Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ) – A raven cracked one of the bald eagle eggs at the Big Bear nest.

The eggs were left unguarded for several hours. At around 3:30 p.m., a raven got up into the nest and took off the eggs, eventually cracking the shell.

The raven pecked at the second eggs, but didn’t fully crack it. Jackie made her way back to the nest shortly after, but it was too late.

According to the non-profit, Friends of Big Bear Valley, the ravens breached both eggs.

“It is with great sadness to report that both of Jackie & Shadow’s eggs were breached by ravens earlier today,” reads a FOBBV post. “Just before noon, Shadow left the nest, Jackie did not come in, and Shadow did not return for a few hours. We will never know why, but we are sure they had their reasons as they have been incubating the eggs faithfully.”

FOBBV officials said there is a possibility that a second clutch of eggs is laid since it’s still early in the season, but it’s not guaranteed.

“Jackie and Shadow will need to move on from incubating first. It generally takes a month for a female’s body to recover and be ready to lay eggs again,” the non-profit wrote.

You can watch the livestream of the nest, courtesy of the Friends of Big Bear Valley, below:

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A Las Vegas man charged with carrying a loaded firearm without a permit to a Donald Trump rally in the Coachella Valley could have his charges dropped after a six-month period.

On Thursday, Vem Miller was found eligible for misdemeanor diversion for a period of six months. He could have his charges dropped if he does not break any laws, completes 40 hours of community service, 4-hour Life Skills Class, and an 8-hour Gun Safety Class.

A hearing for possible dismissal is scheduled for July 30 at the Larson Justice Center. He was ordered to enroll in and complete the diversion program by that date, according to the District Attorney’s office.

Miller was arrested on Oct. 13, 2024, while trying to enter Trump’s rally near Coachella. Authorities said they seized a shotgun, a loaded handgun, and a high-capacity magazine from the vehicle.

He pleaded not guilty to charges of carrying a loaded firearm in a public place.

Miller has stated that he supports Trump and only had the guns for protection.

“I’m an artist, I’m the last person that would cause any violence and harm to anybody,” Miller told Southern California News Group. 

In a news conference the day after the arrest, Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco said deputies may have prevented a third assassination attempt on Trump.

“As far as I’m concerned, a minimum of 25,000 people passed deputies with legitimate identification and didn’t have guns,” Bianco said in Oct. 2024. “I probably did have deputies that prevented the third assassination attempt. I truly do believe that we prevented another assassination attempt.”

The sheriff later appeared to walk back that statement, acknowledging in a Los Angeles Times interview that Miller “probably wasn’t there to hurt former President Trump.”

Miller said he was cleared by the FBI of any assassination accusations.

“I was falsely accused of being the third Trump assassin,” Vem Miller of Las Vegas told the County Board of Supervisors shortly after his arrest. “The FBI cleared me. Nevertheless, Chad Bianco can go on a media tour and accuse me (because he wants) to be the next corrupt governor of California.”

Miller filed a $100 million lawsuit in Nevada against Bianco, a Sheriff’s deputy, and Riverside County, alleging defamation of character. The federal civil rights suit listed ten causes of action, including violations of Constitutional rights, defamation, and intentional infliction of emotional distress in connection with the arrest.

Bianco responded to the lawsuit in a statement to News Channel 3:

“Let me see if I have this correct:  a lawsuit was filed the next business day, combined with all of these outlandish allegations and supposed evidence by the guy who had an unregistered vehicle with fake license plates, had multiple ID’s including passports from other countries in different names, with illegal loaded guns attempting to get into a trump rally after the former president had two attempts on his life.  Since no one in their right mind thinks what he did is okay, this is looking more and more suspicious like it was staged, quite possibly by “someone” seeking attention.   Literally the next day after getting out of jail, he and his supposed attorney were claiming second amendment violations.  Everything from the social media blitz from “influencers” to the next day lawsuit certainly appears very suspect.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office also provided a statement on the lawsuit:

“We acknowledge the lawsuit filed against the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office and take such matters seriously. However, as it is pending litigation, we cannot comment on the specifics at this time. We are committed to transparency and will cooperate fully with the legal process. Our priority remains the safety and well-being of the community we serve. We appreciate your understanding as we address this matter.”

Miller is being represented by attorney Sigal Chattah. According to Fox 5 Las Vegas, Chattah is also a Republican National Committeewoman.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs officials will host a flag-raising ceremony tomorrow at City Hall to mark the start of Black History Month.   

The ceremony is scheduled from 2 p.m. to 2:15 p.m. Saturday at 3200 East Tahquitz Canyon Way.   

Participants will include Mayor Naomi Soto, members of the city’s Black History Committee and city councilmembers.   

Check Out: Black History Month events in the Coachella Valley

The event is free and open to the public. Officials will raise the city’s Black History Month flag to honor the significance of the month and recognize the contributions of African Americans in Palm Springs, officials said.

“This flag raising ceremony marks a meaningful moment as we come together to honor the rich history, culture and legacy of our African American community,” Soto said in a statement.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 29-year-old man was sentenced to more than 50 years to life for his role in a drug-related robbery and killing of a Palm Desert man on Christmas Day 2016.

Roger Rodriguez of La Quinta was convicted of murder and robbery charges Thursday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. He was sentenced to 11 years, 8 months plus an intermediate sentence of 50 years to life, court records show.

Rodriguez, along with Indio residents Alejandro Zendejas and Anthony Garcia, were arrested with killing Skyler Siva, 24, of Christmas Day 2016.

Alejandro Zendejas (Left) and Anthony Garcia (Right)

Zendejas pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter in October 2018. He is scheduled to be sentenced on March 20, according to court records.

Garcia was convicted of murder and robbery in November 2021. He was sentenced to life without the possibility of parole, court records show.

In 2021, a mistrial was declared in Rodriguez’s case due to a hung jury.

Deputies found the victim on his couch, wounded but still alive just after 4 p.m. on Dec. 25, 2016, in the 43400 block of Illinois Avenue in Palm Desert, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. He died at a hospital less than an hour later.

The trio was at Siva’s home that day to purchase marijuana from him. He was then robbed and shot by Rodriguez and Garcia, with Zendejas acting as the getaway driver, the prosecution said in court papers.

Rodriguez was spotted by witnesses running from the home, and was arrested three days later in Palm Desert, according to court documents. Garcia and Zendejas allegedly fled from the scene in Rodriguez’s car.

Garcia was arrested on Jan. 4, 2017, in La Quinta, while Zendejas was taken into custody 20 days later in Palm Desert.

Zendejas had a felony conviction for assault. Rodriguez had felony convictions for burglary and assault with a deadly weapon. Garcia, meanwhile, has no documented felony convictions, but he does have an unresolved robbery case.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival will return next month for its 78th year with fan-favorite attractions, live entertainment and new immersive spaces at the Riverside County Fairgrounds in Indio.

With this year’s theme, “Return to the Oasis,” the festival will run from Feb. 12 through March 1 at 46350 Arabia St.   

Organizers said there will be a refreshed look and new exhibits for this year’s festival, including the debut of the National Date Festival museum inside the Sands of Time building, as well as the Oasis Lounge and Tiki bar.   

The museum will offer visitors information about date farming, the festival’s history and the agricultural roots of the Coachella Valley. Nearby attractions will include the Hall of Ribbons, the Cave of Wonders and the Palm Pavilion, which highlights the valley’s signature crop — dates.

The Oasis Lounge and Tiki Bar will feature tiki-style drinks, tropical décor, Hawaiian music on the Balcony Stage, and Polynesian dancers and fire-spinning performances on the Luau Stage.

“We’re always looking for ways to make the things people love even better, while adding new surprises to bring guests back and welcome those who haven’t visited in a while,” Chris Pickering, CEO of Pickering Events, said in a statement.

Scheduled entertainment includes monster truck shows on Feb. 12 and 13, a Monster X demo derby on Feb. 14, Gran Jaripeo-Tardeada featuring Roberto Tapia on Feb. 21, and PRCA rodeo performances from Feb. 28 through March 1.   

Additional attractions will include daily performances by all-Alaskan racing pigs, “Jump! The Ultimate Dog Show,” a petting farm and other family-friendly acts.

The festival will also host an LGBTQ-inclusive day on Feb. 14 titled “Out at the Fair,” featuring live music, dance-fitness programming and a drag show with performers from One Eleven Bar.

“The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival reaches communities across the county and supports programs that matter,” Fourth District Supervisor Manuel Perez said in a statement. “Every visit helps sustain youth exhibits, arts and baking competitions, gem and mineral showcases, and the agricultural traditions that make Riverside County unique.”  

More information on tickets, schedules and event details is available at datefest.org.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs International Airport announced today that United Airlines will offer daily nonstop flights between Los Angeles and Palm Springs year-round.  

“This year-round service reflects the growing demand we’re seeing at PSP during all months of the year,” Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett Jr. said in a statement. “Reliable, year-round connectivity to LAX strengthens our region’s access to global destinations while supporting continued growth for our community.”

Airport officials said the expansion of service from seasonal to year-round was part of the airport’s strategy to enhance connectivity, expand nonstop options, and better serve travelers.   

“We’re excited to expand our seasonal service between Palm Springs and Los Angeles to year-round,” said Mark Weithofer, United’s managing director of Domestic Network Planning. “From trips with friends, traveling to see family and all the moments in between — this provides our travelers with greater flexibility and more convenient options that best suit their travel needs.”  

There will be up to two daily flights during peak travel seasons and one daily flight during the summer months. In addition, guests departing from PSP can connect to more than two dozen destinations, including Hawaii, Asia, Mexico and Canada.

Tickets for United Airlines year-round service can be found at United.com.

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María García

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – Students from Coachella Valley High School, along with students from other campuses, walked out of class and marched to Coachella City Hall on Friday morning.

The student-led demonstration was organized in protest of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) as part of a national day of action.

“I’m so thankful to have the chance to come and speak for the people who can’t, there’s some people who can’t go to work or get groceries,” said Stephanie Meza, student at Cahuilla Desert Academy.

Earlier this week, students at La Quinta High School announced plans for a similar protest, as school officials warned against walkouts and reminded families about attendance policies.

Superintendent Dr. Frances Esparza leading the march to city hall in order to ensure the safety of her students, with water and snacks and available.

“Our Director of Safety and security, along with, several leadership staff from the district office, gathered this week. We created plan safety and security plans to ensure that students had water. They had, first aid kits in case anybody had any issues with heat exhaustion,” Esparza said.

Supervisor Manuel Perez also voicing his support, calling their participation in the national day of action, a courageous step.

“The message is very simple, obviously they have a lot of courage. I believe, for deciding to take this role on, but let’s do it nonviolently,” Perez said.

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Julia Castro

CATHEDRAL CITY, Cali. (KESQ) — Authorities have identified the driver killed in a two-vehicle crash Thursday night as Bryan Verduzco, 29, of Cathedral City, according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office.

Police responded around 9:34 p.m. to the 35000 block of Cathedral Canyon Drive. Investigators determined both vehicles were traveling northbound when one was struck from behind by a second vehicle moving at a high rate of speed.

The impact caused the second vehicle to overturn. Verduzco, who police say was not wearing a seat belt, was pronounced dead at the scene. Two occupants in the first vehicle were not injured.

Authorities determined Verduzco was at fault for the collision. Cathedral City Police traffic investigators are handling the case.

The exact cause of the crash remains under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Cathedral City Police Department.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Karla Herrera, a Twentynine Palms mother, is speaking out after she said unsecured plywood flew off a truck on Interstate 10 and slammed into her vehicle, shattering her windshield while her infant daughter sat in the back seat.

She said the incident happened Tuesday night around 8:45 p.m. on I-10 westbound, about a quarter mile from Date Palm Drive.

“It was literally like a horror movie,” Herrera said.

She said she was driving home with her husband following behind her in a separate vehicle when several boards of plywood flew off a white truck traveling in the far-left lane.

Herrera said the truck carrying the plywood did not stop.

At least 4 boards were lifted by the wind and she said they went flying across lanes.

“It wasn’t like I was tailgating anyone,” Herrera said. “It was just really a freak accident.”

She said she braced for impact as the plywood struck her windshield, sending glass into her hair and face.

Despite the violent collision, she and her 8-month-old daughter were not injured.

“My daughter was in the back seat and she’s completely fine,” Herrera said. “Just a little traumatized.”

Photos show extensive windshield damage and debris inside the vehicle. Herrera credits the truck’s tinted windows with preventing more serious injuries.

She filed a report with the California Highway Patrol. She said she hopes the driver is identified but said her larger goal is preventing this from happening to someone else.

“It only takes an additional five minutes to strap things down,” she said. “You could be saving someone’s life.”

Herrera is now working with her insurance company to repair the damage, paying a $500 deductible out of pocket.

CHP urges drivers hauling items such as plywood to properly secure their loads before traveling on freeways.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full story at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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Athena Jreij

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival brings political talent from across the nation to our desert.

News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij spoke with Karine Jean-Pierre, the former White House press secretary who served under President Biden. 

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