Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – One person has been rushed to the hospital after being shot Monday morning in Coachella.

The shooting was reported at around 10:00 a.m. at a residence in the 84000 block of Avenue 51, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Authorities said a caller told dispatch that a man had been shot during a dispute.

“When deputies arrived they rendered medical aid to the victim and had him transported to a local hospital in stable condition,” RSO wrote in an email to News Channel 3.

A suspect was located in a separate structure on the property, where he was taken into custody, the agency confirmed.

The investigation remains ongoing. Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Allie Anthony

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Six months ago, firefighters from the Cathedral City Fire Department were called in for mutual aid during the Los Angeles fires.

Cathedral City firefighters responded swiftly, joining crews from across the state in a coordinated mutual aid program to battle the fire.

News Channel 3 is speaking with those firefighters as they reflect on their experiences and the lessons learned from the front lines.

For resources for those still recovering from the LA Wildfires, head to this link.

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Athena Jreij

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Just days after News Channel 3 covered a Desert Hot Springs hoarder home overrun with dozens of animals, almost half the animals abandoned by squatters have been taken in by local rescues.

News Channel 3 spoke with the property owners of a Desert Hot Springs home taken over and abandoned by squatters. The home was overrun with nearly 40 cats and 6 dogs at the time of the story.

Now, just days after that story aired, the home’s real estate agent, Betty Kerr, says help from the community has led to just 15-20 cats being left at the house and all dogs taken in by rescues.

Kerr says they plan to continue rescue efforts this week and are working hard to get all animals out of the house as soon as possible, as temperatures rise.

To volunteer with the rescue efforts, reach out to Betty Kerr at https://www.facebook.com/betty.kerr.946.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.

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Timothy Foster

Idyllwild, Calif. (KESQ) –As summer draws visitors to the scenic mountain town of Idyllwild, local authorities are doubling down on wildfire prevention. This year’s Fourth of July weekend was marked not by fireworks and campfires, but by heightened caution and strict fire safety regulations aimed at avoiding the spread of wildfires.

Tourists making the trip up the mountain were met with clear restrictions: no campfires, no wood-burning barbecues, and absolutely no fireworks. The community, perched in a high-risk wildfire zone, continues to follow stringent fire protocols — measures that residents say are necessary, and appreciated.

“We have amazing fire departments here,” said Allison Fedrick, a local resident. “They’re really active with the community, always working with the county and the state to do education and awareness. I put a lot of trust in them — they’re our emergency response people.”

The urgency of these precautions is rooted in recent memory. The Cranston Fire of 2018, sparked by an arsonist, scorched more than 13,000 acres, destroyed nearly 15 structures, and inflicted an estimated $50 million in damage. Its devastating impact still lingers in the minds of Idyllwild locals.

Cal Fire Battalion Chief Brent Pascua giving an update on fire prevention protocols on social media.

“Never pull your vehicle over onto dry grass,” Pascua warned. “And always clear any flammable material around your campfire.”

His message underscores the critical importance of vigilance during fire season — not just in Idyllwild but throughout Southern California.

Further south, the Wolf Fire near Banning has been a recent concern. As of this week, the fire has burned nearly 2,400 acres. However, containment has reached 85%, with some evacuation warnings still in effect.

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Tori King

BIG BEAR, Calif. (KESQ)– Beloved Big Bear bald eagles Jackie and Shadow have returned to their nest, following a brief disappearance of the eagles after the Fourth of July fireworks show. It comes after days of anticipation from viewers, who were checking the Friends of Big Bear Valley live cameras, awaiting their return.

The Friends of Big Bear Valley posted to their ‘Eagle Log’ page Sunday, “We hadn’t seen or heard from Jackie or Shadow all day, but then relief came to all who were concerned about their safety when both were seen together in the Twin Pine tree, one of their new favorite trees.”

According to FoBBV, the birds were first spotted flying through the area Saturday evening around 5:30 p.m. then just after 7 p.m.

However, Friends of Big Bear Valley say they are still awaiting the return of pair’s baby birds, Sunny and Gizmo’s. This year’s firework show would be a first for the siblings.

The group spoke with News Channel Three’s Tori King and said the eagles often do tend to disappear after the fireworks show for a few days, but that they have returned each and every year, so far.

In that same Facebook post on Saturday, the group posted its most recent update of the eagles:

“On Friday, a little after 8 pm, Jackie and Shadow both chortled out an announcement that they were in the roost tree. They were settled in, near each other and ready for sleep by 8:30. At about 9 pm when some booms started, one of the eagles was no longer visible on the Roost Tree and was seen by our security camera flying away from the roost tree. Jackie made a peal call (a call emitted as a warning about danger) and a couple other short calls from nearby. The full show started at 9:17 and no eagles were visible on the roost tree by 9:18. The fireworks went on for another 20 minutes to the big finale. Jackie and Shadow were not in the Roost Tree this morning. And none of their usual vocals were heard from anywhere nearby. We will all be sending out hope for their speedy return.”

A Fourth of July fireworks show was held in the area despite the dozens of objections from animal advocates and worried supporters, who expressed concern over the eagles’ safety.

Big Bear Lake released this statement on the decision to move forward with the fireworks display this year, assuring the eagles would be safe:

“We truly appreciate the care, concern, and passion so many individuals and organizations have shown for the wildlife that call Big Bear home — especially our iconic bald eagle pair, Jackie and Shadow, and their fledglings.

As stewards of one of California’s most treasured outdoor destinations, Visit Big Bear is deeply committed to balancing ecological responsibility with community celebration. We want to share that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has provided direct guidance regarding this year’s 4th of July event, confirming the following:

The fledglings are now capable of independent flight and can safely move if needed.

While fireworks may cause some disturbance, they are not expected to result in nest failure or ‘direct take.’

Sitting the fireworks barge away from the nest — which we’ve already implemented — helps further reduce any risk.

This single, professionally managed fireworks display is launched over the lake, away from nesting areas, and is under 30 minutes in length. These protocols help us mitigate risk while also preventing widespread amateur fireworks across the Valley, which remain illegal and far more disruptive to wildlife.

We also want to reiterate that, in recent years, Visit Big Bear has:

Canceled fireworks on Memorial Day to avoid disruption during more sensitive nesting periods

Replaced the Labor Day show with an all-electric Drone + Light Parade

Supported lake-wide trail clean-ups, the Dark Sky initiative, and public education programs through Care For Big Bear

We understand that not everyone will agree with the decision to move forward. But this event reflects a broader vision — one of care, planning, and responsibility. It honors both our local residents and the visitors who come from around the world to enjoy Big Bear’s natural beauty.

To those expressing concern: We hear you. We respect you. And we invite continued conversation and collaboration as we work together to protect and celebrate everything Big Bear represents.”

Warmly, The Visit Big Bear Team

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Kendall Flynn

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Desert Hot Springs is hosting a fireworks spectacular for its residents and visitors July 5th. Mayor Scott Matas said it’s a time to celebrate independence and recognize community members who make Desert Hot Springs special.

The event held at Mission Springs Park is an annual tradition for Desert Hot Springs, and some residents said they look forward to it each year.

Attendees are able to set up lawn chairs or picnic blankets across the park lawn, allowing for what the City called a “relaxing” evening. Local food vendors also line the side of the park, giving residents the chance to support small businesses from within the community.

While residents said they enjoy coming to holiday events, like the Fourth of July, they wish there were more chances to join together as a community throughout the year.

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Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Let Freedom Ring, and Tails Wag! Animal Samaritans invites the community to celebrate independence and unconditional love by giving a shelter pet their forever freedom.

Join Animal Samaritans for a star-spangled Pet Adoption Event at PetSmart in Palm Desert on Saturday, July 5th from 11am to 1pm, the address is 34900 Monterey Avenue, in Palm Desert.

If you are renting, please bring a copy of your lease or a letter from your landlord stating your pet policy so you can take a pet that day.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Hundreds of people gathering in Palm Springs to celebrate Fourth of July.

Events kicking off with a splash at the Palm Springs Swim Center, where a pool party helped attendees beat the heat.

From the pool to the baseball field. The Palm Springs Power facing off the Power Summer Collegiate League All Stars.

“I am here at Palm Springs Power Baseball Stadium to help the crowd celebrate by selling them hot dogs, peanuts, popcorn and cold drinks.”

Sue Bergstrom, attendee

“I feel baseball is more Fourth of July very on theme so we’re happy to be here.” 

Shelby Kirkland, attendee

Assembly member Greg Wallis throwing first pitch. He says it’s a moment for the community to come together.

“I think it’s a great opportunity to get together as a community and get to celebrate 249 years of being a great nation. With all the issues going on around the world here it gets pretty special to come together as a community and be out here and celebrate.”

Greg Wallis, 47th District Assembly Member

That sense of community echoed by Nick Gonzalez, director of Palm Springs Parks and Recreation.

“We want to make sure is that community is having fun, uh, and we’re building community here by bringing people together in our park, um, and having fun with our pool party, or concert in the park, and then of course our fireworks show to end the night.”

Nick Gonzalez, Palm Springs Parks & Recreation Director

Visitors also getting to enjoy a concert at Sunrise Park, featuring Hard Days Night.

To close it all off, a spectacular fireworks show. Attendees say it’s a reminder of what Fourth of July is all about.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) -The CDC says prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in American men, behind lung cancer. With prostate cancer cases on the rise across the nation local health experts want you to know how critical it can be for men to get screened to catch potential cases as early as possible. 

About 313,000 new cases of prostate cancer are expected to be diagnosed this year. Doctors say men who are 55 to 69 years old should talk to their doctors about being screened for prostate cancer with what’s called APSA test.

Many wonder what they can do to prevent the onset of this condition. Official Dr. Amir Lavaf, the Radiation Oncologist at Desert Regional Medical Center explains, “Healthy diet and exercise is what we always recommend. But there is no one common intervention or pill or supplement that will actually prevent it.” 

The average age of men when they are first diagnosed with prostate cancer is 67 but healthcare officials say if you have symptoms that worry you, see your doctor right away. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more information on this topic.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Pyro Spectaculars is putting together a colorful fireworks display for the Palm Springs Department of Parks and Recreation “All American” Fourth of July events Friday night.

Robert Bronner, a pyrotechnic operator, said it takes nearly 20 hours to set up over 600 shells for the big display – something they put together with care and intention for the viewers.

“A well choreographed show invokes a beautiful memory to carry with you,” Bronner said. “And so you’re here to celebrate. Today, you want to go home with something that says, ‘Wow did you see that?’…We’re here to make sure that beauty is displayed.”

Bronner said Pyro Spectaculars hopes to give people an experience they won’t forget at Sunrise Park throughout the night. The fireworks show is set to start at 9:15 p.m. sharp, according to Parks and Recreation.

Residents and visitors can see the show from the “All American Pool Party” at the Palm Springs Swim Center, the concert in the park with Hard Days Night or from the Power Baseball game. All information for events can be found here.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from fireworks operators on the set up process and what it means to them.

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