Category: kesq-local-news

Cynthia White

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reports that five people were arrested in a DUI warrant sweep on Friday.

The sweep was conducted by the La Quinta Traffic Team assisted by the La Quinta Special Enforcement Teams.

The five individuals arrested had outstanding warrants related to driving under the influence, including failure to appear in court, probation violations, and other unresolved DUI offenses.

“Driving under the influence continues to be a serious threat to the safety of our community,” said Sergeant Mark Chlarson. “Our department is committed to ensuring that those who endanger others by driving impaired are held accountable – not just at the time of the offense, but until the judicial process is complete.”

Those arrested during the operation were taken into custody without incident and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center.

  

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Cynthia White

BERMUDA DUNES, Calif. (KESQ) – Assemblyman Greg Wallis (AD47) named Do the Right Thing Greater Palm Springs as the 2025 nonprofit of the year for the 4th Assembly District on Friday.

The announcement came during a news conference at the Palm Springs Police Department. Wallis praised the nonprofit for strengthening bonds between youth and law enforcement, calling it “a program that’s truly changing lives.”

Assemblyman Wallis said he had an opportunity to speak with some of the students who have received the award. He added, “[They] have said this is the first time they have received recognition, and I think that’s really important and will make a lasting impact on their lives when they’re looking back as adults and they can pinpoint that first moment, that first award, that first recognition they got, and they want to continue to do good.”

News Channel 3 brings you the winners of the Do the Right Thing award each month.

The nonprofit has honored more than 2,300 students for their integrity and leadership, and awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors across the region.

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Cynthia White

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KESQ) – FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Joint Terrorism Task Force Amir Ehsaei reported on Friday that the processing of the Palm Springs bombing crime and post blast scene is complete.

The Evidence Response Team and Special Agent Bomb Technicians have been at work and investigating the area since the blast on May 17th at the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic. The FBI pointed out in a statement last week that the evidence indicates the explosion was premeditated and that the attack was an intentional act of terrorism.

In a video statement on X/FBILosAngeles, Agent Ehsaei explained, “We’re here at the Palm Springs explosion site to finish up our evidence gathering. We were here last week where we were able to search and gather evidence for four of the five buildings, the surrounding lots, and also the surrounding area. There was one building left that we had to search that was deemed unsafe, so we came back today, brought the proper equipment, the proper tools, and we’re finishing up our search at the location to try to gather more evidence regarding the explosion.”

In its earlier statement, the FBI asked anyone with information about the explosion or the planning of the attack to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or provide information online at tips.fbi.gov.

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Blake Arthur

The Rattlers are CIF champions!

Rancho Mirage softball. CIF champions. What an incredible run for the Rattlers, capturing their first title in program history. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ pic.twitter.com/zB9kC7Sm6z

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 30, 2025

Rancho Mirage softball defeated Culver City 7-3 in the CIF-SS Division 7 championship game on Friday in Irvine at Deanna Manning Stadium.

Rancho Mirage Softball wins their first ever CIF title in program history. The Rattlers defeated Culver City 7-3 for the Division 7 title. @KESQ @BlakeArthur24 @RMHSAD @CIFSS

— Kenji Ito (@KenjiitoKESQ) May 30, 2025

Rancho Mirage has had a historic run throughout these 2025 playoffs, capped off with their first-ever title in program history.

Defeated Hamilton 2-0 (Round 1)

Defeated Hesperia Christian 23-10 (Round 2)

Defeated Edgewood 10-8 (Quarter final)

Defeated Westminster 10-4 (Semi-final)

Defeated Culver City 7-3 (Final)

The Rattlers’ title also marks the first time a softball team from Coachella Valley has won a CIF-SS championship.

Our @KenjiitoKESQ was in Irvine this afternoon to witness history. Rancho Mirage became the first-ever softball team from the Coachella Valley to win a @CIFSS championship. What an incredible run for the Rattlers. Congrats, champs! 🥎🏆🐍 @KESQ @RMHSAD @RMHS_Rattlers pic.twitter.com/OAqvmPsljr

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 31, 2025

Congratulations to the Rattlers on this monumental achievement.

Fellow local softball team, Cathedral City, plays for the Division 8 championship on Saturday against Hueneme. First pitch is at 1:00 p.m. at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of local high school sports.

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Garrett Hottle

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) Some folks head to the coast when summer hits—but the desert’s making a case to stay and play. Greater Palm Springs just launched a new tourism campaign aimed at helping visitors and locals cool off without checking out.

The campaign is called Born to Chill, and it leans into the idea that summer in the desert is all about experience, relaxation, and enjoying the unique ways Greater Palm Springs helps people unwind.

With taglines like Born to Splash, Born to Zen, and Born to Taste, the campaign highlights attractions ranging from pool days to spa treatments and culinary events.

“Born to Chill is really a mindset, right? And it’s how you can enjoy our destination and all the different ways that each individual likes to chill,” said Colleen Pace, chief sales and marketing officer for Visit Greater Palm Springs.

While some valley businesses shut down during the slower summer months, others are just getting started. One of them is Disco Rabbit, a new gourmet grilled cheese and ice cream shop in Old Town La Quinta.

When asked if he was excited about the store’s grand opening, employee Kevin Mendoza kept it simple: “I am excited.”

Visit Greater Palm Springs officials say keeping the region active through the summer is key for both businesses and workers.

“The summer business is critical for our local businesses and resorts and for our workforce to keep everyone working,” Pace said.

For those staying close to home, the tourism board has launched GPSGetaway.com, a site packed with travel deals, summer offers, and curated guides to help you plan your chill.

For more information on all Greater Palm Springs has to offer, head to visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

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Kendall Flynn

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Unified School District has been dealing with an ongoing mass layoff, hoping to aid its $50 million budget deficit. In the wake of these challenges, the district is recognizing its progress in new learning programs and student success.

In the State of the District meeting, Superintendent Frances Esparza said CVUSD has implemented it’s first ever instructional framework for learning rooted in neuroscience.

Along with the new program, CVUSD has seen improvements in it’s CAASPP test scores, graduation rates and college, and career readiness. In 2021, the district saw 76% of it’s students graduate compared to 85% in 2024.

With college and career readiness they have seen an increase of 37% of students ready in 2021 to 43% in 2024. Both categories of graduation and readiness reach the “green” threshold for the district, something they are reaching for the first time.

Two programs the district highlighted were it’s KidWind challenges and Prisms learning. With KidWind, one group of middle school students from Bobby Duke Middle School created wind turbine and solar device running on “girl power” called “Blossom.”

With a partnership in a company called Prisms, students with CVUSD have also been learning math in a new way with virtual reality. The program creates real life scenarios to teach students math in a way they will remember in an interaction space.

While the success of students and its new programs are exciting for the district, the road to recovery after the budget cuts and teacher layoffs is not over yet.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from CVUSD officials on their success and challenges.

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE 5/30/2025 – The Riverside County Coroner’s Office has identified the woman killed as 44 year old Jamie Pierce of Riverside.

The SIG Alert was lifted by CHP as of 5:42 p.m. and all lanes of traffic are now open in the area.

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – A woman was killed Friday in a crash involving a pickup truck that slammed into two other vehicles and a big rig at full speed on Interstate 10 near Chiriaco Summit, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash was reported just before Noon near the exit on Cottonwood Springs Road.

A man driving a white, Dodge pickup truck was traveling at “full speed” while traffic was slowing and crashed into the rear of a Volkswagen sedan, CHP Officer David Torres said.

Torres said the crash caused a chain reaction in which a Tesla and a big rig semi truck were subsequently hit.   

Paramedics pronounced the female driver of the Volkswagen dead at the scene. She was identified as a Riverside resident.

The driver of the Dodge was transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for moderate to major injuries.

CHP confirmed the driver of the other two vehicles did not report injuries.

Alcohol and/or drugs are not suspected to be a factor in this crash.

A SIG Alert has been issued. The #1 and #2 lanes are blocked.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

Update 6/3/2025

As of 6:00 p.m. Tuesday, Joshua Tree National Park officials report the Eureka Fire remains at 214 acres with 80% containment.

A chance of showers and thunderstorms through Wednesday morning may continue to help firefighters.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

All non-local resources are expected to be released by Thursday morning.

Temporary closures within the affected areas of the park will last until June 5th, 2025.

UPDATE 6/2/2025 –

As of 6:00 p.m. Monday, Joshua Tree National Park officials report that the Eureka Fire remains maintained at 214 acres and is now at 75% containment.

They say crews will continue suppression work this week. Four engines and one hand crew are assigned for tomorrow, with all other resources released at this time.

The cause of the fire remains unknown and under investigation.

The temporary closures within the affected areas of the Park will last until June 5th, 2025:

Lower Covington Flats Road and La Contenta within the Park boundary.

Backcountry camping in the zones covering Black Rock, Covington, Quail Wash, and Juniper.

California Riding and Hiking Trail starting in Black Rock

Creosote/Bigfoot Trail starting off Park Blvd in the Park. 

Update 6/2/25

Containment on the fire has grown to 70%, authorities announced Monday morning. The fire remains at 214 acres.

There are temporary closures within the affected areas of the park while fire containment remains active. The closures will last until Thursday, June 5:

Lower Covington Flats Road and La Contenta within the Park boundary.

Backcountry camping in the zones covering Black Rock, Covington, Quail Wash, and Juniper.

California Riding and Hiking Trail starting in Black Rock

Creosote/Bigfoot Trail starting off Park Blvd in the park. 

UPDATE 6/1/2025 –

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Eureka Fire burning in Joshua Tree National Park has reached 214 acres and is 65% contained as of 11 a.m. Sunday according to park officials.

Fire crews worked overnight and successfully held the line, despite strong winds between 8 and 10 p.m.

Officials said control efforts are progressing well, with firefighters securing lines extending 50 to 100 feet from the line in most areas.

Crews will continue to monitor and extinguish smoke inside the containment line.

Closures remain in effect for parts of the park including:

Lower Covington Flats Road and La Contenta within the Park boundary.

Backcountry camping in the zones covering Black Rock, Covington, Quail Wash, and Juniper.

California Riding and Hiking Trail starting in Black Rock

Creosote/Bigfoot Trail starting off Park Blvd in the park. 

The fire’s cause is still under investigation.

UPDATE 5/31/2025 –

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Fire crews worked through the night on the Eureka Fire at Joshua Tree National Park, which is now 40% contained and holding at 212 acres according to Joshua Tree National Park officials.

They said a small 4 acre flare-up fire on the southeast side was quickly stopped early Saturday morning.

Crews from CAL Fire, U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino County Sheriffs and Fire Protection remain on scene, with 11 engines, 2 water tenders, 2 hand crews and 1 helicopter working throughout the day.

Several areas remain closed including:

Lower Covington Flats Road and La Contenta within the Park boundary.

Backcountry camping in the zones covering Black Rock, Covington, Quail Wash, and Juniper.

California Riding and Hiking Trail starting in Black Rock

Creosote/Bigfoot Trail starting off Park Blvd in the park. 

The cause of the fire is still under investigation.

UPDATE 5/30/2025 –

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Joshua Tree National Park officials report staff has been responding to the Eureka Fire 3 miles northeast of Eureka Peak in the Covington Flats area of the Park.

They say crews from Bureau of Land Management, Cal Fire, U.S. Forest Service, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office and Fire Protection are working with the Park in the containment of the fire. 

Officials also announce that there are temporary closures within the affected areas of the Park while fire containment remains active:

Creosote/Bigfoot Trail starting off Park Boulevard in the Park

Lower Covington Flats Road and La Contenta within the Park boundary

Backcountry camping in the zones covering Black Rock, Covington, Quail Wash, and Juniper

California Riding and Hiking Trail starting in Black Rock

They add the cause of the Eureka Fire is currently unknown and will be under investigation.

UPDATE 5/30/2025 7:00 P.M. – Watch Duty reports that the Eureka Fire is currently 175 acres and is 40 percent contained. Crews will be working through the night.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire has burned approximately 165 acres at Joshua Tree National Park Friday afternoon.

According to Watch Duty, the fire was initially reported around the area of Nolina Cove Road & Lower Covington Flat Road.

Viewer photo showing how the scene looks in Yucca Valley

By 12:30 p.m., the fire had burned 20 acres. By 1:45 p.m., the fire was mapped at 163 acres.

According to San Bernardino County Fire, there was no threat to structures as of 2:25 p.m.

Joshua Tree National Park (Update): #EurekaFire is currently holding within the retardant lines at 165 acres. No current structure threat. @CALFIREBDU @BLMca @JoshuaTreeNPS

— San Bernardino County Fire (@SBCOUNTYFIRE) May 30, 2025

Viewers in the west end of the Coachella Valley have reported seeing smoke.

Picture of smoke visible from Thousand Palms

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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City News Service

DESERT CENTER, Calif. (KESQ) – A tractor-trailer overturned Friday on Interstate 10 west of Desert Center, injuring and trapping the driver, as well as prompting partial closure of the highway.

The rollover wreck was reported at 10:55 a.m. on westbound I-10, roughly halfway between Desert Center and Chiriaco Summit, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The agency said the big rig, hauling bales of hay, plowed into the guardrail on the north side of the interstate and overturned.   

No other vehicles were involved.   

Riverside County Fire Department crews reached the location within 20 minutes and discovered the trucker injured and pinned inside the cab of the semi.

CHP said the driver suffered major injuries to their arm.

CHP officers shut down the westbound slow lane to provide space for first responders to work, though most of the truck was displaced off the interstate.

Traffic was slow on both sides of I-10 due to the wreck.

There was no immediate word on what might have triggered the crash.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A Palm Desert man convicted of killing his year-old daughter and stabbing his pregnant wife after turning irate during a child custody exchange in Indian Wells received the death penalty.

An Indio jury in March convicted Adam Slater, 54, of Palm Desert of first-degree murder for the 2020 slaying of baby Madalyn.   

“I feel that after five years, five very, very long years. Justice was served,” said  Ashley Grome, Slater’s ex-wife.

Jurors additionally found Slater guilty of attempted murder, assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, child concealing, resisting arrest, a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a kidnapping and sentence-enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon — a knife — in the commission of a felony and inflicting great bodily injury.

They unanimously recommended capital punishment.   

During a hearing Friday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio, Riverside County Superior Court Judge Otis Sterling affirmed the jury’s recommendation.

Slater killed baby Madalyn in 2020 during an act of rage that included a severe assault on his estranged wife and knifing a good Samaritan.

Jurors convicted Slater of first-degree murder, attempted murder, assault on a child resulting in great bodily injury, assault with a deadly weapon, child concealing and resisting arrest. Jurors found true a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a kidnapping and sentence-enhancing allegations of using a deadly weapon — a knife — in the commission of a felony and inflicting great bodily injury, according to John Hall of the Riverside County District Attorney’s office.

According to a trial brief filed by the District Attorney’s Office, in early 2020, the defendant and his wife, whose identity was not disclosed, separated, but the two shared custody of Madalyn. After keeping the year-old girl with him for an unspecified number of days, he and his wife arranged to meet outside the Southwest Church on Washington Street in Indian Wells, where the woman was to retrieve the tot.

However, after the woman took the girl from Slater and placed her in her vehicle, the defendant “suddenly attacked” the pregnant victim, the brief alleged.

“He pushed her into her car, and she fell to the floorboard,” the narrative stated. “The defendant stabbed her under her chin and abdomen with a serrated knife and punched her face. She screamed, and he covered her mouth with his hands. Good Samaritans began honking their horn to make noise to interrupt the assault, and the defendant grabbed Madalyn and placed her in his car and sped away.”

With the knife still protruding from her stomach, the victim called 911 to report the assault and abduction, according to the brief.   

While he accelerated away from the church westbound, Slater called his roommate and told her he intended to commit suicide, then hung up, according to court papers.

Slater steered his car onto two-lane Highway 74, heading into the steep hills that mark the start of the San Bernardino National Forest, going in the direction of Pinyon Pines, west of Palm Desert. The defendant stomped his accelerator and drove off a cliff into a ravine, where the vehicle overturned, prosecutors said.   

A motorist witnessed the crash and immediately stopped on the shoulder of the highway, making his way quickly to the bottom of the embankment, intending to help Slater and Madalyn, according to the prosecution.

“He rescued Madalyn from the vehicle and noted that she had a small bump on her head and was crying, but she was alert and breathing,” the brief said. “He reached out to assist the defendant, but the defendant stabbed him in the arm and grabbed Madalyn from him.”

The man’s shoulder was dislocated by the force of the child being ripped away from him.

“While holding Madalyn by one arm, the defendant stabbed her and threw her further down into the ravine,” court papers said.   

The wounded man returned to the roadside to call 911, which other motorists were already doing while observing the defendant grabbing rocks and piling them up where Madalyn had been thrown, the brief said.   

Sheriff’s deputies reached the location a short time later and spotted Slater still in the ravine. He attempted to run away from them but was quickly apprehended. They asked where he had put the baby, and Slater was evasive, saying only that he “messed up” and wanted “the death penalty,” according to the brief.   

Deputies and California Highway Patrol officers soon discovered the rock pile, noticing hair sticking out from under it. They removed the pile and found Madalyn dead. An autopsy later determined she had suffered “multiple stab wounds” to the upper body, according to prosecutors.

The baby’s mother ultimately recovered from her injuries, as did the man who tried to save the tot.

Court papers claimed Slater has been a serial domestic abuser, victimizing three women prior to the 2020 attack. He was convicted in 1995 of forcible sexual penetration and served two years in state prison. He was required to register as a sex offender following parole.

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