Author: KESQ

Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – City officials in Palm Springs and Cathedral City are set to vote on approving additional funds for homeless services Wednesday night.

The three-year agreements with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments, or CVAG, will be handled by CVAG’s “CV Housing First” program. The program has been running since 2017.

Palm Springs will vote on approving $390,200 for the agreement, while Cathedral City will vote on approving $125,000 per year over three years, totaling $375,000.

City officials and homeless shelters are highlighting the importance of these services, especially when it comes to keeping people safe from extreme heat.

Data from Riverside County from this year shows 187 heat-related emergency department visits in the Coachella Valley so far. Data for heat-related deaths in 2025 is not yet available. The Coachella Valley’s unsheltered population is a group vulnerable to heat-related illness.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest.

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Luis Avila

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Work on the Highway 111 Pavement Rehab Improvement Project is underway, and the impacts are already being felt by commuters and surrounding businesses.

A vital, two-mile artery, thousands of commuters use highway 111 in La Quinta. Some say the once-smooth stretch of road has become a bumpy one, with potholes, uneven asphalt, and cracks. Drivers say improvements have been long overdue.

“Coming back to the area, a little shocked, disappointed. I remember the roads like 111 being a little bit smoother to drive on.”

Martha Black, La Quinta resident

“I’m actually glad to see some of those being repaired. I see that’s why a lot of the streets are being repaired. I’m excited about that.”

Michael Lacey, Indio resident

After months of delays, construction is taking place between west of Washington St to Jefferson St.

Work includes:

Pothole repairs

Repaving

Medium repairs

Landscaping improvements

This is welcoming news even for surrounding business owners. But with roads in the area impacted, this is bringing separate challenges.

“It does not help our business because we are already struggling with the heat so people not being able to come into our parking lot affects us as well.”

Heidi McArthur, Jadabug’s Kids Boutique

Business owners are doing what they can to offset some of the impacts.

“We’re trying to reward local people for shopping here, encouraging people to shop local as much a possible. Being cognizant of the construction going on and how it may be impacting local businesses and trying to shop there.”

Heidi McArthur, Jadabug’s Kids Boutique

At least one lane may be closed in each direction during construction, so drivers can expect traffic delays.

The project, which costs $7 million, is expected to run from June 23, 2025 to October 2025.

For more information, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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KESQ News Team

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) — Four people, including two adults and two children, were rescued Tuesday from an area of Ladder Canyon in Mecca, according to CAL FIRE Riverside County.

Firefighters responded to the scene with assistance from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Star 9 aviation unit and a specialized rescue cart. The group was in rugged terrain.

Officials said the rescue was successful and no injuries were reported.

Authorities are reminding hikers to stay hydrated and take precautions when exploring remote areas, especially during extreme heat.

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Cynthia White

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of La Quinta is announcing a 24-hour closure of the intersection of Highway 111 and Washington Street July 30th through July 31st as part of the city’s Highway 111 Pavement Rehabilitation Project.

The intersection will be fully closed to all traffic starting at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday, July 30th, and is scheduled to reopen at 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, July 31st.

The City says detour routes will be clearly marked, and motorists are advised to plan for delays in the area. Using alternate routes, such as Avenue 42, Adams Street, and Jefferson Street, is recommended during the closure.

City officials also say that local businesses along Highway 111 will remain open and accessible, and they encourage the community to support these businesses during the construction period.

Officials add that the city of La Quinta understands the inconvenience the closure may cause to residents, businesses, and commuters, and they will make every effort to minimize disruption.

For more information and to stay updated on the city’s Highway 111 Pavement Rehabilitation Project, including detour maps and weekly construction updates, visit lqhighway111.com.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (CNS) – The Palm Springs Library will host a family-friendly event next week before closing for renovations.

The conclusion of its reading program will take place from 1:00 -2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19th at 300 S. Sunrise Way, on the corner of Sunrise Way and Baristo Road.

The free event will include grand prizes and giveaways for program participants, provided by Friends of the Palm Springs Library. Prizes include a Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, $100 Amazon gift card and a pickleball match or lesson with Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills. Additional prize drawings will also be held.

From 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., the library will hold a “renovation celebration and closing party” featuring guest speakers, ice cream, face painting, custom poems and the opening of a time capsule.

The library will close from July 20th to July 31st to pack for its move to a temporary location at Rimrock Plaza within the city. It is scheduled to reopen the first week of August at 4721 E. Palm Canyon Drive, where all essential services will continue.

Renovation work at the original location is expected to be completed by March 2026.

For more information regarding the library, call 760-322-7323, or visit www.palmspringslibrary.org.

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Cynthia White

Update 7/9/25

The Palm Springs Public Library has reopened as the air conditioning system has been successfully repaired.  To allow the building time to fully cool, the library will reopen from 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.

The pool remains closed.

Original Report 7/8/25

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Power issues continue to keep several Palm Springs venues in Sunrise Park closed again on Wednesday. The city of Palm Springs sent out a notice Wednesday that the Community Pool Remains temporarily closed for safety maintenance. And for the second day in a row, the Palm Springs Library is closed due to an air conditioner malfunction.

The City says the pool at the Palm Springs Swim Center will remain closed due to continued necessary maintenance, water quality balancing, and cleaning following the recent power outage. “We are taking the time needed to ensure the pool meets important water quality safety standards,” said Nicholas Gonzalez, Director of Parks and Recreation. “The goal now is to reopen the pool tomorrow (Thursday) as soon as it is safe to do so. We apologize for the inconvenience and look forward to welcoming the community back to the Swim Center soon.”

As for the library, programs on Wednesday and Thursday will be moved to the Demuth Community Center at 3601 East Mesquite Avenue.

Wednesday, July 910:30 a.m. – Draw Along with Kyle (all ages)11L30 a.m. – Make a Vision Board (program for adults)2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. – Open Play Mah Jong (program for adults)

Thursday, July 1010:00 a.m. – Preschool Story Time11:00 a.m. – Baby Story Time3:30 p.m. – Teen Taskmaster Challenge

Updates for the reopening of the Pool and Library will be shared as they become available. For more information, contact the Demuth Community Center at 760-320-6430.

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Allie Anthony

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – The grass isn’t always greener on the other side – unless the other side is a golf course.

Greater Palm Springs is the golf capital of the world.

Our blistering heat makes the job of the groundskeeper an especially tough one.

News Channel 3’s Allie Anthony takes us behind the scenes at the Trilogy Club in La Quinta where groundskeepers work to keep the fairways looking lush even in the summer heat.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Passengers going through airport security in the United States will no longer have to take their shoes off, after nearly two decades.

At the Palm Springs International Airport, Dante Biale a passenger, said he supports the move.

“If it’s not a security threat, then I like the idea,” Biale said. “It saves me time in the line.”

Kristi Noem, the Secretary of Homeland Security, announced Tuesday the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will be eliminating the security requirement “effective immediately.”

Cody Hanawalt said he’s very excited about the switch.

“That’s going to be very convenient,” Hanawalt said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more reaction at 10 and 11 p.m.

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City News Service

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – An opening ceremony will be held tomorrow for the Desert Community Animal Center in Desert Hot Springs.   

“This center is more than a clinic — it’s a promise to our residents that every family deserves access to compassionate and affordable pet care,” DHS Mayor Scott Matas said. “We’re proud to see it rooted right here in our city.”

The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held at 8:30 a.m. Wednesday at 13700 Palm Drive. An open house will be held from 9 a.m. until noon.   

Among those expected to attend are Matas; Dan Rossi, executive director of Animal Allies; a representative from the office of Rep. Ken Calvert, R-Norco; a representative of Supervisor V. Manuel Perez’s office; and a representative for Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, R-Indio.

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Peter Daut

DIAMOND BAR, Calif. – Right now Riverside County is under an Air Quality Alert which will remain in effect through Thursday this week.

This is due to harmful levels of ozone pollution, which officials say can cause serious health problems.

This is the first ozone pollution alert issued in Southern California this year.

Doctors say everyone can be affected, but sensitive groups, including older adults, pregnant women, and people with lung disease are at greater risk.

Experts say it’s best to stay inside as much as possible. Doctors say you should try to scale back activities that contribute to pollution, including gas-powered lawnmowers or relying on motorized vehicles.

South Coast Air Quality Management District Dr. Scott Epstein says that the highest ozone levels typically happen in the afternoon hours, with high ozone levels capable of causing shortness of breath and coughing.

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke in-depth with Dr. Epstein to get more information about high ozone levels and what to do under an Ozone Advisory.

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