Author: KESQ

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Pride month is giving a colorful boost to local businesses, with many saying they’re seeing a rise in customers drawn to LGBTQ+ events, merchandise and inclusive spaces.

Drew Fowler, general manager at Oscar’s Palm Springs, said it’s an exciting time.

“We have the Bitchiest Brunch, which has been the longest running drag show in the desert for about 9 years,” Fowler said. “We’re just getting prepped for a big month.”

On Sunday, Oscar’s Palm Springs, celebrated the beginning of Pride month with it’s world famous T-Dance that Fowler said is a world Pride kick off event.

“It’s a giant party we have in our courtyard. Between 500 to 700 people come out,” Fowler said. “We have rotating DJs, special guest DJs coming and playing,” Fowler said. “We have go-go dancers, drink specials, no cover from 3 to 4 p.m.”

Beyond the entertainment, Fowler said Pride celebrations highlight the power of visibility and community.

“It’s a place where people come to be with their family,” Fowler said.

Oscar’s Palm Springs is located at 125 E Tahquitz Canyon Way.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage this Pride month.

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Kendall Flynn

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Eureka Fire continues to burn in Joshua Tree National Park with the latest update from the park at 9 a.m. on Saturday at 212 acres and 40% contained. Even with parts of the park closed off for safety, visitors said it won’t keep them from traveling.

Visitors said Joshua Tree is an oasis that gives them a sense of freedom, but with that it worries them to hear it’s dealing with a wildfire.

The climate in Joshua Tree is dry. The landscape not only is filled with it’s iconic Joshua Tree’s, but also dry brush, which spreads fire easily.

News Channel 3 spoke with visitors on Saturday who said they hope the Eureka Fire reminds other visitors to take necessary precautions to prevent other fires. Many said they even have vacation homes in Joshua Tree, causing them to worry about their families or pets while they are away.

Some visitors said they were coming from the Los Angeles area, and remember what it was like to experience the Palisades Fire. They want travelers to be aware of the sensitive climate.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear what visitors are advising each other to do to be careful hiking or camping in the park to prevent other wildfires.

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Kenji Ito

IRVINE, Calif. (KESQ) — Cathedral City softball falls to Hueneme 1-0 in the CIF-SS Division 8 championship game on Saturday in Irvine at Deanna Manning Stadium.

Despite coming up short, the Lady Lions had a historic CIF-SS playoff run in their second playoff appearance in program history.

Defeated Santa Clarita Christian 11-0 (Round 1)

Defeated Bethel Christian 15-6 (Round 2)

Defeated Orange 3-1 (Quarter final)

Defeated Lennox Academy 12-1 (Semi-final)

Lost to Hueneme 1-0 (Final)

On top of their success in the playoffs, they also had success in the regular season with a 9-3 record in league play, which was second in the Sun Valley League.

Congrats to Cathedral City on a great season.

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Shay Lawson

SAN JACINTO, Calif. (KESQ)  – The San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus will remain open until midnight on Saturday as Riverside County animal services officials urgently seek adopters and foster families.

It comes amid a critical overcrowding crisis.

The shelter, which is operated by the Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS), is currently operating at 220% capacity.

To help reduce the population, the shelter is waiving adoption fees and including spay/neuter services, microchips and age-appropriate vaccinations.

The San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus is located at 581 S Grand Ave in San Jacinto.

Locally, the Coachella Valley Animal Campus is open Tuesday, Thursday through Sunday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and on Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

RCDAS said community support is essential to avoid heartbreaking euthanasia decisions.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A world record that’s stood for more than 50 years could be broken in June in Palm Springs!

Motocross daredevil Colby Raha will attempt to break the record for the longest motorcycle jump to a flat landing. He’s aiming for 200 feet with no landing ramp.  

The attempt is set for June 21 at the Palm Springs Surf Club. 

Raha won’t be able to practice or rehearse the stunt because of how risky it is.

“So this is a long-term thing. We’re, we’re doing it right. We’re bringing in the proper measurements, the proper uh ramp angles, double checking our numbers, wearing proper safety gear, and giving ourselves the best chance of being safe as we can, um, and then going for it,” Raha said.

Raha says the actual jump is the least of his worries.

The impact of landing on a flat surface is what makes this stunt so dangerous.

The current record is 171 feet and was set back in 1974 by stuntman Bob Gill.

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Cynthia White

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reports that five people were arrested in a DUI warrant sweep on Friday.

The sweep was conducted by the La Quinta Traffic Team assisted by the La Quinta Special Enforcement Teams.

The five individuals arrested had outstanding warrants related to driving under the influence, including failure to appear in court, probation violations, and other unresolved DUI offenses.

“Driving under the influence continues to be a serious threat to the safety of our community,” said Sergeant Mark Chlarson. “Our department is committed to ensuring that those who endanger others by driving impaired are held accountable – not just at the time of the offense, but until the judicial process is complete.”

Those arrested during the operation were taken into custody without incident and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center.

  

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Cynthia White

BERMUDA DUNES, Calif. (KESQ) – Assemblyman Greg Wallis (AD47) named Do the Right Thing Greater Palm Springs as the 2025 nonprofit of the year for the 4th Assembly District on Friday.

The announcement came during a news conference at the Palm Springs Police Department. Wallis praised the nonprofit for strengthening bonds between youth and law enforcement, calling it “a program that’s truly changing lives.”

Assemblyman Wallis said he had an opportunity to speak with some of the students who have received the award. He added, “[They] have said this is the first time they have received recognition, and I think that’s really important and will make a lasting impact on their lives when they’re looking back as adults and they can pinpoint that first moment, that first award, that first recognition they got, and they want to continue to do good.”

News Channel 3 brings you the winners of the Do the Right Thing award each month.

The nonprofit has honored more than 2,300 students for their integrity and leadership, and awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to graduating seniors across the region.

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Cynthia White

LOS ANGELES, Calif. (KESQ) – FBI Special Agent in Charge of the Joint Terrorism Task Force Amir Ehsaei reported on Friday that the processing of the Palm Springs bombing crime and post blast scene is complete.

The Evidence Response Team and Special Agent Bomb Technicians have been at work and investigating the area since the blast on May 17th at the American Reproductive Centers fertility clinic. The FBI pointed out in a statement last week that the evidence indicates the explosion was premeditated and that the attack was an intentional act of terrorism.

In a video statement on X/FBILosAngeles, Agent Ehsaei explained, “We’re here at the Palm Springs explosion site to finish up our evidence gathering. We were here last week where we were able to search and gather evidence for four of the five buildings, the surrounding lots, and also the surrounding area. There was one building left that we had to search that was deemed unsafe, so we came back today, brought the proper equipment, the proper tools, and we’re finishing up our search at the location to try to gather more evidence regarding the explosion.”

In its earlier statement, the FBI asked anyone with information about the explosion or the planning of the attack to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or provide information online at tips.fbi.gov.

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Blake Arthur

The Rattlers are CIF champions!

Rancho Mirage softball. CIF champions. What an incredible run for the Rattlers, capturing their first title in program history. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ pic.twitter.com/zB9kC7Sm6z

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 30, 2025

Rancho Mirage softball defeated Culver City 7-3 in the CIF-SS Division 7 championship game on Friday in Irvine at Deanna Manning Stadium.

Rancho Mirage Softball wins their first ever CIF title in program history. The Rattlers defeated Culver City 7-3 for the Division 7 title. @KESQ @BlakeArthur24 @RMHSAD @CIFSS

— Kenji Ito (@KenjiitoKESQ) May 30, 2025

Rancho Mirage has had a historic run throughout these 2025 playoffs, capped off with their first-ever title in program history.

Defeated Hamilton 2-0 (Round 1)

Defeated Hesperia Christian 23-10 (Round 2)

Defeated Edgewood 10-8 (Quarter final)

Defeated Westminster 10-4 (Semi-final)

Defeated Culver City 7-3 (Final)

The Rattlers’ title also marks the first time a softball team from Coachella Valley has won a CIF-SS championship.

Our @KenjiitoKESQ was in Irvine this afternoon to witness history. Rancho Mirage became the first-ever softball team from the Coachella Valley to win a @CIFSS championship. What an incredible run for the Rattlers. Congrats, champs! 🥎🏆🐍 @KESQ @RMHSAD @RMHS_Rattlers pic.twitter.com/OAqvmPsljr

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) May 31, 2025

Congratulations to the Rattlers on this monumental achievement.

Fellow local softball team, Cathedral City, plays for the Division 8 championship on Saturday against Hueneme. First pitch is at 1:00 p.m. at Deanna Manning Stadium in Irvine.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of local high school sports.

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Garrett Hottle

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) Some folks head to the coast when summer hits—but the desert’s making a case to stay and play. Greater Palm Springs just launched a new tourism campaign aimed at helping visitors and locals cool off without checking out.

The campaign is called Born to Chill, and it leans into the idea that summer in the desert is all about experience, relaxation, and enjoying the unique ways Greater Palm Springs helps people unwind.

With taglines like Born to Splash, Born to Zen, and Born to Taste, the campaign highlights attractions ranging from pool days to spa treatments and culinary events.

“Born to Chill is really a mindset, right? And it’s how you can enjoy our destination and all the different ways that each individual likes to chill,” said Colleen Pace, chief sales and marketing officer for Visit Greater Palm Springs.

While some valley businesses shut down during the slower summer months, others are just getting started. One of them is Disco Rabbit, a new gourmet grilled cheese and ice cream shop in Old Town La Quinta.

When asked if he was excited about the store’s grand opening, employee Kevin Mendoza kept it simple: “I am excited.”

Visit Greater Palm Springs officials say keeping the region active through the summer is key for both businesses and workers.

“The summer business is critical for our local businesses and resorts and for our workforce to keep everyone working,” Pace said.

For those staying close to home, the tourism board has launched GPSGetaway.com, a site packed with travel deals, summer offers, and curated guides to help you plan your chill.

For more information on all Greater Palm Springs has to offer, head to visitgreaterpalmsprings.com

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