Author: KESQ

Luis Avila

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — Four candidates are vying to become Coachella’s next mayor as the city faces questions about public trust, government transparency and its future development.

The race comes after a turbulent year in city politics. In March, then-Mayor Steven Hernandez resigned after pleading guilty to a felony conflict-of-interest charge. Months later, a proposed data center project sparked community protests and recall efforts targeting two City Council members.

The candidates include incumbent Mayor Frank Figueroa, Councilmember Denise Delgado, Francisco “Frankie” Molina and Jesus “Kino” Gonzalez.

Check Out: Coachella Mayor Dr. Frank Figueroa discusses his reelection campaign

Molina, who does not have experience in city government, says restoring public trust would be his first priority if elected.

“We need a clean and transparent government because without that we’re not able to move forward in any initiatives we need to do,” Molina said.

Molina criticized what he described as a history of problems within city government, saying they have prevented Coachella from reaching its potential.

“The problem is we have a long history of corruption, negligence, nepotism and incompetence that plagues our city,” Molina said. “It’s like a cancer and we need to get rid of it.”

His proposals include creating a public dashboard to track city spending, improving access to city contracts, investing in infrastructure and expanding affordable housing. He also wants to create more opportunities for residents to receive job training and pursue better-paying jobs.

Molina said he hopes to bring an entrepreneurial approach to city government by listening to residents and developing solutions based on their needs.

“We need to know who our customer is, what they like, what they don’t like, how they behave, in order for us to develop solutions that are tailored specifically for them,” Molina said.

Delgado, who has served on the City Council since 2020, is also making the case for changes in how the city operates.

“I think this city is ready for a new style of leadership and a new approach to how the city is managed and how it’s operated, specifically when it comes to services that we provide our residents,” Delgado said.

Delgado was one of two councilmembers targeted by a recall effort launched in June amid backlash over the proposed data center project and concerns about city finances.

Gonzalez was among those leading the recall effort. Delgado said she believes the campaign was politically motivated, pointing to the absence of a recall question on the ballot.

“For me that’s testament that it was never about the recall, it was a way of doing dirty campaign,” Delgado said.

Delgado also said she authored a proposal to review industries beyond data centers that could have significant environmental impacts, including businesses that use large amounts of water and energy. She said the policy would also consider how close such industries are to schools.

Delgado said she wants to continue working to improve residents’ quality of life, particularly for working families.

“I work really hard and I give 100 percent to the city,” Delgado said. “I’m known as a hard worker and I dedicate my time to help working families be able to live a good quality life.”

Figueroa and Gonzalez did not respond to News Channel 3’s requests for interviews.

In addition to the mayoral race, five candidates are running for two open seats on the Coachella City Council.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Three people were injured after a crash along N. Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs on Wednesday.

The crash was reported at the intersection of North Gene Autry Trail and Salvia Road shortly before 3:10 p.m.

Police said initial reports indicated that a gray Toyota Camry and a red vehicle were involved in the collision.

Emergency medical personnel were requested after at least one occupant reported chest pain.

Upon arrival, officers identified three individuals who may have sustained injuries as a result of the collision.

Emergency personnel responded to assess those involved and provide medical assistance.

The Palm Springs Police Department’s Traffic Unit is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision. The cause of the collision has not yet been determined.

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City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Augustine Casino announced today that it will host a food and beverage career fair next week in Coachella.

The event will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Nov. 6 at the casino’s administration building, located at 84-001 Avenue 54.

“We are looking for team members who are passionate about providing the elevated service our guests have come to expect at Augustine Casino,” Veronique Lang, director of human resources, said in a statement. “Whether you are looking to start a career in hospitality or are an experienced food and beverage professional, we want to meet you.”

Applicants will be able to meet directly with hiring managers during walk-in interviews for numerous positions, including host or hostess, dining room attendant, food server, barback, cook, expeditor, food and beverage shift supervisor and manager.

Job seekers must be 21 years or older to apply for most positions. Applicants were encouraged to dress in professional attire and apply for their desired position online prior to arrival at augustinecasino.com/careers/.

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After 22 years of bringing Broadway and Hollywood talent together, producer Michael Childers has announced that One Night Only will not continue, citing medical problems this year.

In a Facebook post, Childers reflected on the production’s remarkable journey across Santa Fe, Hollywood and Palm Springs.

“It’s been the thrill of my life to work with over 300 great performers from Broadway and Hollywood who have performed in this show,” he wrote, noting that the productions raised nearly $2 million for various charities.

The celebrated production raised nearly $2 million for charity and featured more than 300 Broadway and Hollywood performers.

Childers thanked the many directors, choreographers and musical directors who helped make the shows possible, including Stuart Ross, Calvin Remsberg, Lucie Arnaz, Bruce Donnell, Jason Graae and Scott Coulter. He also expressed gratitude to the Lensic Performing Arts Center in Santa Fe, the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, the McCallum Theatre in Palm Desert and the historic Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs for hosting the productions.

Lucie Arnaz Luckinbill responded to the announcement with a heartfelt tribute, praising Childers for setting a high standard.

“You set the standard. Those shows were some of the biggest treats of the year,” she wrote, adding that he deserved to rest and take care of himself.

Calling him a “shining star,” Arnaz added, “Next to the phrase ‘Class Act’ in the dictionary there is a photo of YOU!”

She also expressed gratitude for the opportunity to perform in and direct the productions.

As One Night Only concludes its 22-year run, its legacy includes memorable performances, lasting creative partnerships and nearly $2 million raised for charitable causes.

“It’s been a great ride these last 22 years,” Childers wrote.

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Garrett Hottle

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — Dolores Huerta, the pioneering labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW), has died at age 96, leaving behind a legacy of organizing, advocacy and social justice that continues to inspire communities nationwide.

Huerta was born April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico, and grew up in Stockton, California, where early experiences with discrimination helped shape her lifelong commitment to fighting injustice. After briefly working as a teacher, she became involved in community organizing, motivated by the poverty and hardships she witnessed among farmworker families.

In 1962, Huerta and Cesar Chávez founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. As a union leader and negotiator, she fought for better wages, safer working conditions, health care benefits and protections against harmful pesticides. Her leadership in the 1973 grape boycott helped build momentum for landmark farmworker labor protections in California.

Huerta also advocated for immigrant rights, women’s equality, LGBTQ+ communities and greater political representation for marginalized people. She founded the Dolores Huerta Foundation in 2002 to strengthen community organizing and advance social justice. Her enduring motto, “¡Sí, se puede!” — “Yes, we can!” — became a rallying cry for movements seeking equality and change.

News of Huerta’s passing prompted tributes from organizations and leaders across the region. The United Farm Workers, in a statement attributed to President Teresa Romero, celebrated Huerta as a tireless advocate whose work strengthened farmworkers and the Latino community. The union emphasized that continuing her organizing legacy is the greatest tribute to her life.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) also mourned her loss. Executive Director Angelica Salas described Huerta as a “guiding light” and an “indomitable fighter for justice,” remembering her as a mentor and friend who continued encouraging civic engagement and urging community members to vote in her final days.

In the Coachella Valley, TODEC expressed its grief, remembering Huerta as a friend, sister in the struggle and companion in the movement. The organization pledged to continue the fight in her honor, declaring, “Dolores Always Present!” The City of Palm Springs also honored Huerta’s courage, determination and commitment to justice, recognizing the lasting impact she made on farmworkers and families.

Reaction continued to pour in this afternoon from local leaders to Riverside County and the Coachella Valley, with Supervisor V. Manuel Perez releasing a statement reading, “Dolores Huerta was a leader among leaders, an icon, and a pioneer for social justice whose impact will be felt for generations.”

Perez’s statement continued, “I first had the privilege of meeting Dolores during my undergraduate years at UC Riverside, where she spoke passionately about social justice and farmworkers’ rights. Over the years, I was fortunate to get to know her personally through her visits to the Coachella Valley.Her work was especially meaningful to my family. My mother, who worked in the agricultural fields, often spoke about how Dolores’ advocacy helped bring essential protections to farmworkers, including access to restrooms, shade, clean drinking water, and safer working conditions. These victories brought dignity to hardworking families like mine. Dolores lived a remarkable 96 years, yet our nation still needs courageous voices like hers advocating for justice and equality. Her legacy will live forever in the families, workers, and communities she fought so tirelessly to uplift. I will always be grateful for her leadership, friendship, and extraordinary contributions.”

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz also released a statement on the legacy of Huerta, saying, “Our nation lost a hero and a warrior for justice with the passing of Dolores Huerta. She fought for justice until the very end. She stood up for farmworkers, women, children and the poor her entire life.”

Ruiz continued, “As the son of farmworkers who grew up in a farmworker community, I owe her so much gratitude for inspiring a movement that brought so much dignity to many people who work hard to feed America and struggle just to give their children an opportunity. May she rest in peace. Her legacy and the struggle live on.”

Statement from CVUSD

Huerta’s legacy also includes difficult revelations about her relationship with Chávez. Earlier this year, she publicly alleged that he sexually assaulted her in 1966 and described two sexual encounters that she said involved coercion and force. Her allegations, along with those of other women, contributed to a reassessment of Chávez’s legacy.

Despite the complexities of the movement’s history, Huerta’s decades of activism transformed labor organizing and helped amplify the voices of people too often excluded from political and economic power.

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Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – The cast and director of A24’s The Invite will receive the Vanguard Award at the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival. Director and actor Olivia Wilde, as well as actors Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, are confirmed to attend the award presentation, organizers said.

The Vanguard Award is a group honor distinguishing a film’s cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project.

The Film Awards will take place on January 7, 2027, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running January 7-18, 2027. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.

“With The Invite, Olivia Wilde has made a film that is both comedic and deeply human. In addition to directing, she stars alongside three of the most compelling actors working today: Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Each of them brings something irreplaceable to this story, and together they’ve created something that has stayed with audiences long after the credits roll. We are thrilled to honor this incredible team with this year’s Vanguard Award.”

Following its celebrated Sundance premiere, The Invite became a breakout cultural and box office success, winning over audiences with its razor-sharp humor, irresistible ensemble, and disarming emotional depth.

The film has since earned four Gotham Award nominations, including Best Feature, Best Adapted Screenplay, Outstanding Supporting Performance for Penélope Cruz, and the Gotham Audience Award.

Masterfully directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, the film finds both hilarity and humanity in the complexities of marriage, intimacy, and the relationships that shape our lives. What begins as a dinner party between two neighboring couples spirals into an unpredictable evening of revelations, desire, and unexpected connection. Beneath its biting comedy is a heartfelt exploration of the messiness of human relationships, and the complicated, often surprising ways we love one another.

The screenplay was adapted by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones.

Past recipients of the Vanguard Award include Academy Award Best Picture winners Green Book and The Shape of Water , as well as Best Picture nominees Belfast, Emilia Pérez, Hamnet, Killers of the Flower Moon, La La Land, Little Miss Sunshine, The Fabelmans, and The Trial of the Chicago 7.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing announcements on the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

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Kiera McKinney

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Halloween celebrations could mean a late night for many Coachella Valley residents—and this year, the clocks change just hours after the holiday.

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 a.m., when clocks move back one hour. While that creates an opportunity for extra sleep, staying up later could cut into that rest.

News Channel 3 is looking at how the combination of Halloween plans and the time change could affect sleep heading into the work and school week, and why preparing before the weekend may help.

Watch News Channel 3 for advice on preparing for the change and keeping your sleep schedule on track.

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Raymond Kalra

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – With Election Day less than a week away, California’s recommended seven-day mailing window has passed, but voters still have several ways to return their ballots ahead of the November 3 general election.

The California Secretary of State recommends voters mail their ballots at least seven days before Election Day to allow time for processing and delivery.

That recommended window ended Tuesday, October 27. However, voters can still return their ballots through the mail, at official drop-off locations or in person.

News Channel 3 reached out to the United States Postal Service and Riverside County Registrar of Voters to clarify what voters should know about mailing deadlines, postmarks and other ballot-return options.

USPS taking additional steps to expedite election mail

In a statement to News Channel 3, the Postal Service said it remains committed to the timely and secure delivery of election mail.

“The Postal Service is committed to the secure, timely delivery of the nation’s Political and Election Mail and we are confident that we will deliver another successful election season,” USPS said.

According to the agency, postal managers across the country began implementing additional measures on October 24 to expedite the delivery of ballots to election offices.

Those measures may include extra mail deliveries and collections, special pickups, and localized handling and transportation of ballots.

USPS also clarified an important detail about how ballots are postmarked.

Because postmarks are generally applied at postal processing facilities, the date appearing on a ballot’s postmark may not always match the date the ballot was placed in a collection box, dropped off at a retail location or picked up by a letter carrier.

However, voters who still plan to mail their ballots have another option.

“A customer can ensure that their mailpiece receives a postmark, and that the date on the postmark matches the date of mailing, by taking the mailpiece to any one of our conveniently located Postal Service retail locations and requesting a manual (local) postmark at the retail counter when dropping off the mailpiece,” USPS said.

The Postal Service confirmed that manual postmarks are available free of charge.

USPS recommends mailing ballots before Election Day and at least one week before the deadline for their receipt by an election office.

In California, mailed ballots generally must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by county election officials no later than November 10.

Local voters choosing to return ballots in person

While mailing remains an option, some Coachella Valley residents told News Channel 3 they prefer returning their completed ballots at official drop-off locations.

Trina, who dropped off her ballot in person, said the decision offered peace of mind.

“I just know I did it and it’s in there and I have nothing else to worry about,” she said.

Another voter, Carol, said she previously mailed her ballots but has recently preferred returning them herself.

“I’ve been voting for many, many years, so at the beginning I would mail it,” Carol said. “More recently, I prefer to drop it off like this, so I know it’s definitely taken care of.”

Carol said completing her ballot at home also gave her time to carefully research candidates and measures.

Both voters said personally dropping off their ballots gave them additional confidence in the return process.

Republican and Democratic organizations helping voters return ballots

California law also allows voters to authorize another person to return their completed mail-in ballot on their behalf.

The practice, sometimes referred to as ballot harvesting or ballot collection, is legal when state requirements are followed.

Under California Elections Code Section 3017, an authorized individual may return a ballot for another voter. The person returning the ballot must complete the required information on the return envelope and follow applicable deadlines.

The law prohibits paying individuals based on the number of ballots they collect.

News Channel 3 spoke with representatives of Republican and Democratic organizations in the Coachella Valley about how they assist residents with returning their ballots.

Joy Miedecke, President of the East Valley Republican Women said the organization has helped voters with their ballots for years.

“People are very confused about ballots, especially where judges are concerned,” Miedecke said. “And so we have them come in and we help them and we take their ballot and we take it up to the ROV office in Moreno Valley and have it counted.”

The organization also said it offers assistance regardless of a voter’s political affiliation.

At Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, Political Director Ellie Kurpiewski said the organization has returned a limited number of ballots but generally encourages people to visit official drop-off locations themselves.

“We have not been doing it, per se. We’ve done a couple of them,” Kurpiewski said. “But what we tell folks, because City Hall is so close, we just tell them to go there immediately.”

Kurpiewski said employees are instructed on the requirements for handling ballot return envelopes when voters request assistance.

She said the organization also directs residents to nearby official drop-off locations, including Cathedral City Hall and the library.

Both organizations described providing ballot-return assistance, although their approaches differ.

Riverside County Registrar: “Vote Early, Don’t Delay”

In a response to News Channel 3 on Wednesday, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters emphasized that residents still have multiple ways to cast their ballots.

When asked what the county recommends to voters who have not yet returned their ballots, election officials offered a straightforward message:

“Vote Early, Don’t Delay.”

The Registrar’s Office said residents have three convenient options for returning their ballots: voting in person, using a secure ballot drop-off location or returning their vote-by-mail ballot through USPS.

The county confirmed that mail-in ballots are accepted up to seven days after Election Day, provided they are properly postmarked on or before November 3.

Officials also reminded voters of one important requirement that could affect whether a ballot is accepted.

“Voters must sign their own designated return envelope, which is preprinted with their name,” the Registrar’s Office said.

That signature is used during the ballot verification process.

Riverside County has identified 107 secure ballot drop-off locations throughout the county.

Twenty early vote centers began opening October 24, with an additional 131 vote centers scheduled to open October 31.

Voters can return ballots at official drop-off locations until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

How voters can track their ballots

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters also encourages residents to use BallotTrax to monitor the status of their returned ballots.

“Voters may sign up for BallotTrax to receive updates on the status of their vote-by-mail ballot,” election officials told News Channel 3.

The service allows voters to receive notifications when their ballot has been received and whether it has been accepted for counting.

Carol told News Channel 3 she was already enrolled in the service and planned to monitor her ballot after dropping it off.

Residents who have not received a ballot or need a replacement can contact the Registrar’s Office at 951-486-7200 or rovweb@rivco.org.

Important dates for Riverside County voters October 27: California’s recommended seven-day mailing window ended. October 31: An additional 131 Riverside County vote centers are scheduled to open. November 3: Election Day. In-person voting and official ballot drop-off locations close at 8 p.m. Mailed ballots generally must be postmarked by this date. November 10: Deadline for county election offices to receive qualifying mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day. Helpful voter resources Riverside County Registrar of Voters Find an early voting location or ballot drop box Track your ballot through BallotTrax Check your voter registration status USPS Election Mail Information California Secretary of State Election Information

With Election Day approaching, both USPS and Riverside County election officials say voters still have options for returning their ballots.

Whether mailing a ballot, using an official drop box or voting in person, election officials encourage residents to review the deadlines, follow ballot-return instructions and check the status of their vote.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the November 3 general election.

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Hernán Quintas

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A new study by Feeding America shows that many people right here in the Coachella Valley continue to face food insecurity. The FIND Regional Food Bank is helping to fill the gaps.

Our Telemundo anchor Hernán Quintas spoke to a client about her experience and how FIND is helping.

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Jesus Reyes

Update – 10/30/26

Authorities arrested a 40-year-old from Hemet on suspicion of murder, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday in Hemet. Investigators served a search warrant at his residence, where they reportedly seized multiple items related to the investigation.

The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday. He remains in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center

Authorities also announced the identity of the woman, Jessica Rodriguez, 43, of Hemet.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their assistance in this investigation and for helping bring justice to this victim. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Daniel DiMaggio at (951) 955-2777.

Original Report – 10/27/26

ANZA, Calif. (KESQ) – A suspicious death investigation is underway after the remains of a missing woman were found in the unincorporated area of Riverside County known as Anza last week, authorities said.

The remains were located on Friday, just before 3:00 p.m., in the area of Bautista Canyon Road and Willis Road.

“Upon arrival, deputies located the remains of an adult female in a red shirt and purple pants,” reads a news release by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. “Investigators believe she may have gone missing during the month of October in the Hemet or Anza area.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the woman.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Dan DiMaggio at (951) 955-2777.

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