Author: KESQ

Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A change for your change. The U.S. Treasury Department says it’s phasing out production of the penny, and it will soon stop putting new one-cent coins into circulation.

One of the primary reasons for ending production is cost. It currently takes nearly four cents to produce a single penny, due in part to rising metal prices. In 2024 alone, the government lost over $85 million minting roughly 3 billion pennies.

People also aren’t using cash as much as other payment options, like credit and debit cards.

Experts say the circulation of new pennies will end early next year. Businesses will need to start rounding up or down to the nearest 5 cents for cash payments. Debit and credit card purchases will still be charged to the exact cent.

This could impact low-income and older Americans, who are more likely to use cash.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Allie Anthony

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Cemetery District hosted its annual Memorial Day service on Monday to honor the men and women who gave their lives in service to our country. It’s a powerful reminder that our freedom is not free.

The ceremony was held in partnership with American Legion Post 739 in Indio. As the community came together in remembrance, La Quinta City Councilman Steve Sanchez led the service featuring a ceremonial flyover, flag folding by Scouting America Troop 1701, music from the Coachella Valley High School Choir and a rifle salute by the American Legion Honor Guard.

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Timothy Foster

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – As Memorial Day weekend kicks off, many Southern California residents are heading to the elevated retreats of Big Bear and Idyllwild to escape the heat and enjoy the cool mountain air. These picturesque towns offer not only a refreshing break from the scorching desert temperatures but also a variety of charming attractions — including local ice cream shops that are popular with visitors.

Idyllwild, in particular, is experiencing a surge in tourism, much to the delight of local business owners. Memorial Day weekend marks the start of the busiest season of the year for this mountain community, with shops and restaurants bustling with activity.

“This is our busiest time of the year, and we really look forward to it,” said a local business owner. “The more people come up, the more money we make — and that means the more people we get to serve. It’s not going to slow down anytime soon as we head into summer.”

The warmer months attract a significant number of part-time residents and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a seasonal escape. With hiking, fishing, and nature trails in abundance, Idyllwild is a haven for those who love the outdoors.

“Having people come up here as tourists in the summer — that’s our audience,” another local added. “We get to invite them in, show them a good time, and really showcase what makes our community special.”

In addition to natural attractions, Idyllwild’s summer calendar is packed with events, including a summer arts program launching June 23, a 4th of July parade, and a summer concert series. These events not only enrich the community’s cultural offerings but also draw even more visitors to the area.

“It’s great to have the communities come up and help support us,” said another resident. “You don’t find towns like this often — especially not in California. So when people come here, they’re helping to sustain the small businesses that make Idyllwild unique.”

As the summer season begins, Idyllwild stands ready to welcome the crowds — with open arms, cool breezes, and the charm that only a mountain town can offer.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Iconic gay adult film actor and singer Glenn Soukesian, known professionally as Colton Ford was found dead last week on the Goat Trails behind 4733 E. Palm Canyon Drive.

Ford’s close friends identified him and said he went missing while hiking the day before.

“Glen was always hydrated,” Langham said. “Always had a huge, like half gallon bottle of water with him.”

His close friend Jill Langham, a longtime Palm Springs resident, shared emotional memories of Ford, whom she described as a “soulmate” and a “saint among men.”

“He had so much to offer the world,” Langham said. “As a singer-songwriter, he toured with amazing people for over 30 years. But people also knew him as a gay icon and an adult film star. He did it for a very short period of time.”

Glenn Soukesian, aka Colton Ford

Langham said she and others grew concerned when Ford didn’t show up for work.

She said after hours of searching and a call to search and rescue, first responders eventually found his body on the trail.

Langham said authorities ruled out foul play.

She said he was at a joyful point in his life, having just moved into a new home and that a celebration of life is scheduled for July 5 in Palm Springs.

“He went out on a really high note, in the hills, closer to the spirits or God,” Langham said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Memorial Day weekend is one of the busiest travel days throughout the United States as people travel before summer. While it can make for a hectic airport experience, Palm Springs International Airport said travelers don’t need to worry flying out of PSP.

“We’re expecting about 26,000 travelers to come from Friday through Monday,” The PSP Spokesperson, Jake Ingrassia, said. “So about 6,500 travelers each of those days. That is not very many compared to what we’ve seen just over the last couple of months and our peak months like March and April.”

March and April are heavy travel months for PSP, as it is during the peak tourism season. Tourism brings nearly $9 billion to the greater Coachella Valley, and after Memorial Day weekend, the industry slows down.

“If you flew through PSP during March or April, you’ll have a very different experience this weekend compared to that,” Ingrassia said.

However, Ingrassia said flyers may have difficulties at other airports while trying to reach Palm Springs.

“This is a record breaking travel weekend at many other airports, especially here in Southern California,” Ingrassia said. “For people who might be flying out of Ontario or LAX, you’re going to see long lines, heavy traffic, and a difficult time to be prepared for.”

News Channel 3 spoke with travelers at PSP on Saturday, and while many report the airports were busier on Friday, they said they expected it to be more busy.

“We got to the airport like four hours early,” Jenna Moniger, a traveler from Chicago said. “We breezed through everything though. Security took maybe two minutes. Which is a pleasant surprise because I feel like Friday was probably the hectic day for it.”

No matter if the airport is crazy or not, travelers said the Memorial Day weekend is the perfect time to visit family members, celebrate birthdays or completing school and enjoy the Palm Springs heat.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from visitors and PSP on Memorial Day weekend travel.

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Cynthia White

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Memorial Day, established in 1868, is a day to honor and mourn our nation’s service men and women who died in the line of duty.

Here are some of the events around the Coachella Valley on Monday, May 26, to observe the holiday in remembrance of those U.S. military members:

City of Indian Wells Annual Memorial Day Ceremony9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Indian Wells Golf Resort Celebrity Ballroom, 44-500 Indian Wells Lane, Indian Wells.Free patriotic event with Indian Wells Mayor Bruce Whitman, Palm Springs Air Museum Pipes & Drum Band, singer Christine Love, and invocation and benediction by Pastor Andrew Statezny from Southwest Church.

City of Desert Hot Springs Annual Memorial Day Celebration with Patriot Flyover by Palm Springs Air Museum9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. at Veterans Park, 10-101 Palm Drive, Desert Hot SpringsThis heartfelt ceremony highlighted by Presentation of Colors, National Anthem, guest speakers, and Moment of Silence and Taps will bring together residents, community leaders, and veterans to honor the men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. With City of Desert Hot Springs Mayor Scott Matas, Marine Bagpiper (Ret.) Joel M. Daniel, USMC, Desert Hot Springs High School’s Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (MCJROTC), Chaplain Paul Miller, Past District Deputy Grand Exultant Ruler Kevin O’Shaughnessy. Free to the public.

Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District Ceremony – Flags, Flyovers, and Freedom9:00 a.m. at Coachella Valley Cemetery District, 82-925 52nd Avenue, CoachellaThe Coachella Valley Public Cemetery District is presenting the Memorial Day 2025 Ceremony in partnership with American Legion Post 739, Indio to pay tribute to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces who gave their lives in service to our country.City of La Quinta Councilmember Steve Sanchez will lead the ceremony that begins with a commemorative flyover made possible through the Palm Springs Air Museum and Southwest Landscape & Security. Following is the invocation by Deacon Marty Sullivan of Our Lady of Soledad Church and the National Anthem performed by the Coachella Valley High School Choir.Brian Biamonte will read General Logan’s historic Memorial Day Order, and a special flag folding ceremony will be conducted by members of Boy Scouts of America Troop 1701.The American Legion Riders of Post 739 will lead the Pass in Review in tribute to fallen veterans, followed by the presentation of wreaths. A rifle volley salute follows, along with the traditional playing of Taps. “Amazing Grace” and patriotic songs will be performed by the Coachella Valley High School Choir.Free to the public.

Palm Springs Air Museum’s Memorial Day Air Fair & Flower Drop10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. at Palm Springs Air Museum, 745 N. Gene Autry Trail, Palm Springs, CA 922629:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. – Flight exhibitions and warbird rides1:00 p.m. – Flower Drop Ceremony1:45 p.m. – 2:15 p.m. – Missing Man Formation with warbirds followed by the drop of 5,000 white and red carnations to honor fallen service membersIncluded in the event: the world’s only flying PBJ Mitchell bomber, honor to local Gold Star families, tribute to 250 years of U.S. Marine Corps, display of Darkstar, and more, with live music, food, and children’s activities.Cost: This event is free with purchase of regular museum admission at $24 for adults age 18-64; $22 for teens age 13-17 and seniors age 65 and up, and free for kids age 12 and under as long as they’re with an adult who’s purchased admission for themselves.Parking: Free offsite parking with free shuttle service to and from the Palm Springs Unified School District lot, located at 150 District Center Drive, south of the museum off Gene Autry Trail, will be provided.

Forest Lawn Cathedral City Memorial Day Ceremony10:00 a.m. at 69-855 Ramon Road, Cathedral CityNews Channel 3’s Jeff Stahl will emcee a family friendly parkwide remembrance to bring generations together to commemorate the lives and valor of American veterans. Patriotic music, wreath laying, presentations and retiring of the flag, keynote addresses, invocations, giveaways, arts & crafts, food, and more.Free admission and parking.

City of Cathedral City 19th Annual Memorial Day Luncheon12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m at Cimarron Golf Resort, 67-603 30th Avenue, Cathedral CityCathedral City will host its 19th annual Memorial Day luncheon to honor veterans and recognize members of the local community.Scheduled speakers include Cathedral City Councilmember Rita Lamb and Xochita Murillo, deputy secretary for minority veterans for the California Department of Veterans Affairs.The program will feature musical performances and community awards. Among the honorees are four Cathedral City residents and Holocaust survivors — Goldie Jacoby, Ruth Linderman, Susan Juhasz and Rickie Taras, who will share their personal stories.The luncheon is sponsored by American Veterans Post 66 and the Jon Castro Chapter 19 of Veterans For Peace.Reservations and tickets are available by contacting American Veterans Post 66 founder Tom Swann Hernandez at 760-324-5670.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – New details have emerged about Guy Edward Bartkus, the suspect behind the deadly May 17 bombing at a Palm Springs fertility clinic.

According to a newly released report from the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, Bartkus had previously expressed ideations of attacking clinics. Investigators say he held anti-natalist beliefs — the view that it is morally wrong to bring new life into the world — and had posted online content supporting those views.

Authorities say the attack on the American Reproductive Centers was premeditated and ideologically motivated. The explosion killed Bartkus and injured four others.

The FBI is continuing its investigation and is urging the public to submit any relevant tips, images or video footage related to the incident.

The full report from the Joint Terrorism Task Force is available below.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Memorial Day is a busy travel day across the country, honoring U.S. military members who died in service.

In the Valley, the weekend also marks one of the last busy foot-traffic days for downtown businesses before a quiet summer. With the heat in the Valley, tourism declines and residents look to cool off elsewhere, leading to decreased visitors in local businesses.

The summer can be difficult economically for these businesses. With increased visitors for Memorial Day weekend, they could see one last peak in foot traffic before the quiet summer.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from businesses on the impact of Memorial Day weekend.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Border Patrol agents seized 113 pounds of methamphetamine after a traffic stop on Highway 86 near Indio, authorities said.

The incident started Monday at around 10:30 a.m. when Indio station agents conducted a traffic stop on a black pickup truck pulling a trailer on northbound Highway 86.

According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, a Border Patrol K-9 trained to detect concealed people and illegal drugs alerted agents to the vehicle and trailer. During an initial search of the trailer, agents found a compartment containing a crystal-like substance that field-tested positive for methamphetamine.

The subject, vehicle, and trailer were transported to the Indio Station for further investigation. A subsequent search of the trailer revealed 36 packages of the crystal-like substance hidden in three compartments in the trailer’s floor

“A sharp-eyed Border Patrol agent from Indio Station and his K-9 partner just took it to the bad guys, and we are proud of them!” said El Centro Sector Chief Patrol Agent Gregory Bovino. “The Premier Sector goes to the ends of the earth to stop dangerous drugs such as these – ma and pa America, stay tuned, much more to come!”

The driver was placed under arrest. The vehicle and drugs were seized by the U.S. Border Patrol.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly 10,000 customers were briefly left without power due to an outage in Palm Springs.

According to Southern California Edison’s outage map, 9,738 customers were impacted at one point.

By 6:00 p.m., three customers remained without power.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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