Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The CEO/Founder of Silvercrest Advertising was arrested in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash nearly one year ago in Cathedral City.

William Frank Rodriguez, 43, of Palm Springs, was arrested Monday afternoon, according to jail records. He was charged with homicide, along with other charges.

The crash happened on Oct. 11, 2024, just after midnight in the area of E. Palm Canyon Drive and Bankside Drive.

Christina Barrington, 60, was killed in the crash while riding her scooter in the area. Her dog was also injured in the crash but survived and was reunited with family members.

Christina Barrington

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

“Through investigation it was learned the scooter was traveling eastbound East Palm Canyon Drive when another vehicle struck it from behind. Barrington was thrown from the scooter and the suspect vehicle drug the scooter a significant distance while fleeing the scene,” reads a Cathedral City police news release on Tuesday.

Police were able to identify the vehicle that fled the scene as a black 2021 Porsche.

On Thursday, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office approved filing charges. Warrants were obtained the next day and Rodriguez was arrested Monday.

Rodriguez is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Silvercrest has a large reach in the Coachella Valley, as it is a presenting sponsor of the 2024 Palm Springs International Film Festival as well as the outdoor and VIP spaces at Acrisure Arena. PSIFF terminated their partnership with Silvercrest in February 2025, and they do not have any current affiliations with them.

If you have information related to this incident or believe you may have information, contact Traffic Investigator A. Felix at  (760) 770-0343 or email at AFelix@cathedralcity.gov; or via the Cathedral City Police Department website at: cathedralcitypolice.com; or email tips@cathedralcity.gov.

You can also report information anonymously through Coachella  Valley Crime Stoppers, by calling (760) 341-STOP; or through the WeTip hotline at: 1-(800)-78-CRIME or WWW.WETIP.com. Some tip information may qualify for a cash reward

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A kindergartener remains hospitalized after being bit by a rattlesnake last Friday.

The bite, which happened at Gerald Ford Elementary School in Indian Wells, came from a Colorado Desert sidewinder. The snake is a venomous pit viper native to the Sonoran Colorado Desert, right here in Southern California.

Emily Taylor, a professor of biology at Cal Poly, explained that sidewinders rank relatively lower on the danger scale when it comes to rattlesnake species.

“All rattlesnake bites are medical emergencies, and all rattlesnake bites are very dangerous. Luckily, we have good treatment so that outcomes tend to be good, but you still don’t want to get bitten,” Taylor said. Given the circumstances, though – and the fact that the victim has had 44 doses of antivenom administered to her so far – Taylor emphasized that the severity of bites can often vary.

“The fact that she had to have 44 vials of antivenom suggest that it was actually a very serious envenomation. And so it really highlights how even though there are differences in severity on average between species, any given bite can be very severe or much weaker.”

The rattlesnake that bit the 5-year-old was a baby, but Taylor also pointed out that the evaluation that baby rattlers are more dangerous than adults because they cannot control the amount of venom they release is a myth.

Local security teams understand the risks these rattlesnakes present to residents of the Coachella Valley and regularly send their personnel to trainings on how to handle the reptiles.

That training has come in handy plenty of times throughout the summer, according to Mitch Spike, a local Director of Security for a gated community that runs right up to the desert wildland.

“Probably dozens of times, yeah,” Spike recounted. “Yeah, we get quite a few of them. They’re not all rattlers. They’re not all venomous, but, you know, most of them are.”

And in October, snake sightings are bound to be more common, according to experts. Taylor said rattlesnakes are “bimodal.”

In the winters and summers, rattlesnakes become less active. During the winter, the serpents tend to enter a hibernation-like state; meanwhile, in the summer, the intense heat in the desert keeps them from being active during the daytime.

But during the spring and autumn, rattlesnakes again become active.

In the aftermath of this recent snake bite, Taylor acknowledged, “I completely would understand why people would become fearful, even develop disgust or hatred based on this terrible experience this family has gone through.”

She continued, “But by and large, the more people can be respectful of wildlife, dangerous wildlife, including rattlesnakes, the less likely it is they’re going to have a negative interaction.”

She advised residents – especially those who live close to the edge of the desert-city interface (an area close to wild areas) – to clear their yards of debris or places where rattlesnakes could seek shelter. Rattlesnakes may also seek out wet areas to drink from, so they may gather in those areas. When gardening or walking through tall brush, you should also mind where you place your hands and feet.

And in the event you run into a rattlesnake, she pointed to a little-known resource: a website where you can find trained volunteers who will come to your home and humanely remove the snake from your property, releasing it back into the wild. The link to that site can be found here. (freesnakerelocation.com)

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – As parade season kicks off in Palm Springs, police are emphasizing safety.

“One of the things to be mindful about is traffic,” Palm Springs Police Lt. Gustavo Araiza said. “Try to get to the event early.”

It comes after Kenney Merenda, Palm Springs Police officer, lost control of his motorcycle and crashed into a crowd of people during the annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade last year.

Since then, the Palm Springs Police Department (PSPD) said it’s implementing a series of significant safety reforms to prevent similar incidents.

“As we looked at that event and we did our administrative review, one of the things we thought was really important was to get a policy out that staff understands,” Araiza said. “When we work these events and we’re going to have vehicles involved, what the restrictions are going to be.”

Araiza said the department plans to implement those stricter safety policies for upcoming public events.

“Some of those things are avoiding sharp turns, abrupt stops. Also maintaining a speed limit of below 15 miles per hour,” Araiza said. “There are exceptions, however, if there’s an emergency that we must respond to.”

Palm Springs Police said they’re working to ensure nothing like last year’s incident happens again.

“Moving forward we want to make sure the community gets out there and enjoys the event,” Araiza said. “We will provide exemplary service to the community.”

The first major parade of the season, the Palm Springs High School homecoming parade, is scheduled for Wednesday.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Allie Anthony

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley now has its own chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, officially opening in Indio this September.

The chapter was founded by Vietnam War veteran Richard Gauthier, who was awarded the Purple Heart in 1966. Until recently, Gauthier had to travel to San Bernardino to attend meetings.

With the launch of the new Indio chapter, local recipients of the Purple Heart now have a place closer to home to gather, support one another, and continue their mission of service. The chapter currently has 14 members and is looking to grow.

To get involved, email richgauthier@aol.com or call (910) 620 – 9485

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Luis Avila

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Banning is planning to close Opportunity Village, its only transitional shelter for unhoused residents, leaving dozens of people with nowhere to go. The decision has sparked concern and uncertainty among shelter residents, as well as criticism from community members.

Milaiza, a resident at the shelter, says she was notified over the weekend by the city’s Director of Homeless Services that the shelter would be closing in 90 days.

“Several of us have gotten full time jobs, expecting housing and proper placement so we can afford our housing but now we’re being told that’s not the case… I feel deceived.”

Milaiza, Opportunity Village Resident

On Tuesday, a group of community members rallied outside Banning City Hall in support of the shelter, including local residents, volunteers, business owners and former city officials.

Former Banning Mayor Alberto Sanchez attended the gathering and voiced concerns about the closure’s impact.

“It would add a lot more. There’s a lot of people who want to get clean, they want to co-exist with our community, be a part of it, and this program does that.”

Alberto Sanchez, Former Banning Mayor

Sanchez also pointed to what he sees as a lack of understanding among current city leadership.

“Leadership doesn’t understand what’s happening in our community… The problem is I don’t think they’ve come out here to see the problem for themselves.”

Alberto Sanchez, Former Banning Mayor

In a statement to News Channel 3, Mayor Sheri Flynn stated:

“We are doing a gradual shut down over the next 90 days of OPV. The residents have been notified. We did not get the third round of grants from the state to keep the shelter going and it costs the City over $600,000 in employee salaries a year to run it. The cost to success ratio was not productive. We will be transitioning those presently there to local, county , and state services that are available to them.”

As the threat of closure lingers, residents are left wondering what comes next.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 46-year-old man was killed in an off-road vehicle crash in an unincorporated area north of the Salton Sea Saturday evening, the California Highway Patrol confirmed.

The crash was reported just before 7 p.m. on Gas Line Road, west of Summit Road.

According to CHP, Polariz RZR crashed into a chain link fence. The driver fled the scene and has yet to be identified.

The passenger, a Thermal resident, was pronounced dead shortly after the crash. Their identity has not been released as of Tuesday morning.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing.

CHP ask anyone with information on the crash to contact Officer C. DeLeon at 760-772-5300.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Swaths of people rushed to Palm Desert today as a popular Taiwanese bakery, 85°C Bakery Cafe, opened in Palm Desert.

The cafe is located within the Desert Gateway shopping plaza at the corner of Monterey and Dinah Shore.

During its soft opening period, it will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. After its grand opening in November, it will be open 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. daily.

Management at the cafe said the soft opening was to help train new employees as they familiarize themselves with the menu and workflow.

They acknowledged that it’s a unique opportunity to provide new, Asian-inspired flavors to the Coachella Valley population.

Nhi Nguyen, one of the corporate trainers working with new hires at the store, said, “We have over 50 varieties of cake, bread, coffee, and teas. [It] brings a little bit of diversity of the Asian culture into the Coachella Valley since it is – I feel like it is a little bit limited on the Asian cuisines and whatnot.”

Customers agree – many of whom waited hours in line to get a taste.

Nguyen noticed some customers camping out as early as three hours before the bakery opened its doors Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.

“It’s been a very exciting day, extremely busy as well.”

Those customers expressed their desire to try new and more diverse cuisine. Citlaly Zamora, a lifelong Coachella Valley resident, said excitement is growing valley-wide for new foods to try.

“Before, I had to go all the way to L.A. to find, like, good ramen places, good coffee, or just kind of that, you know, Asian type of food,” Zamora explained. “Hopefully [we’re] going to get some more places so we can, you know, just have that variety and culture differences here in the valley.”

Sabrina Eanes and Juan Agredano emerged from the store with two boxes full of pastries. Eanes, a local baker from Desert Hot Springs, said she wanted to support the new local bakery. And for Agredano, he said, “To have something like this come in [is exciting] because the desert is not that big and everybody’s probably been everywhere already.”

This 85°C location is the first in California to feature a drive-thru – although the drive-thru remains closed for now.

Management teased that the grand opening will include giveaways of T-shirts, bucket hats, and discount vouchers.

We’ll have updates on this new bakery already drawing significant attention right here on KESQ. Stay with us for the latest.

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Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Court documents revealed new information about the deadly hit-and-run crash that led to the arrest of Silvercrest CEO William Rodriguez.

The crash happened on Oct. 11, 2024, in Cathedral City. Rodriguez is accused of hitting a woman riding a scooter late that night, dragging the vehicle for several blocks, before fleeing the scene. The woman, Christina Barrington, 60, was pronounced dead the next day in the hospital.

According to the bail increase request, Rodriguez was allegedly out drinking hours before, even seen on surveillance video stumbling out of a Palm Springs bar approximately 10 minutes before the deadly crash.

Police said Rodriguez was driving 65 MPH in a 45 MPH zone when he swerved out of his lane and hit a moped traveling at a significantly slower speed. The moped driver, identifed as Barrington, was ejected and killed. Rodriguez continued dragging the moped for about 1,400 feet before making a sudden turn and disloging the scooter.

He then reportedly drove home at a high rate of speed. The next day, Rodriguez left town.

“…Rodriguez left town and spent the weekend in Las Vegas, where he was seen on surveillance with what appear to be alcoholic drinks, including a glass of champagne he appears to be toasting with,” reads the court document.

Police said Rodriguez never reported the crash, he told co-workers that his car was stolen and wrecked.

Court documents also revealed that Rodriguez had a suspended license from a 2013 DUI conviction out of Los Angeles County.

Rodriguez was arrested Monday afternoon in Palm Springs. He has been charged with murder, hit-and-run leading to death, and driving with a suspended license. He is being held in lieu of bail at the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

He is scheduled to be arraigned on Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates on this case.

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City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire that erupted today in a garbage truck on the south end of Banning consumed part of the vehicle and extended into vegetation before crews got it under control.

The non-injury blaze was reported at 11:28 a.m. Tuesday at the intersection of Longhorn Road and Roadrunner Trail, at the foot of the San Bernardino National Forest, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.   

The agency said multiple engine crews were sent to the location and encountered flames raging in the front half of the refuse truck, with surrounding bushes and dry grass catching fire.

Windy conditions were reported due to intense rain cells to the west of Banning at the time.  

Firefighters quickly extinguished the burning vegetation and concentrated on the truck, fully containing the blaze at 11:55 a.m., according to reports from the scene.

The cab and about half of the trash load was impacted by the fire, which also caused the vehicle’s fuel bladders to rupture, spilling an estimated 50 gallons of diesel onto the ground, officials said.

The county Department of Environmental Health was requested to inspect the hazard and determine whether a cleanup operation was required.   

The cause of the fire was under investigation.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Over 30,000 health care workers are set to protest and strike against Kaiser Permanente Tuesday morning through Sunday morning. They’re asking for fair wages, better staffing and improved patient care. It’s a cause local health care workers are now joining.

Over 60 workers gathered outside the Kaiser Permanent clinic in Palm Desert, on the corner of Gerald Ford Drive and Cook Street. They shouted with signs and pom pom’s, and asked cars driving by to honk in support.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates as the health care workers plan to protest until 5 p.m. each day.

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