Category: kesq-local-news

Rich Tarpening

 INDIO, Calif. (City News Service) -An Indio police K-9 officer was recovering after suffering significant injuries when a suspected impaired driver struck a parked patrol vehicle, causing it to hit the officer, authorities said.

The crash was reported shortly after 10 p.m. Sunday at Monroe Street and Avenue 40, according to the Indio Police Department.

A preliminary investigation found the officer was standing outside his patrol vehicle on the passenger side when a Nissan sedan traveling eastbound on Avenue 40 crashed head-on into the parked unit, police said.

The impact pushed the patrol vehicle into the officer, knocking him to the ground. Nearby residents who heard the collision rushed to assist both the officer and the driver, police said.

The officer sustained significant leg injuries and was found about 30 feet from his vehicle when additional officers arrived, police said. He was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, where he was treated and later released. His K-9 partner, Hoki, was not injured.

The driver, identified only as a 28-year-old woman, was unhurt and remained at the scene, police said.    She was taken into custody by California Highway Patrol officers and later booked into the Benoit Detention Center in Indio, authorities said.

The intersection was temporarily closed during the investigation and reopened shortly after midnight.  The cause of the crash was under investigation, and DUI was suspected to be a contributing factor, police said.

Anyone with additional information regarding the crash was asked to contact the CHP Indio station at 760-772-5300.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A pedestrian is in the hospital in critical condition after being struck by a vehicle on El Paseo in Palm Desert Monday morning.

The crash was reported at around 9:45 a.m. near the area of El Paseo and Ocotillo Drive.

Details on what led to the crash were not available. Authorities confirmed an adult suffered serious injuries. They were transported by ground ambulance to a trauma center.

The driver of the vehicle remained on scene, and no arrests have been made, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

The investigation into the crash remains ongoing. Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is hosting two Career Expos in February to hire Public Safety Officers and fill positions in Food & Beverage and Culinary.

The events will both be held from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the resort’s Special Events Center. Thursday, Feb. 19 will an event to hire Public Safety Officers. Wednesday, Feb. 25 will be for Food & Beverage and Culinary.

Hiring managers will be on-site to conduct interviews, and select candidates will receive job offers 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 offers more than a job, we offer a path forward,” said Robert Silverang, Director of Human Resources at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino. “From first-time job seekers to seasoned professionals, we empower our team members to grow, succeed, and discover what’s possible here.”

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

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Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – A Western Riverside County child has tested positive for measles, county health officials announced Monday. It’s the first confirmed case of measles in Riverside County for 2026.  

The child, who was not vaccinated for measles, is recovering at home. There is no recent history of international or out-of-state travel, according to Riverside University Health System — Public Health (RUHS – PH).

Confirmed measles cases have been reported throughout Southern California in recent weeks, including Orange, San Bernardino, and Los Angeles counties. According to the California Department of Public Health, nine cases of measles have been confirmed in recent weeks in California.  

“As we see growing reports of measles from our neighboring counties, the risk of measles is no longer remote. It’s now also impacting us here in our own county, even among those with no recent international or out-of-state travel. The importance of timely vaccination is clear,” said Riverside County Public Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky.  

County health officials said for standard measles protection for children, one dose of MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine should be given at 12 months of age and another at 4 to 6 years.

Prior to international travel, vaccination with one dose of MMR vaccine is recommended as an early dose for infants as young as 6 months old, to reduce the risk of contracting measles during travel.

For older children, adolescents and most adults without documented doses of MMR vaccine, two doses separated by at least 28 days should be given to provide protection, especially before travel to areas with known measles transmission.  Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine series provides the best protection against disease and serious illness.

“Measles is highly infectious and can be spread through the air when a person breathes, talks, coughs or sneezes, so it is very important to call your healthcare provider if you may have been exposed and especially at the first sign of measles illness,” said Dr. Chevinsky.

Signs of measles are typically observed 10 to 14 days after exposure to the virus. A prominent rash is the most visible symptom but can also include a fever that lasts a couple of days, followed by a runny nose, cough, and conjunctivitis (pink eye). The earliest symptoms usually last four to seven days. More severe symptoms can include pneumonia and brain swelling, which can lead to death from complications.

The rash will usually appear first on the face, along the hairline and behind the ears. It then spreads to the rest of the body. Those infected can spread measles about four days before their rash starts to four days afterward. 

Given the risk of rapid disease spread, early identification of illness and staying home while sick are vital. This helps protect children under 6 months of age who are too young to be vaccinated, pregnant women who are at risk for severe disease, as well as those who have immunocompromising conditions.

To get vaccinated, talk to your healthcare provider or visit one of Public Health’s upcoming vaccine clinics. All clinics accept walk-in appointments. Cost and eligibility vary. For questions and clinic locations, please call (951) 358-7125 or visit www.ruhealth.org/vaccineclinics

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Gavin Nguyen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The CV Link underwent its first major trial since its official opening last year.

Thousands of cyclists rode along its paved surface as the Tour de Palm Springs invited them to the valley. Many of them took to our local roadways and streets. New this year, though, was the addition of the CV Link to the route cyclists used.

Portions of the Link was closed for the event on Saturday. Riders cycling the long-distance routes (88- and 102-mile courses) used the artery on their return journey to Palm Springs from Coachella in the second half of their ride.

Many of those riders took to social media to express their satisfaction with the addition of the Link to the course, and local nonprofits dedicated to promoting the Link said it was a successful first use for an event that drew thousands.

One local cyclist, Terry Arnold, lives in Palm Springs, but was originally from Portland. She said the Link is on the same level, if not better, than bike trails found in Portland, known for its avid cycling community.

Arnold, riding the Link with five others on Monday, said bringing the Tour de Palm Springs route to the Link was a major safety bump.

“The last time I did that ride, there were too many cars around me,” she recounted. Motioning to the Link, she continued, “But this would be fabulous.”

Another cyclist from her group added, “I think the more they can get [the Tour cyclists] off the road and on the Link would be better.”

While some issues remain, like signage issues that News Channel 3’s Karen Devine reported in her I-Team investigation, many said this is a positive outcome and a step in the right direction for taking advantage of one of the valley’s long-term projects.

James Rothblatt and Joel Craig, two board members of “Friends of CV Link,” a nonprofit that advocates for the Link and shares feedback with CVAG, said it was a successful trial for the pathway.

Rothblatt hoped future events utilize the Link’s main advantage: safety.

“I’d really like to see is events that recognize the people with disabilities,” he wished. “Hand cyclists, trikes, people that might not be safe at all in traffic because they ride so low down on recumbents. But on CV Link, they’re free to to fly and not be worried about being run over.”

Craig also recalled a pair riding on a tandem bicycle during the Tour de Palm Springs. He said the person riding on the front wore a jersey emblazoned with the word “GUIDE,” while the person riding on the rear seat wore one that said “BLIND.”

“I’m pretty sure that it was a way for a blind person to actually ride in the event. And that, just like Jim said, that’s what the CV Link is perfect for,” he said.

“The more people that use this, the better.”

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – One day after the Super Bowl halftime show — nicknamed the “Benito Bowl” — people are still buzzing about the performance.

Headlined by Bad Bunny, the show was packed with powerful cultural storytelling, symbolism, and visual moments that resonated with fans across the world. Many viewers praised the performance for celebrating Latino identity and pushing creative boundaries on one of the biggest stages in entertainment.

News Channel 3 is speaking with local residents to hear their reactions to the halftime show and what it meant to them.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Terrence “Terry” Scott, a Palm Springs resident, has been missing for over a month according to his family members. Scott’s family says he has schizophrenia and takes daily medication.

“He’s gone and he’s missing a month now, that’s not okay,” says William Warne, his roommate.

He was last seen on January 5th near his home in the area of South Farrell Drive & East Palm Canyon Drive in Palm Springs. His roommates say they also have mental health issues and can relate to Scott.

“When you break from reality like that, you’re not certain of anything. And it leaves one in a situation to be victimized. So that’s the scary part,” says Eric Montanez.

His family lives on the east coast and says it’s been extremely challenging to find him, and believe there should be more help for people with mental illness.

“The help there is not where I feel like it should be for people with mental health issues, especially schizophrenia. And a lot of times they consider him voluntarily missing, but he’s not able to make decisions for himself,” says his sister Brittany Johnson Scott.

If you see Scott, contact Palm Springs Police Department at (760) 323-8116.

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Garrett Hottle

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) New details are emerging about the FBI search carried out Friday at a home on Harlequin Court in Thermal, as authorities clarify their roles and News Channel 3 obtains new video and photos from the scene.

The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to News Channel 3 that its deputies were not conducting the investigation tied to the search and were only assisting the Federal Bureau of Investigation in a limited role.

According to the Sheriff’s Office, deputies provided traffic and spectator support only, while the FBI conducted what officials described as the search-investigation at the residence.

“The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office assisted the FBI on Friday with traffic and spectator support only,” the agency said in an email. “The FBI was conducting the search-investigation. The Imperial County Sheriff’s Office is not currently investigating the case you inquired about. I would refer all questions to the FBI for further information.”

News Channel 3 has obtained new video showing the moment FBI agents arrived at the property, including audio in which agents can be heard using a loudspeaker to announce their presence before entering the home. We have also obtained new photos of police canines used during the search, images that had not previously been released.

Federal officials have previously confirmed the FBI was assisting with a state-issued warrant, but have not publicly detailed what prompted the search or whether it is connected to the disappearance of 17-year-old T’Neya Tovar.

Neighbors told News Channel 3 that agents canvassed the area and asked questions related to Tovar’s disappearance, but law enforcement has not confirmed whether the search was tied to a missing persons investigation.

The FBI has not yet responded to follow-up questions seeking clarification on the scope of the investigation, what resources were used, or whether the activity is related to a missing persons case or another type of federal or multi-jurisdictional investigation.

This story remains developing. News Channel 3 has reached out to the FBI and will update this article as soon as additional information is confirmed.

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Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — At 81 years old, Jonathan Bechtel has spent more than six decades quietly making a difference in his community by donating blood.

Jonathan first gave blood at age 20, after a friend’s mother needed a transfusion following an accident. Over the years, he has witnessed how much a single donation can accomplish and how far its impact can reach.

His donations have helped patients locally and across the country, including people with cancer, trauma injuries, and other emergencies. One memorable experience for Jonathan involved a young girl who survived because of blood transfusions, which put a personal face on the life-saving work he has contributed to over the years.

Jonathan encourages healthy individuals to donate blood, noting that it takes very little time and can make a significant difference in the lives of others.

Blood banks in the region rely on donors like Jonathan to maintain adequate supplies. Isaac Lopez, regional account manager with LifeStream Blood Bank, says the community blood bank provides blood to all local hospitals and that shortages exist both locally and nationally. Any opportunity to collect blood and have people donate is greatly appreciated.

Despite being recognized as this month’s Neighborhood Hero, Jonathan considers donating blood a simple, meaningful act rather than a heroic feat. He emphasizes that the process is only a small time commitment and provides a life-saving product for those in need.

For Jonathan, giving blood has become a lifelong routine that consistently helps others and strengthens the community, proving that a small act can have a big impact.

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Bruno Lopez-Vega

Update 7:43 p.m. :

The forward rate of spread has been stopped.

Firefighters will be committed for approximately four hours performing heavy mop-up, and Pierce Street remains closed between Avenue 70 and Avenue 72.

Drivers are asked avoid the area as crews and heavy equipment continue working.

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters are on scene of three separate vegetation fires burning in close proximity south of Mecca, near the community of Oasis.

CAL FIRE says those fires were first reported at 4:55 p.m. at Pierce Street near Avenue 72.

The first fire is about 2 acres as of the latest update, burning at a moderate rate of spread in heavy fuels, with two other smaller fire burning nearby.

Additional ground resources, as well as assistance from Cathedral City Fire were requested.

Crews are actively working to contain the fires and limit further spread.

Pierce Street is closed in both directions, and motorists are advised to avoid the area, and no injuries reported.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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