Category: kesq-local-news

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — As of June 2026, the average price of ground chuck per pound are at $6.98, up 88 cents, or 14%, from June 2025.

The increase is part of a longer trend. Ground chuck prices have climbed steadily over the past two decades, outpacing price increases for other grocery staples, including dairy products and vegetables.

The higher prices come as the U.S. cattle and calves inventory has steadily declined since the 1970s, reaching just over 86 million heads as of Jan. 1.

News Channel 3 spoke with Coachella Valley residents to hear how they’re managing higher grocery costs in today’s inflationary economy.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Concerning trends around swimming pools are pushing doctors to remind the public about drowning prevention.

According to Desert Regional Medical Center, drowning-related visits in 2026 are already on pace to exceed the number of incidents it saw in 2025.

Drowning-Related Emergency Department Visits

2025 (full year): 6 visits

2026 (through June/July): 6 visits

“When we have pools that are not gated adults, that just their attention is being distracted for just a few seconds, a child falls into a pool and, and has a near-drowning incident. Every year we see that uptake in the summer,” said Dr. Rebecca Ward, the Chief of Pediatrics at Desert Regional Medical Center.

“A lot of people think that drowning is this big, loud, splashy event. Most of the time it is actually silent. A lot of kids, they fall into the pool and then just quickly sink to the bottom. There’s no splash, there’s no loudness,” she explained. “You have to keep your eyes on the pool at all times.”

“Working in the Pediatric ICU, I saw a lot of severe submersion injuries, and it’s so sad because it’s so preventable,” she continued.

Dr. Ward, an avid swimmer herself, said the issue was especially key for her. Her message: drowning is preventable. Always have an adult supervising children in the pool. She also recommended water safety training for children, which can be done as early as six months.

Jaskaran Singh brought his three children to Pawley Pool in Indio to do just that. Desert Recreation District (DRD) also offers swim lessons and for all ages – from six months old to adults – at its pools across the valley.

Singh watched on as his youngest took part in one of those programs. He said he was building a new pool at his house, and wanted to make sure he and his children were educated before jumping in.

“It’s going to prevent it, and then we’re going to have peace of mind from them swimming and stuff,” Singh said.

For more resources on drowning prevention, she said great resources are created by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

For more information on the swim lessons and other pool programs DRD offers, links to those programs can be found here. Also, if the cost of these lessons are a barrier, DRD also offers scholarships for some of those programs. Click here to learn more about those free youth swim lessons.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kiera McKinney

Update (7/21/26 – 4:00 p.m.)

Wildlife officials said the eagle’s condition remains critical.

“Initial bloodwork indicates that the eagle is experiencing severe anemia and inflammation affecting the kidneys. We are still working to determine the underlying cause, and additional bloodwork and diagnostic test results are pending,” reads an update by the Ojai Raptor Center Tuesday afternoon.

Original Report (7/20/26)

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)- A bald eagle believed to be Jackie from Big Bear’s popular eagle nest cam is recovering after being rescued over the weekend.

Wildlife officials say the bird was found injured after an apparent altercation with other eagles.

“The eagle was found hanging around on the ground. So when we say grounded, that means they’re not perched in a tree; it’s not normal behavior because they do want to be perched in trees,” said Jenny Vosard, of the non-profit Friends of Big Bear Valley.

Wildlife rehabilitators said Monday evening the eagle is underweight but alert. She’s perching and eating with assistance.

Officials are awaiting test results to confirm whether the eagle is indeed Jackie.

The non-profit is also thanking those they call “Jackie’s Angels,” visitors and local residents who kept her safe until rescuers arrived.

The eagle remains at the Ojai Raptor Center.

San Dimas Raptor Rescue Donations:

https://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation…

Ojai Raptor Center Donations:

https://ojairaptorcenter.networkforgood.com/…/303440…

Dates to note

Thursday July 16 – An adult bald eagle was first seen on the ground near Dana Point Park by Big Bear Lake. The eagle appeared unable to fly normally.

Friday, July 17- Witnesses saw the adult eagle in an altercation with two subadult bald eagles. Defending itself with its talons but unable to fly far away afterward.

Saturday, July 18- The eagle was rescued by the L.A. County Parks & Recreation San Dimas Raptor Rescue Team, stabilized, and transported to a specialized wildlife rehabilitation facility.

Sunday, July 19 – Friends of Big Bear Valley said photos and video indicate the rescued eagle is likely Jackie, though the identity has not been officially confirmed. Jackie had been missing from the nest cam for several days.

Monday, July 20 – The eagle remains under the care of wildlife rehabilitators, and officials say they’ll provide more updates as they become available. Friends of Big Bear Valley continues to emphasize that the eagle is believed to be Jackie but confirmation is still pending.

Click here to follow the original article.

Timothy Foster

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) — A day of swimming, games and laughter brought dozens of families together Sunday as Grandparents Love hosted its annual “Sunday Fun Day” at the Westin Rancho Mirage.

The nonprofit serves grandparents across Riverside and San Bernardino counties who unexpectedly become full-time caregivers for their grandchildren because of family tragedies, incarceration, or other difficult life circumstances.

Founder and President Aristotle McDaniel said the goal of the event is to give both grandparents and grandchildren a chance to enjoy a stress-free day together.

“The kids just get to be normal kids,” McDaniel said. “They get to run around, play, swim and have fun, while the grandparents can relax for a few hours without worrying about anything. We just want to take some of that stress off their shoulders and let them know the community cares about them.”

Grandparents Love works through nominations from schools, case workers, victim advocates and community members. Once a family is connected with the organization, volunteers help meet immediate needs such as furniture, appliances, school supplies and other essentials.

One recent family was referred by the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office after a grandmother moved from Utah to the Coachella Valley to care for her grandchildren following the death of their mother. After learning the family’s greatest need was furniture, Grandparents Love partnered with Mathis Brothers Furniture in Indio to furnish the home within hours.

For Gilbert and Sandra Lucero, the nonprofit made a difference during a difficult time. Gilbert Lucero said he was recovering from heart surgery when the couple became responsible for raising their grandchildren.

“When we first got involved with Grandparents Love, I was recovering from heart surgery and we needed a washer,” Lucero said. “They stepped in and got us one. When you’re taking care of three grandkids, something like that means everything.”

The Luceros said the support extends beyond household needs. Events like Sunday’s give children a chance to have fun while allowing grandparents to connect with others facing similar challenges.

“The kids get to come out, swim, play games and just have fun,” Sandra Lucero said. “Seeing them happy is a blessing. If you’re a grandparent raising your grandkids and you’re struggling, don’t be afraid to ask for help.”

Grandparents Love is also preparing its back-to-school campaign, hoping to raise money to provide gift cards so grandchildren can shop for their own school clothes, helping ease another financial burden for grandparents.

Those interested in nominating a grandparent for assistance, volunteering or donating can learn more at GPL-GrandparentsLove.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — The 2026 FIFA World Cup concludes this afternoon with Argentina taking on Spain in the tournament final.

As the tournament comes to a close, many say and feel its impact on soccer in the United States is likely to extend beyond the final whistle.

The record-setting events brought unprecedented attention to the sport, drawing large crowds, television audiences and fan engagement across the country.

News Channel 3 spoke with residents of the Coachella Valley to hear how they believe the tournament has influenced soccer’s popularity and future in the U.S.

Click here to follow the original article.

Timothy Foster

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Soccer fans from across the Coachella Valley gathered at The Shops at Palm Desert this weekend to watch the World Cup in a unique indoor setting that offered relief from the desert heat while bringing the community together.

Hosted by the City of Palm Desert in partnership with The Shops at Palm Desert, the free two-day event transformed the mall’s Main Court into a community watch party, where fans watched the tournament on a large screen while enjoying music, shopping, food, local vendors, giveaways and family-friendly activities.

The event was part of the city’s “Discover What’s Next” summer campaign, which aims to promote local businesses and create opportunities for residents to connect.

City of Palm Desert Marketing and Tourism Manager Thomas Soule said the goal was to create a place where the community could come together to experience the excitement of the World Cup. He said The Shops at Palm Desert was the ideal location because its indoor, air-conditioned setting gave residents a comfortable place to watch the matches while also enjoying everything the mall has to offer.

In addition to live match viewing, attendees explored a local vendor fair, participated in a kids craft area, listened to a live DJ, entered prize drawings and took advantage of discounts offered by participating stores and restaurants.

Fans said hosting the event indoors made it a great alternative to watching the match outside in the triple-digit temperatures. They added that the atmosphere allowed people to enjoy the games comfortably while spending time with family, friends and fellow soccer supporters.

Many attendees also said the large crowd created an exciting environment that made the experience feel more like attending a live sporting event. Others praised the city for offering a free event that brought the community together around one of the world’s biggest sporting competitions.

Organizers said the celebration continues Sunday with another community watch party for the World Cup final. The free event will once again feature live match viewing, family activities, local vendors, giveaways and special promotions from participating businesses.

Click here to follow the original article.

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — In a bipartisan vote, the U.S. House advanced the ‘Sunshine Protection Act,’ a bill that would make daylight saving time permanent and end the twice-yearly clock changes.

Versions of the proposal have been introduced numerous times in state legislatures and in Congress over the years but have repeatedly fallen short. Now, with support from President Donald Trump, the measure is headed to the Senate for consideration.

News Channel 3 is hearing from residents across the Coachella Valley to hear their thoughts on the topic. Stay tuned for more tonight.

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

VALLEY CENTER, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 800 birds and two dogs were seized from the man behind a troubled Riverside County duck sanctuary following reports of neglect, San Diego County’s Animal Services announced on Friday.

The 820 birds — including 400 ducks — were removed from a Valley Center property on Thursday. County animal services officers were tipped off by their counterparts in Riverside County after the property owner moved to Valley Center.

Animal control officers spent about 12 hours removing the animals and transporting them to the county’s Bonita and Carlsbad animal shelters for treatment. he public can help by donating to the fund athttps://www.sddac.com/content/sdc/das/donate-volunteer/donate.html. Every dollar donated to the Spirit Fund goes directly to animal care — none is used for administrative costs, the county says.

News Channel 3 spoke to the operator of that sanctuary, Howard Berkowitz, earlier this year when Riverside County took nearly 500 ducks from his property over in Anza.

San Diego County’s chief veterinarian says officers found birds in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions.

Berkowitz was arrested on a Ramy warrant, but no criminal charges have been filed in either county.

Animal Services will continue to investigate, and next steps in the enforcement process are yet to be determined.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The head coach of the Coachella Valley Lakers has been moved to the NBA side, leaving their G-League affiliate without a head coach ahead of its debut season in the desert later this year.

Zach Guthrie, coach of the then South Bay Lakers, is now a Lakers assistant coach and head of player development, ESPN Senior NBA Insider Shams Charania reported on Friday.

Guthrie guided South Bay to the G League’s best record last season in his first year as head coach.

There has been no word on who could take over the bench for the Coachella Valley Lakers.

The Coachella Valley Lakers will play their home games at Acrisure Arena beginning in the 2026-27 G-League season, which is set to start in November.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the CV Lakers.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tommy Gallegos

Deputies arrested a wanted suspect Thursday afternoon after a brief foot pursuit that ended at a nearby closed school campus.

At approximately 3:03 p.m., deputies located the wanted suspect near Blackhawk Way and Adams Street. As deputies attempted to take the suspect into custody, the individual fled on foot and ran onto the grounds of a nearby closed school campus. Sheriff’s did not disclose what school the pursuit ended at, but the closest campus to the location of the arrest is La Quinta High School.

Deputies quickly established a perimeter around the area and requested assistance from the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit. The suspect was subsequently located and taken into custody without further incident.

The investigation remains ongoing, and no additional information is being released at this time.

Click here to follow the original article.