Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

MOUNT BALDY, Calif. (KESQ) – Rescue crews found three missing hikers dead and rescued two others Monday on Mount Baldy, authorities announced.

Three hikers found dead

The discovery was made after personnel from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and the Fontana Sheriff’s Station responded to a request to locate an injured 19-year-old male hiker near Devils Backbone. The hiker reportedly fell approximately 500 feet.

Authorities said his friend and hiking companion hiked to an area with cellular service and provided GPS coordinates to assist rescuers. The two were not injured.

Search and Rescue ground crews began their ascent while Sheriff’s Air Rescue initiated an aerial search.

During the aerial search, deputies located the injured hiker and located two additional individuals nearby who have not been identified. Authorities clarified that the two other people found were not with the 19-year-old; crews happened to locate them during the operation. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., an airship from Los Angeles County assisted in the effort. High winds again prevented a hoist operation; however, an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased.  Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue. Recovery operation for all the subjects is underway.   

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Two hikers rescued in separate incident on mountain

An 18-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were rescued Monday just before 2 p.m. near Ontario Peak Trail in Mt. Baldy. The two hikers were stranded on the trail after one of them fell approximately 100 feet, sustaining injuries. They were able to call 911 for assistance and provide their location.  

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Air Rescue arrived on scene, located the hikers, and performed a hoist rescue.

This rescue was a separate search-and-rescue call from the Devil’s Backbone Trail incident.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public to please prepare adequately before hiking, bring appropriate supplies, avoid hiking during inclement weather conditions, carry a global positioning satellite (GPS) device, and only hike on open and designated trails.

For further safety related information, please visit https://westvalleysar.org/wilderness-safety/.

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Gavin Nguyen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A new law aimed at improving safety within the homes of gun owners in California is set to go into effect with the turn of the new year.

Senate Bill 53, passed in 2024, mandates secure firearms storage in the state.

The bill’s text reads:

“This bill would, beginning on January 1, 2026, require a person who possesses a firearm in a residence to keep the firearm securely stored when the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the person or another lawful authorized user. For purposes of these provisions, a firearm is securely stored if the firearm is maintained within, locked by, or disabled using a certified firearm safety device or secure gun safe that meets specified standards.”

The California Department of Justice provides a webpage where gun owners can search for approved safety devices compatible with their firearm.

News Channel 3 previously reported on a looming ban on Glock handguns, as well. That ban stops consumers from purchasing new models on July 1st, 2026, but starting January 1st, gun dealers will no longer be able to import them for sale to civilians.

The owner of Golden State Armory, a local gun store in Thousand Palms, Kent Miller, said he experienced a rush of customers looking to purchase that brand in the months leading up to the ban, as he previously predicted.

Also coming down the pipe: California Assembly Bill 1263. That assembly bill imposes stricter rules for gun owners looking to purchase firearms parts and accessories.

“The red tape system been placed on buying accessories has caused the majority of people who sell online or ship firearm parts of components to just say they’re not going to ship or sell to California any longer,” Miller explained.

News Channel 3 is speaking with gun stores and gun owners in the Coachella Valley about what they think this new law will do for safety. Stay with us for more.

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Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A new survey by West Health-Gallup Healthcare finds that less than 30% of Americans view their mental health as “excellent.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of Americans rated their mental health as “excellent.”

With the New Year, millions of Americans hit the gym to improve their physical health as a New Year’s resolution. Mental health experts at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health say that your mental health is just as important.

Charity Krissoff and Karl Kirsch from Coachella Valley Behavioral Health share these tips to help relieve anxiety:

Try a breathing exercise, such as the box breathing method, or inhaling for four seconds or exhaling for six seconds.

Limiting caffeine and energy drinks.

Taking breaks from social media and news, especially before bed.

For those experiencing depression, they say that tiny wins build momentum, so making sure you make your bed in the morning, trying to chat with a loved one or friend everyday, getting sunlight, and having some form of movement can help relieve depression.

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Kendall Flynn

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – The National Parks Service announced a new annual pass will be available starting January 1, 2026 for non-residents of the United States.

Previously the parks service offered annual America the Beautiful passes to US citizens and residents only. Now, non-residents will have their own annual pass available for $250. Many parks will also start charging $100 per non-resident without the annual pass, however, Joshua Tree National Park is not a part of the program.

For US citizens and residents under the age of 62, the American the Beautiful pass is $80 annually. For non-residents, a day pass is typically around $35.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the annual pass breakdown and to hear from visitors.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As the countdown to the New Year begins, local event organizers across the Coachella Valley say they’re prepared to celebrate — even with rain in the forecast.

With just a day away, event teams are busy putting the finishing touches on parties designed to bring the community together.

Tamara Issi, events coordinator at the Palm Springs Surf Club, says the “Afterglow” New Year’s Eve celebration will feature live music, food, and drinks — all indoors, eliminating concerns about rain.

“We’re going to have a live band. They’re going to be performing a lot of cover songs. In our atrium we’re going to have a DJ pumping the party tunes. Getting ready to dance.”

Tamara Issi, Palm Springs Surf Club Events Coordinator

Over at Oscar’s Palm Springs, Dan Gore, owner, is also preparing for its annual ball drop. Gore says the celebration includes a dinner buffet and a lineup of entertainers, highlighted by a drag performance.

While Oscar’s typically hosts large outdoor events, Gore says the team is ready to adapt if rain moves in.

“We do have a cabaret showroom. But we prefer to do everything outside. Two years ago we experienced the same situation where it was 100 percent chance of rain.”

Dan Gore, Oscar’s Palm Springs Owner

Organizers say they are closely monitoring the weather and have backup plans ready if conditions change.

Despite the forecast, both organizers agree that canceling was never an option. They say celebrating the New Year with the community is more important than the weather.

“The celebration of every new year is important to me. I think to most people — especially in the political climate we’re in right now — we’re looking forward to a much better year.”

Dan Gore, Oscar’s Palm Springs Owner

Rain or shine, organizers say they’re ready to welcome guests and encourage attendees to dress for the weather — umbrellas included.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – From the border to the fentanyl crisis to the Salton Sea, 2025 kept the News Channel 3 I team very busy, and this year our dedicated team of journalists hit the pavement, asking the hard questions and digging deeper to bring you the facts. Take a look at our top investigative stories of the year. 

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two drivers were arrested for allegedly driving under the influence and 43 citations were issued during a weekend DUI checkpoint operation in Indio, authorities said today.   

The checkpoint was conducted from 6 p.m. Friday through 2 a.m. Saturday at Highway 111 west of Clinton Street, according to the Indio Police Department.

Citations were issued to 11 drivers on suspicion of operating a vehicle unlicensed or with a suspended/revoked license. One driver was arrested for “child endangerment,” police said.  

Funding for the operation was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Palm Springs Cultural Center is honoring Udo Kier, the legendary German actor and cult film icon, who died at 81 in November.

The tribute begins with a curated pre-show at 5 p.m. highlighting Kier’s artistic journey through film clips and archival moments.

Organizers said the pre-show traces the many personas that made Kier one of the industry’s most orginal actors.

At 6 p.m. the program continues with live remarks and dedications from friends, collaborators and admirers who knew Kier.

Afterwards, a screening of “Swan Song” will play  — Kier’s tender, funny and deeply moving late career piece that organizers said serves as a fitting farewell to an artist who spent decades redefining what it meant to live boldly on screen.

From European art films to Hollywood genre classics — Kier moved effortlessly between worlds never losing his edge or humor.

Kier also collaborated with other directors like Andy Warhol and Rainer Werner Fassbinder.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing live coverage.

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City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A 46-year-old felon awaiting trial on arson and other charges died in his jail cell in Banning today, but authorities said there was no indication of foul play.   

Quadir Rafi Boykin of Menifee was discovered by correctional deputies unconscious in his cell at the Smith Correctional Facility shortly before 1 a.m. Monday, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

The agency said on-site medical personnel were summoned and initiated “life-saving measures,” which county fire paramedics took over when they reached the location a short time later. However, the detainee was pronounced dead at the scene.

Corrections Central Investigations Bureau and Coroner’s Office staff were assigned to conduct a probe into the fatality.   

“There were no signs of foul play at the scene,” according to a sheriff’s statement. “Boykin’s family has been notified of his death.”  

No other details were provided regarding possible circumstances associated with the fatality.  

Court records showed Boykin was arrested by Riverside Police Department detectives in June following an arson investigation, which culminated in the defendant being charged with arson of property and a sentence-enhancing allegation of perpetrating an act with an incendiary device in an area under a state of emergency from a past event. Specific details were unavailable.

Boykin was a prior-strike felon who had served time in state prison, according to documents.

The sheriff’s department has been sued in state and federal court over alleged civil rights violations, failure to disclose data and related deficiencies tied to in-custody deaths. The agency is among the most targeted in civil actions among more than three dozen county agencies.

Sheriff Chad Bianco has defended his deputies’ handling of correctional operations and has repeatedly pointed to the smuggling of dangerous illicit drugs — often fentanyl — into the jail system through extraordinary means as the principal reason for deaths in detention facilities countywide.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – California Highway Patrol officers will ramp up operations again beginning Wednesday night to crack down on drunken and drug-impaired motorists throughout the Inland Empire and statewide as part of a New Year’s anti-DUI campaign.  

The CHP will initiate its New Year’s “Holiday Enforcement Period” at 6 p.m. Wednesday, when all available officers will deploy to catch impaired motorists, speeders and other traffic violators. The campaign, which replicates a 30-hour HEP that occurred during Christmas, will continue until late Thursday night.  

“We’re entering a New Year, but our message stays the same: Driving under the influence increases the risks on our roads, raises the chance of a crash and puts lives in danger,” CHP Commissioner Sean Duryee said. “We encourage everyone to do their part in keeping our roads safe by making responsible choices behind the wheel.”  

Officers from the Riverside, Blythe, Indio, San Gorgonio Pass and Temecula CHP stations will be on Inland Empire freeways, highways and unincorporated roads, looking to snare suspects.

The 2024-25 New Year’s HEP netted 481 arrests statewide, compared to 892 during the 2023-24 campaign, according to the CHP. As in the case for this year’s deployment, last year’s campaign was bridged due to the holiday falling midweek. However, in 2023-24, the effort spanned three full days and nights because it was a holiday weekend.

The end-of-year crackdown coincides with anti-DUI campaigns involving the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and multiple municipal law-enforcement agencies countywide.

Deputies and officers have been conducting saturation patrols and staffing sobriety checkpoints to catch intoxicated drivers. Those operations will conclude this weekend.

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