Author: KESQ

City News Service

LAKE ELSINORE, Calif. (KESQ) – A law enforcement operation in Lake Elsinore targeting suspects seeking illicit sexual services netted 20 arrests, authorities said today.

The Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force conducted the undercover sting at the end of June, with the goal of cracking down on individuals allegedly trying to procure prostitutes on the street.

“Prostitution is not a `victimless crime,”’ sheriff’s Sgt. Jarrod Meissen said. “Sex trafficking victims are subjected to not only severe forms of emotional, physical and sexual abuse … but are also physically andsexually assaulted by those who solicit them for prostitution.”  

The 19 men and one woman taken into custody included residents of Corona, Hemet, Lake Elsinore, Los Angeles, Menifee, Murrieta, Perris, Riverside, San Jacinto, Temecula and Westminster.

Most of the individuals apprehended were booked on suspicion of solicitation of prostitution, pimping and pandering.   

Anyone with information regarding sex trafficking was encouraged to contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-373-7888.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County dropped today to its lowest Independence Day amount since 2021, decreasing eight-tenths of a cent to $4.392.   

The average price has dropped 10 the past 11 days, decreasing 8 cents, including six-tenths of a cent Thursday, according to figures from AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. It dropped six consecutive days, rose three-tenths of a cent Monday and resumed decreasing the next day.

The average price is 4.6 cents less than one week ago, 17.1 cents lower than one month ago and 30.5 cents below what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.981 since rising to a record $6.373 on Oct. 5, 2022.   

“Oil prices continue to trade at about $65 a barrel after the Middle East ceasefire, putting downward pressure on gas prices locally and nationwide,” Doug Shupe, the Automobile Club of Southern California’scorporate communications manager, said in a statement. “While California’s fuel excise tax increased by 1.6 cents a gallon on Tuesday and a new state fuel air quality requirement also took effect Tuesday, pump prices have continued to drop.”

The national average price dropped for the ninth consecutive day following a run of 14 increases in 15 days totaling 10.5 cents, decreasing 1 cent to $3.152. It has dropped 7.4 cents over the past nine days, including nine-tenths of a cent Thursday.

The national average price is 5.5 cents less than one week ago and 36.2 cents lower than one year ago but eight-tenths of a cent more than one month ago. It has dropped $1.864 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.

Click here to follow the original article.

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — President Trump has signed his Big Beautiful Bill and some local servers could be cashing in on the ‘no tax on tips’ incentive.

The incentive was one of the President’s key campaign promises, drawing in voters with the promise to take home more cash.

Beginning the 2026 tax year, tip-reliant workers can deduct up to $25,000 if they make under $160,000 annually. Meaning if you work 5 days a week and deduct $25,000 a year, you’re likely to be going home with nearly $100 in untaxed tips a day.

However, some servers and restaurant owners in Palm Springs are still weary on the incentive’s benefits and are unsure about enforcement.

“The other part that, concerns me a little bit is we do automatic tips and our servers want us to include automatic gratuities on parties of eight or more, which we do, and we pay sales tax on that amount. That is not included in this benefit. So I’m not quite sure,” Willie Rhine with Eight4Nine said.

Rhine also said, ““How is this actually going to be enforced? It doesn’t apply to automatic gratuities, and we don’t track how much of the tips are automatically added for parties of eight or more. How will they determine if 100% of cash tips have been reported? There are a lot of unknowns, and it’s unclear whether employers or employees will be responsible for tracking this information.”

“When you really look deep into that bill, it’s not at all what we were sold,” Amanda Martinez with Sancho’s Mexican Restaurant & Cantina said.

Martinez says most of her wait staff don’t even make enough money in tips to pay federal income taxes.

“I just see a lot of our servers right now as it is, you know, with business being a slow season and not many travelers coming in at all. So it’s hard for all of us to be able to walk away with anything,” Martinez said.

Her and other industry workers question how much money they’ll actually go home with, since they still pay into Social Security and Medicare.

For one business owner, he worries what the bill’s other measures, including ramping up immigration enforcement, could mean for sales.

“A lot of things that are very threatening to us. Some of the immigration stuff. As an industry, we rely on immigrants,” Dean Lavine at the Blackbook said.

The ‘no tax on tips’ rebate will run through 2028.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s the Fourth of July and Palm Springs is ready to welcome nearly 10,000 people between its three events. The Department of Parks and Recreation has planned a weekend full of fun festivities for all residents and visitors.

All city organizers are urging people to attend fireworks shows Friday night rather than sparking their own at home. Fireworks illegal in California without a “safe and sane” seal from the Office of State Fire Marshalls or a permit.

The Palm Springs Department of Parks and Recreation has made sure community members have fun filled and safe activities throughout Friday. If people don’t want to wait until nighttime to start the Fourth of July celebrations, they can head to the Palm Springs Swim Center for an “All American Pool Party.”

The swim center will have inflatable slides, food, games and more for all residents and visitors. They can even stay in the pool all night and watch the fireworks show, starting at 9:15 p.m. until 10 p.m.

If people want to take a break from the pool or come later in the evening, Parks and Recreation is holding a concert in the park at 7 p.m. with live music by Hard Days Work. The Sunrise Park event will see the same fireworks show as the pool party.

Both events within the park are free for entry, and parking will be open for every lot except the lot in front of the Palm Springs Pavilion at the front of the swim center and skate park. Pool capacity is limited to 500 people, so organizers suggest getting there early for space.

The Department of Parks and Recreation is also overseeing the Power Baseball game, while tickets are not free, organizers say the field will be a great place to view the fireworks.

If you want more information on the Palm Springs event go to https://engagepalmsprings.com/fourthofjuly and for other events in the Coachella Valley go to kesq.com

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from organizers of what you need to know before heading to the Palm Springs Swim Center or Sunrise Park.

Click here to follow the original article.

Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – Just days after a shooting near Bagdouma Park, the city of Coachella moved forward with its annual Independence Day celebration Thursday night — complete with food trucks, carnival games and a firework show.

Despite safety concerns, many families still showed up to celebrate.

“I am really happy to be here,” Dulce, an attendee said. “I think it’s the best celebration.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department increased patrols for the event, deploying its Coachella Community Action Team to monitor entrances and exits and maintain a visible law enforcement presence.

Others noted a quieter turnout than usual, pointing not to recent violence, but fears surrounding immigration enforcement.

“There’s a lot less people than last year,” said Victor Yrra, another guest. “I think people are scared to show up because of ICE.”

Yrra said he chose to choose celebration over fear.

“We’re going to have to prevail no matter what,” Yrra said.

For a full list of Fourth of July celebrations happening Friday across the Coachella Valley, click here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio Police Department is seeking the help of the community to identify the person responsible in a series of recent burglaries at businesses around the city.

They say the suspect in the burglaries is described as a black male adult around 5’8″ to 6’0″, wearing a dark hoodie with an emblem on the back, dark pants and shoes, white gloves, and a face mask.

The man was captured on video surveillance cameras, with footage showing him breaking windows with rocks and targeting cash registers, tip jars, and small cash boxes.

The burglaries happened over a 24-hour period, and the suspect looks to be wearing the same clothing in each event.

Indio Police ask anyone who recognizes this person or who may have surveillance video or experienced a similar crime to contact Sgt. Traynham at 760-541-4522 or at btraynham@indiopd.org. Police add that you may remain anonymous.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two people were hospitalized after a hit-and-run crash involving a semi-truck and an SUV Thursday morning on Interstate 10 in Indio.

The crash was first reported at around 11 a.m. on the eastbound side on the I-10, west of Monroe.

According to the California Highway Patrol, an SUV was traveling in the slow lane when it collided with a Semi. The impact caused the SUV to lose control and overturn onto the right shoulder.  

The driver and a passenger were transported to a nearby hospital after complaints of pain.

It is unknown who is at fault at this time, police said.

CHP is investigating the crash as a hit-and-run, as the semi truck did not stay at the scene.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A program to provide money to businesses impacted by the Palm Springs fertility clinic bombing in May was announced Thursday.   

“The Palm Springs City Council and I are unwavering in our commitment to our local businesses,” Mayor Ron deHarte said in announcing the program. “That’s why we’ve allocated $50,000 to directly invest in and help our small businesses not just reopen but truly rebuild and thrive after the May 17th attack.”  

The city’s “Recovery Fund” is aimed at paying expenses not covered by insurance or other recovery programs.   

The fund will benefit businesses located within the Disaster Overlay Zone.   

“Our community thrives when our businesses thrive. This fund is designed to support them as they rebuild and return to doing what they do best,” City Manager Scott Miles said.

Visit engagepalmsprings.com and contact Wayne Olson, Chief Economic Development Officer to begin the application process at business.info@palmspringsca.gov.

The car-bombing largely destroyed the American Reproductive Centers clinic at 1199 N. Indian Canyon Drive, while damaging businesses in a several-block radius. The bomber, 25-year-old Guy Edward Bartkus, was the only person to die in the blast.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Three men were arrested after Indio police officers seized illegal fireworks and firearms in the Coachella Valley, police said today.

A search warrant was served around 6 p.m. Wednesday in the 1500 block of Second Street, in Coachella, regarding a market allegedly selling illegal fireworks to minors.

Authorities recovered “a substantial amount of illegal fireworks, a handgun and an AK-47 rifle,” said police. The seized firearms were not legally registered.

Two men from the market were arrested.   

Another man was arrested following a served search warrant regarding illegal fireworks in the Coachella Valley.   

All three men, whose identities were not revealed, were booked into the Benoit Detention Center in Indio.

Officers advised residents that fines up to $2,000 can be issued to people using illegal fireworks as a first time offense.   

“We’re committed to helping everyone enjoy the holiday safely,” said Police Chief Brian Tully. “By conducting proactive enforcement like last night’s operation, we’re working to prevent injuries, fire and crimes, so our community can celebrate responsibly.”

Anyone with information regarding illegal fireworks was urged to contact a dedicated hotline at 442-300-3104, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – California Highway Patrol is reminding residents and visitors about staying safe during July 4th, especially as over 72 million Americans are forecasted to travel throughout the weekend, according to AAA.

While CHP and residents say traveling is good for everyone, officers say it raises concerns over traveler safety. Because of the number of people potential spending the holiday throughout the Valley, CHP says it will be engaging its maximum holiday enforcement period.

Officers across the state will be on patrol from Thursday night through Sunday, looking out for the five main collision factors they see each Fourth of July – DUI’s, distracted driving, speeding, seatbelt violations and drug impairment.

While all violations are serious, CHP says DUI is its biggest concern over the weekend, especially as people join nightly celebrations. Last year, CHP made 1,300 DUI arrests statewide during its holiday enforcement period, with 13 of those arrests in the Indio area.

One thing they feel people don’t realize is DUI extends beyond drunk driving and reaches to cannabis or prescription drug use. They say no matter what substance people take and no matter how much, it has the potential to impair their ability to drive.

Their message to the public is stay safe, stay sober and don’t risk it. If any residents see reckless drivers on the road, CHP advices anyone that sees something to say something and call 911.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from a concerned resident and CHP on the importance of staying sober and safe this Fourth of July.

Click here to follow the original article.