Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A foster caregiver from Desert Hot Springs was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of multiple counts of sexually assaulting children, authorities announced.

Sergio Avalos Perez, 64, was arrested at around 5:30 p.m. on the 44000 block of Town Center Way. He was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio and faces several charges of sexual assault of a minor.

Perez remains in custody on $2,000000 bail. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, authorities began their investigation on Dec. 10 after allegations of child abuse were reported to Child Protective Services, in which all children had been removed from the home.

During the investigation, it was determined that a minor who was placed in foster care at the home had been sexually assaulted by the caregiver. Investigators identified several additional victims who were also sexually assaulted.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information regarding this investigation to contact Investigator Iniguez at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836-1600.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A SIG Alert was issued after a crash on the Golf Center Parkway off-ramp from I-10 eastbound.

The crash was reported at around 7:30 p.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, the crash involved two vehicles. Police believe alcohol was a factor.

Two people were transported to the hospital with complaint of pain.

A SIG Alert was issued just before 8 p.m. closing the off-ramp, the California Highway Patrol announced. CHP said to expect delays in the area.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – A group of Coachella Valley residents has filed a lawsuit against Riverside County to prevent the Thermal Ranch project, the Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability announced on Tuesday.

The Thermal Ranch project is a massive 619-acre development centered around a 231-acre luxury equestrian center that will provide a new, permanent home for the Desert International Horse Park.

It’s set to be located on Harrison Street and 62nd Avenue in Thermal, a couple of miles down the road from the horse park’s current location. It is 30% larger than the current horse park.

According to developers, the project will also include 110 custom estate homes, 161 single-family homes, 191 condominiums, workforce housing, an RV park, and a future phase consisting of a hotel, resort condominiums, and a retail/entertainment center.

Developers have said the project will exceed $1 billion. The Board of Supervisors approved the Thermal Ranch project in December.

Semillas de Resistencia, a community organization formed by Coachella residents in response to large-scale development projects in their region, has argued for years that the project will increase air pollution, and without requiring a detailed plan for safely handling 140,000 pounds of manure per day.

In their lawsuit, filed on January 16, the group alleges that the county violated environmental law by approving the project based on a flawed and misleading environmental review, putting nearby residents at risk of increased air pollution and unsafe manure management.

2026-1-16-Verified-Petition-for-Writ-of-MandateDownload

The group is challenging the county’s certification of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR), saying that it “acknowledges significant and unavoidable harms to air quality and agricultural land, but rejects feasible mitigation measures to reduce these impacts and also relies on vague, shifting, and incomplete descriptions of key project operations.”

“The county did not take us or our experiences into account when making their decision; they did not consider the consequences it would have on us,” said a member of Semillas de Resistencia who lives near the proposed project. 

The Thermal Ranch project would also include new supporting infrastructure, including a 5-million gallon water reservoir and a new a 58-megavolt electrical substation. Developers said the project would need half of the water and 21 megavolts, the rest would be available for other uses.

Semillas de Resistencia argues that nearby communities and Polanco parks — most of which still lack access to reliable water and services — would not directly benefit from this investment. 

Other issues the group has highlighted include the project’s equestrian operations and management, including how animal waste, odors, air emissions, and potential groundwater contamination would be managed.

“Residents living near this project have a right to know that all necessary steps will be taken to protect the quality of the air they breathe and water they drink,” said Seth Alston, Staff Attorney with Leadership Counsel for Justice and Accountability, who is assisting with the lawsuit. “The environmental review of this project was deeply flawed and must be corrected.” 

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) A magnitude 4.9 earthquake shook Indio Monday night, rattling residents across the Coachella Valley but causing no major damage or serious injuries — while also raising fresh questions about how California’s Earthquake Early Warning system works and why alerts reached some people before the shaking, but not others.

The quake struck near Indio Hills at 5:56 p.m., sending a brief but noticeable jolt through homes, businesses, and senior centers in the area.

“It was strong. And my husband, he has dementia. He was upstairs, so I got all scared,” Rosalva Gomez.

Others described a sudden, unsettling movement rather than prolonged shaking.

“My bed started shaking… and the dogs started barking,” Mary Ramirez said. “It was the first time I felt an earthquake here in the desert… it was scary,” Gloria Hernandez said.

The U.S. Geological Survey placed the epicenter along the San Andreas Fault — the major fault line that runs through the Coachella Valley. Local geologists say that stretch of the fault typically produces “strike-slip” earthquakes, meaning the ground moves sideways rather than up and down.

That motion is what residents felt Monday night.

Monday’s quake contrasted sharply with the 1994 Northridge earthquake, a magnitude 6.7 event that killed about 60 people and caused widespread structural damage and freeway collapses in Los Angeles. Unlike Monday’s strike-slip event, Northridge was a “blind thrust” earthquake — an upward-shoving rupture on a buried fault beneath the San Fernando Valley.

For many viewers, the bigger question Tuesday was not how the earth moved, but how their phones did.

Unlike in 1994, California now operates an Earthquake Early Warning system powered by ShakeAlert, designed to detect the first, lighter tremors of an earthquake and send alerts before stronger shaking arrives.

But those alerts do not reach everyone at the same time.

Derek Lambeth, program manager for Earthquake Early Warning at the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), said the timing depends largely on distance from the epicenter.

“If you’re right at the epicenter, we can’t give you that heads-up… but if you’re farther out, we can give you up to tens of seconds to drop, cover, and hold on,” Lambeth said. lambeth

He stressed that even a few seconds can make a difference.

“You may not always get ten seconds, but you’d be amazed at how quickly you can react,” Lambeth said. “Seconds matter.” lambeth

Cal OES officials warned that aftershocks are common in the days following a quake of this size and urged residents to prepare in advance.

“Earthquakes are unpredictable,” Lambeth said. “The best thing people can do is sign up for alerts like the MyShake app, put together a go-kit, and have a plan for your family or workplace.”

You can find out more information including how to download the MyShake App, here.

To sign up for local alerts and find more information on preparedness and resources, visit  https://earthquake.ca.gov/ 

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The city of Palm Springs is accelerating its push for affordable housing, with new projects moving forward this year.

Last week, the City Council approved 82-unit 100% affordable apartment units at 305 West San Rafael Drive.

Councilmembers also approving a request for financial assistance and loan commitment for development and construction of the San Rafael Apartments, a 115-unit affordable housing project.

Partner Darren Berberian, with developer Pacific West Communities, Inc., said the city’s support was critical.

“It was a huge deal,” Berberian said. “It’s not easy for the city to come up with these loans, the funding to make these projects happen. They’ve been fantastic to work with.”

Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto said affordable housing is a priority for the city.

“We put $3 million a year in our TOT revenue just for affordable housing,” Soto said. “We know we need to build housing to be able to attract the residents and the workers that our city really needs for a thriving economy.”

She said a third affordable housing project on Gene Autry is also in the pipeline, bringing at least 3 new projects this year.

The city has already opened 3 affordable housing developments in recent years including Vista Sunrise II, Monarch Apartments and Aloe Palm Canyon.

“We’ve heard a lot of great feedback on Aloe Palm Canyon, which is our most recent one that has opened,” Soto said.

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

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Unified School District placed a bus driver on administrative leave after allegations involving a student.

The district released a statement on Tuesday, which reads, “The District confirms that it is aware of allegations involving a District Bus Driver and a student. Upon becoming aware of the allegations, the District took immediate action by placing the employee on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation by the Riverside County District Attorney’s office.”

Additional details on the allegations were not available. The DA’s office told News Channel 3 that additional information was not available, but confirmed there have not been charges filed as of Tuesday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A 4.9 Magnitude earthquake that struck north of Indio on Monday has left many residents shaken and is serving as a reminder of the importance of emergency preparedness.

According to the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network, residents should have a go-bag ready with at least two weeks’ worth of water, nonperishable food, hygiene supplies, extra clothing, and a flashlight. Officials warn that in the event of a major earthquake, first responders may not be able to reach the Coachella Valley immediately, as emergency resources could be prioritized in larger, more densely populated areas.

Residents are also encouraged to download the MyShake app, which provides early earthquake alerts. Even a few seconds of warning can help people take cover and reduce the risk of injury.

Officials stress that preparation now could make a critical difference when the next major earthquake strikes.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A probationer who gunned down an Indio woman without ever giving a clear reason why was sentenced today to 55 years to life in state prison.

Johnny Jose Rodriguez, 32, of Indio pleaded guilty on Jan. 5 to second- degree murder, as well as sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations, under a pretrial agreement with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office. No charges were dismissed under the plea bargain.

During a hearing Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Superior Court Judge Kristi Hester imposed the sentence required under state law.

The defendant fatally shot 32-year-old Angela Struzas inside her home on the 38000 block of Rancho Los Coyotes Drive, near Avenue 38, on Jan. 14, 2020.   

Crime scene on Rancho Los Coyotes Drive in Indio (1/14/20)

During a preliminary hearing later that year, Indio Police Department Detective Kelly Hawkins testified that officers were taken aback when they entered the victim’s room to collect evidence.

“She was just drenched in blood, in a pool of blood,” the detective said.

Detective Matthew Gutting said Rodriguez immediately admitted perpetrating the shooting while being questioned by investigators, saying “I’m a good aim.”  

Gutting said the defendant described firing a bullet into Struzas’ arm with a gun that he claimed at the time was handed to him minutes earlier by the woman’s housemate, who allegedly told Rodriguez to “get her.”   

A second shot killed the victim.   

The defendant would not specify what led to the attack. The housemate, whose identity was not disclosed, was arrested alongside Rodriguez, but detectives ultimately determined the party had no part in the deadly attack.   

The defendant underwent medical examinations to determine whether he was mentally competent to stand trial, leading to a brief round of psychiatric treatment before criminal proceedings resumed.

He had a prior conviction for possession of controlled substances for sale.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – The California Republican Party and others today filed an emergency application at the U.S. Supreme Court seeking to block California from using the congressional district lines enacted through Proposition 50 for the 2026 midterm elections.

The emergency application in Tangipa v. Newsom asks Justice Elena Kagan, the justice assigned to the U.S. 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, to issue an injunction pending appeal that would temporarily reinstate the 2021 California Redistricting Commission map while the case is litigated.

The filing asks the court to act by Feb. 9, citing the start of California’s candidate filing period and arguing that candidates and voters will face immediate effects if the Proposition 50 district lines remain in place.  

“California cannot create districts by race, and the state should not be allowed to lock in districts that break federal law,” Corrin Rankin, California Republican Party chairwoman, said in a statement. “Our emergency application asks the Supreme Court to put the brakes on Prop. 50 now, before the Democrats try to run out the clock and force candidates and voters to live with unconstitutional congressional districts. Californians deserve fair districts and clean elections, not a backroom redraw that picks winners and losers based on race.”

A three-judge panel in Los Angeles federal court last week ruled against California Republicans in their bid to nullify the new congressional map, which California voters approved in November.

In their lawsuit, filed one day after California voters approved Prop. 50, Assemblyman David Tangipa, R-Fresno, the California Republican Party and a group of Republican voters — joined by the U.S. Department of Justice — urged judges to block the new district lines at least temporarily so California’s original map would stay in effect for the 2026 midterms.   

Prop. 50 was passed after Republicans in Texas redrew their congressional map, a move California leaders said was designed to favor Republicans in the upcoming midterms.   

The suit, which names Gov. Gavin Newsom, state Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley Weber as defendants, argues the new Prop. 50 maps are unconstitutional because they improperly use voters’ race as a factor in drawing districts and asked the court to block them from taking effect. 

The proposition’s passage increases Democrats’ chances of winning five additional U.S. House seats in the state in November and seizing control of the chamber. Democrats already hold a 43-9 advantage in the state’s House delegation.

Republicans had asked the court for a preliminary injunction blocking the maps from being used in 2026. In its 2-1 decision, the court upheld the new congressional districts, rejecting plaintiffs’ claims that the maps had been drawn to favor Latino voters over other voting groups.

Judge Josephine Staton, an appointee of former President Barack Obama, wrote the ruling, with Judge Kenneth Lee, a President Donald Trump appointee, dissenting. Judge Wesley Hsu, appointed by former President Joe Biden, joined Staton in her ruling.

“We find that Challengers have failed to show that racial gerrymandering occurred, and we conclude that there is no basis for issuing a preliminary injunction,” Staton wrote. “Our conclusion probably seems obvious to anyone who followed the news in the summer and fall of 2025.”  

Voters overwhelmingly approved Prop. 50 in November, which supporters dubbed “The Election Rigging Response Act.”

It establishes new congressional district maps for the 2026 midterm elections that will also be used for the 2028 and 2030 elections. An analysis by the election news website Ballotpedia said it would shift five Republican- held congressional districts to Democrats.   

Weber, a co-defendant in the lawsuit, said last week she was pleased the court acknowledged “that the will of California’s voters should prevail. Our democracy is in jeopardy and the fight to maintain our constitutional right to vote must continue. … Our democracy is worth protecting and today’s rulingwas the right result.”

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Gavin Nguyen

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The 67th edition of the American Express Golf Tournament will soon be underway.

Behind the scenes, crews are still hard at work preparing for the thousands of spectators and over 300 professional and amateur golfers who will be stepping onto the green.

Tournament officials, like Pat McCabe, the Executive Director of the tournament, said it’s all to benefit the fan experience: “We take the mantra of every fan is a VIP.”

And to ensure that experience for every fan, McCabe said a lot of time goes into the planning and execution of the week-long event.

“We prepare all year, 51 weeks for just one week. So the work goes on all year long. We’ve been building the structures and the hospitality venues that the fans will see out here for the last two months,” he recounted.

That includes everything from the grandstands to the concession stands.

McCabe is also excited to bring fans some new experiences this year, including “The Turn.” It’s a concession area featuring all-local vendors, like TKB Bakery, Spicy Pie, and Papa Headz – favorites among the Coachella Valley crowd.

“Our title sponsor, American Express, their mantra [and] their shop small mentality is crucial. And so they’re here to support those restaurants as well. And all of our amateur players and professional players actually playing this week on the golf courses will have a chance to sample that food as well,” McCabe said.

Also changing this year: the location of the beloved Michelob Ultra “Beer Fore Birdies” area, which slashes the price of beers when a player sinks a birdie. This year, fans will see that area alongside Hole 17 on the Pete Dye Stadium Course, famously known as “Alcatraz.”

Gene Rickey, a member of the media team, said fans should expect quite the excitement in that area.

At the end of the day, there’s a lot of work that goes into bringing an event like this to life. Rickey said about 9,000 credentials were made for the people putting time into the event, from the chefs to the grounds crew.

And McCabe said over 1,000 volunteers and more than 50 vendors also made up the crew putting it all together.

“It’s going to be a great week of golf, a great week of music, and we’re looking forward to welcoming everyone here to PGA West,” he finished.

More spectator information here, including frequently-asked questions and maps of the course.

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