Author: KESQ

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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María García

UPDATE 10/22/2025 – 6:03 AM — All lanes are now open.

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — A traffic collision early Wednesday morning caused significant delays on the westbound I-10 near Cook Street.

The collision was reported just before 4:30 a.m. in the westbound lanes near Acrisure Arena. All westbound traffic came to a complete stop, while first responders cleared the scene.

As of now, the #3 lane has reopened to traffic, however, cleanup operations remain underway, and significant slowdowns are still expected in the area.

The California Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash. No word yet on injuries or the number of vehicles involved.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Shay Lawson

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ)  – 14-year-old Liam Cantu remains in critical condition after police say a drunk driver struck him and another boy earlier this month.

Liam Cantu

We first reported the crash last week. Liam’s friend survived with minor injuries.

Since then, Cantu’s parents said he has been in a medically induced coma for 11 days while doctors monitor his recovery.

“His test is tomorrow,” Jesus Cantu, father said. “We’re hoping for a miracle. We’re hoping that over the last 11 days his brain healed the way it’s supposed to, so we can get a sign that he’s there waiting to wake up.”

Jesus said the past several days have been emotional, and he’s urging individuals to stop drunk driving.

“Don’t don’t do it,” Jesus said. “Get an Uber. It’s going to save you a lot of money in fines, save you the time of going through court… and having to hurt families like Jen and I.”

At La Quinta High School friends, family, coaches and teammates gathering on the baseball field to send messages of hope and support.

“It’s amazing to see everybody come here and gather for my son,” Jennifer Perez, mother, said.

If you’d like to support the Cantu’s family and Liam’s recovery, visit: https://www.givesendgo.com/LiftedInAlmightyMercy?openShareModal=true.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio held its State of the City address Tuesday, revealing what’s in store for the city the next several years.

News Channel 3 anchor Peter Daut hosted the event, which was at Fantasy Springs Resort and Casino, and spoke with Mayor Glenn Miller.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – It was the wrong kind of pizza party for a man arrested Tuesday in Desert Hot Springs.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department said they’ve been investigating a series of thefts, including one case where roughly 80 frozen pizzas were stolen.

The suspect was taken into custody on Tuesday during a traffic stop. Police said they recovered the tools allegedly used during the crimes, along with narcotics.

Courtesy of Desert Hot Springs Police Department

The suspect, whose name was not released, was booked into jail on several charges.

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City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City officials said today that 600 free tickets will be given away to city residents and ACE Club members for singer Robin Thicke’s performance at this year’s International Balloon Festival.

Thicke’s concert will be held at 7 p.m. Nov. 21 at the Community Amphitheater at 68526 Avenue Lalo Guerrero, on the corner of Cathedral Canyon Drive.   

Officials said 600 free tickets will be available for Cathedral City residents on a first-come, first-serve basis and can be picked up starting at 11 a.m. Nov. 3 through Nov. 20 at the ACE Club inside Agua Caliente Casino, at 68960 E. Palm Canyon Drive.

Residents must produce a valid photo ID with a Cathedral City address, must be 21 or older and must be an ACE Club member at the time of pick-up. The giveaway is limited to one ticket per resident.

The 11th annual festival presented by Agua Caliente Casinos on Nov. 21- 23 will feature colorful hot air balloons, a kids zone, a drone light show and live entertainment.

More information can be found at cchotairballoonfest.com.

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