Author: KESQ

City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – Concerns mounted today regarding the welfare of a 16-year-old girl who disappeared after leaving her home in Banning.   

Juliet Ruiz was last seen at about 9:40 p.m. Saturday leaving the Peppertree Apartments at 456 E. Nicolet St., according to the Banning Police Department.

“Family members advised Juliet (left) … her communication devices,” Capt. Brandon Smith said. “She was captured on a local business’ security camera … walking alone, southbound on San Gorgonio Avenue, toward the railroad tracks.”

After the girl didn’t return home within a couple of hours, her loved ones called 911 to report her missing.

Her whereabouts were unknown.

Smith said patrol officers scoured the area but couldn’t locate her. Detectives took over the investigation and began canvassing the San Gorgonio Pass, trying to ascertain whether the youth might have been seen since the weekend.

A possible sighting originated from a Ross store in Beaumont, but that turned out to be false, according to Smith.   

Ruiz stands around 5-feet-2 inches tall, weighs 100 pounds and has brown hair. She was last seen wearing a black puffer jacket and black pants.   

Anyone with information on her whereabouts was asked to contact the department at 951-922-3170.

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Daniella Lake

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – GRID Alternatives, a project partner of the Coachella Prospera intiative under the city of Coachella, is installing 75 solar systems in the area for free.

“We know the need is here with the extreme heat,” says Yoselyn Eckert, outreach director for GRID alternatives.

Today, they installed the first set of solar panels for a resident in Coachella. Officials say the goal is to reduce energy costs for residents and create a greener future for the city.

“When we talked to residents, they tell us that they know solar is a solution to help them lower their bills and invest in their home, but it’s just not attainable,” says Eckert.

GRID Alternatives also provides a training program for those interested in careers in solar. Marco Morales started off as a trainee, and is now a construction assistant installing solar panels for residents.

“It’s a real great feeling being able to help out these homes, especially these families who are probably spending way too much on their electricity bills,” says Morales.

They currently have 40 open positions for trainees. You can learn more about their training program and how to apply for a free set of solar systems on their website.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A registered sex offender who pimped out a teenager for call girl services in the Riverside metropolitan area and elsewhere was sentenced today to 90 days in jail and two years’ felony probation.   

Deirdrick Dayvon Bradford, 31, of Rosamond pleaded guilty in November to human trafficking following a preliminary hearing. One related charge was dismissed at the time.   

During a hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Monday, Superior Court Judge Jay Kiel imposed the stipulated sentence. He initially set the term of incarceration in the county jail system at 180 days, but the term was cut in half after the defendant was given credit for time spent behind bars awaiting disposition of the case.   

The judge relied, in part, on a Department of Probation report in determining the appropriate sentence, court minutes indicated.   

According to an arrest warrant affidavit filed by the Riverside Police Department, Bradford met the 16-year-old victim last summer, coaxing her into working for him as a prostitute.

The trafficking operation was uncovered during an FBI investigation that was turned over to the Riverside Police Department’s Vice Squad in August after agents confirmed the juvenile was from Riverside. By the time detectives interviewed her, she had been placed in a group home for troubled and runaway teens, court papers stated.   

“She admitted to being on escort websites, but claimed her mother posted ads,” the affidavit said.

Her mobile phone was seized, and a search revealed conversations involving the teen and a Snapchat user telling her “to send him money — $150,” and there were “screenshots (of him) managing the victim’s ads on Megapersonals, saying he would `bump’ or repost her ad for more visibility,” according to the declaration.   

Further investigation confirmed the girl’s images had been circulated on sex-oriented sites as enticements, including videos of her nude, touching her intimate parts, police said.

Detectives ultimately confirmed Bradford was the youth’s handler, and he had been trafficking her in Riverside, Los Angeles and Phoenix. In Riverside, the girl was situated near the Tyler Mall to perform services, police said.

The victim evidently tried to alert Bradford that police were on to him, advising via a phone message to “delete your Snapchat … and `go ghost,”’ according to the affidavit.

Coordinating with the U.S. Marshals Service, detectives tracked the defendant down in Phoenix on Oct. 24, where he was arrested without incident. He was immediately extradited to California.

According to the California Megan’s Law web portal, the defendant has a prior felony conviction for pimping a minor in 2015, requiring him to register as a sex offender under state Penal Code Section 290.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The new chair of the Board of Supervisors vowed today to “look ahead to the future” in prioritizing objectives for Riverside County over the next 12 months, emphasizing the importance of “fiscal transparency” and responsiveness to residents’ needs.

“We can’t just look at today; we have to think about tomorrow,” Board Chair Karen Spiegel said Tuesday in her opening statement, following a unanimous vote to seat her at the head of the dais for 2026. “We need to look ahead to the future and have clear goals with measurable outcomes.”  

Spiegel, who last took the helm in 2021, said that compared to that time, “it’s a whole different world now,” making it incumbent on the board to adjust its policies and practices to suit changing conditions.

“We have to have a commitment to innovation, transparency and service,” she said. “We don’t always agree up here, but that’s alright, as long as we get to a decision that is best for the county.”  

One of the most exciting developments on the near horizon, the chair said, is a service delivery system dubbed “RivCo One,” which will enable staff to operate on a more efficient level, documenting residents’ personal information after one encounter to ensure that they’re steered to appropriate agencies over the course of time, during future contacts with county government.

County CEO Jeff Van Wagenen said the program is close to a debut after four years of work.  

Spiegel further underscored her desire to work collaboratively “for the people we serve.”  

“Our priorities are your priorities,” she said. “We’ll continue budget fiscal transparency and … (focus) on a countywide strategic plan.”  

Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez was seated by unanimous vote as vice chair for 2026, prompting him to thank his colleagues for placing him in his first leadership position on the board.

“I think we’re going to have a great year,” he said. “The chair’s goals are amazing goals that we can all strive for. We don’t agree on everything, but we’re always respectful … and I think that speaks volumes.”

The last time Spiegel, who represents the Second District, held the center seat on the board was 2021. Gutierrez, who began his first term representing the Fifth District in January 2023, has never served in a leadership capacity in county government, with the exception of committees.  

The chair and vice chair appointments require affirmation by majority vote. The only time in the current century when a county board chairperson failed to receive appointment by unanimous consent occurred in January 2022, when Supervisors Manuel Perez and Chuck Washington abstained from backing then Supervisor Jeff Hewitt. He was appointed anyway, following votes of support by Spiegel and then-Supervisor Kevin Jeffries — as well as Hewitt’s own vote.   

At the time, Perez, who served as chair last year, and Washington both publicly backed fellow Democrat Gutierrez in his ultimately successful bid to unseat Hewitt.

Each supervisor is given an opportunity to rotate into the chair, which is a one-year term. The line of succession is based only on whichever district supervisor is slated for a turn.

The chair oversees establishing board schedules, guiding hearings, attending functions on behalf of the entire board, signing proclamations and other ceremonial duties that don’t require a quorum. The vice chair takes the gavel whenever the chair is absent.

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Gavin Nguyen

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – Attorneys announced several lawsuits that will be filed over allegations of he exposure and injury of special-needs autistic children at a Coachella Valley Unified School District school.

According to the Oakwood Legal Group, seven lawsuits are being filed on behalf of vulnerable autistic students who they allege were “knowingly and negligently exposed to hazardous black mold conditions on campus.”

News Channel 3 has been covering the mold issue at John Kelley Elementary School over the past month. CVUSD officials said the district and several third-party companies they contracted to ensure safety after the mold was found said parents and students should no longer have concerns about the mold issue.

The district previously confirmed mold findings in two classrooms

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – New Year’s resolutions may start strong, but for most people they don’t last long. Every January, millions of people set New Year’s resolutions, especially around health and wellness. But studies show nearly 80 to 90% of resolutions fail by mid-February, with February 12th earning the nickname Quitters Day. Experts say one major reason that resolutions fall apart is unrealistic expectations. Others give up after a setback, mistaking one bad day for a total failure.

“Most people give up, I guess New Year’s resolutions sort of fail around mid-February because people try to change something maybe too drastically. They weren’t small changes at first or they just didn’t practice sort of that self-compassion that you need as you reach your health goals,” said Natalie Romero, community health coach at Desert Oasis Healthcare.

Health professionals say the key to long-term success is starting small, like a 10-minute walk, adding one extra serving of vegetables a day, or going to bed just 15 minutes earlier. At Desert Oasis Healthcare, the focus is on personalized nutrition and wellness plans that work for real life, not one-size-fits-all resolutions. 

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Peter Daut

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Sunline Transit Agency is launching a new community-focused initiative aimed at shaping the future of public transportation here in the valley. The program is called Sunline Rides Reimagined, and it invites residents to share ideas to help improve bus routes, rides, and future mobility options.

“We’re trying to find out from the community what they’re looking for as far as transit goes because it’s so important here in the Valley. So in order for us to shape transit in the future, we want to hear back from community members,” said Edith Hernandez, director of board and external affairs

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke in depth about intiative with Hernandez.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Police have arrested a 53-year-old man in connection with a recent stabbing along the CV Link in Palm Springs.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday near the CV Link trail in the area of the Cimarron Golf Course. He faces charges of attempted murder and resisting an officer.

The arrest stems from a stabbing on Dec. 31 along the CV Link trail between Golf Club Drive and Cathedral Canyon Drive. The victim, a man out for a walk, reported that he made eye contact with a man on the trail as they passed. The victim said that about 15 minutes later, as he headed toward home, the suspect was still in the area.

The suspect reportedly put on a ski mask, approached while yelling profanities, and assaulted the victim, knocking him to the ground. The victim fought back, and the suspect fled on foot. After the altercation, the victim learned he had been stabbed.

The victim was treated for his injuries at a local hospital and later released.

Police said that the incident appears to have been an unprovoked attack. The suspect did not demand property, and the motive remains under investigation.

According to court records, the suspect is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – As immigration enforcement continues locally and nationwide, Gabby Armenta co-founder of Indigenous Cultural Center Danza Azteca Citlaltonac, said children are increasingly stepping into adult roles after parents are detained, deported or too scared to leave their home.

“We know of families that there are 15 year olds taking on jobs, side jobs or part time jobs to help their families because their parents aren’t able to go out to work,” Armenta said.

Armenta said fear and uncertainty are widespread, with families seeking mental health resources as stress builds.

“There’s need for lots of resources for our community right now,” Armenta said. “Mental health is definitely one of those where we’re trying to make it as accessible as we can.”

She said her organization holds a monthly advocacy circle that brings people together to raise awareness on important community issues such as safety protocols for rallies and knowing your rights.

The next event is January 15 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Indigenous Cultural Center.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) KESQ News Channel Three has obtained the grand jury transcript that led to the indictment of Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez, offering a rare look at sworn testimony from current and former city leaders and regional officials about how City Hall operated behind closed doors.

The more than 500-page transcript shows jurors heard testimony from Coachella Mayor Pro Tem and City Councilmember Denise Delgado, former Coachella City Councilmember Megan Beaman Jacinto, and Celina Jimenez, the city’s director of economic development. Each testified about city decisions, internal dynamics, and their interactions with Hernandez.

Jurors also heard from Erica Felci, executive director of the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, the regional agency that oversees transportation and housing programs across the valley. Her testimony focused on a regional homeless housing program connected to properties owned by Hernandez, according to the transcript.

Prosecutors questioned witnesses about city council votes, development projects, and financial disclosures, focusing on whether Hernandez took part in decisions while having personal financial interests connected to those matters. Hernandez has pleaded not guilty to charges including perjury and conflict of interest.

Court records show Hernandez is next due back in court on Feb. 23, 2026.

This is a developing story and this article will be updated with additional information as it becomes available. Tune into KESQ News Channel Three tonight for full reports on the release of the grand jury testimony as we continue to follow the legal case against current Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez.

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