Category: kesq-local-news

Dakota Makinen

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. — A mobile home fire in Desert Hot Springs destroyed one home and damaged two others Wednesday morning, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.

The fire was reported around 9:43 a.m. in the 17700 block of Langlois Road.When crews arrived, they found one mobile home on fire with flames spreading to two additional double-wide trailers.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire, preventing the two additional homes from being completely destroyed, officials said.

Nine pieces of equipment responded to the scene, including eight engines, a truck, and a battalion chief.

Fire officials said mobile home fires can present unique challenges because of the close spacing between homes and the way the structures are built.

One civilian was treated and transported to a local hospital with minor injuries.

The Red Cross is assisting four adults displaced by the fire, including two adult men and two adult women.

Firefighters remained on scene for several hours conducting salvage and overhaul operations. The incident was cleared shortly after 12:30 p.m.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

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Tommy Gallegos

MECCA, Calif. — One person was killed, and two others were injured following a suspected DUI traffic collision on eastbound Interstate 10 near the Cactus Rest Area on Wednesday morning.

Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at approximately 7:01 a.m. According to the California Highway Patrol, preliminary investigation suggests a Tesla Model 3 was driving in the #1 lane going eastbound when it was struck in the rear by a Kia Forte traveling at a high rate of speed.

“For reasons still under investigation, the driver of the Kia failed to adjust the vehicle’s speed for changing patterns ahead,” reads a news release by CHP. “The force of the crash caused both vehicles to veer out of control and overturn in the median.”

During the rollover, a passenger in the Kia, later identified as Alexis Dare, 33, of Desert Hot Springs, was ejected from the vehicle, police said. Dare was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the Tesla and the driver of the Kia were transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for their moderate to major injuries.

Police said alcohol and/or drugs are suspected to be a factor in the crash. The crash is still under investigation and anyone with information regarding the crash is encouraged to call Officer J. Young, at (760) 772-5300.

No other injuries were reported. The investigation remains ongoing.

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Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, CALIF. (KESQ)- We are now halfway through the 100 deadliest days of summer, that is the dangerous period between Memorial Day and Labor Day when fatal traffic crashes.

CHP says crashes have not increased compared to previous years, and we’re looking at what that means as we head into the second half of the summer.

Key Risk Factors

Inexperience: Teen drivers are 3 times more likely to be in a fatal crash than older drivers.

Distractions: Cell phones/multiple teen passengers in the car heavily raise the risk.

Risky Behavior: Speeding, driving late at night, and failing to use seat belts.

Impairment: Summer parties increase instances of driving under the influence.

Anlleyn Venegas, Senior public affairs specialist, AAA says, “We are asking all drivers, especially teens, to commit to these four simple actions. Put the phone away and avoid distractions at all times. Obey speed limits. Always wear a seatbelt and never drive impaired.”

AAA says that more than 30 percent of fatal crashes involving teen drivers happen during the summer.

Brian Schmidt, Morongo CHP says “I don’t think we’ve had any significant increase in injury or fatality crashes over the summer as compared to last year.”

CHP says drivers should still avoid distractions behind the wheel.

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KESQ News Team

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s time to hit the bowling alley. Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is offering Valley residents a way to get out of the heat and under the neon lights.

Organizers say the summertime matinee is kicking off at Fantasy Lanes. For those interested, their special laser bowling nights take place every Friday and Saturday. And if that’s not enough to entice you, here is one thing that will scholarship money. Fantasy Lanes has its own student bowling league where winners may get some big payouts.

“All of this is all scholarship-based, so whatever money they win from tournaments, fundraisers, it all accumulates in a smart account once they graduate high school. It is all returned back to the bowler to whatever studies they decide, if it’s a trade, if it’s school, whatever it is,” said Jose Rodriguez, bowling center manager for Fantasy Lanes.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is also holding a series of other summertime promotions through the end of September.

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Luis Avila

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Drivers are raising concerns about gas prices at a US Fuels Station near Date Palm Drive and Vista Chino in Cathedral City after noticing a difference between the advertised price and what they’re charged at the pump.

“I’ve been tracking this place for two months,” said Cathedral City resident Wilfredo Diaz. “I’m not happy at all.”

Diaz says the station’s roadside sign showed a lower price than the pump, leaving customers paying more than they expected.

The sign on the left shows the advertised unleaded price, while the image on the right shows the actual price displayed at the pump.

He says he brought the issue to employees several times but was told they couldn’t do anything about it.

“I’ve complained to them in the last two weeks five times and still the price isn’t changing,” Diaz said.

Seeking answers, News Channel 3 visited the station and spoke by phone with the owner, Aviender Shawla, who initially said the price sign was broken and would be repaired later in the week.

But moments later, during the reporting process, a man pulled up next to the News Channel 3 vehicle and began yelling profanities. A short time later, another individual walked to the station’s price sign and corrected the displayed price.

News Channel 3 reached out to the owner once again. He said the sign is malfunctioning and sometimes must be programmed multiple times before the correct price appears.

“The sign is broken. We have to change two or three times to get the right price,” the owner said. “The price was wrong and I apologize. This was not to mislead anybody.”

When asked why customers said they had noticed the problem for weeks, the owner said it may not have been caught because employees failed to check the sign.

The owner says anyone who believes they were overcharged and has proof of purchase should contact the station to discuss reimbursement.

The owner later told News Channel 3 he believes the man who yelled profanities was a customer, not an employee.

Anyone who notices a discrepancy between a gas station’s advertised price and the price charged at the pump can file a complaint with the Riverside County Department of Weights and Measures, which investigates fuel pricing and pump accuracy.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Haley Meberg

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ)– A Twentynine Palms resident was taken into custody in connection to a vehicle theft Sunday morning and remains hospitalized at Desert Regional Medical Center.

Officials report the Morongo Basin Station was alerted about a stolen vehicle at approximately 6:41 a.m., June 26, from an area near State Route 62 and White Feather Road. Following the alert authorities tried to stop the vehicle, but the alleged suspect led law enforcement on a high-speed pursuit.

The 21-year old Twentynine Palms man slowed once to allow the victim to exit the vehicle, before repeatedly driving into opposing lanes of traffic. Following intervention pursuits from Morongo Deputies the suspect crashed onto a dirt embankment and was transferred to Desert Regional Medical Center for treatment.

Law enforcement officials report the man accused is set to face charges for vehicle theft, felony evading, and kidnapping once released from the hospital.

The Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division has assumed the investigation and urges anyone with information regarding the incident to contact the SID at 909-890-4904.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information.

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Dakota Makinen

UPDATE: 7/29/2026

Indio police cited 39 people for committing various violations during a bicycle and pedestrian safety operation, officials announced today.

The operation was conducted from 6 a.m. through 2 p.m. Tuesday, according to the Indio Police Department.

The citations were issued for numerous violations, including speeding, driving without a license, holding a cell phone while driving, not wearing a seatbelt, pedestrian in the roadway, failure to stop at a stop light, failure to stop at a stop sign and a warrant arrest, police said.

Original report

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Indio Police Department is focusing on bicycle and pedestrian safety, targeting the driving behaviors officers say can put people walking and biking at the greatest risk.

The department conducted a traffic safety operation today focused on violations including speeding, illegal turns, failing to yield, and drivers not stopping for signs or signals.

News Channel 3’s Dakota Makinen rode along with the Indio Police Department’s traffic unit to see what officers are watching for on the road.

Officer Russell Peddycord says keeping people safe requires everyone sharing the road to do their part.

“It’s the responsibility of both the driver and pedestrians to ensure their safety on the roadway,” Peddycord said.

Officers recommend pedestrians use marked crosswalks when available, pay attention to approaching vehicles, and make eye contact with drivers before crossing.

Indio Police also remind drivers that speed can increase the severity of a crash.

For cyclists, safety experts recommend riding with the flow of traffic, staying visible with front and rear lights, wearing a helmet, and making sure bikes are properly maintained.

Kevin Brown, owner of the bike shop, Bikeman, says cyclists should be predictable on the road so drivers know what to expect.

“It’s really, really important to act like a motor vehicle when you’re riding a bike, so drivers can expect what you’re going to do,” Brown said.

Indio Police say the goal of the operation is not only enforcement but also education — reminding drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians that everyone has a role in preventing crashes.

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Peter Daut

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ)– Local doctors are concerned that California has confirmed 52 measles cases so far this year, more than double the 25 cases reported in all of 2025.

These numbers include five confirmed cases here in Riverside County. Children ages 5 to 19 account for more than half of this year’s confirmed cases, with four people requiring hospitalization.

Doctors say the vast majority of people infected were not vaccinated. Measles is a highly contagious virus, and doctors are predicting more cases. Healthcare professionals warn some age groups may need to get re-vaccinated.

“People born in the 60’s may not have had an adequate vaccination. So they should either get re-vaccinated or have their antibodies checked. I was re-vaccinated, I did not have adequate antibodies,” said Dr. Phyllis Ritchie CEO & Founder of P.S. Test

Many public health officials say the US will soon lose its measles elimination status.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information on the growing measles cases.

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Tommy Gallegos

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. — UPDATE 8/4: A missing person investigation in Yucca Valley has turned into a homicide case after investigators discovered human remains buried in a shallow grave behind a local residence and identified the victim as 61-year-old Daniel Joslin.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, detectives assigned to the Morongo Basin Station obtained a search warrant for a home in the 58000 block of Carlyle Drive on Wednesday, July 29, 2026. The residence was shared by Joslin and his roommate, Cris Jones, 60-year-old, Resident of Yucca Valley.

While executing the warrant, investigators uncovered human remains buried in a shallow grave in the backyard. Detectives from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail responded to the scene and assumed responsibility for the investigation. Crime Scene Specialists and the Coroner’s Division conducted a detailed search of the property before removing the remains.

The San Bernardino County Coroner later positively identified the deceased as Daniel Joslin.

As the investigation progressed, homicide detectives identified Jones as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued, and on August 2, 2026, Jones was located in Oregon with assistance from the Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office.

Jones was taken into custody without incident and is currently being held pending extradition to California, where he has been charged with murder in San Bernardino County in connection with Joslin’s death.

Authorities have not yet released details regarding the cause of death or a possible motive. Detectives say the investigation remains active, and additional information will be released as it becomes available.

Investigators are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can contact We-Tip by calling or texting “REPORT” to 844-909-3006. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online through the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s reporting portal.

The investigation is ongoing.

Original report from July 28th, 2026

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. — Authorities are asking for the public’s assistance in locating a 61-year-old Yucca Valley man who has not been heard from in more than a week.

According to the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station, deputies responded to a missing person report on Friday, July 3, 2026, at approximately 7:31 p.m. after family members reported they had been unable to contact Daniel Howard Joslin for about 10 days.

Investigators said Joslin was last in contact with family and friends on June 26, 2026. While they received information suggesting he may have planned to travel to Oregon, investigators have found no evidence confirming that he made the trip. His current whereabouts remain unknown.

Joslin is described as a 61-year-old White male, standing approximately 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighing about 260 pounds. He has brown hair and blue eyes and is a resident of Yucca Valley.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone who has seen Joslin or has information about his whereabouts to contact the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station at (760) 366-4175.

Those wishing to remain anonymous can call or text REPORT to We-Tip at (844) 909-3006. Anonymous tips may also be submitted online through the We-Tip reporting system.

Authorities encourage anyone with information, no matter how minor it may seem, to come forward as the investigation continues.

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Matthew Pearce

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — For the last 64 years, the Marine Corps Scholarship Foundation has supported students nationwide in completing higher education.

This year, 2,906 students received scholarships with a record-breaking investment totaling $12.635 million.

The scholarship mission is to honor Marines and Navy corpsmen by supporting their children in pursuing higher education. In its time, MCSF has awarded nearly 60,000 scholarships totaling more than $235 million.

Alex and Destiny Isonhart are siblings and are two of the 237 California students who received scholarships from MCSF. They say the support is helping them become the best versions of themselves.

“It’s helping me focus on building connections with people,” Alex, who is entering his first year of college, said.

Meanwhile, Destiny has one more year in school before she hopes to enter the medical administration field. She says this scholarship has been a tremendous help during the three of four years she was getting assistance.

“It really helped me in the beginning because I was able to get a computer, which I didn’t have,” Destiny said. “Which helped me with my studies.”

In the future, when thanking a veteran from any branch of the military, don’t forget to thank their families as well.

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