A firefighter, Engineer Danny Cook, died after responding to a house fire in Nuevo, Riverside County, where a man and woman inside the house sustained minor injuries; the cause of the fire is under investigation.
A Riverside County woman, Libby Adame, was sentenced to 15 years to life for the second-degree murder of actress Cindyana Santangelo, who died from silicone embolism after a botched butt injection. Adame was convicted of practicing medicine without a license and administering the injection that led to the actress's death, highlighting the dangers of illegal cosmetic procedures.
Health officials in Riverside County warn residents about an increase in rabid bats, urging caution, vaccination of pets, and immediate medical attention if bitten, as rabies is almost always fatal once symptoms appear.
A high school student in Indio tested positive for tuberculosis, prompting health officials to notify potentially exposed individuals and offer testing, with the student receiving treatment and expected to recover. The incident highlights the importance of TB awareness and prevention, especially given the rise in cases in Riverside County.
Public health officials in Riverside County report a 58% increase in Valley fever cases in 2024, with 465 confirmed cases so far, linked to dry, dusty conditions. The disease, caused by inhaling fungal spores, poses risks especially to outdoor workers and those with pre-existing health conditions. Precautions include staying indoors during dust storms, wearing masks, and avoiding dusty areas. Symptoms resemble the flu and can become severe, requiring medical attention.
A couple, Jake and Rebecca Haro, have been charged with the murder of their 7-month-old son Emmanuel in Riverside County, with ongoing searches for the child's body and a court appearance scheduled for September 2025. The case follows previous child abuse charges against the Haro family, and investigators are examining evidence amid conflicting accounts from the mother.
The Canyon Crest Fire, which started on Thanksgiving evening east of Los Angeles, has grown to 250 acres, prompting evacuation warnings in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. As of early morning, the fire was 0% contained, posing a threat to life and property. Residents in affected areas are urged to evacuate, especially those needing extra time or with animals. Multiple fire agencies, including Cal Fire and San Bernardino County Fire, are actively working to contain the blaze using various resources.
A 39-year-old man, Julio Cesar Rodarte, was arrested after randomly firing at motorists in Riverside County, killing Victor Hugo Leon, a husband and father of four, and injuring another person. The incident occurred early Monday morning in San Jacinto. Authorities have charged Rodarte with one count of murder and 10 counts of attempted murder. The motive remains unknown. A GoFundMe has been set up to support Leon's family.
Surveillance footage captured the moment a driver lost control of their vehicle and launched airborne into a home in Riverside County, causing significant damage to the garage, a parked truck, and the vehicle itself. The driver suffered minor to moderate injuries and was taken to the hospital, while details about potential factors and criminal charges remain unclear. No other injuries were reported in the incident.
A magnitude 3.8 earthquake shook the Southern California desert near Coachella, with no reported damage or injuries. The quake hit near Borrego Springs in Riverside County, about 20 miles southeast of Coachella, and struck at a depth of about 7 miles.
A horse and its rider were rescued after getting stuck in the mud near the Santa Ana River in Riverside County, with the rider being located uninjured and the horse, named Conquistador, safely brought back to a pen by rescue teams and a helicopter.
A Mega Millions ticket sold in Riverside County, California matched five numbers in Friday's draw, winning nearly $1 million. The jackpot, which was not won, would have been worth $977 million. The next drawing on Tuesday will have a jackpot of $1.1 billion.
Researchers in Riverside County have identified a parasite in the Colorado River in Blythe as the cause of a potentially fatal illness in dogs, warning pet owners to be cautious when letting their pets near the water. The illness, linked to tiny snails in the river, can cause symptoms such as lethargy, fever, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss in dogs. Pet owners are advised to get their dogs tested if they show these symptoms after being near the water, and to be aware that raccoons may also pose a threat as they eat the snails carrying the parasite.
A 70-year-old man was arrested in Riverside County for allegedly impersonating a law enforcement officer by using a fake badge and pulling over drivers in Canyon Lake. The man, identified as Steven Sawhill, was driving a white sedan equipped with emergency lights and was found in possession of fraudulent identification cards. He was arrested on suspicion of impersonating a peace officer, false imprisonment, and vehicle code violations. Authorities are asking anyone with additional information or similar experiences to come forward.
In Southern California, a massive tree collapsed onto a driver's car in Riverside County during a storm, causing non-life-threatening injuries. The driver narrowly avoided being completely crushed by the falling tree, and was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. City crews worked to clear the road and remove the tree, which was estimated to be over 100 years old.