Riverside County’s first courthouse facility dog retires after five years of service

Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office announced the retirement of Courthouse Facility Dog K9 Rachel, who has provided five years of dedicated service supporting victims and witnesses of crime.

She was the first courthouse facility dog in Riverside County to provide these critical services.

According to the DA’s office, Rachel joined the DA’s Office on November 12, 2020, and quickly became an essential member of the Division of Victim Services. Throughout her career, she supported more than 500 children and direct victims of crime.

Her steady companionship on the witness stand, during meetings with prosecutors, and throughout community outreach and peer-support deployments helped bring comfort, stability, and a trauma-informed presence to the justice process.

“K9 Rachel has been amazing in helping children share and relive traumatizing events when they take the stand to have their voices heard,” said Director of the Division of Victim Services Melissa Donaldson.

In recognition of her outstanding professional service, District Attorney Hestrin has formally commended K9 Rachel for her years of dedicated work on behalf of victims and the community, extending heartfelt appreciation and best wishes as she transitions into retirement.

Following her retirement, Rachel will enjoy a well-deserved life of rest, love, and play with her family – continuing to bring joy to all who know her

Click here to follow the original article.

Record numbers turnout for the Thanksgiving annual Martha’s Village & Kitchen 5K

Tauli Anderson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands of runners, walkers, and families laced up their shoes early Thanksgiving morning, all for a good cause.

The annual Martha’s Village & Kitchen 5K is a holiday staple that has been in the valley for nearly two decades.

The high-energy event has record numbers this year, drawing more than 3,000 participants.

Each step taken helps raise vital funds to support individuals and families facing homelessness, food insecurity, and financial hardship across the Coachella Valley.

The Thanksgiving season makes the event even more impactful. Funds raised today help provide thousands of holiday meals and support year-round programs that offer stability, housing assistance, and job training to those in need.

For those who couldn’t attend the 5K, organizers say there are still many ways to contribute—through donations, volunteering, or supporting Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s ongoing programs.

 

Click here to follow the original article.

Local families host nearby Marines for Thanksgiving meal, activities

Kendall Flynn

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly 350 Marines, who are away from their families, will be welcomed into local homes this Thanksgiving. Residents of eight county clubs will host two or more Marines for the meal and holiday activities.

The day is organized by the nonprofit organization American Friends of our Armed Forces, with partners with the county clubs and transports the Marines. The Marines are currently completing a four-month training at the Marine Corps Communications Electronics school.

The Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells is joined by the Hideaway, Indian Palms, Indian Wells, Rancho La Quinta, The Lakes, The Reserve and Palm Valley country clubs in hosting Marines.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from families and Marines about what the day means to them as they celebrate Thanksgiving.

Click here to follow the original article.

Martha’s Village hosts annual Thanksgiving meal service

Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Martha’s Village and Kitchen is hosting their annual thanksgiving meal service at 11 a.m. today following their 19th annual 5K on El Paseo. The event is open to the public and they expect to serve up to 2,000 meals.

Martha’s Village and Kitchen is located at 83791 Date Avenue, Indio, CA 92201.

Click here to follow the original article.

Car Fire Shuts Down Eastbound Traffic on State Route 62 Near Indian Canyon

Joel Killam

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — A reported car fire blocked eastbound lanes of State Route 62 near Indian Canyon Wednesday evening, causing major traffic delays. A News Channel 3 crew observed traffic backed up between Indian Canyon and Pierson Boulevard as vehicles headed uphill toward Morongo Valley. Fire crews were dispatched, but gridlock made access difficult. Authorities requested additional assistance for traffic control. No injuries have been reported at this time.

This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Video captures break in at Palm Springs Motors

Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Police are investigating a burglary at Palm Springs Motors Quick Lane Tire & Auto Center.

Security cameras captured the thieves during the burglary at Quick Lane, located at 200 Highway 111.

Police said details were limited and the case remains under investigation.

If anyone from the public has information reference the burglary, they can report their information anonymously to the Cathedral City Police Department Watch Commander at (760)770-0313.

Click here to follow the original article.

Twentynine Palms man accused of assaulting two people, fleeing from deputies

Jesus Reyes

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A 24-year-old man from Twentynine Palms was arrested after allegedly assaulting two people and causing a police pursuit.

The incident was first reported at around 4:35 p.m. on the 6400 block of Del Monte Avenue.

Authorities said the suspect, identified as Patrick Torres, assaulted a 43-year-old man and a 45-year-old woman. Torres allegedly used a bat to injure one of the victims. He fled the scene before deputies arrived.

Torres was eventually found driving near the incident location. As deputies were conducting a traffic stop, Torres allegedly fled from law enforcement, driving away at a high rate of speed. Torres led law enforcement on a pursuit through the Town of Yucca Valley and Morongo Valley.

He was subsequently stopped and taken into custody without incident at the termination of the pursuit.

According to court records, Torres was charged Wednesday with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon, vandalism and evading police.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1 800-78-CRIME (27463), or leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

Click here to follow the original article.

Thanksgiving travel in full swing around the Coachella Valley

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Thanksgiving crowds are here! Travelers are driving and flying into the Coachella Valley, visiting family and friends.

Flyers at Palm Springs International Airport reported smooth travels from spots like Seattle, Tulsa, and Atlanta. Most said they chose to wake up before the crack of dawn – a decision many called worthwhile.

So far, according to the airport’s flight status page, there have been minimal delays to arrivals and departures throughout the day.

Stay with us for the latest on traffic conditions and what travelers are experiencing this Thanksgiving.

Click here to follow the original article.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino to host job fair for public safety officers

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is hosting a Career Expo to hire public safety officers next week.

The event will be held on Friday, Dec. 5, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the resort’s Special Events Center.

Fantasy Springs is looking for motivated and qualified individuals to join its growing team. Hiring managers will conduct on-site interviews and extend job offers to well-suited candidates the same day.

Interested applicants must bring a current resume and are encouraged to schedule an appointment in advance by contacting the Fantasy Springs Recruitment Center at 760-238-5687.

Fantasy Springs offers an exceptional employment package that includes Competitive Wages and Advancement Opportunities, Tuition Reimbursement, Free Meals for All Team Members, a Robust Health Benefits Package, 401 (k) Retirement Programs, Entertainment and Restaurant Discounts throughout the property, Wellness Programs, Free Family Events, Scholarships available for employees’ High School Graduates, and more.

“Fantasy Springs is more than a place to work, it’s a community where every team member is supported, valued, and empowered to grow,” said Robert Silverang, Director of Human Resources at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. “Whether you’re launching your career or looking for your next big opportunity, we invite you to discover what’s possible with us.”

To view all current job openings and learn more about working at Fantasy Springs, please visit: www.fantasyspringsresort.com/employment/.

Click here to follow the original article.

Peak holiday travel expected Wednesday and Sunday

Tauli Anderson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Wednesday and Sunday are expected to be the busiest travel days of the holiday week as millions of Americans make their way to their Thanksgiving destinations.

While Palm Springs International Airport is bracing for heavy passenger traffic, the majority of travelers will be driving — and the California Highway Patrol is urging everyone to stay safe.

The CHP’s Thanksgiving Maximum Enforcement Period begins Wednesday, meaning officers will be out in full force watching for speeding, impaired driving, seatbelt violations, and other dangerous behaviors on the road.

We’ll have more on holiday travel, watch our coverage starting at 4 p.m. on News Channel 3.

 

Click here to follow the original article.