Category: kesq-local-news

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Veterans of foreign wars who didn’t graduate from high school have exactly two weeks left to apply for graduation certificates issued through a Riverside County program that awards diplomas to former airmen, soldiers, sailors and Marines who gave up school to serve in the U.S. Armed Forces.   

The county Office of Education is conducting its 19th Operation Recognition program for the benefit of veterans of World War II, the Korean and Vietnam wars. The program provides an opportunity for qualifying vets to receive certificates even though they never finished school. The application deadline this year is Oct. 17.   

County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said that 380 veterans have received diplomas under Operation Recognition since it was initiated in 2007. Some of the county residents awarded diplomas have been over 90 years old.

“Foregoing the life-changing potential of an education in order to protect and serve their country was an honorable and courageous decision,” Gomez said. “Now it’s time to recognize that sacrifice with the educational acknowledgement of a high school diploma. It’s never too late to pursue a diploma. We encourage friends and family members to reach out to veterans who may be eligible for this long-overdue recognition.”   

The 2025 ceremonies are tentatively planned for Nov. 5 in the county Office of Education’s Conference Center, located at 4280 Brockton Ave. in Riverside.

Operation Recognition is based on California Education Code 51440, which permits retroactive granting of graduation certificates to honorably discharged or retired veterans who served while the U.S. was on a war footing. All they have to do is sign up.

Forms can be downloaded at www.rcoe.us/operation-recognition, or requested via telephone through Yadira Chavelas at 951-826-6570, or by emailing her at ychavelas@rcoe.us.

Paperwork must be submitted by the Oct. 17 deadline. No applications had been received as of Oct. 3.

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City News Service

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – A 32-year-old man suspected of attacking a woman in Banning was in custody today.   

The suspect was booked into Smith Correctional Facility in Banning on Friday on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, assault with a deadly weapon and felony evading. His city of residence was not disclosed.   

His bail was set at $1 million.

Police officers responded to a report shortly after 6:40 p.m. Thursday in the 1200 block of Butterfly Way regarding an assault with a deadly weapon, according to the Banning Police Department.

A woman told authorities that after entering the residence, she was attacked by a man inside the residential structure. She said she was visiting what was supposed to be a vacant property while working as a real estate agent, police said.  

The victim, whose name was not revealed, sustained serious injuries and was taken to a hospital.  

Officers received information that a possible suspect vehicle, a Hyundai Elantra, fled the scene.

Officers located a vehicle matching the description and attempted to conduct a traffic stop but the vehicle failed to yield, prompting a pursuit.   

The vehicle traveled Interstate 10 and State Route 60 before the chase ended near Frederick Street and Atlantic Circle in Moreno Valley when a Riverside County sheriff’s vehicle implemented a maneuver to stop the vehicle.   

The suspect was identified by authorities and was the sole occupant of the vehicle, police said.

He was taken into custody without incident Thursday and later transported back to Banning.

The motive behind the alleged attack was not immediately clear.   

Anyone with additional information about the assault was urged to call 951-922-3170.

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Travis Barker, drummer for Blink-182, invited people to participate in his annual 5k run this weekend in Palm Desert.

“Run Travis Run” will start at 8:30 a.m. Sunday at Civic Center Park, 43900 San Pablo Ave.  

Palm Desert officials said several street closures will be in effect from 5:30 a.m. through 11 a.m. on San Pablo Avenue between Fred Waring and Magnesia Falls drives, and Magnesia Falls from San Pablo to Monterey Avenue.   

The 5k run will take place the morning after Blink-182’s show at Acrisure Arena.

In 2008, Barker was involved in a private plane crash that burned more than 70% of his body and killed four other passengers.   

“I was told by doctors that I may never be able to walk or play drums the same again,” Barker said in a statement.   

He attributed running as a motivator during his recovery and was inspired to create the event that was launched in 2024.   

“The running community is massive and it really inspired me to create `Run Travis Run’ as a way to bring likeminded people together. I want to motivate people to get outside and walk or run for a few hours, as well as make healthy decisions and create healthy habits,” Barker said.

Anyone interested in registering or purchasing tickets was asked to go to www.runtravisrun.com/palm-desert.

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Haleemon Anderson

NEW YORK (KESQ) – Sean “P Diddy” Combs, the influential music mogul and founder of Bad Boy Records, was sentenced today to four years and two months in federal prison following his conviction on two prostitution-related charges. The sentence, handed down by U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian, marks a dramatic fall for one of the most prominent figures in hip hop and entertainment.

Combs was convicted in July of transporting women for purposes of prostitution, also known as violating the Mann Act. He was acquitted of the more serious racketeering conspiracy and sex trafficking by force charges, which could have resulted in a life sentence. The conviction followed a high-profile trial that delved into disturbing testimony about violent, drug-fueled parties and years of reported abuse.

Federal prosecutors initially argued for a sentence of at least 11 years, citing the gravity of the offenses and the lasting impact on his victims, while Combs’ legal team sought a more lenient sentence of just over one year and credit for time already served.

During the sentencing hearing, Combs’ legal team tried to present him as a changed man and an exemplary prisoner over the past year he’s spent in custody. Judge Subramanian, however, was not swayed, emphasizing the need for accountability. Addressing Combs directly, the judge stated, “The court must take into account your entire history,” and referenced the ways Combs misused his power and influence. The judge also acknowledged the courage of victims who testified, noting the “incalculable” number of people reached by their statements.

Before the sentence was read, a visibly emotional Combs apologized in court, saying, “I’ve been humbled and broken to my core.” He will receive credit for the 12 months already served at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. In addition to the prison sentence, Combs was hit with the maximum allowable fine of $500,000 and will remain under supervised release for five years following his release from prison.

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María García

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) —  The federal government plans to begin processing initial applications for DACA, the Obama-era program that grants deportation protection and work permits to immigrants brought to the U.S. as children.

The program was started in 2012 to protect this population from deportation amid congressional gridlock on immigration reform. DACA has been closed to new applicants since 2021.

The move, outlined in a proposal Monday by the Justice Department, would reopen DACA to first-time applicants in every state except Texas.

According to the filing, Texas residents who already have DACA could continue receiving protection from deportation but would no longer qualify for work authorization.

More than 525,000 immigrants are currently enrolled in DACA. Texas follows California in the ranking of states with the highest number of program enrollees, according to USCIS.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE) is hosting its first-ever Next Gen Intelligence AI Summit on Friday, October 3, 2025, from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the UC Riverside Palm Desert Center. The event aims to teach migrant education students how to use artificial intelligence responsibly and effectively.

The summit is a joint effort by RCOE’s Innovation and Competitive Advantage Unit and the Migrant Education Unit. Students will take part in workshops led by experts from Adobe, Common Sense Education, and Khan Academy. The focus will be on building AI skills, improving academic success through AI tutoring, and ensuring all students have access to cutting-edge educational tools.

Organizers say migrant students with access to high-quality learning experiences like the AI Summit is especially important, as these opportunities can often be difficult to find due to barriers such as frequent relocations, language differences, and limited access to advanced educational resources. Events like this help bridge the gap in educational equity, ensuring that all students — regardless of their background or circumstances — have a fair chance to succeed in a rapidly evolving, tech-driven world.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Legendary music industry titan Clive Davis joined News Channel 3 to discuss the special screening of  “Do You Remember?” that will feature a Q&A moderated by music icon and Palm Springs resident Barry Manilow this Friday at the Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum.

“Do You Remember” is an unforgettable collection of film and video highlights from his incredible career, produced by Mark Ronson and co-produced by Erich Bergen.

This special event is a fundraiser for the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation.

Click here for tickets

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Jesus Reyes

BLYTHE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palo Verde Healthcare District has filed for Chapter 9 bankruptcy in an attempt to stabilize its longstanding financial struggles and preserve services at Palo Verde Hospital in advance of its planned Nov. 23 closure.

The district’s board of directors voted on Sept. 22 to file for bankruptcy and the petition was filed Tuesday in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Central District of California, Riverside Division.

As reported by News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij, the district began the process of closing the hospital Sept. 24.

The hospital serves Blythe and its surrounding areas, and is more than 90 miles from the next nearest hospital in the Coachella Valley.   

The financial stress stemmed from a host of problems, including pandemic-related costs, a cyberattack that halted billing and collections, reduced Medicare funding, Provident Bank seizing about $2.8 million to satisfy its line of credit and a turnover of four chief financial officers.

As of Tuesday, the district had about a week’s worth of cash to operate the hospital, officials said.

“Chapter 9 is the last tool left while we work to fix the financial management challenges that have so drastically impacted the hospital during the past several years.” board President Carmela Garnica said in a statement. “Our community deserves a functioning hospital. We are doing everything we can to keep it open.”   

Despite receiving $4 million in emergency assistance from the state in May for payroll and operating costs, the hospital had insufficient funds to sustain the facility and suspended inpatient and services and surgeries.   

Chapter 9 will allow the district to continue daily operations while it plans to adjust debts and communicate with employees about any changes.   

“One of the advantages of filing for Chapter 9 bankruptcy is that we can continue to operate the hospital and clinic while continuing to negotiate with our creditors,” hospital CEO Sandra J. Anaya said in a statement.   

The hospital will close on Nov. 23, with a layoff of 94 employees, according to California Employment Department. Officials notified the state on Sept. 24 to satisfy terms of the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, which requires employers to give a 60-day advance notice of layoffs or closures to all employees.  

The next steps will be to continue to consult with legal and financial consultants and communicate with everyone involved, the district said.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs officials will host a grand opening of an affordable housing complex for low-income seniors later this month.   

The event will begin at 10 a.m. Oct. 16 at 1475 N. Palm Canyon Drive.   

It will feature a ribbon cutting ceremony at 11 a.m., with Mayor Ron deHarte, city council members, City Manager Scott Stiles, project developers, community partners, Riverside County officials and residents in attendance.   

Aloe Palm Canyon is a 71-unit apartment complex designed for those aged 55 and older who earn 0% to 80% of the area median income, city officials said. Twenty-five units will be dedicated to formerly unhoused residents, and long-term rent restrictions will be in place on 69 of the 71 units.

Amenities will include a community room with a demonstration kitchen, a computer room, library, fitness center, laundry facilities, off-street parking and on-site resources to aid individuals transition out of homelessness.   

“The project is a major step forward in addressing the region’s critical need for senior and supportive housing,” city officials said.

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson got an exclusive first look at the community. Click here to check out her report.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Elementary and middle school students throughout Riverside County will forgo riding to school one day next week and instead take a stroll or roll in recognition of “National Walk & Roll to School Day” — part of an effort to promote youth exercise and pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

Youths from more than a dozen schools countywide are expected to take part in the annual event, set for Oct. 8, during which parents, teachers and community-based volunteers form “walking school buses” to shepherd children to their campuses, according to organizers.

Students are also encouraged to ride bicycles.   

“National Walk & Roll to School Day is a great opportunity to highlight pedestrian safety and advocate for safer routes for walking and biking to school,” Riverside County sheriff’s Sgt. Marcos Acosta said. “This day underscores the importance of boosting physical activity and prioritizes the safety of families in our community.”  

The walks will generally begin around  7 a.m. Oct. 8. To date, campuses in Indio, Jurupa Valley, Menifee, Murrieta, Palm Springs, Perris, Riverside, Temecula and Winchester have registered for the event.

Organizers said walking programs promote a reduction in childhood obesity and stress the importance of pedestrian access and safety on traffic corridors.

Students, parents, guardians and teachers were reminded to stay on marked walking paths or sidewalks, use crosswalks, remain vigilant when going through right-of-ways and try to wear visible clothing for the benefit of motorists.

More information is available at walkbiketoschool.org/.

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