Author: KESQ

Garrett Hottle

CHIRIACO SUMMIT, Calif. (KESQ) History is hard to miss along I-10 in Riverside County — especially when it’s made of steel.

The General Patton Memorial Museum has unveiled its newest addition: a massive M59 armored personnel carrier, recently donated to the museum and now on display in the tank yard.

The vehicle joins a fleet of restored M48 AND M47 tanks, but stands out for its size and function.

The M59 is an American armored personnel carrier that entered into service in 1954, replacing the M75. It’s currently on display at the General Patton Memorial Museum.

“This could actually take a Jeep inside of it,” museum’s co-founder and president, Margit F. Chiriaco Rusche, explained.

Margit F. Chiriaco Rusche, Co-Founder and President of the General Patton Memorial Museum speaking with News Channel Three’s Garrett Hottle

Chiriaco Rusche, said the site began humbly in 1985 with a single flagpole, a map, and a commitment to patriotism. By 1988, the museum officially opened — fittingly on November 11, which is both Veterans Day and the birthday of General George S. Patton.

Rusche also recalled her family’s personal connection to Patton. During World War II, her father raised concerns about the water quality being used to train troops in the desert.

Patton’s legendary response: “You run your business, I’ll run the war.”

Rusche also recalled her family’s personal connection to Patton. During World War II, her father raised concerns about the water quality being used to train troops in the desert.Patton’s legendary response: “You run your business, I’ll run the war.”

This week, Rusche shared the museum floor with Chuck Montgomery, executive director of the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix — the largest firefighting museum in the world. Montgomery visited the Patton Museum for the first time, despite his museum’s brochures being featured there for years.

Chuck Montgomery, executive director of the Hall of Flame Museum of Firefighting in Phoenix

During the visit, Montgomery spoke about a fire truck from the 9/11 attacks — one of 350 lost that day — which his team was able to acquire and restore to original condition. Also on site was a Soviet firefighting vehicle once used for both riot control and emergency response.

Looking ahead, the museum is preparing for its annual Veterans Day celebration.

Guests are invited to take part in a community tribute by picking up a rock from the museum to paint and return. The painted rocks will be placed in the Memory Garden to honor fallen service members and heroes. Rocks are free through November 12.

From tanks to tributes, the General Patton Memorial Museum continues to grow as a living legacy in the Coachella Valley.

For more information about the General Patton Memorial Museum, including their upcoming events and how to participate, visit this link.

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Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)–News Channel 3, in partnership with SunLine Transit Agency, hosted a successful 11th Annual ‘Pack the Bus’ Drive on Thursday at Walmart in Palm Desert. 

News Channel 3, along with SunLine Transit Agency, Alpha Media, and Walmart called on the community to pack the SunLine bus with donated school supplies to benefit local families.

SunLine Transit Agency Director of Board and Legislative Affairs Edith Hernandez happily reports that kind donators completely filled the bus with a total of 600 backpacks and 1,500 books.

Hernandez says, “How impressive is this showing… It’s so impressive to see everybody coming together, coming for one cause. We wanted to make an impact, and this certainly makes an impact.” She adds, “We’re going to make a lot of kids very, very happy.”

In addition to backpacks and books, donations included notebooks, crayons, markers, pencils, scissors, calculators and more.

All donations made at the event will be taken to this year’s “Pack the Bus” nonprofit partner, the Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, where all of the supplies will be distributed.

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Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– A Palm Desert man was arrested in connection to multiple burglaries, firearm and narcotic related charges Tuesday evening. 

Tuesday morning at approximately 7:00 a.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to a call reporting a residential burglary on the 44500 block of Portola Avenue in Palm Desert. 

Authorities said, the residents of the house reported a 51-year-old man knocked on the door then proceeded to enter their home and steal items before fleeing the scene. 

It was reported several other “cat” burglaries had taken place throughout the city, causing the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Team (RBST) to open an investigation in which they determined the same suspect was responsible.

At 7:00 p.m. later that night, RBST, along with the City of Palm Desert District Team served the 51-year-old suspect with a warrant. During the service of the search warrant multiple items consistent with narcotic sales, suspected cocaine, several hundred vials of growth hormones and two unregistered firearms were located.

The alleged burglar was booked into Benoit Detention Center in Indio but was released Wednesday on $70,000 bail. 

A court date is set for August 20th at the Indio Larsen Justice Center for the suspects arraignment. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Sanchez of the Palm Desert Station at (760) 836-1600. 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) reports that “cat” burglaries garner a higher level of concern for law enforcement due to higher levels of risk to victims. The RSO reminds residents to lock doors and windows even when home to help keep the city safe.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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KESQ News Team

Beaumont, Calif. (KESQ) -Beaumont named Christopher Ramos as the city’s new chief of police.

Ramos takes over for Sean Thuilliez, who led the department for nearly 10 years before his departure in February.

City officials said Ramos emerged as the “clear choice” for the position after an extensive selection process, which included multiple interview panels made up of community members and law enforcement professionals.

“The City of Beaumont looks forward to the continued progress and leadership of Chief Ramos, a family-centered and dedicated Beaumont leader, as he serves the Beaumont Police Department and the community it protects,” said Mayor Mike Lara.

Ramos is a 24-year-old veteran of law enforcement, including 20 years with the city of Beaumont. He started off as a patrol officer and has served in nearly every division of the department. He has most recently served as captain.

City officials said Ramos has led major department initiatives that have enhanced both efficiency and public safety. His leadership was instrumental in launching a new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS), and in securing grant funding for a multi-million-dollar regional radio communications upgrade—strengthening emergency response capabilities across the region.

As the department’s first Administrative Sergeant, Ramos shaped policies and training programs, managed grant-funded initiatives, and served as the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator—playing a key role in the department’s strategic direction and preparedness. 

Chief Ramos holds a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and is currently enrolled in POST Command College. He serves on the California Police Chiefs Association Board of Directors as an Associate Director and remains actively engaged in several professional and community-oriented organizations.  

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Tori King

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– The City of Indio is set to open a time capsule that has been sealed for two decades. The 20-year-old time capsule was sealed back in 2005.

The special event will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Indio City Hall Council Chambers, located at 150 Civic Center Drive. 

The city says the event both honors the past and will reshape the future through a new initiative. During Wednesday’s ceremony, the city will also launch a new time capsule initiative titled: Moments in Time.

News Channel 3′ Tori King will be there to catch all of the action. See her reports at 4, 5 and 6.

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City News Service

UPDATE: 7/21/25 11:30 A.M. – CAL FIRE reports that the Dale Fire remains at 1,096 acres and is now 95% contained. As of Sunday afternoon, the last evacuation order that remained was downgraded to an evacuation warning for the affected areas. CAL FIRE reports, “Crews will continue working through the night extending containment lines, griding the interior of the fire and validating existing lines from anyhidden smoldering pockets.”

UPDATE: 7/18/25 7:00 P.M. – CAL FIRE reports that the fire remains at 1,096 acres and is 45% contained. Crews will continue through the night working hotspots and reinforcing the lines.

UPDATE: 7/18/25 8:36 A.M.- CAL FIRE reports that the Dale Fire is now 34% contained at 1,096 acres. Officials say the cause of the fire is still under investigation and evacuation orders are still in place.

UPDATE: 7/17/25 3:15 P.M. – A five-acre fire triggered by lightning in Anza is being incorporated into the Dale Fire in Aguanga, CAL FIRE announced.

[UPDATE @ 3:00 p.m.]: The fire is being incorporated into the #DaleFIRE. Visit the link below for further updates.👇🔗https://t.co/3uxBz2BXZ7

— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) July 17, 2025

UPDATE: 7/17/25 6:30 A.M. – Highway 371 is back open in all directions. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

UPDATE: 7/16/25 9:54 P.M. – CAL FIRE is mapping the Dale Fire at 1,072 acres, and report that crews are making good progress on the perimeter of the fire. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

Per CAL FIRE:

Evacuation Orders:

CBI-CAHUILLA1

RVC-LAKERIVERSIDEESTATES4

RVC-TABLEMT4

RVC-TABLEMT5

RVC-2327

RVC-TULE1

RVC-TULE2

RVC-TULE4

RVC-TULE6

RVC-TULE7

RVC-TULE8

Evacuation Warnings:

RVC-2280-B

RVC-2369

RVC-TABLEMT3

RVC-TABLEMT6

RVC-TULE3

RVC-TULE5

AGUANGA, Calif. (KESQ) – Two brush fires that erupted Wednesday less than a mile apart in Aguanga were combined to be called the Dale Fire, scorching over 1,000 acres, destroying several structures, prompting evacuations and forcing the closure of a highway.

The blazes were reported at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday — the first in the area of Riverdale Drive and Highway 371, the second about three-quarters of a mile to the south at Bradford Road and Gelding Way — according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire was earlier mapped at 330.4 acres by FIRIS Intel 24. 

#DaleFIRE [UPDATE 2:30PM]: The fire is now 220 acres.

Evacuations ORDERS are in place for the following zones:RVC-TULE1RVC-TULE2RVC-TULE4RVC-TULE6RVC-TULE7RVC-TULE8RVC-2327RVC-LAKERIVERSIDEESTATES4RVC-TABLEMT4RVC-TABLEMT5CBI-CAHUILLA-1

Evacuation WARNINGS are in… pic.twitter.com/NYH0gLwgsb

— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) July 16, 2025

The agency said multiple engine and hand crews from the county and surrounding agencies were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a rapid rate at the larger brusher along Riverdale.

At least two structures, possibly vacant outbuildings, were consumed by the flames, according to officials at the scene. The second fire at Bradford was slower but also damaged two to three structures, burning two to three acres, officials said. The forward rate of spread on that blaze was stopped by 1:45 p.m.

Seven Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the larger fire at 1:10 p.m. The flames continued progressing in the direction of Cahuilla Creek Motocross and the Cahuilla Casino Hotel, both south of Highway 371, about 1.5 miles to the east of the brushed.

Evacuation orders were implemented by sheriff’s deputies for properties southeast of the Lake Riverside Estates. The motocross track, casino and properties along the boundary of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation were under evacuation warnings as of 2 p.m.

Both sides of Highway 371 were shut down for public safety between the casino turnoff at Homestead Road to the east and Barbara Trail to the west, spanning roughly seven miles.

There was no immediate word regarding how the fires started.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – First responders were met with a strange drop-off Tuesday after a woman went to turn over what she thought was just an old grenade that she found in the desert.

Police said the woman walked into the Riverside County Fire Station 37 on Pierson Boulevard to turn in the grenade. Riverside County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team was called in out of an abundance of caution.

HDT safely took possession of the device and were able to confirm that it was inert, or not live.

“While we’re relieved this had a safe and uneventful outcome, let this serve as a reminder: If you find something that even looks explosive, don’t touch it and don’t transport it yourself. Call us right away—preferably before making any surprise deliveries to the fire station,” reads a post by the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio police arrested nine people for alleged possession of illegal fireworks and three others for DUI during an Independence Day weekend enforcement operation that also resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,500 pounds of fireworks, police announced today.

Officers received more than 150 calls regarding fireworks on July 4 and 5. The operation led to 28 citations, six drone-based captures for unspecified reasons and two arrests related to firearms.

“Based on the noticeable decline in illegal fireworks activity compared to last year, we believe these outreach efforts made a meaningful impact,” Sgt. Abe Plata said.

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The school year is just around the corner, and school supplies are anticipated to be the most expensive in years. But one local student, Natalie Barrios, is determined to make a difference for her community with a school supply donation drive.

“I just feel like every kid should be prepared for the first day of school, and they shouldn’t be struggling to have new school supplies,” Barrios said.

According to Savings.com, families plan to spend a record-high $628 per child on clothing, supplies and tech, which is up 4% from last year. Overall, 71% of families plan to spend more than last year.

Knowing the rising costs, Natalie and her mother came up with the idea for a supply drive. Now, Natalie and her brother are working to collect school supplies and backpacks for local students. Something that was inspired by the community need she’s seen in her own classrooms.

“I have seen kids who sometimes don’t have pencils or notebooks or just like the necessary things for basic school day,” Barrios said.

Barrios is a student with the Palm Springs Unified School District, and while the donation drive is not affiliated with any organization or district, PSUSD said drives like these from their students are inspiring.

Jessica Whiteman is the Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction at PSUSD and was formerly a principal. She said she’s seen how PSUSD aids students with supplies each year, but the community drives are big help as costs rise.

“That’s heartwarming because it shows that desire and need to support one another and come together as a community to help anyone in need, but our students and our future,” Whiteman said.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more of what you need to know for school supplies this year from PSUSD officials, and the story of a local student hoping to help.

For information to help Natalie Barrios with her donation drive see:

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Public Library will delay its closing to the public for three weeks following HVAC issues at a set temporary location. 

The Palm Springs Public Library was set to close July 19 for renovations with normal operations taking place at Rimrock Plaza on E. Palm Canyon Drive. Despite the changes, Jeannie Kays, the director of the Palm Springs Public Library, said they’d would rather have the issues now instead of after they move in.

“Actually it’s a good thing because the landlords are being proactive with checking all of the systems in the new facility,” Kays said. “We’re going to get new carpet in the facility, new paint. It’s going to be a beautiful space.” 

The Palm Springs Library reported that their closing will be delayed until August 9, due to HVAC issues at the temporary location but still plan to celebrate their renovation and closing party July 19 from 2 p.m.- 4p.m. They now plan to open the temporary location August 25.

The last day the library will be open to the public is August 8, closing at the regular time of 5:00p.m. The library says that during the time of transition when the space is closed for moving all checkout dates will be extended and ask that the public hold items for return until the temporary library location opens.

Even with the renovation schedule being pushed back, Kays said it’s not a concern.

“We’re not worried about the timeline. We always have to be a little bit flexible,” Kays said. “Things can happen but we definitely roll with it.”

The Friends of the Palm Springs Library are set to continue selling books at the original location until the new closing date. They plan to hold regular book sales at Rimrock Plaza in addition to the relocation to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Ramon Road where they will resume accepting book donations beginning August 11 by appointment. 

The library renovations are set to last 18-36 months with regular operating hours being held at the temporary space. Programming will continue at various locations around the City including but not limited to the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, Mizell Center, and more locations to be announced.

For more information visit www.palmspringslibrary.org or call 760-322-READ (7323)

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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