Author: KESQ

Tommy Gallegos

PALM DESERT, Calif. — The California State University Board of Trustees has appointed S. Terri Gomez as the next president of California State University, San Bernardino. Gomez, who currently serves as provost and vice president for Academic Affairs at Cal Poly Pomona, will assume the role on Aug. 3, 2026.

A first-generation college graduate and lifelong Inland Empire resident, Gomez said she is honored to lead a university that serves the region where she began her own educational journey. She emphasized CSUSB’s mission of expanding access, opportunity and student success across the Inland Empire, High Desert and Coachella Valley.

Gomez brings 27 years of higher education experience. She joined Cal Poly Pomona in 1999 as a faculty member in the Department of Ethnic and Women’s Studies and has since held several leadership roles, including department chair, associate vice president for Student Success and associate provost.

A graduate of San Bernardino Valley College, Gomez transferred to UCLA, where she earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in political science.

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Garrett Hottle

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) Riverside County logged 5,373 reports of a missing child last year according to according to data released by the California Department of Justice. That’s about 15 a day. Nearly all of those reports in 2025, were runaways 5,328.

The county had 4,385 such reports in 2024. The 2025 figure is 988 higher an increase of close to 20%, according to a News Channel 3 review of the state data, the largest jump of any county in California.

Most of the state moved the other way. DOJ figures show reports statewide fell more than 4% last year.

Riverside County ranked fifth in the state in 2024. It now ranks second, behind only Los Angeles County, which has roughly four times the population.

The state counts reports, not children. A teenager who runs away four times appears in the data four times.

The numbers come as a Los Angeles courtroom takes up the death of a Lake Elsinore teenager who was one of those reports.

Celeste Rivas Hernandez was a 13-year-old seventh grader when her family first reported her missing in 2024. Sheriff’s department records cited show she was reported missing three times that year.

Her remains were found in September 2025 in the front trunk of a Tesla registered to the singer d4vd. She was 14.

A preliminary hearing for David Anthony Burke, the 21-year-old performer, entered its second day Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court.

Judge Charlaine Olmedo will decide whether the case goes to trial.

Burke has pleaded not guilty to first-degree murder with special circumstances, lewd and lascivious acts with a child under 14, and mutilating a body.

His attorneys have said the evidence will show he did not kill her.

News Channel 3 sits down with Operation SafeHouse this afternoon. Watch tonight at 4, 5, 6 and 6:30 for the full story.

Anyone who needs help can reach SafeHouse of the Desert in Thousand Palms at (760) 343-3211.

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Tommy Gallegos

UPDATE: Authorities have located Filemon Sanchez, who was reported missing early Wednesday morning in Palm Springs.

Original article

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a missing vulnerable adult who was last seen early Wednesday morning in Palm Springs.

Filemon Sanchez, a Hispanic man in his 90s, was last seen between 5:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. after leaving the 2100 block of E. Desert Park in Palm Springs.

According to officials, Sanchez was last seen wearing a black hat, blue shirt, and was using a walker.

Authorities say Sanchez has dementia and may be confused or disoriented. His condition makes him particularly vulnerable, prompting an urgent request for the community’s help in locating him safely.

Sanchez has previously been found in Palm Desert inside a locked vehicle and has also been seen walking near intersections in Palm Springs. Officials say he is known to ask people for rides to various locations.

Anyone who sees Filemon Sanchez or has information about his whereabouts is urged to call the Palm Springs Police Department immediately at 760-327-1441.

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Jesus Reyes

Update 7/23/26

The suspect in the crash was arrested before being able to leave the state, police announced.

Police said through the use of Flock Safety Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) cameras, investigators were able to quickly identify the suspect vehicle, obtain its license plate, and develop critical investigative leads.

As the investigation continued, detectives learned the suspect had purchased bus and train tickets in an apparent attempt to leave the area and evade arrest.

The suspect, a 53-year-old Desert Hot Springs man, was arrested Friday at 5 p.m. in Palm Springs, just hours before he was set to leave the state.

He was booked into Riverside County Jail, where he is being held on $500,000 bail. He faces a charge of Felony Hit-and-Run Resulting in Serious Injury or Death.

Police said the pedestrian struck by the vehicle remains hospitalized in critical but stable condition.

Original Report 7/21/26

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — A pedestrian was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries after a hit-and-run crash Tuesday night in Desert Hot Springs, police confirmed.

The crash was reported just after 10 p.m. at Palm Drive and Flora Avenue.

Authorities have now confirmed the driver fled the scene following the crash. Investigators initially spoke with an individual Tuesday night who was believed to be the driver, but later determined that person was not involved.

At this time, the driver has not been identified. Police said investigators are actively working to identify and locate the person responsible.

The pedestrian was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. No additional information about the victim’s condition has been released.

The investigation remains ongoing. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates as more information becomes available.

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City News Service

DESERT CENTER, Calif. (KESQ) – Motorcyclists seeking to sharpen their skills and enhance safety techniques on a professional track east of the Coachella Valley are invited to join expert riders during an end-of-summer event.

Compact Octane is slated for Sept. 5 and 6 at the 16-year-old Chuckwalla Valley Raceway, located at 25300 Rice Road in Desert Center.

“We’re not a motorcycle safety course,” Compact Octane cofounder Matt Testa told City News Service. “We’re a place where riders who already know how to operate a motorcycle can safely practice and improve.”

He said that, unlike competitive racing events, the Stevenson Ranch- based organization’s goal is to promote ego-free safety and professionalism, with prohibitions against racing, lap timing and trophies.

Riders must also follow strict passing rules, and failure to do so may result in removal.

With no oncoming traffic, intersections or speed limits, the Compact Octane environment is ideal to focus on one objective — good riding, Testa said.

“We make sure riders have the equipment, advice, inspections and supervision they need,” he said. “Chuckwalla also has medical services on- site in case of an emergency.”

Before anyone can take to the track, his or her bike must pass a technical inspection conducted by Motorsport Exotica. September’s event will feature riding sessions at four experience levels, ranging from beginner to advanced. Orientations cover track safety, flag meanings, course layout, vision techniques, braking, shifting, body position and speed awareness.

“A lot of beginner riders show visible improvement the same day,” Testa said.

More experienced riders are the first to receive on-track coaching focused on braking, traction management, smooth riding techniques and visual awareness.

“We prioritize teaching riders how to brake properly, manage traction, be smooth and know where to look,” Testa said. “These are the fundamentals that keep riders alive on the streets.”

Participants are not required to own all of the necessary riding equipment, such as back protectors and leather suits, which can be loaned out.

Motorcycle rentals, Pirelli tire services with free mounting and balancing, and professional photography will also be available.

Each track day will follow a four-group rotation, with riders participating in 20-minute track sessions throughout the day.

All event participants must be at least 18, have a minimum of six months’ riding experience and be comfortable operating a motorcycle, according to Testa.

He said that between 80 and 120 riders are anticipated each day of the two-day event.

Spectators are welcome to attend and visit the paddock to speak with riders during breaks.

“We see a fair number of people who start as guests and later register for future events,” Testa said.

Admission to the raceway runs between $10 and $20 per person. Registration fees are $249 per rider.

Additional information is available at compactoctane.trackrabbit.com.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Springs Animal Shelter is asking the community for help after running low on essential supplies used to care for animals every day.

Shelter officials say they are in need of bath towels and flat sheets of all sizes.

Associate Executive Director Jack Hagerman says the shelter goes through the supplies quickly.

“We use towels and sheets to line kennels, especially with puppies and kittens so it gives them something soft to lay on,” Hagerman said. “But those tend to get soiled and you can only wash them so often before you can no longer use them.”

This comes during one of the shelter’s busiest times of the year. Officials say summer typically brings more animals needing care while volunteer numbers decline as many seasonal residents leave the Coachella Valley.

“Because we have so many more puppies and kittens this time of year we go through those linens a lot faster,” Hagerman said. “We are the shortest staffed during the summer months because we don’t have as many volunteers doing enrichment with the animals.”

The need has also increased following a recent illness outbreak among kittens at the shelter. Hagerman says the outbreak required additional cleaning and supplies to help prevent the spread of illness.

“Those we can’t reuse,” Hagerman said. “This year we’re seeing a lot of disease coming into the shelter.”

Hagerman says the shelter expects to resume taking in cats by the end of the week as conditions improve, bringing an even greater need for fresh towels and sheets.

Donations of flat sheets of any size and bath towels can be dropped off at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, located at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave., during business hours or placed in the donation bins outside the shelter at any time.

For more information, contact the Palm Springs Animal Shelter at 760-416-5718.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Direct flights from Palm Springs International Airport to Sonoma County Wine Country are set to return starting September 10.

The flight between PSP and STS is run through Alaska Airlines and is set to launch early September, six weeks earlier than previously run. The early start date reflects the success seen in its inaugural season, with many Southern Californians traveling to experience Sonoma County’s scenic vineyards and towns.

“Our travelers have embraced this route, and we’re thrilled to see Alaska Airlines bring it back even earlier this year,” said Victoria Carpenter, Interim Executive Director at Palm Springs International Airport. “As we continue working with our airline partners to expand seasonal and year-round service, our goal remains simple: give our travelers more choices and more convenience from their hometown airport.”

Travelers can expect to see additional nonstop flights available to locations like Houston, Boise, Minneapolis and Austin beginning in the fall. The seasonal route will operate five days a week with the exception of Tuesdays and Wednesdays through April 25, 2027.

For more information stay with News Channel 3.

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City News Service

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Imperial Irrigation District will issue a conservation alert starting Thursday due to extreme heat in the Coachella Valley.

The alert will run from 7 a.m. Thursday until 10 a.m. Monday.

The agency issues the conserve alerts when electrical demand runs high and puts a strain on the electrical grid. IID customers are urged to reduce electricity usage between the hours of 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when demand is at its highest, officials said.

“When temperatures rise, every small action matters,” Karin Eugenio, IID board chairwoman, said in a statement. “By responding to conserve alerts, customers help reduce pressure on the grid, support reliable service and contribute to the overall strength of our energy system.”

Officials recommend customers follow these steps to conserve energy during the alert: — Avoid use of major appliances, including washers, dryers, dishwashers, pool pumps and electric vehicle chargers between 4-9 p.m.; — Set thermostats at 78 degrees or higher when home; — Turn off unnecessary lights; — Close blinds, shades or drapes to keep homes cooler, and — Use fans, when possible, while turning them off when leaving a room.

The agency provides electricity to La Quinta, Indio, Bermuda Dunes, Coachella, Thousand Palms, Indio Hills, Sky Valley, Mecca, Thermal and Indian Wells.

Additional information on the alert is available at www.iid.com/customer-service/conserve-alert.

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City News Service

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A 59-year-old Los Angeles man suspected of stealing more than $30,000 from retail stores across the Coachella Valley and Los Angeles area was behind bars today.

The suspect was booked into Benoit Detention Center in Indio on suspicion of burglary, grand theft, organized retail crime and possession of stolen property, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

County jail records show the suspect is out of custody. Bail information was not available. He is scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 27 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Deputies responded to a report of a theft Sunday in the 34000 block of Monterey Avenue in Rancho Mirage.

The department’s Robbery Burglary Suppression Team identified Grigoryan as the suspect.

A search warrant was executed Monday in the 65000 block of Rolling Hills Drive in Desert Hot Springs, where the suspect was taken into custody without incident. Deputies also found more than $7,000 worth of allegedly stolen merchandise that was later returned to retailers.

The investigation was ongoing, and anyone with additional information regarding the thefts was asked to contact Deputy Marco Castaneda of the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at 760-836-1600.

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Haley Meberg

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City’s Public Works Department announced upcoming pedestrian crossing construction starting July 22.

The project is operated by the Onyx Paving Company, Inc. and will take place at the intersection of 30th Avenue and San Eljay Avenue as a part of the HSIP Cycle 11D Pedestrian Crossing Upgrades project.

This project aims to improve safety at the intersection, making updates like LED safety lighting, ADA curb ramps and curb bulb-outs, new pavement markings, advanced warning signs and new asphalt overlay.

Construction is set to begin July 22 and last until July 28, with work hours spanning from 6:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Cathedral City officials say drivers should prepare for intermittent lane closures and traffic delays while the project is in place. They urge residents to reduce speed in the ConeZone, watch out for workers and consider alternative routes to their destinations.

For more information stay with News Channel 3.

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