Category: kesq-local-news

Daniella Lake

Update 12/9/25

The city has approved the use of the pantry following an inspection.

City officials in Cathedral City came by Christina Bruno’s home earlier today to look at the reinforcements needed to keep it up. After confirming the pantry’s upgrades, the city told the owner that her case was now closed. They even brought donations to add to her pantry once it reopens.

Original Report 12/8/25

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Kristina Bruno, a Cathedral City resident who started a food pantry outside her home near Century Park, is now upgrading her food pantry to comply with city codes.

News Channel 3 shared her story last week, after her food pantry went viral on the NextDoor app. Then, Cathedral City code enforcement asked her to remove the cabinet from the sidewalk within ten days.

“I was completely devastated. I cried. I didn’t understand why there was so much pushback on helping our community that’s in need,” she says.

Bruno says the city asked her to downsize the pantry and create a sturdier structure if she wished to continue her effort to feed those in need.

“[Code enforcement] were afraid that somewhere a child might climb by or walking by would want to grab one of the cereal boxes from up here and it could fall on them,” she says.

With the help of friends and neighbors, Bruno’s family is building a new pantry to serve the community.

Click here to follow the original article.

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Billy Reed’s, one of Palm Springs’ most iconic restaurants, is up for sale for $7.5 million.

For decades, the restaurant has drawn visitors with its timeless breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, its koi pond, and the artwork painted by original owner William (Billy) Reed himself.

“It’s a fun place, it’s like Disneyland every day,” said co-owner David Scott, who has been part of the operation for years. “We have 63 employees. Several of them have worked for over 40 years. The main chef has been here 45 years. One of the bartenders has been here 41 years.”

But when word spread that the restaurant had been listed, customers worried.

“We’re going to make sure whoever buys it keeps it the same,” Scott said. “Keep all the employees. Nothing will change.”

Scott said the sale includes the property, the brand, and all of the recipes.

He said after decades in business, they’re ready to retire.

“He wants to retire from the restaurant and return to painting in his home studio,” Scott said. “For myself, I want to move back to Orange County and watch my grandkids grow up.”

For the customers who’ve made Billy Reed’s part of their routines, the news stirred emotion.

“What a gem,” David Bagg said. “I hope they don’t change a single thing. I enjoyed so much visiting with the staff today.”

Regular Diane Sichel shared the same sentiment.

“It was always very good. The food was consistent. The service was always wonderful. I mean, you just couldn’t find anything wrong with it. It was always excellent,” Sichel said. “I hope they can find somebody that wants to make the same food with all the delicious recipes and keep the staff.”

Scott said that’s the plan.

“Just keep coming to Billy Reed’s,” Scott said. “We’re open. We’re not closing our doors. We’re not changing anything.”

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The annual State of the County presentation will be held later this week at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, where local leaders will discuss the regional economy, local government issues and upcoming projects, it was announced today.

The event is set for 4 p.m. Thursday at 75702 Varner Road, according to Riverside County Board Chairman Manuel Perez.   

“The arena is an investment in our county and a major addition that builds upon our quality of life. People from all over will have the opportunity to see Acrisure Arena that is firing up the fourth district and the county of Riverside!,” Perez said.

Officials said more than 900 guests are expected to attend.   

The program will begin with registration and a business expo at 4 p.m., followed by the presentation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and a networking reception at 8 p.m.

“On behalf of the Thousand Palms Community Council, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Supervisor Perez for hosting the State of the County event here in Thousand Palms,” Christopher Mitchell, chair of the city’s council, said in a statement. “We deeply appreciate the Supervisor’s continued support and commitment to our community’s growth and quality of life.”

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today appointed a new fire chief for Riverside County and bid farewell to the man who has served in the top spot for the last five years.

The board voted unanimously in support of the appointment of Robert Fish, a Cal Fire firefighter for almost 35 years, to head the Riverside County Fire Department. He assumes the position previously held by Chief Bill Weiser, who is slated to officially retire on Dec. 31.

Chief Bill Weiser

“Chief Weiser exemplifies the best in Riverside County,” Supervisor Jose Medina remarked during Fish’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday morning in the County Administrative Center. “He’s leaving the county fire department in very good hands. I look forward to working with you, Chief Fish.”

Fish recently served as deputy chief for East County Operations, managing a territory extending from Beaumont to Blythe, supervising Cal Fire operations in 10 of the 19 municipalities that contract with the county for emergency services. The county has contracted with Cal Fire for fire protection services since the 1940s.   

Fish was tentatively selected by Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler earlier this year to lead the county fire department, after which he was vetted by a committee composed of two county supervisors, as well as officials from the Executive Office, who affirmed the choice.

“I’m very proud of you to serve Riverside County,” Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez said. “You grew up in Riverside County, and that’s really important. You even graduated from Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, which is really exciting. When Chief Weiser was unavailable, you would step in and do a professional job. You’ll be a great fire chief for Riverside County.”  

Supervisor Karen Spiegel admitted she’d miss Weiser, who had “done so much for the county.”

“But we’ve got to focus on the future,” she said. “You have big shoes to fill, Chief Fish, but you’re starting with a clean slate. I look forward to seeing where you’re going to take us.”

Fish thanked the board for its decision and vowed that he would do “everything I can to lead as effectively as Chief Weiser has.”   

Weiser, a firefighter since 1981, replaced Shawn Newman as fire chief in August 2020. During the chief’s watch, several fire stations have been constructed and renovated. However, the county fire department’s budget has also swollen in that time, though by working with the Executive Office, cost overruns have been held in check.   

Weiser told the board he intends to remain in California in retirement.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tauli Anderson

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County health officials are reporting a slight increase in mpox cases in recent weeks, prompting renewed reminders for residents to stay aware.

Experts say the overall risk to the general public remains very low. Still, health leaders emphasize that early diagnosis can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and help limit further spread.

“The symptoms vary depending on how long you’ve had it. Initially, it might feel like any other illness — fever, fatigue, malaise,” said Lindsey Valenzuela, Vice President of Population Health Integration at Desert Oasis Healthcare.

Health officials say individuals at higher risk—including those who may have close physical contact with multiple partners—should consider getting vaccinated.

Mpox has a two-dose vaccine given 28 days apart.

The mpox vaccine continues to be available throughout Riverside County, and public health leaders encourage residents to stay informed about symptoms, prevention methods, and vaccination options. 

 

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway lit up its Christmas Tree Sunday, with the help of pop star Lance Bass and News Channel 3’s Chief Meteorologist Patrick Evans.

The Tram’s landmark 45-foot tree is comprised of over 4,000 LED lights, which can be seen throughout the Coachella Valley.

Bass, one-fifth of the renowned vocal group NSYNC, served as the celebrity tree lighter at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony. 

Patrick Evans was the emcee of the event.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Beginning Friday and continuing to New Year’s Day, Riverside County sheriff’s deputies will engage in operations countywide to deter drunken and drug-impaired driving.

The department’s annual “Winter Mobilization” is slated to run roughly three weeks in multiple locations, relying on saturation patrols, sobriety checkpoints and similar efforts to crack down on impaired motorists.   

“We want to make sure everyone gets home safely, so that they can celebrate the Holiday Season with their families and loved ones,” sheriff’s Sgt. Evan Bechtold said. “Not only is driving impaired illegal, but it is also dangerous and never acceptable. We are asking everyone to do their part to keep themselves and everyone on the roads safe.”  

Bechtold emphasized the importance of securing designated drivers in advance to ensure a sober person is at the wheel for any trips following Christmas parties, or any other outings where drinks were provided.

“Impaired driving is not just from alcohol,” the sergeant said. “Prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, cannabis products and other drugs may also cause impairment.”

Deputies will take a zero tolerance approach to intoxicated driving.   

The mobilization is part of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s annual “Drive Sober, or Get Pulled Over” campaign to discourage driving under the influence.  

The California Highway Patrol will be undertaking similar operations during its Christmas and New Year’s maximum enforcement periods, when all available officers deploy onto Inland Empire freeways, highways and unincorporated roads to catch traffic violators.

Click here to follow the original article.

Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Foster Youth Center at College of the Desert is collecting donations to create comfort bags for foster students across the Coachella Valley. What began as a holiday project has grown into a year-round effort to ensure local foster youth receive basic essentials—and a reminder that they are not alone.

Philip Salas, Foster Youth Services counselor, says the bags will go to 112 foster youth students identified throughout the valley. Each one is filled with hygiene products, blankets, coloring books, and other personal essentials meant to provide dignity and immediate support.

“Their scars and their bruises are hidden. You don’t know who they are. There’s a lot more than you realize.”

Philip Salas, Foster Youth Services Counselor

Many foster youth, he explains, enter care with only a few belongings—often carried in trash bags. The center hopes these donations will replace those with sturdy, personal bags students can call their own.

“We felt that they needed a bag to put their belongings in so it’s not a trash bag, something they can actually have that’s their own and it’s filled with items that they may need quickly and items that they can use to try and take their minds as much as possible off it.”

Philip Salas, Foster Youth Services Counselor

Also helping lead the initiative is Alexandria Miller, a former foster youth student who knows firsthand how difficult these transitions can be. She recalls being given only a Walmart bag to gather her belongings.

“That part by itself is traumatizing, scary for anyone… These normal necessities, they’re not just normal for us anymore, this is a gift, this is something huge for us because we don’t have this.”

Alexandria Miller, Former Foster Youth Student

Miller notes that the holiday season can amplify feelings of isolation and uncertainty for foster youth.

Despite that reality, Salas says the community’s response has been overwhelming. Donations have poured in, filling the center with boxes that volunteers have eagerly broken down as supplies are sorted and packed.

Donations can be dropped off at College of the Desert’s Foster Youth Center during regular business hours.

For more information, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – A 43-year-old man from San Mateo was officially charged Wednesday in the killing of an 18-year-old man whose body was found near a hiking trail in Idyllwild over 21 years ago, authorities said.

James Landi was charged with first-degree murder. He appears in court on Wednesday afternoon at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Deputies responded to a report made by a hiker who discovered human remains in the hills near Southfork Trail and Highway 74 in Idyllwild at 2:20 p.m. on March 21, 2004, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Upon arrival, deputies found the victim, who showed obvious signs of trauma. He was later identified as 18-year-old Reynaldo Burts of Hemet.

After several years, investigators identified James Landi as a person of interest, but still did not have sufficient evidence at the time to make an arrest, and the case went cold, the sheriff’s department announced.   

In August of this year, investigators from the sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit conducted a review of the case and identified additional investigative leads, and the case was reopened.

On Friday, investigators located Landi in San Mateo with assistance from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Gang Impact Team. Landi was arrested without incident on suspicion of murder and was booked into the Southwest Detention Center, where he was being held without bail.

Anyone with additional information about the case was encouraged to contact the department’s Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Public comments close today on a major proposal from the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians to build a 2.85 million-square-foot industrial complex on tribal land at the north entrance to Palm Springs. The development, called the Desert Mountain View Business Park, spans roughly 217 acres between Interstate 10, Highway 111 and Tipton Road.

The tribe released its Draft Tribal Environmental Impact Statement earlier this fall, outlining the potential impacts of constructing four concrete tilt-up industrial buildings, along with truck and vehicle parking, internal roadways, stormwater systems and utility upgrades. The tribe is the lead agency under its Tribal Environmental Policy Act.

The development on open tribal land just west of Tipton Road, directly between Highway 111 and I-10 at the northern gateway to the city.

The Draft TEIS identifies several construction-phase impacts that could be reduced to less than significant with mitigation. But operational air-quality impacts from diesel trucks and vehicle emissions would remain significant, even after applying all feasible mitigation measures. Emissions of volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxides would exceed South Coast Air Quality Management District thresholds.

While the land sits inside city limits, the site is sovereign tribal trust land. Palm Springs can submit a conformity report, but does not have authority over whether the project is approved or built.

News Channel 3 has reached out to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the Mayor of Palm Springs for additional comment, including questions about potential traffic volumes, infrastructure needs and the expected number of jobs.

This story will be updated with additional info as it becomes available.

Click here to follow the original article.