Author: KESQ

María García

UPDATE 11/24/2025 – The Riverside County Coroner has identified the woman killed in the crash as 58-year-old Maria Moreno de Hernandez of Mecca.

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) — A woman was killed Monday following a two-vehicle collision involving a pickup truck and a farm tractor, according to the California Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred just before 6 a.m. near 70th Avenue and Wheeler Street.

Police said a pickup truck crashed into the rear of a tractor hauling a flatbed trailer. The driver of the pickup truck, a 58-year-old woman from Mecca, was pronounced dead at the scene. Her identity has not been released.

The driver of the tractor did not report any injuries.

Officers are still working to determine what led to the collision, but have confirmed that they do not believe drugs and/or alcohol were a factor. The investigation remains ongoing.

Anyone with information regarding the crash, is encouraged to call Officer R. Perez, at (760) 772-5300.

Stay with News Channel 3 for new updates.

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Athena Jreij

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Over 800 customers are without power Sunday evening in Palm Desert, according to Southern California Edison.

SCE is reports the outage began shortly after 8 p.m. in the area of Shadow Mountain Drive and surrounding blocks.

A repair crew is on the way according to the company’s website.

Power is estimated to be restored by 6 a.m. Monday.

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Timothy Foster

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)  – Families across the Coachella Valley came together Sunday at The River in Rancho Mirage for a Thanksgiving Giveback Event. Local barbers, stylists, students, and nonprofit organizations offered free haircuts, resources, and raffles to help community members prepare for the holiday.

The event was organized by Resurrecting Hope and Hands On Deck to bring the community together and provide support to families. Students from the International School of Beauty joined professional barbers and local business partners, all donating their time and services.

Juan Wong, founder of Resurrecting Hope, said the event aimed to connect the community through free haircuts and styling services while giving local businesses a chance to participate. Volunteer barber Ernesto Vargas noted that offering free haircuts during the holiday season helps people feel fresh and confident as they gather with family.

Teen participant Javier Martinez said the event made him feel good and provided a fun way to get ready for the holidays, while local resident Gloria Hernandez described the event as a meaningful opportunity to give and receive support within the community.

Hands On Deck mobile barber Robert Villarreal reported that dozens of volunteers provided more than 50 haircuts in a few hours, with the goal of reaching over 100 by the end of the event.

In addition to free haircuts, the event featured raffles and resources from local nonprofits. Organizers said they plan to continue the Thanksgiving Giveback Event in future years to support families across the Coachella Valley.

The event ran from noon to 4 p.m. at The River, across from the Cheesecake Factory, highlighting the spirit of giving and community in the valley.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Udo Kier, the legendary German actor and cult film icon, has died at 81, his partner, artist Delbert McBride, confirmed to Variety.

According to multiple reports, Kier died Sunday morning in Palm Springs.

Kier worked with some of the biggest names in art and film, from Andy Warhol to Lars von Trier to Madonna. He appeared in over 200 films, but he’s best known for his work with Warhol, starring in 1973’s “Flesh for Frankenstein” and 1974’s “Blood for Dracula.”

He later gained fame across Europe working with filmmaker Rainer Werner Fassbinder and began a long collaboration with Lars von Trier, appearing in films including “Breaking the Waves,” “Dancer in the Dark,” “Dogville,” and “Melancholia.”

Kier also appeared in Hollywood films like “Ace Ventura: Pet Detective,” “Armageddon,” and “Blade.” His most recent film was “The Secret Agent,” which earned Wagner Moura the best actor award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival.

He most recently appeared earlier this year for his work in the film ‘Schindler Space Architect.’

Born Udo Kierspe in Cologne, Germany, Kier eventually settled in Los Angeles and Palm Springs.

In Palm Springs, he became a well-known and beloved local figure. He cultivated his passion for art, architecture, and collecting, often attending gallery openings and cultural events in the area.

Kier was a regular at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, where he was warmly received by fans and fellow filmmakers, and he embraced the community’s creative and vibrant spirit.

Joint statement from Lili Rodriguez, PSIFF Artistic Director and Alissa Simon, PSIFF Chief of Programming.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Udo Kier, a singular and unforgettable presence in world cinema and a beloved friend of the Palm Springs International Film Festival. Udo was one of those artists whose presence at the festival made other filmmakers light up. He was truly magnetic.

This year, we were planning to welcome Udo back for Bad Painter in our German Focus, as well as for his Gateway Cinema selection, Lars Von Trier’s Medea, a film he chose with real excitement to share with our audience, and with The Secret Agent. Director Kleber Mendonça Filho first met Udo at our FIlm Awards Gala, and it sparked a wonderful creative collaboration.

We will miss him deeply and are grateful for every moment he shared with us, on the screen and at the festival.”

Kier’s cause of death is unknown at this time.

He is survived by his partner, artist Delbert McBride.

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Athena Jreij

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — Balloons are up Saturday night in Cathedral City, and are ready to glow for residents.

With storms through the Coachella Valley, all Friday events and a balloon launch this morning were canceled.

Organizers say the balloons cannot fly in windy conditions or with a single drop of rain for safety purposes.

The festival hosted it’s balloon glow night Saturday, with residents saying they look forward to the event each year.

Sunday is the last day of the International Hot Air Balloon Festival, starting at 6 a.m. with a balloon launch at the Westin Rancho Mirage.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Thousands gathered in Downtown Park in Palm Springs Saturday for the Coachella Valley Filipino Festival.

The highly anticipated event finally kicked off after it was postponed last weekend due to weather.

Over 50 vendors, locals and visitors gathered to celebrate Filipino culture, with many saying they were happy the event was rescheduled so they could continue to share their Filipino heritage in the Valley.

“It’s important because it’s Filipino festival and we’re heritage Filipino. And we. So we don’t get to see this that often in the community. So it’s a big thing for us to come out in spite of the cloudy weather. It reminds me the good old days in the Philippines,” said Thelma Santos, a Beaumont resident.

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Isaiah Mora

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two suspects are now in custody, accused of stabbing a man early Saturday morning in Palm Springs.

Around 1:51 a.m. on Saturday, the Palm Springs Police Department received a 911 call reporting an altercation near the 200 block of South Palm Canyon Drive. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a 32-year-old man who sustained multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.

During an investigation, officers identified two suspects involved in the incident, who were placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and battery. Both were transported to the Riverside County jail in Indio for booking.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department’s Investigations Division at 760-323-8144.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on this story.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Plaza Theatre is holding a block party Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organizers said to celebrate the exciting revival of the beloved landmark, the block is closing with music, fun and community spirit.

It will include free guided tours.

Performers include:  

10:00 a.m. Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus

11:00 a.m. Coachella Valley Classical Voices

12 p.m. Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus

1:00 p.m. Musical Theatre University

The Box office will offer tickets for sale with no convenience fees.

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Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – Update 11/22/2025 9:30 a.m. — Due to rain and unsafe conditions the city of Palm Desert said it’s postponing the Wiener Dog Race.

Original Article

The city of Palm Desert is holding its first ever wiener dog race.

It’s all happening at Civic Center Park’s dog park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Organizers said any Dachshund — or Dachshund mix — from 6 months to 15 years can hit the track.

Thanksgiving themed costumes are encouraged. There will be a special prize awarded for the “Best Dressed Pup.”

Organizers said they are taking extra safety precautions to keep the 4 legged athletes safe.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Oscar’s in Palm Springs has set a $40,000 goal on Gofundme asking for the community’s support to keep it’s doors open.

Restaurant owner, Dan Gore, says the Palm Springs landmark is in a dire financial situation due to rising operational and utility costs, repairs, slow summer tourism and increased financial pressure during the Valley’s peak season.

“The air conditioning went out over the summer. It was a huge strain on us to get that replaced. I mean, everything seems to go up. The vendor, the liquor, the food, it’s all continuing to rise, and with the locals who are on a fixed budget, you know, it’s hard to bring the locals in when our prices are continuing to go up,” Gore said.

That AC repair cost them nearly $50,000 and the expenses didn’t end there.

“Our Edison bill runs between $4-5,000 every month during the summer. Insurance has gone up astronomically. If anyone’s had a business and has as many place employees as I have, workers comp insurance, general liability, medical, health insurance for my management team. It all adds up very quickly,” he said.

Gore says those issues have been made worse with slow summers and the expectation of less tourism this year. He says they’ve reported 30% less business compared to last season.

“We’re totally seeking a quarter of $1 million. We don’t want any more band aids. We’ve been on a band aid for several years now, and last summer was very bad for many, many people, and it was hard to recover from last summer.”

Oscar’s isn’t the only LGBTQ-owned business struggling this year, with many owners turning to Gofundme for community support as well. The platform reports over $8 million was fundraised in more than 130,000 donations in 2025 for LGBTQ businesses, covering operating costs, rent and utilities.

For drag performer Lawanda Jackson, a shuttered Oscar’s means one less place for their community to gather.

“When you come here, you have a home. You have a place you can mingle with other guys your age. You can’t do that online. You can’t go to the bars at our age anymore because everything has changed. This gives us reason, gives us vision, and it gives us a place to hug ourselves,” Jackson said.

If you’re interested in supporting Oscar’s, visit: Save Oscar’s Palm Springs.

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