Author: KESQ

Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif (KESQ) – The Riverside County Department of Animal Services is making efforts to aid its overwhelmed shelters by holding California’s second-annual Adopt-a-Pet Day.

One of the 150 shelters participating is the Coachella Valley Animal Campus, who says they are overrun with dogs and cats. The Adopt-a-Pet Day waives any adoption fees, as officials hope it encourages residents to add a new furry friend to their home.

Across all campuses, there are over 800 dogs available for adoption, which are sharing just over 300 kennels. While cats are adopted more often, they say, across all shelters, they still have over 200 cats.

Officials with CVAC say they aren’t able to give proper care to animals if they are having to share toys, blankets and somewhere to sleep.

“We are over 200% capacity across all three of our shelters,” CVAC’S Animal Services Manager Marlo Clingman said. “And the more capacity we are the fewer things we can do to enrich these animals time with us. When there’s four dogs in a kennel you can’t really, toss a treat.”

RivCo’s goal is for 5,000 pets to be adopted on Saturday. But they know it can be difficult for people to commit to being a full-time pet owner.

If residents are not able to adopt, they recommend they participate in “Ticket to Ride” or their foster system.

“We just need a couple weeks or even a couple days for you to hold them, keep them safe while we’re preparing them to go out,” Clingman said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of overcrowded animal shelters in Riverside County and their efforts to move pets into homes and out of shelters.

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Athena Jreij

LOS ANGELES (KABC) — President Donald Trump is deploying 2,000 California National Guard troops despite the governor’s objections to Los Angeles, where protests led to clashes between immigration authorities and demonstrators.

Confrontations broke out again for a second day on Saturday.

The White House said in a statement on Saturday that Trump was deploying the Guardsmen to “address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester” in California.

Gov. Gavin Newsom objected to the move and said in a post on X that the move from the Republican president was “purposefully inflammatory and will only escalate tensions.”

President Donald Trump signed a memorandum Saturday “deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness” in California as demonstrations opposing Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations continue in the state, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said in a statement Saturday.

“In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens,” Leavitt said. “That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,” Leavitt said.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said in a post on X that the Defense Department is “mobilizing the National Guard IMMEDIATELY to support federal law enforcement in Los Angeles. And, if violence continues, active duty Marines at Camp Pendleton will also be mobilized – they are on high alert.”

Earlier, California Gov. Gavin Newsom said the federal government was moving to “take over the California National Guard,” calling the move “purposefully inflammatory” and saying it will “only escalate tensions.”

Newsom said local California authorities don’t need the help.

“LA authorities are able to access law enforcement assistance at a moment’s notice,” he said. “We are in close coordination with the city and county, and there is currently no unmet need.”

“In the wake of this violence, California’s feckless Democrat leaders have completely abdicated their responsibility to protect their citizens,” Leavitt said. “That is why President Trump has signed a Presidential Memorandum deploying 2,000 National Guardsmen to address the lawlessness that has been allowed to fester,” Leavitt said.

Earlier Saturday evening, Trump said in a social media post that if California lawmakers can’t “do their jobs” then the federal government will “step in and solve the problem,” but he did not provide specific details.

The protests Saturday were centered in the city Paramount, following reports of an immigration raid occurring at that location. However, Paramount Mayor Peggy Lemons later said during a news conference that agents were staging, not conducting a raid.

Those protests followed demonstrations Friday that came in the wake of immigration enforcement operations across the city. Federal agents raided multiple workplaces in the fashion district and other areas, according to the American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California, leading to hundreds of people, including children, being detained by ICE agents at the Edward Roybal Federal Building in downtown LA, the ACLU said.

Large crowds then gathered near the federal building Friday afternoon and evening, leading to some clashes with authorities.

Video of the protests Saturday showed Border Patrol agents posted up with many protesters across the street, yelling at them. Footage appears to show some smoke projectiles being deployed as well.

In a statement on social media, United States Border Patrol Chief Michael Banks said several arrests had been made Saturday for alleged assaults on federal agents.

FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino said authorities were seeking to identify people who threw rocks at law enforcement vehicles.

U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said federal law enforcement operations would proceed as planned in Los Angeles County this weekend.

“I urge the public to refrain from interfering with these lawful actions. Anyone who obstructs federal agents will face arrest and prosecution,” he said.

The LA County Sheriff’s Department said its personnel responded to Paramount Boulevard Saturday where a large crowd was blocking the street.

“As deputies arrived, it appeared that federal law enforcement officers were in the area, and that members of the public were gathering to protest. The Sheriff’s Department was not involved in any federal law enforcement operations or actions and responded solely for traffic and crowd control management,” the sheriff’s department said in a statement Saturday.

The sheriff’s department said it does not participate in any civil immigration enforcement activities or mass deportation sweeps.

“We remind the public to exercise their right to protest peacefully, with respect for the safety of all community members. Our primary responsibility is to ensure public safety for all individuals present-both demonstrators, residents, and bystanders-by addressing potential safety concerns while supporting the safe and lawful expression of First Amendment rights,” the sheriff’s department said.

Local, federal officials point fingers

The response to the protests has local and federal officials pointing fingers.

In a statement Saturday, ICE Acting Director Todd Lyons faulted local officials, including LA Mayor Karen Bass, and police for their response to the situation on Friday evening.

“What took place in Los Angeles yesterday was appalling,” Lyons said. “As rioters attacked federal ICE and law enforcement officers on the LA streets, Mayor Bass took the side of chaos and lawlessness over law enforcement.”

Lyons’ statement went on to say: “Our brave officers were vastly outnumbered, as over 1,000 rioters surrounded and attacked a federal building. It took over two hours for the Los Angeles Police Department to respond, despite being called multiple times. The brave men and women of ICE were in Los Angeles arresting criminal illegal aliens including gang members, drug traffickers and those with a history of assault, cruelty to children, domestic violence, robbery, and smuggling.

The LAPD issued a statement later on Saturday denying the ICE director’s claims, saying its response was delayed, in part, because federal authorities had deployed chemical irritants into the crowd of protesters.

“Contrary to the claim that LAPD delayed its response for over two hours, our personnel mobilized and acted as swiftly as conditions safely allowed,” the statement said. “Our response time was impacted by significant traffic congestion, the presence of demonstrators, and, notably, by the fact that federal agents had deployed irritants into the crowd prior to LAPD’s arrival. This created a hazardous environment for responding officers. Within 55 minutes of receiving the call, we began to disperse the hostile and riotous crowd.”

Bass has condemned the ICE operations in her city.

“As Mayor of a proud city of immigrants, who contribute to our city in so many ways, I am deeply angered by what has taken place. These tactics sow terror in our communities and disrupt basic principles of safety in our city. My Office is in close coordination with immigrant rights community organizations. We will not stand for this,” Bass said.

Bass told ABC Los Angeles station KABC that neither she nor the Los Angeles Police Department were aware that the ICE raids were going to happen.

Large crowds first began gathering near the federal detention center in Downtown LA Friday afternoon protesting the immigration raids and leading to some reported clashes with authorities. Some protesters could be seen throwing objects at vehicles and others tried to block vans from leaving on Friday, KABC reported.

Shortly after 7 p.m. the Los Angeles Police Department declared an unlawful assembly, warning protesters they risked being arrested if they remained in the area. LAPD officers were seen lining the streets near the federal building, KABC reported.

The LAPD said in a social media post late Friday that officers had reported a “small group of violent individuals” were throwing large pieces of concrete.

“Once again, an UNLAWFUL ASSEMBLY has been declared. You must leave the area. The use of less lethal munitions has been authorized by the Incident Commander,” the LAPD said in the post.

The Department of Homeland Security said the targeting of law enforcement in Los Angeles is “despicable.”

“Mayor Bass, ICE is not responsible for ‘sowing a sense of terror’ the protestors YOU enabled are,” DHS said.

ABC News’ Luis Martinez, Michelle Stoddart, Luke Barr and Vanessa Navarrete contributed to this report.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City residents and businesses were the first to witness multiple locations of Border Patrol and ICE operations in the city. After one person is known to be detained, locals say they’re seeing a now fearful community.

Local businesses in the Ramon Plaza – a site where videos were shared across social media on Friday of Border Patrol officers running after someone – are concerned. But owners tell News Channel 3, they aren’t just concerned for the community.

They say fear has caused people to stay at home, and it’s reducing visitors and shoppers in the plaza. Maricela Rivera, the owner of Monarca Mexican Restaurant, says she typically sees between 100 to 200 people in her restaurant per day. But on Friday she saw just 10 people, and Saturday was not much better at 15.

“We’ve had maybe an 80 percent drop of patrons, which is unfortunate for us because we’re struggling as it is with this economy,” Rivera said. “And to have that happen to us at this time, it’s heartbreaking.”

Rivera opened Monarca less than a year ago, and says she needs the communities support to stay open. But she noticed other businesses are too scared to keep their doors open, including the cleaners next door who never opened up on Saturday.

Visual Signs and Apparel’s Owner Vanesa Trigueros has even heard the concerns from her clients after Friday’s operations.

“I had clients message me asking me the question if there was immigration here in our plaza,” Trigueros said. “And it’s something I have to be transparent with them.”

Both Rivera and Trigueros witnessed the Border Patrol and ICE operations in their parking lot as a community member ran from officers in front of Monarca.

“I received a phone call from one of our workers stating that ICE was outside and they were chasing people,” Rivera said.

“I can just imagine how many broken homes were created [Friday],” Trigueros said. “How many kids are questioning whether their mom or their dad’s going to come back?”

As the reflect on the operation events, they’re asking the community to continue to support their businesses even in the troubling times.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from Monarca Mexican Restaurant and VSA’s owners about their call for community support.

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Athena Jreij

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Five Coachella Valley graduating high school seniors were awarded $54,000 by the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens on Saturday.

The teens are apart of the Living Desert’s ‘Zoo Teen program,’ a four year youth conservation program focused on animal care, science, and conservation. Awards were given to teens pursuing science degrees in line with the zoo’s mission.

For Destiny Hernandez, the Living Desert is a second home, “I could totally see myself coming back here. I mean, I came to camps here when I was five years old, and now I’m 18, graduating high school. So this place is home.”

Dr. Anna Young, a program lead, says Zoo Teens is meant to inspire the desert’s youth to care for their planet young.

“We really want to invest in our local Coachella Valley residents so that they can be the next generation of conservation leaders. So we need kids starting as early as possible to understand what it takes to take care of our valley and of our planet,” Dr. Young said.

The Living Desert raised over $38,000 for the awards. Assistance from OneFuture Coachella Valley brought the total of those scholarships to $54,000.

Awards varied between $2,000 to $5,000 per year, per student for up to five years.

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Tori King

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)– The Desert Recreation District is extending its long-time partnership with Kaiser Permanente to launch Operation Splash, a scholarship program that removes financial barriers to swim lessons and equips local families with lifesaving water-safety skills. Kaiser Permanente’s $85,000 two-year grant, awarded through its Healthy Eating Active Living initiative, allows DRD to offer free lessons for children throughout the Coachella Valley. 

Operation Splash promotes active lifestyles and water safety during the summer months. Each eligible participant of all abilities may enroll in one session of free swim lessons, that’s eight 45-minute classes held on Mondays and Thursdays. 

“Nothing is more important than keeping our community safe around the water,” said Kevin Kalman, DRD General Manager. “Thanks to Kaiser Permanente’s continued generosity, we can lift the cost barrier for families and give even more kids the confidence and skills they need. This partnership truly saves lives while strengthening the health of our community.” 

The event runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Saturday, June 7, 2025, at Bagdouma Community Pool, 84-599 Avenue 52, Coachella. The free event features open swim, refreshments, and a water safety demonstration with DRD’s mascot, Lenny the Landshark. Families can learn more about DRD aquatic programs and so much more at this event. 

Operation Splash covers the full cost of group swim lessons for children ages six to fourteen who meet income guidelines. Students who receive free or reduced-price school lunch automatically qualify. DRD is proud to serve our youth of all abilities, including those in adaptive programs. For full details and the quick online application, visit myrecreationdistrict.com/swim-water-programs. 

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio Police Department is sending out a message as some local people remain on edge after Border Patrol and ICE Agents carried out an enforcement operation in Cathedral City on Friday.

While the operation was carried out in Cathedral City, Indio Police are responding to the operation, releasing a statement on social media regarding their policy on enforcement of federal immigration laws:

Via Instagram

News Channel 3 has reached out to both the US Border Patrol and Immigration and Customs Enforcement for more information and comment about Friday’s enforcement operation. At this time, neither agency has responded.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this story.

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Investigators identified more potential victims in a case of an ex-indie rock drummer accused of possessing child pornography and recording a minor in a public restroom.

New charges were filed this week against Joseph Seiders, 44, of Palm Desert, after investigators identified two additional victims not associated with the initial incidents. Seiders is now charged with committing lewd acts with a minor by force or fear, using or coercing a minor to produce child pornography, possession of child pornography, annoying/molesting a child, and invasion of privacy.

Seiders was originally arrested on April 9 after allegedly recording children at the restroom of the Palm Desert Chick-fil-A.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Daniel Milbrant, deputies from the Palm Desert Station, received a report of a suspicious circumstance in the 73000 block of Dinah Shore Drive on April 7. They interviewed an 11-year-old boy who told them a man allegedly recorded him on a cell phone inside the restroom of a Chick-fil-A.

Two days later, deputies received another report from an employee at a nearby business who said a man was allegedly seen entering and exiting a restroom with several young males, Milbrandt said.

Deputies identified and arrested Seiders at the scene.

A subsequent search of Seiders’ residence turned up evidence tying him to both incidents, along with possession of child pornography, sheriff’s officials said.

Details about the interaction between the suspect and the juvenile males inside the restroom were not disclosed.   

Seiders was the drummer of the New Pornographers, fronted by AC Newman and the Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Neko Case. He joined the band in 2014.

After the arrest was reported, the New Pornographers issued a statement reading: ”Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified, and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders– and we have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.”  

Seiders has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.

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Garrett Hottle

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – The jury has begun deliberations in the high-profile bribery trial of Palm Springs developer John Wessman.

Closing arguments wrapped up Friday morning.

Wessman faces nine counts of bribery and one count of conspiracy. He is accused of paying former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet more than $200,000 to secure city support for downtown redevelopment projects between 2012 and 2014.

Pougnet and developer Richard Meaney have both pleaded guilty to charges related to this case.

Prosecutors call it a case of backroom deals and political corruption, saying Wessman and Meaney used cash and influence to buy the mayor’s vote, but the defense argues those payments were legal.

Wessman followed the rules during tough economic times.

News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle will have the latest from court today starting at 4 p.m.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Defense testimony is slated to last all next week in the trial of an ex-Riverside County sheriff’s deputy accused of gunning down a man with whom he was at odds because the victim had been involved with the lawman’s then-girlfriend.

Oscar Rodriguez, 44, is charged with first-degree murder and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations for the 2014 slaying of 39-year-old Luis Carlos Morin of Coachella.

The prosecution rested its case in the three-week trial on Thursday, after which the defense summoned its first witness, who testified before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling sent jurors home for the weekend. The defense is scheduled to summon additional witnesses throughout the coming week, after which the prosecution is expected to proceed with rebuttal testimony at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.   

Rodriguez is free on a $1 million bond.   

At the time of the fatal shooting, the defendant was romantically involved with Diana Perez, the mother of Morin’s two children. She and the then-deputy originally met in the winter of 2013, when he and other deputies responded to 911 calls from her complaining about Morin, whom she didn’t want around her home. Morin had active warrants for his arrest.   

“Things went from professional to unprofessional,” Deputy District Attorney Jacob Silva said.

The prosecutor recalled in his opening statement to the jury last month how Rodriguez dated Perez throughout 2013, taking a personal interest in her ongoing conflicts with Morin.

Silva alleged Rodriguez decided to act independently, ignoring law enforcement protocols, in apprehending Morin. On the night of Jan. 27, 2014, the defendant learned that the suspect had joined family members for a birthday celebration in Palm Desert and would be returning to his mother’s home in the 48-800 block of Camino Real in Coachella.

Silva alleged Rodriguez went to the neighborhood alone in a patrol unit, parking out of sight and placing Maria Gomez’s house under surveillance.   

“He refused to follow the laws and procedures put in place,” the prosecutor said. “He ignored all of his training. He consciously disregarded all those procedures and directives.”

At 9:40 p.m., Morin and his mother arrived at the residence, and the suspect got out of the car to direct Gomez as she backed the vehicle into a tight parking space. Silva said Rodriguez stealthily approached Morin, but the suspect was alerted and tried to bolt, at which point the deputy swept the man’s legs to stop him, causing both of them to fall down, Rodriguez landing on his back.

Gomez was heard shouting, “Don’t do it!” according to the defense.   

Rodriguez’s attorney, Mark Frederick, told jurors his client inferred the statement signaled Morin was about to attack him, and he opened fire in fear of his life.   

Morin, who was not armed, was fatally wounded in the left side of his chest and died at the scene. Rodriguez suffered a bruise on his back, but otherwise wasn’t hurt.

Frederick characterized his client as “shaken and … scared” by the encounter, which was not captured on video because not all deputies had been issued body-worn cameras at the time.   

The attorney said Morin, whom he referred to as a “career criminal,” was angry about the relationship between his ex-girlfriend and Rodriguez. Frederick said several months before the deadly shooting, Perez received a message from Morin, stating, “Cop lover … tell him to bring his A-game, because no matter what he does, he’s going to lose.”   

The investigation that ensued following Morin’s death stretched several years, culminating in a grand jury indictment in 2017.   

Morin’s family sued the sheriff’s department and county for wrongful death, netting a $7 million payout.

Perez was indicted along with Rodriguez, charged as being an accessory to a felony. However, the charge against her was dismissed in April.

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Jesus Reyes

Update – 3:00 p.m.

Power has been restored, hospital officials said.

Original Report – 10:50 a.m.

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A power outage occurred at the Eisenhower Health, but the main campus was not affected.

Officials said the outage only affected the Eisenhower Desert Cardiology Center (EDCC) and Eisenhower Desert Orthopedic Center (EDOC). Patients are being contacted directly about rescheduling their appointments.

All other services on the main campus are up and running, including the hospital.

Patients with any questions about their appointments at EDCC or EDOC in Rancho Mirage can call 760-797-8352 for assistance.

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