Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

UPDATE 11/24/2025 – Indio Police are reporting that four men have been arrested in connection with the deadly shooting on Quail Avenue in Indio last Thursday.

Police say that a white SUV stopped in front of a home in the 83000 block of Quail Avenue. The victim and another adult male, who were near the driveway, were called over to the SUV by someone inside.

The men were shot at from the SUV as they approached it, and one of the men and three children nearby were able to run for cover. The victim was hit by gunfire and collapsed at the scene.

Police found the 33-year-old victim, whose name has not yet been released, suffering from gunshot wounds. First responders performed life-saving measures, but the man died at the scene.

Witnesses described the suspect SUV, and police detectives were able to identify the make, model, and license plate. The car, a white Honda CR-V, was later found in Palm Springs by Palm Springs Police Department officers.

PSPD Officers detained one man who had entered and exited the SUV, then discarded a backpack as soon as officers approached him. They were able to recover the backpack, which contained two handguns.

The suspect SUV then fled the area but was later identified by Desert Hot Springs Police officers in the city of Desert Hot Springs. A chase ensued but ended when the SUV stalled. DHS police caught two men who tried to flee on foot from the vehicle.

The suspects were identified as:

Zachary Ashton Hamrick, 19, of Thousand Palms (driver)

George Anthony Diaz, 20, of Desert Hot Springs (passenger)

Christian Espinoza, 20, of Palm Springs (detained by Palm Springs Police)

Zachary Ashton Hamrick

George Anthony Diaz

Christian Espinoza

Indio detectives arrested the men, charging Hamrick and Diaz with murder and four counts of attempted murder. Espinoza is facing charges of accessory and two misdemeanor warrants.

On Sunday, November 23, the investigation by Indio Police led them to a fourth suspect, Jonathan Rios Franco, 19, of Banning. They arrested Franco and charged him with murder and attempted murder.

Jonathan Rios Franco

Indio Police are encouraging anyone with information on this incident to contact them at 760-391-4057. Anonymous tips can be given to Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man was killed in a shooting Thursday afternoon in Indio.

The shooting was reported before 2:20 p.m. near Quail Avenue and Bluejay Street.

Police said the first responding officers found a man who sustained gunshot wounds. First responders administered life-saving measures; however, the man later succumbed to his injuries. The man’s identity has not been officially released.

Persons of interest have been detained, police confirmed, but additional details were not available.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057. Anonymous tips can be provided to Crime Stoppers at (760) 341-STOP.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – As Riverside County continues to deal with overcrowded shelters, the Department of Animal Services partnered with Wings of Rescue to send 36 dogs to New York and Maine on a lifesaving flight.

Officials said the plane took off just after midnight Saturday morning despite the rainy weather in Southern California. A total of 109 dogs from other rescue and shelter organizations in the region were on the flight.

“These flights demonstrate our dedication, teamwork and drive to saving more lives in our community and partnering with groups who share our goal is a win for all,” said Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “We need to keep the momentum going, and we need the community to open their homes to homeless pets in Riverside County.”

As RCDAS continues to operate in critical overcapacity for dogs, adoption fees are waived at all shelter locations for the month of November to encourage community members to help save lives.

“Whether pets leave the shelter on a cross-country flight or in the back of their new family’s car, our goal is always the same: to help every animal we possibly can,” said RCDAS Manager Daylin Valencia. “Our teams show up every day with compassion and commitment, and we’re hopeful that our community will continue to show up for them too, through adopting, fostering, sharing, or simply spreading the word.”  

All fee-waived adoptions include spay/neuter surgery, microchips, vaccinations, and an engraved ID tag. With almost 1,000 dogs in the shelter there are hundreds of breeds, ages, sizes and personalities to choose from.

“Giving a dog a home for the holidays is the ultimate gift,” said Fifth District Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez. “RivCo pets deserve our best efforts, and this is the season to give a shelter pet a chance.”

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Hot Springs residents will have access to fresh, healthy and affordable food options with the arrival of a farmers market provided by the Palm Springs Cultural Center, slated to debut this weekend, officials announced today.

Opening day will be open to the public and will held from 8 a.m. through 1 p.m. Sunday at 66120 Pierson Boulevard, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 9 a.m.

Participating speakers will include Mayor Scott Matas, Executive Director of Palm Springs Cultural Center Michael Green and  Farmers Market Manager Lindsay Jordan.

“This certified farmers market is more than a place to buy produce — it’s an investment in the health and well-being of our community. Families in Desert Hot Springs deserve access to fresh, local and affordable food close to home, and now they’ll have it right here on The BLVD,” Matas said.

The market will offer locally grown produce, including fresh fruit and vegetables, pantry essentials, prepared foods, artisan goods, community resources and nutrition information.

It will take place every Sunday that follows Desert Nights on The BLVD — whether it is a DJ night or a concert.   

The market will accept EBT/SNAP and will offer SNAP incentive programs when available. Officials said the market was designed to bring resources to support households in the community who have historically faced limited access to fresh food options, including low-income families, seniors and SNAP/CalFresh recipients.   

“Thank you to our sponsors, the Barker Foundation and the City of Desert Hot Springs, for recognizing the need and stepping forward to support the project. Their partnership reinforces the power of community-driven solution and ensures that this market takes root where it’s needed most,” Green said.  

The Cultural Center will host a book giveaway featuring “Bite by Bite: Nourishments and Jamborees” by Aimee Nezhukumatathil as part of the opening ceremony, which was funded through the National Endowment for the Arts Big Read program.

“I have deep roots in Desert Hot Springs — I was born and raised here — and opening this market has long been a dream of mine,” Jordan said.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County reported its first influenza-related death of the 2025-26 flu season.

The person was identified as an individual who was over 65 and from Western Riverside County, and is not believed to have been vaccinated.

“This death is a sad reminder of the dangers that influenza can pose, especially among older adults and those with underlying conditions, and the impact it can then have on families who suffer the loss,” said Riverside County Health Officer Dr. Jennifer Chevinsky. “To protect our loved ones, it is important to make sure those at higher risk don’t delay getting a flu shot.”  

According to Riverside University Health System – Public Health (RUHS – PH), current data, including emergency department statistics, hospitalizations and wastewater testing, show influenza activity is low in Riverside County.

Historic trends show flu season could ramp up through the Thanksgiving and winter holiday travel season.

county-of-riverside-influenza-surveillance-report-2025-26-season-issue-06-week-45Download

Flu season typically runs from October to April. 

Influenza cases can be serious for individuals considered at-risk for severe disease, including adults over 65 years, children under 5 years, pregnant women and those who are immunocompromised or have certain health conditions such as asthma, diabetes or heart disease.  

Even for those who are otherwise healthy, flu can lead to extended illness with uncomfortable symptoms such as cough, fever, sore throat, stuffy nose, muscle aches and fatigue. Flu spread can also lead to missed school days, lost work wages and out of pocket medical costs.  

Vaccines can reduce complications, minimize life interruptions and offer protection for all. 

“Now is the perfect time to protect against influenza. Vaccination is safe and flu vaccines are widely available. It is a simple step we all can do to protect those we care about as the holiday season ramps up,” Dr. Chevinsky said.   

According to the California Department of Public Heath, everyone over 6 months of age should receive the flu vaccine each year. 

In addition to vaccination, the public is encouraged to take the following steps to protect themselves and others against flu, COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses:   

Wash hands thoroughly and frequently. 

Cover coughs and sneezes. 

Stay home from work or school when sick. 

Consider indoor masking in crowded places. 

Improve ventilation by opening windows or moving events outdoors. 

Disinfect frequently used surfaces. 

For those at higher risk who do get sick, county health officials say get tested and talk with your healthcare provider about treatment options. 

Flu vaccines can be accessed at your healthcare provider’s office and many local pharmacies. Public Health vaccination clinics can be found here. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirms that Jake Haro is no longer in its custody and has been transferred to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.

In an email Wednesday, police said Haro was released from county custody on Nov. 19 and moved into state custody to begin serving his court-ordered sentence.

No additional details about the transfer were provided.

“For the safety and security of this process, no further details will be released,” the sheriff’s office said.

News Channel Three will update you with additonal details as they become available.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A man out on bail in a deadly shooting case was arrested Wednesday in Indio on suspicion of possession of narcotics and numerous firearms, authorities announced.   

Marcos Cruz Gaeta Jr., 45, was booked into Benoit Detention Center in Indio Thursday on suspicion of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of a controlled substance, according to the Indio Police Department.   

He is held on $500,000 bail.   

Authorities conducted a traffic stop Wednesday at Gore Street and Avenue 42 after detectives allegedly saw a driver of a vehicle throw away about one pound of methamphetamine from the vehicle.

Gaeta was taken into custody without incident.   

A served search warrant was executed shortly before 6 p.m. later that day in the 82000 block of Pisa Court, according to Sgt. Abe Plata.   

During the search, authorities seized “just under 20 pounds of methamphetamine, approximately one quarter-pound of heroin, eight pounds of marijuana and a small quantity of Xanax pills. Investigators also located two assault rifles, three handguns, a large amount if ammunition, numerous high-capacity magazines and multiple 3D-printed `switches’ designed to convert Glock-style firearms into fully automatic weapons,” Plata said.

Additionally, a woman, whose identity was not revealed, was found inside the residence and was detained without incident before being released.   

Gaeta is a convicted felon who was out on bail on a previous case, where he is accused of fatally shooting a 30-year-old woman in Indio in 2016. His trial was scheduled for January 23, 2026, according to court records.

Anyone with information about the crimes was asked to call 760-391- 4057, or report tips anonymously through Crime Stoppers at 760-341-7867.

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

Update 6:20 p.m.

Mayor Steven Hernandez made his first known public appearance since his arrest. Hernandez was present at Thursday’s special city council meeting.

Hernandez was not present at the start of the meeting, but briefly appeared after the closed session.

City officials originally told News Channel 3 that Hernandez would not be in attendance.

The city’s livestream of the meeting did not have audio; there is no word on whether a decision on the city manager position.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

Original

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) Coachella’s City Council is expected to take up the evaluation and appointment of a City Manager during a special closed session meeting Thursday, according to tonight’s agenda posted on the City’s website.

This comes one week after Coachella Mayor Steven Hernandez missed the city’s first meeting since his nine-count indictment, with the city confirming he remains on unpaid administrative leave. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Daniella Lake

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A structure fire in Banning on Monday left a family with nothing.

“No trash cans, no nothing. We were devastated,” says Urimare Jimenez Libertad. She says her family heard a large “boom” sound, and then next thing they knew, the two story building where her daughter and grandson lived went up in flames.

In addition to the 1,600 sq. ft. two-story building, the fire also damaged multiple cars and a trailer. CAL FIRE says that the cause for the fire is still under investigation, but the family believes their solar batteries started the fire.

They also lost their dog rescue, along with Scott Wasko’s entire plumbing livelihood in the fire. 

“All my tools that I’ve been collecting for 20 years completely burned to the ground. So now I know I have no more ability to be able to go out and make a few dollars,” Wasko says.

The family has started a GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/279799c51 

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The film “Hamnet” will receive the Vanguard Award at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival. Director Chloé Zhao, as well as actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, are expected to attend the award presentation.

The Film Awards will take place on January 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running January 2-12, 2026. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.

Check Out Our Film Festival Section for More Announcements

The Vanguard Award is a group honor distinguishing a film’s cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project. Past recipients of the Vanguard Award include Academy Award Best Picture winners Green Book and The Shape of Water as well as Best Picture nominees Belfast, Emilia Pérez, Killers of the Flower Moon, La La Land, Little Miss Sunshine, The Fablemans, and The Trial of the Chicago 7.

“It is an enormous honor to present this year’s Vanguard Award to Hamnet,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “One of the most resonant films of the year, director Chloé Zhao brings forth a story of enormous weight to the screen. Alongside her direction, the extraordinary performances of Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal establish its human core. We are excited to recognize Hamnet for its exceptional achievement in cinematic storytelling.”

From Academy Award® winning writer/director Chloé Zhao, comes a sensitively observed, magnificently crafted tale about the complexities of love and the healing power of art and creativity. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s award-winning novel Hamnet, the story follows impoverished Latin tutor William Shakespeare and free-spirited Agnes. The pair, captivated by one another, strike up a torrid affair that leads to marriage and three children. Yet as Will pursues a budding theater career in far-away London, Agnes anchors the domestic sphere alone. When tragedy strikes, the couple’s once-unshakable bond is tested, but their shared experience sets the stage for the creation of Shakespeare’s timeless masterpiece, Hamlet.

Hamnet joins this year’s previously announced honorees Michael B. Jordan (Icon Award), Leonardo DiCaprio (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Adam Sandler (Chairman’s Award) and Sentimental Value cast members Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning (International Star Award).

Click here to follow the original article.

Athena Jreij

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — For 18 months, Bryan Newman, the owner of La Quinta Landing, says two food trucks brought affordable and flexible dining to Old Town La Quinta. 

Newman’s temporary use permit ended September 30th, and he’s now asking the city to extend it into the new year.

“It was cost effective for the business owners, and I was shocked to see how successful they were out of a small food truck,” Newman said.

However, with a food truck ban in the city, his venture has faced pushback, mainly from the owner of Old Town La Quinta, Wells Marvin.

“They’ve never allowed anything more than a three-day permit for food trucks anywhere in La Quinta. In fact, they don’t allow mobile homes or manufactured homes anywhere in La Quinta. So this was totally out of the ordinary,” Marvin said.

Newman says an appeal by Marvin in July of 2024 paused his business for 70 days, as the appeal was worked out. Now, he’s asking for an extension of the permit to recoup the costs.

“We kindly asked the city if we could at least get the days that were lost, because we did pay for an 18 month permit but for some reason, they weren’t interested in giving me the days that we were owed,” Newman said.

Newman says since the permit expired, the food truck owners have let go of their staff and been out of work. He believes a return of the food trucks would benefit not just the local business owners, but also the community and customers.

Still, the question has also risen on if the trucks take away business from existing restaurants.

News Channel 3 spoke with the owner of Stuft Pizza, John Bertram. He says it’s not an issue of customers, but rather resources in the Old Town area.

“That parking lot that has been there for 20 years, since we’ve been around has not expanded and it’s very busy. You know, these guys don’t they don’t have any trash receptacles. They don’t have a way to handle it with their trash, their parking,” Bertram said.

He believes if the trucks do come back, more work is needed on Newman and the city’s part to adapt the lot.

News Channel 3 reached out to the city for more information. They said in a statement that the permit was approved with the expectation the land would be further developed by Newman. They also said there is no plan to offer an extension.

Newman says he still plans to develop the land, but it won’t be done overnight and would like to see the food trucks back in the meantime.

“Knowing that I can’t break ground with a shovel tomorrow overnight, it makes more sense to think that the food trucks would have a place to coexist,” Newman said.

Stick with News Channel 3 as we continue to follow this story.

Click here to follow the original article.