Author: KESQ

Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Jake Haro was transported to Riverside from Murrieta for a child custody hearing, News Channel 3 confirmed Wednesday.

More Coverage on the Baby Haro Case

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies said Jake Haro was not in criminal court today instead, he was taken to Riverside’s juvenile courthouse for a child custody hearing.

Juvenile court proceedings are closed to the public and do not appear on court calendars, which explains why his name didn’t show up in today’s docket.

Both Jake and Rebecca Haro remain in custody and are due back in Riverside Superior Court on Thursday for their felony settlement conference in the death of their 7-month-old son, Emmanuel.

Jake and Rebecca Haro were charged with the murder of their baby, Emmanuel Haro, in September.

Prosecutors allege Emmanuel was abused over time and died between Aug. 5 and Aug. 14. At a news conference, Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin said investigators believe Emmanuel “was abused over time” and died from those injuries. Emmanuel’s remains have not been found, but Hestrin said investigators have a strong indication of where the baby’s remains may be. 

Anyone with information on this case or the whereabouts of Emmanuel is encouraged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904 or submit an anonymous tip to We-Tip.

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. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs International Airport will allow interested Coachella Valley businesses to submit a proposal to sell concessions at the airport as part of an expansion focusing on smaller retail spaces, it was announced today.

The “Blank Slate” program aims to provide high-quality amenities, expand opportunities for disadvantaged businesses, feature more local and regional brands and grow the airport’s brand, officials said.   

Retail, food and beverage concessions locations will be available at Agua Caliente Concourse Courtyard, Agua Caliente Concourse interior and the main courtyard.

A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 for interested businesses to learn about the requirements, and proposals must be submitted electronically through the city’s PlanetBids website no later than 2 p.m. on Dec. 3.

“These spaces gives us a chance to bring in fresh, innovative concepts that reflect the sense of place that makes Palm Springs so special,” Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett Jr. said in a statement. “We’re especially encouraging local and regional SoCal brands to bring their unique offerings to the millions of travelers who experience PSP each year.”  

Interested parties can learn more by contacting Tabitha Richards, procurement and contracting manager for the city of Palm Springs, at tabitha.richards@palmspringsca.gov., or 760-322-8368.

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Athena Jreij

Update 10/16/25

William Rodriguez has been released from jail on bail, county jail records show.

Rodriguez was being held on $2 million bail following his arraignment on Wednesday.

He is scheduled to return to court on Oct. 24 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Original Report 10/15/25

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — William ‘Billy’ Frank Rodriguez, the founder and CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, made his first court appearance Wednesday for a deadly hit-and-run in Cathedral City.

Rodriguez pleaded not guilty to all charges, which include murder, hit-and-run causing death, and driving with a suspended license. He remains in custody on $2 million bail.

Rodriguez is accused of killing 60-year-old Christina Barrington in the area of E. Palm Canyon Drive and Bankside Drive on October 11, 2024.

Police said the investigation revealed that the suspect’s vehicle dragged the scooter after the crash while fleeing the scene.

Court Docs: Silvercrest CEO spent weekend in Las Vegas after deadly hit-and-run crash

While Judge Dean Benjamini granted Rodriguez bail, the prosecution argued he’s a danger to the public and should remain in custody.

Karen Salas, with the Riverside County District Attorney, claims Rodriguez drove for years under a suspended license after a 2013 DUI misdemeanor. Salas said in court that Rodriguez had two registered vehicles under his name, despite not having a license.

“He likes to spend money and drink alcohol. Given all of this information and his access to funds, I think he is a flight risk, and additionally, he’s a danger to the public. He has access to yet another vehicle that is registered to him, and by the fact that he doesn’t have a license, and his history indicates that he drinks at Acrisure Arena and then drives home,” Salas said.

Salas also stressed Rodriguez’s propensity to evade police. She alleged that when Cathedral City Police first tried to arrest Rodriguez last week in his Acrisure Arena suite, security tipped him off, and he fled the arena before police could contact him.

However, Rodriguez’s defense attorney, David Greenberg, says those claims were never shared with them in documentation and refutes the notion that Rodriguez has tried to run.

“This happened over a year ago and we’re just in court now. He was just arrested on these charges over the weekend and so what I’m worried about and what I’m wondering about is why it took them a year to get these charges filed?” Greenberg said.

Instead, Greenberg says the advertising CEO is a generous member of the community who maintains his innocence.

“Mr. Rodriguez is a stalwart man in the community. He’s a philanthropist, and he’s been doing good work and a resident of this community for a long time. I hope people remember that,” Greenberg said.

Greenberg says, depending on how quickly Rodriguez can pay the $2 million bail, he could leave jail as soon as Wednesday evening.

Inside the courtroom, friends and family of Rodriguez came in a show of support. It’s unknown if members of the victim’s family attended.

Rodriguez is scheduled for a felony settlement conference hearing on October 24th. Stick with News Channel 3 as we continue to follow this story.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Downtown Indio is undergoing a major transformation, with new businesses, a growing college campus, and the recent opening of a modern public library drawing more people into the area. The rapid growth is fueling excitement among residents — but it’s also raising new concerns about public safety.

Mayor Glenn Miller says safety is top of mind as the city continues to invest in revitalizing downtown.

“This part of the city is a very big focus for us because a lot of our residents come here, especially for our events and as you see it get bigger and bigger, our focus will be on how we can be able to provide more public safety for the area.”

Glenn Miller, Indio Mayor

According to the mayor, crime in the downtown area has remained low in recent months, with overall crime rates trending downward over the last several years.

One recent incident occurred at the College of the Desert’s Indio campus, where an unhoused woman reportedly threatened two students with a screwdriver.

Miller emphasized that the city is working closely with law enforcement and private security to maintain safety.

“We have our Indio Police Department that works with the local security out here and then we have a security team that comes through, that works with us, going through the community to see if there are any problems and then they call Indio PD. We have officers that come through here all the time.”

Glenn Miller, Indio Mayor

Despite some lingering concerns, residents say the improvements are noticeable — not only in terms of safety, but in quality of life overall.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The offices for Friends of the Desert Mountains, a nonprofit that partners with the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, have closed due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The organization has weathered government shutdowns before, but this is the first time they have been unable to continue operations. Their offices are located on federal land at the start of the monument off of Highway 74.

Tammy Martin, the nonprofit’s Executive Director, explained, “I think it’s probably due to the administration and the rules that are coming down from higher up. And they had they just have to follow what’s being directed to them.”

Martin says the nonprofit does not pay rent or utilities to operate its offices and gift shop at the visitor center because of the close partnership it has with its federal counterparts. That agreement, though, is what led to the closure amid the shutdown. And according to Martin, the timing is detrimental.

“In season, it’s overwhelming with people. They’re going on guided hikes. They’re just coming to check out things. They want to know what to do in the valley – that’s why they’re here. So, yes, with the government being shut down and this being in season right now, it’s hitting us hard,” she said.

The nonprofit said because of the shutdown, less donations are being given due to canceled programs and income has been lost since it cannot operate its gift shop. Other programs, like upcoming anniversaries for the monument, could also be postponed if funding is not restored in the coming weeks.

Ten of the nonprofit’s employees are still working off-site, but their services are limited for now. Programs that are continuing are still being hosted on the organization’s website, like native planting lectures.

But in the meantime, hikers in the area said locals have lost a vital source for knowledge and education about our natural landscape.

“If I was a kid, this would be a place that I would like to enjoy the education,” said Raymond Rubio. He is an avid hiker who frequents the trails in the area who is very familiar with the programs Friends of the Desert Mountains provides. “It’s a necessity to this part of the valley.”

“I just wish that this would all be over with if I didn’t know that this place is closed down. And that’s too bad, because those are good people that are in there that are trying their best to to do what they believe in,” Rubio hoped.

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Allie Anthony

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Today at Rancho Mirage High School, students are getting a head start on their financial futures.

Through an event called “Bite of Reality,” students are learning to navigate the real-world challenges of managing a budget, paying bills, and making smart financial decisions. The immersive simulation puts them in adult-like scenarios where they will learn about balancing expenses. As part of the experience, they’re faced with everyday financial choices.

According to the Pew Research Center, only about half (54%) of U.S. adults say they know a great deal or a fair amount about personal finances. This event aims to support students financially ahead of their graduation.

The event is a collaborative effort between OneFuture Coachella Valley, Sun Community Credit Union, and the Palm Springs Unified School District.

Stay with News Channel 3 to learn more about ‘Bite of Reality.’

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Peter Daut

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation continue to present Impact Grants to local nonprofits working to improve lives and help those in need. And the foundation is also helping more than a dozen nonprofits achieve their goals at its Charitable Center in Palm Desert.

At the corner of Cook Street and Merle Drive is a building many people pass by everyday, without realizing the big difference being made inside. The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Charitable Center is currently home to 13 nonprofits, all leasing space at a charitable rate.

“They understand the mission these nonprofits have, and how they can best help them and support them. It’s really amazing,” the President and Co-founder of Alzheimers Coachella Valley, Dominick Calvano, said. The organization leases nearly 8,000 square feet at the Center. He said the organization has grown tremendously over the past seven years, and the Berger Foundation encouraged that growth by offering more space for it to flourish.

“They had the foresight, because realizing our growth pattern from way-back-when to present they were saying, ‘You’re going to need this spot.’ We were hesitant, but when we jumped on it we started realizing, ‘Hey, they were right.'” he said.

The discounted charitable rate also includes electricity, water, building maintenance, internet and air-conditioning. The property, which includes two buildings, totals roughly 60,000 leasable square feet.

“As a nonprofit, we rely on the community to fund our program. And so when we can save money on administrative costs, because no funder likes to see a lot of administrative costs for a nonprofit, it’s a benefit to us,” the executive director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Desert, Judy Tobin May said.

The organization leases more than 1,400 square feet at the Center, which it’s been at for 26 years. She said it is also helpful to be surrounded by numerous other Valley nonprofits, allowing them to network and collaborate.

“It’s great. I can just go out the door, go next door, knock on the door and say, ‘Hey, can I talk to you about our program?’ So we have that opportunity here,” she said.

Right now, about 16,000 square feet across the two buildings are available for lease. For more information, head to hnberger.org.

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Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – Destiny Church hosted a memorial service Tuesday evening in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September.

Pastor Nate Conant from Destiny Church in Indio said the event was held on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

“It’s just to commemorate his life and allow some people to come together and celebrate who he was,” Conant said.

The service was originally planned to be held outdoors at The River in Rancho Mirage; however, Conant said that due to weather concerns, organizers decided to move the memorial indoors.

Organizers invited the public to attend and asked guests to wear red. The evening featured worship, video tributes, and messages from several pastors.

“It’ll probably be about an hour and a half,” Conant said. “It’s very healthy to have the community come together to either grieve or celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk here locally in the Coachella Valley.”

Conant described the service as a Christian gathering rather than a political one.

“It’s not so much a political event as much as it is a Christian gathering,” he said. “We view Charlie Kirk as what we would call an evangelist — somebody who takes the message of the gospel to unreached people.”

Conant said Kirk’s message resonated deeply with local young people.

“I have a 23-year-old son, and a lot of young people were mentored by him in their youth,” he said. “My son had his voice continually in his life to sort of frame his worldview in terms of his Christian view.”

Conant said he attended Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona.

“One thing that was very interesting about Charlie Kirk’s memorial there was that the name of Jesus was said more than the name of Charlie Kirk,” Conant said. “In doing this, we honor his memory — and like all of us who follow Christ, it is our hope that the name of Jesus grows greater and our names grow even smaller.”

Hundreds of community members attended.

“We want to celebrate Charlie Kirk,” Conant said. “And more than that, we want to worship Jesus together. We just hope that this event will be a blessing to the community.”

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City News Service

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KESQ) – Days after the signing of a new state law that bans the sale or transfer of Glock and Glock-style handguns, firearms advocates filed a lawsuit in San Diego federal court this week challenging the ban.   

Assembly Bill 1127, which was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday, bars California firearms dealers from selling semi-automatic firearms that include a “cruciform trigger bar,” which lawmakers behind the bill say allows semi-automatic guns to be converted into fully automatic weapons.

The law takes effect next year.   

On Monday, a complaint was filed challenging the new law, which it states “is flagrantly unconstitutional.”

The complaint cites case law stating that weapons “in common use at the time” are protected by the Second Amendment and that the guns targeted by the ban are “among the most popular firearms in the nation.”   

Plaintiffs in the case include national organizations like the National Rifle Association of America, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation, along with local plaintiffs including firearms retailer Poway Weapons & Gear and its president, John Phillips, as well as San Diego County resident Danielle Jaymes.   

“The Constitution does not allow elitist politicians to decide which constitutionally protected guns the people may own, and California doesn’t get to tell people that their rights end where Gov. Newsom’s tyrannical, anti-Second Amendment politics begin,” Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition, said in a statement. “Every American has a right to choose the tools they trust to defend their lives and liberty.”

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – All lanes are back open after a vehicle overturned on the westbound side of Interstate 10, near Bob Hope Tuesday afternoon shortly before 2:30 p.m.

Authorities said the crash involved two vehicles, causing one to roll about 30 to 40 feet from the roadway. One person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The crash caused some traffic backup for about an hour in the area.

Details on the crash or any injuries were not available.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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