Category: kesq-local-news

Dakota Makinen

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – A new Shake Shack opened its doors in La Quinta this morning, but the grand opening is also giving back to a local organization working to fight food insecurity.

The restaurant, located at 78-772 Highway 111, is set to open at 10 a.m.

As part of the grand opening, Shake Shack is donating $1 to FIND Food Bank for every sandwich sold today.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A suspect has been arrested for a Yucca Valley stabbing that caused serious injuries over the weekend.

Anthony Garcia, 55, was arrested Saturday. He was charged on Tuesday with attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon, along with multiple enhancements.

The stabbing was reported Thursday in the 57000 block of El Dorado Drive. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies learned that a man entered the residence and stabbed a person multiple times before fleeing on a motorcycle.

The victim suffered “multiple serious and potentially life-threatening injuries” and was transported to a local trauma center for advanced medical treatment.

Investigators identified Garcia as the suspect and developed several addresses associated with him, the SBCSD wrote in a news release.

“Investigators also identified the license plate of the motorcycle Garcia was believed to be operating. Deputies entered the license plate into the ALPR system, to assist in locating the motorcycle and generate an alert if it was detected,” SBCSD wrote.

Deputies received an ALPR alert on Saturday, indicating the motorcycle was traveling westbound on Twentynine Palms Highway near Deer Trail. Deputies immediately responded to the area, located the motorcycle, and took Garcia into custody without incident.

“The successful apprehension was the result of coordinated patrol and investigative efforts, thorough follow-up, and the effective use of ALPR technology to assist deputies in locating the suspect and safely taking him into custody,” SBCSD wrote.

During a subsequent search of Garcia and his property, deputies located two hunting knives potentially used during the violent attack.

Garcia was transported to the West Valley Detention Center, where he remains in custody on $1 million bail. He is scheduled to be arraigned Wednesday via video in Rancho Cucamonga.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366 -4175. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may submit a We-Tip at https://mobile.catapultems.com/sbcsd/Sites or text “REPORT” to (844) 909-3006.

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Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) -A driver was arrested after a two-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 near Date Palm Drive that left another driver injured, according to the California Highway Patrol.

CHP said officers responded at about 5:44 p.m. Tuesday to a crash on eastbound I-10, west of Date Palm Drive.

When officers arrived, they determined one of the vehicles involved had left the scene. The driver who remained at the crash site was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center with cuts and scrapes.

Investigators identified the vehicle that left the scene as a 2025 Land Rover.

CHP said officers later located the Land Rover and its driver at a residence in La Quinta. The driver was taken into custody on suspicion of hit-and-run causing injury.

The Land Rover driver was not injured in the crash.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any additional updates.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The shockwaves from a powerful earthquake in Colombia are being felt here in the Coachella Valley — where local residents with family and friends back home are watching the destruction unfold.

A 7.4-magnitude earthquake struck Colombia Monday, damaging buildings, tearing apart roads and leaving communities facing a long recovery.

For Vanessa Vasco, the disaster is personal.

Vasco is from Manizales, Colombia, one of the areas most affected by the earthquake. She recently returned to the Coachella Valley after visiting her hometown and says it has been painful to watch the destruction from afar.

“I was in Colombia like two weeks ago and my city so beautiful, I left everything okay, and now my city is destroyed, all the people in pain, it’s very painful for me,” Vasco said.

Her family is safe, but she says one of her friends lost her home after the earthquake struck.

“My friend she just run away to save her life and her home collapsed and lost everything,” Vasco said.

Vasco says people in Colombia remain worried another earthquake could happen, but she is also seeing people come together to help those affected.

“All the people are very concerned because they are afraid it will happen again, but all the people are helping,” she said.

She says the road to recovery will be long, with many buildings damaged and families left trying to rebuild their lives.

For information on how you can help people affected by the earthquake, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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KESQ News Team

BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ) Jackie, the Big Bear Valley bald eagle watched by millions on a live nest camera, died in the overnight hours of Aug. 9 while receiving intensive medical care at the Ojai Raptor Center, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife announced.

Her condition continued to deteriorate after more than three weeks of intensive care, despite periods of temporary improvement, according to CDFW. In her final days, Jackie developed a large blood clot in her wing and kidney, along with another decline in her blood values.

Following a necropsy performed by veterinary pathologists at the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, Jackie’s remains will be transported to the National Eagle Repository, a facility operated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Office of Law Enforcement. The repository receives, evaluates, stores and distributes eagle remains, parts and feathers to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes throughout the United States for religious, cultural and ceremonial purposes.

“California mourns Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle who reminded us of the beauty and wonder of California’s wildlife, and our shared responsibility to protect the habitats that sustain it,” Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a statement.

Jackie, identified by CDFW as Patient 26-519, was admitted to the Ojai Raptor Center on July 18 after being found grounded. An initial examination found her thin and dehydrated, suffering from severe anemia, low blood protein, and kidney and lung abnormalities. Treatment included fluids, oxygen therapy, nutritional support and round-the-clock monitoring.

According to CDFW, Jackie received a blood transfusion July 22 using donor blood from Spirit, an ambassador bald eagle at the California Living Museum Zoo in Bakersfield. She initially showed temporary improvement, but her packed cell volume declined again by Aug. 3. Advanced diagnostic testing showed thrombosis in her wing and near one kidney.

Veterinarians also performed a contrast CT scan, a bone marrow biopsy and specialized testing for heavy metals, working with specialists across the country. Some test results remained pending, and her prognosis grew increasingly poor.

“Throughout Jackie’s time at Ojai Raptor Center, every decision was guided by the available medical evidence, her welfare, and our responsibility to do what was in her best interest,” said Chris Eksteen, the center’s executive director. “Though our team is heartbroken, it has been an extraordinary privilege to care for her.”

Jackie became the first documented bald eagle chick hatched in Big Bear Valley in summer 2012, according to CDFW. In October 2015, the Friends of Big Bear Valley installed a livestream nest camera offering an intimate view of wild eagles. CDFW said people around the world watched as Jackie and her mate, Shadow, hatched and raised eaglets beginning in 2018. For several years, Jackie and Shadow were the only year-round bald eagle residents at Big Bear Lake.

“Millions of people who will never set foot near Big Bear have watched, for years, as this eagle and her mate raised eaglets, lost eggs, survived extreme weather, fought for their nest — and, most recently, as the eagle fought for her own life,” CDFW Director Meghan Hertel said. “While this eagle’s story has ended, the inspiration and the lessons she gave so many people won’t be forgotten.”

Paul Souza, regional director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Pacific Southwest Region, called the public’s connection to Jackie “a powerful reminder of why the conservation of bald eagles matters.”

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Tommy Gallegos

RIVERSIDE, Calif. — Riverside County investigators have identified a woman whose partially buried body was found in the Desert Hot Springs desert in 1974, more than 50 years after her death.

The victim was identified as 19-year-old Rebecca Jean McMahan, also known as Becky McMahan and Becky Solis. McMahan was reported missing by her family on July 3, 1973, after she was last seen June 11 in Bell Gardens. She had told family she planned to travel to Palm Springs for vacation.

Despite years of efforts, including fingerprint and dental-record comparisons, investigators were unable to identify her.

The case was reopened in 2024 by the Riverside County Regional Cold Case Homicide Team. Investigators used forensic genetic genealogy, with DNA testing conducted by Othram Labs, to develop a profile from bone samples collected by the Riverside County Coroner’s Office.

A genealogist identified a potential close relative in California. DNA testing of that relative, along with confirmation from the California Department of Justice, ultimately identified the victim as McMahan.

McMahan was described as a white female with long brown hair and hazel eyes. She was about 5-foot-3 to 5-foot-4 and weighed between 120 and 145 pounds. She had an “SS” tattoo on her ankle and a butterfly tattoo on the right side of her chest.

Investigators are now seeking information about McMahan and the circumstances surrounding her death. Anyone with information is asked to contact Investigator Ebony Caviness at 951-955-0257 or by email at coldcaseunit@rivcoda.org.

The Regional Cold Case Homicide Team includes investigators from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner Department and Riverside Police Department.

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Tommy Gallegos

The misdemeanor case against Vem Miller, who was arrested outside a Donald Trump rally in Coachella in October 2024 after authorities said he was carrying a loaded firearm without a permit, has been dismissed following the successful completion of his diversion requirements.

The charges against Miller were dropped after completing a six-month misdemeanor diversion program.

As a result, the case was dismissed. The Riverside County District Attorney’s office also explained that when a case is dismissed after misdemeanor diversion, it is generally sealed, which is why the court system now shows “access denied” when attempting to view the case.

Miller was arrested in October 2024 outside the Trump rally in Coachella. The incident drew national attention after authorities said he was found with a loaded firearm and was taken into custody before the event.

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Blake Arthur

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — As high school sports return across the Coachella Valley, student-athletes are once again facing one of their biggest opponents – the heat.

California Interscholastic Federation guidelines require schools to monitor environmental conditions and heat stress using the Wet Bulb Globe Temperature, or WBGT, to help determine when outdoor practices and competitions can safely take place.

Most local schools now use Perry Weather systems on campus to provide real-time readings and help athletic programs determine if conditions are within the allowable threshold.

California divides schools into three heat categories based on region. The Coachella Valley falls into Category 3, the highest heat category.

Under the current guidelines, outdoor practices and competitions must be stopped when the WBGT reaches 92 degrees until conditions cool.

While the guidelines are designed to protect student-athletes from heat illness, some local coaches and school officials say the rules can also create significant challenges.

“A lot of people think it’s the heat. It’s actually the humidity, and it takes that measurement,” said Estevan Valencia, Palm Desert high school athletic director. “And so for us, the wet bulb keeps those kids from being out in a lot of the humidity, and basically keeps us safer.”

The issue has now reached Sacramento.

Assemblymember Greg Wallis authored AB 2503, a bill that would require the CIF to review and update its heat-illness prevention guidelines, with special consideration for regions of California that experience higher average temperatures.

Wallis said the current guidelines can create challenges for student-athletes who already have long school and practice days.

“When you’re looking at kids who have to get to school by 8 a.m., if they’re there till 8-9 p.m., it takes away from family time, studying time,” Wallis said. “And what we want is well-rounded student athletes.”

Wallis said the goal is to create guidelines that continue to protect student-athletes while recognizing the unique climate in the desert.

The issue also goes beyond scheduling.

Local teams can find themselves at a competitive disadvantage when extreme heat prevents them from practicing or competing while schools in other parts of Southern California, operating under the same regional category, are able to continue.

“If you go over to Redlands or Yucaipa or Riverside, their teams are getting a chance to play or practice while we’re not,” Valencia said.

Wallis notes that some local programs have seen a significant percentage of practices canceled because of the heat restrictions.

“Obviously we want to protect our student athletes. We want to make sure that they’re safe out there,” Wallis said. “But we also want to make sure they’re able to get out on the field. We’ve seen in certain sports up to 40% of practices canceled, and that’s just not the right thing to do,” said Wallis.

AB 2503 passed the California Assembly and later advanced through the state Senate. The measure would direct the CIF to review and update its heat-illness guidelines, including consideration of regions with higher average temperatures.

For desert schools, the debate comes down to finding a balance between protecting student-athletes from dangerous heat and allowing them the opportunity to practice and compete.

For more information on AB 2503, click HERE.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of local high school athletics.

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Tommy Gallegos

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — A Coachella man has been reported missing after his release from a prison in Kern County, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Deputies responded July 31 to a report of a missing person along Julia Drive in Coachella after the family of Arturo Reyes Aispuro said they had been unable to contact him following his release from custody.

According to authorities, Aispuro was released from North Kern State Prison on July 20 and was expected to be transported back to Riverside County, where he lives.

Officials say prisoners released from the facility can be transported by train to the county where they reside. However, Aispuro did not make contact with his family after his release, prompting them to report him missing.

Aispuro is described as approximately 5 feet 4 inches tall and weighing about 180 pounds. He has dark brown eyes, dark brown hair and a small scar on his face. Authorities also said he is right-handed.

The circumstances surrounding Aispuro’s disappearance remain unclear, and the investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information that could help authorities locate Aispuro is urged to contact the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

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Kiera McKinney

INDIO, CALIF. (KESQ)- Two recent road-rage incidents involving guns are putting a spotlight on how quickly frustration behind the wheel can turn dangerous.

The California Highway Patrol said it is not seeing an increase in road rage compared with previous years – including incidents involving weapons. Officers say crashes caused by road rage are not common, but when they do happen, they can involve intentional impacts that could lead to felony charges.

Seargent Abe Plata of the Indio Police Department said, “Motorists get annoyed with other drivers who maybe change lanes in front of them or driving too slow. They get very angry and they’ll start following them or pull up next to him and start yelling things at them. ”

One study shows that 34 percent of drivers admit to tailgating on purpose, and 32 percent of drivers say they’ve used rude gestures or honked out of anger, according to Nextbase.

In California, there isn’t a standalone crime called road rage, but police say that behavior can lead to serious chargers.

The main takeaway for drivers: If someone is aggressively following or confronting you, don’t engage. Get out of the way and call 911.

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