Fire burns Indian Wells residence, firefighter injured

Jesus Reyes

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire damaged a residence in Indian Wells Thursday afternoon, leaving one firefighter injured.

The fire was first reported at a little after 12:30 p.m. on the 45300 block of Sante Fe Cove Drive.

The first arriving engines reported the structure was fully involved in fire. Heavy smoke was visible throughout the area. The agency stated the fire was contained shortly after 2 p.m.

According to the city of Indian Wells, the residence sustained major damage, but all occupants were accounted for.

“If you observed, or have surveillance footage showing, members of the police or fire departments in your backyard or knocking on your door, please know this was simply out of an abundance of caution, as emergency personnel were working to initiate evacuations in the event the fire spread,” reads a statement by the city.

A firefighter sustained moderate injuries and was taken to a local hospital. It was unclear how he was hurt.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Health officials confirm first fatal carfentanil overdose in Riverside County resident

Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Riverside County resident has been confirmed to have died as a result of a carfentanil overdose, Riverside University Health System – Public Health announced.

The death – a male in his 40s – occurred in March 2025, outside Riverside County. The cause of death was recently confirmed as the process can take months to, particularly if it occurs outside of the county, officials said.

County health officials said carfentanil is 100 times stronger than fentanyl and 10,000 times more potent than morphine.

Carfentanil was developed for use as a tranquilizer in large animals, such as elephants, and due to its potency, even a minuscule amount can cause a fatal overdose, Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.

“Every life lost from opioids is one too many. Together, we can continue to raise awareness about the risks associated with drug use and work as a community to support safety, reduce harm and care for one another,” Chevinsky said.

According to a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report, illegally manufactured fentanyls (IMFs) first entered the illegal drug supply in the United States in 2013 as a substitute for white powder heroin in the Northeast. Although rare, U.S. deaths with carfentanil detected increased approximately sevenfold, from 29 deaths in the first six months of 2023 to 238 during the same period in 2024. IMFs were responsible for roughly 70% of overdose deaths in the United States in 2023, the report said.

Despite the rise in IMFs, there has been success nationally and locally with opioid overdose deaths declining. Riverside County experienced a 25% decrease in overdose deaths in 2024. The use of naloxone (Narcan), the life-saving antidote that can sometimes revive individuals who have overdosed, and an increase in public awareness and action are among the contributing factors for the decrease.

“While overall we are seeing a decrease in opioid overdose deaths in Riverside County, this is a reminder that there are things each of us can do to prevent these terrible outcomes. Everyone deserves dignity, compassion and the opportunity to be safe,” Dr. Chevinsky said.

RUHS-PH suggests residents:

Carry naloxone. It is available without a prescription in many pharmacies and at local public health offices. Free training and kits are available through the department.

Share resources. Never Use Alone, the U.S. National Overdose Response line (800.484.3731), is a helpline available to individuals who are using by themselves. Volunteer operators take down location information, and alert EMS to that location if there is no response after using.

Offer help. Individuals struggling with substance use may call 800.662.HELP for help quitting.  

Because of the unpredictability and potency, using small amounts and spacing out doses does not guarantee safety. Fentanyl strips can provide some information on a drug’s contamination and risk but may not detect carfentanil.

Public Health collaborates with harm reduction organizations, local emergency responders and community partners to increase access to life-saving tools and education. RUHS-PH hosts California’s first Overdose Fatality Review and participates in the Riverside County Fentanyl Multidisciplinary Committee.

RUHS-PH offers overdose prevention and harm reduction resources and hosts a data dashboard to track and inform response to overdose trends through its Riverside Overdose Data to Action (RODA) program—a CDC-funded program that has improved the collection and analysis of County overdose data for prevention activities: www.ruhealth.org/public-health/riverside-overdose-data-action,

Narcan kits and training are available to residents here: www.ruhealth.org/public-health/road/naloxone-saves-lives.

Learn more at www.ruhealth.org/ruhs-public-health.

Click here to follow the original article.

Community meetings set to discuss proposed tax district for Cabazon

City News Service

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents of Cabazon will have opportunities next week to submit input on a proposed special tax district intended to pay for improvements to streets, signs, gutters, flood channels and other projects throughout the unincorporated community.

The Riverside County Transportation & Land Management Agency is proposing establishment of an Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District, encompassing all of Cabazon.

“Limited infrastructure in the Cabazon area has been an ongoing community concern,” according to an agency statement. “To support long-term infrastructure improvements and increase quality of life for residents, the county is proposing to create an EIFD, and community input into the process is essential.”

Public meetings are slated for Tuesday at the Venable Community Center, 50390 Carmen Ave. The first meeting is set for noon, while the second will begin about 5 p.m. Both are expected to last 90 minutes to two hours.   

Officials will outline how an EIFD operates and what the financing mechanism can be used for, including road upgrades, flood controls, new signage, wildfire mitigation measures and other infrastructure improvements.   

EIFDs were authorized under Senate Bill 628 in 2014 and permit bond sales to finance construction of private and public projects. Districts rely on “tax increment” to pay off the bonds issued in support of them. Tax increment is generated by projects within specified locations that increase property values. No separate property taxes are actually created by EIFDs.   

There are several already in operation in both the eastern and western halves of the county. Governing boards are set up to vote on proposed projects within a financing district, the foundation of which must be approved by voters.

“This is an important opportunity for Cabazon,” county Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez said. “It only works with community participation. We’re asking residents to be part of the conversation and help guide the improvements they want to see.”

More information about the proposed Cabazon EIFD can be found at rivco.org/cabazon-eifd.

Click here to follow the original article.

CalFresh offers replacement benefits to households affected in this summer’s RivCo wildfires

Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, (KESQ)– CalFresh is offering help to clients by providing replacement benefits to customers impacted by the recent Riverside County wildfires.

Wildfire season has been active throughout Riverside County this summer leaving officials urging nearby residents to take all necessary precautions to stay safe and prepared. 

In light of the Mindy, Wolf, Mandalay, and Juniper fires that started appearing June 29 and 30, CalFresh is allowing customers to apply for replacement benefits to those who lost food purchased with benefits in these fire zones.  

State officials report that CalFresh serves over 26,000 households in Riverside County providing over $5.3 million in benefits during the times that the fire occurred. 

“This fire season has brought real challenges for many families in our region,” said Sandra Bowlan, Interim Assistant Director of the Self-Sufficiency Division at the Riverside County Department of Public Social Services (DPSS). “If you’ve suffered losses from the recent wildfires or power outages, please don’t wait—reach out to us by July 28 so we can help you recover.”

CalFresh is the state’s largest food assistance program helping households purchase groceries at supermarkets, farmers markets and even online. 

CalFresh urges customers looking to reclaim these benefits to report their food losses by July 28 to receive support. To report food loss and request replacement benefits, CalFresh customers can visit BenefitsCal.com, go to their nearest Self-Sufficiency office, or call 1-877-410-8827.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Coachella Valley joining national day of action honoring John Lewis

Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents across the Coachella Valley will take part in “Good Trouble Lives On”, a nationwide day of action honoring the legacy of the late civil rights icon Rep. John Lewis.

The event aims to highlight ongoing struggles for civil and human rights and push back against policies tied to the Trump administration. Organizers say the day is about continuing Lewis’ lifelong work for justice, voting rights, and human dignity.

In the Coachella Valley, events will take place in Cathedral City, Palm Springs, and Idyllwild.

The Democrats of the Desert hosting a screening of the documentary John Lewis: Good Trouble at The Mary Pickford Theatre in Cathedral City from 10 am to noon.

Attendees are also encouraged to bring unexpired, nonperishable food items to support immigrant families. Donations will be given to TODEC.

Organizers hope the day will inspire residents to stand up for the causes Lewis championed during his life.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Local animal rescues step in to clear DHS hoarder home of 50+ abandoned animals

Athena Jreij

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Earlier this month, News Channel 3 showed viewers a Desert Hot Springs home in desperate need of community support.

The homeowners say a recent eviction of squatters led to the discovery of over 50 abandoned animals, including dozens of cats and six dogs.

Now, Kitty Corralers, a rescue in the High Desert, says they are currently housing 14 cats after saving 22 from the home. Several other cat rescuers have also put in hours to trap-neuter-return other cats.

Betty Kerr explained, “It took us about a week because after we thought we had them all out, kitty crawlers came in and put these traps. They had traps with cameras, and we caught four more that we thought weren’t in there.”

Thanks to the community and local rescues, 46 cats and six dogs have now been relocated. Now a new challenge persists, finding fosters and adopters for these pets.

While they work to try and fix and vaccinate all animals they are leaning on Yucca Valley cat Sanctuary “Save the Meow Meows”

Tonight at 6, News Channel 3 gives an inside look at the home’s recovery and why rescues say they still need help from the public.

To connect with Kitty Corralers Rescue, visit: https://www.instagram.com/kittycorralers/?hl=en

Click here to follow the original article.

New push to unite Coachella Valley veterans groups takes shape

Garrett Hottle

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) There’s a new initiative to unite veterans groups throughout the Coachella Valley under a single banner.

Dozens of veterans, public officials, and community leaders gathered Thursday morning at the Salvation Army Cathedral City Corps to explore the creation of a unified coalition. The goal: speak with one voice on issues that affect local veterans and ensure the future of the Cathedral City’s annual Veterans and Community Expo.

Major Bill Young, is a veteran and long-time advocate for veterans in the Coachella Valley. He helped found the expo, and has spent a lifetime of service giving back to others. But today, he informed the attendees he’d like to move into the background of leadership and wishes to hand the reins down.

“You can’t do this forever,” Young said. “The best thing to do is be part of the transition while you still can.”

Brigadier General Guido Portante announced that the timing of the partnership is perfect. “We all have these different groups of people that do great work, but as a whole, we can do more to give back to veterans.”

Attendees included representatives from Congressman Raul Ruiz and Assemblymember Jeff Gonzalez, La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez, local veterans groups like the American Legion and VFW, and cadets from Desert Hot Springs High School’s youth program.

La Quinta City Councilmember Steve Sanchez volunteered to spearhead an initiative exploring the official creation of the veterans coalition.

Brigadier General Guido Portante explained that the timing of the partnership is perfect.

“We all have these different groups of people that do great work, but as a whole, we can do more to give back to veterans.”

Following the meeting, Young outlined several outcomes that came from Thursday’s initial gathering:

There will be an exploratory meeting to discuss what it would take to officially create a veterans coalition. Councilmember Steve Sanchez volunteered to spearhead that initiative.

New task committees will be formed to collaborate and organize the next Veterans and Community Expo.

Earliest timeframe for next Veterans and Community Expo would be October 2026 with a target of having it in the central Valley at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.

Start Expo planning and Networking meetings (open to all) roughly 6 months prior to the scheduled Expo date.

While broad-based agreement existed that the coalition would be worthwhile, the majority of the attendees concurred that developing the coalition would be a gradual, complicated process.

The organizers agreed that the Expo would be a VEAP- and Salvation Army-sponsored event, supported by the broader veterans’ community, and it needs to be held annually.

“All want the coalition,” Young said. “But we have to take baby steps.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Local Representatives Torres and Ruiz condemn DHS for blocking Congressional oversight of detention centers

Cynthia White

WASHINGTON, DC (KESQ) – On Wednesday, U.S. Representatives Norma J. Torres (CA-35) and Dr. Raul Ruiz (CA-25) sent a letter to Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Kristi Noem condemning DHS for unlawfully obstructing their efforts to visit immigration detention facilities operated by DHS and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

In the letter sent to DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, the lawmakers highlighted violations of federal law, specifically Section 527(a) of the Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, which prohibits DHS from denying Members of Congress access to detention facilities or making changes to alter what is observed during visits.

“For weeks, my office has been emailing DHS to schedule a visit, only to be met with shifting policies and ever-changing excuses for why Democratic Members of Congress can’t enter facilities,” said Congresswoman Torres. 

Congressman Ruiz added, “As Members of Congress, we visited the Adelanto ICE facility to ensure residents in our districts are not being subjected to inhumane conditions. The Department of Homeland Security’s sudden policy change requiring advance notice is unacceptable, unlawful, and clearly designed to block transparency and accountability,”

The lawmakers are demanding written assurances by Friday, July 18, 2025 that DHS will:

Cease all unlawful restrictions and partisan discrimination;

Fully comply with federal law regarding congressional access to facilities; and

Provide equal and prompt access to all Members of Congress regardless of party affiliation.

Read the full letter here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Water pipeline project causes lane closures, local business disrupted

Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A water pipeline project in Palm Desert has sparked frustration among local business owners.

Joel Ontiveros, Harv’s Car Wash owner, said he was blindsided by construction.

“I’ve been doing business here for over 20 years,” Ontiveros said. “I’ve never had something like this happen where you get no notice of something that’s going to affect you tremendously.”

News Channel 3 took these concerns to the city and the Coachella Valley Water District (CVWD), who’s leading the Nonpotable Water Pipeline Project.

“We understand that construction can be disruptive,” Lorraine Garcia, CVWD Communication Manager/Public Information Officer, said. “We are making progress quickly, and we are notifying customers as we move onto Cook Street soon. We are also collaborating with the City of Palm Desert on the outreach.”

The project is installing non-potable water lines along Cook Street between Hovely Lane East and the Whitewater Wash.

“The project spans approximately 1 mile, extending from Sheryl Avenue to Riviera Drive, near the Marriott,” Garcia said. “We appreciate everyone’s patience during this significant project for the residents of the Coachella Valley.”

In the full statement, CVWD said the pipeline work is part of a long-term water sustainability effort that will help provide recycled water for irrigation instead of using groundwater.

The Coachella Valley Water District has been working on our Nonpotable Water Pipeline Project over the past few years. We have installed several miles of pipelines in various areas throughout the valley, enabling us to deliver recycled water to them. We are currently expanding our delivery capacity at our Wastewater Reclamation Plant on the Cook Street segment to serve our customers.

This is significant in providing an alternative water source to large-scale customers to use for irrigation instead of our precious groundwater, which is the valley’s primary source of drinking water. It is also part of CVWD’s long-term water supply strategy to ensure a water supply for current and future customers.

However, we understand that construction can be disruptive. We are making progress quickly, and we are notifying customers as we move onto Cook Street soon. We are also collaborating with the City of Palm Desert on the outreach.

The project spans approximately 1 mile, extending from Sheryl Avenue to Riviera Drive, near the Marriott.  We appreciate everyone’s patience during this significant project for the residents of the Coachella Valley. The project is estimated to be completed before the end of August.  

— Lorraine Garcia, Communication Manager/Public Information Officer

The City of Palm Desert said it has a limited role in the project, which they said falls under CVWD’s management.

“The City of Palm Desert’s role has been limited to approving CVWD’s required encroachment permits and reviewing traffic control plans to help ensure public safety during construction,” Ryland Penta, Community Relations Supervisor said. “The City of Palm Desert values its business community and understands the challenges that come with construction-related impacts. We are committed to advocating for our local businesses and maintaining open communication with CVWD to ensure project impacts are minimized wherever possible and that their concerns are addressed.”

He said the city has not been provided a list of specific businesses contacted.

Garcia said the project is expected to be completed before the end of August.

For a list of the city’s street projects, use this link.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on this developing story.

Click here to follow the original article.

Suspect killed in officer involved shooting in Beaumont Monday

Haley Meberg

BEAUMONT, Calif (KESQ) – A suspect was killed in an officer-involved shooting while police were serving a search warrant Monday afternoon in Beaumont.

The shooting happened Monday just before 4 p.m. on the 800 block of West 4th Street.

According to the San Bernardino Police Department, an officer from its Auto Theft Task Force served a search warrant with assistance from the Beaumont Police Department. When task force members arrived, they encountered a suspect with a firearm.

Details on what led to the shooting were not released.

After the shooting, officers immediately performed lifesaving aid, however, the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. 

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in coordination with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, is currently conducting the investigation and urges anyone with information about the case to contact Master Investigator David Sandoval at (760)770-2236. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

Click here to follow the original article.