Author: KESQ

Luis Avila

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – A sea of candlelight illuminated the Civic Center Campus in La Quinta Thursday night, as residents gathered in solemn remembrance of the lives lost and the heroes who emerged on September 11, 2001.

The ceremony, part of ongoing 9/11 commemorations across the Coachella Valley, served as both a memorial and a call for unity in today’s divided times.

Dozens of community members joined local leaders for a moment of silence and reflection, standing shoulder to shoulder beneath the glow of candlelight. For many, the emotions tied to the tragic events of 9/11 remain just as raw more than two decades later.

“To this day, it still touches everyone… I’m here tonight to remember that horrible day and to honor all those poor souls that were taken.”

George Mendoza, Attendee

The centerpiece of the event was a permanent memorial featuring a steel beam recovered from the wreckage of the World Trade Center — a tangible reminder of the devastation and the resilience that followed.

City leaders spoke, recalling how the nation came together in the days following the attacks.

“We remember the unity. The compassion. The resolve. Strangers became neighbors. Communities became families. Our country stood tall.”

John Pena, La Quinta Council Member

The ceremony also focused on educating younger generations — many of whom weren’t yet born when the attacks happened.

“We are here to remember — yes, but also to teach. To remind each other and the generations to come that remembering matters because forgetting is not an option.”

Steve Sanchez, La Quinta Council Member

As candles flickered in the night, the overarching message was clear: unity, compassion, and courage must continue to guide us forward.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – The National Transportation Safety Board released its final report on an investigation into a helicopter crash that killed three firefighters in Cabazon in 2023.

Cal Fire Assistant Chief Josh Bischof, Fire Captain Tim Rodriguez, and contract pilot Tony Sousa were killed when two helicopters collided mid-air while battling a fire in Cabazon on Aug. 6, 2023. The second helicopter, a Skycrane helitanker, sustained minor damage, and the pilot and copilot were not injured, according to the NTSB.

Probable Cause and Findings (Per NTSB 9/11/25):

“The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:The Skycrane flight crew’s decision to enter the Fire Traffic Area’s 7-nm NOCOM ring at analtitude significantly above their maximum cleared altitude, which resulted in their need for anaggressive descent into congested airspace and subsequent failure to see and avoid the Bell407.”

The Bell 407 and Skycrane were dispatched and departed about 3 minutes apart. The Bell 407 travelled north, skirting and staying west of the San Jacinto Mountain range between Hemet-Ryan Airport and the fire, while the Skycrane travelled northeast over the western section of the mountain range. Both helicopters were operating under FTA procedures overseen by CAL FIRE.

Recorded ADS-B data with select communications annotated

According to CAL FIRE’s procedures, inbound aircraft were required to contact the Air Tactical Group Supervisor (ATGS) for permission to proceed into both the 12-nm Initial Communication Ring as well as the 7-nm No Communication (NOCOM) Ring of the FTA.

Likely due to the mountainous terrain, neither helicopter was able to receive a clear radio signal from ATGS before entering the 12-nm ring. Instead, both helicopter crews decided to maneuver to have a better line of sight for radio transmission before reaching the 7-nm ring.

Flight track data and communication recordings showed that the Bell 407 flight crew initiated a 360° turn to establish communication with ATGS before crossing the 7-nm ring. Shortly after, they descended and leveled off at the maximum assigned altitude of 2,500 ft msl, about 5 nm from the fire, where they stayed in level flight until the collision.

ADS-B data during later part of flight with select communications annotated.

Report_WPR23FA302_192807_9_11_2025 5_37_56 PMDownload

Following the release of the final report, CAL FIRE released a list of actions the agency has taken to prevent similar events from occurring in the future

Aviation Safety Enhancements Implemented by CAL FIRE

Enhanced Pilot Training: Developed and implemented a comprehensive training program for Exclusive Use contract helicopter pilots. This includes three modules—totaling 14 hours—covering classroom instruction, sand table exercises, and flight training focused on safety, communications, strategy, tactics, Fire Traffic Area (FTA) procedures, Base/Unit expectations, interoperability with CAL FIRE aircraft, fire scenarios, and coordination with ground resources.

Strengthened After-Action Reviews: Mandated daily AARs led by aerial and/or base supervisors, with immediate reviews required following any identified FTA policy or procedure deviations.

Empowered Aerial Supervisors: Provided tools, guidance, and authority to supervisors to adjust tactics and resource application in real time to increase operational safety.

Expanded Briefings: Broadened Helitack and Air Attack Base morning briefings to include all assigned aircraft, defining roles, departure sequencing, flight routes in controlled or congested airspace, and expected actions upon arrival at incidents.

Updated Communications Protocols: Eliminated the use of “tower” terminology for CAL FIRE aviation communication facilities, standardizing the use of discrete frequencies.

Interagency Training: Distributed interagency safety training materials and conducted enterprise-wide training, including Crew Resource Management, FTA safety, and communications. A traveling CAL FIRE team also provided in-person training to cooperating counties and partner agencies.

Strengthened Contract Requirements: Revised aircraft contracts to require Traffic Avoidance Systems and Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast In (ADS-B) technology.

Standardized FTA Checklist: Developed and distributed a detailed FTA checklist with step-by-step instructions for entering FTAs, now integrated into CAL FIRE training programs and used by all CAL FIRE flight crews and Exclusive Use contractors.

Wrongful death lawsuits have been filed on behalf of all three fallen first responders in the Superior Court of Riverside County.

“We appreciate the NTSB’s thorough investigation and findings of accountability for this completely avoidable mid-air collision. These men were on a heroic mission to save lives, and their loss was tragic not only for their families but also for their communities,” said Gary C. Robb, the aviation attorney representing the Bischof and Rodriguez families. “The public on the ground and our first responders in the air are owed diligence and due care of flight operators during these firefighting missions. The system failed them here, and the families’ greatest wish is that safety practices will be improved as a result of lessons learned here, so this never happens again.”

Robb recently served as lead counsel for Vanessa Bryant in the helicopter crash that killed her husband, NBA legend Kobe Bryant. Robb was also involved in a settlement earlier this year for another firefighting helicopter pilot killed while fighting a 2020 wildfire in Southern California.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Haleemon Anderson

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. – (KESQ) Hockey fans will get a first look at the Coachella Valley Firebirds new brand name at the Viva Indio street festival in Downtown Indio, Saturday, Sept. 13 from 5-9 p.m.

A pop-up shop at the annual community event, which celebrates Hispanic pride and culture, will showcase the new Los Firebirds brand and official Los Firebirds merchandise.

The new brand identity is designed to ignite pride, belonging, and cultural connection across the desert community. As part of the festivities, there will be an exclusive Los Firebirds t-shirt giveaway (while supplies last), interactive puck shoot games and more, including a visit from team mascot Fuego.

“Los Firebirds is the Firebirds through the eyes and heart of the Coachella Valley’s vibrant culture rooted in Hispanic heritage, but open to all,” said Gina Rotolo, Vice President of Marketing and Business Services for the Coachella Valley Firebirds. “This is a celebration of community, unity, and shared orgullo (pride), designed to reflect and uplift every voice in our desert.” 

The team envisions Los Firebirds as a year-round movement powered by culture, family, and comunidad, (community) – a promise that hockey belongs to everyone.

Rotolo continued, “This is a vibrant, growing branch of Firebirds Territory, welcoming everyone to participate in the experience, not just to watch, but to belong.” 

With the 2025-26 hockey season set to start in October, the Firebirds hope the addition of the Los Firebirds brand will bring an inclusive hockey experience where every fan, from kids to abuelitas, can see themselves in the story. 

“The Firebirds are more than just a team — they’re part of our community,” said Indio Mayor Glenn Miller. “We are so excited to have them join ¡VIVA INDIO! as we celebrate Hispanic heritage. Their unveiling of Los Firebirds adds even more excitement to a night that already promises incredible performances, food, and fun.” 

Opening season puck drop is October 10, 7 p.m. vs. San Diego at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.

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Jesus Reyes

Cathedral City, Calif. (KESQ) – Anne Ambrose was officially appointed as Interim City Manager of Cathedral City, following the retirement of Charles McClendon.

The City Council of Cathedral City approved Ambrose’s appointment during Wednesday’s meeting. It goes into effect on Sept. 20.

Ambrose, who has served as the City’s Assistant City Manager since January 2023, will lead the organization during the recruitment process for a permanent City Manager following the retirement of Charles McClendon.

She will serve in both the City Manager and Assistant City Manager roles during the recruitment process.

“Anne has demonstrated exceptional leadership and comprehensive knowledge of our City’s operations over the past two and a half years,” said Mayor Nancy Ross. “Her experience and familiarity with our programs and projects make her the ideal choice to ensure continuity of service during this transition period.”

McClendon announced his retirement in June after 11 years of service to the city and a 47-year career in local government. He was honored during Wednesday’s meeting.

His final day is set for Sept. 19.

The City Council has engaged Bob Murray and Associates to conduct a nationwide recruitment process, which is expected to take approximately six months. City officials said the goal is to have a permanent City Manager in place by early 2026.

During her tenure as Assistant City Manager, city officials said Ambrose has been instrumental in overseeing the City’s day-to-day operations and has gained deep familiarity with all municipal programs and projects. She took an active leadership role in our response and recovery efforts for Tropical Storm Hillary and the implementation of the City’s 5-Year Strategic Plan, as well as the implementation of the city’s Citizen Self Service Portal, and has made significant strides in enhancing the city’s offering of online services, including licensing, permitting, inspections and payments.

City officials said her appointment ensures seamless continuity of leadership and service to the community.

“I’m honored by the Council’s confidence in my ability to serve Cathedral City in this expanded role,” Ambrose said. “Having worked closely with the team and community for over two years, I’m committed to maintaining our momentum on key initiatives while ensuring smooth operations during this transition.”

Ambrose brings more than 25 years of local government experience to the position.

Before joining Cathedral City, she served as interim city manager for the City of California City in Kern County, where she oversaw 142 employees and a $67 million budget. She also spent 24 years at the City of Palmdale, serving as the Director of Public Safety and Community Relations from 1999-2013 and Director of Administrative Services from 2013-2021, where she led organizational improvements and enhanced customer service delivery.

A graduate of Kent State University, Ambrose holds a Master of Public Administration degree from California State University, Northridge, and is a graduate of the Leading, Educating, and Developing (LEAD) Program at the University of Virginia’s Weldon Cooper Center for Public Service.

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A retired cross-country truck driver previously convicted of murder in Texas pleaded not guilty to charges in the 1992 murder of a woman found dead in Desert Center.

Douglas Thomas pleaded not guilty to charges in the murder of Sherri Herrera, 30, of Tulare, California. He is scheduled to return to court for a felony settlement conference on Dec. 3.

Thomas worked as a truck driver for more than 40 years and traveled extensively across the United States.

Douglas Thomas

Herrera, a mother of four, was found dead on March 30, 1993, on the eastbound Hayfield Road on-ramp to I-10 in Desert Center.

Sherri Herrera

The case went cold for nearly 30 years until a breakthrough in 2022.

In May 2022, Thomas was arrested by Texas Rangers after DNA evidence linked him to the April 1992 murder of a woman in Titus County, Texas. He was later convicted in that case and sentenced to 40 years to life in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

According to the DA’s office, Thomas’s DNA also matched evidence recovered in the Herrera investigation. Detectives with the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team traveled to Texas to interview Thomas about Herrera’s murder.

Following their investigation, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office charged Thomas with the 1993 murder of Herrera. Prosecutors also filed a special circumstance allegation of  murder during the commission of a rape.

Although Thomas is serving his Texas sentence, the Riverside County DA’s Office initiated the Interstate Agreement on Detainers process with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice. The agency said the legal process allows California authorities to take custody of Thomas despite his Texas incarceration, ensuring he will face justice in Riverside County.

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Kendall Flynn

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Sands Unified School Districts is honoring the lives lost 24 years ago on Sept. 11. The district’s principals and other administrative staff gathered together for moments of silence and patriotism.

Two of DSUSD’s principal are retired military, and each shared their experience in 2001. Both believe it is ceremony’s like this that are vital to keeping everyone educated on the tragedy, but to also teach their students about kindness and bullies.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from the principals and superintendent about the ceremony.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – While the new generation of students was not born during the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks on the Twin Towers, local schools continue to teach them about its history.

Studies show teaching students about 9/11 is important to give the younger generation factual information about a significant day that shaped the nation. As the day has complex global factors, educators say breaking down what lead to the attacks, what happened during and after is important even 24 years later.

Eighth grade U.S. History teacher, Debbie Sanchez, at Raymond Cree Middle School spent the day teaching her students about the tragic events. She molded the lesson into ways to discuss heavy topics respectfully, but asking students to choose words to define that they felt drawn to.

Students chose a variety of words like justice, freedom, diversity and rights. Sanchez said it’s important to teach them how to have respectful conversations about divided topics.

“As adults, we actually tend to discourage discussing religion politics because it can be divisive,” Sanchez said. “And the students, the children of the community, they came together and discussed…in a academic, caring and thoughtful way.”

She said each year her teaching style has to adapt to her students, especially as they are not a generation that was alive during the attacks. She makes sure the lesson is impactful and palatable.

“I don’t think it will always be like this,” Sanchez said. “I think as a teacher it’s my job to change to adapt to deliver to my audience information in a way that is interesting and palatable for them but it it’ll never change the impact and the importance of 9/11.”

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from a teacher and students about the day of remembrance and how their honoring it with education.

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Athena Jreij

SAN JACINTO, Calif. (KESQ) — As the Riverside County Department of Animal Services battles it’s overcrowding crisis, they’re pushing more volunteers to take dogs out into the community seeking adopters.

The program, ‘Dog Day Out,’ allows for one-day foster field trips where volunteers can give dogs a day of activities away from their kennel, which include walks to the park, a local coffee shop or mall for some.

“These outings are gamechangers: dogs get to exercise, socialize, de-stress, and show off their personalities—all of which help them shine for potential adopters. In fact, studies show that just one day out of the shelter makes a dog 5x more likely to be adopted,” the county says.

Volunteer Ashleigh Dunn has taken dozens of dogs out and with the help of social media promotion, she says nearly all have been adopted.

” I think it’s just important to kind of beat the stigma of shelter pets always having these issues like they’re all aggressive or can’t be placed in a family home when really they’re just like most other dogs,” Dunn said.

She says the difference in animals behavior when they get out of the shelter, is noticeable almost immediately.

“They’re usually 80 to 100% different from when they’re in their kennel. So when you take them out so and they’re barking at you in the kennel, and then you take them out and they turn into a normal dog, they just want to take a nap,” Dunn said.

It comes as shelters deal with critical overcapacity, with the San Jacinto Animal Campus at 286% over-capacity.

“In particular to San Jacinto, we do need to see more foot traffic here for the amount of animals that continue to come in. Fostering, adopting and making space in any of our kennels helps the other shelter systems, because that’s making space that we might not otherwise have,” Veronica Perez with RCDAS said.

Dog Day Out trips require appointments at the San Jacinto Animal Campus and the Riverside County West Animal Shelter. Walk-ins are allowed at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus.

If you’re interested in participating, visit: https://rcdas.org/dog-day-out

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Karen Devine

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A tragic case in Desert Hot Springs is shining a spotlight on the growing danger of fentanyl — not just for users, but for the most vulnerable: children.

An I-Team investigation has uncovered two separate cases in the last two years where children under the age of four died from fentanyl exposure in Desert Hot Springs alone. One of those children was just two years old.

Nova Morreo was only two years old when she was found unresponsive in her home last year. Detectives say life-saving efforts were attempted, but it was too late.

“A call was placed, it was a 911 call from the home that a child was unresponsive. Our patrol team responded out there, and they attempted life-saving measures. However, the child had visible signs of death already,” said Detective Celia Romero of the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

Nova’s mother, Crystal Monique Ward, and her boyfriend, Israel Contreras, were charged with felony child endangerment after toxicology reports revealed a substantial amount of fentanyl in the child’s system.

“A two-year-old did not obtain the drug themselves. What we know is that somebody brought it into the home or put it in a place where the child could have easily gotten to it,” added Romero.

Nova’s case is not the only one.

According to Desert Hot Springs detectives, this marks the second case in just two years where a child under the age of four has died due to fentanyl exposure.

“It’s a tragedy when anybody passes away, period. It’s even more tragic when someone passes away of a 100% preventable situation, and it’s even worse when it’s a child,” said Detective Sergeant Cory Carranza.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office is pursuing harsh penalties in fentanyl-related deaths. But fentanyl awareness advocates argue more accountability is needed.

“Less than 2% of all drug deaths result in the conviction of a drug dealer and we need to reverse that,” said Matt Capelouto, who lost his daughter Alexandra to fentanyl poisoning in 2019.

Capelouto successfully helped push for the prosecution of the man who sold his daughter the counterfeit pill. The dealer was sentenced to nine years in federal prison in 2022.

“Law enforcement has taken a strong stance. These drug dealers are very aware of it and they’re making conscious efforts to avoid dealing drugs in these areas,” Capelouto added.

California voters overwhelmingly approved Proposition 36 last year, allowing felony charges and increasing sentences for certain drug and theft crimes.

“People are realizing we’re serious about this. Now they’re going to jail, and they’re putting the word back out on the streets,” said Detective Sgt. Carranza.

Detectives emphasize that fentanyl use around children is especially dangerous and often fatal.

“Unfortunately, drug users are not cautious with their drugs. They are very irresponsible, and a lot of times they’re left out where children can mistakenly take a pill and mistake it for some candy,” said Detective Romero.

While Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, is widely available, it’s not stopping usage — just the fatal overdoses.

“It’s not uncommon to see even unhoused people out in the streets who are fentanyl users have a whole bunch of Narcan with them,” Carranza noted.

Nova Morreo’s case is moving forward. Her mother and her mother’s boyfriend face up to six years in prison if convicted. They are expected back in court next month.

“I felt like we had closed a chapter for Nova — a chapter that needed to be closed. Somebody needed to go out there and seek justice for what happened to her,” said Detective Romero.

Fentanyl continues to take lives across California, but when children become the victims, law enforcement and community advocates are drawing a clear line: this is not an accident and there will be consequences.

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Garrett Hottle

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ)  Twenty-four years after the September 11th terrorist attacks, firefighters climbed the stairs of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa today to honor the 343 FDNY firefighters who gave their lives at Ground Zero.

The 9/11 Memorial Stair Climb began with a morning ceremony, followed by participants scaling the equivalent of 110 stories inside the casino tower. The number of participants is capped at 343 climbers to reflect the number of fallen firefighters.

Morongo Fire Chief Abdul Khamet recalled the shock of watching events unfold on duty in 2001.

“We were completely in shock for what we were witnessing,” he explained. “Firefighters were entering into the tower to save as many lives as possible. And in the course of doing that, some of them met their fate,” Khamet said.

The Morongo Fire Department, which began as a volunteer wildland crew called the Flying Eagles in the 1950s, now operates as a full-time department with nearly 50 firefighters and EMTs answering more than 1,500 calls a year.

Captain Krone with the Morongo Fire Department said the climb shows the department’s commitment to remembrance.

“It feels great, it’s inspiring,” he said. “It reminds us every day when we get on the truck what we’re here to do. The phrase we’ll never forget gets tossed around, but an event like this truly shows it.”

This year’s event carried a powerful local connection. 

In August, New York officials confirmed the identification of 72-year-old Barbara Keating of Palm Springs, nearly 25 years after she died aboard American Airlines Flight 11 when it crashed into the North Tower.

Chief Craig Sanborn with the Cathedral City Fire Department described the challenge of the stair climb and the meaning behind it.

“Climbing the stairs, it’s exhausting, it’s hot… but we power through. We cheer each other on, and I always say a little prayer for the name I’m carrying.”

Keating’s identification is among more than 1,650 victims identified to date. Roughly 1,100 remain unidentified.

“My heart goes out to the families,” Chief Khamet said. “We are here to make sure, as we always say on the side of our engines, that we will never forget.”

The stair climb is one of dozens nationwide organized by the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Funds raised support programs for the families of fallen firefighters.

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