Author: KESQ

María García

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Eduardo Brambila, born and raised in Guadalajara, Jalisco, came to the Coachella Valley to support his family. Throughout the years, he managed to become the owner of his own restaurant, Flor de Jalisco.

His passion for cooking goes back to one of the many jobs he had upon arriving to the United States. At just 15 years old, he learned the value of hard work, his first job was working in agriculture.

“When I came here, I started to work in the fields. After that, I went into construction, I was inspired to find a better place for my family and I,” said Brambila.

Honoring his mother, as well as a desire to better himself and become an inspiration for migrants, led him into opening his own restaurant, which opened back in 2016.

“The name of the restaurant is an honor to my mother, she passed away in 2000 due to heart problems. She always told me to work hard, so this is an honor to her,” said Brambila.

Brambila says he’s grateful for his employees and being able to work in the United States, where he’s able to get more opportunities to do what he loves.

His dreams continue and he hopes to start new projects very soon.

 

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) Advocates say justice for Baby Emmanuel Haro remains incomplete even after his father’s guilty plea to murder charges in Riverside County Superior Court. Jake Haro, the father of 7-month old Emmanuel Haro, pleaded guilty to murder, child endangerment, and filing a false police report during a Felony Settlement Conference on Thursday. Prosecutors say Haro fabricated an abduction story last August, claiming his baby was kidnapped in a Yucaipa parking lot. Investigators later determined that report was false.

According to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Haro’s plea was entered directly to the court, not part of a plea deal, leaving the judge to determine his sentence. He faces 25 years to life in prison when he returns for sentencing Nov. 3. That same day, Rebecca Renee Haro, 41, is due in the same courtroom for a preliminary hearing on murder and false report charges.

Inside the courtroom Thursday, gasps and quiet sobs rippled through the gallery as Haro began crying and told the judge he wanted to change his plea. Don Cato, a Menifee resident who has followed the case since the beginning, said he saw Rebecca Haro begin rocking back and forth in tears.

“As he was crying, he said he wanted to plead guilty,” Cato said. “As soon as he did, she started rocking and saying, ‘My baby, my baby.’ Her attorneys tried to calm her by rubbing her shoulder. The whole courtroom was shocked.”

“Jake Haro’s guilty plea is a necessary step toward accountability, and we acknowledge the hard work of the prosecution to secure a conviction,” said Daniel Chapin, founder of the Uvalde Foundation For Kids. “However, justice for Emmanuel is incomplete until his remains are recovered. This plea cannot overshadow the systemic failures that enabled this abuse, nor the ongoing failure of the Sheriff’s Department to bring this child home for a proper burial. Our fight now centers on recovering Emmanuel and enacting ‘Emmanuel’s Law’ to protect other children from falling through the cracks of a broken system.”

According to transportation logs reviewed Friday morning, Jake and Rebecca Haro appeared in juvenile court. 

As of today, investigators and the DA’s office have stated Emmanuel’s Remains have not been found. 

“Because Rebecca’s case is still active, we cannot confirm or deny details of the investigation,” a spokesperson for the DA’s office stated.

This story is developing and will be added with additional info as it becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

BERMUDA DUNES, Calif. (KESQ) – The seasonal pumpkin patch at All Color Growers in Bermuda Dunes is opening its gates today, with a special promotion offering free entry for opening night only. The patch opens at 5:00 PM and will continue operating on weekends through October.

The pumpkin patch will be open Friday through Sunday this weekend and again next weekend, from October 24 to 26.

Visitors can purchase a variety of pumpkins, including fairytale pumpkins for $20 and standard orange pumpkins for $5. After tonight, entry will cost $10 per person.

For more information, the farm can be found on Instagram at @allcolorgrowers or through their official website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Walter Clark Legal Group has filed a lawsuit against Sheriff Chad Bianco, the County of Riverside, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office in federal court after a pretrial detainee was assaulted in jail.

The lawsuit was filed in the Central District of California federal court.

Attorneys Walter T. Clark and Dan C. Bolton allege the county and agency failed to provide medical care to a seriously injured pretrial detainee.

“Denied critical medical care for a near-fatal injury for 12 hours and tossed around in different cells while his pleas for help were repeatedly ignored, the Sheriffs in the John J. Benoit Detention Center, in Indio, California, showed a shocking and deliberate indifference to Plaintiff’s serious medical needs—essentially torturing Plaintiff while he suffered excruciating pain hour after hour—while wantonly and intentionally violating basic standards of decency in violation of the Eighth Amendment prohibition against cruel and unusual punishment, and well-established civil rights protections,” reads a news release from the Walter Clark Legal Group.

The attorneys said the plaintiff in the new case was a misdemeanor pretrial detainee who was seriously beaten by two inmates in a supervised area with video surveillance. They say no correctional officers intervened to stop the attack.

“After beginning to experience increasing and intolerable pain in his abdomen, his pleas for medical treatment were ignored by Sheriffs. Rather than provide the medical care he was constitutionally entitled to, Riverside County Sheriffs accused Plaintiff of lying about his pain and refused to permit him to see a medical professional,” reads the news release.

The plaintiff was allegedly left in a separate holding cell for hours as he continued to beg for help, attorneys said. He was moved to a suicide prevention cell for 12 hours before taken to a waiting area and eventually JFK Memorial Hospital.

Attorneys said it was determined that the plaintiff was septic with an infection spreading throughout his body, and that he needed emergency surgery. He underwent two operations, including a splenectomy (surgical removal of the spleen) and an exploratory laparotomy (a procedure where the surgeon makes a large incision in the abdomen to directly examine the abdominal area).

The plaintiff woke up at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs after being airlifted.

In a similar case, Clark and Bolton filed a First Amended Complaint on Oct. 7 based on the failure to provide medical care to a pretrial detainee, Clifford W. Mathews, that resulted in his wrongful death.

Bolton added, “Riverside County jails in recent years have been among the deadliest jails in the United States. This action seeks to hold Riverside County accountable for the ongoing and brazen violation of civil rights of pretrial detainees.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Athena Jreij

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — One of two boys struck in a La Quinta DUI crash last week, is in critical condition at Loma Linda University Medical Center, according to his family.

On Friday October 10th, Thermal Sheriff’s deputies responded to a collision at the intersection of Highway 111 and Adams St., when they found two juveniles hit by a car while riding their bikes.

One of those boys was 14-year-old La Quinta High School freshman, Liam Cantu.

Speaking exclusively to News Channel 3, Liam’s parents, Jennifer Perez and Jesus Cantu, say their friend found Liam at the scene and called them with the news that would change their life.

“They immediately called us and told us that my son was hit by a drunk driver or a car crash. We’re thinking that he was on the bike lane and the person tried to go around the traffic and hit my son and his friend,” Jesus Cantu said.

The family says the suspected drunk driver, identified as 47-year-old Jose Villegasorbe, first crashed in Indian Wells. The victim in that accident was chasing Villegasorbe at a high speed, when they crashed into the boys.

Liam’s friend survived with minor injuries but his parents say he hasn’t been as lucky. After the accident, he underwent emergency brain surgery and was put into a medically induced coma.

“He survived his initial brain surgery. They put him in an induced coma. His pressure was manageable, but Tuesday his pressures started to shoot up really high. So we’re hoping for a miracle right now. They’re telling us that he’s gone,” Perez and Cantu said.

The crash comes as Liam was excited to join the La Quinta High School baseball team.

“Liam’s been swinging a baseball bat since he could walk. He was excited for his first game. He had his jersey hung up. Out of everything he had in his closet, I don’t think he had anything hung up other than those two practice jerseys.”

Perez and Cantu describe their son as someone who is funny, outgoing, loved to dance and had an impact on everyone in his life.

“The baseball dads are calling me and telling me that their son wanted to quit baseball, and Liam motivated then to not quit, and to be better and help them. Everywhere we went, everyone always loved Liam.”

Now, they’re praying for a miracle and hoping the community’s prayers will bring back the Liam they love.

“We want to come on here and to tell the parents to hold their kids tight and and watch over them a little more. The day that they lose, the day you put your guard down, something tragic like this can happen,” Cantu said.

If you’d like to support the Cantu’s family and Liam’s recovery, visit: https://www.givesendgo.com/LiftedInAlmightyMercy?openShareModal=true.

Click here to follow the original article.

KESQ-Newsroom

 COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Coachella is inviting the community to a “tree for all” event this weekend.

There will be 58 total trees planted by attending guests.

The city secured $35,000 of funding for these trees through the Imperial Irrigation District’s Public Green Space grant titled “Tree for All.”

You can help beautify at the Bagdouma Park this Saturday from 7 A.M. to 10 A.M.

Refreshments and free giveaways will be provided to attendees at the event.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A Riverside County sheriff’s lieutenant killed during an apparent hunting accident in southern Idaho was a 25-year law enforcement veteran, whose loss prompted the sheriff’s department today to extend “heartfelt condolences” to his loved ones.

Lt. Nathan Kaas suffered a mortal gunshot wound early Sunday morning while on a mountain hunt for mule deer in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, near the Wyoming state line, according to published reports.

It was unclear whether his death was being investigated by the U.S. Forest Service, which has been impacted by the federal government shutdown, or the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department.

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office is not investigating this incident and, therefore, cannot provide any details regarding the circumstances,” according to an agency statement released Thursday. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lt. Nathan Kaas’ family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this difficult time.”   

The Riverside Sheriff’s Association has set up a fundraiser for his family, click here to visit that page.

Reports indicated that Kaas was in the federal preserve with a friend for a hunting excursion about 6 a.m. Sunday.   

As the off-duty lawman’s friend was reportedly removing his rifle from its sleeve while the two men sat in a vehicle, the long gun discharged directly into one of Kaas’ legs.

The projectile apparently penetrated an artery, causing a significant blood loss before first responders could reach the location and render emergency aid, according to reports.

Kaas died at the scene, leaving behind a wife and three children, according to the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, the union that represents deputies.

“Lt. Kaas began his career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in April 2000,” according to the agency. “During his 25-year service, he held the ranks of investigator, sergeant and lieutenant. He was most recently assigned to the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.”  

During his years as a sergeant, particularly between 2015 and 2020, Kaas handled press releases for several sheriff’s stations, including Moreno Valley and Lake Elsinore. His name was familiar to media outlets throughout the region, appearing in statements concerning everything from carjackings and deadly crashes to murders.   

There was no immediate word regarding funeral services for the fallen lawman.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 60 students at Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert campus received over $150,000 in scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year, it was announced today.

The various scholarships were awarded to students in several disciplines for academic excellence, community involvement and personal growth, officials said. The scholarships provided the recipients with mentorship opportunities, peer tutoring and career development workshops.

“This scholarship has made a significant difference in my life by easing the financial strain of educational expenses. As a full-time student who is also balancing family responsibilities, this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and engage in learning opportunities that are essential for my growth and preparation for graduate school,” Divina Portillo, a psychology major and recipient of the John J. and Sheryl Benoit Endowed Scholarship, said in a statement.

Adriana Banda, a sociology and social work major and recipient of the John Steven Peterson Endowed Scholarship, said, “I hope to continue creating inclusive and safe spaces for those in the LGBTQIA community, especially in the field of social work. Receiving a scholarship has given me a bit more peace of mind financially, and it will help cover anything I will need this upcoming academic year, especially since senior year can be costly with graduation-related costs.”  

Officials said the scholarships will help invest in student success and reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and access to high education.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people suspected of stealing items from Desert Hot Springs home were arrested after a vehicle and foot pursuit, authorities said today.

Police officers responded to a report shortly before 1 p.m. Tuesday in the 9400 block of San Rafael Drive regarding a residential burglary, according to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. They learned a burglary had occurred and identified a suspect vehicle.

Officers found the vehicle two hours later and attempted to pull it over, prompting a pursuit that later ended in the area of Pierson Boulevard and Via Loretto, according to police.

Three people left the vehicle on foot and were captured by pursuing officers, the department stated.

Police said “a large amount of stolen property was recovered from the vehicle.”  

Three suspects were arrested on suspicion of residential burglary, conspiracy, possession of stolen property, resisting arrest and participating in a criminal street gang. The suspects were described only as two men and a male juvenile.

They were booked into Riverside County jail and Juvenile Hall and all were held in lieu of $200,000 bail, police said.   

Anyone with information was urged to contact Detective Philip Estrada at pestrada@dhspd.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Luis Avila

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A temporary Desert X art installation near Desert Hot Springs has been defaced with graffiti, leaving many residents and visitors frustrated and disappointed.

The large stone structure, part of the valley-wide Desert X contemporary art exhibition, towers above the desert floor along Route 62. Titled “The act of being together,” the installation was designed to inspire unity. Instead, it has become the target of vandalism, sparking questions about its extended presence and the lack of security.

“It’s for the people to enjoy and somebody comes and wrecks it, very disappointed that somebody would have to do that.”

Randy Dixon, Morongo Valley Resident

The 2025 Desert X exhibition officially ended in May, but this particular installation was granted an extension and was scheduled to remain on display until October 1. Its continued presence weeks past that date has led some to wonder why it hadn’t been removed earlier — and whether the delay contributed to the vandalism.

“When Desert X ended for its season and this wasn’t taken down, I was kind of surprised because usually some of the exhibits were taken down and this one kept sitting here and I was wondering how long it was going to take for it to become someone’s pallet.”

Cliff Williams, Whitewater Resident

In response, Desert X Executive Director Jenny Gil told News Channel 3 that the installation is now scheduled to be removed in the coming weeks. She did not provide a specific reason for the delay.

In a statement, Gil stated:

“Desert X takes extensive measures to protect and preserve artworks, which are thoughtfully designed to be resilient and withstand exposure to the elements, public interaction, and other unforeseen circumstances.”

She added that incidents of vandalism are rare and that the artwork will be restored.

Locals hope that happens soon.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.