Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – Academy Award-winning writer and director Martin McDonagh will receive the Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award at the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

McDonagh is being honored for his latest film, Wild Horse Nine, starring John Malkovich, Sam Rockwell, Steve Buscemi, Mariana di Girolamo and Ailín Salas.

The Film Awards will take place on January 7, 2027, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running January 7-18, 2027.

“Martin McDonagh remains one of our most distinctive and original voices in cinema today,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Over the course of his celebrated career, he has built a body of work that is humorous, timely, and morally complex. Wild Horse Nine is another testament to his singular vision, and we are honored to recognize him and his extraordinary film with the Outstanding Achievement in Directing Award.”

Wild Horse Nine follows CIA agents Chris (John Malkovich) and Lee (Sam Rockwell), shortly before the 1973 Chilean coup, as they set out to Easter Island from Santiago, where they are stationed alongside their boss and bureau chief, MJ (Steve Buscemi). Amongst the Island’s iconic statues, as the longtime partners wrestle with their dark pasts and present conspiracies, Chris’s newfound bond with a pair of rebellious students (Mariana di Girolamo and Ailín Salas) threatens to send everyone’s trip to this remote paradise sideways.

McDonagh joins this year’s previously announced honorees The Invite’s Seth Rogen, Olivia Wilde, Penélope Cruz, Edward Norton (Vanguard Award) and Inde Navarette (Rising Star Award). Past director honorees include Jane Campion (The Power of the Dog), Alejandro G. Iñárritu (Babel, Birdman), Greta Gerwig (Barbie), Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave), Sarah Polley (Women Talking), David O. Russell (The Fighter), Quentin Tarantino (Once Upon a Time in Hollywood) and Chloé Zhao (Nomadland).

Martin McDonagh is an award-winning, London-born filmmaker and playwright of Irish descent.

McDonagh first gained attention when he was awarded the Oscar for his short film Six Shooter then wrote and directed the acclaimed features In Bruges, Seven Psychopaths, Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and The Banshees of Inisherin. He has received Academy Award nominations for Best Picture (Three Billboards and Banshees), Best Director (Banshees), and Best Original Screenplay (In Bruges, Three Billboards, and Banshees), and has won six BAFTAs and three Golden Globes, including Best Motion Picture – Drama for Three Billboards.

He is also an accomplished playwright whose works, including The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Lieutenant of Inishmore, The Pillowman, and Hangmen, have been staged in the West End and on Broadway and performed in more than 40 countries. His honors include three Olivier Awards: Best New Comedy for The Lieutenant of Inishmore and Best New Play for both The Pillowman and Hangmen.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing announcements on the film festival.

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Kade Atwood

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Bronny James, the son of NBA superstar LeBron James, could soon be taking the court in the Coachella Valley.

According to ESPN, the Los Angeles Lakers assigned the 22-year-old guard to their NBA G League affiliate, the Coachella Valley Lakers, on Thursday, just one day before the team’s season opener at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert.

News Channel 3 is working to independently confirm the assignment with the Lakers. Yahoo Sports has also announced James’ assignment.

The South Bay Lakers relocated to the Coachella Valley and rebranded ahead of the 2026-27 season. The team will now play its home games at Acrisure Arena, bringing the Lakers’ developmental affiliate to the desert for the first time.

The Coachella Valley Lakers will tip off their inaugural season Friday at home against the Salt Lake City Stars.

The team also enters the season with a new head coach. Alex Cerda takes over for Zack Guthrie, who joined Los Angeles Lakers head coach JJ Redick’s coaching staff.

While James has reportedly been assigned to the team, it remains unclear whether he will play in Friday night’s season opener.

News Channel 3 will provide updates as more information becomes available.

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Garrett Hottle

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) Leonard Abramowitz had just turned 18 the first time he saw the war. His Navy supply ship was pulling into Da Nang in 1969 when, about 300 feet away, a landing ship was loading 300 black body bags.

“That picture of those body bags is drained in my brain,” he said. “I can still see it today.”

Abramowitz, now commander of Bill Huntington VFW Post 3699 in Indio, left high school in New York City to join the Navy at 17. His draft notice arrived four days later, he said. He served as a gunner’s mate on a supply ship feeding the fleet off Vietnam, then on a 32-foot gunboat on the Mekong Delta. Nearly nine months into that tour, rocket-propelled grenades hit the boat. Three days later, he said, he was in a hospital in Sasebo, Japan, with no idea how he got there. Three of the crew did not survive. He spent the next six months in a hospital in Yokosuka, went through 10 surgeries and lost fingers on his right hand. He was 19.

He came home in 1970, in his jungle uniform, through Kennedy Airport. “I was cursed at, spit at,” he said. “Baby killer. Never got appreciated.” It took 35 years, he said, to get his 100% disability rating.

On Sept. 25, after 10 years on a waiting list, Abramowitz and 34 other veterans flew from Los Angeles to Baltimore with Honor Flight Southland, a hub of the national Honor Flight Network, which flies veterans to the memorials built in their honor at no cost to them. Thirty-one on the flight were Vietnam veterans and four served in Korea, Abramowitz said. Each traveled with a volunteer guardian. The group visited Arlington National Cemetery and the World War II, Korean War and Vietnam Veterans memorials, along with the Vietnam Women’s Memorial and Fort McHenry.

At the Wall, Abramowitz did a rubbing of a name for a fellow member of his post. He said he could not bring himself to look for his own guys. “It was just way too hard,” he said. “My guardian said, let’s go do it. I’m with you. I said, I know you’re with me. I know you’re there. I just can’t do it.”

Two hours before the flight home landed, organizers called mail call, and each veteran got an envelope of letters from Orange County schoolchildren. Abramowitz has read four. His wife, Suzy, has read him a few more. When News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle read him a sixth grader’s note saying the friends veterans lose “are still right beside you,” he broke down.

“This is the first time I felt respected and welcomed home,” he said. He plans to put on his uniform and visit the schools to thank the students in person.

Veterans Day is Wednesday, Nov. 11.

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Kiera McKinney

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) —La Quinta High School culinary students spent the week preparing a meal for veterans, active-duty military members and first responders. On Thursday, they served it themselves and had a chance to hear from the people they had cooked for.

The school’s annual Feed the Heroes luncheon took place in its Culinary Arts Building. Students prepared turkey, stuffing, vegetables, homemade bread and pies. The school choir sang the national anthem.

Junior Skylar Kisner helped run the luncheon and sang with the choir. She said one of her favorite parts of the event is hearing veterans talk about their time in the military.

“The story is not just history,” Kisner said. “It’s people’s lives, too.”

For culinary senior Judy Pike, those conversations hit close to home. Her grandfather served in the Air Force and inspired her to serve. Pike said hearing how other veterans got started gave her even more motivation to join.

“I personally want to go into the military after high school,” Pike said.

One of the guests, Navy veteran Bob Wendler, said students approached him to ask about the dog he brought to lunch. Their questions gave him a chance to talk about his time as a dog handler in Vietnam.

“This dog was actually named after the dog that I served in Vietnam with,” Wendler said.

Culinary arts teacher David Wood said the school has held the luncheon for more than 10 years. One of his favorite parts is seeing some of the same veterans come back each year.

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Raymond Kalra

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands of visitors are expected in downtown Palm Springs this weekend for the city’s 40th annual Pride celebration, and local businesses are taking additional precautions to keep employees and customers safe.

From increased security personnel to bag checks and crowd control, business owners along Arenas Road say they’re prepared for one of their busiest weekends of the year.

Despite the large crowds expected, three business owners who spoke with News Channel 3 on Thursday said they feel confident about the security measures in place.

Their reassurance comes just days after a violent incident at a downtown Palm Springs parking garage, which police say was isolated and does not pose an ongoing threat to the community.

Businesses prepare for crowds with additional security

At Chill Bar along Arenas Road, owner Randy Carmen said his business is bringing in a team of at least 14 security personnel to help manage the crowds throughout Pride weekend.

Carmen said security is a top priority, with staff checking bags and conducting additional screenings of guests entering the venue.

The business is also taking steps to prevent overcrowding, keep walkways and exits clear, and monitor alcohol consumption.

Carmen said one of his biggest concerns during an event of this size is ensuring the business does not exceed its capacity and that guests consume alcohol responsibly.

He added that businesses throughout the Arenas District have been coordinating with one another, as well as the Palm Springs Police and Fire departments, ahead of the celebration.

At Blackbook, owner Dean Lavine said Pride weekend brings an enormous increase in business.

Lavine estimated his establishment could see five to six times its typical daily business volume during the celebration.

To prepare, Blackbook is positioning security personnel at entrances and throughout the establishment, training staff and carefully managing capacity.

Lavine said the coordination between local businesses and law enforcement is not limited to Pride weekend.

“We’re always meeting all year. This is not just a Pride thing in the Arenas District,” Lavine said. “As an LGBTQ business, we are always working with the police department and the city to make sure we maintain the safest area possible.”

He credited the city’s police and fire departments, Pride organizers and local merchants for working together to prepare for the event.

Lavine also expressed confidence in the city’s security preparations, describing Palm Springs Pride as one of the safest celebrations of its kind.

Safety extends beyond the Arenas District

Businesses outside the heart of the Arenas District are also preparing for the crowds.

At Bongo Johnny’s, owner Mark Hewitt said his restaurant expects increased activity because of its location near the end of the Pride parade route and the beginning of the festival area.

Although the restaurant is not directly involved in organizing Pride events, Hewitt said his team is bringing in additional help to manage guests, particularly those hoping to watch the parade from the restaurant’s patio.

Hewitt said he feels confident about the police presence and communication leading up to the weekend.

“I feel good, I feel safe,” Hewitt said.

He added that Palm Springs’ welcoming atmosphere and the support of neighboring businesses provide an additional sense of security.

“That brings its own security blanket for you, knowing that your neighbors are here with you,” Hewitt said.

Hewitt encouraged visitors to be mindful of their surroundings, monitor their alcohol consumption and look out for one another throughout the weekend.

Palm Springs Police prepare for major deployment

The Palm Springs Police Department says it is preparing a significant deployment of personnel for Pride weekend.

Acting Captain Michael Torres told News Channel 3 the department will have uniformed officers and tactical teams available throughout the celebration, along with contingency plans in the event of an emergency.

“We’re all prepared now. We have all hands on deck,” Torres said. “We’re going to have multiple teams available. Our tactical teams will be available.”

Torres said the department’s preparation involves personnel from across the organization, including civilian staff.

The department has also been working closely with local businesses to coordinate preparations and promote responsible alcohol consumption during the festivities.

Torres encouraged visitors to remain aware of their surroundings and immediately contact police if they notice suspicious activity.

Police address recent downtown parking garage incident

The increased security preparations come just days after a violent incident at a downtown Palm Springs parking structure.

Torres told News Channel 3 the incident stemmed from an altercation between individuals earlier in the evening that later resumed at the parking garage.

Police say detectives investigated the incident and made an arrest Wednesday.

According to Torres, investigators believe the confrontation was isolated, and police do not believe there is any additional threat to the community connected to the incident.

“No, no, no, we’re not concerned at all,” Torres said when asked whether the incident raised additional safety concerns ahead of Pride. “Once again, isolated.”

Torres said the department is looking forward to a safe and successful Pride weekend.

A celebration of community and safety

As Palm Springs marks 40 years of Pride celebrations, local business owners say their preparations are about more than managing large crowds.

For many, the weekend represents an opportunity to celebrate the city’s LGBTQ community while creating an environment where visitors feel welcome and protected.

Carmen said ensuring people feel safe is essential to the spirit of the celebration.

“To be proud is to be free,” Carmen said.

Hewitt, whose restaurant is also celebrating its 20th anniversary, said Pride is one of his favorite times of the year because it brings both visitors and residents together.

Lavine encouraged people to enjoy the weekend while remaining vigilant.

“Everybody has worked extremely hard to make it as safe as possible,” Lavine said. “Vigilance is important to all of us and we think you’ll have a blast.”

Palm Springs Police are reminding visitors to celebrate responsibly, plan for safe transportation, remain aware of their surroundings and report suspicious activity.

With approximately 220,000 people expected in downtown Palm Springs this weekend, police are increasing their presence throughout the Pride celebration, with tactical teams available if needed.

Officials say a stabbing in a downtown parking garage last weekend appears to have been an isolated incident, with no additional threats to the community. Several road closures will also be in effect, including Arenas Road, which will be pedestrian-only, and portions of Palm Canyon Drive and Highway 111 for Sunday’s Pride parade.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, allow extra travel time and expect limited parking near the festival.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, with a new event designed to bring even more people into the heart of downtown.

For the first time, the celebration will include a Walkabout, inviting visitors to explore local businesses along Arenas Road.

Merchants are joining in by hosting special events and activities inside their businesses, giving visitors another way to experience the festivities while supporting local businesses.

Mark Callaghan, owner of Dick’s on Arenas Road, is among the business owners participating in the celebration.

Organizers say the goal is to bring the community together and highlight the local businesses that help make Palm Springs unique.

A Ferris wheel is also set up at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road as part of the anniversary festivities.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs City Council has appointed Michael McCulloch to the Mount San Jacinto Winter Park Authority (MSJWPA), the governing body of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway.

McCulloch returns to the MSJWPA after previously serving in the same capacity from 2008 to 2015. He also served as a member of the Palm Springs City Council from 2003 to 2007.

Professionally, he is a certified public accountant and worked in the accounting industry from 1987 to 2021, including as partner at several firms.

“Returning to the Tramway feels like coming home. As a life-long hiker, I have always had a great affection for Mt. San Jacinto, having hiked to the peak multiple times. Now, I am happy to—once again—contribute to the Tramway’s ongoing success,” McCulloch said.

Two members of the Authority are appointed by the Palm Springs City Council, two by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and three by the California Governor. The second City appointee is Nancy Stuart; the County appointees are Jonathan Hoy and Giovanni Virgen; and the State appointees are Brian Conley, Sandra Magana-Cuellar and Jeff Ohlfs.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 900 Palm Springs Unified students and their families received a helping hand Wednesday night at the annual “Shoes for Students” event.

The Foundation for PSUSD partnered with student services to provide new Vans shoes for students while connecting families with valuable community resources, including health services, free books, educational programs, and fresh food assistance.

Organizers said the event has grown from a simple shoe giveaway to a one-stop resource fair designed to help students and families succeed both in and out of the classroom.

“We’ve been so impressed by how the community has stepped up for our young scholars,” said Eliza Stern, Board Director with The Foundation for PSUSD and co-chair of Shoes for Students. “Denise Petty and I developed this concept with Student Services. What started as a way to help students feel confident and focus on academics, rather than on tattered, ill-fitting shoes, has blossomed into an event that shows how much we can support the entire family throughout the year. As a former teacher, I know academic success starts in the classroom, but students can easily be distracted by so many outside forces. A big part of achievement is health, safety, security and community — and being able to open students’ eyes for ways they can make their world better.”

Denise Petty, co-chair of Shoes for Students and Foundation Board Director, noted that 92% of their students are living at or below the poverty line.

“To move the needle for this next generation and change that statistic, we need everyone to step up,” Petty said.

Shoes for Students donors include The Coeta and Donald Barker Foundation, Bighorn Cares, the Vista Las Palmas Neighborhood Organization and Bloom in the Desert Ministries

Click here for more on the Foundation for PSUSD

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — Denise Delgado continues to lead the race for Coachella mayor as election officials work to count the remaining ballots.

Delgado has held the lead since the first batch of election results was released Tuesday night. She is running against incumbent Mayor Frank Figueroa, Jesus Gonzalez and Francisco Molina.

Speaking with News Channel 3, Delgado said she is excited and grateful for the support she has received so far, while acknowledging that more votes still need to be counted.

“We’re very excited and we’re very humbled by what we’ve seen in just the first update. Obviously there’s more to come, but at the very least for the first turnout we’re very excited and grateful for residents who came out and voted and cast ballots for me,” Delgado said.

Figueroa, who is seeking another term, said he remains optimistic and is waiting to see how ballots cast on Election Day could affect the results.

“Usually Coachella votes the day of and so we’re looking at where are those numbers. I’m hoping with the new count we’ll get a better, clear picture of where things are. For me it’s staying optimistic. I’m here for the ride,” Figueroa said.

The mayoral race comes after a year of change in Coachella, including the resignation of former Mayor Steven Hernandez and community debate over the proposed data center project.

Figueroa also pointed to the city’s recent controversies as issues that brought more residents into the political conversation.

“For a lot of people it was the turbulent time we had in our city. A lot of the people that came for the data center items but also people who also saw they wanted to make their voices heard… a lot of younger votes, turnout,” he said.

Residents are also watching the results closely. One Coachella resident told News Channel 3 that the top three candidates remain close and hopes the final count reflects the community’s wishes.

“We’re crossing our fingers that the decision Coachella makes will be the right one,” one resident said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO (CNS) – A 38-year-old man accused of stabbing a motorist in a Palm Springs parking garage was charged today with premeditated attempted murder.

Francisco Elias Jr. of Bermuda Dunes was arrested Wednesday following a three-day Palm Springs Police Department investigation.

Elias, who is being held in lieu of $1 million bail at the Benoit Detention Center, was slated to make his initial court appearance Friday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

According to police, shortly after 1 a.m. Sunday, the defendant and victim, identified only as a local man, were involved in an unspecified conflict that went unresolved, culminating in another altercation minutes later in a downtown parking structure at 275 S. Indian Canyon Drive.

“During the second altercation, the suspect produced a knife and stabbed the victim,” according to a PSPD statement. “The victim sustained stab wounds to his neck and upper torso.”

Elias fled the scene immediately afterward, authorities alleged.

First responders arrived at the parking garage within minutes and found the victim in critical condition.

He was taken to nearby Desert Regional Medical Center, where he was treated and stabilized. He’s expected to recover.

“During the investigation, officers obtained a description of the suspect and determined that he had fled the scene in a white Mercedes-Benz,” the police department stated.

That clue led to identification of Elias as the alleged perpetrator, and an arrest warrant was obtained. On Wednesday afternoon, officers located the defendant on Calle Rosarita at the north end of La Quinta, where he was taken into custody without incident.

He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

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