Author: KESQ

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs City Council voted to approve the Oak View Group (OVG) taking over the contract of the Palm Springs Convention Center on Monday.

The agreement includes a base payment of $1,442,500 over five years, with potential performance-based incentive fees bringing the total contract to a maximum of $3,606,250. 

The initial term runs from Sept. 28, 2025, through Sept. 27, 2030, with the option to extend for an additional five years by mutual agreement.

OVG is the company that brought Acrisure Arena and the Firebirds to the Coachella Valley.

They’re also set to manage operations at the renovated Plaza Theatre in downtown Palm Springs.

It comes after Tim Leiweke stepped down as the CEO of OVG after being indicted for an alleged scheme to rig the bidding process at a sports complex in Austin, Texas.

During the meeting, officials presented a detailed presentation breaking down background, contract overview and the OVG transition.

The company has a transition kickoff meeting with the city and current operator on July 22.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Surf Club management agreed to look into ways to mitigate noise levels at the park after meeting with the Palm Springs Planning Commission Tuesday night.

The park opened in January 2024, but several mechanical issues delayed the official opening. The park is now fully operational conducting daily business. 

According to a staff report posted on the city’s website, the Surf Club is supposed to give an update to the Planning Commission within six months of it’s opening as part of the park’s approval process.

The main topic of discussion was the noise generated at the park from events and the equipment.

According to Palm Springs Code Enforcement, there have been a total of 66 complaints from neighboring communities over a 3-year period. Most of the entries relate to the noise generated by the wave making machines, music, and the gathering of attendees at the park.

The park has been cited 6 times and the staff report states all fines have been paid in full.

News Channel 3 spoke with the Palm Springs Surf Club Director of Surf Operations Chance Gaul after the meeting about the changes they plan to make.

Gaul says, “So we’re going to look inside the machine rooms. We’re going to look outside the machine rooms, and then the simple fix for the amplified bass is turn the bass down and and we’ll work on that. I know that we will be implementing a living wall. And, you know, we just want to reiterate how ready we are to work with the community and make sure that they’re comfortable in their own home.”

The park has already adjusted their hours so they are not open as late.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At its meeting on Monday night, the Palm Springs City Council approved a license agreement with Palm Springs Pride for the construction, installation, maintenance, and operation of a landmark flagpole in the Arenas District.

Palm Springs Pride President and CEO Ron deHarte says the decision paves the way for a powerful symbol of hope, freedom, and equality in the heart of Palm Springs.

The Arenas District Flagpole Project will feature a prominent installation of the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag, considered the most significant piece of LGBTQ+ art created by the artist.

The installation will commemorate the Black, white, Latino, Asian, and Native-born activists who fought for LGBTQ+ equality since the flag was first flown in San Francisco in 1978.

It is planned to be located at Arenas Road and Indian Canyon Drive, a key gateway to the Arenas Business District. The project is spearheaded by the Arenas District Merchants and will be managed by the nonprofit Palm Springs Pride organization.

Gilbert Baker’s iconic rainbow flag emerged from a request by the late gay supervisor Harvey Milk, who urged Baker, a gay artist, to design a symbol for the 1978 San Francisco Pride parade. The flag was initially eight-striped and later refined to six colored stripes, becoming an international symbol for LGBTQ+ rights. The Baker flag was adopted as the official Pride Flag of Palm Springs Pride in 2011.

In addition to the Gilbert Baker-designed Pride flag displayed on the flagpole, approved alternative flags include the Transgender flag, designed by Monica F. Helms; the Leather Pride flag, designed by Anthony (Tony) F. DeBlase; the Bisexual Pride flag, designed by Michael Page; and the flag of the State of California.

Additionally, the U.S. flag will be displayed on Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, and Veterans Day. Flags can be lowered to half-staff by presidential, gubernatorial, or local proclamation.

“In Palm Springs’ 87-year history, no other cultural or civic group has stepped forward to propose funding a landmark flagpole to honor their community. Yet today, the LGBTQ+ community is doing just that, championing a powerful symbol of pride and inclusivity for all to see,” said deHarte. As Mayor of Palm Springs, deHarte was recused from participating in the project.

“You can support the Landmark Pride Flag. We’re actively raising funds for the Arenas District Pride Flagpole, an incredible piece of art that will symbolize hope and commemorate the tireless fight for equality among activists of all backgrounds,” said Mitch Battersby, the Palm Springs Pride Director of Volunteers and a project lead.

For more information on supporting the Arenas District Flagpole Project, visit https://bit.ly/arenasflag.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 has broadcast several special reports on air quality in the Coachella Valley since Hurricane Hilary hit back in August of 2023.

Desert Healthcare District and Foundation Vice President Greg Rodriguez says they continually see more patients with asthma problems. In fact, frequent exposure to poor air quality, such as ozone gas and floating particles can lead to coughing, wheezing, asthma attacks and even a variety of respiratory diseases.

To address the problem, the organization is teaming up with other healthcare providers and working to educate the community.

It’s called Healthy Desert, Healthy You Environmental Health Summit.

Last year’s Summit awarded one million dollars to providers to address environmental health concerns.

Rodriguez adds, “After Hurricane Hilary, we really saw an enormous increase in those particulates in cases of environmental concern. So the District felt that it was important to really build a collaborative approach with the organizations that were already doing great work in the valley around environmental issues. We brought together the that group and held our first Summit last year and really built a great collaborative approach.”

The Summit will be on September 11th and 12th. It will offer fascinating discussions and vendors exploring the challenges affecting health and wellness.

Topics will range from renewable energy to green technology.

For more information on the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Environmental Health Summit, visit healthydeserthealthyyou.com.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Two men accused with three others of gunning down a Mead Valley resident during a home invasion robbery that occurred almost two decades ago are slated to be arraigned Wednesday.   

DeShawn Cordell Hill, 36, and Kenneth Tucker II, 37, both of Riverside, were arrested in the last two weeks following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Cold Case Unit investigation.

Their co-defendants, Keith Isaiah Crutchfield, 37, of Kileen, Texas, and brothers Dennis Jamal Haynes and Kenneth Lamar Haynes, both 37 and of Phoenix, Arizona, are awaiting extradition following their arrests since the start of the month.

All of the men are charged with first-degree murder and a special circumstance allegation of killing in the course of a robbery for the 2007 slaying of 51-year-old Andres Valdes. All except Tucker are additionallycharged with sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

Hill is being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside, and Tucker is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.

Their alleged cohorts are being held on no-bail extradition warrants at correctional facilities in their respective states.   

Hill and Tucker are set for arraignment Wednesday morning before Superior Court Judge Melissa Hale at the Riverside Hall of Justice.   

Sheriff’s Sgt. Jarred Bishop said Cold Case Unit detectives reopened the Valdes homicide case in February after it lay dormant for years.   

The victim was attacked late on the night of June 13, 2007, according to Bishop.

He said the Mead Valley man was home with several family members in the 19000 block of Mariposa Avenue, near Wood Road, when the armed defendants allegedly forced their way onto the property and confronted the victims.   

“Deputies learned the masked suspects entered … with the intent of committing a robbery,” the sergeant said. “Valdes became involved in a physical altercation with the suspects, when one of them shot and killed him.”

The defendants grabbed what valuables were in view and immediately fled the location, Bishop alleged.

Valdes died at the scene. Several others in the household suffered unspecified minor injuries.   

“This case unfortunately went cold without an arrest,” Bishop said.   

Renewed efforts to identify the assailants by the Cold Case Unit turned up additional evidence, culminating in arrest warrants being issued for all of the defendants this month.

Background information on the men wasn’t available.

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Zachariah Perez

PALM DESERT Calif. (KESQ) –The Berger Foundation Iceplex announced a new partnership and arrival of the Palm Springs Hockey Academy (PSHA).

The academy is a new elite high school prep program that will offer top-tier hockey training and  competition for elite-level players set to begin in September. It will bring an exclusive group of athletes from Europe, Canada, Los Angeles, and San Diego for a unique training experience in the Coachella Valley at the Berger Foundation Iceplex. 

The Palm Springs Academy players will receive elite-level training Monday through Friday from 7:15 a.m. to 8:45 a.m, while also having educational support and partnership from Desert Christian Academy.

It will offer a flexible path designed for student athletes to ensure that they will have the tools to succeed both academically and athletically while balancing the training schedule.

“We’re thrilled to bring this level of hockey to the desert,” said Justin Reynolds, President and Co-Founder of the Palm Springs Hockey Academy. “Our partnerships with Desert Christian Academy and the Berger Foundation Iceplex create a one-of-a-kind environment where student-athletes can train like pros while receiving a top-tier education.”

The program will feature the following for athletes during their stay here in the Coachella Valley.

Program Features:

Daily On-Ice Training focused on skill development, team systems, and hockey IQ at the Berger Foundation Iceplex

Academic Instruction through Desert Christian Academy, a respected faith-based private school in Bermuda Dunes, CA

Competitive Game Schedule against top North American prep programs, with 1–2 games per month scheduled for Saturday evenings

Mentorship and Development from experienced coaches, advisors, and scouts

Exposure to USHL, WHL, NCAA, and other junior programs

As the popularity of hockey grows in Southern California and the success of the AHL Coachella Valley Firebirds, PSHA is in an ideal position to become a national leader in elite player development. 

With an addition of the PSHA the Burger Foundation will now offer a pipeline at all skill levels. This includes:

 Beginners: Learn to Play programs

Intermediate: Youth Rec leagues

Progressive: Jr. Firebirds Travel Hockey

Elite: Palm Springs Academy

“The launch of Palm Springs Hockey Academy has transformed the Berger Foundation Iceplex into a true center of excellence,” said Leslie Deason, Vice President of the Berger Foundation Iceplex. “We now offer a fully integrated developmental pipeline that supports every skill level, from Learn to Play for beginners to elite training through the Academy. This not only strengthens our commitment to player growth but also solidifies the Iceplex as a regional leader in hockey development.”

For recruitment and enrollment for the 2025–26 academic year is currently underway, with limited spots available visit pshockey.com or contact admin@pshockey.com.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for the Latest

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Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– LGBTQ+ trailblazer Mariah Hanson released the 2025 lineup for her epic Dinah Grand Finale full of rising stars, queer icons and aspiring LGBTQ+ talent.

The festival will take place September 24-28 at the Riviera Resort in Palm Springs, celebrating the long-lasting legacy Hanson has created with the iconic queer women’s festival.

The weekend-long celebration will feature stars like Crystal Waters, Princess Nokia, Kate Moennig and Leisha Hailey, SKYDXDD, MC Kaycee Clark, Mariah Counts, Only1 Theory, Nikki Holland and Velvet Dive. 

DJ’s Alex B, Lotus Banks, KG fresh, Les Ortiz, P Nasty, and Tatiana are also set to perform at this one-of-a-kind event providing pulse-pounding sets that will keep the crowd dancing. 

The event will open on Thursday night, September 24, with a nighttime dance party, followed by pool party celebrations and additional exciting nighttime events until Sunday, September 28. 

Hanson is the original founder and producer of the Dinah. She will be retiring after 34 years running the festival. Hanson stepping down does not mean the end for the festival. Organizers said Hanson is actively in talks with potential successors.

To celebrate her last year producing this groundbreaking event, the Dinah 2025 is an invitation to join Hanson in a powerful tribute to the legacy she created and to experience magic only The Dinah can deliver.

For more information on tickets and full event details, visit www.thedinah.com 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Zachariah Perez

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Airport is being recognized as one of the best airports in the country. 

According to the Washington Post, Palm Springs International Airport was named the 35th best airport in the United States for 2025 best airports.

The beautiful breezy and warm sunshine, great food, relaxing environment and amazing shops, are some of the major factors that played a role in being ranked No.35th in the country. 

“Shoutout to everyone who voted and raved in reviews-we see you #35 and thriving” Said PSP via their recent Instagram post.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Coachella FC announced a rebranding as part of its new affiliation with FC Dallas of Major League Soccer.

Coachella FC will now be known as FC Dallas FC, the team announced Monday on social media.

“We’re proud to announce that Coachella Football Club is now FC Dallas Coachella, an official MLS-affiliated academy and part of the FC Dallas Youth Network

This new chapter connects our players to one of the best development systems in the country, with a direct pathway to the pros, high-level tournaments, and national exposure.

While our name and badge have changed, our heart hasn’t. We’re still the same club, same community, and same passion, now with even bigger opportunities.

Welcome to FC Dallas Coachella.”

The now former Coachella FC was first formed in April 2024 as part of the United Soccer League’s second division.

The team won the regular season and division tities in the UPSL Premier SoCal North Division, where they won both the regular season and division titles with an undefeated record. The city of Coachella honored the team last month.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Coachella Soccer Academy (@coachellasocceracademy)

The team is the first pre-professional soccer team in the valley. 

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Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was hospitalized for evaluation after a fire in Cathedral City Monday morning.

The fire was reported at around 10:30 a.m. on the 37100 block of Cathedral Canyon Drive.

Firefighters were able to quickly knock down the fire and contain it to one unit.

One person was displaced. There were no other injuries.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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