Author: KESQ

Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – Robert Leon Wendler, a Vietnam veteran, is facing trouble in his efforts to attend an Honor Flight to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial or ‘Vietnam Wall’ in September.

“When I first came home from Vietnam, we weren’t welcomed home,” Wendler said. “It was a very difficult thing for most of us Vietnam vets. Because of that, there are organizations out there that make it right by honoring Vietnam veterans and taking them free of charge to the Vietnam Wall.”

But Wendler can’t fly. He said he doesn’t have a REAL ID, now required for domestic air travel under Transportation Security Administration (TSA) guidelines that took effect May 7, 2025.

“According to the rules, I have to have a REAL ID. I cannot get a REAL ID without my birth certificate,” Wendler said. “My birth certificate is under Robert Leon Jones. I can’t even get a copy of that because I can’t prove that that’s who I was.”

Wendler said he was born in Orange, California in 1950 as Robert Leon Jones. After his mother remarried in the 1960s, he began using the last name Wendler — the name he used to enlist in the military and for nearly every document since.

He said he was never legally adopted.

“The irony is, is that they didn’t ask me for a REAL ID when they put me on an airplane and sent me to Vietnam,” Wendler said.

Now to get his original birth certificate, he said he’s been told he must legally change his name back to Jones — and then begin the process again to return to Wendler.

“It’s a very time consuming and relatively expensive process,” Wendler said.

He said he’s reached out to local congressional offices and the DMV, but said help has been limited.

Beyond the Honor Flight, Wendler said his inability to fly is affecting his job.

He is the west coast regional director at Custom Canines, a nonprofit that places service dogs with veterans, over 400 in the past 15 years.

“If somebody is in a crisis, I need to be able to get to them,” Wendler said. “Right now, the government that I served is not helping me take care of my brothers and sisters.”

According to the California DMV, those who need a REAL ID must present a certified U.S. birth certificate or valid U.S. passport. If names don’t match, a legal name change document is required.

News Channel 3 has reached out to the DMV to find out if it can expedite a Real ID application and is waiting for a response.

Wendler said he understands there’s a process — but time is running out.

“I need to go to pay my respects,” Wendler said. “Then they fly me back home. But when you come home, there’s generally anywhere from 200 to 500 people waiting there for you to give you the welcome home that we never got.”

Wendler can be contacted directly at bob@customcanines.org

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

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Haley Meberg

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Yucca Valley High School teacher was arrested Wednesday morning for embezzlement from the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. 

The Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department reports that on June 18, a member of the Parent Teacher Organization called law enforcement to report the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the PTO account. 

The current 34-year-old teacher, Ariana Rodriguez, was said to be the Parent Teacher Organizations account overseer and embezzled over $8,500 throughout a two-year period. 

At approximately 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday morning investigators in this case obtained the arrest warrant for Rodriguez and booked her at Morongo Basin jail with a bail set at $30,000. 

The Morongo Unified School District has stated that, “The staff member has been placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and will continue to do so throughout the investigation.”

No official charges have been made at this time against the accused. 

Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175 or contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates on this investigation.

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Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A Riverside County Sheriff’s Office deputy was involved in a traffic collision in Palm Desert early Wednesday morning.

It was reported that at approximately 8:10 a.m. Wednesday morning an on-duty deputy of Riverside County Sheriff’s office was involved in a crash off of Cook Street and Gerald Ford on his way to a service call. 

The California Highway Patrol arrived at the scene and began their investigation. The CHP removed the patrol car from the site but have not reported any injuries from the crash besides an initial unnamed person that was stuck in their vehicle.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates on this incident.

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Kendall Flynn

PALMS SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Regional Medical Center said every year they expect to see an increased number of people in the trauma center. Not only are people dehydrated from the Valley heat, but they get injured from fireworks, despite it being illegal in Palm Springs.

Last year Desert Regional only saw one patient with fireworks related injuries, which they say was surprising. They attribute the only injury to the fireworks ban in the city, but they say it doesn’t mean this year won’t be different.

Some cities in the Valley, including Indio, are “safe and sane” communities, meaning non flying or explosive fireworks are legal. Medical officials are warning even those types of fireworks, like sparkers, are dangerous, especially for children.

Sparklers can burn at up to 1200 degrees Fahrenheit, and medical officials say children do not know when to let go or understand that the flame works its way to the base of the sparkler stick.

Burns are just some of the injuries trauma centers see, and they can range from mild burns, to nearly or partially amputated extremities.

Desert Regional says you can see the trauma center for any medical treatment no matter the severity. However, if you have a burn larger than the palm of your hand, a near or partial amputation or eye injury, you should seek medical attention.

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Gavin Nguyen

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – New technology in the Banning Pass is giving firefighters an advantage to fight wildfires in our region.

There are two heli-hydrant systems currently installed and operational in the Cabazon area on both the northern and southern sides of the I-10. The tanks were installed in mid-June.

These water tanks allow helicopters to refill within 10 seconds, cutting down the time it takes for pilots to seek other water sources, like lakes and reservoirs, or to land to refill.

Glenn Chavez, a certified installer of the heli-hydrant system, said providing a clean water source for helicopter pilots to draw water from is the key.

“They’re getting clean drinking water. There’s a couple of reasons. If they go to a golf course, those are shallow ponds. They’re picking up muck and there’s only so much water they can have there. It also clogs up their system in order to dump,” Chavez said.

Here’s how it works:

A helicopter pilot approaches the heli-hydrant, and with a push of a button, the tank begins to fill with water – up to 8,500 gallons. It can refill from empty in under seven minutes.

The helicopter pilot hovers over the tank and draws water.

Depending on the fuel load the helicopter is carrying, the pilot draws water to fill its water tank. Typically, that’s 1,200 or so gallons of water.

The pilot takes off, and the system is ready for the next helicopter to use.

Any helicopter with a “snorkel” device – used to draw water – is able to use the heli-hydrant. Nearly every firefighting helicopter you see is equipped with these snorkels.

No personnel is required to operate the system from the ground. Everything can be controlled by the helicopter pilots.

The new technology was unveiled just a couple of weeks before the Wolf Fire started, and was used heavily as firefighters performed aggressive air attacks to contain the fire.

Tawny Castro, a Senior Public Information Officer with CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department said, “It’s a lot of things falling into place at the right time.”

According to local water officials, these two heli-hydrants won’t be the only ones to be built in Riverside County. There are plans for additional ones to be deployed in Poppet Flats, Cherry Valley, and Beaumont, for a total of six that are confirmed. They also said there are plans for a seventh to be secured.

Each system costs roughly $300,000 to be installed, according to Larry Smith, Director of the San Gorgonio Pass Water Authority.

“Here in Riverside County, we decided to go all in. We’re going to go big and go six, hopefully seven. But yes, we should be proud of ourselves here in Riverside County. We are really leading the way,” Smith beamed.

Michael Pollack, the General Manager of the Cabazon Water District, also offered a fun fact about the two operational heli-hydrants in Cabazon right now. On the southern side of the I-10 lies the “Jenson Creek” heli-hydrant; on the northern side, a hydrant named “Littlefoot.”

The reason: “Cabazon is famous for dinosaurs. And the girls in the office, they named it after the baby long-necked dinosaur,” Pollack added with a laugh.

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Haley Meberg

Calif. (KESQ) – This Fourth of July weekend marks the first of two free fishing days for California residents presented by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). 

This program is set to run July 5 and August 30 and is designed so California residents can enjoy the outdoor fun without having to spend a dime.

In California, to take part in this outdoor activity it is required one has a sport fishing license which costs a total of $62.90 to get as a Golden State resident. 

“Have you ever felt the excitement of watching your bobber suddenly jiggle, then dive out of sight? Or feeling the tap-tap-tap of a bass as it tastes the worm on the end of your line?” said the department in a news release announcing the free fishing days. “If you are new to the sport of fishing, and not sure if you will enjoy it, a great opportunity awaits you.”

The DFW says these free fishing days are put in place with the hopes of introducing new audiences to fishing in a low-cost way. 

This fun day of fishing includes Lake Cahuilla in La Quinta. While fishing licenses are not required for these days, day use fees will be in effect for certain areas.

The department also offers a Fishing in the City program where residents can enjoy the fishing experience while staying in urban areas. This program hopes to teach beginner anglers about different fishing techniques, ethics and meal preparation from their own backyards. 

The DFW has noted that there are still regulations in place throughout these free fishing days to continue to preserve the wildlife. The Southern California steelhead trout has been pushed to the brink of extinction due to disruptions in its habitat and the commercial fishing of Chinook salmon is prohibited again in hopes to help the fish stock recover. Outside of these free days, anglers are able to purchase their recreational fishing licenses and learn about fishing regulations at https://wildlife.ca.gov/Licensing/Fishing

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Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– The Fourth of July is just days away, and several cities around the Coachella Valley, the Hi-Desert, and the mountain areas are gearing up for city-led fireworks displays.

Here at News Channel 3, several concerned viewers have sent in e-mails, worried about wildlife, and more specifically the Big Bear Eagles, on Independence Day.

News Channel Three’s Tori King spoke with the Friends of Big Bear Valley, and local animal experts at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on how fireworks displays can affect our native animal species.

It’s no secret that fireworks can be harmful to the environment. But the experts did confirm they can also be harmful to wildlife as well. And while fireworks can be fun for us, they’re not so much fun for animals. According to the Friends of Big Bear Valley, fireworks can cause animals to get scared, to flee, and even to become disoriented. Birds especially are at risk of becoming disoriented, falling out of nests or even flying and crashing into trees, cars, and buildings during fireworks displays. Friends of Big Bear also say that young animals can even get separated from their mothers, and that the chemicals used in fireworks can also poison their habitats.

Local Cities like Big Bear do take this and the risks into consideration when planning their 4th of July celebrations, and aside from fireworks being illegal in most cities here, these risks are a big reason why officials really urge residents and individuals against shooting off fireworks at home.

Big Bear Lake released this statement on the decision to move forward with the fireworks display this year:

“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

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Luis Avila

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Fourth of July is the busiest weekend for lost pets entering shelters, primarily due to the loud noises and flashing lights from fireworks, which can frighten pets and cause them to run away.

Many animal shelters and animal control facilities report a 30% to 60% increase in lost pets, according to national shelter data. 

This could be a problem for shelters like the Riverside County Department of Animal Services, which is already over capacity. RCDAS revealed they are currently at 230% capacity for dogs with more that 1,000 dogs and at 125% capacity for cats with a population of over 300 cats in their care.

Lt. Luis Rosa, RCDAS animal control officer, says they’re working to offset the expected influx.

“We do foster programs, we try to do trial runs. Come in and take a pet for a couple of days and see if you like them… Best thing for each pet is to have a microchip. If you see one of our animal control officers out in the field, they’re even microchips to anybody.”

Lt. Luis Rosa, Animal Control Officer

Quick Safety Tips:

Keep pets indoors and secure

Never use fireworks near animals

Use vet-approved calming aids

Update microchips and ID tags

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Cynthia White

Update 07/02/25 6:00 a.m.

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies confirmed they were dispatched just before 10 p.m. Monday to Douma Avenue and Avenue 52 after a driver reported their vehicle was hit by gunfire. The driver was not injured.

Deputies found evidence of a shooting, but no suspects have been identified. The area has since been cleared.

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies blocked off Douma Street in Coachella around 10:00 Tuesday night, conducting an investigation in the area.

A caller to the News Channel 3 newsroom reported they heard shots fired near Bagdouma Park around that time. Authorities have not confirmed the nature of the investigation.

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson went to the scene, and upon arrival was told by deputies that there was currently no threat to the public; however, the investigation remained ongoing.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any additional details on this developing story.

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Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Indio Police Department (IPD) is cracking down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July, and this year enforcement is taking flight.

Officer Felipe Escalante said the department is deploying several drones to help identify and respond to firework violations.

“The entire city,” Escalante said. “When people are calling in illegal fireworks during the Fourth of July, we will have drone operators deploy their drones from specific locations to see if we could capture on video whoever is setting off the illegal fireworks.”

In Indio only “safe and sane” fireworks are permitted. Any fireworks not meeting this criteria are illegal in the city.

“They keep eyes on people who are setting off illegal fireworks and they were able to guide officers to that location,” Escalante said. “Whenever they did catch somebody setting off the fireworks, the city does have a municipal code where it’s zero tolerance for illegal fireworks and they did get cited.”

He said first time offenders will receive a $2,000 fine and for repeat offenders it’s up to $5,000.

The drones are equipped with sensors, cameras and even a speaker allowing officers to communicate with people on the ground in real time.

“They have high resolution cameras that allow us to zoom in from a distance,” Escalante said. “With the zoom we can stay undetected and actually be able to get a good image.”

Escalante said the goal is to promote safety.

We want to prevent firework related injuries, fires and disturbances,” Escalante said. “And for the residents and visitors to enjoy their holiday.”

IPD is asking anyone who sees illegal fireworks to report it to the Indio police fireworks hotline at 442-300-3104.

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