Author: KESQ

Athena Jreij

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Following a weekend of strikes in Iran by the U.S. and Israel, both Coachella Valley congressmen have reacted, on opposing sides of the aisle.

Republican Ken Calvert (CA-41) issued a statement reading:

“Ayatollah Khomeini and the Iranian regime is the head of the snake that is responsible for killing thousands of Americans and our allies in the Middle East. For decades, both Republican and Democratic Presidents alike, as well as our allies around the world, have told the Iranian regime that it must stop its pursuit of nuclear weapons, end the widespread support of its proxy terrorism network, and cease its tyrannical denial of fundamental liberties for the Iranian people. Despite the best diplomatic efforts by the Trump administration and our allies, the Iranian regime has failed to divert from its violent path.

President Trump’s decision to launch Operation Epic Fury will protect America and our allies by eliminating the Iranian regime’s ability to wage terror and threaten its enemies. It will also provide the Iranian people with a historic opportunity to shape their own future free from oppression.

As Chairman of the Defense Appropriations Committee, I was notified after Operation Epic Fury began and I look forward to continued briefings from our military and civilian national security leaders. We will stand together with Israel and our allies in the region as they face retaliation by Iran, and help them shape a more peaceful future for the Middle East. I pray for the safety of our brave and incredibly capable servicemembers carrying out this mission.”

Standing in stark contrast, Democratic congressman Raul Ruiz (CA-25) responded to the escalation by condemning President Donald Trump’s actions.

“Once again, Donald Trump has lied to the American people, broken the law, and risked American lives for a personal vendetta.

He repeatedly promised no new wars and criticized past Presidents for starting wars without Congressional approval, but here he is, doing exactly that.

We had an international agreement that prevented Iran from having nuclear weapons, but Trump tore it up. He’s the only reason Iran is able to pursue nuclear weapons.

Congress must act immediately to stop Trump from risking American lives.”

This is a developing story, stick with News Channel 3 for the latest.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – David Bell, Palm Springs resident, said a large cluster of palm fronds came crashing down Thursday evening during VillageFest in downtown Palm Springs.

Bell, who was at the weekly street fair, said the fronds fell around 5:50 p.m. in front of the Birkenstock store along Palm Canyon Drive.

“It sounded like a big scratchy noise, which was the palm fronds scratching the bark of the the palm tree.” Bell said. “Then just a bunch of dust flew everywhere and then that mess was there.”

He said luckily, nobody was hurt.

Bell said the city has a policy of leaving palm fronds attached to trees — commonly referred to as a “beard.”

But after Thursday’s scare Bell is urging the city to reconsider whether that policy is safe during crowded events.

News Channel 3 has reached out to the city for more details on the policy and to see if this latest incident has prompted a policy review.

Stay with us for continuing coverage.

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Timothy Foster

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival concluded its 78th year on Sunday, with the rodeo emerging as the main attraction for fans of all ages.

The grandstand arena was packed as riders and their horses competed in high-energy events like saddle bronc and bareback riding. In these competitions, half of the rider’s score comes from the horse’s performance, highlighting the athleticism, strength, and skill of the animals. Spectators were impressed by the power and precision of the horses, which are specially bred and trained for rodeo performance.

Timed events such as roping added to the excitement, with horses demonstrating quick reflexes, sharp turns, and incredible speed. Families attending the rodeo noted that the combination of fast-paced action and tradition made the arena a memorable experience for both first-time and seasoned rodeo fans.

Visitors described the arena as energetic and engaging, praising both the riders and the horses for their skill and dedication. Many said that seeing the animals up close was a highlight of the festival.

The rodeo not only provided entertainment but also offered an educational glimpse into Western traditions and competition. Spectators noted the diversity of events, the precision required in scoring, and the unique bond between rider and horse, making it a standout feature of the fair.

Organizers said the rodeo continues to be a key part of the festival, drawing fans who appreciate both the athletic competition and the cultural heritage of the sport. With each year, the rodeo remains a central reason many families return to the Riverside County Fair and National Date Festival.

As the festival closed its gates on Sunday, attendees reflected on the rodeo as the highlight of the event, praising the excitement, energy, and incredible performance of the horses and riders alike.

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Kendall Flynn

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The CIF Southern Section playoffs are closing out in the Coachella Valley and two local teams battled it out in their championship games on Saturday.

The Coachella Valley girls soccer team defeated Del Sol at home 3-2 in a hard-fought game. It’s the first ever championship win for the program. They’ve reached the semifinal four times and are nine-time league champions, but has fallen short of the CIF championship in years past.

The Arabs head coach Francisco Morales said the win was special for the team and the alumni who came to watch. For the players, they said it was a culmination of everything they’ve been working toward this season, and with the stands packed with fans, they felt supported through the whole journey.

“They’re a complete team,” Morales said. “I tell people like they’re they’re a group of young ladies that know their roles, bought into the culture of the team. And, and they all do their focus on their individual jobs, and they do their jobs well.”

Desert Hot Springs girls basketball fell to Sierra Vista on the road Saturday 52-42 , ending the Golden Eagles equally historic season. It was the first year they had ever reached the semifinals and championship.

Coachella Valley girls soccer will now head to the CIF State Championship to compete in Division IV regionals. Coachella Valley will be on the road March 3 to face Ramona at 5 p.m. in round one of regionals.

Desert Hot Springs will also be heading into the CIF Girls Basketball State Championship in Division V. The Golden Eagles will be on the road against the Vista Panthers with tip-off at 7 p.m. for round one of regionals

News Channel 3 will continue to follow their progress through the postseason.

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Gavin Nguyen

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Athena Jreij

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two weeks of Tennis Paradise at the BNP Paribas Open kicked off Saturday with the tournament’s annual Family Day event.

Beginning at noon Saturday, the free event welcomed families of all ages to the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Attendees got to enjoy free tennis clinics, a 5K run, interactive games, trampoline and rock wall activities, face painting, live music and more.

News Channel 3 will have continuing coverage of the tournament, stay tuned for the latest.

For more information on the tournament, visit: https://bnpparibasopen.com/.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Police Department was investigating an overnight shooting during a motorcycle club event that left two people dead.

The department said, in a press release, it received several 911 calls about a fight and gunfire shortly after midnight Saturday morning. Five people were reportedly shot. According to the department, two adults were hospitalized but later pronounced dead. Three others were being treated for non-life threatening gunshot wounds.

News Channel 3 crews spotted several evidence markers on the ground in front of businesses at 19345 N Indian Canyon as law enforcement investigated the violence.

The Palm Springs Police Department’s Crime Scene Unit and the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Forensics Services unit were both seen working the scene Saturday morning.

According to police, preliminary information indicates a motorcycle club was hosting a private event at an industrial complex in the area when a disagreement or altercation occurred during the gathering, and gunfire started. Detectives were working to determine the circumstances that led up to the deadly shooting and to identify those involved.

No arrests had been made as of Saturday, but officers said there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Investigators were continuing to process the scene and interview witnesses. Anyone with information that may assist detectives was asked to contact Detective Gilberto Alcaraz at 760-323-8132 or Gilberto.Alcaraz@palmspringsca.gov, or provide anonymous information through Coachella Valley Crime Stoppers at 760-341-STOP (7867).

Several businesses within the North Village Center were impacted because access into the center was restricted. Crime scene tape remained up and investigators were continuing to work the scene as of 10:00 a.m. on Saturday.

Investigators were anticipated to remain on scene for several more hours as they combed through both physical and digital evidence.

This is a developing story. Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, CALIF. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Black history committee is hosting the 39th annual Black History Parade and Town Fair today. The parade begins at 11:00 a.m., starting on Baristo Road and ending at Alejo Road. Immediately following the parade, there will be a town fair at downtown park.

The event is free and will feature live entertainment and food vendors.

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Blake Arthur

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — We have continuing coverage of the CIF-SS playoffs for the winter sports season, with Coachella Valley girls soccer still standing, set to play for a championship on Saturday.

It’s been a historic season for the Lady Arabs, looking to cap it off with a Division 5 title.

Sports Director Blake Arthur visited the team for more ahead of the big game.

“On semi-finals, I cried so hard knowing that we actually passed and then knowing like everything I did, everything my teammates have done for me, for themselves to be able to work, to be able to make it to the finals, like it’s actually gonna happen on Saturday,” said sophomore star Jaylynn Hernandez.

Coachella Valley Girls Soccer has won seven straight league titles.

One of the best pound for pound programs in the area, they’ve played in four CIF semi-finals, but the Lady Arabs have never played for a CIF championship, which they’ll do on Saturday against Del Sol out of Oxnard.

“We’re just trying to get to the preparation that we have to do for the game, so we’re looking forward to it,” said head coach Francisco Morales.

CV has been a mean green machine this year with a 16-1-2 record.

In fact, they haven’t lost a game since last year, December 8th, a credit to not only their skill but their connection as a squad.

“I think it’s just the chemistry between all of us. I mean, we always spend time together and we make the best out of it,” said junior Milagros Gamboa.

“They won’t bring you down. They will pick you up. They will tell you you’re good. They will tell you that you can keep going. And it’s just like knowing that you have a teammate, but it’s as friends and family,” said Hernandez.

Family on the field and family in the stands. CV is fortunate to be at home for the big game, playing with plenty of support behind them, but Coach Morales’ message is for his team to do what they’ve done all year long.

“At this stage, people are here and people are gonna show up to the game to see what they can do. They don’t have to do more, they don’t have to do less, just shine as athletes and soccer players the way they’ve developed. And be true to themselves. If they stay true to themselves and their identity as a group, I have a lot of confidence in what they will hopefully accomplish,” said Morales.

Which, if achieved, would be a historic CIF championship and mean a lot to many.

“I think it’d be a wonderful thing for our community and, and the kids alike and everyone,” said Morales.

“I believe that like all of us have been playing soccer since we were young, so I know we we’re capable to be able to win this championship. We just have to believe in ourselves,” said Hernandez.

The CIF-SS Division 5 championship between Coachella Valley and Del Sol (Oxnard) is scheduled for 5pm at Coachella Valley high school.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Dakota Makinen

DESERT MIRAGE, CALIF. (KESQ) – A $777.77 donation sparks a heartfelt moment for a campus program changing students’ lives.

For more than a decade, the Puente Program at Desert Mirage High School has helped students pursue higher education and expand their futures beyond the classroom. This week, the spotlight turned to one of the program’s most dedicated educators — Johnny Gonzalez — during a surprise recognition that left him speechless.

“I cannot wait to see the excitement on Mr. Gonzalez and the students’ faces,” said Karina Cardenas Orlando from the Walter Clark Legal Group.

Cardenas arrived on campus to deliver a $777.77 donation on behalf of Walter Clark Legal Group as part of the group’s “One Class at a Time” initiative. The check presentation quickly turned into a moment of appreciation.

The donation will help expand college preparation efforts, strengthen leadership development opportunities, and provide students with even more transformative experiences.

“We’re already seeing that, you know, the program has paved the path for students to not only achieve their academic dreams, but also put them in a position to help other folks in their community, and assist them in uplifting them and helping them,” said Gonzalez.

Students from the program have gone on to medical school, law school, and some are already working in the very same school district that they got their start in.

Mr. Gonzales says the opportunities for these students are endless.

“Being in the program has, opened so many opportunities for me, and I feel like I’m more open as a person, more confident,” says student Aylin Caudillo Garcia.

“I don’t do it for, you know, recognition or anything like that. I do it to uplift our students and to ensure that they have, you know, the educational opportunities that weren’t presented to me as a student,“ said Mr. Gonzalez.

Click here to nominate a classroom for the One Class at a Time award

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