Two years later, Giron, 41, says she has maintained her sobriety, rebuilt her relationship with her children and watched her two oldest children join her in taking classes at the college. She is expected to graduate this month with an associate degree in sociology and credits the tribal college with helping her reconnect with her family and her culture.

The college, founded in 2018, is gaining new attention as California lawmakers consider legislation aimed at strengthening tribal colleges’ place in the state’s higher education system. California is home to more Native residents than any other state, yet it has only one confirmed tribal college and limited ongoing state support for tribal higher education.

Two bills introduced this year would change that framework. Assembly Bill 1641 would add tribal colleges to the state Education Code’s definition of public higher education. Assembly Bill 1769 would establish a process to make units earned at accredited tribal colleges transferable to California community colleges and California State University campuses, while asking the University of California to do the same.

College leaders say the proposals, combined with the school’s recent accreditation, could help secure more stable funding and give Native students better access to culturally grounded education.

Celeste Townsend, president of California Indian Nations College, said Native students have too often been overlooked by traditional education systems. For students such as Giron, she said, tribal colleges provide academic pathways that also honor culture, language and community.

For Giron, that support made a difference in her recovery.

“When I started participating in the different workshops, and I started to really learn the culture it really helped me,” Giron said. “Understanding and also just participating in ceremony, sweat lodge and stuff like that … it helped really ground me and keep me on the road to recovery.”

Native students continue to graduate from college at lower rates than many other student groups nationwide. In California’s community college system, 58% of American Indian or Alaska Native students remain enrolled after their first year, compared with 68% of students overall. At California State University, the four-year graduation rate for American Indian or Alaska Native students is 29.1%, compared with 37.3% overall. At the University of California, the four-year graduation rate for American Indian students is 62.7%, compared with 74% for all students.

California Indian Nations College is located in Palm Desert, near the Coachella Valley. Until recently, it offered associate degrees through a partnership with College of the Desert, which meant its courses were fully transferable because degrees were issued by the community college.

That arrangement is changing. The tribal college has received an eight-year accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges, allowing it to award associate degrees independently.

California has an Indigenous population of more than 700,000 people, the largest of any state. In addition to California Indian Nations College, the state lists California Tribal College in Sacramento and Kumeyaay Community College near El Cajon as tribal colleges. Officials from those two schools did not respond to multiple requests from the original reporting organization to confirm whether they remain in operation.

Shawn Ragan, executive vice chair of California Indian Nations College, said tribal colleges are part of a broader effort to return education to Native communities after generations of harm.

“Education has been used as a tool of colonialization,” Ragan said. “It’s been used to strip language, identity, culture, from Native Americans.”

Since the COVID-19 pandemic, California Indian Nations College has delivered its courses fully online. Even so, students regularly gather in person for cultural activities, including basket weaving, hikes, sweat lodge ceremonies and community events.

Giron now serves as the college’s student body vice president for academics and clubs, a new role created this year. The student government is also developing bylaws and working to establish a bank account.

Giron said she grew up disconnected from her mother’s side of the family, which has ties to the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. After her younger brother began attending California Indian Nations College and recommended it, she decided to enroll.

One of the most meaningful moments came when she invited her four teenage children, from whom she was estranged, to join her on a college-sponsored hike. They accepted. As they walked through Palm Desert’s canyons, a cultural guide explained the medicinal and ancestral uses of plants native to the area. At a body of water, the guide sang bird songs and burned sage, Giron said.

“That was that first connection, again, with my kids,” she said. “We’re building a relationship. CINC is a huge part of that. It was that bridge between me and my family, and reuniting us.”

Giron said the college’s approach differs from her experiences in K-12 schools and at College of the Desert because of its emphasis on community. From the beginning, she said, she felt that administrators and instructors were personally invested in her success. Without that support, she said, she may have relapsed.

In some classes, tests and discussions use a “talking circle” model, allowing students to collaborate and speak with one another rather than work in isolation.

Giron chose sociology because she sees it as a path toward helping others. She is considering work as a counselor, social worker or therapist.

“That same system that was designed to oppress us, we’re now utilizing as a tool, to be resilient, come out on top, and just prosper,” she said. “I just feel so empowered by the idea of being a part of that.”

The college’s accreditation, granted Feb. 3, makes California Indian Nations College the only tribal college in the state accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Accreditation can help colleges qualify for federal grants and contracts, distribute federal financial aid and ease the transfer of credits.

The school does not yet have a steady funding source. It opened with $9 million in seed funding from the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians, a federally recognized tribe that also pays tuition costs for all students. Three years ago, the state provided the college with $5 million in one-time funding. In 2025, the state added $10 million. This year, the college is seeking $13.5 million from the state.

Townsend said accreditation gives students confidence that their degrees will be recognized by other institutions while still reflecting a culturally specific education.

“We’re showing students that through education, the value of a degree can carry a lot of weight,” Townsend said. “We’re giving them that empowerment, and we’re proud to do it and open the door and encourage them to go further.”

Since opening in 2018, the college has served 517 students. Three-quarters of them are first-generation college students. In 2024, 59% of graduates transferred to another college or university, an increase of nearly 30% from the prior academic year.

During the 2024-25 academic year, 25 students earned associate degrees from the tribal college. Townsend expects 33 students to graduate this spring.

“This strengthens academic pathways as well as honoring our commitment to our people, to educate … and empower them, bringing that community reciprocity,” Townsend said.

Student body president Erica Muñoz, 22, of Banning, said she traveled to Sacramento last year to speak with lawmakers about Cal Grant support for students at California Indian Nations College. Muñoz, who grew up in San Bernardino, said she was proud to advocate for herself and her school.

In high school, Muñoz said, she did not feel strongly supported by teachers or counselors. She said she felt at risk of becoming another Native student who fell behind. That changed when she enrolled at the tribal college, becoming the first person in her family to attend college.

“This school is not just an institution, it’s a community, it’s a family,” Muñoz said. “There’s going to be more opportunities for students, more career pathways to open up. This is giving us the structure and stability that we’ve always wanted.”

Under current state law, public higher education is defined as the California Community Colleges, California State University and University of California systems. AB 1641 would add tribal colleges and universities to that definition.

Ragan said the change would formally acknowledge tribal colleges as part of California’s higher education landscape.

“The Native community has been invisible throughout the nation and also in California,” Ragan said. “We’re not part of the framework for how California thinks about higher education.”

Assemblymember James Ramos, a Democrat whose district includes parts of San Bernardino County, is a co-sponsor of AB 1641. Ramos became the first Native American elected to the state Assembly in 2018.

Ramos said the bill is about ensuring tribal colleges are recognized by the state and able to help close long-standing education gaps.

“The tribal community continues to suffer at a rate higher than other groups that are out there with high school attainment, college attainment and education attainment,” Ramos said. “Tribal colleges are a way for tribes to start to fill in that gap of making sure that people do pursue higher education.”

Ramos also authored AB 1769, introduced Feb. 23. That bill would require the Cal State Board of Trustees and the California Community Colleges Board of Governors to create and implement transfer agreements for accredited tribal colleges. It would also ask the UC Regents to establish a similar process.

Ragan said the bills have already helped bring tribal colleges into discussions about the future of higher education in California.

“It opened doors for us to be part of the conversations,” Ragan said. “As California is doing its master planning, or any kind of higher education planning, that tribal colleges are included in that conversation. This is a first step towards eventually becoming a regular line item in the state budget, but there’s still a lot between here and there.”

Original source: CalMatters

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The exhibition will take place from Friday through June 7 at the Melissa Morgan Fine Art gallery, at 73660 El Paseo Drive, with an opening reception to take place from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. Friday. The hours of operation are from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m. Tuesdays through Saturday and from noon to 5 p.m. on Sundays.

The artwork will feature different mediums, including paintings, drawings, sculptures, installation, video and photography, and explore the relationship between art, landscape and community.

This year’s Desert X Art Club are comprised of students enrolled in the organization’s free after-school education program called the Expanded Learning Opportunities Program, in partnership with Desert Sands Unified School District. Participating school from DSUSD include Indio Middle School, Desert Ridge Academy, John Glenn Middle School, Carrillo Ranch Elementary and Gerald Ford Elementary School.

Besides the event, students participate in after-school workshops and field trips with Desert X’s educators and artists that encourage young people the relationship with the desert environment and their surroundings.

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Wired Works LLC, and its constituent business component, Statewide Services Inc., are suing the foundation over its alleged refusal to abide by terms of an agreement initiated as part of Wired Works’ consultation on the Cook Street Substation Project in Thousand Palms.

“Our clients delivered a result that had eluded this project for decades, and they did so at their own expense,” plaintiffs’ attorney James Bohm of Costa Mesa said. “They secured the approvals that made this project viable. Instead of honoring its commitments, the foundation refused payment and then made statements that damaged our clients’ reputations. This case is about accountability and fairness.”

Berger Foundation President Michael Rover issued a statement Monday saying the civil action was under review by the foundation’s attorneys.

“The foundation contends that the claims are without merit and strongly denies any wrongdoing,” according to Rover’s statement. “The foundation has a long-standing history of working fairly and responsibly with vendors and contractors. The press release issued by the plaintiffs through a public relations service appears intended to shape a narrative outside the courtroom. We will respond to the allegations through the appropriate legal process, where we are confident the facts will support the foundation’s position.”

State business filings indicated that Statewide Services Inc. is comprised of general contractors, and Wired Works is a consulting company that launched in April 2024, based at an office on Wildcat Drive in Palm Desert.

The civil suit was originally filed in March but has been amended as recently as last week in Riverside County Superior Court. It’s under case management at the Palm Springs Courthouse, and no hearings are set until October. In the meantime, the parties may engage in prospective out-of-court settlement negotiations.

According to the plaintiffs, Wired Works was hired by the foundation in the first half of 2024 to carry out “development work” directly linked to a proposed 100-megawatt substation intended to establish reliable electrical access for the foundation’s 1,200-acre master planned commercial project, featuring “hotels, restaurants … healthcare campuses, a hospital” and other edifices.

The plaintiffs allege that $300,000 was expended and “5,000 hours of labor” were committed to sort out requirements to put the substation project on track and bring it to fruition, culminating in approvals by the Imperial Irrigation District. IID announced in November the Cook Street Substation Project in Thousand Palms had been formally approved by its Board of Directors, which authorized a budget of $39.6 million.

Groundbreaking is set by the start of next year, and completion of the project is likely by the summer of 2028, according to IID.

The plaintiffs said their agreement with the foundation was terminated “following a leadership transition within the foundation.”

The plaintiffs allege they weren’t compensated for their work, and “inaccurate and damaging statements were communicated to IID and others within the regional development community,” damaging their reputations.

The suit cites “lost construction profits” to Wired Works of $40 million to $45 million, as well as “lost smart grid revenues” of roughly $10 million annually.

Along with reimbursement for losses, the plaintiffs are seeking unspecified punitive damages.

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The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team, assisted by the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force, executed a search warrant Tuesday in the 45000 block of San Pablo Avenue stemming from an anonymous tip regarding possible illegal activities at a massage parlor, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Investigators located 58-year-old Victorville resident Haiwei Donkersgoed at the business, where he was taken into custody and later booked on suspicion of maintaining a brothel.

“Two additional females were located at the business and identified as possible victims of human trafficking. The females were provided resources and in-person advocacy services,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.

Anyone with information regarding the case was encouraged to contact Sgt. Hammond and the Riverside County Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force at HT@riversidesheriff.org. Victims of human trafficking or tipsters with additional information should contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 888-373-7888 or local law enforcement.

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“We know how to run high-volume stores, as our San Diego SDRC branded locations serve almost 1500 customers per day, but we’ve never had the square footage and service options that this new location offers. Coachella Valley residents and tourists will be delighted by the variety and value we are bringing to the community, including 6 large kiosks that our supply partners will staff to highlight the benefits of their product lines.”, stated CEO Sean St. Peter, co-founder of Cannabis 21+.

Manager Nick Smith added “Cannabis dispensaries should provide all the value of storefront retail-like face-to-face assistance, product education and instant access to products. We strive to make shopping for cannabis fun, fast and budget-friendly, without any of the hassles or worries some associate with cannabis. Our stores are bright, open, and have plenty of parking, getting people aged 21 and above back to their daily lives with a smile on their face whether they are brand new to cannabis or long-time consumers.”

This latest edition of what is expected to be 20 locations by the end of 2023 took over two years to get permitted by the County of Riverside and remodeled what was originally constructed as a boutique grocery store. Cannabis 21+ Palm Desert has 15 stations where visitors are offered 1 on 1 private consultation covering the 1500 or more products it will carry.

Cannabis 21+ prides itself on being a “Deal Store” which only carries items it can offer at the lowest price for one unit and the value gets greater when customers tap into their daily deals and bundled offers which its well-trained budtenders go over in a fun and fast fashion.

“We helped create the reputation for many of California’s biggest brands and still support them, but we also like give innovative new companies an opportunity to succeed, which our customers love,” St. Peter added.

The new Palm Desert Market is located at 39225 Washington Street, Palm Desert, California 92211. For more information, visit ShopC21plus.

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Nizar Farhat, 63, pleaded guilty Monday to one count each of receiving an illegal gratuity and being a public official taking money from private parties for government work.

U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal scheduled a sentencing hearing for Oct. 4 at the federal courthouse in downtown Riverside.

The defendant remains free on a $75,000 bond. He was a former construction manager with offices at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.

In December, a federal grand jury returned an indictment listing the two offenses to which he pleaded guilty. At the time, Farhat was staying in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, where he was arrested without incident by FBI agents and returned to California.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, in 2014 and 2015, the defendant was on temporary assignment at the U.S. Navy’s Camp Lemonnier in Djibouti, where he oversaw a private company’s $15 million contract to construct an aircraft hangar and a telecommunications facility. After the projects were completed, the company submitted to the Pentagon “Requests for Equitable Adjustment” — REAs — that sought $6.43 million in additional payments for the work, according to prosecutors.

They alleged Farhat met with the company’s representatives on four different occasions at hotels in Las Vegas and Palm Springs between December 2015 and October 2017.

During the meetings, the defendant accepted a $15,000 payment for providing his assistance in forwarding the REAs, as well as a separate $22,000 cash payment to submit his recommendation that the Navy approve them, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office.

Most of the REAs are on hold, pending review by the Department of Defense, according to prosecutors. The post Ex-Federal official from Palm Desert admits to taking money illegally appeared first on KESQ .

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The suspect has been identified as Jeffery Monroy, age 33, resident of Cathedral City.

The weapon used by the suspect, to stab our deputy was a screwdriver, which was located at the scene.

Details:

On August 7, 2020, approximately 2:38 pm, deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station were dispatched to a suspicious persons call in the 70000 block of Tamarisk Lane in the city of Rancho Mirage.  Shortly after receiving the call, a deputy arrived on scene and located a male suspect matching the description given by dispatch. Immediately after making contact with the suspect, the deputy was assaulted and ultimately stabbed. At that time, a deputy involved shooting occurred. Once additional deputies arrived on scene, the injured deputy was transported to a local hospital for medical treatment. The deputy is currently in stable condition. The suspect was pronounced deceased on scene. The identity of the suspect will be released by the coroner’s office once positive identification can be established, and next of kin can be notified.

The deputy involved will be placed on administrative leave per Department policy. The involved deputy’s name will not be released at this time.

Investigators from the Force Investigations Detail (Riverside County District Attorney Investigators and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Central Homicide Unit) responded and assumed the investigation. This is an active and on-going investigation. The Force Investigations Detail encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact D.A. Investigator Steve Paxiao at 760-863-8216 or Investigator Tony Johnson at 760-393-3502.

For media inquiries regarding this incident please contact the Media Information Bureau.

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On Monday, June 22, 2020, approximately 10:29PM, Palm Desert Station was dispatched to an alarm call at a gun store in the 41000 Block of Boardwalk, City of Palm Desert. The reporting party contacted dispatch and advised the business had been broken into and they believed there were suspects inside the business. Once on scene, deputies discovered an unoccupied vehicle, which was rammed into the front of the business. Deputies immediately established a perimeter.

Shortly after the perimeter was established, an adult male, armed with a firearm, exited the front of the business and a deputy involved shooting occurred. Deputies and Cal Fire rendered medical aid to the suspect. The suspect was pronounced deceased. The identity of the suspect will be released by the coroner’s office once positive identification can be established, and next of kin can be notified.

The deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave per Department policy. The  involved deputies names will not be released at this time.

Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Force Investigations Detail and Palm Desert Station responded and assumed the investigation. This is an active and on-going investigation. The Force Investigations Detail encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Investigator Dickey at (951) 955-2777.

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Thermal

Agricultural Theft and Search Warrant Service – Incident Date: 06/28/2019

On September 18, 2019, deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Thermal Station Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District, served a search warrant in the unincorporated area of Mecca.  This operation was initiated by an agricultural theft that occurred on June 28, 2019. The thefts totaled $1,500 in Brown Turkey Figs and $450 in plastic crates unique to the ranch they were stolen from. Thermal Station Agricultural Liaison deputy assumed the investigation and identified the suspect as Edgar Cazares Castillo, 24 of Mecca.  Deputies then wrote a search warrant for his residence. Castillo was taken into custody at the Thermal Station. Castillo was charged with Grand theft and Agricultural Grand theft. Castillo was booked at Indio Jail.

Any information please contact the Southern Coachella Valley Community Services District at (760)863-8990.

Palm Desert

DUI Traffic Collision – Incident Date: 09/17/19

On September 17, 2019, at 10:55 p.m., Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station responded to a single vehicle traffic collision in the 70600 block of Highway 111, within the city of Rancho Mirage. Deputies determined a blue Honda sedan traveling eastbound on Highway 111 veered off the roadway and collided with a palm tree. The driver of the Honda, Jorge Casas, age 34 of Palm Desert, was determined to have been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. Jorge Casas was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio for driving under the influence.

Any information please contact Deputy Nicole Wilhite from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department at 760-836-1600, or Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867).

Lake Elsinore

Narcotics Sales – Incident Date: 09-16-2019

On Monday, September 16, 2019, at 9:12 PM, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s station responded to the area of Scrivener Street X Graham Avenue, in the city of Lake Elsinore, reference reports of a Green BMW driving erratically.

Deputies arrived and located a Green BMW driving in the area and performed a vehicle stop.  The driver of the BMW, Richard Cooley, age 39, a resident of Wildomar was on Felony probation for receiving stolen property.  Deputies searched his vehicle in accordance with his probation terms and located 11.5 grams of heroin, 5.9 grams of methamphetamine, packaging, an airsoft pistol and other items common with the sales of narcotics. 

Richard Cooley was arrested and booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center on the charges of transportation for sales of methamphetamine and heroin, as well as violation of probation.

Any information please call Deputy Frey at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station at (951) 245-3300 or Riverside County Sheriff’s dispatch at (951) 776-1099.   

La Quinta

DUI Single Vehicle Traffic Collision – Incident Date: September 16, 2019

On September 16, 2019, at 12:05 AM, Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies assigned to the city of La Quinta, responded to a non-injury single vehicle traffic collision at Eisenhower Dr. and Calle Tampico in the city of La Quinta.  During the investigation, deputies determined alcohol and drugs were a factor. The driver, Ramon Ruiz, 20 of La Quinta, was arrested for driving under the influence. Ruiz was booked at the Riverside County Jail in Indio.

Any information please contact Deputy M. Scott at the Thermal Sheriff’s Station (760) 863-8990 or Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Dispatch (760) 836-8348.

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Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 9, 2019

Investigators from the Central Homicide Unit identified Bun Leuk, a 44-year-old resident of Perris,as the suspect. On Tuesday, September 11, 2019, about 12:15 AM, officers from the Fontana Police Department assisted with a vehicle stop at Riverside Avenue and Interstate 10 in the city of Rialto. Bun was located driving a Toyota Tacoma truck, believed to have been the vehicle used during the incident. The vehicle was impounded for evidence, and Mr. Leuk was taken into custody and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center in the city of Riverside. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 393-3531 or (951) 955-2777.

Details:

On Monday, September 09, 2019, about 4:50 PM, deputies from the Perris Station responded to the 29000 Block of 13th Street in the unincorporated area of Riverside County known as Nuevo in reference to an assault with a deadly weapon.

Upon arrival, deputies found a female deceased in the roadway of 13th Street and a second female injured. The suspect fled the scene before deputies arrived and has not been located. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Button at (760) 393-3531 or (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On Friday, September 6, 2019, at 11:22 PM, deputies responded to 33 Whirlaway Street in the city of Perris, in reference to a report of multiple people being assaulted at the residence. Deputies arrived on scene to find a female victim deceased from injuries sustained during the attack. A second female and a male were also located at the residence suffering from traumatic injuries. Both were transported to a local hospital where they received care for their injuries. The scene was secured and the Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

During the course of the investigation, the suspect was identified as Anthony Varela, 29 years of Perris. He was taken into custody and booked at the Robert Presley Detention  Center in Riverside.

This is an active investigation and no additional details are currently available. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Central Homicide Investigator Alfaro at (760) 393-3528 or (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Palm Desert

DUI Traffic Collision

Incident Date: September 8, 2019

On September 8, 2019, at 5:12 p.m., Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station, investigated a single vehicle traffic collision within the 45900 block of Highway 74, Palm Desert. The investigation determined a white Ford sedan, driven by a Collen Cosner, age 48 of Palm Desert, veered off the roadway and struck a parked vehicle at the location. Collen Cosner was found to have been operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. After being medically cleared at a local hospital, Collen Cosner was booked into the Riverside County Jail in Indio for driving under the influence.

The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact, Deputy Christopher Williams from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Palm Desert Station at 760-836-1600, or Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867). The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department urges all drivers not to drink and drive.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Moreno Valley

Attempt Murder

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On September 6, 2019, at approximately 2:15 AM, deputies from the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a shots fired call at the 14000 block of Vinehill St., Moreno Valley.  The initial investigation revealed there was a verbal dispute which escalated to the suspect brandishing a pistol and shooting the victim in the abdomen. The suspect fled the area and hid in a neighborhood near 22000 block of Allies Pl., Moreno Valley.  The victim’s friends transported him to the hospital where he is currently being treated. 

The Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station Special Enforcement Team (SET), Robbery & Burglary Suppression Team (RBST), Riverside County S.W.A.T. and Fugitive Warrant Enforcement Team (FWET) responded to the area.  The suspect was located and taken into custody without further incident. Team members search his vehicle and located the firearm used in the assault. 

Juan Cardenas (19-years-old), resident of Moreno Valley, was arrested and booked into Robert Presley Detention Center (RPDC) for attempted murder. 

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information related to this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Sinclair with the RBST at the Moreno Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 486-6700. 

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Thermal

Search Warrant Results in Firearm Seizure and Arrest

Incident Date: September 6, 2019

On Friday, September 6, 2019, at 7:45 P.M. the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force with the assistance of La Quinta Special Enforcement Team served a weapons related search warrant near the 52000 block of Avenida Navarro in the City of La Quinta. The search warrant stemmed from an incident that occurred on September 5, 2019, during which time members of La Quinta Special Enforcement Team arrested documented criminal street gang member, Eric Basquez, 40 of La Quinta during a vehicle stop for being a Convicted Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Possession of Methamphetamine and Evading a Peace Officer.  A loaded .40 caliber semi-auto handgun was recovered during the incident. Basquez was booked at the Indio Jail.

During today’s search warrant, Gang Task Force Officers seized a .357 revolver, and several rounds of ammunition.  Gang Task Force Officers arrested Jose Angel Arellano, 20 of La Quinta for being in possession of an unregistered handgun.  Arellano was booked at Smith Correctional Facility. 

The Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force is committed to creating safe and secure neighborhoods free of violent crime and gang activity. If you have any information about this crime, please contact CVVCGTF member Officer Villasenor at (760) 836-1600. If you have non-emergency information regarding gang activity, please use our online Gang Task Force Tip Form or call 951-922-7601.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Perris

Homicide

Incident Date: September 1, 2019

During the course of this investigation, Eduardo Salvador Escoto, a 35-year old male, who resided on the Palm Avenue property, has been identified as a suspect in Brandie Frazier’s murder. Frazier’s 2016 white Chevy Suburban with license plate DP522MB, is missing from her residence and it is believed Escoto fled in her vehicle. The Suburban has a pink Chevy emblem on the front of the vehicle and black wheels. Escoto has a warrant for his arrest and is believed to have fled to Guadalajara, Mexico. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is asking for the public’s assistance in locating the vehicle or Escoto in the event he has not crossed the border. Do not approach Escoto or the vehicle and notify law enforcement immediately if either is seen. 

This investigation is ongoing and the Sheriff’s Department encourages anyone with information regarding this incident to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Bishop at (951) 955-2777, or Perris Sheriff Station Investigator Salisbury at (951) 210-1000.

Details:

On Sunday, September 1st, 2019, at 11:00 AM, deputies from the Perris Sheriff’s Station responded to a residence in the 17000 block of Palm Road near Lake Matthews, to investigate a report of a dead body. When the deputies arrived on Palm Avenue, they located a deceased female adult and determined she was the victim of a homicide. Perris Station investigators and the Central Homicide Unit assumed the investigation. The victim has been identified as Brandie Frazier, a 42 year old female. The suspect is outstanding, however, there is no known threat to public safety. The investigation is currently on-going and anyone with information regarding this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Bishop of the Central Homicide Unit at (951) 955-2777.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

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