Author: KESQ

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A rally organized in Palm Springs on Monday afternoon filled a street corner just outside of the Arenas District. It comes as frustration mounts after Alex Pretti’s death over the weekend.

Pretti was shot and killed by federal immigration officers in Minnesota on Saturday. That shooting has sparked widespread protests nationwide, and now, locally.

The organizer of the protest told News Channel 3 it was planned spontaneously, with less than 24 hours of notice. It began just before 2:00 p.m. on Monday and wrapped up around 3:00 p.m. While short-lived, it drew a few dozen protesters who held signs and chanted as supportive motorists honked their horns as they drove by.

Experts say ongoing tensions can take a toll on mental health, too. Carolina Vasquez, the Executive Director of Desert Insight, said it’s important to recognize the strong emotions that can come during troubling times.

“If we don’t notice that it’s happening, can come out in ways externally where we projected on other people or internally where we take it against ourselves,” said Vasquez.

Taking action in the form of peacefully protesting, to even as small as something as pressing the “share” button on a social media post, can help channel those emotions in a healthy way.

Vasquez said she is also offering support at no charge to undocumented immigrants who may be finding these times difficult on their mental health. She is directing those who are interested to Desert Insight’s website, found here, or calling her office’s number: (442) 307-3395.

Stay with us for the latest.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A popular downtown Palm Springs parking lot is temporarily closed as part of a planned safety improvements project.

The lot, located at the intersection of W. Alejo Road and Belardo Road, is frequently used by visitors and local businesses. Some residents and business owners say the closure will further limit already tight parking availability in the area and could impact nearby businesses.

City officials say they are working to notify businesses and drivers about the temporary closure and are encouraging motorists to plan ahead.

The parking lot is expected to remain closed until February 1.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Athena Jreij

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Animal advocates, represented by Walter Clark Legal Group, have filed an injunction against the Riverside County Department of Animal Services to pause all euthanasia for space practices.

It comes a year and a half into the activists legal fight against the county’s euthanasia practices, which some have called the highest in the country.

Euthanasia for space is when an animal is put down due to limited kennel room. Over the past year, Riverside County has reported overcapacity rates higher than 230% at times, with 3 to 4 animals in a kennel.

Currently, their fiscal year-to-date is 80.07%, lower than the 90% rate that classifies shelters as ‘no-kill.’

While advocates sue the county, they say euthanasia for space practices have continued and they’re urgently seeking a pause.

“Because one of the issues of taxpayer waste went up on appeal, they’ve continued to kill animals, it just hasn’t changed. They have an opportunity to have extra kennels, but they don’t do anything about it. They have a $40 million budget, but they waste it and they don’t follow the law,” Walter Clark with Walter Clark Legal Group said.

County officials have repeatedly said they are overwhelmed with the volume of animals surrendered at upwards of dozens a day at their shelter and in the field. However, advocates believe they could be doing more to save lives, including building more kennel space.

“They could do what they’re supposed to do under the law, which is to see that they’re all neutered before they release them. They’re supposed to give them veterinary care evaluation. They don’t, and so yes, they’re aiding and causing their own problem at the same time,” Clark said when asked about the county’s claims.

Advocates have asked the county to provide more space, namely with new kennels like the one shown below from court documents.

“They have, probably a thousand animals, and they have a room for about 500. So instead of using their millions to provide additional kennels which can be rented, they just kill the animals,” Clark said.

News Channel 3 reached out to Riverside County Department of Animal Services who said in a statement:

“We are aware of the latest request from opposing counsel, and counsel is leading our response through the legal system. Our priority will continue to be maintaining safe and humane care in our shelters while ensuring public safety for Riverside County people and pets. We are seeing significant improvements in our live release rates for cats and dogs compared to last year, and we are committed to ensuring more animals get the second chance they deserve. With additional staff in place, ongoing system-wide changes and a focus on lifesaving at all levels, we welcome community support and teamwork to build a better future for RivCo pets.”

Clark says a hearing is set for February to rule on the injunction.

News Channel 3 is planning to speak directly with county officials in a follow-up story.

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Timothy Foster

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Middle and high school students in the Coachella Valley gathered Sunday at the Tolerance Education Center to discuss the rise of antisemitism and explore ways to combat hate in their communities.

The event provided students with a safe space to learn, share personal experiences, and engage in conversations about tolerance and inclusion.

Some participants shared family histories connected to the Holocaust, highlighting the personal importance of addressing antisemitism.

Students stressed the role young people can play in speaking out and educating their peers, noting that it is crucial to address these issues before hatred escalates.

The event was organized in part by local youth who started a school club focused on promoting tolerance and creating opportunities for open discussion. Organizers said providing students with a platform to talk about difficult topics helps empower them to make a positive impact in the community.

The discussion was led by Ariella Loewenstein, Deputy Regional Director for the Anti-Defamation League in Los Angeles, who explained that confronting antisemitism is essential because it often fuels other forms of hate. She emphasized that when antisemitism is unchecked, all hate is affected, and that education and open dialogue are critical to building safer, more inclusive communities.

Organizers said events like this aim to equip students with the knowledge and tools to recognize hate, speak out against it.

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Shay Lawson

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)  – Palm Springs Friends of Philharmonic (PS Phil) presented a “first-of-its-kind” Latin-American music festival in Cathedral City on Sunday.

Minería Symphony Orchestra of Mexico taking center stage at 5 p.m.

The event also featuring performances including the Cathedral City Ballet Folklórico Dancers, Cathedral City Royal Jazz Band, Mariachi Arco-Iris de Los Angeles and special guest Marisa Corvo, finalist on both The Voice and American Idol, took center stage at the Cathedral City Amphitheater.

KESQ’s sister station KUNA 15 Telemundo anchors Hernán Quintas and Mayra Pérez were the Masters of Ceremonies for the festival. 

In addition to live music, attendees enjoyed food trucks throughout the venue.

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Blake Arthur

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — It was only a matter of time for World No. 1 Scottie Scheffler.

Making his 2026 season debut and sixth start at the American Express this week, Scheffler won the tournament by four shots, finishing at 27 under par.

Scheffler shot rounds of 63, 64, 68, and 66.

The 29-year-old is now the first player since Tiger Woods to earn 20 PGA TOUR wins under the age of 30.

Below are some more facts and figures on Scheffler’s victory:

First career win when making season debut

5th consecutive season with a win

7th win in his last 13 starts on PGA TOUR

14th PGA TOUR victory since the start of the 2024 season

Click HERE for a look at the final 2026 American Express leaderboard.

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Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Southwest Arts Festival is taking place at the Empire Polo club in Indio this weekend. The festival features art from over 200 artists and live music. The event is hosted by the Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Indio Chamber of Commerce, with tickets starting at $25. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The Empire Polo Club 81-800 Ave. 51. Indio, CA 92201.

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Joel Killam

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. — Firefighters responded to an RV/structure fire in Desert Hot Springs Saturday afternoon that exposed two nearby vehicles, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire officials said.

Crews were called to the area of Driscoll and Dillon roads.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire and knock it down shortly before 2 p.m.

No injuries were reported.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival returned to Ruth Hardy Park in Palm Springs Saturday morning. Hundreds of runners, curious attendees, and health experts gathered by 8:00 a.m. as the event kicked off.

A number of races and fun runs started throughout the morning, including a 1K, 5K, and 10K. Runners, walkers, and cyclists were encouraged to take part and embrace healthy lifestyles throughout 2026.

Organizers said this year features new food vendors and expanded health expert seminars. Proceeds from the event will benefit two local nonprofits: Martha’s Village and Kitchen and Palm Springs Frontunners and Walkers. They also say the festival has grown immensely since it first started 12 years ago, and now features more than 80 health & wellness booths to inspire attendees to adopt healthy lifestyles.

More information on the event can be found here.

News Channel 3 spoke with organizers and attendees about how this event is helping them stay healthy.

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is hosting its annual Singing the Birds: Bird Song and Dance Festival. The event will be held at Palm Springs High School from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bird singers and dancers from tribes across Southern California will gather to celebrate Native American heritage.

Palm Springs High School is located at 2401 E Baristo Rd, Palm Springs, CA 92262.

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