Author: KESQ

Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is hosting its annual convention in Palm Springs at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. The convention runs from October 21 until Saturday, October 25.

Programming includes workshops on advancing LGBTQ+ travel, inclusive work-abroad opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth, and more. The IGTLA was founded in 1983 and seeks to improve safety and tourism within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide.

This is the first time the convention is being held in Palm Springs.

Previous convention locations include Osaka, Japan, Milan, Italy and West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from organizers about why this convention is important to the LGBTQ+ tourism industry.

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Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride announced its four-day festival entertainment lineup, centered around a dynamic LGBTQ+ Artist Showcase that spotlights groundbreaking queer talent from across the nation.

Organizers said the celebration of community, visibility, and fierce energy will feature a total of 68 diverse performances, kicking off Thursday night on the Arenas District Main Stage.

“This year, we’re proud to put a spotlight on the incredible depth of talent within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies,” said Jasmine Sullivan Waits, Executive Director of Palm Springs Pride. “The lineup is a collection of the powerful, genre-bending music being made right now, and we can’t wait for our attendees to experience it.”

Featured LGBTQ+ Artist Showcase

The Festival’s Main Stage on Arenas Rd will be graced by a mix of international stars, multi-talented queer artists, and high-energy performers, setting the tone for an unforgettable Pride weekend. The featured showcase artists include:

NOVUL: A rising Canadian pop-alternative artist based in Los Angeles, known for her genre-blurring sound, high-energy performances, and bold creative identity, headlines the Arenas Main Stage on Saturday, November 7. Come experience why NOVUL’s bold visuals and fearless sound are fueling her rapid rise.

Sorana: Kicking off the weekend with a global sound and infectious energy, Sorana is a Romanian multi-platinum singer and songwriter known for her catchy melodies and passionate vocals. Following her start on the Romanian X Factor, she has collaborated with music giants like The Chainsmokers, Jason Derulo, and David Guetta.

Jules Liesl: The Bold New Voice of Gay Dance-Pop

Fresh off her Top 17 Billboard Dance Airplay hit, Jules Liesl is rapidly emerging as one of pop’s most electrifying new voices. Recently hailed by Flaunt Magazine as “the fun new voice of gay dance-pop,” Jules blends high-energy production, undeniable hooks, and fearless authenticity into a sound that’s entirely her own.

Reclaiming her power through music and unapologetic self-expression, Jules commands a digital following of several million and continues to inspire a growing LGBTQ+ audience around the world. Known for her striking visual identity, captivating performances, and bold sense of individuality, she represents a new era of pop, vibrant, inclusive, and uncompromisingly original.

ViRR: A rising star from San Diego and a 2025 San Diego Music Awards Nominee, ViRR is a Navy veteran and Black queer artist whose music is an energetic blend of pop, R&B, soul, and alternative rock. His genre-bending approach and emotionally dynamic vocals have made him a must-see act.

Real Xman: Bringing the ultimate “Pride energy,” the San Diego-based artist Real Xman promises to deliver “bangers for the Girls, Gays, Thems, Theys, and allies,” electrifying the crowd with unapologetic queer anthems.

Bryce Xavier: Queer artist Bryce Xavier, who engages an audience of over 4 million followers, will be featured in the Friday lineup, fresh off the release of his new single “You Make Me Stupid” on October 24.

Ashley Paul: Get ready for an electrifying performance by the acclaimed Ashley Paul, whose remarkable career spans music, film, and television. Her hit single Bingo Baby has over 1 million streams and is ranked #1 on Amazon Music, proving she’s a true powerhouse entertainer.

Beyond the featured headliners, the festival includes a variety of musical acts guaranteed to keep the party going, including Planet Booty, direct from Oakland, this ollective of Indiana brothers and their friends is an eclectic funk and soul dance band powerhouse known for preaching sweaty joy along the West Coast.

Chase Brown is a Texas-born country artist and Las Vegas resident known for his high-energy “Vegas Country” show that blends country hits from various decades with pop and rock.

The decks will also be hot with twenty DJs in the lineup, including Sam Childs, DJ Galaxy, Jayne Gray, and ModGirl’s Rainbow Rave to close the Festival on Sunday. A new DJ stage, located at Palm Canyon Dr at Amado, will be the go-to spot for nonstop EDM vibes, featuring talented local and special guest DJs.

Attendees can dance under the desert sky and take a spin on the 100-foot Ferris Wheel while soaking in breathtaking views of downtown.

The four-day celebration, presented by the City of Palm Springs, kicks off on Thursday night with Dia de La Reina at the Arenas District Main Stage, where the Pride energy never stops!

The full schedule of all 68 performers and acts will be available soon on the Palm Springs Pride website at pspride.org.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police are asking for the community’s help identifying suspects in a dog theft.

Police said the theft happened on Friday, Oct. 17 at around 10:30 a.m.

A man and a woman are believed to have stolen two small Yorkshire Terriers—Maggie and Winnie—that had wandered from their home after a door was left open.

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One thief is described as a Hispanic man in his 30s–40s wearing a black cap, white shirt with the words “I NEED COFFEE,” black shorts, and white shoes, carrying a purple backpack. The man also has tattoos on his right leg (possibly an eagle design) and a right arm sleeve

He was accompanied by a white woman in her 30s with brown hair, wearing a leopard-print dress, brown boots, and carrying a black purse.

The two were seen leaving the area quickly.

The dogs, each valued at approximately $2,500, are microchipped.

Police are seeking help identifying the individuals involved in this suspected theft and any information on sightings of Maggie or Winnie.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Guzman at animal.control@palmspringsca.gov or 760-323-8151, referencing Case# 2510P-4762.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 47-year-old probationer accused of vandalizing the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office’s Coachella Valley branch, then attempting to hide on the roof of a nearby building, where he was forcibly taken into custody, was charged today with nearly a dozen felony and misdemeanor offenses.

Sean Allen Camba of Temecula was arrested Monday following an hours-long standoff with law enforcement officers on Highway 111 in Indio.   

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Camba is charged with assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest and eight counts of vandalism, three of which allege felonious property damage.

The defendant, who is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail at the Robert Presley Jail, was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

According to the Indio Police Department, shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, the convicted felon caused damage to the DA’s building in the 82900 block of Highway 111, adjacent to the Larson Justice Center.  

The extent of the vandalism was not specified, and a possible motive wasn’t mentioned.

A witness observed the acts and followed Camba to another property less than a block away, where he allegedly perpetrated further vandalism before climbing onto the roof of the Sunline Transit Agency building near Highway 111 and Jackson Street in an apparent effort to hide, according to police Sgt. Abe Plata.   

He said patrol officers arrived a short time later and requested assistance from the multi-agency Desert Regional SWAT team. In the meantime, Highway 111 was shut down between Golf Center Parkway and Salton Street for public safety.

Check Out: Desert Regional S.W.A.T. brings departments together, works specialized cases

Attempts to talk Camba down from the roof failed, and just before 2 p.m., SWAT members deployed flash bang grenades to divert his attention while other members clambered onto the roof, where they took him into custody after a brief struggle.

Camba was not injured, nor were any law enforcement personnel, Plata said.    Court records show the defendant has prior convictions for felony vandalism, burglary and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A suspected DUI driver was arrested after a pursuit that went from Beaumont to the Coachella Valley, causing a brief closure of eastbound Interstate 10 on Wednesday morning.

The pursuit started at around 10:55 a.m. in Beaumont. CHP said officers spotted a driver traveling erratically and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued.

The suspect was stopped near Gene Autry Trail after spike strips were deployed, and officers used a PIT maneuver. The suspect vehicle sustained damage to its side and tires.

The driver, a 44-year-old woman from Moreno Valley, was taken into custody.

News Channel 3 cameras captured officers pulling out a box of alcoholic beverages and two cats from the vehicle.

Eastbound Interstate 10 is back open.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs voted 4-0 Wednesday night to approve a proposal that nearly triples the city’s funding for the annual Palm Springs Pride Festival – from $125,000 to $350,000 annually through 2027.

Mayor Ron deHarte, who also serves as the CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride, recused himself from voting on the funding proposal due to his dual role.

The major increase in the city’s financial support for the event results from organizers facing growing expenses and a lingering budget shortfall.

City officials say the additional money will not go directly to Greater Palm Springs Pride, the nonprofit that organizes the festival, but will instead cover the city’s own costs related to public safety, security, and logistical support during the event.

“Anytime you have a gathering, whether it’s for Pride or another community event, you want to make sure people have a sense of safety and security that they can come out and participate and not have that worry top of mind.”

Ron deHarte, Palm Springs Mayor

A staff report to the City Council cited rising operational and security costs as key factors behind the proposed increase.

City officials also emphasized the festival’s positive economic and cultural impact on Palm Springs. In a statement to News Channel 3:

“Greater Palm Springs Pride produces a weekend of events that attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually, making it an important economic engine that enhances the Palm Springs brand as a resort destination.”

The decision comes as the Pride organization continues to navigate a budget shortfall that recently led to the postponement of the Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk. However, deHarte says community support has helped reduce the deficit.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Acrisure Arena capped off a historic stretch of world-class entertainment branded as “The Magnificent Seven.” The arena hosted seven major events over a two-week period, including Paul McCartney, The Who, blink-182, Maroon 5, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

According to officials, the arena welcomed 56,981 fans, drawing guests from all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico, averaging 2.82 guests entering every minute throughout the two-week stretch.

“The ‘Magnificent Seven’ was a remarkable achievement and a true testament to the incredible crew that worked tirelessly to make each show an unforgettable experience for our guests, as well as the performers, their crew, and athletes. From Paul McCartney’s tour launch to The Who’s historic farewell, as well as blink-182’s explosive finale, Maroon 5’s performances, the Lakers games, and our Firebirds’ home opener—every night was fueled by the dedication of our outstanding team in cooperation with our local stagehands, and technical teams, who helped transform this ambitious vision into reality. Their heroic efforts demonstrated that Acrisure Arena can deliver world-class entertainment at the highest level, night after night. We’re also grateful to the artists, agents, managers, and promoters who realize the potential for Acrisure Arena and what we’re building here in Coachella Valley.”

– John Page, Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, said,

Full Lineup of “The Magnificent Seven”:

Paul McCartney (Sept. 29) — Launch of the “Got Back” tour.

The Who (Oct. 1) — Final North American show on “The Song is Over” tour.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns (Oct. 3) — NBA preseason action; Lakers return for the third time to the Desert Duel, continuing a growing tradition of preseason excitement in Palm Desert.

blink-182 (Oct. 4 & 5) — Two sold-out nights closing the “Missionary Impossible” tour

Maroon 5 (Oct. 8) — Second show at Acrisure Arena, following New Year’s Eve grand opening performance.

Coachella Valley Firebirds Home Opener (Oct. 10) — Start of the 2025–26 AHL season.

Arena officials said Maroon 5’s production alone featured 82 rigging points supporting 83,000 pounds of equipment, with approximately 2,400 total labor hours — including 121 hours contributed by 73 stagehands for load-in and load-out.

Key Operational Highlights / By the Numbers:

7 shows in 12 days — record-breaking run.

56,981 total attendees — fans from all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico.

Maroon 5 rigging – 82 points, 83,000 pounds, 2,400 labor hours.

2.82 people entered the arena every minute throughout the run.

487 stagehands worked a combined 2,435 labor hours behind the scenes.

Maroon 5 stagehands – 73 hands for an additional ~121 labor hours.

34 semi-trucks of equipment loaded in and out.

349,341 pounds of rigging across 374 points and 358 motors — equivalent to the weight of a Boeing 747.

14,570 gallons of water used to create the arena’s professional-grade ice sheet (for hockey).

Averaged 3.8 guests per vehicle — sustainability win.

CVF Home Opener parking – 2,113 cars

Magnificent 7 total — averaging just under 3.5 guests per car, highlighting sustainable transportation

Sustainability Highlights:

Collected 31.67 tons of trash.

Diverted 15.85 tons of material to recycling.

Achieved a 50% diversion rate.

Food & Beverage Totals:

Sold a half ton or 1,036 pounds of pretzels alone.

Sold 8.5 tons or 17,070 pounds of food.

4,104 gallons of water used to produce ice for concessions.

8,175 labor hours.

1,759 slices of pizza.

11,394 gallons of beer or enough to fill an above-ground pool.

Click here to check out what’s coming up at Acrisure Arena.

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Kendall Flynn

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Three graduates from the Desert Hot Springs High School class of 2025 just completed Marine Corps Boot Camp on Friday.

Their Master Sergeant Terrance Simmons at DHSHS said it was by chance all three of them ended up in the same platoon for boot camp. Simmons said usually their contracts would have to add a “buddy system,” meaning they had to go to the same boot camp. That was not added in this case.

The three men, Private First Class Jose Diaz, Jr., Private First Class Jeremy Minjarez and Private First Class Samuel Sosa, went through the MCJROTC programs at DHSHS. From going to school to boot camp, they said it created a bond together like none other.

“When times were tough, I looked at them and they were going through it,” Sosa said. “It made it feel like a little bit easier, I wasn’t alone.”

“Honestly, I don’t think I would have made it through without them,” Diaz said. “They were just the motivation I needed to keep pushing through it all.”

Each Marine has a different story for wanting to join the U.S. Military, and their hoping they inspire others in the program to find what’s best for their future.

“I would be the second marine in my family. The first time my mom’s side,” Minjarez said. “So I wanted to carry on the military.”

“Honestly, I don’t really have a plan going out of high school, but I wanted to be independent,” Sosa said. “So, I believed that the military, would be able to help me become independent. So, I just ended up choosing the Marine Corps because of, the ROTC that I was in.”

“I joined the Marine Corps for my younger siblings,” Diaz said. “I want to show them – Due to the background that we grew up with…My family members, my siblings and I, that we basically grew up on the streets…I want to show them that whatever they wanted to do in life, they can do it as long as they put in the work and effort for it.”

The 1st Marine Division honored the Marines with enlistee grants and awards. They’ll now take their next step in their future as Marines. While they may no longer be assigned together, they plan to stay connected and keep helping each other through hard times.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear what this honor means to them as they take their next step as enlisted Marines.

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Gavin Nguyen

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – As the federal government shutdown continues, food banks in the Coachella Valley are being challenged as they work to provide food for those in need.

Food Now in Desert Hot Springs reported decreasing shipments from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA typically supplies the food bank with fresh food to be distributed to the organization’s clients. Amid the shutdown, however, food bank staff said no fresh milk or meat products have been able to be included in its program. 

The food bank has also reported increased demand compared to past years.

Tom Tragesser, Director of Operations at the food pantry, said, “We were serving anywhere from 350 to 400 clients [last year]. Now we’re well into the six hundreds every week on our distribution days.”

“We’re being squeezed on both ends with a higher client count and less food being provided through the USDA.”

The uptick comes as thousands of federal employees nationwide are either furloughed or are working without pay, straining both their wallets, as well as assistance programs like food banks and EBT benefits.

Governor Gavin Newsom also announced Wednesday the National Guard would be deployed to assist food banks across the state. A similar move was made during the pandemic, when National Guard troops helped distribute food.

Food Now said now is a critical time for fundraising. It will be hosting its biggest fundraising event of the year next month. More details can be found on its website – click here for more info.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Police say travelers from out of the state are ending up homeless in parts of Palm Springs.

In an Instagram post, Chief Andy Mills said earlier this week, “Some jurisdictions and non-profits send people here with little or no support. Some come here for rehab, fail and end up on the street. Last week a man was sent here [with] no support from his home in Montana. Officers sent him home to his family where we hope he gets help. We are working on law to prevent people who fail from ending up homeless on our streets.” 

It’s a trend Lt. Mike Torres says the city’s resources can’t keep up with.

“We do have resources, but they are limited. Unfortunately, we don’t have enough for everybody. The beds are completely full. So we had a total ‘X’ amount of beds that we had accessible to everybody. They’re completely full,” Lt. Torres said.

Torres says there’s a misconception the Coachella Valley has abundant resources for the homeless population, with many seeking mental health, addiction, and shelter beds.

“In the last month, we’ve seen a huge influx of people from out of state, out of the county and it’s been tough on us.”

Those resources are something Phillip Wayman, from Salt Lake City, Utah, has benefit from.

“Actually, services have been very good. I mean, California treats their people a lot better than Utah does. You guys don’t let people just sleep on the streets down here. In Salt Lake they got camp sites. They’re very dirty and filthy,” Wayman said.

The burden of more homeless is falling on shelters and local nonprofits, like Well In The Desert. President Matt Naylor says they’ve fed nearly 500 people this year.

“We are the only ‘911’ service for homeless support when they need emergency food. We give emergency food boxes for those that have one foot in and out of homelessness,” Naylor said.

However, Naylor believes the city’s multi-million dollar budget is to blame for the influx.

“I see the influx of new people coming here, but it wasn’t because of abandonment, it’s because we have a $40 million new center. The city council has actually said, hey, we’re going to be for homeless people and we’re going to create a navigation center. So they’ve actually come here thinking they were going to get services when they’re often turned away,” Naylor says.

It’s raising the question if the city needs more resources and shelter beds to handle the growing population.

“We don’t have the manpower to be able to help everybody. That’s where it gets tough, right? I mean, we’re doing everything we can do with what we have, but we’re doing more with less,” Torres said.

For more information on local homeless resources, visit: Shelter & Housing.

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