Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

UPDATE: 7/7/2025 7:00 PM – CAL FIRE reports that the fire is 100 percent contained and the fire burned a total of 13 acres.

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) –  A vegetation fire that broke out today burned 13 acres in the Banning area before crews stopped its forward spread.   

The non-injury blaze was reported shortly before 12:45 p.m. Monday at Bluff Street, north of Mias Canyon Road, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.   

Crews will be at the scene for an additional two hours for mop-up and full containment.

The cause of the fire was not immediately known.

Click here to follow the original article.

Haley Meberg

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ)- Coachella Valley Adopt the Arts Honor Choir helped Ringo Starr celebrate his 85th Birthday with the annual “Peace & Love” campaign on July 7 with the help of the Artemis Space Program.

Adopt the Arts Honor Choir is a program made up of 3rd-5th graders from four different elementary schools in the Coachella Valley that is set to perform in a music video adaptation of Starrs hit “Give More Love.” 

The video showcases students from all different backgrounds singing alongside a few legendary friends like Mick Fleetwood, Stewart Copeland, Fred Armisen, Jane Lynch, Jane Seymour, John Stamos and longtime Beatles collaborator Peter Ashe to emphasize the legacy that Starr’s music has on future generations. 

Monday marks the celebration of his birthday, Ringo Starr along with his friends and family is set to gather for his annual “Peace & Love” celebration filled with special guests, musical tribute performances and a broadcasted message set to reach the moon and back. 

T Bone Burnette is set to MC this event and performers from 38 different countries are all coming together to spread this message of peace and love as it orbits the planet. 

With the help of Goonhilly Earth Station and the Artemis Space Program this event will be beamed up to the moon and back to earth. Following this transmission the message of Peace and Love will be sent to the International Space Station (ISS) where it will continue across the universe to distant stars. 

“It’s so great how this keeps growing – we are in 38 countries!!! And we can’t forget the guys in the spaceship! I want to give thanks to the crew up in the ISS and the teams getting the message to the moon and back…Artemis, Intuitive Machines…meanwhile here on Earth, I am sending special thanks to all the Peace & Love Ambassadors for all they do in each of their countries. So see you on Monday and remember all you have to do to participate is post, say or even just think Peace & Love at Noon your local time,” said Ringo Starr. 

To support the Coachella Valley, Adopt the Arts Honor Choir visit https://adoptthearts.org/ and stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Tori King

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — An Indio family has nothing left, after their home of forty years went up in flames. The entire family is now displaced, saying an illegal firework destroyed their home while they were sleeping.

According to a GoFundMe set up by some of the family members, a stray firework, set off illegally by a stranger nearby, landed in their backyard, catching the home on fire.

Mayra Garcia, a resident of the home, says they were abruptly woken up on the night of the Fourth of July but a man who was a stranger, pounding on their door. “I was just in the middle of the hallway when somebody hits the window really, really hard,” said Garcia. “They opened my door because it was unlocked, and they’re like, the house is on fire. He kept saying, I’m sorry, I’m sorry.”

Every family member managed to make it out safely, but they only had time to take the clothes on their backs. As of now, the home appears to be a total loss.

“We’re temporarily staying at a hotel, and we’re living out our cars,” said Jajuan Martin, Garcia’s husband. “Our kids are like, we’re homeless. My son, he took it pretty bad, you know. He was crying really, really hard. And he’s a tough boy. It’s hard to watch as a dad.”

Now, with the help of the red cross and the community, the family is working to get back on their feet again. However, Martin owns a landscaping company, and all of his tools were burned during the fire, which started in the backyard. Now, he’s wondering how he can get back to work without them.

“It was at least $10,000 worth of tools I’ve bought over the years,” said Martin. “They were all destroyed, theres nothing left.”

The couple says people have already shown them kindness and generosity amid the devastation.

“We have received donations already,” said Garcia. “I know my friends, my coworkers have given clothes, his friends, have given the kids clothes. And it just, it melts my heart, just how you know everybody’s helping.”

The family is now looking for support, releasing this statement:

“This fundraiser is to help her family begin the long road to recovery and rebuilding. Any amount you can give, no matter how small, will make a meaningful difference during this incredibly difficult time.

Your support, kindness, and generosity are deeply appreciated.”

Donations can be made here.

According to the Indio Police Department, investigators are working to identify the possible suspect that could be responsible for setting off the firework that ignited the fire.

CalFire confirmed to KESQ that it did respond to the incident, but did not confirm whether the fire was sparked by a firework. As of right now the incident remains under investigation.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – One person has been rushed to the hospital after being shot Monday morning in Coachella.

The shooting was reported at around 10:00 a.m. at a residence in the 84000 block of Avenue 51, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Authorities said a caller told dispatch that a man had been shot during a dispute.

“When deputies arrived they rendered medical aid to the victim and had him transported to a local hospital in stable condition,” RSO wrote in an email to News Channel 3.

A suspect was located in a separate structure on the property, where he was taken into custody, the agency confirmed.

The investigation remains ongoing. Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Six months ago, firefighters from the Cathedral City Fire Department were called in for mutual aid during the Los Angeles fires.

Cathedral City firefighters responded swiftly, joining crews from across the state in a coordinated mutual aid program to battle the fire.

News Channel 3 is speaking with those firefighters as they reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned from the front lines.

For resources for those still recovering from the LA Wildfires, head to this link.

Click here to follow the original article.

Athena Jreij

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Just days after News Channel 3 covered a Desert Hot Springs hoarder home overrun with dozens of animals, almost half the animals abandoned by squatters have been taken in by local rescues.

News Channel 3 spoke with the property owners of a Desert Hot Springs home taken over and abandoned by squatters. The home was overrun with nearly 40 cats and 6 dogs at the time of the story.

Now, just days after that story aired, the home’s real estate agent, Betty Kerr, says help from the community has led to just 15-20 cats being left at the house and all dogs taken in by rescues.

Kerr says they plan to continue rescue efforts this week and are working hard to get all animals out of the house as soon as possible, as temperatures rise.

To volunteer with the rescue efforts, reach out to Betty Kerr at https://www.facebook.com/betty.kerr.946.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.

Click here to follow the original article.

Timothy Foster

Idyllwild, Calif. (KESQ) –As summer draws visitors to the scenic mountain town of Idyllwild, local authorities are doubling down on wildfire prevention. This year’s Fourth of July weekend was marked not by fireworks and campfires, but by heightened caution and strict fire safety regulations aimed at avoiding the spread of wildfires.

Tourists making the trip up the mountain were met with clear restrictions: no campfires, no wood-burning barbecues, and absolutely no fireworks. The community, perched in a high-risk wildfire zone, continues to follow stringent fire protocols — measures that residents say are necessary, and appreciated.

“We have amazing fire departments here,” said Allison Fedrick, a local resident. “They’re really active with the community, always working with the county and the state to do education and awareness. I put a lot of trust in them — they’re our emergency response people.”

The urgency of these precautions is rooted in recent memory. The Cranston Fire of 2018, sparked by an arsonist, scorched more than 13,000 acres, destroyed nearly 15 structures, and inflicted an estimated $50 million in damage. Its devastating impact still lingers in the minds of Idyllwild locals.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua giving an update on fire prevention protocols on social media.

“Never pull your vehicle over onto dry grass,” Pascua warned. “And always clear any flammable material around your campfire.”

His message underscores the critical importance of vigilance during fire season — not just in Idyllwild but throughout Southern California.

Further south, the Wolf Fire near Banning has been a recent concern. As of this week, the fire has burned nearly 2,400 acres. However, containment has reached 85%, with some evacuation warnings still in effect.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tori King

BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ)– Beloved Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow have returned to their nest, following a brief disappearance of the eagles after the Fourth of July fireworks show. It comes after days of anticipation from viewers, who were checking the Friends of Big Bear Valley live cameras, awaiting their return.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley posted to their ‘Eagle Log’ page Sunday, “We hadn’t seen or heard from Jackie or Shadow all day, but then relief came to all who were concerned about their safety when both were seen together in the Twin Pine tree, one of their new favorite trees.”

According to FoBBV, the birds were first spotted flying through the area Saturday evening around 5:30 p.m. then just after 7 p.m.

However, Friends of Big Bear Valley say they are still awaiting the return of pair’s baby birds, Sunny and Gizmo’s. This year’s firework show would be a first for the siblings.

The group spoke with News Channel Three’s Tori King and said the eagles often do tend to disappear after the fireworks show for a few days, but that they have returned each and every year, so far.

In that same Facebook post on Saturday, the group posted its most recent update of the eagles:

“On Friday, a little after 8 pm, Jackie and Shadow both chortled out an announcement that they were in the roost tree. They were settled in, near each other and ready for sleep by 8:30. At about 9 pm when some booms started, one of the eagles was no longer visible on the Roost Tree and was seen by our security camera flying away from the roost tree. Jackie made a peal call (a call emitted as a warning about danger) and a couple other short calls from nearby. The full show started at 9:17 and no eagles were visible on the roost tree by 9:18. The fireworks went on for another 20 minutes to the big finale. Jackie and Shadow were not in the Roost Tree this morning. And none of their usual vocals were heard from anywhere nearby. We will all be sending out hope for their speedy return.”

A Fourth of July fireworks show was held in the area despite the dozens of objections from animal advocates and worried supporters, who expressed concern over the eagles’ safety.

Big Bear Lake released this statement on the decision to move forward with the fireworks display this year, assuring the eagles would be safe:

“We truly appreciate the care, concern, and passion so many individuals and organizations have shown for the wildlife that call Big Bear home — especially our iconic bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, and their fledglings.

As stewards of one of California’s most treasured outdoor destinations, Visit Big Bear is deeply committed to balancing ecological responsibility with community celebration. We want to share that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided direct guidance regarding this year’s 4th of July event, confirming the following:

The fledglings are now capable of independent flight and can safely move if needed.

While fireworks may cause some disturbance, they are not expected to result in nest failure or ‘direct take.’

Sitting the fireworks barge away from the nest — which we’ve already implemented — helps further reduce any risk.

This single, professionally managed fireworks display is launched over the lake, away from nesting areas, and is under 30 minutes in length. These protocols help us mitigate risk while also preventing widespread amateur fireworks across the Valley, which remain illegal and far more disruptive to wildlife.

We also want to reiterate that, in recent years, Visit Big Bear has:

Canceled fireworks on Memorial Day to avoid disruption during more sensitive nesting periods

Replaced the Labor Day show with an all-electric Drone + Light Parade

Supported lake-wide trail clean-ups, the Dark Sky initiative, and public education programs through Care For Big Bear

We understand that not everyone will agree with the decision to move forward. But this event reflects a broader vision — one of care, planning, and responsibility. It honors both our local residents and the visitors who come from around the world to enjoy Big Bear’s natural beauty.

To those expressing concern: We hear you. We respect you. And we invite continued conversation and collaboration as we work together to protect and celebrate everything Big Bear represents.”

Warmly, The Visit Big Bear Team

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Desert Hot Springs is hosting a fireworks spectacular for its residents and visitors July 5th. Mayor Scott Matas said it’s a time to celebrate independence and recognize community members who make Desert Hot Springs special.

The event held at Mission Springs Park is an annual tradition for Desert Hot Springs, and some residents said they look forward to it each year.

Attendees are able to set up lawn chairs or picnic blankets across the park lawn, allowing for what the City called a “relaxing” evening. Local food vendors also line the side of the park, giving residents the chance to support small businesses from within the community.

While residents said they enjoy coming to holiday events, like the Fourth of July, they wish there were more chances to join together as a community throughout the year.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Let Freedom Ring, and Tails Wag! Animal Samaritans invites the community to celebrate independence and unconditional love by giving a shelter pet their forever freedom.

Join Animal Samaritans for a star-spangled Pet Adoption Event at PetSmart in Palm Desert on Saturday, July 5th from 11am to 1pm, the address is 34900 Monterey Avenue, in Palm Desert.

If you are renting, please bring a copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord stating your pet policy so you can take a pet that day.

Click here to follow the original article.