Author: KESQ

Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Dozens of local veterans gathered near the VA Clinic in Palm Desert on Friday to rally in opposition to the proposed layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

An internal memo obtained by the Associated Press mentions plans that would cut more than 80,000 jobs from the department. The memo went on to state the layoffs would return the staffing levels in the department to the pre-pandemic number of about 400,000 employees.

Local veterans are saying these cuts could disrupt their healthcare by increasing wait times on telephone calls to make healthcare appointments, as well as making wait times longer to visit a healthcare provider.

The group also held a rally in March.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Plantation Golf Club on Monroe Street in Indio is one of the few men-only clubs remaining in the country.  

Now, it’s the target of a lawsuit by JCM Farming, Inc. alleging the policy is discriminatory and a violation of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.

News Channel 3 I-Team Investigator John White will bring you a look inside the dispute between the two sides that also includes a disagreement over the growing of date palm trees.

Also, hear from multiple sides, including the woman who challenged Augusta National Golf Club on the issue over 20 years ago, and someone else who’s faced litigation from the same company that he says damaged his business.

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Katie Boer

Windy Weekend Ahead for the Coachella Valley

Happy Stagecoach and Desert Rodeo Weekend! We’ve been talking about winds all week and winds remain the main topic of discussion into the weekend.

The First Alert Weather Team is issuing a First Alert Weather Alert for gusty winds, reduced visibility and poor air quality through 11:59pm Saturday.

This afternoon winds have ramped up across the valley, especially through our mountain passes. We’ve already seen peak gusts between 50-60 mph so far today. Air Quality will continue to be something we continue with poor conditions expected into the evening.

Expect these strong southwest to west winds to continue across our mountains and desert through Saturday night.

Like the last few days, gusts will continue to peak during the afternoons and evenings, 45-55 mph — up to 60 mph in along desert slopes and below the passes–our more wind-prone areas. Obviously a lot of travelers are coming into town this weekend. If you’re driving across the San Gorgonio Pass watch for gusty conditions, especially if you’re driving high-profile vehicles and RVs. We could see some reduced visibility due to blowing dust.

Cooler Weekend, Then a Warming Trend

Sunday and Monday will stay on the cooler side as a weak trough lingers over the region. Highs on Sunday will be about 10 degrees below normal for inland areas, moderating a tad Monday with temperatures a little warmer, but still 3-5 degrees below normal.

By Tuesday, a ridge builds in from the west, bringing warmer temperatures — even slightly above normal. Another weak system could swing through midweek, keeping temps moderate before a second ridge brings a little bit of warming again late next week.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Unified School District is mapping out new plans for modernizing its aging campuses with a long-range master plan for improvements.

The November 2024 general election saw PSUSD voters approve Measure S, including a $465 million bond to modernize and improve school facilities. This project included the complete modernization of Cathedral City High School.

On Tuesday, the school board unanimously passed a plan, providing a roadmap for improving classrooms, replacing older portable buildings and upgrading safety, energy efficient and indoor air quality systems.

Cathedral City High School has begun renovation and improvement operations on its campus, along with other schools.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear how this modernization will impact students and administration from PSUSD.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Gusty and dusty conditions across the valley have triggered air quality alerts, once again raising health concerns for our most vulnerable, seniors.

“I never have had allergies before and I’m 88. Now I have them because of the winds.. My nose, I have to keep a box of Kleenex all the time.”

Gaile Kelly, Cathedral City resident

“Over the years that I’ve been here, it’s gotten worse to the point where sometimes you either have to stay in or come some place like the Mizell Center to get out of the wind.” 

Robert Daniel, Palm Springs resident

Rob Wheeler, executive director of the Mizell Center, says while it’s recommended people stay indoors, doing so alone can present its own set of challenges.

“Spending time in doors can also lead to social isolation and we encourage folks to seek out to ways to engage with the community in indoor public spaces.”

Rob Wheeler, Mizell Center executive director

As a result, senior center like my Mizell are ramping up efforts to ensure visitors can stay safe from the poor air quality, including:

offering masks

limiting outdoor programs

information sheets

The latest “State of the Air” report by the American Lung Association finds Riverside County overtook Los Angeles County as the most polluted region, giving the county a failing grade for high ozone days and particle pollution.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Allie Anthony

Time is running out for a chance to win the Coachella Valley St. Jude Dream Home giveaway.

Call the number on your screen to reserve your ticket by today, and you’ll be eligible to win the house built by GHA Companies and the last chance prize — a $10,000 home shopping and design spree, courtesy of BoConcept of Southern California.

Tickets are available now by calling 1-800-535-6748 or you can learn more by visiting https://www.stjude.org/give/dream-home/coachella-valley.html.

All proceeds from our St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway ticket sales go directly towards St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital and their fight to end childhood cancer.

The giveaway will take place on Tuesday, April 29th, and if you want to see this house for yourself, there will be open houses from 10 am to 4 pm. 

News Channel 3’s Allie Anthony has an incredible story about a local family that understands the impact of St. Jude from their own experience. 

Natalie Tanner was only three months old when she was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. 

“I don’t remember anything at all,” Natalie said.

But her mother, Kristen, will never forget that life-changing moment. 

“As a parent during that sort of start really planning instead for them not being here in the future rather than planning for their future,” Kristen said. 

When doctors told the family that Natalie has less than a 20% chance of surviving. They knew they needed to find another doctor’s opinion.

“One of the first hospitals we contacted was St. Jude and the response we got from them was just so overwhelmingly, supportive and caring, and even though her chance of survival still was not great we felt like they had so much hope that she could make it and live and go onto live at a beautiful life,” Kristen said.

And after treatment, brain surgeries, and well, as Kristen believes, a touch of divine intervention, something incredible happened.

“Back when she had just turned one year old. A day after her first birthday, which we had celebrated at St. Jude with balloons and confetti, the next day we walked out of those same front door, doors, cancer free, and that is how Natalie has remained ever since,” Kristen said.

Natalie, now 18, is a student at Xavier Prep, a trumpet player in the jazz band and orchestra, and a shining example of hope. She doesn’t remember the fight that once defined her, but she carries its miracle. and sometimes, She goes back—to the place that helped save her life. 

“Every year when I go back, they remember me,” Natalie said.

Now it’s your turn to give back to families just like the Tanners. Your Dream Home ticket reservation makes it possible for St. Jude to provide care to children at no cost at all for their families.

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Cynthia White

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – The Banning Police Department Detective Bureau is investigating several recent shootings, including a shooting that killed one man and injured another in the 100 block of North 8th Street near West Ramsey Street.

News Channel 3 had coverage of that shooting outside of a liquor store on April 14, now being investigated as a homicide.

The detectives are asking the public for any information about these shootings – The other shootings reported are:

3/15/25 – 2200 block of W. Wilson Street (25-482)

3/15/25 – 1200 block of W. Westward Avenue (25-484)

3/16/25 – 900 block of W. Hays Street (25-488)

3/16/25 – 900 block of W. Hays Street (25-491)

4/18/25 – 300 block of E. Nicolet Street (25-742)

4/23/25 – 200 block N. 4th Street (25-777)

Police are asking that anyone with information related to these active investigations please contact the Banning Police Department Detective Bureau at 951-922-3170.

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Cynthia White

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters are mopping up on Friday after a vegetation fire near Church Street in Thermal began just after 10:00 Thursday night.

News Channel 3 had a crew on scene.

CAL FIRE reports that the fire blazed through 50 acres, near La Familia High School and Coachella Valley Unified School District headquarters.

Flames reached 30 to 40 feet into the air, with winds from the north pushing the perimeter of the fire into a pocket of dense brush.

Isolated evacuations were put into effect, but were lifted by early Friday morning as firefighters were able to knock down the flames.

As of Friday night, the fire is 60% contained. There is no word on the cause of the fire, and no injuries have been reported.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Cynthia White

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – We are in the midst of the final week before the drawing for the St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway.

News Channel 3 will air the drawing for the winner live on Tuesday, April 29th.

You can buy your tickets for just $100 each to have a chance to win the Dream Home in La Quinta, and every dollar will go to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital to help in its fight against childhood cancer.

And if you enter to win the Dream Home by Friday, April 25, you’ll also be entered to win an additional $10,000 home shopping and design spree courtesy of BoConcept Southern California.

Call 1-800-535-6748 to purchase tickets – Remember, only 17,500 tickets will be sold.

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Cynthia White

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The spirit of Lucha Libre invaded the News Channel 3 studios on Thursday to show off some moves ahead of Friday night’s “Rumble in the Desert” at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino.

New Tradition Lucha Libre wrestlers will descend on the desert, with iconic stars such as Familia Real Las Parkas, Rey Misterio, and Xtreme Tigre.

On Thursday’s visit to the studios, kick demon pro wrestler herself, Janai Kai, joined our Eye on the Desert team to show off her moves with Garrett Hottle.

The electrifying event starts at 7:30 p.m. For more information on the event, visit fantasyspringsresort.com/lucha-libre/.

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