Author: KESQ

Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, CA (KESQ)- Netflix’s La Bola Negra, directed by acclaimed Spanish filmmakers Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi, will receive the International Star Award at the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Awards.

The announcement was made November 6, with the film’s directors and cast members Guitarricadelafuente, Miguel Bernardeau and Penélope Cruz expected to attend the award presentation on January 7, 2027, at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The Palm Springs International Film Festival will run January 7–18, 2027. The Film Awards will be presented by Kering, with Entertainment Tonight and Soho House serving as sponsors and Cadillac as the official vehicle.

“With La Bola Negra, Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi have created a beautiful and moving film that brings together stories across generations and cultures,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. He praised Guitarricadelafuente’s first film performance, Bernardeau’s role as the film’s emotional anchor and Cruz’s portrayal of Nené, describing the production as a special achievement deserving of recognition.

Spanning nearly a century of Spanish history, La Bola Negra weaves together the lives of three generations of men whose experiences are connected through desire, pain and love. The film features an ensemble cast that includes Guitarricadelafuente, Bernardeau, Carlos González, Milo Quifes, Lola Dueñas, Julio Torres, Cruz and Glenn Close.

The film has already generated significant international attention, earning 16 Audience Awards at festivals around the world, including top honors at the Toronto International Film Festival and BFI London Film Festival. It made its world premiere at the Cannes Film Festival, where it received a reported 20-minute standing ovation and earned Calvo and Ambrossi the Best Director prize.

The International Star Award adds to an already notable lineup of honorees announced for the 2027 ceremony. Previously announced recipients include Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde and Penélope Cruz for The Invite, Edward Norton, who will receive the Vanguard Award, and Inde Navarette, recipient of the Rising Star Award.

Last year’s International Star Award went to the ensemble cast of Sentimental Value, including Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning. All four performers subsequently received Academy Award nominations.

With its acclaimed festival reception, celebrated creative team and international ensemble cast, La Bola Negra is shaping up to be one of the standout films recognized during the 2027 awards season. Its recognition at Palm Springs further underscores the growing international reach of Spanish-language cinema.

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Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) Riverside County’s top prosecutor says district attorneys across California are weighing a court challenge to Gov. Gavin Newsom’s decision to commute every death sentence in the state, a legal fight they hope will ultimately reach the Supreme Court.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin told News Channel 3 on Friday that he is “in consultation with some of my colleagues around the state” and that, through the California District Attorneys Association, “we are looking at options right now for filing a case to get this in front of the various courts and hopefully eventually up to the Supreme Court.”

Newsom announced Thursday that he is commuting all 548 death sentences in California to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The Death Penalty Information Center called it the largest act of mass clemency in U.S. history.

Hestrin said he was “disappointed but not surprised” by the decision, which he called a “misuse of that power.” He said the governor acted “en masse” — “548 commutations with no individualized look” at each case.

“He’s not a king,” Hestrin said.

The courts are already guaranteed a role. Under the California Constitution, a governor cannot commute the sentence of anyone twice convicted of a felony without a recommendation from the state Supreme Court.

As of Oct. 2, Riverside County accounted for 88 of California’s condemned sentences, about 15% of the statewide total and second only to Los Angeles County, with 163, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. Los Angeles County has nearly four times Riverside County’s population.

Hestrin, who said he personally prosecuted seven death penalty cases, said victims’ families he has heard from describe the commutations as “a slap in the face.” He called the governor’s action “cowardice” and noted California voters rejected ballot measures to repeal the death penalty in 2012 and 2016.

Newsom, in an open letter released Thursday, wrote that he took the action “because I firmly believe that state-sanctioned killing is incompatible with California’s values.” He acknowledged the decision was among the most difficult of his career and said it would resurface painful memories for victims’ families.

“As Governor, I alone bear responsibility for this decision and its impact,” Newsom wrote.

Newsom imposed a moratorium on executions by executive order in 2019, shortly after taking office. California has not carried out an execution since 2006.

Hestrin is not alone among prosecutors in promising a fight. Kern County District Attorney Cynthia Zimmer said in a statement that “this assault on justice will be challenged,” GV Wire reported. The California District Attorneys Association said the governor’s action “replaces hundreds of individual sentencing decisions, each reached after extensive legal proceedings,” and its CEO, Greg Totten, said Newsom “has turned an extraordinary constitutional safeguard into a sweeping instrument of personal policy.”

Hestrin said no decision has been made on when or where a case might be filed. “There will be challenges,” he said.

Joint Press Release from unions representing police officers and sheriff’s deputies across Riverside County

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Tommy Gallegos

INDIO, CALIF. (KESQ)- A major development in the murder case against former Silvercrest Advertising CEO William “Billy” Rodriguez: A judge has ruled that there is sufficient evidence for the murder charge against him to move forward.

Judge Sterling denied the defense’s motion to dismiss the murder charge, allowing prosecutors to continue pursuing the case.

The decision comes after a previous ruling by Judge Ryan, who dismissed the murder count in August at the conclusion of a preliminary hearing, finding insufficient evidence to hold Rodriguez to answer on the charge.

Prosecutors subsequently refiled the murder charge last month, maintaining that the evidence supports moving forward with the allegation. Judge Sterling’s latest ruling now allows that charge to proceed.

Rodriguez is accused of striking 60-year-old Christina Barrington from behind as she rode her scooter along East Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City in October 2024.

According to the allegations, Rodriguez left the scene following the collision. Barrington died the following day.

In addition to the murder charge, Rodriguez faces charges of felony hit-and-run causing death and driving on a suspended license.

Rodriguez has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The latest ruling marks a significant development in the case, reversing the earlier procedural outcome that had resulted in the murder count being dismissed.

With Judge Sterling denying the defense’s request to throw out the refiled murder charge, prosecutors can continue pursuing the allegation as the case moves forward.

Stay with News Channel 3 on air and online for the latest on this case.

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Tommy Gallegos

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)— A 38-year-old man died Thursday night after crashing a small scooter-style motorcycle into another vehicle while fleeing from Indio police, following a report of a man brandishing a firearm at Carreon Park.

According to the Indio Police Department, officers received the report at approximately 8:16 p.m. November 5 in the 82000 block of Doctor Carreon Boulevard. Responding officers located a man matching the suspect’s description riding a small scooter-style motorcycle.

When officers attempted to stop him, the rider fled, leading police on a pursuit through several Indio streets. Authorities said the suspect committed multiple traffic violations, including speeding, driving against traffic, riding on sidewalks, and running stop signs and red lights.

The pursuit ended at the intersection of Madison Street and Avenue 48 when the rider entered the intersection against a red light and collided with a vehicle traveling eastbound. The impact threw the rider from the scooter.

Officers provided medical aid until paramedics arrived. The man was transported to a local hospital, where he later died. His identity is being withheld pending notification of next of kin.

The 37-year-old female driver of the other vehicle remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators. She was not injured.

The Indio Police Department Traffic Unit is investigating the collision. Avenue 48 was closed for nearly five hours as investigators documented the scene and collected evidence.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Indio Police Traffic Officer Peddycord at 760-391-4303.

The investigation remains ongoing.

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Kiera McKinney

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — A mobile clinic will offer free, full-body skin cancer screenings Friday morning at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs. The screenings run from 10 a.m. to noon and are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

The Skin Cancer Foundation’s Destination Healthy Skin program brings volunteer dermatology providers to communities across the country. Physician assistant Phi-Yen VuTran will conduct Friday’s screenings inside the RV, which has two private exam rooms. The foundation will also hand out information on skin cancer and sun protection samples.

Riverside County averaged about 700 new melanoma cases a year from 2019 through 2023, according to federal cancer data. The county’s melanoma diagnosis rate rose during that period.

From 2018 through 2022, about one in seven melanoma cases in Riverside County were diagnosed after the cancer had spread to nearby tissue or lymph nodes, or to distant parts of the body, according to federal cancer data.

Friday’s stop gives Coachella Valley residents a chance to get a skin check without scheduling an appointment. Eisenhower Health also offered a limited number of free skin cancer screenings in La Quinta in May.

The Mizell Center is at 480 S. Sunrise Way in Palm Springs. For people who miss the event, Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine offers dermatology referrals through its free clinic for eligible adults.

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Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Lakers started their inaugural season with a big win over the Salt Lake City Stars.

The CV Lakers won 104 to 98, behind Cole Swinder’s 23 points and 8 rebounds. Bronny James had an impressive performance, scoring 22 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists.

James, 22, was in the starting lineup, along with rookie guard Cameron Carr, who were both assigned to Coachella Valley from Los Angeles on Thursday.

Both scored the first two baskets in team history.

James spoke with the media after the game, who was feeling good after the impressive performance.

“I love playing a game of basketball, and you know, to be able to come down here and actually produce is good for me and good for my spirit, and whenever I’m called down here, I’m all open to coming down here and playing,” James said. “It’s good to be in a new environment and I thought the crowd and the vibe in the building was great and definitely helped us. Yeah, a lot of fun being out there.”

James, 22, has previously spent time on the Lakers’ G League affiliate, averaging 18.4 points on 49.6% shooting in 25 games over the last two seasons.

On Friday, Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick said James and Carr will rejoin the main team after tonight’s game.

The CV Lakers will stay at home for their next two games, Monday and Tuesday, where they will take on the San Diego Clippers.

Friday’s game marked the start of the 14-game Tip-Off Tournament which will culminate at the NBA G League Winter Showcase. The league’s 31 teams are separated into four regions.

The teams with the best winning percentage in each region, along with the next four teams with the best winning percentages regardless of region, will advance to compete for the championship at the NBA G League Winter Showcase.

Following the Tip-Off Tournament, team records will reset before the 36-game regular season, which will begin Dec. 27.

Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the Coachella Valley Lakers all season long.

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KESQ News Team

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A new affordable housing community is now open in Palm Desert, providing dozens of local families with a place to call home.

On Thursday, city leaders and community partners celebrated the grand opening of Thomas Village on Country Club Drive.

The 40-unit development is designed for working families struggling with the high cost of housing in the Coachella Valley.

“What we want in Palm Desert is for the people who work here to be able to afford to live here, and that doesn’t matter to me or to us, whether on the low end of the spectrum or the very wealthiest end of the spectrum. We want everybody to have a home here,” said Palm Desert Mayor Evan Trubee.

The community includes one-, two-, and three-bedroom apartments.

Ten of the units will be for people with disabilities. Residents will have access to free on-site education, job training, and wellness services.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Preparations are underway in downtown Palm Springs as the community gets ready for the city’s annual Pride weekend, with businesses and organizers putting the finishing touches on the Arenas District ahead of the celebrations.

The district kicked off the festivities Thursday, Nov. 5, with a walkabout, giving residents and visitors an early look at what’s planned for the weekend.

Crews were seen setting up and preparing the area as excitement continued to build ahead of one of Palm Springs’ biggest annual events.

For residents, Pride is about more than just parties and entertainment. It’s also an opportunity to celebrate the community and welcome people from around the world.

“These are our stomping grounds so we’re ready to stomp on everybody and show everyone a good time and invite everyone in,” resident Carlos said.

Host Jackette Knightley said organizers are expecting a major turnout.

“It’s been amazing. We’re expecting hundreds of thousands of people,” Knightley said.

For Knightley, who lives in Palm Springs, the event also carries personal meaning.

“Free drink tickets but community is a close second,” she said.

Volunteers also play an important role in bringing the celebration together. Resident Randy James said the people and fundraising efforts keep him coming back year after year.

“The people and the fundraising,” James said.

This year marks 40 years of Pride in Palm Springs, a milestone many describe as a major accomplishment.

“It’s 40 years. This is a massive, beautiful thing,” he said.

“I think what makes this one different from the rest is Palm Springs is primarily built by LGBTQ+ people. This was decades ago, there wasn’t a safe space for us,” Knightley said.

The celebrations lead up to the Palm Springs Pride Parade on Sunday, Nov. 8.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – He is a prominent local businessman and a major supporter of Palm Springs Pride, but Nachhattar Chandi’s support for President Donald Trump has also raised questions within the LGBTQ community.

Chandi owns Spencer’s restaurant in Palm Springs, which has long been a supporter of Pride.

In an exclusive interview with News Channel 3’s Peter Daut, Chandi answered the tough questions about his politics.

“Some people in the LGBTQ community have expressed concern for your support for President Trump. What do you want to say to them, and how do you reconcile your support for President Trump with supporting Pride? Peter asked.

Chandi answered, “That’s a good question. Peter, I support both sides of the aisle. I’m a businessman. I support my friends who are Democrats and Republicans. I do not go by belief in a party. I go by person.”

Chandi also revealed plans to offer free breakfasts at spencer’s for two weeks, beginning next week.

He also discussed his philanthropic support for Eisenhower Health.

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Blake Arthur

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Bronny James was sent to the G League’s Coachella Valley Lakers on Thursday, just one day ahead of the team’s inaugural season opener.

Lakers team officials confirmed to News Channel 3 that James was at practice on Thursday but media availability was cancelled.

The 22-year-old guard has averaged just 2.4 minutes and 0.8 points per game in five appearances for the Lakers this season.

In the developmental G League, James is averaging 18.4 points, 4.4 assists and 4.0 rebounds in 25 games over the last two seasons.

Lakers rookie Cameron Carr was also assigned to Coachella Valley on Thursday.

It’s unclear whether James or Carr will play in Friday’s opening game but James has played at Acrisure Arena before, taking the court with his father LeBron for the first time during an exhibition game in October of 2024.

The South Bay Lakers were rebranded and relocated this season to the Coachella Valley, making their inaugural season debut Friday, Nov. 6 against the Salt Lake City Stars. Tip-off is set for 7:00 p.m. at Acrisure Arena.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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