Category: kesq-local-news

Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – The search for the suspect who killed Alberto ‘Albert’ Castillo Jr. and wounded 2 other adolescent males continues.

The shooting happened around 4 a.m. on August 2nd in the 49000 block of Corte Molino where deputies said they were dispatched for a report of an assault with a deadly weapon.

Three teenagers were shot including 17-year-old Castillo Jr. who died at the scene.

Albert Castillo, the boy’s father, described his son as a “free spirit” who loved sports, fishing and helping others.

Courtesy: Albert Castillo

“He loved his brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews,” Castillo said. “He would help anybody. Stranger or not, he didn’t care.”

Castillo Jr. was from La Quinta according to his parents.

His dad said Castillo Jr. wanted to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather, who ran power lines.

“He could have been anything he wanted. He was smart,” Castillo said.

But now, Castillo said he lives with a hole in his heart.

“I was hoping they were lying to me,” Castillo said. “No parent wants to go through this. To this day, I don’t want to accept it. I’ll never hug my son again. It’s not fair.”

The family said they have received strong support from relatives and their hometown community including Desert Chapel Christian School, the school Albert attended, starting a scholarship in his honor and retiring his football number 7.

But what they need most now is answers.

“Nobody has came forward,” Castillo said. “If you were there, don’t be scared. I hope somebody comes forward.”

Albert’s mother echoed that plea.

She has asked News Channel 3 not to reveal her identity for safety reasons.

“No mother should ever have to bury their child,” She said. “I’m asking from the bottom of my heart. If you know anything, saw anything, heard anything or have even the smallest piece of information, please come forward. You can stay anonymous. Even the smallest bit of information can make a difference. We need justice for my son Albert. He will forever be loved and forever be missed. Please help us find answers. Our family deserves answers and peace,” she said.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Central Homicide Unit Master Investigator Castaneda at (951) 955-2777 or Thermal Station Investigator Glasper at (760) 863-8990.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Supreme Court ruled Monday to allow immigration enforcement officials to continue operations in Southern California. Many critics have describe these as “roving patrols,” and lower courts said they likely violate the Fourth Amendment.

The court approved the vote on a 6-3 margin and did not offer explanation for its decision.

The ruling focuses on operations in Los Angeles County, however, it does extend to Southern California including Riverside County. Residents in the Coachella Valley saw widespread Border Patrol and ICE operations in the early summer.

Many local businesses closed as owner said locals were afraid to go outside. It impacted their businesses heavily during an already slow summer.

For more information on the ruling visit kesq.com.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local officials and businesses about the implications of this ruling in the Valley.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A 67-year-old woman who was fatally struck by a vehicle while riding an electric bike in Desert Hot Springs was identified today.

Laura Harker, of Desert Hot Springs, was struck shortly after 7 a.m. Sunday on Pierson Boulevard west of North Indian Canyon, according to the Riverside County coroner’s office.

Harker was riding a Sasikeibike traveling along the right hand portion of the eastbound lane on Pierson Boulevard when a Ford F-150 pickup approached from behind at an unconfirmed speed, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The Ford driver did not notice Harker for unknown reasons and hit the rear of the e-bike, CHP Officer David Torres said.   

Harker suffered “multiple traumatic injuries” and was taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Torres said.   

She was pronounced dead by hospital staff roughly half an hour later.   

The cause of the crash was under investigation by CHP.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

MORONGO INDIAN RESERVATION, Calif. (KESQ) – A Banning area youth is among four Native American students statewide to have each received a $10,000 scholarship from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians near Palm Springs through the Tribe’s 20th Annual Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship Program.

“The Rodney T. Mathews Jr. Scholarship reflects Morongo’s commitment to supporting Native students who are overcoming obstacles to secure a higher education,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “Each recipient represents the strength and promise of our tribal communities. By investing in their education, we’re addressing generations of inequity and honoring our shared responsibility to uplift the next generation.”

The 2025 Mathews Scholarship Program recipients are:

Gabriella Salgado, an enrolled member of the Cahuilla Band of Indians, has lived her entire life on the Morongo Reservation in Banning, California. She will continue her education at Cal State University Monterey Bay, where she is majoring in Marine Science. Salgado’s goal is to travel the world studying ocean life and return to her community to educate younger generations about marine ecosystems.

“This scholarship from Morongo not only makes it possible for me to continue my education, but it reminds me that there are people who believe in my potential and are invested in my future,” Salgado said. “Their support motivates me to work even harder and make the most of this opportunity.”

Mary Pojas, an enrolled member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, lives on the La Jolla Indian Reservation in Pauma Valley, CA and is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in American Indian Studies at San Diego State University. Her future goals include working in tribal law and serving on her tribal council. She currently serves on her tribe’s Youth Council, where she helps organize events for elders and youth. Pojas also participates in cultural exchange programs, traveling across the country and abroad to share her tribe’s traditions.

“This scholarship opportunity means so much to me,” Mary Pojas said. “My entire family is pursuing college degrees, and this support gives me access to more resources and helps lighten the load. I’m so thankful to the Morongo Band for believing in students like me.”

Nusun Pojas, also a member of the La Jolla Band of Luiseño Indians, lives in Valley Center and will attend San Diego State University this fall to major in American Indian Studies with a focus on business and marketing. She plans to return to her community to help develop accessible health services for the tribe. Nusun has been actively involved in intertribal sports, first as a participant, and now as an aide and serves on the Youth Council.

“This means so much to me,” Nunsun Pojas said. “Coming from a family of six siblings and as a first-generation college student, I want to set an example and build a better future for my community. This scholarship is helping make that a reality.”

William Feather, an enrolled member of the Round Valley Indian Tribes is pursuing his Doctor of Education (EdD) at Chaminade University in Honolulu, Hawaii. A resident of Ukiah, California, he currently serves as a Special Education–Mental Health Counselor at Ukiah Unified School District. His goal is to serve as a school-to-prison prevention specialist and lead systemic reforms prioritizing Indigenous teachings and intergenerational healing. He previously received a Mathews Scholarship in 2019.

“My doctoral work is hard and often lonely—no one in my program looks like me. But I walk a bit taller today knowing that Morongo believes in me and has believed in me for years. I cried when I found out I had won this scholarship. It means everything to me,” Feather said. “I can’t wait to give back to Morongo one day and meet the people who made this possible.”

Since its launch, Morongo’s Mathews Scholarship Program has provided $670,000 in scholarships to 66 Native American students attending universities across the country.

Open to enrolled members of federally recognized tribes in California, these scholarships aim to reverse the long-standing underrepresentation of Native students in higher education where American Indian and Alaskan Native students still make up less than 1% of U.S. undergraduates.

The Morongo scholarship program honors the late Rodney T. Mathews Jr., a Morongo tribal member and Hastings Law School graduate who passed away in 2004. He worked as an attorney for 20 years in Banning and served as a judge pro tem for more than a decade.

His mother, Eunice Mathews, said the scholarship program recognizes her son’s lifelong commitment to equity and education.

“Rodney dedicated his life to justice and learning. We are very proud of all that he achieved, and it means so much to see his legacy live on by helping Native students pursue their own dreams,” Eunice said.

Scholarship applicants are considered based on their academic success and community service. Candidates must be full-time students at an accredited college or university; complete 60 hours with a designated California Indian agency; and be actively involved in the Native American community.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. – A 64-year-old man was killed in a crash while on a bicycle Thursday afternoon in Yucca Valley, authorities said.

The crash happened on Thursday at around 12:50 p.m. on Pueblo Trail and Joshua Lane.

Leon Dowd was traveling westbound and collided with a vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital with major injuries, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

He was pronounced dead nearly an hour later.

Click here to follow the original article.

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A tuberculosis case reported at Indio High School last week is drawing attention from health officials, who are also warning of a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses across the Coachella Valley. Officials confirmed that a student at Indio High tested positive for tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.

Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, a medical director at Eisenhower Health, says TB is not common, but cases do appear occasionally in the valley.

“It’s not as contagious as the common cold. Usually it’s in tight quarters… It’s not a hugely common infection. We see occasional patients with tuberculosis, and it can range from just a mild respiratory infection to someone very sick.”

Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, Eisenhower Health Medical Director

According to public health data, Riverside County reported 98 cases of TB in 2024, up from 63 in 2023. Health officials say the increase could be tied to more international travel and fewer people getting tested.

While TB remains relatively rare, doctors are also monitoring a rise in more common respiratory illnesses, including the cold, flu, and milder strains of COVID-19.

In response, health officials are urging the public to stay home when sick, wear a mask in crowded indoor settings, and get tested early if symptoms develop.

“It is important to test when you have an upper respiratory infection or you lose your taste buds — mainly because there are medications we can give to patients who are at risk that can shorten the disease.”

Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, Eisenhower Health Medical Director

With flu season approaching, local health departments are also encouraging residents to get vaccinated to stay protected.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.– The Oasis of Mara trail at Joshua Tree National Park is closed after damage from recent flooding.

Park officials said recent summer monsoonal events caused severe erosion of the paved trail and impacted the cultural site. Several sections of the trail have been undercut, and others have steep drop-offs, creating unsafe hiking conditions.

The trail will be closed until repairs are completed.

Repairs will be planned and implemented in consultation with associated Tribes.

Park rangers encourage visitors to check the weather forecast before entering the park. Flash floods in the desert can quickly turn deadly. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas.

Visitors can prepare for a safe visit by:

Downloading the NPS App for trip planning and park alerts at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm

Checking the park website for current conditions, restrictions, closures, and more at http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Reviewing safety information at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/safety-guidelines-for-your-visit-to-joshua-tree-national-park.htm

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A man was rushed to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon on the eastbound side of Interstate 10 near Cook Street.

The crash was reported at around 1 p.m.

News Channel 3 crew at the scene confirmed a person was on the ground in the middle of the freeway. The person was taken to the hospital. There was no word on their condition.

At least one vehicle was damaged.

The crash caused some traffic delays on eastbound side of the freeway, however, traffic was moving again by 2:25 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

Update 9/9/25

The driver was pronounced dead in the hospital nearly an hour after the crash, according to the coroner’s office.

He was identified as Alvin Cunningham, 47, of Menifee.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Original Report 9/8/25

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was taken to a trauma center after a vehicle fire Monday afternoon in Desert Hot Springs.

The incident was first reported at a little after 1:45 p.m.

The California Highway Patrol told News Channel 3 that the driver exited the off-ramp for unknown reasons and made contact with the barrier wall. The vehicle caught on fire. The driver was able to be pulled out.

CHP said the driver sustained “multi-traumatic major injuries.” CAL FIRE confirmed the patient was transported to a trauma center in unknown condition.

The incident is not impacting traffic on the I-10 but is affecting the on-ramp/off-ramp.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif (KESQ) The legal group representing 15 victims injured in last year’s Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade crash say the city’s newly announced police reforms don’t go far enough.

In a statement issued Monday, the Formica Law Group called the December 7, 2024, incident a “nightmare” caused by “preventable, inexcusable failures.” The group says its clients including children, seniors, and families are living with lasting injuries and trauma.

The Palm Springs Police Department’s August 2025 report cited multiple problems: unauthorized stunts, officer fatigue tied to overtime, lack of supervision, and communication breakdowns. But attorneys say the report “stops short of true accountability.”

“These were not isolated ‘unfortunate events,’” the statement reads. “They were systemic, repeated, and avoidable acts of recklessness. Chief Andy Mills and senior leadership were or should have been aware of these risks as early as 2019.”

The City of Palm Springs announced new safety protocols for parades and large gatherings last week. Attorneys described those changes as “a step in the right direction,” but said “empty promises and policy tweaks will not heal our clients’ wounds, nor will they restore public trust.”

The Formica Law Group said its lawsuit against Chief Mills and the city will outline what it calls “systemic failures and preventable decisions” tied to the crash.

The statement also called for concrete reforms: banning dangerous maneuvers, enforcing limits on overtime to prevent fatigue, and mandating stronger safety measures for large public events.

“One young boy and 14 other innocent people will carry these scars for the rest of their lives,” the statement reads. “Their courage in standing up today is about creating a safer Palm Springs tomorrow.”

The Festival of Lights Parade draws more than 100,000 spectators each year.

This is a developing story and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.