Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) –

Update 10:00 p.m.: One man is in custody after a police standoff in Palm Desert that started about 4:00 p.m.

The man was taken from the scene by ambulance. Authorities have not released his identity or why he was wanted.

5:14 p.m.: Law enforcement is working to have a wanted suspect surrender at a community in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon.

There’s a standoff underway near the Canterra Apartments on the 74000 block of E Hovley Lane.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, the incident started at around 3:45 p.m. when deputies responded to the area regarding a wanted suspect.

“Upon arrival, the suspect entered a residence and refused to exit and comply.  Deputies are currently on scene attempting to establish communication with the suspect.  The Riverside Sheriff’s Office’s Crisis Negotiations Team is also on scene, attempting to negotiate a peaceful surrender,” writes Sergeant Robert Martinez, RSO spokesperson.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The opening of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway was delayed Tuesday due to a plumbing issue, officials told News Channel 3.

The tram announced in the morning that it would be delaying its opening. The tram opened just before 4:30 p.m. In an earlier statement tram officials confirmed that plumbing crews were on scene working to correct the issue.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A man missing since Dec. 22 was rescued from a trail in Palm Desert Tuesday afternoon.

Daniel Hernandez, 27, was rescued on the Art Smith Hiking Trail. The rescue happened at around 1:15 p.m. on Tuesday.

Fire crews responded to a report of an injured person on the trail. Crews made access on foot up the trail to the patient’s location. Riverside County Sheriff’s helicopter Rescue9 hoisted the man from the location.

Authorities identified the man as Daniel Hernandez, who was reported missing last week. He was last seen in the 63000 block of Highway 74 in Mountain Center.

There was no word on the severity of Hernandez’s injuries, but he is in stable condition, authorities confirmed. Family told News Channel that he has been taken to Eisenhower Health for treatment. As of Tuesday evening, he was heading into the ICU.

Highway 74 was closed for the rescue. It was reopened at around 2:45 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Hundreds of bills signed into law by Gov. Gavin Newsom are set to take effect in California in 2026.   

The list of new laws, most of which take effect Thursday, include a minimum wage increase, a ban on plastic grocery bags and new ingredient for tortillas. Other new laws among the more than 800 laws passed last year address antisemitism in schools, low-cost insulin, and protections for consumers, workers and renters.   

“California is proving once again that progress isn’t something we talk about, it’s something we build,” Newsom said in a statement. “While some in Washington remain stuck debating yesterday’s problems, we’re focused on delivering real solutions for today’s families. These new laws reflect who we are: a state that protects workers, respects students, puts people before politics, and isn’t afraid to hold powerful interests accountable.”  

Detailed information about some laws taking effect in California in 2026 can be found at newsroom.courts.ca.gov/news/new-california-laws-going-effect-2026.

Here is a sampling (laws take effect Jan. 1 unless otherwise noted):

Minimum Wage  

SB 3. The minimum wage is set to increase to $16.90 per hour toaccount for inflation. The threshold for exempt workers will rise to $70,304per year. Some local minimum wages, along with wages for fast food and healthcare industries, are higher.  

Tip Theft

SB 648. The California Labor Commissioner can investigate, issue citations or file for civil action over tips that an employer takes from a worker.

Tortillas  

AB 1830. Most store-bought corn tortillas and other corn masa products must be fortified with folic acid. The law was passed in 2024 to help prevent neural tube defects like spina bifida. Small businesses that make the products are exempt.

Plastic Bags  

SB 1053. After phasing out plastic bags at retailers for nearly a decade, California now further tightens the previous law by completely eliminating single carry-out bags, including the thick kind that was widely considered reusable.

Cat Declawing  

AB 867 bans cat owners from having their cats declawed.

Immigration  

AB 1261 requires the state to provide legal counsel to immigrant youths in federal or related state immigration proceedings.

Juvenile Justice  

AB 651. Incarcerated parents must be given the opportunity to be physically present at dependency hearings related to their child. If physical presence is waived, they can participate through videoconference or teleconference.

Court Procedure  

AB 1524 will make public electronic records viewable at the court. People will be able to use their own equipment to copy court records for free, while the integrity of the record will still be protected.

Artificial Intelligence  

AB 316. A defendant may not say artificial intelligence that they developed, modified, or used that is alleged is to have caused harm to the plaintiff did so autonomously. Additionally, law enforcement agencies will need to identify when artificial intelligence was used in official reports and the type of program they used (SB 524).

 State Snake

SB 765 establishes the giant garter snake (Thamnophis gigas) as the official snake of California.

Law Enforcement Identification  

SB 805 requires law enforcement officers operating in California to display their agency and a name or badge number to the public, with some exceptions.

Diwali Holiday  

AB 268 recognizes Diwali — the Hindu festival of lights — as an official state holiday. The law authorizes public schools and community colleges to close, while state employees could also take the day off. Diwali falls on Sunday, Nov. 8 in 2026, meaning the holiday would be observed on the following Monday. 

Parking Tickets  

AB 1299. Agencies are allowed to reduce or waive parking penalties if a person can show evidence of an inability to pay it in full because of financial hardship or homelessness. The person could file a request for a payment plan.

Food Allergies  

SB 68. California becomes the first state in the nation to require restaurants to list major food allergens on their menus (takes effect in July).

Streaming Volume  

SB 576. Video streaming services are banned from making the volume of ads louder than the video that consumers are watching (takes effect in July).

Antisemitism  

AB 715 establishes a state Office of Civil Rights to help school districts identify and prevent discrimination based on antisemitism, gender, religious and LGBTQ status. It will also handle questions and complaints.

Insulin  

SB 40. Caps insulin co-pay costs at $35 for a 30-day supply for Californians on private health plans.

Renters’ Appliances  

AB 628. Property owners will be required to provide working appliances, including heating and hot water systems in rental units. For appliances, such as a stove and refrigerator, to be considered in good working condition, tenants should be able to safely cook and store food. Landlords will also be required to maintain the appliances. If a household item is subject to a recall, it should be repaired or replaced within 30 days.

Burglary Tools  

AB 486. It becomes a misdemeanor to possess a key-programming device, key-duplicating device or signal extender with the intent to commit burglary. Violators could face up to six months in jail, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Food Delivery  

AB 578. Food delivery apps and platforms are mandated to give customers full refunds, including tips, taxes and fees, if their order is not delivered or the wrong order is delivered. The new law also requires the companies to give refunds to the original payment method, not just credits.

Used Cars   

SB 766 allows people who buy or lease a used car to return it within three days. It also requires certain disclosures from the dealer (takes effect Oct. 1).

Cal State Admission  

SB 640 expands a direct admission program for qualified high school students. The students are guaranteed admission to CSU campuses.

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Jesus Reyes

MOUNT BALDY, Calif. (KESQ) – Rescue crews found three missing hikers dead and rescued two others Monday on Mount Baldy, authorities announced.

Three hikers found dead

The discovery was made after personnel from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Search and Rescue team and the Fontana Sheriff’s Station responded to a request to locate an injured 19-year-old male hiker near Devils Backbone. The hiker reportedly fell approximately 500 feet.

Authorities said his friend and hiking companion hiked to an area with cellular service and provided GPS coordinates to assist rescuers. The two were not injured.

Search and Rescue ground crews began their ascent while Sheriff’s Air Rescue initiated an aerial search.

During the aerial search, deputies located the injured hiker and located two additional individuals nearby who have not been identified. Authorities clarified that the two other people found were not with the 19-year-old; crews happened to locate them during the operation. Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue.

At approximately 7:30 p.m., an airship from Los Angeles County assisted in the effort. High winds again prevented a hoist operation; however, an air medic was hoisted down and confirmed all three individuals were deceased.  Due to severe winds, the helicopter was unable to safely complete the rescue. Recovery operation for all the subjects is underway.   

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767 or Sheriff’s Dispatch at (909) 387-8313. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Two hikers rescued in separate incident on mountain

An 18-year-old man and a 31-year-old man were rescued Monday just before 2 p.m. near Ontario Peak Trail in Mt. Baldy. The two hikers were stranded on the trail after one of them fell approximately 100 feet, sustaining injuries. They were able to call 911 for assistance and provide their location.  

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Air Rescue arrived on scene, located the hikers, and performed a hoist rescue.

This rescue was a separate search-and-rescue call from the Devil’s Backbone Trail incident.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public to please prepare adequately before hiking, bring appropriate supplies, avoid hiking during inclement weather conditions, carry a global positioning satellite (GPS) device, and only hike on open and designated trails.

For further safety related information, please visit https://westvalleysar.org/wilderness-safety/.

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Gavin Nguyen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A new law aimed at improving safety within the homes of gun owners in California is set to go into effect with the turn of the new year.

Senate Bill 53, passed in 2024, mandates secure firearms storage in the state.

The bill’s text reads:

“This bill would, beginning on January 1, 2026, require a person who possesses a firearm in a residence to keep the firearm securely stored when the firearm is not being carried or readily controlled by the person or another lawful authorized user. For purposes of these provisions, a firearm is securely stored if the firearm is maintained within, locked by, or disabled using a certified firearm safety device or secure gun safe that meets specified standards.”

The California Department of Justice provides a webpage where gun owners can search for approved safety devices compatible with their firearm.

News Channel 3 previously reported on a looming ban on Glock handguns, as well. That ban stops consumers from purchasing new models on July 1st, 2026, but starting January 1st, gun dealers will no longer be able to import them for sale to civilians.

The owner of Golden State Armory, a local gun store in Thousand Palms, Kent Miller, said he experienced a rush of customers looking to purchase that brand in the months leading up to the ban, as he previously predicted.

Also coming down the pipe: California Assembly Bill 1263. That assembly bill imposes stricter rules for gun owners looking to purchase firearms parts and accessories.

“The red tape system been placed on buying accessories has caused the majority of people who sell online or ship firearm parts of components to just say they’re not going to ship or sell to California any longer,” Miller explained.

News Channel 3 is speaking with gun stores and gun owners in the Coachella Valley about what they think this new law will do for safety. Stay with us for more.

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Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A new survey by West Health-Gallup Healthcare finds that less than 30% of Americans view their mental health as “excellent.” Before the COVID-19 pandemic, 43% of Americans rated their mental health as “excellent.”

With the New Year, millions of Americans hit the gym to improve their physical health as a New Year’s resolution. Mental health experts at Coachella Valley Behavioral Health say that your mental health is just as important.

Charity Krissoff and Karl Kirsch from Coachella Valley Behavioral Health share these tips to help relieve anxiety:

Try a breathing exercise, such as the box breathing method, or inhaling for four seconds or exhaling for six seconds.

Limiting caffeine and energy drinks.

Taking breaks from social media and news, especially before bed.

For those experiencing depression, they say that tiny wins build momentum, so making sure you make your bed in the morning, trying to chat with a loved one or friend everyday, getting sunlight, and having some form of movement can help relieve depression.

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Kendall Flynn

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – The National Parks Service announced a new annual pass will be available starting January 1, 2026 for non-residents of the United States.

Previously the parks service offered annual America the Beautiful passes to US citizens and residents only. Now, non-residents will have their own annual pass available for $250. Many parks will also start charging $100 per non-resident without the annual pass, however, Joshua Tree National Park is not a part of the program.

For US citizens and residents under the age of 62, the American the Beautiful pass is $80 annually. For non-residents, a day pass is typically around $35.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the annual pass breakdown and to hear from visitors.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – As the countdown to the New Year begins, local event organizers across the Coachella Valley say they’re prepared to celebrate — even with rain in the forecast.

With just a day away, event teams are busy putting the finishing touches on parties designed to bring the community together.

Tamara Issi, events coordinator at the Palm Springs Surf Club, says the “Afterglow” New Year’s Eve celebration will feature live music, food, and drinks — all indoors, eliminating concerns about rain.

“We’re going to have a live band. They’re going to be performing a lot of cover songs. In our atrium we’re going to have a DJ pumping the party tunes. Getting ready to dance.”

Tamara Issi, Palm Springs Surf Club Events Coordinator

Over at Oscar’s Palm Springs, Dan Gore, owner, is also preparing for its annual ball drop. Gore says the celebration includes a dinner buffet and a lineup of entertainers, highlighted by a drag performance.

While Oscar’s typically hosts large outdoor events, Gore says the team is ready to adapt if rain moves in.

“We do have a cabaret showroom. But we prefer to do everything outside. Two years ago we experienced the same situation where it was 100 percent chance of rain.”

Dan Gore, Oscar’s Palm Springs Owner

Organizers say they are closely monitoring the weather and have backup plans ready if conditions change.

Despite the forecast, both organizers agree that canceling was never an option. They say celebrating the New Year with the community is more important than the weather.

“The celebration of every new year is important to me. I think to most people — especially in the political climate we’re in right now — we’re looking forward to a much better year.”

Dan Gore, Oscar’s Palm Springs Owner

Rain or shine, organizers say they’re ready to welcome guests and encourage attendees to dress for the weather — umbrellas included.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – From the border to the fentanyl crisis to the Salton Sea, 2025 kept the News Channel 3 I team very busy, and this year our dedicated team of journalists hit the pavement, asking the hard questions and digging deeper to bring you the facts. Take a look at our top investigative stories of the year. 

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