Shay Lawson
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A power problem in a local neighborhood is causing dangerous surges through homes and businesses. News Channel 3’s I-Team investigates, taking a closer look at why power surges are happening and how SCE is responding.
Watch the special report, Power Problem, Thursday at 6:00 p.m. on News Channel 3.
Daniella Lake
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Hours of testimony and debate after a proposal for the city to not recognize Pride Month, including the display of a Pride banner at City Hall.
Councilmembers ultimately voted 4-1 to reject the proposal, introduced by Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto.
A day after the meeting, the dust continues to settle. Tonight, questions remain on how city leaders will move forward and once again unify the city. Councilmember Jan Harnick made a motion to not change city policy.
News Channel 3’s Daniella Lake sat down with Harnick to discuss the aftermath of the proposal, that debate, and all the responses from residents.
“It was awful. We have a lot of work to do now. We have to make sure that people understand and are reassured they are safe, they are welcome. And that is not who Palm Desert is,” Harnik said.
Daniella asked Harnik, “You chose to pick a fight with a pride flag. When this proposal first came up, did it seem out of the blue to you?”
Harnik answered, “I was stunned. Frankly, I was stunned. I didn’t know where it came from, why it happened. What, what was the goal? What, what were, what was somebody trying to achieve? And it was one of my colleagues on the council. I don’t know what he wanted to achieve and I don’t know how he thought it would make our community better.”
Harnik led the charge for councilmembers in striking down the proposal.
“This one is so easy in my mind and what I said last night is, the pride banner, the LGBTQ+ banner, is an American success story. There are places in the world you can’t put that up. We can because we recognize that our community members, no matter who they are, are important and we must acknowledge them,” Harnik said.
Harnick says that the city is working to make sure residents know that everyone is welcome in Palm Desert.
Jesus Reyes
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Several people, including a 15-year-old boy, were arrested after search warrants related to a shooting and robbery last month in Indio.
The search warrants were related to a shooting and robbery on Nov. 24 near the area of Avenue 44 and King Street. The shooting left an 18-year-old man hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
The warrants were served Tuesday at 7 a.m. in the 47000 block of Jefferson Street and the 82000 block of El Paseo Avenue in Indio.
Police said during the service of the search warrant in the 47000 block of Jefferson Street, one of the suspects, a 23-year-old man, attempted to discard a firearm from a second-story window before being taken into custody. The firearm was recovered. The man faces charges of felon in possession of a firearm and for being an accessory to robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.
Officers also located a 15-year-old boy who was wanted in connection with a separate armed robbery that occurred on Oct. 28. The boy was found lying on top of a loaded firearm.
During the service of the second search warrant in the 82000 block of El Paseo Avenue, a 24-year-old man, was seen attempting to conceal a firearm inside an abandoned vehicle, police said. He was arrested for weapons violations. Additional ammunition and two Glock full-auto conversion switches were recovered.
A 21-year-old man was also arrested for a Post-Release Community Supervision (PRCS) violation.
Police said two male suspects remain outstanding. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057 or call Crime Stoppers anonymously at (760) 341-STOP
Jesus Reyes
YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department released video and photos of a vehicle wanted in connection with a deadly hit-and-run crash last month in Yucca Valley.
Detectives are looking for a beige, tan, or gold-colored Toyota Corolla that was seen leaving the scene of the crash, which was reported on Nov. 6, at around 2 p.m. on Airway Avenue and Primrose Drive.
An elderly woman was struck by a vehicle while crossing the roadway on her motorized mobility scooter at the intersection. The vehicle fled the scene westbound on Yucca Trail from Airway Avenue.
The woman was pronounced dead at the hospital.
Following the incident, deputies from the Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) initiated an investigation into the fatal hit-and-run.
Investigators are requesting the public’s assistance in locating the suspect and the suspect vehicle.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Deputy R. Quiroz Falcon at (760) 366-4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or submit information online at www.wetip.com.
City News Service
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A convicted felon who shot a Riverside County sheriff’s deputy when the lawman attempted to arrest him at the end of a pursuit in Coachella was convicted today of firearm assault on a peace officer and other charges, though jurors were unable to reach a unanimous verdict on the most serious allegation.
An Indio jury deliberated two days before finding Gildardo Davila Jr., 35, guilty of the assault count, along with two counts of being a felon in possession of a gun and one count of possession of controlled substances, with sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.
However, the panel was unable to overcome an impasse on the charge of attempted murder of a peace officer, leading Superior Court Judge Ronald Toff to declare a mistrial on that count.
Jurors acquitted Davila of a felony evading charge.
It was unclear whether the District Attorney’s Office intends to retry the attempted murder charge.
A sentencing hearing is tentatively scheduled for Jan. 6 at the Larson Justice Center. Davila is being held in lieu of $5 million bail at the Benoit Detention Center.
According to a sheriff’s arrest warrant declaration, shortly before 8 p.m. on May 25, 2017, Deputy David Solis was in his patrol unit, passing the intersection of First and Harrison streets in Coachella, when he spotted a yellow Ford Mustang with paper plates commit an unspecified traffic violation.
Deputy David Solis (2017)
Solis signaled the driver — later identified as Davila — to pull over, but he floored the sports car instead, triggering a chase, according to the affidavit.
“During the pursuit, the deputy witnessed the suspect throw a handgun from the vehicle,” the document stated. “The deputy witnessed the driver of the vehicle commit numerous vehicle code violations and drive without due regard for the public.”
Because of the escalating dangers to other drivers, a sheriff’s sergeant directed Solis to end the pursuit, which he did, allowing the Mustang to drive out of sight. However, within a couple of minutes, Solis came upon the Mustang again, parked in the area of Calle Mendoza and Las Flores Avenue, according to court papers.
When the deputy pulled near the Mustang, Davila allegedly fled from the vehicle on foot, carrying a duffel bag. Solis remained in his patrol unit and followed the fleeing man until he ran out of viable roadway in a field, at which point the deputy ran after the defendant, according to the prosecution.
“As the deputy closed the gap on Davila, the suspect turned toward the deputy,” the declaration said. “At this point, the deputy positively identified Davila as a person he has had multiple past contacts with. Davila had a gun and began shooting in the deputy’s direction, striking him multiple times.”
Solis was hit in the left hand, resulting in damage to his fingers. His protective vest prevented one bullet from the 9mm pistol from penetrating his stomach, but another round hit him just above the collar bone, court papers alleged.
The gunfire knocked Solis to the ground, giving Davila time to get away before other patrol units converged on the location, investigators said.
The defendant allegedly ran to a familiar area, changed clothes and dumped some of his belongings, then headed to Mexico, according to prosecutors.
Solis underwent surgery at a regional trauma center and ultimately recovered from his wounds, returning to duty weeks later.
Investigators seized 200 grams of methamphetamine and 30 grams of heroin, along with an AR-15 rifle, among the items left behind by Davila, court papers alleged. The 9mm handgun was found in the field, near from where the shooting occurred.
Davila was tracked to Mexicali, Mexico, where Mexican state police took him into custody without incident a week later. He was immediately extradited to the U.S. and jailed in Riverside County.
He has documented prior convictions for auto theft and felony possession of controlled substances, for which he served time in prison.
Jesus Reyes
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Kimberly Barraza was appointed the new president of the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board.
“It is an exciting time for the Healthcare District, as we enter 2026 and continue our strategic planning process which will help determine our Board and staff priorities for the next several years,” Christensen said. “We look forward to supporting President Barraza and the entire Board as we work together to advance community wellness in the Coachella Valley.”
Barraza joined the Board in November 2022, elected to a four-year term by Coachella Valley voters. She is a resident of the District’s zone six, which encompasses a majority of Indio and Coachella.
She currently serves on the Program Committee, Strategic Planning Committee, and as chairperson of the Legislative Policy Committee. One of her first duties as president will be to appoint fellow Board Directors to various committees.
“I am honored to serve as Board President of the Desert Healthcare District and Foundation,” President Barraza said in a written statement. “Our region continues to face significant health challenges, and this role comes with a responsibility to lead with transparency, collaboration, and a deep commitment to equity. I look forward to working alongside my fellow Board members, staff, and community partners to strengthen access to care, invest in prevention, and ensure our resources are used in ways that truly improve health outcomes for the residents of the Coachella Valley.”
Completing the Board leadership for 2026, Directors Greg Rodriguez (zone one) and Dr. Daniel Logsdon (zone three) will continue as vice-president and treasurer, respectively. Director Leticia DeLara (zone seven), a former Board president, will serve as secretary.
The seven-member Board also includes Carole Rogers (zone two) and Evett PerezGil (zone four).
Following the resignation of Director Arthur Shorr on November 30, the Board’s zone five seat is currently vacant. However, applicants are being accepted until 5 p.m. Jan. 5. (See the zone boundaries by visiting our interactive Hummingbird map.)
Interested residents are asked to submit a cover letter and résumé to Desert Healthcare District & Foundation CEO Chris Christensen to be considered for the Board seat. Applications may be submitted by email to info@dhcd.org. Interviews will be conducted by the Board at a special public meeting with the possible appointment of a new Director on Jan. 8.
City News Service
BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A 37-year-old transient accused of holding up two businesses in Banning using a fake gun pleaded not guilty today to second- degree robbery and other offenses.
Codi Jay Shelton was arrested last week following a Banning Police Department investigation.
Along with robbery, Shelton is charged with sentence-enhancing allegations of using a weapon during the commission of a felony and being a prior-strike felon.
He was arraigned Monday before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Mark Singerton, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Jan. 2 at the Banning Justice Center.
The defendant is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Smith Correctional Facility.
According to police, at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, Shelton allegedly approached the counter of a Jack-in-the-Box restaurant at 6350 W. Ramsey St. and flashed what appeared to be a handgun, prompting staff to back away.
“The subject stole cash from one of the registers and fled on foot,” police Capt. Brandon Smith said.
He said patrol officers responded to restaurant employees’ 911 calls and initiated a search of the area, based on descriptions, which indicated the perpetrator had “tattoos on his face.” However, the bandit couldn’t be located.
Officers reviewed security surveillance video from inside the eatery and confirmed the alleged robber’s identity — Shelton, Smith said.
The defendant was located less than three hours later and taken into custody without incident on West Beaumont Avenue.
Smith said a replica pistol and cash from the robbery were allegedly seized from Shelton.
During the investigation, officers also tied him to a hold-up that occurred early Sunday morning at a Walgreens on North Highland Avenue, where a man matching the defendant’s description threatened a clerk with what appeared to be a handgun, grabbing money from a register and running away, according to the captain.
Shelton was positively identified as the alleged robber.
No one was injured in either hold-up.
Court records indicated that Shelton has at least two documented prior felony convictions, but they weren’t listed.
Jesus Reyes
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation provided a donation to AAP – Food Samaritans for a special one-time grocery voucher program to provide immediate relief to low-income community members.
AAP’s long-standing nutritional support program provides monthly food vouchers to low-income individuals living with chronic illnesses. The program has been at capacity for years, even as requests for help continue to rise sharply.
“The need is heartbreaking and growing by the week,” said Mark Anton, Executive Director of AAP – Food Samaritans. “Our phones ring constantly with people who are struggling to buy basic groceries. While our core program is full, we couldn’t ignore the overwhelming number of calls from those in crisis.”
AAP officials said the Berger Foundation stepped forward with a donation that allows AAP to distribute one-time emergency grocery vouchers to individuals experiencing food insecurity but who do not currently receive monthly assistance from AAP.
“The Berger Foundation has always been committed to uplifting our community, especially in moments when people feel forgotten or overwhelmed,” said Catherine Reed, Executive Vice President of Charitable Programs. “No one should go hungry—especially during the holidays.”
Those in need of these one-time vouchers must call AAP – Food Samaritans directly at 760-325-8481. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to qualified individuals.
Anton emphasized that while the Berger Foundation’s gift is transformative, the need extends far beyond this emergency effort.
“We hope the community will join the Berger Foundation in the true spirit of Christmas,” he said. “Every contribution helps someone facing an empty cupboard during what should be a season of warmth and togetherness.”
To donate or learn more, visit www.aapfoodsamaritans.org or call 760-325-8481.
Jesus Reyes
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Invitational (CVI) announced the match schedule for the 2026 preseason tournament in Indio, featuring MLS and NWSL teams.
The tournament takes place at the Empire Polo Club from February 7–21.
The CVI will host 12 Major League Soccer (MLS) and 9 National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team, making it CVI’s largest event ever. Participating clubs will be Austin FC, Bay FC, San Jose Earthquakes, D.C. United, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Chicago Fire FC, New York City FC, Sporting Kansas City, Kansas City Current, San Diego Wave FC, Denver Summit, St. Louis City SC, Angel City FC, Portland Timbers, Portland Thorns, Minnesota United FC, Charlotte FC, Houston Dash, Utah Royals FC and Seattle Reign FC.
Both Southern California NWSL clubs, Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC, will return to the desert for their third time. The Denver Summit FC will play their first-ever match, and Kansas City Current and Utah Royals will make their CVI debut, reinforcing the importance of the event for the NWSL clubs ahead of an exciting 2026 season.
Due to San Diego FC’s selection in the Concacaf Champions Cup Draw, the club is unable to join the Coachella Valley Invitational.
“2026 marks the FIFA World Cup’s return to U.S. soil and this year’s CVI not only builds momentum for the global tournament ahead but gives fans unprecedented access to the sport’s biggest stars,” the CVI said in a statement.
Early Bird pricing is now available for General Admission Day Passes and will start at $34. Pricing for General Admission Weekend Passes (Feb 7-8 and Feb 14-15) will start at $68. Pricing and savings vary by date. Early Bird Pricing ends January 5. To purchase passes, visit coachellavalleyinvitational.com/passes.
Coachella Valley Invitational Schedule
MLS DAY 1: Saturday, Feb. 7
St. Louis CITY SC vs Austin FC at 11 a.m. PT
San Jose Earthquakes vs Charlotte FC at 12 p.m. PT
Minnesota United FC vs Sporting Kansas City at 1:30 p.m. PT
Portland Timbers vs D.C. United at 2:30 p.m. PT
MLS DAY 2: Sunday, Feb. 8
LA Galaxy vs. Chicago Fire FC at 10 a.m. PT
LAFC vs. New York City FC at 12 p.m. PT
MLS DAY 3: Wednesday, Feb. 11
Austin FC vs. Chicago Fire FC at 10 a.m. PT
LA Galaxy vs. St. Louis CITY SC at 11 a.m. PT
D.C. United vs. Minnesota United FC at 12:30 p.m. PT
Sporting Kansas City vs New York City FC at 1:30 p.m. PT
San Jose Earthquakes vs. Portland Timbers at 3 p.m. PT
MLS DAY 4: Saturday, Feb. 14
Austin FC vs Sporting Kansas City at 10 a.m. PT
Chicago Fire FC vs. Portland Timbers at 10 a.m. PT
Charlotte FC vs Minnesota United FC at 10 a.m. PT
New York City FC vs San Jose Earthquakes at 1 p.m. PT
NWSL DAY 1: Sunday, Feb. 15
Kansas City Current vs. San Diego Wave FC at 10:30 a.m. PT
Bay FC vs. Houston Dash at 11 a.m. PT
Portland Thorns vs. Angel City FC at 1 p.m. PT
Denver Summit FC vs. Utah Royals FC at 2 p.m. PT
NWSL DAY 2: Saturday, Feb. 21
Houston Dash vs. Portland Thorns at 10:30 a.m. PT
San Diego Wave FC vs. Denver Summit FC at 12 p.m. PT
Angel City FC vs. Seattle Reign FC at 1:30 p.m. PT
The LA Galaxy Foundation Golf Tournament will return to the Coachella Valley on Friday, February 6th at Desert Willow Golf Resort. The event will give fans an opportunity to hit the links alongside LA Galaxy Players, Coaches, and Alumni while enjoying premium giveaways, games, and prizes. To participate, please visit www.lagalaxy.com/golf
Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.
City News Service
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 38-year-old man accused of siphoning almost $100,000 from the bank accounts of a Palm Desert senior was charged today with grand theft and financial elder abuse.
Miguel Angel Gonzalez of Coachella was arrested Monday following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation that began in August.
Gonzalez, who is being held at the Benoit Detention Center in lieu of $50,000 bail, was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.
According to sheriff’s Sgt. Jeff Cryder, deputies received a report in the latter half of August alleging that Gonzalez had been involved in a years-long series of thefts targeting the victim, identified only as a resident of the 100 block of Gold Canyon Drive.
The specific relationship between the defendant and victim was not disclosed.
Cryder said detectives spent several months investigating the matter, ultimately determining that Gonzalez was allegedly responsible for unauthorized transactions in which he had diverted tens of thousands of dollars to himself for personal use.
It was unclear how the victim became aware of the alleged embezzlement.
Deputies served an arrest warrant on Gonzalez at his home in the 84000 block of Calle Diego Monday afternoon, when he was taken into custody without incident.
He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.
