Category: kesq-local-news

Haley Meberg

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people in connection to an e-bike theft that occurred early June. 

Deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station say they responded to a call at about 11:50 a.m. on Saturday June 7, reporting a burglary at the 40 block of Via Del Rossi in the city of Rancho Mirage.

The victim claims on June 4, at approximately 2:25 a.m., an unknown male was caught on surveillance entering their home and stealing an electric bicycle. 

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the investigation and determined the suspect to be a 42-year-old resident of Coachella. 

On Friday, July 25, at approximately 4:20 p.m. a search warrant was served at the suspects residence in the 51400 block of Ponderosa Drive in Coachella. The accused was taken into custody without incident.

A second male suspect was soon identified as another 42-year old resident of Coachella who was arrested at approximately 12:34 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. RSO reports when deputies attempted to serve the accused, he fled on an unrelated electric bicycle while discarding a bag with a loaded firearm and ammunition. 

When authorities apprehended the suspect they booked him without further incident. 

Both suspects were booked into the John Benoit Detention Center. 

The first suspect was booked in connection to aiding and abetting during the commission of a crime and grand theft and the second suspect was booked on suspicion of first-degree residential burglary, conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, obstruction, and multiple counts of committing a felony while out of custody on bail.

The investigation of this burglary is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Paull of the Palm Desert Station by calling (760)- 836–1600. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.  

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Several small quakes have struck near the Coachella Valley over the last couple of weeks. As earthquakes are unpredictable, it’s important to stay prepared with an updated quake kit.

USGS has a list for creating a preparedness kit for families, including:

Fire extinguisher

Adequate supplies of medications for all family members

Crescent and pipe wrenches incase of issues with gas or water supplies

First-aid kid and handbook

Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries

Portable radio with extra batteries

Water supply for two weeks for each family member (1 gallon per person, per day)

Purification tablets for water from other sources

Canned and package foods, with enough for several days. (mechanical can opener)

Camp stove or barbecue to cook outdoors

Waterproof, heavy duty plastic bags for waste disposal.

For local preparedness presentations from CVDPN visit cvdpn.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network about what you should do to prepare for earthquakes.

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Haley Meberg

La Quinta, Calif. (KESQ) – Fire crews battled their second house fire in La Quinta reported on Friday. The latest fire erupted just after noon on the 52-500 Block of Avenida Carranza.

According to a Cal Fire Battalion Chief, on scene, the first arriving unites found a working fire with smoke coming from the rear of the home.  Crews were able to isolate the fire to the attic area of the home. 

Five people are displaced due to the fire, 2 adults and 3 children.  There were no injuries reported.  One dog inside the home was found deceased. 

No word on what caused the fire at this time. 

Earlier in the day, fire crews battled a residential structure fire on the 50300 block of Spyglass Hill Road, also in La Quinta. https://kesq.com/news/2025/08/01/fire-breaks-out-in-a-la-quinta-home-friday-morning/

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates on both fires.

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Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) is calling out for community support for food donations following rising demand from “food insecure” families leaving CVRM’s food pantry depleted. 

The CVRM was founded in 1971 and distributes about 175 boxes of food to local families each Wednesday. CVRM reports that recently there has been an influx of families looking for support. 

“We have seen nearly a 200 percent increase in families coming to the Mission to pick up food boxes in recent weeks,” said Executive Director Amanda Galindo. 

Food donations can be brought directly to CVRM at 47470 Van Buren St in Indio.

CVRM is requesting pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned meat, mac n cheese, top ramen, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, beans, cookies, crackers, granola bars, snack packs, and hamburger helper. 

 CVRM provides food, clothing and safe shelter to anyone in need as well as help people end their cycle of homelessness through counseling, job training and job placement services. 

Financial contributions to their efforts can be made at CVRM.org 

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Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ)– Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) launches Unleash Your Superpower- Adopt a Hero event following the popularization of Krypto, Superman’s loyal canine companion, who was inspired by a real-life RCDAS shelter dog.

Ozu, the real-life inspiration for Superman’s four-legged friend, was one of 37 small dogs brought to a RCDAS shelter from a packed minivan.

“If a dog who started at our shelter system can inspire a movie hero, it’s proof that animals in our care have the potential to do incredible things,” said RCDAS Lieutenant of Field Services James Huffman. “You don’t need a cape to be a hero – just a willingness to open your home and heart to a shelter pet.” 

To celebrate Ozu’s journey from shelter life to superhero fame RCDAS is holding a month-long adoption event “Unleash Your Superpower – Adopt a Hero,” from August 1-30.

During this month-long event, adoption fees will be waived for all cats and dogs and include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchips and engraved ID tags.

RCDAS has reports they operate one of the highest-intake shelter systems in the nation with kennel spaces being in critical overflow. Throughout the summer shelters across the valley have called out for community support in finding these animals their forever homes. 

“We can all do more, and this story shows the power of giving shelter pets a second chance,” said  Riverside County Chairman of the Board and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “You never know who is waiting for you at a Riverside County shelter, and there is no better time to make a lasting connection.”   

The month-long event will take place at all RCDAS locations and will be open Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

To view adoptable pets visit https://rcdas.org/

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Tenet nurses at Desert Regional Medical Center and across California held informational pickets Thursday demanding increased staff and training.

According to the union, Tenet nurses are currently in negotiations to bargain a contract that includes staffing improvements like lift support, rapid response nurses, and rest and meal break nurses, as well as adequate orientations for new hires.

Those picketing on the ground allege inconsistent staffing and shift cuts are harming patient care.

“We’re constantly moving nurses like they’re chess pieces across the hospital. A patient can have 2 or 3 nurses in a shift, that’s not good for them. That increases the risk of errors when that happens,” Rachel Garcia, a registered nurse at Desert Regional said.

“We hear constantly we don’t staff for ‘what ifs,’ it’s an administrator saying. We are a level one trauma center. We are a comprehensive stroke center. We are an advanced cardiac care center. We should be staffing for ‘what ifs,” Laura Bruce, an ICU nurse said.

Nurses on the ground told News Channel 3 some new hires receive just days or orientation before working.

“New nurses that come to our hospital that have experience, they’re only getting four days orientation. Is that enough? No,” Bruce said.

In a statement to News Channel 3, Desert Regional Medical Center said:

“Our hospital is in full operation and open for all services. Our team’s focus today, as it is every day, is on providing exceptional quality patient care. We are currently involved in bargaining with the union and will continue to negotiate in good faith in hopes of reaching a successful contract. Our focus is on providing high quality healthcare to our community and a positive work environment for our employees.”

Officials say the hospital and nursing union will meet back at the bargaining table next week, on August 5th and 6th to resume contract negotiations.

Stick with News Channel 3 as we continue to follow this story.

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Haley Meberg

FONTANA, Calif. (KESQ)- At approximately 9:32 a.m., a 4.3 magnitude earthquake occurred near Fontana California, with movement being felt in several regions including the Coachella Valley.

Residents in the Coachella Valley have reported feeling tremors, described as a rumble.

Three other quakes have been reported this morning in the Rialto area. The quakes were reported at a 3.0 magnitude earthquake at 8:34 a.m., a 2.8 magnitude earthquake at 8:42 a.m., and a 3.1 magnitude earthquake at 9:36 a.m.

No injuries or major damages have been reported from the earthquake at this time.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– The Coachella Valley Firebirds re-sign defenseman Charlie Wright for another one-year AHL contract, bringing him back to the ice for the 2025-26 season. 

NEWS: The #CVFirebirds have signed defenseman Charlie Wright to a one-year, AHL contract for the 2025-26 season.

Welcome back, Charlie! https://t.co/wjIP3aCSQ6 | #LetsFly pic.twitter.com/BLOt7qBDp2

— Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) July 31, 2025

Wright, 21, joined the Firebirds in the 2024-25 season as a regular season defenseman playing 21 games with the team. 

The defenseman joined the Firebirds last year as a rookie following five seasons in the Western Hockey League with the Saskatoon Blades. Wright scored 15 goals and 88 assists throughout his 256 regular season games with Saskatoon. 

Wright returns to the team alongside other re-signed players Ian McKinnon, Jack LaFontaine, and Gustav Olofsson. 

Visit https://cvfirebirds.com/ for more information about the Firebirds 2025-26 season. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– Indio Police Department will be conducting DUI patrols Friday, August 1, from 7:00 p.m. to 2:00 a.m.

The IPD will be out on DUI patrols Friday evening looking for drivers suspected of driving under the influence.

“Impaired driving is preventable,” Sgt. Peter Fuentes said. “It’s a choice. If you’ve been drinking or taken drugs that impair, make the right choice by finding a sober driver or alternate transportation to take you places.”

The Indio Police Department reminds drivers that alcohol as well as prescription medication and over-the-counter drugs can impair an individual’s driving. The IPD advises drivers to always read warning labels and follow directions for use before taking medication. 

It is reported that drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first time DUI face an average of $13,500 fine and penalties as well as a suspended license. 

Funding for this program was provided by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s almost the end of summertime for families as the school year is just around the corner. Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert is hosting an “end of summer splash” at the Palm Springs Surf Club for a charity fundraiser and community event.

While 20 families with Variety will be coming to the park for free to enjoy the waves and water slides, organizers say it’s an important event beyond the amenities.

“It’s so important to feel like you belong and you’re a part of a community,” Nick Rossi, Variety’s senior development director said.

The surf party will welcome Variety families, whom the organizers said are from underserved communities. Families often lack the ability to enjoy spaces like the surf club because of disabilities or income insecurity.

“We have brought them in because maybe they have never thought they could come to a surf club or to a water park,” Rossi said.

One family who got to enjoy the club for the first time was Analysa Santos and her two children. She said Variety has been instrumental in providing services for her families mental health, and getting to spend the day at the surf club is an extra helping hand.

“Variety has a lot of resources because it’s an extra hand,” Santos said. “I believe a lot of people need an extra hand sometimes to be able to maneuver, especially when you got kids.”

The Palm Springs Surf Club said they’re always doing what they can to make the surf club accessible whether it’s with ADA compliant facilities or helping families. With the partnership with Variety, the surf club hopes to give the families visiting for free a relaxing experience.

“We want everyone to enjoy it, you know bring the community together regardless of whatever disability or where you are in life,” James Dunlop, the general manager of surf, said. “They have a lot of stress I’m sure. We can relieve someone of that here and give them a good time and it’s worth it.”

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from organizers and families about the end-of-summer event.

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