Author: KESQ

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A new public art installation on the Fred Waring Bridge near Madison Street in Indio is turning heads after going viral on social media.

The artwork, which creates a flipbook-style optical illusion as drivers pass by, features a series of images that appear to move. Many residents say they’re impressed by the creativity and vibrancy it brings to the area.

“I enjoy it. I like the colors. I like how it moves like a 40s, 30s motion picture… It makes it look nice. That way no one can graffiti on it.”

Henry Barringer, Indio Resident

But while many are praising the new addition, others are expressing concern that the mural could be distracting for drivers. Some social media comments have even suggested it might lead to accidents near nearby intersections.

When asked about the safety concerns, the City of Indio — in a statement to News Channel 3 — said the installation does not pose a danger to drivers:

“The mural was designed and installed with great care and consideration. While the artwork adds color and character to the community, it is not considered a distraction for drivers, whose first and primary responsibility should always be to remain focused on the road.

This installation is no more visually prominent than many of the billboards, murals, and public art pieces that line our streets and highways throughout the Coachella Valley. Like those, it serves to enhance the visual landscape without impeding safe driving practices.”

Nearby residents echo that message.

“Eyes on the road… It’s usually mellow going through that area. Eventually people will get used to it and they won’t even look at it anymore.”

Henry Barringer, Indio Resident

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Sunline Transit Agency will offer free fares on Election Day this Tuesday.

All fares will be free on Routes 1–9.

“Whether you’re heading to the polls, running errands, or just enjoying a breezy ride around town, we’ve got you covered. No cash? No problem! Just hop on and enjoy the ride,” the agency wrote on social media.

Click here for more on the Sunline Transit Agency

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Athena Jreij

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — On their final day of Red Ribbon Week, La Quinta Middle School is scaring off drugs and continuing a decades-long campaign against teen drug use.

The school spirit week began Monday, where students were encouraged to wear as much red as possible for the ‘We are REDy to say NO to drugs,” day.

Today, students are encouraged to wear their best Halloween costume, but administrators and student leaders say there’s a deeper meaning behind the spirit days.

“Stay substance-free, drug-free and alcohol-free because, that’s like the best lifestyle to live honestly. We want we want that for all of our students,” Harper Moyer said.

“It’s not just the spirit week. It’s more learning about something and how we can prevent drugs and alcohol use,” Ava Lopez said.

Since 1985, Red Ribbon Week has educated students on the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

It’s a decades-old tradition students are keeping relevant with new methods each year.

“We have our dress up days, like ‘scare off drugs’ or ‘lei off drugs’ for different days and we also have our pledge where we encourage all of our staff and students to sign. Then they get a certificate that reminds them of their commitment to say no to drugs,” Anni Lopez said.

That message rings true in the Coachella Valley as fentanyl-related overdoses continue to claim lives.

In 2020, 95% of all overdose deaths among 15 through 19-year-olds involved fentanyl. Riverside County found between 2016 and 2020, 56 teenagers died from overdoses, 25% or 14 of which were from the Coachella Valley.

There were also 168-drug related emergency visits every year from that same age group, according to the county.

Students and administrators at La Quinta Middle say peer pressure is still present and strong.

“A lot of that peer pressure starts even in middle school and goes on into high school and college. We’re teaching if you are pressured, learning to stand up for yourself and stand up for others, and to say no and do what’s right,” Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate said.

It’s a message they say will carry on beyond Red Ribbon Week.

For more information on Red Ribbon Week celebrations across the country, visit: https://www.redribbon.org/.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds beat the San Diego Gulls 4-3 in overtime to secure their first home win of the season.

Tyson Jugnauth’s first AHL goal, coming inside the final minute of overtime, and Victor Ostman’s 42 saves lifted the Firebirds to the win. 

The Firebirds netted two goals in an 11-second span to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. John Hayden put home a feed from Caden Price to make it a 1-0 game at 4:12 of the first period, which was quickly followed up by a Logan Morrison goal, set up by Lleyton Roed, for his team-leading fourth of the season.

The game was Roed’s first appearance with the Firebirds since April 9th. Matthew Phillips cut Coachella Valley’s lead in half with an unassisted goal at 11:18 of the first period.

The 2-1 lead lasted until the third period when Justin Bailey’s breakaway goal tied the game for San Diego and Yegor Sidorov’s go-ahead strike came just 2:24 later to put the Gulls ahead.

JR Avon ripped a shot over the shoulder of Gulls’ goaltender Calle Clang to pull the Firebirds even. Avon’s first goal with Coachella Valley was assisted by Kaden Hammell and Mitchell Stephens and came with 5:07 left in regulation. The game needed overtime to decide a winner.

Oscar Molgaard was sprung on a 3-on-2 rush into the offensive zone and found Tyson Jugnauth coming down the slot. Jugnauth’s shot hit Clang’s glove then ricocheted off the skate of Matthew Phillips into the back of the net, sealing a 4-3 win for Coachella Valley.

Victor Ostman made 42 saves on 45 shots to pick up his second win of the season as the Firebirds’ record moves to 3-3-1-0 to begin the 2025-26 season. 

Coachella Valley finished game 0-for-1 on the powerplay and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. The Firebirds were outshot by the Gulls 45-22. 

The Firebirds continue their homestand for Dia De Los Muertos Night, presented by Verizon, this Saturday, November 1st. Get to the game early and get a Los Firebirds poncho, enjoy theme night celebrations, food and drink specials, specialty jerseys, and more! Puck drop is set for 6pm PT. Click HERE to get your tickets now!

Fans are encouraged to secure $20 parking by purchasing in advance through the ParkWhiz app. Parking rates will increase on the day of the game.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands were out in downtown Palm Springs for a special Halloween VillageFest Thursday night.

The night was filled with activities, including the haunted Sunline bus, where attendees walked through a spooky maze of frightening characters.

Visitors of all ages dressed their best for the fun Halloween preview that also featured a costume contest, photo opportunities, and dozens of vendors.

The Halloween fun doesn’t stop Thursday. The Arenas District will host its annual Halloween block party from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Innovating artificial intelligence ‘AI’, was the message of College of the Desert’s State of the College Thursday evening.

COD President/Superintendent Val Martinez Garcia says the college is excited for the next year as they break ground on COD Palm Springs, a place where he says ‘AI’ education will flourish.

‘There’s a fear that AI is going to take over the world. It’s not, it’s a tool that we can harness and use, much like the internet was a very disruptive technology, two decades ago. Now, we believe it’s the same for AI. So we’re at a moment where we can really harness that energy, bring all of our smart people together, create some programs. More importantly, prepare our students for tomorrow,” Martinez Garcia said.

Dozens of leaders from across the Coachella Valley attended the event at the Thompson Hotel in Downtown Palm Springs.

It featured interactive AI photo booths and an AI digital model of the Superintendent that hosted part of the night.

AI short films created by COD students showcasing the future of COD in 2075, were also presented.

Joel Kinnamon, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Desert Community College District, says they’re already working with local innovators to create AI courses.

“We have members in the community that are from Silicon Valley that are here, that are assisting, partnering with us so that we have programing that is going to be really something unique for our students and preparing them and ways for this as this technology emerges,” Kinnamon said.

COD Palm Springs broke ground November of 2024 and construction is currently in progress.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Businessman Mark Walter — who already owns part of the Dodgers, Sparks and Chelsea Football Club — has finalized a $10 billion purchase of the Lakers, the team announced today following unanimous approval of the deal by the NBA Board of Governors.

“The Los Angeles Lakers are one of the most iconic franchises in all of sports, defined by a history of excellence and the relentless pursuit of greatness,” Walter said in a statement. “Few teams carry the legacy and global influence of the Lakers, and it’s a privilege to work alongside Jeanie Buss as we maintain that excellence and set the standard for success in this new era, both on and off the court.”

Buss, the team’s previous controlling owner, will remain governor of the Lakers and continue to oversee day-to-day operations for the foreseeable future.”  

“Over the past decade, I have come to know Mark well — first as a businessman, then as a friend and now as a colleague,” Buss said in a statement. “He has demonstrated time and time again his commitment to bringing championships to Los Angeles, and, on behalf of Lakers fans everywhere, I am beyond excited about what our future has in store.”   

Buss confirmed in June that the team was being sold to Walter, pending league approval.  

Walter has been a minority owner of the Lakers since 2021. He is chairman and CEO of TWG Global, a diversified holding company.   

Jerry Buss purchased the Lakers in 1979 for $67.5 million in a deal that also included the NHL’s Kings and The Forum. Buss sold his controlling interest in the Kings in 1988 and what is now Kia Forum in 1999. Following his death in 2013, Lakers ownership passed to his children, with Jeanie Buss serving as team governor ever since.   

The Lakers have thrived under the Buss family’s leadership, becoming one of the most storied franchises in sports. They’ve captured 11 NBA championships during that span, including a three-peat from 2000 to 2002 under coach Phil Jackson and star guard Kobe Bryant, and most recently won a title in 2020.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE (KESQ) – Pretrial motions are slated to begin Monday ahead of jury selection for the trial of three convicted felons accused of gunning down a 24-year-old man after carjacking him and his girlfriend in Riverside.   

Trezell Lamone Heckard, 30, of Vallejo, Qevon Xavier Harvey, 27, of Desert Hot Springs and Anthony Antoine Wright, 33, of Indio are accused in the 2022 slaying of Benjamin Chanes of Riverside.

The trio are all charged with first-degree murder, two counts each of carjacking and kidnapping and one count of burglary, along with special-circumstance allegations of killing in the course of a robbery, killing in the course of a kidnapping and killing in the course of a burglary.

Wright is additionally charged with being a felon in possession of a firearm and sentence-enhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.   

Their co-defendant, Kahlin Cynque Erwin, 30, of Pittsburgh, in Contra Costa County, pleaded guilty last year to kidnapping and is due for sentencing in January. He’s free on a $55,000 bond and may testify for the prosecution.   

Harvey and Wright are each being held without bail at the Robert Presley Jail, while Heckard is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility.

According to an arrest warrant declaration filed by the Riverside Police Department, on the afternoon of March 6, 2022, Chanes and his girlfriend, identified in documents only as “N.D.,” were returning to Riverside from Los Angeles in her vehicle, with the victim at the wheel, when they came to a stop sign in an unfamiliar area after exiting the freeway and were immediately approached by one of the defendants, allegedly wielding a handgun.

“The Black male approached the driver’s side and ordered Benjamin out at gunpoint,” the affidavit stated.  

Chanes complied, at which point “an additional three Black males told (N.D.) to get out of the car, and they took her to another waiting vehicle and told her to keep her head down. She did what she was told.”

The woman later told Robbery-Homicide Unit detectives that Chanes was seated in her car, while she was forced to drive with several of the other defendants in their vehicle, a 2011 Chevrolet Impala. The trip lasted 15 minutes, after which both vehicles were parked outside the Boulder Creek Apartment Complex on Iowa Avenue, according to the declaration.   

Police alleged the defendants then hustled Chanes and N.D. into the victim’s apartment, pushing the woman into the closet, then demanding to know from Chanes “where the money was” kept inside the residence. For about 10 minutes, the defendants ransacked the apartment, with N.D. in the closet, unable to see where her boyfriend was being held, the affidavit alleged.   

Chanes abruptly bolted from the apartment when the men were distracted, but they immediately gave chase, according to police.   

While he was attempting to run away, Wright allegedly opened fire on the victim, inflicting multiple gunshots to his back, causing Chanes to collapse on the sidewalk, according to the affidavit.

The young man died a short time later at Riverside Community Hospital.   

The defendants fled in the woman’s vehicle, leaving behind their own Chevy sedan, police alleged.

N.D. emerged from her captivity in the closet and called 911 moments after the gunfire. She was not injured.   

Detectives gathered fingerprint and other evidence from the Chevy, leading them to one of the defendants’ social media accounts, during which revelations about the shooting ultimately came to light, according to the affidavit.

The men were arrested at different times over an 18-month span.   

Their prior convictions were not listed in court documents.

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Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two adults and two children were displaced after a fire at a home in Thousand Palms Thursday afternoon.

The fire was reported at approximately 3:15 p.m. on the 31000 Block of Date Garden Drive.

“Firefighters are on-scene of a single-story, single family dwelling with fire. The fire was contained at 3:43 p.m.” reads a post by CAL FIRE.

Resources were expected to remain on-scene until around 6:45 p.m.

The Red Cross was requested to assist with the displaced people. No injuries were reported.

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Cynthia White

 PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is sharing the tribe’s culture and history with community members and visitors this weekend at its seventh annual Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market.

 The educational cultural event runs from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, November 1st at Palm Springs High School, presented by the Tribe in partnership with the City of Palm Springs and the Palm Springs Unified School District.

Admission is free and there are many activities scheduled throughout the day for participants of all ages. Free tickets can be reserved at aguacaliente.org/kewet. 

Agua Caliente Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich, Palm Springs Unified Superintendent of Schools Dr. Marcus Funchess, and Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte will welcome guests at the center stage at 10:00 a.m. 

Kewet, the Cahuilla word for fiesta, will feature bird singers and dancers, demonstrations, and hands-on activities such as basket weaving, beading, gourd rattle making, and traditional games. There will also be food and a Native American Market. 

Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich says, “This learning day provides an opportunity for us to share our culture and history with neighbors and surrounding communities.”

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is interwoven in the community with its reservation spanning in a checkerboard fashion throughout Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and areas of unincorporated Riverside County. 

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