Author: KESQ

Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The father of baby Emmanuel Haro pleaded guilty to all charges in the murder case, News Channel 3 confirmed Thursday.

There is still no word on whether investigators have located the remains of seven-month-old Emmanuel Haro.

The Haros appeared in court for a felony settlement conference Thursday in Riverside, where Jake Haro pleaded guilty to all charges, which include second-degree homicide, filing a false police report, and assault of a child under 8; great bodily injury resulting in death.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s office noted that the plea was made straight to the judge, without negotiations between the defense and prosecution.

Jake Haro faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.

He is set to be sentenced on Nov. 3. Rebecca Haro is also scheduled to appear in court that same day for a preliminary hearing. That hearing, if it proceeds, will determine whether that are sufficient grounds for a trial on charges of murder and filing a false police report.

Jake Haro in court(10/16/25)

Emmanuel’s mother, Rebecca Haro, did not plead guilty; the case against her will continue. She is also charged with Emmanuel’s murder, along with filing a false police report and other charges.

News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle is in the courtroom. He’ll have the latest live starting 4PM on News Channel 3.

Jake and Rebecca Haro were arrested on August 22 after investigators concluded Emmanuel was not kidnapped as initially reported by his mother.

At an August 27 news conference, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said investigators had a “strong indication” of where Emmanuel’s body could be found, but no remains have ever been recovered.

Timeline: Case of Baby Emmanuel

Thursday, Aug. 14: Rebecca reports an assault and kidnapping outside a Yucaipa store, deputies and K-9s search; case later reclassified after inconsistencies in her account. 

Thursday, Sept. 4: Arraignments at 8:30 a.m., both parents remain jailed on $1 million bail. 

Wednesday, Aug. 27: DA Hestrin: Emmanuel was “severely abused over time”, investigators have a strong indication where remains may be; not yet found.

Tuesday, Aug. 26: First appearance; case continued to Sept. 4, complaint filed alleging murder and false report. 

Sunday, Aug. 24: Search along Hwy. 60/Gilman Springs with Jake present, no remains found. 

Friday, Aug. 22: Parents arrested in Cabazon after detectives concluded the kidnapping claim was false. 

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Allie Anthony

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Great California ShakeOut is happening today at 10:16 AM. People across the Coachella Valley will join millions worldwide in this annual earthquake drill. Although the ShakeOut now takes place in over 50 countries, it all began right here in California.

The purpose of the ShakeOut is to help individuals and communities prepare for a major earthquake through practice and education.

College of the Desert will be participating in today’s drill. A key partner in the effort is the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network, which is helping to coordinate the event on campus. They’re also educating students on how to stay safe during emergencies, and giving out free Go Bags filled with emergency supplies.

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Jesus Reyes

A new art display is bringing bright colors and culture to downtown Palm Springs.

The new art installation called “Deriva Floral” by artist Daniel “Mestiz” Valero originates from San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, Palm Springs’ sister city

The colorful floral display is located on Museum Way and highlights the cultural and artistic ties between Palm Springs and San Miguel de Allende.

The project is part of an ongoing collaboration that also allows student and culinary exchange programs between the two cities.

“These types of relationships and celebration of friendships are so important because they send a very strong message. that we can have great projects working together and that without having to worry about borders or divisions, uh, whether political or cultural, so this sends a really strong message to everyone in our community,” said

Residents can enjoy the installation outside the Palm Springs Art Museum through mid-November.

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Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – A Coachella Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) bus driver is facing backlash after posting a video to social media mocking a student with special needs.

Viewers sent the now deleted Tik Tok video to News Channel 3.

In it, the bus driver is commenting on a student who had a bathroom accident while on the bus saying, “how dare you get on my bus in a poopy diaper” and “do better next time kid.”

Parents said the student is part of the district’s special education program and that the post violated the student’s privacy and dignity.

“There should be no bus driver treating or making TikTok videos about children in special needs who have accidents. They are in special needs for a reason and they need us,” one concerned viewer said.

CVUSD shared this statement:

Stay with News Channel 3 at 10 and 11 p.m. for reaction from frustrated parents and students.

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Jesus Reyes

Riverside, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Department of Animal Services flew 22 dogs and 17 cats to Seattle to find new homes amid the overcrowding crisis at local shelters.

RCDAS partnered with Wings of Rescue to make the move possible.

To encourage lifesaving in the community, RCDAS is extending fee-waived adoptions through October 31st.

“We can all play a part in helping RivCo pets find their way out of the shelter and into loving homes,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “If we can give 39 pets a new chance in Seattle, we can work together to give even more a new beginning here at home.”

The department is operating in critical overcapacity for dogs and is participating in the BISSELL Pet Foundation Empty the Shelters event alongside 300+ shelters across 38 states to help pets find loving homes through fee-waived adoptions, generously sponsored by BISSELL Pet Foundation.  

“These lifesaving flights are important and help make space in overcrowded kennels, but we also need help from the community to find homes for the pets waiting behind,” said RCDAS Assistant Director Dr. Kimberly Youngberg. “If you’re not able to adopt, we are always in need of temporary fosters and volunteers that make a huge impact for the pets in our care.”  

All fee-waived adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, microchips, vaccinations, and an engraved ID tag. With 1,000 dogs in the shelter there are hundreds of breeds, ages, sizes and personalities to choose from. RCDAS also extended weekday hours Tuesday-Friday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. to make it easier for people to meet shelter pets.

“With extended hours and free adoptions, we can do more for our RivCo pets,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “Behind every number is a story to be told and a journey to help continue—it takes one moment to make a lasting connection.”

Since its inception in 2016, Empty the Shelters has helped more than 360,000 pets find loving homes and is now the largest funded adoption event in the country. The program partners with more than 815 animal welfare organizations across 49 states and Canada. 

BISSELL Pet Foundation and RCDAS urge families to research the pet they are interested in adopting, as well as adoption requirements. For more information on adopting or donating to “Empty the Shelters,” visit www.bissellpetfoundation.org/empty-the-shelters and www.rcdas.org.  

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Peter Daut

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein announced his reelection bid for his District 2 seat in November 2026.

Bernstein is a small business owner who was first elected to the council in 2022.

He has already received several endorsements, including from the Palm Springs police officers and firefighters associations.

If re-elected, he says he wants to focus on AI opportunities for the city and several economic development projects.

Bernstein spoke with News Channel 3’s Peter Daut about his campaign.

 “We need to help secure tourism, which is our primary economic driver, but we need to look at other revenue sources to grow our year-round economy and help our workforce out there,” Bernstein said.

Bernstein added, “We need to make sure that we have good jobs for people in our high schools and College of the Desert so they can stay in our valley. So far, we’ve had opportunities in tourism and healthcare, but we need to do more to keep this brainpower in our city.”

Watch Peter’s full in-depth interview with Bernstein at the top of the article.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The current waiver on most pet adoption fees at Riverside County animal shelters will continue until Halloween to encourage residents to take home lost or abandoned pets, it was announced today.   

“We can all play a part in helping county pets find their way out of the shelter and into loving homes,” County Board of Supervisors Chairman Manuel Perez said.

The fee waivers, which were inaugurated at the start of the month as part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” adoption bonanza, entail waiving costs for vaccination, microchipping, spay/neuter and impoundment, or in the case of residents who have lost their pets but show up to reclaim them, no reclamation fees.   

Prospective adopters will only be asked to pay canine licensing fees, which for altered dogs is generally $25 or less. The fees are required and based on where an adopter resides.

The latest adoption campaign coincided with the Department of Animal Services’ change in shelters’ hours of operation.   

The county’s Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus and Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley are now open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. The shelters’ previous weekday hours of operation were 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The shelters are always closed on Mondays, but on Saturdays and Sundays, the facilities operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Blythe Animal Shelter, which is closed on weekends, has the least capacity and has not been included in the revised scheduling. That shelter continues to be open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.   

As of Wednesday, roughly 1,000 canines and felines were available for adoption at county shelters. Not all of the impounded pets, however, are housed on-site. Some, especially kittens and younger cats, have been placed with “pet fosters” who have agreed to keep them temporarily. The county is always seeking additional fosters to free up space under tight capacity constraints.   

More information is available at rcdas.org/.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – A federal grand jury today indicted a 29-year-old former Pacific Palisades resident who is charged with allegedly intentionally sparking what eventually became the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history.

Jonathan Rinderknecht, an Uber driver who most recently lived in Florida, is charged in the three-count indictment with one count of destruction of property by means of fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and one count of timber set afire, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.  

If convicted as charged, Rinderknecht would face a sentence of between five and 45 years in federal prison, prosecutors said.   

Rinderknecht has been in federal custody since his arrest on Oct. 7. His next court appearance will be his arraignment, which is expected to occur in the coming weeks in U.S. District Court in downtown Los Angeles.   

According to court documents, law enforcement officials determined that the Palisades Fire was a “holdover” fire — a continuation of the Lachman Fire that began early in the morning on New Year’s Day 2025. Although firefighters quickly suppressed the Lachman Fire, the fire continued to smolder and burn underground within the root structure of dense vegetation.   

On Jan. 7, heavy winds caused the underground fire to surface and spread above ground in what became known as the Palisades Fire, which caused widespread damage in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. The fire burned 23,448 acres and destroyed much of the exclusive community, destroying about 6,800 structures and killing 12 people.

Using witness statements, video surveillance, cell data and analysis of fire dynamics and patterns at the scene, among other things, law enforcement determined that Rinderknecht “maliciously” set the Lachman Fire just after midnight on Jan. 1 on federal land, prosecutors said.

A week later, the same fire — then known as the Palisades Fire — spread throughout the area.

On the evening of Dec. 31, 2024, Rinderknecht was working as an Uber driver. Two passengers that he drove on separate trips between 10:15 p.m. and 11:15 p.m. that night later told law enforcement that they remembered Rinderknecht appeared agitated and angry, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

After dropping off a passenger in Pacific Palisades, Rinderknecht — who once lived in the neighborhood — drove toward Skull Rock Trailhead, parked his car, attempted to contact a former friend and walked up the trail, court papers show.

He then used his iPhone to take videos at a nearby hilltop area and listened to a rap song — to which he had listened repeatedly in previous days — whose music video included things being lit on fire, federal prosecutors allege.   

At 12:12 a.m. on Jan. 1, 2025, environmental sensing platforms indicated the Lachman Fire had begun. Prosecutors contend that during the next five minutes, Rinderknecht called 911 several times, but didn’t get through because his iPhone was out of range. When he finally connected with 911, he was at the bottom of the hiking trail and reported the fire, according to cell data. By that point, a nearby resident already had reported the fire to authorities.

Rinderknecht then allegedly fled in his car, passing fire engines driving in the opposite direction. He then turned around and followed the fire engines to the scene, driving at a high rate of speed, prosecutors said.   

He walked up the same trail from earlier that night to watch the fire and the firefighters, federal prosecutors allege, and at approximately 1:02 a.m., he allegedly used his iPhone to take more videos of the scene.   

During a Jan. 24 interview with law enforcement in Florida, where he relocated after the fire, Rinderknecht allegedly lied about where he was when he first saw the Lachman Fire. He claimed he was near the bottom of a hiking trail when he first saw the fire and called 911, but geolocation data from his iPhone carrier showed that he was standing in a clearing 30 feet from the fire as it rapidly grew, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 has reported extensively on the drug crisis impacting the Coachella Valley, affecting people from all walks of life.

Anchor Peter Daut turned the focus to the LGBTQ+ community, which, according to national data, is far more likely to use illegal drugs than the general population. He spoke with several local gay men who said there is a “hidden, dangerous” subculture of drug use in Palm Springs, and they want to bring the problem out of the shadows.

Across the country, and especially here in the desert, drugs like crystal meth have taken a devastating toll on the queer community. Often linked to parties and sex, they create a powerful high that can quickly turn deadly.

Clinical psychologist Wesley Detwiler works with members of the queer community battling addiction, a struggle he knows firsthand. He’s been sober from crystal meth for ten years.

“Everything I did in my life in some way, shape, or form had to do with crystal meth; using crystal meth; getting it; so it was pretty pervasive in my life,” Detwiler said. Daut asked him, “How easy is it to get drugs here in Palm Springs?” He answered: “It’s pretty easy. People go online, and they meet people on the apps, they go over, they might not even be looking for the drugs, but they walk in and there they are.”

Studies show men who have sex with men are significantly more likely to use illegal drugs than their heterosexual counterparts. According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health/Columbia University, gay men are three times more likely than straight men (9.2% vs. 3.2%) to use stimulants like crystal meth.

“We’ve got circuit parties; we’ve got this culture of fun and celebration, especially coming through our AIDS crisis and our AIDS epidemic. There’s this mentality of living life in the moment, living for now. And crystal meth really feeds into that. It can be really fun, but it’s just a really good example of when fun becomes dangerous,” Detwiler said.

That danger recently hit close to home for Detwiler. His friend, Glenn Soukesian, known to many as adult gay film star Colton Ford, was found dead in May near a Palm Springs hiking trail. The coroner ruled his death an accidental overdose from MDMA, better known as Ecstasy or Molly.

“He was always gracious and kind, and always took the time to get to know somebody and look you in the eyes. It was a real tragedy what happened to him,” he said.

Tragedy also became a turning point for Palm Springs resident Bob Rahl. He quit using crystal meth four years ago, after losing his close friend Jason to a drug overdose at just 42-years-old.

“His death still haunts me, and it’s one of the reasons I’m still sober today,” Rahl said. Daut asked him: “Do you think this is a major problem in our community?” He answered: “Definitely. People are pretty desperate. They don’t have the coping mechanisms for situations that life is going to throw at them.”

Meth is a big part of what’s called the “party and play” or “chemsex” subculture. The drug can increase energy, heighten sex drive, and keep users awake for days, before they crash hard. And in a destination known for escape and indulgence, Palm Springs can make it easy for that danger to spread.

Rahl pointed to a recent case involving Hakan Isik of Desert Hot Springs, charged with several felony counts for drugging and sexually assaulting multiple men he met through a dating app. If convicted on all counts, Isik faces life in prison.

“I have seen firsthand the damage he has done to people,” Rahl said. “There’s a very dark world in Palm Springs of people who use drugs that will just as soon leave you dead on the side of the road than help you.”

Before becoming sober five years ago, Rory Slikker was a homeless drug addict living on the streets of Palm Springs. “It was really easy to get sucked into the meth underbelly here in Palm Springs. It’s like the dark side of the moon here. We have our sacred witching hours between 2 and 5AM when the world is asleep. That’s when we function and I thrived in that,” he said.

Slikker now works at Rainbow Hill Recovery, an outpatient mental health and substance abuse program provided by queer people, for queer people. “We can’t help people who are dead. There are resources more readily available than people realize,” he said.

Nearly one-third of bisexual and gay men dealt with a substance use disorder in 2022, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. That’s much higher than the nearly 21% of straight men. Meanwhile, stimulant and cocaine deaths continue to rise, partly because many drugs are now laced with fentanyl.

“The substances are only getting heavier and heavier. The meth that I used when I was out was only a fraction of the potency of what it is today, and I’m very grateful that I am alive today because fentanyl really wasn’t in the scene,” Slikker said.

Meanwhile, Wesley Detwiler said recovery is possible, but it takes support and a real commitment to change. “Find that foothold. But you’ve got to be open, you’ve got to be willing, and you’ve got to be honest about what it is you want, and be ready to do the work,” he said.

Short-term meth use can lead to insomnia, hallucinations, and anxiety. Long-term users face severe tooth decay, organ damage, and even stroke.

But even after the darkest moments, recovery is possible, and help is out there. Palm Springs has a strong recovery community.

Resources include:

https://www.crystalmeth.org

https://www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/sapt/locations

https://www.collegeofthedesert.edu/students/health-wellness/mental-health/alcohol-drug-abuse-treatment.php

https://riversiderecovery.org/

rainbowhillrecovery.com

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – MLS and NWSL clubs will return to the iconic Empire Polo Club in Indio this coming February for the Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI).

The CVI is the largest preseason event in North American professional soccer history. This year marks the fourth year of the event, but it could be the biggest with the potential participation of Korean superstar Son Heung-min of LAFC.

Orgaziners AEG noted that, as one of the first major professional soccer events of the year and leading up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the United States, CVI is likely to feature numerous Major League Soccer (MLS) players set to represent their countries on the world stage.

With the support of MLS and the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), the 2026 edition of CVI will host players, coaches, and executives from participating clubs for preseason matches, training sessions, and organizational meetings at the iconic venue. 

2025 Season: CVI Match Day 2 on February 8,2025. Photo by Robert Mora/LA Galaxy.
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www.LAGalaxy.com
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@LAGALAXY | @LAGALAXYPHOTOS

“AEG is proud to once again partner with MLS and the NWSL to bring the best of professional soccer to the Coachella Valley,” said Dan Beckerman, President and Chief Executive Officer of AEG. “Through Goldenvoice and the LA Galaxy, we’re thrilled to transform one of the world’s most iconic festival settings into a showcase for the sport, the players, and the fans.” 

Passes for all competition dates will go on sale to the public on Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT at www.coachellavalleyinvitational.com.

In addition to providing MLS and NWSL clubs an unparalleled environment to prepare for their upcoming 2026 seasons in optimal weather and world-class facilities, CVI will once again offer fans an intimate and immersive opportunity to see some of the sport’s most decorated players and rising stars in action. Fans can also look forward to unique activations and experiences throughout the two-week event. 

“Building upon our collaboration with AEG, the Coachella Valley Invitational has become an important platform for our clubs to prepare collectively and showcase the continued growth of the women’s game,” said NWSL Senior Director of Sporting Sarah Gregorius. “We’re looking forward to another productive preseason and the chance for our teams to build momentum ahead of the NWSL’s next campaign.” 

New to CVI this year, the Denver Summit FC will make their first-ever NWSL appearances as they prepare for their inaugural season, while the Kansas City Current, Utah Royals, and North Carolina Courage will also be making their CVI debuts. On the MLS side, Atlanta United FC is set to participate for the first time. 

“Coaches and players consistently point to the high-quality facilities, professional environment, and unique setting as ideal for preseason preparations,” said Nelson Rodriguez, Executive Vice President of Sporting Product and Competition for MLS. “With 2026 set to be a landmark year for soccer in North America, CVI is an exceptional way for global futbol fans and MLS clubs to kick off the season.” 

Additional clubs, the match schedule, and fan experience details will be announced in the coming weeks. 

MLS clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include:

Austin FC 

Charlotte FC 

Chicago Fire FC 

D.C. United 

LAFC 

LA Galaxy (pending Concacaf schedule) 

Minnesota United FC 

New York City FC 

Portland Timbers 

San Diego FC 

San Jose Earthquakes 

Sporting Kansas City 

St. Louis CITY SC 

NWSL clubs currently committed to the 2026 Coachella Valley Invitational include: 

Angel City FC  

Denver Summit FC 

Houston Dash  

Portland Thorns FC 

San Diego Wave FC 

Seattle Reign FC 

EVENT SCHEDULE – Passes and Ticket Packages Available Thursday, October 16 at 10 a.m. PT

MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7 
NWSL DAY 1: Sunday, Feb. 15 

MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8 
NWSL DAY 2: Saturday, Feb. 21 

MLS DAY 3:  Wednesday, Feb. 11 

MLS DAY 4:  Saturday, Feb. 14 

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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