Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A hiker was rescued after falling at the Art Smith trail near Palm Desert Monday afternoon.

The incident was reported at around 1:25 p.m.

“Firefighters responded to reports of an adult hiker that had fallen, approximately 1.5 miles from the Art Smith trailhead,” reads a post by CAL FIRE. “Firefighters hiked to the hiker’s location and rendered aid until the hiker could be loaded onto RSO helicopter rescue 9, and delivered to a waiting ground ambulance.”

The hiker suffered non-life threatening injuries, authorities said.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Organizers for the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival released the lineup for its Quasar stage on Monday.

Quasar was introduced two years ago with extended, three-hour sets.

Weekend 1 will feature Pawsa on Friday, David Guetta on Saturday, and Fatboy Slim on Sunday.

Weekend 2 will feature Armin Van Buuren and Adam Beyer on Friday, DJ Snake’s “Pardon My French” on Saturday, and Sara Landry’s “Blood Oath” on Sunday.

The Quasar stage is in addition to the weekend’s lineup, which will be headlined by Justin Bieber, Sabrina Carpenter, and Karol G.

Festival-goers await the release of lineups at the Do Lab and the Heineken House, which also feature their own artists in addition to the festival’s announced lineup.

The Coachella Music and Arts Festival will take place at the Empire Polo Club in Indio on April 10-12 and April 17-19.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing festival coverage.

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City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The scheduled lineup for Cathedral City LGBT+ Days, the city’s Pride celebration weekend, was released today.   

The 10th iteration of the celebration will be held from March 6-8. Opening day will feature a “Pro-Equality Rally,” a Pride flag raising at City Hall, 68700 Avenue Lalo Guerrero, and opening remarks by city officials.  

Later that day, from 8:30 to 9 p.m., attendees can watch the Pride drone show at the Roost Lounge, 68718 E. Palm Canyon Drive.   

On March 7, from 9-11 a.m. the inaugural “CommUNITY Strong Walk” will be held, starting and ending at the Roost Lounge. The proceeds from the charity walk will benefit Human Rights Campaign. More details can be found at https://runsignup.com/Race/CA/CathedralCity/CommUNITYStrongWalk.

A festival will follow from noon to 9 p.m. at the Community Amphitheatre, 68526 Avenue Lalo Guerrero. The festival will feature food and craft vendors, and live entertainment including headliner David Archuleta and all-female band Pulp Vixen.

The last day will feature a vendor marketplace and the bed race and parade from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the downtown area.   

A closing party will conclude festivities from 2 to 5 p.m. at Agua Caliente Casino Cathedral City.

More information on the weekend schedule can be found at cathedralcitylgbtdays.com.

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – A 36-year-old man killed in an accident in Thermal over the weekend was identified by the coroner’s office.

The incident happened Friday at around 11:15 p.m. on Van Buren Street south of Avenue 54.

The person killed was identified as Claudio Hernandez Martinez of Thermal.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the man was the passenger in a pick up truck driving southbound on Van Buren.

CHP is investigating whether he jumped or fell from the vehicle from the passenger side, while the vehicle was moving and hit the roadway, causing fatal injuries. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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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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