Category: kesq-local-news

Tommy Gallegos

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) — Jackie the Bald Eagle, whose life at Big Bear Lake captivated millions around the world, is being honored by the California State Senate.

Senator Tony Strickland (R-Huntington Beach) introduced Senate Resolution 140, proclaiming September 4, 2026, as California Wildlife Day in memory of Jackie. The resolution passed the Senate with bipartisan support.

Jackie became an international wildlife sensation in 2015 after Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a livestream camera at her nest. For more than a decade, viewers followed Jackie and her longtime mate, Shadow, as they raised eaglets and faced the challenges of life in the wild.

Her final chapter drew renewed attention this summer. Jackie was found injured and grounded at Big Bear Lake in July after an altercation with other eagles. She was taken to the Ojai Raptor Center, where she received intensive treatment, including a blood transfusion. Despite efforts to save her, Jackie died August 10.

Her death sparked an outpouring of grief in Big Bear, with residents and visitors leaving flowers, photographs and other tributes. For many, Jackie had become a familiar presence in their lives through the nest livestream.

“Jackie captured the hearts of people in California and around the world, giving so many of us a front-row seat to the beauty, strength, and resilience of wildlife,” Strickland said. “Her story reminds us that wildlife conservation brings people together.”

The resolution also recognizes California’s extraordinary biodiversity and the importance of protecting its natural heritage, including species such as the bald eagle, California condor and Mojave Desert tortoise.

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Tommy Gallegos

IMPERIAL, Calif. (KESQ) — The Imperial Irrigation District (IID) is investing approximately $23.5 million to replace aging transformers in the Coachella Valley, helping strengthen electric reliability, reduce the risk of equipment-related outages and prepare for growing energy demands.

The projects will replace transformers that have served customers for more than 30 years at Monroe Substation, North La Quinta Substation and the Coachella Switching Station. The work includes replacements at Monroe Substation Banks 1 and 2, North La Quinta Substation Bank 1 and Coachella Switching Station Bank 1.

“This is exactly the kind of proactive work that supports reliable service for our customers,” said IID Board Chairwoman Karin Eugenio. “By replacing aging transformers before they become a larger issue, IID is investing in the infrastructure our communities depend on.”

Engineering, procurement and construction will take place over multiple years because of long equipment lead times. The projects are expected to be placed into service between 2028 and 2029.

The investment is part of IID’s Powering Our Community Together initiative, which focuses on modernizing infrastructure and strengthening reliable public power service across the utility’s service area.

“These investments may not always be visible to customers, but they are critical to keeping the electric system strong,” Eugenio said.

IID says it will continue investing in infrastructure to address aging equipment, improve reliability and meet the long-term needs of customers in the Imperial and Coachella valleys.

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Tommy Gallegos

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorcycle rider died following a collision involving a vehicle early Friday morning in Coachella, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station were dispatched at approximately 5 a.m. to the area of Avenue 54 and Tyler Street regarding a collision involving a motorcycle.

Upon arrival, deputies found the motorcycle rider in the roadway and provided life-saving measures until paramedics arrived. The rider was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition, where they were later pronounced deceased.

He was later identified as Salvador Olivas, 55, of Thermal.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision remained at the scene and was cooperative with deputies, according to the sheriff’s department.

The Coachella Community Action Team responded and assumed the investigation. Authorities said drugs or alcohol do not appear to have been a factor in the collision, although the investigation into the cause remains ongoing.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said no further details will be released at this time. Anyone with information about the collision is encouraged to contact Corporal T. Garfin at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station at 760-863-8990.

Anonymous tips can also be submitted by calling 760-341-STOP (7867).

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ)- UPDATE: According to the California Highway Patrol’s incident page the sig alert has ended and the westbound Interstate 10 Washington Street off-ramp is now back open.

Original Report

PALM DESERT, CA (KESQ)- A semi truck crashed into a light pole and guardrails on the westbound Interstate 10 Washington Street off-ramp early Friday morning, prompting the California Highway Patrol to request a hard closure of the ramp while crews work to clean up and recover the vehicle.

According to information provided by CHP, the crash was first reported at approximately 2:48 a.m. The semi struck a light pole and guardrails, leaving the Washington Street off-ramp blocked.

Caltrans was notified shortly after the crash, at approximately 2:51 a.m.

By 3:34 a.m., CHP reported that both drivers apparently told officers they were not injured. The semi truck was estimated to weigh about 40,000 pounds and was reportedly experiencing steering problems. Officers also reported leaking air lines.

A heavy-duty tow was requested as crews worked to determine how to safely remove the truck.

Officer Torres with CHP said the Washington Street off-ramp will remain closed for some time because of the cleanup and recovery operation. Torres said the closure is related in part to a diesel fuel leak from the semi.

CHP requested a hard closure of the off-ramp at approximately 3:38 a.m. and requested assistance from Cal Fire because of the reported leak. Cal Fire was notified shortly afterward.

Despite the collision and fuel leak, officials said no one was harmed. However, the disabled semi is blocking a lane and must be recovered before the roadway can fully reopen.

Motorists traveling westbound on I-10 should avoid the Washington Street off-ramp and use an alternate exit. Drivers should expect the closure to continue while cleanup, fuel removal and vehicle recovery operations are completed.

CHP has not provided an estimated reopening time for the off-ramp.

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Raymond Kalra

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After months of slower business, restaurant owners across Palm Springs are heading into Labor Day weekend with cautious optimism, hoping the holiday brings a much-needed surge in customers.

For many local restaurants, the weekend is about more than a few busy days. Owners say it can provide an important boost after a difficult summer and offer an early glimpse at whether business is beginning to pick up heading into the busier part of the year.

At La Bonitas Mexican Restaurant, owner Aaron Raei said preparation starts with making sure there are enough employees ready to handle the expected increase in customers.

“Labor Day is usually busy. We give extra staff because there’s a lot of people that come to Palm Springs,” Raei said.

Raei said Labor Day business can be about three times busier than a typical period, with many customers walking in rather than making reservations ahead of time.

For him, a successful weekend is less about any one sales number and more about seeing steady activity throughout the restaurant.

“Successful Labor Day [is] just a steady flow of people coming, walking, talking, smiling, you know, having a good time,” Raei said.

At Bongo Johnny’s Patio Bar and Grill, owner Mark Hewitt said the restaurant is taking several steps to prepare for the holiday crowds, including increasing its online promotion, updating menus and extending hours through the weekend.

But Hewitt said the stakes feel especially high this year after what he described as an exceptionally challenging summer.

“We have had one of the hardest summers that we’ve [had] on record,” Hewitt said.

That is why a strong Labor Day weekend would carry added meaning.

“A successful Labor Day weekend is full patios on both Saturday and Sunday — or I should say Saturday, Sunday and Monday — with lots of brunch goers,” Hewitt said.

The uncertainty, is whether customers will ultimately follow through and spend.

At Blaze Pizza, owner Dave Patrick said last Labor Day was softer than he had hoped. He said economic uncertainty remains a concern, but he is optimistic this year could be stronger.

“The economy is still kind of shaky, but we’re optimistic that this year is going to be better than last year,” Patrick said.

Patrick also said local customers play an important role in helping restaurants make it through the slower summer months, making a stronger holiday weekend especially valuable as businesses look toward the months ahead.

For all three owners, the formula is similar; prepare the staff, get the restaurant ready and hope the customers come.

Whether those expectations turn into full dining rooms and stronger sales will become clearer throughout the Labor Day weekend, but owners say even a short-term boost could make a meaningful difference as they move toward the busier part of the year.

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Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- As Labor Day weekend gets underway, many people are packing their bags and heading out of town – but before hitting the road, security experts say it’s worth taking a few minutes to make sure your home is protected.

With airports and highways expected to be busy over the holiday weekend, millions of Americans could be spending time away from home.

Security cameras and video doorbells have become one of the most common ways people keep an eye on their property.

A 2026 SafeHome.org survey of more than 2,400 U.S. adults found 61% of U.S. households have at least one security camera, up from 52% in 2024. About 48% have a video doorbell.

But having a camera doesn’t necessarily mean your home – or the camera itself- is completely secure.

The same survey found 37% of home security users worry about who could have access to their footage. Nearly half of alarm system users surveyed also said they installed their systems themselves.

Security recommendations can include making sure doors, windows and garage doors are locked, using lights or timers to make a home appear occupied, preventing mail and packages from piling up and avoiding publicly posting vacation plans while you’re away.

For people using cameras and other smart security devices, the story will also look at camera placement, passwords, account security and whether homeowners are actually recording the footage they expect to have available later.

Stay tuned on News Channel 3 for simple steps you can take before walking out the door this Labor Day weekend.

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Dakota Makinen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Looking for something to do this Labor Day weekend? Red Jeep Tours offers a way to explore some of the Coachella Valley’s lesser-known desert landscapes.

The tour includes stops at desert oases, a Cahuilla Indian Village, the “Wave” formation and Fossil Canyon and Horseshoe Slot.

Along the way, visitors can learn about the San Andreas Fault, the region’s geology and how the Cahuilla people used native plants and other desert resources to survive.

It’s an opportunity to experience the desert up close without having to leave the valley.

Stay with KESQ for the latest updates.

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – A brush fire burned 50 acres in Thermal Thursday night before forward progress was stopped.

The fire was reported just before 10:15 p.m. on the 86100 Block of Airport Boulevard, near the Jacqueline Cochran Regional Airport.

Shortly before 2:30 a.m., authorities announced that forward progress was stopped. Resources will remain on-scene throughout the night performing extensive mop-up.

There are no evacuations and no injuries.

Airport Blvd has been closed from Tyler St. to Deputy Manny Villegas Way, near the Thermal Sheriff’s Station, CAL FIRE announced.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 29-year-old Indio man was arrested after an alleged road rage incident led to the discovery of several handguns at a home in Indio earlier this week.

There were no details on the road rage incident, however, authorities said on Tuesday, the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team received information regarding the suspect.

The next day, deputies served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in the 48000 block of Monroe Street in Indio.

Before serving the search warrant, deputies assigned to the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force located the susepct driving in the 46000 block of Monroe Street. Deputies conducted a vehicle stop, and the suspect was taken into custody without incident.

During the investigation, authorities said they located an unregistered handgun in the vehicle.

At the suspect’s residence, authorities found an additional unregistered handgun, along with multiple firearms, body armor, high-capacity magazines, and ammunition.

The suspect was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for multiple weapons-related charges.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Corporal Sanchez of the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836-1600.

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City News Service

TEMECULA, Calif. (KESQ) – Two people suspected of fraud and identity theft were taken into custody today as part of “an extensive investigation into large-scale fraud, forgery and burglary,” with victims in at least three Southern California counties including Riverside County, San Diego County authorities said.

Deputies assigned to the San Diego County Sheriff’s Office’s San Marcos station executed two search warrants around 7 a.m. Thursday, stemming from reports involving “large-scale” fraud, forgery and burglary, according to sheriff’s officials.

Katie Rhew, 44, and Michael Sundstrom, 46, were taken into custody following the execution of the search warrants at their homes in Temecula and San Marcos, authorities said.

During the investigation, authorities allegedly recovered hundreds of items believed to be associated with the production of forged documents, as well as stolen credit cards and passports. Property fraudulently obtained in connection with multiple victims across Riverside, San Diego and Orange counties, as well as in Arizona, was also discovered, according to the sheriff’s office.

Rhew was booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of identity theft, possession of personal identifying information of more than 10 victims, forgery, burglary, possession of methamphetamine, committing a felony while on bail and criminal conspiracy.

Sundstrom was also booked into the Vista Detention Facility on suspicion of identity theft, mail theft, possession of stolen property and criminal conspiracy.

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