Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 23-year-old man pleaded not guilty to a murder charge in connection with a deadly shooting last week at the Motel 6 in Indio.

Cameron Isaiah Maestas was arrested Friday, hours after the deadly shooting at the Motel 6 on Indio Boulevard, near Sun Gold Street and Fred Waring Drive. The shooting was initially reported at around 11:30 p.m. on Thursday. A 27-year-old man was pronounced dead.

Maestas was arraigned Wednesday before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Arthur Hester, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for June 27 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

Police say the investigation revealed there was a dispute between the victim and the suspect before the shooting.

A white Toyota Camry with paper plates was seen fleeing the scene, police said. Investigators used video surveillance footage from the motel as well as from Flock Cameras to get a description of the vehicle. A detective spotted the suspect vehicle passing by near the crime scene.

During a traffic stop on the vehicle, police found a bag thrown from within the vehicle on the street. The bag contained a loaded Glock semi-automatic firearm. Officers were also able to confirm that the vehicle was the same as the one they were looking for from the shooting.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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City News Service

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A pipeline project designed to provide clean, accessible water to residents living in eastern Coachella Valley has been completed, Coachella Valley Water District officials announced today.   

The Avenue 66 Transmission project, also known as the Saint Anthony Mobile Home Park Water Consolidation project, involved the installation of more than 26,000 linear feet of water pipes along Avenue 66. The project connects to three mobile home parks — Saint Anthony, Seferino Huerta and Manuela Garcia — and will supply water to the communities of Mecca and North Shore.

“Access to safe, affordable water and sewer services brings additional benefits, including new housing opportunities and economic growth,” CVWD Board Vice President Castulo Estrada said in a statement.

Numerous eastern Coachella Valley residents previously received water from failing or at-risk private water systems and unreliable sanitation systems, district officials said.

“The work of CVWD and its Disadvantaged Communities Infrastructure Task Force on the Avenue 66 project is a model on how to build the partnership necessary to bring safe drinking water to the 2% of Californians who still don’t have it,” Board Chair Joaquin Equivel said.

The project is a multi-year effort aimed at improving water quality for residents in the Valley. Funding for the work includes a $23.4 million grant from the State Water Resources Board and a $7 million grant from the Department of Water Resources.

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Haley Meberg

SAN BERNADINO COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ)- This week the valley gears up for drowning prevention week with hopes of spreading awareness about this silent but dangerous killer. Drowning can occur in as little as 30 seconds and can affect even the strongest of swimmers silently and quickly making it important to learn the preventative measures to combat this. 

The ABC’s of drowning help set guidelines to prevent this kind of tragedy: Adult supervision, Barriers and Classes. The Drowning Prevention Foundation shows that drowning is the leading cause of injury-related deaths for children under the age of five and can be preventable with the supervision of a responsible, attentive adult actively watching children as they are in the water. 

The installation and maintenance of barriers such as isolation fencing with self-latching gates, pool covers, door alarms, and nets can also help prevent these incidents from being able to take place from the start. 

Overall, education is the best preventative measure when trying to go against the issue of drowning that the state of California faces throughout the summer months where 48% of all drowning cases take place. 

Operation Splash is a program run by Desert Recreational Center from a grant through Kaiser Permanente that provides free swim lessons for children from low-income neighborhoods to help spread the knowledge of lifesaving water skills. This program has reached more than 300,000 youths in Southern California and plans to continue educating these children on water safety. This paired with education of pool rules, safe behavior around water and CPR courses to prepare individuals for emergencies helps everyone be proactive and prevent drowning.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A rise in antisemitism has sparked worry from local groups and Jewish faith leaders in the Coachella Valley.

Jewish Family Service provides mental health counseling to all, whether they’re Jewish or not. However, antisemitic actions nationwide, and even locally, is concerning for the nonprofit’s Executive Director, Kraig Johnson. 

“Personally, it’s very bothersome to see. Professionally, as a Jewish agency, it’s making sure that our clients and my colleagues are safe,” said Johnson.

Meanwhile, one Jewish faith leader said it’s not just anti-Jewish hate that is concerning; rather, hatred involving other groups is a growing concern, too.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear why both groups say “community” is the most important way to combat Jewish hate. 

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Garrett Hottle

PERRIS, Calif. — Law enforcement, students, and volunteers gathered Wednesday at Citrus Hill High School for one of the region’s most immersive active shooter training drills to date.

The all-day simulation, led by the Val Verde Unified School District Police Department, was designed to mimic the critical first 15–30 minutes of a school shooting. Officers responded to rotating scenarios that included simulated gunfire, mock explosive devices, barricaded hostages, and student “victims” covered in realistic makeup.

“We’re giving officers the safest environment to train in — but creating the most chaos possible,” said Val Verde PD Chief Mark Clark.

Now in its sixth year, the drill featured role players from multiple agencies and Explorer programs, with some students aspiring to law enforcement careers.

Jesse Garcia, a junior from Orange Vista High School, said the program changed his life: “It’s helped me a lot. My dream is to graduate and go to college.”

The training also incorporated breaching tactics, tourniquet use, and split-second triage decision-making. Clark said the department’s policy mandates officers enter rooms even in hostage scenarios — a lesson drawn from real-world tragedies.

“We do monthly fire drills,” Clark said. “But we don’t prepare enough for this. That has to change.”

The training is expected to serve as a model for other school districts and local police agencies seeking to enhance readiness.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) –  As temperatures rise more income-qualified customers are eligible for discounts on their electric bill.

The Family Electric Rate Assistance (FERA) program offers qualified customers 18% off their monthly bill and expanded guidelines now include households of one or two. Previously, the program was limited to three or more.

In 2024, more than 32,000 FERA-enrolled customers saved a combined total of nearly $15 million — an average savings of $450 a year.

The change, which became effective June 1, is expected to help grow that number to include more than 357,000 Southern California Edison customers.

FERA eligibility is based on household size and income. For a one or two person household, the salary range is $42,301 to $52,875. For families of three or more, that number starts at $53,301. Once enrolled, customers must recertify every two to six years.

SCE encourages customers to apply early and explore additional support options, including payment plans and energy-efficiency assistance.

Learn more about SCE’s programs to help residential customers manage their bills at sce.com/billhelp

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

Update 6/19/25

A 36-year-old woman from Yucca Valley was arrested in connection with the crash.

Police said they located the suspect vehicle in the area of Perez Road and Cathedral Canyon Drive. Officers then utilized surveillance video and a witness to identify the vehicle’s driver at the time of the collision.

The woman was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. She faces hit-and-run charges. 

Original Report 6/17/25

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – A man in a wheelchair is in critical condition after being struck by two vehicles early Tuesday morning in Cathedral City.

The collision was reported at around 3:30 a.m. on Date Palm Drive south of Gerald Ford.

Police said the man attempted to cross east across Date Palm Drive outside of a marked crosswalk. A vehicle traveling southbound on Date Palm Drive struck the pedestrian and fled the scene without stopping. Moments later, a second vehicle struck the pedestrian as he lay on the roadway.

Police search for white van that fled the scene

Officers arrived at the scene and found the man with multiple injuries. He was rushed to the hospital and is currently in the ICU, listed in critical condition.

A witness described the first vehicle as a white van, which was last seen continuing southbound over the Date Palm Drive Bridge. Investigators were able to locate surveillance footage of the outstanding minivan. It is believed the van is a 2011 – 2020 Toyota Sienna.

The driver of the second vehicle was interviewed by Cathedral City Police Traffic Bureau investigators and was evaluated for impairment. Impairment was ruled out, police confirmed.

The Cathedral City Police Traffic Bureau is asking anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Traffic Investigator Albert Felix at (760) 770-0343 or via email at AFelix@cathedralcity.gov.

If you have information related to this incident or believe you may have information, contact the Cathedral City Police Department at (760) 770-0300; or via the Cathedral City Police Department website at: cathedralcitypolice.com; or email tips@cathedralcity.gov .

You may also report information anonymously. through Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers, by calling (760) 341-STOP; or through the WeTip hotline at: 1-(800)-78-CRIME or WWW.WETIP.com . Some tip information may qualify for a cash reward.

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Allie Anthony

The PSUSD Expanded Learning Summer Camp is offering local children an exciting opportunity to stay active and learning while school is out.

The program has both morning and afternoon sessions which helps relieve parents who need a safe environment for their kids while they work.

Program available at select school sites.AM Program 8-1 with district staffPM Program 1-6 with Think Together staff

The camp provides meals to all participants. They serve breakfast, lunch and snacks throughout the day.

The camp is cost-free, making it an accessible resource for families

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Shay Lawson

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)  – 15 tenants were forced to leave their homes at Thunderbird Terrace in Rancho Mirage last week after city officials deemed the complex a threat to life and safety.

Jay Jester, a displaced resident, said he lived in the property for about 2 years.

“The city came out last week on some unrelated calls and during their visit to the property, made some observations about some structural damage,” Jester said. “We received red tag notices indicating that we could not enter the property except to remove our belongings. We have seven days to remove our belongings, at which time they will come back, which is Friday, to red tag the building. Then we’re not allowed to enter.”

The city of Rancho Mirage confirmed on June 12, 2025, the City posted a “yellow tag” on the 15-unit property, officially deeming it unsafe for occupancy, citing severe structural damage.

A city spokesperson said the property owner was informed that he had 24 hours from notification to provide relocation assistance to tenants and was directed to the relevant materials provided by the city.

“They determined that we were eligible for relocation fees,” Jester said. “Those are to be paid by the property owner.”

California law requires property owners to pay relocation assistance when tenants are displaced due to unsafe living conditions.

Jester said tenants haven’t heard from the property owner, but that the property manager reached out Monday to deliver their checks.

“They were supposed to be paid within 24 hours,” Jester said.

News Channel 3 requested interviews with both the property owner and manager. The owner has not responded. On Monday morning, the manager said they’re working to get assistance to residents.

Jester said, after a brief moment of panic, he is now in the process of finding a new place to live.

“Started looking at what resources were available,” Jester said. “Reached out to the city to get clarification. The city has been very cooperative.”

A city spokesperson said it coordinated with the Fair Housing Council of Riverside County’s Palm Springs office and provided the necessary information about the situation and provided a dedicated point of contact.

They also said the safety and well-being of Rancho Mirage residents remain the City’s top priority.

Stay with News Channel 3 at 10 and 11 p.m. to hear from more displaced residents.

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Jesus Reyes

Update:

News Channel 3 is excited to announce, “Palm Springs United,” a partnership with the Agua Caliente and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will be extended through Sunday.

So far, more than $125,000 has been raised to help local businesses damaged during last month’s car bombing. It comes with the help of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. They increased their match amount. For every dollar that comes in, they will match it $2 up to $200,000

Previous Story:

Tuesday will mark one month since a bombing, which was called “an act of terrorism,” rocked Palm Springs. 

Now, many downtown businesses continue to deal with the fallout of that attack.

On May 17, News Channel 3 was first on the scene at a car bombing outside of a local fertility clinic. Police say the man responsible was killed in the blast.    

Many businesses suffered significant damage, with most of them not having insurance coverage. 

We’re proud to announce an effort to raise money for businesses struggling to recover.

News Channel 3 is part of “Palm Springs United,” a partnership with the Agua Caliente and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce.

We will be fundraising all day on Wednesday at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce. The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians will match all funds — dollar-for-dollar up to $100,000 — collected during this event.

Join us for this all-day fundraiser on Wednesday, June 18.

You can also donate online now at https://pschamber.org/palmspringsunited

Help us show that we are all Palm Springs United.

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