Category: kesq-local-news

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– A Palm Desert man was arrested in connection to multiple burglaries, firearm and narcotic related charges Tuesday evening. 

Tuesday morning at approximately 7:00 a.m., deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to a call reporting a residential burglary on the 44500 block of Portola Avenue in Palm Desert. 

Authorities said, the residents of the house reported a 51-year-old man knocked on the door then proceeded to enter their home and steal items before fleeing the scene. 

It was reported several other “cat” burglaries had taken place throughout the city, causing the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Team (RBST) to open an investigation in which they determined the same suspect was responsible.

At 7:00 p.m. later that night, RBST, along with the City of Palm Desert District Team served the 51-year-old suspect with a warrant. During the service of the search warrant multiple items consistent with narcotic sales, suspected cocaine, several hundred vials of growth hormones and two unregistered firearms were located.

The alleged burglar was booked into Benoit Detention Center in Indio but was released Wednesday on $70,000 bail. 

A court date is set for August 20th at the Indio Larsen Justice Center for the suspects arraignment. 

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Sanchez of the Palm Desert Station at (760) 836-1600. 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Office (RSO) reports that “cat” burglaries garner a higher level of concern for law enforcement due to higher levels of risk to victims. The RSO reminds residents to lock doors and windows even when home to help keep the city safe.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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KESQ News Team

Beaumont, Calif. (KESQ) -Beaumont named Christopher Ramos as the city’s new chief of police.

Ramos takes over for Sean Thuilliez, who led the department for nearly 10 years before his departure in February.

City officials said Ramos emerged as the “clear choice” for the position after an extensive selection process, which included multiple interview panels made up of community members and law enforcement professionals.

“The City of Beaumont looks forward to the continued progress and leadership of Chief Ramos, a family-centered and dedicated Beaumont leader, as he serves the Beaumont Police Department and the community it protects,” said Mayor Mike Lara.

Ramos is a 24-year-old veteran of law enforcement, including 20 years with the city of Beaumont. He started off as a patrol officer and has served in nearly every division of the department. He has most recently served as captain.

City officials said Ramos has led major department initiatives that have enhanced both efficiency and public safety. His leadership was instrumental in launching a new Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) and Records Management System (RMS), and in securing grant funding for a multi-million-dollar regional radio communications upgrade—strengthening emergency response capabilities across the region.

As the department’s first Administrative Sergeant, Ramos shaped policies and training programs, managed grant-funded initiatives, and served as the City’s Emergency Services Coordinator—playing a key role in the department’s strategic direction and preparedness. 

Chief Ramos holds a Master of Science in Law Enforcement and Public Safety Leadership from the University of San Diego and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. He is a graduate of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership Institute and is currently enrolled in POST Command College. He serves on the California Police Chiefs Association Board of Directors as an Associate Director and remains actively engaged in several professional and community-oriented organizations.  

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Tori King

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– The City of Indio is set to open a time capsule that has been sealed for two decades. The 20-year-old time capsule was sealed back in 2005.

The special event will take place on Wednesday, July 16, 2025, at 3:00 p.m. in the Indio City Hall Council Chambers, located at 150 Civic Center Drive. 

The city says the event both honors the past and will reshape the future through a new initiative. During Wednesday’s ceremony, the city will also launch a new time capsule initiative titled: Moments in Time.

News Channel 3′ Tori King will be there to catch all of the action. See her reports at 4, 5 and 6.

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City News Service

UPDATE: 7/21/25 11:30 A.M. – CAL FIRE reports that the Dale Fire remains at 1,096 acres and is now 95% contained. As of Sunday afternoon, the last evacuation order that remained was downgraded to an evacuation warning for the affected areas. CAL FIRE reports, “Crews will continue working through the night extending containment lines, griding the interior of the fire and validating existing lines from anyhidden smoldering pockets.”

UPDATE: 7/18/25 7:00 P.M. – CAL FIRE reports that the fire remains at 1,096 acres and is 45% contained. Crews will continue through the night working hotspots and reinforcing the lines.

UPDATE: 7/18/25 8:36 A.M.- CAL FIRE reports that the Dale Fire is now 34% contained at 1,096 acres. Officials say the cause of the fire is still under investigation and evacuation orders are still in place.

UPDATE: 7/17/25 3:15 P.M. – A five-acre fire triggered by lightning in Anza is being incorporated into the Dale Fire in Aguanga, CAL FIRE announced.

[UPDATE @ 3:00 p.m.]: The fire is being incorporated into the #DaleFIRE. Visit the link below for further updates.👇🔗https://t.co/3uxBz2BXZ7

— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) July 17, 2025

UPDATE: 7/17/25 6:30 A.M. – Highway 371 is back open in all directions. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

UPDATE: 7/16/25 9:54 P.M. – CAL FIRE is mapping the Dale Fire at 1,072 acres, and report that crews are making good progress on the perimeter of the fire. Evacuation orders and warnings remain in place.

Per CAL FIRE:

Evacuation Orders:

CBI-CAHUILLA1

RVC-LAKERIVERSIDEESTATES4

RVC-TABLEMT4

RVC-TABLEMT5

RVC-2327

RVC-TULE1

RVC-TULE2

RVC-TULE4

RVC-TULE6

RVC-TULE7

RVC-TULE8

Evacuation Warnings:

RVC-2280-B

RVC-2369

RVC-TABLEMT3

RVC-TABLEMT6

RVC-TULE3

RVC-TULE5

AGUANGA, Calif. (KESQ) – Two brush fires that erupted Wednesday less than a mile apart in Aguanga were combined to be called the Dale Fire, scorching over 1,000 acres, destroying several structures, prompting evacuations and forcing the closure of a highway.

The blazes were reported at 12:35 p.m. Wednesday — the first in the area of Riverdale Drive and Highway 371, the second about three-quarters of a mile to the south at Bradford Road and Gelding Way — according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire was earlier mapped at 330.4 acres by FIRIS Intel 24. 

#DaleFIRE [UPDATE 2:30PM]: The fire is now 220 acres.

Evacuations ORDERS are in place for the following zones:RVC-TULE1RVC-TULE2RVC-TULE4RVC-TULE6RVC-TULE7RVC-TULE8RVC-2327RVC-LAKERIVERSIDEESTATES4RVC-TABLEMT4RVC-TABLEMT5CBI-CAHUILLA-1

Evacuation WARNINGS are in… pic.twitter.com/NYH0gLwgsb

— CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department (@CALFIRERRU) July 16, 2025

The agency said multiple engine and hand crews from the county and surrounding agencies were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a rapid rate at the larger brusher along Riverdale.

At least two structures, possibly vacant outbuildings, were consumed by the flames, according to officials at the scene. The second fire at Bradford was slower but also damaged two to three structures, burning two to three acres, officials said. The forward rate of spread on that blaze was stopped by 1:45 p.m.

Seven Cal Fire air tankers and three water-dropping helicopters initiated runs on the larger fire at 1:10 p.m. The flames continued progressing in the direction of Cahuilla Creek Motocross and the Cahuilla Casino Hotel, both south of Highway 371, about 1.5 miles to the east of the brushed.

Evacuation orders were implemented by sheriff’s deputies for properties southeast of the Lake Riverside Estates. The motocross track, casino and properties along the boundary of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation were under evacuation warnings as of 2 p.m.

Both sides of Highway 371 were shut down for public safety between the casino turnoff at Homestead Road to the east and Barbara Trail to the west, spanning roughly seven miles.

There was no immediate word regarding how the fires started.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – First responders were met with a strange drop-off Tuesday after a woman went to turn over what she thought was just an old grenade that she found in the desert.

Police said the woman walked into the Riverside County Fire Station 37 on Pierson Boulevard to turn in the grenade. Riverside County Sheriff’s Hazardous Device Team was called in out of an abundance of caution.

HDT safely took possession of the device and were able to confirm that it was inert, or not live.

“While we’re relieved this had a safe and uneventful outcome, let this serve as a reminder: If you find something that even looks explosive, don’t touch it and don’t transport it yourself. Call us right away—preferably before making any surprise deliveries to the fire station,” reads a post by the Desert Hot Springs Police Department.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio police arrested nine people for alleged possession of illegal fireworks and three others for DUI during an Independence Day weekend enforcement operation that also resulted in the seizure of approximately 1,500 pounds of fireworks, police announced today.

Officers received more than 150 calls regarding fireworks on July 4 and 5. The operation led to 28 citations, six drone-based captures for unspecified reasons and two arrests related to firearms.

“Based on the noticeable decline in illegal fireworks activity compared to last year, we believe these outreach efforts made a meaningful impact,” Sgt. Abe Plata said.

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The school year is just around the corner, and school supplies are anticipated to be the most expensive in years. But one local student, Natalie Barrios, is determined to make a difference for her community with a school supply donation drive.

“I just feel like every kid should be prepared for the first day of school, and they shouldn’t be struggling to have new school supplies,” Barrios said.

According to Savings.com, families plan to spend a record-high $628 per child on clothing, supplies and tech, which is up 4% from last year. Overall, 71% of families plan to spend more than last year.

Knowing the rising costs, Natalie and her mother came up with the idea for a supply drive. Now, Natalie and her brother are working to collect school supplies and backpacks for local students. Something that was inspired by the community need she’s seen in her own classrooms.

“I have seen kids who sometimes don’t have pencils or notebooks or just like the necessary things for basic school day,” Barrios said.

Barrios is a student with the Palm Springs Unified School District, and while the donation drive is not affiliated with any organization or district, PSUSD said drives like these from their students are inspiring.

Jessica Whiteman is the Director of Elementary Curriculum and Instruction at PSUSD and was formerly a principal. She said she’s seen how PSUSD aids students with supplies each year, but the community drives are big help as costs rise.

“That’s heartwarming because it shows that desire and need to support one another and come together as a community to help anyone in need, but our students and our future,” Whiteman said.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more of what you need to know for school supplies this year from PSUSD officials, and the story of a local student hoping to help.

For information to help Natalie Barrios with her donation drive see:

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Public Library will delay its closing to the public for three weeks following HVAC issues at a set temporary location. 

The Palm Springs Public Library was set to close July 19 for renovations with normal operations taking place at Rimrock Plaza on E. Palm Canyon Drive. Despite the changes, Jeannie Kays, the director of the Palm Springs Public Library, said they’d would rather have the issues now instead of after they move in.

“Actually it’s a good thing because the landlords are being proactive with checking all of the systems in the new facility,” Kays said. “We’re going to get new carpet in the facility, new paint. It’s going to be a beautiful space.” 

The Palm Springs Library reported that their closing will be delayed until August 9, due to HVAC issues at the temporary location but still plan to celebrate their renovation and closing party July 19 from 2 p.m.- 4p.m. They now plan to open the temporary location August 25.

The last day the library will be open to the public is August 8, closing at the regular time of 5:00p.m. The library says that during the time of transition when the space is closed for moving all checkout dates will be extended and ask that the public hold items for return until the temporary library location opens.

Even with the renovation schedule being pushed back, Kays said it’s not a concern.

“We’re not worried about the timeline. We always have to be a little bit flexible,” Kays said. “Things can happen but we definitely roll with it.”

The Friends of the Palm Springs Library are set to continue selling books at the original location until the new closing date. They plan to hold regular book sales at Rimrock Plaza in addition to the relocation to Our Savior’s Lutheran Church on Ramon Road where they will resume accepting book donations beginning August 11 by appointment. 

The library renovations are set to last 18-36 months with regular operating hours being held at the temporary space. Programming will continue at various locations around the City including but not limited to the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, Mizell Center, and more locations to be announced.

For more information visit www.palmspringslibrary.org or call 760-322-READ (7323)

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A healthy group of triplets have been delivered at Desert Regional Medical Center!

A Yucca Valley woman and her husband welcomed two baby boys and a baby girl on July 12th. The mom, Desiree Barrett-Wilson, says she’s excited to expand her family.

She and her husband, Waylon, named the three Harrison, Hudson, and Addison, who were born in that order.

It’s the first time it’s happened at the hospital in six years, and the hospital said triplet births occur in just one in every 10,000 pregnancies.

Maggie Stutz, the Director of Women, Infants, and Children at the hospital, said despite the rarity of delivering triplets, the hospital sees it as an exciting time.

“To us, our team sees it as a wonderful celebration. In reality, it’s just one extra baby … we’re delivering twins monthly here. So to have triplets is just remarkable,” Stutz explained.

Stutz highlighted the medical center’s Maternal Fetal Medicine (MFM) program, which handles high-risk pregnancies, as well as the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) nurses and the Labor & Delivery team.

Lori Umanzio, a neonatal nurse practitioner, described the excitement within the NICU: “I think ‘cause it’s multiples, you’re all excited to see what they look like, whether it’s boys or girls. And you’re excited for the parents because it’s not the norm.”

Four days after the triplets’ birth, mom, dad, and older brother Grayson were ready to go home, while the three new bundles of joy continued to grow in the NICU. They were born a few weeks premature, but the parents said they know the newest additions to their family were being cared for.

“We know our family is being taken care of, like, I know my babies are going to be good when we can’t be here 24 hours,” said Desiree.

Nurses said they expect the babies will stay in the unit until their initial due date draws closer. Until then, the nurses will watch over them and keep them connected to nutrition, oxygen, and more.

Desert Regional Medical Center said its Maternal Fetal Medicine program and Neonatal Intensive Care Unit in the valley allow them “to bring even the tiniest humans into the world and deliver multiples.”

As for the Wilsons, their new triplets don’t mark the finish line for growing their family. They plan for more in the future.

“We love having kids, and that’s like, we’re not even done. We’re not done having kids. We want more. And our families are like, ‘You’re crazy. You’re going to have your hands full.’ I’m like, ‘Yeah, but it’s okay.’ So yeah, we’re we’re very, very happy, very excited to have all these, these little babies.”

They said they also hope their story can help inspire others looking to grow their families.

“We struggled with infertility, so having these babies was just…,” Desiree said, running her fingers through Grayson’s hair. “It’s just a blessing.”

“With one in ten thousand pregnancies resulting in triplets… does it feel like you won the lottery?” we asked.

“Yeah, absolutely. Yeah. The baby lottery,” the Wilsons beamed.

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Shay Lawson

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ)  – Farmworkers across California are leading a three-day strike in protest of recent immigration raids that have left communities living in fear.

Flor Martinez Zaragoza, activist, said the strike is July 16th – 18th.

She said the grassroots movement is not union-led but organized by the workers themselves who are calling for a pathway to citizenship.

“Tomorrow’s strike is a result of the multiple raids that have been going on in the state of California and also across the country,” Zaragoza said. “And what happened recently has just been so incredibly unforgivable.”

She said a farmworker recently died after falling off a roof during an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raid in Camarillo, California.

“When things like this occur it’s important that we react, but we also are mindful of how we are reacting,” she said.

Zaragoza said she’s calling on consumers to boycott companies that rely on undocumented labor while simultaneously supporting anti-immigrant policies.

“The farmworkers might have started this three day strike,” Zaragoza said. “As consumers, we hold the responsibility to continue that as a boycott, because why do we keep putting our money into these corporations that are anti-immigrant.”

In the Coachella Valley, a local protest is scheduled Friday in front of the Border Patrol Offices in Indio.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on this developing story.

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