re still waiting for answers.

The station also contacted the office of Congressman Raul Ruiz, who sent Parker instructions to submit a signed privacy release form so the office can open a case and request information from federal authorities.

Ruiz’s office said it cannot influence enforcement decisions but may be able to help obtain answers.

Parker said he plans to return to the Adelanto facility on Thursday.

“They better take that medicine,” Parker said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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Kade Atwood

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Nathan “Mason” Alger was sentenced Tuesday to 21 years in state prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in a 2020 burglary that left his accomplice dead.

The 25-year-old entered the plea at the Larson Justice Center under an agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. The deal avoids a retrial on a second-degree murder charge.

A Riverside County jury last June convicted Alger of assault with a firearm, shooting at an inhabited dwelling and enhancements for aiding and abetting first-degree burglary and using a gun during a felony. Jurors hung on the murder charge and acquitted him of attempted murder.

Under the plea agreement, Alger admitted voluntary manslaughter and related counts. Superior Court Judge Kristi Hester dismissed the murder charge and imposed the agreed-upon 21-year sentence. Court minutes show one count was designated the principal term, another will run concurrently and sentencing on two counts was stayed.

The case stems from a Nov. 18, 2020 burglary in the 13700 block of Hacienda Heights Drive.

Prosecutors said Alger and a man identified in court documents as “Presley B.” planned to break into the home of an acquaintance who Presley believed owed him money. They thought the homeowner would be away.

They did not know a tenant, identified as “R.R.,” was inside playing video games.

Authorities said the pair kicked in the front door and went to the homeowner’s bedroom to search for money and valuables. R.R. armed himself with a semiautomatic handgun and confronted the masked intruders.

According to court documents, Presley turned and pointed a handgun at R.R., who then fired twice. After briefly retreating, R.R. saw Presley near the front door and fired once more. Presley was pronounced dead at the scene. An autopsy found he was shot twice in the chest and suffered a superficial wound to his back.

Authorities said Alger retrieved a pump shotgun from a getaway vehicle and fired two rounds toward the house before fleeing. He was arrested several days later.

Court records show Alger had a prior burglary conviction.

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