Category: kesq-local-news

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Drivers are lining up at the newly opened Agua Caliente Fuel station in Palm Springs, where some of the city’s lowest gas prices are drawing motorists looking for relief from high fuel costs.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians officially opened its second Agua Caliente Fuel station Saturday at the corner of Dinah Shore Drive and Lawrence Crossley Road. Regular gasoline was selling for $4.99 per gallon Monday.

The opening comes as California drivers continue paying some of the highest gas prices in the country, with the war in Iran adding pressure to prices at the pump.

Many drivers said the lower prices made the new station worth the stop.

“The prices for one, you can’t really beat it,” one driver said.

For Uber driver Brennan Baggett, saving money on gas can have a direct impact on his bottom line.

“I have to fill up every single day so definitely every penny saved is a big help for me,” Baggett said. “I’m driving several rides a day and several hundreds of miles.”

Agua Caliente officials say the tribe is able to offer competitive fuel prices because of its tribal sovereignty. They also say the station is more than just a place to buy gas.

“This is a tribal business, this is a tribal enterprise, so with everything, tribal enterprises support the tribal government which of course continues to give back to the greater community,” Kate Anderson, Director of Public Relations, said.

The new location includes 24 fuel pumps, a convenience store and a gaming area with 90 slot machines. Tribal officials say they wanted to create a destination that offers more than just fuel.

As gas prices continue to weigh on many families, drivers say any opportunity to save money is welcome.

The Palm Springs station is part of the tribe’s continued expansion. A third Agua Caliente Fuel station is under construction in Cathedral City.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Haley Meberg

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)– The Coachella Valley Firebirds celebrate the beginning of their fifth season by unveiling the team’s 2026-27 promotional calendar filled with a season full of fan-favorite theme nights.

The season officially begins Friday, Oct. 2, when the Firebirds host the Ontario Reign.

New additions to this season’s schedule include Coachella Valley Lakers Night, celebrating the valley’s newest professional basketball team, along with Canadian Night, Route 66 Night and Margarita Valley.

Firebird fans can also expect to see returning events such as:

Teddy Bear Toss

Fuego’s Birthday

Pride Night

Día de los Muertos

Kraken Night

Kids Night

Fan Appreciation Night

“Reaching our fifth season is worth celebrating, and our fans are the reason we’ve gotten here,” said John Page, Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. “Season Five is about celebrating everything we’ve built together over the last four years while creating even more opportunities for fans to make memories with family and friends.”

The Coachella Valley Firebirds plan to bring back community-focused celebrations throughout the season honoring military members and veterans, teachers, first responders, cancer awareness initiatives and local civic organizations in partnership with One Valley Foundation.

Throughout the themed events, fans can prepare for specialty jerseys, giveaways, themed entertainment and interactive pregame experiences on select nights. Firebird officials say additional promotions, specialty ticket packages and event details will be announced throughout the season.

The complete 2026-27 schedule, along with information on season ticket memberships and group outings can be found at Season Ticket Member 26-27 – Coachella Valley Firebirds .

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – A plane made an emergency landing Monday afternoon at the Thermal airport.

The incident was first reported at around 2:45 p.m. Authorities said a small personal aircraft was experiencing an alternator fire, prompting an emergency landing at Thermal Airport.

The fire was extinguished before firefighters arrived at the scene just before 3:00 p.m. A CAL FIRE spokesperson confirmed the scene is all clear.

Three people were aboard the aircraft. No injuries were reported.

Palm Springs International Airport temporarily halted air traffic traveling to Thermal Airport. Air traffic has since resumed.

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KESQ News Team

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) have introduced the Developing the Community Health Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen the workforce at federally qualified health centers.

The congressman says the bill would improve recruitment and retention through expanded loan repayment programs, create workforce pipeline initiatives, expand training partnerships between community health centers and hospitals, and increase the behavioral health workforce serving FQHC patients.

Supporters say the legislation aims to address ongoing staffing shortages at community health centers and improve access to care in rural and underserved communities.

The bill is supported by Advocates for Community Health, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and Health Center Partners of Southern California.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly 3,000 employees with the Palm Springs Unified School District gathered this morning to officially kick off the 2026-27 school year during the district’s annual “Rally for Excellence.”

District leaders say the event will feature entertainment, staff recognitions and the official launch of PSUSD’s new Vision 2031 initiative, which will help guide the district’s priorities in the years ahead.

The annual rally is designed to celebrate employees and energize staff as they prepare for the start of a new academic year.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Tommy Gallegos

OJAI, Calif. — UPDATE 8/7/2026 The Ojai Raptor Center reports that Big Bear Lake bald eagle Jackie remains in intensive care, where she is receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and continuous monitoring. Her condition remains critical after recent blood work showed her packed cell volume (PCV) has declined again, falling below 10%.

“We are sorry to share that today’s update is not positive,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in the post.

The center says that advanced diagnostics performed this week, including a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy, have provided important new insights into her condition. The center says additional specialized testing is still pending.

The Ojai Raptor Center’s veterinary team continues to collaborate closely with specialists across the country as they evaluate the latest findings and determine the most appropriate next steps in her care.

The center is consulting with specialists at the University of Georgia, UC Davis, and avian specialists in Northern California as they determine the next steps in Jackie’s care.

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A post shared by Ojai Raptor Center (@ojairaptorcenter)

UPDATE 8/5/2026

The Ojai Raptor Center has shared a medical update regarding Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, reporting that she underwent further advanced diagnostics, including a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy.

The center says Jackie recovered well from anesthesia and is back in her recovery enclosure receiving supplemental oxygen.

The veterinary team says together with their scientific advisory council and consulting specialists, are now reviewing today’s findings alongside Jackie’s previous test results.

The center also says additional lab work is still pending. The group says it will share a more comprehensive updates once they have the opportunity to review their findings.

Original Report

OJAI, Calif. — The Ojai Raptor Center has shared a concerning medical update regarding Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, reporting that the bird’s condition has become more serious following the latest round of diagnostic testing.

According to the rehabilitation center, bloodwork performed Monday revealed that the eagle’s packed cell volume (PCV) has declined to 13%, indicating that her anemia has worsened since the previous public update. A low PCV means the bird has fewer circulating red blood cells than normal, reducing the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to vital organs and tissues.

In response to the results, the Ojai Raptor Center’s veterinary team has initiated additional advanced diagnostic testing while requesting expedited laboratory analysis to help determine the underlying cause of the anemia. Those findings will be used to guide the next phase of the eagle’s treatment.

Jackie has been receiving treatment after being found on the ground on Big Bear Lake following a confrontation with two other bald eagles.

The center revealed that the encounter with eagles likely left her grounded, but experts do not believe it is what caused her illness.

At this time, veterinarians say they do not yet have definitive answers regarding the cause of the worsening condition or the prognosis. The center emphasized that it will provide another update once meaningful new medical information becomes available.

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Peter Daut

The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) is preparing to welcome students back to campus as the new academic year begins Wednesday, with district leaders emphasizing a renewed focus on connection, belonging, and student achievement.

Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess says the district’s top priority this school year is ensuring every student feels supported, affirmed, and engaged in their education. District leaders are working to strengthen relationships with students, families, and staff while creating learning environments where everyone feels they belong.

A key initiative this year centers on improving student attendance. PSUSD plans to work more closely with families by reaching out when attendance concerns arise, helping identify barriers that may be preventing students from getting to school, and connecting families with available resources and support.

During an in-depth interview with KESQ’s Peter Daut, Dr. Funchess shared the challenge that remains at the forefront of his mind.

“There’s one challenge that’s always on my mind: How can we help our scholars excel academically? And how can we help them be excited about learning in our classrooms?” Funchess said.

In addition to its attendance efforts, the district has launched a new multi-year vision aimed at shaping the future of PSUSD. The long-term plan is designed to build on academic success while fostering stronger connections throughout the district community.

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Kiera McKinney

Update – 8/4/26

Police said Sunday after 5:00 p.m., the vehicle’s registered owner called dispatch, claiming that a 22-year-old male “cousin” had taken his 2024 Chevy pickup without permission.

Surveillance video of the crash

The vehicle, now in the owner’s possession, was processed by officers, and the owner was interviewed.

The case remains under investigation as officers continue to gather information related to the incident.

A GoFundMe has been set up to help support the restaurant’s road to reopening. Click here if you would like to make a donation.

Original Report 8/3/26

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The search continues tonight for the car suspected of driving into Indio’s Burger Box restaurant early Sunday morning.

Video footage released by the restaurant shows a white truck driving into the iconic landmark before fleeing the scene.

Owner Anthony Ruiz says he received a call around 7:50 a.m. about the crash. When he arrived, a police officer told him the incident was a hit-and-run, and the driver and vehicle were no longer at the scene.

The restaurant was quickly boarded up as the business began assessing the damage.

The timing is especially difficult for Ruiz and his family. Burger Box was just 10 days away from celebrating its one-year anniversary since reopening.

The Indio Police Department is investigating. Anyone with information is asked to contact the department’s non-emergency line at 760-391-4051.

Owner Anthony Ruiz says he got a call around 7:50 Sunday morning telling him a vehicle crashed into the resturant.

“We got some footage from a nearby tire shop. They, you know, it’s pretty sad to see the footage. We’re hoping it was some crazy, accident or, you know, who knows what happened,” Ruiz says.

Ruiz also says he grateful no one was inside at the time, adding that the outcome could have been much worse.

“To the person responsible. I wish you healing. I wish you, nothing but love and peace. we definitely hope that this doesn’t happen again, so that justice is made and prevent this from happening in the future,” Ruiz says.

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A former colleague of Adva Lavie, a model and influencer arrested for grand theft in Riverside and LA counties, is speaking out about his interaction with the woman.

Michael Sartain, a podcast host based in Las Vegas, says he hosted Lavie, who went by the alias ‘Mia Ventura’ on his show Access Vegas Live. During the 2024 election episode, Sartain accuses Lavie of stealing the credit cards and cash of fellow panelists while on the show.

“She gets up and she walks out and goes into the greenroom. I’m looking at the producer and I’m like, what is she doing? It was very strange. She comes back and stays, then there’s a window sill behind her and there’s her purse. In that purse is all of the other panelists’ credit cards and cash that she had stolen from the green room. We know that because I talked to them all afterwards and they were all like, yeah, she stole our stuff,” Sartain said.

Sartain says while none of the women pressed charges, they did find several charges on cards after they believe they were stolen by Lavie.

“The next day, she goes to a salon and she uses a girl who’s on the show, her credit card to book the appointment,” Sartain said.

Lavie was arrested last week for two separate grand theft investigations in Indio that occurred on April 12, 2025, at the same Airbnb rental located in the 43000 block of Spiaggia Place in Indio during the Coachella Music and Arts Festival.

Indio PD say Lavie stole $25,000 in property from a victim she was sharing an Airbnb room with. In a second incident, they say she stole a Rolex, Louis Vuitton sunglasses and cardholder totaling around $10,000.

Police said both incidents involved separate victims who reported valuable personal property stolen after spending time with the suspect, whom they had met through social connections.

Lavie is now facing upwards of 7 felony charges across LA and Riverside County. She appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom last week, as her lawyers said they’re prepared to fight her case.

“Adva has gone through a lot in her life. She’s a work in progress. She is not perfect. She’s made mistakes, but she’s doing the best she can,” Defense attorney Jeremy Lessem said.

A data for Lavie’s arraignment has not been set yet by the Riverside County District Attorney.

Authorities said Lavie’s charges in LA County are separate from the Indio Police Department’s investigation and should not be conflated with the Riverside County case.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Garrett Hottle

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) The preliminary hearing for William “Billy” Frank Rodriguez, the founder and CEO of Silvercrest Advertising, lasted all day Monday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, with the judge setting a status update for Aug. 24 and day two of preliminary hearing set for Aug. 31.

Rodriguez is charged with murder, hit-and-run causing death or permanent serious injury, and driving on a suspended or revoked license in the death of 60-year-old Christina Barrington. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Prosecutors allege Barrington was riding a scooter with her pet on East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City on Oct. 11, 2024, when she was struck by a Porsche driven by Rodriguez, who then fled the scene. According to a sworn declaration filed by Cathedral City police, Rodriguez had been drinking at Acrisure Arena and at two downtown Palm Springs bars in the hours before the crash.

Investigators say he was driving 65 mph in a 45 mph zone when he swerved into Barrington’s lane, and dragged her scooter roughly 1,400 feet before it dislodged. The declaration states he drove home, never reported the collision, and spent that weekend in Las Vegas.

The declaration also states Rodriguez has a 2013 DUI conviction out of Los Angeles County, and that his license was suspended and never reinstated. Prosecutors raised the prior conviction in court following his arrest.

Rodriguez was arrested Oct. 13, 2025, nearly a year after the crash, and booked at the John J. Benoit Detention Center in Indio. He was later released on $2 million bail.

After Monday’s hearing, the judge will now weigh whether prosecutors have presented enough evidence to send the case to trial. Prosecutors do not have to prove guilt at this stage. The judge only needs to find probable cause, a much lower standard than what is required to convict at trial.

The case has faced repeated delays. As News Channel 3 previously reported, defense attorneys spent months saying key discovery had not been turned over, including autopsy materials, records tied to evidence seized during a search warrant, medical records and witness statements. During a March hearing, it was also revealed investigators obtained a DNA profile from Rodriguez through a court-authorized search warrant.

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