Author: KESQ

Peter Daut

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation continue to present Impact Grants to local nonprofits working to improve lives and help those in need. And the foundation is also helping more than a dozen nonprofits achieve their goals at its Charitable Center in Palm Desert.

At the corner of Cook Street and Merle Drive is a building many people pass by everyday, without realizing the big difference being made inside. The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Charitable Center is currently home to 13 nonprofits, all leasing space at a charitable rate.

“They understand the mission these nonprofits have, and how they can best help them and support them. It’s really amazing,” the President and Co-founder of Alzheimers Coachella Valley, Dominick Calvano, said. The organization leases nearly 8,000 square feet at the Center. He said the organization has grown tremendously over the past seven years, and the Berger Foundation encouraged that growth by offering more space for it to flourish.

“They had the foresight, because realizing our growth pattern from way-back-when to present they were saying, ‘You’re going to need this spot.’ We were hesitant, but when we jumped on it we started realizing, ‘Hey, they were right.'” he said.

The discounted charitable rate also includes electricity, water, building maintenance, internet and air-conditioning. The property, which includes two buildings, totals roughly 60,000 leasable square feet.

“As a nonprofit, we rely on the community to fund our program. And so when we can save money on administrative costs, because no funder likes to see a lot of administrative costs for a nonprofit, it’s a benefit to us,” the executive director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Desert, Judy Tobin May said.

The organization leases more than 1,400 square feet at the Center, which it’s been at for 26 years. She said it is also helpful to be surrounded by numerous other Valley nonprofits, allowing them to network and collaborate.

“It’s great. I can just go out the door, go next door, knock on the door and say, ‘Hey, can I talk to you about our program?’ So we have that opportunity here,” she said.

Right now, about 16,000 square feet across the two buildings are available for lease. For more information, head to hnberger.org.

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Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – Destiny Church hosted a memorial service Tuesday evening in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September.

Pastor Nate Conant from Destiny Church in Indio said the event was held on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

“It’s just to commemorate his life and allow some people to come together and celebrate who he was,” Conant said.

The service was originally planned to be held outdoors at The River in Rancho Mirage; however, Conant said that due to weather concerns, organizers decided to move the memorial indoors.

Organizers invited the public to attend and asked guests to wear red. The evening featured worship, video tributes, and messages from several pastors.

“It’ll probably be about an hour and a half,” Conant said. “It’s very healthy to have the community come together to either grieve or celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk here locally in the Coachella Valley.”

Conant described the service as a Christian gathering rather than a political one.

“It’s not so much a political event as much as it is a Christian gathering,” he said. “We view Charlie Kirk as what we would call an evangelist — somebody who takes the message of the gospel to unreached people.”

Conant said Kirk’s message resonated deeply with local young people.

“I have a 23-year-old son, and a lot of young people were mentored by him in their youth,” he said. “My son had his voice continually in his life to sort of frame his worldview in terms of his Christian view.”

Conant said he attended Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona.

“One thing that was very interesting about Charlie Kirk’s memorial there was that the name of Jesus was said more than the name of Charlie Kirk,” Conant said. “In doing this, we honor his memory — and like all of us who follow Christ, it is our hope that the name of Jesus grows greater and our names grow even smaller.”

Hundreds of community members attended.

“We want to celebrate Charlie Kirk,” Conant said. “And more than that, we want to worship Jesus together. We just hope that this event will be a blessing to the community.”

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City News Service

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KESQ) – Days after the signing of a new state law that bans the sale or transfer of Glock and Glock-style handguns, firearms advocates filed a lawsuit in San Diego federal court this week challenging the ban.   

Assembly Bill 1127, which was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday, bars California firearms dealers from selling semi-automatic firearms that include a “cruciform trigger bar,” which lawmakers behind the bill say allows semi-automatic guns to be converted into fully automatic weapons.

The law takes effect next year.   

On Monday, a complaint was filed challenging the new law, which it states “is flagrantly unconstitutional.”

The complaint cites case law stating that weapons “in common use at the time” are protected by the Second Amendment and that the guns targeted by the ban are “among the most popular firearms in the nation.”   

Plaintiffs in the case include national organizations like the National Rifle Association of America, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation, along with local plaintiffs including firearms retailer Poway Weapons & Gear and its president, John Phillips, as well as San Diego County resident Danielle Jaymes.   

“The Constitution does not allow elitist politicians to decide which constitutionally protected guns the people may own, and California doesn’t get to tell people that their rights end where Gov. Newsom’s tyrannical, anti-Second Amendment politics begin,” Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition, said in a statement. “Every American has a right to choose the tools they trust to defend their lives and liberty.”

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Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – All lanes are back open after a vehicle overturned on the westbound side of Interstate 10, near Bob Hope Tuesday afternoon shortly before 2:30 p.m.

Authorities said the crash involved two vehicles, causing one to roll about 30 to 40 feet from the roadway. One person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The crash caused some traffic backup for about an hour in the area.

Details on the crash or any injuries were not available.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Airport issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the decision not to broadcast a video by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

Noem’s “Public Service Announcement” is supposed to air at security checkpoints.

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” Noem starts. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

FIRST ON FOX: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blasted Democrats for the government shutdown affecting TSA workers in a video that will play at every public airport in America. pic.twitter.com/LdhRmF6wlT

— Preston Mizell (@MizellPreston) October 9, 2025

According to CNN, nearly 20 airports across the country have refused to play the PSA due to its political nature.

In a statement released Tuesday, Palm Springs airport cited state law and the federal Hatch Act, a 1939 law prohibiting political activities of federal employees to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion.

“Palm Springs International Airport is not playing the video on terminal screens because California law and federal Hatch Act principles prohibit using public facilities for partisan political messaging. We remain committed to providing a welcoming, neutral space for all travelers, while respecting the responsibilities of our federal partners during the government shutdown.”

– Jake Ingrassia, PSP Communications & Marketing Specialist

In a statement to CNN Tuesday morning, the Department of Homeland Security reiterated much of the language from the video, including blaming the shutdown on Democrats.

“Our security operations remain largely unimpacted at this time. It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship,” the statement said. “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

Airports who have confirmed to CNN they will not show the video include

Albany (NY) International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Bradley (CT) International Airport

Buffalo Niagara (NY) International Airport

Charlotte Douglas (NC) International Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Harry Reid (Las Vegas) International Airport

LaGuardia Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport

New York Stewart International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Portland International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Springfield–Branson (MO) National Airport

Westchester County (NY) Airport

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Haleemon Anderson

Congressman Raul Ruiz will host a Government Shutdown Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 15 at 5 p.m.

Families, workers and small businesses who are feeling the strain can connect with local organizations and programs offering support during the government shutdown, currently in its tenth day.

Ruiz, who represents the 25th District, said the virtual fair will help ensure the local community has the support they need. 

“I want you to know that help is available and you are not alone,” Ruiz said in a statement.

Interested individuals can listen live at YouTube.com/RepRaulRuizMD to hear from local organizations, partners and experts providing information and assistance.

Organizations and service providers scheduled to participate in the resource far include:

Federal Employee Unions and Associations offering updates and worker support

Food Assistance Programs and Food Banks providing meals and relief

Banks and Credit Unions with financial hardship and loan programs

Regional Community Organizations coordinating local aid

County and Mental Health Resources offering counseling and wellness support

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds lost their season opener against the San Diego Gulls 5-0 Friday night at Acrisure Arena.

Birds get blown out in the season opener 5-0 at home against the San Diego Gulls. Youngest team in the AHL, so growing pains are expected. Not to mention, it’s just one of 72 games in the regular season. Next game is Saturday, 10/18 at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) October 11, 2025

Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 39 saves on 45 shots in the Firebirds’ first loss of the season.

Gulls’ forward Ryan Carpenter capped off a San Diego shot heavy first period with a goal in the final minute. San Diego outshot Coachella Valley 18-5 in the opening frame. Tim Washe extended the Gulls’ lead to 2-0 early in the second and Judd Caulfield added a third San Diego tally.

Sasha Pastujov and Matthew Phillips combined to tack on two more Gulls goals to secure a 5-0 win for the visiting team. Netminder Ville Husso stopped all 26 shots to pick up the shutout victory for his team.

Tonight marked the first professional games for Firebirds’ defenseman Tyson Jugnauth and Caden Price.

The Firebirds were held to just one powerplay in the game and did not capitalize. San Diego was blanked on all four man-advantage tries. The Firebirds were outshot 44-26.

The Firebirds will seek to avenge the loss next Saturday, Oct. 18 at home against the Colorado Eagles.

Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the Firebirds all season long.

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Peter Daut

News Channel 3 has reported on the $275,000 sponsorship shortfall for this year’s Greater Palm Springs Pride.

But local organization DAP Health says it is working to ensure the LGBTQ+ community is seen, heard, and affirmed.

DAP Health is not only a major rainbow sponsor for this year’s Pride, but it is also sponsoring “Cathedral City LGBT Days” and “Oceanside Pride by the Beach.”

The nonprofit, which was founded during the AIDS crisis, says it’s important to get involved with pride events since being visible is part of being healthy.

“Pride festivals are an important part not only of the coming out process, but of the connecting process. And we believe that when people feel seen, heard, and affirmed it’s good for their physical health and it’s good for their mental health,” said Steven Henke, DAP Health’s chief of brand marketing.

Greater Palm Springs Pride runs from Nov. 6 to Nov. 9.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – It was a smaller week here in the valley for high school football, but we still had some key games nonetheless.

Rancho Mirage – 7(3-4)
@
Palm Desert – 31(4-3)
F

Shadow Hills – 21(4-3)
@
Palm Springs – 41(7-0)
F

Xavier Prep – 14(5-2)
@
La Quinta – 28(5-2)
F

29 Palms – 22(3-4)
@
Banning – 42(5-2)
F

Desert Chapel – 22(1-5)
@
Desert Christian – 56(7-0)
F

/**/

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

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is inviting the community to its 2025 Jr. Ranger Expo.

It’s from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Indian Canyons in Palm Springs.

Organizers said kids will get the chance to learn more about local critters and plants.

The event will feature bird singing, dancing activities, photo booths and ranger-led hikes.

It’s free for kids 17 and under including 1 free adult entry with each child.

For more information on events hosted by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, visit: https://www.aguacaliente.org/events.

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