Author: KESQ

Gavin Nguyen

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – Conservation groups are asking visitors to leave no trace in Joshua Tree National Park as the park continues to be impacted by the effects of the government shutdown.

The Mojave Desert Land Trust (MDLT) is a nonprofit in Joshua Tree that works to protect the desert landscape. Ahead of the shutdown, a big concern from locals was that irresponsible visitors to the park could damage the landscape, which happened during the last shutdown at the end of 2018.

So far, the organization told News Channel 3 that there have been no reports of damage. “Visitors are being asked to follow Leave No Trace principles and to always recreate responsibly,” said a spokesperson with MDLT.

The organization took to social media with the same message last week.

News Channel 3 is speaking with MDLT and other organizations in the area as the shutdown approaches the one week mark. Stay with us for the latest.

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City News Service

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – A federal judge has blocked President Donald Trump’s order to send hundreds of California National Guard troops to Portland to replace troops from Oregon’s National Guard after the same judge blocked that deployment.

U.S. District Judge Karin Immergut, an appointee of Trump’s from his first term, said the order basically flouted her original ruling from Saturday, in which she shot down the president’s argument that crime in Portland was out of control and necessitated a federal response.

“How could bringing in federalized National Guard from California not be in direct contravention of the TRO that I issued yesterday?” she asked an attorney from the U.S. Justice Department.

Immergut said the order violated a federal statute and the Tenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which divides power between the federal government and the states.

The ruling also prevents the use of troops from any other state in Oregon.   

Gov. Gavin Newsom, who challenged Trump’s order in court, celebrated the ruling.

“BREAKING: We just won in court — again,” Newsom posted Sunday on X. “A federal judge BLOCKED Donald Trump’s unlawful attempt to DEPLOY 300 OF OUR NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS TO PORTLAND.

“The court granted our request for a Temporary Restraining Order — HALTING ANY FEDERALIZATION, RELOCATION, OR DEPLOYMENT of ANY GUARD MEMBERS TO OREGON FROM ANY STATE.

“Trump’s abuse of power won’t stand.”   

Earlier this year, Trump deployed California National Guard troops to Los Angeles to help protect federal facilities after violence broke out in June in response to the administration’s crackdown on illegal immigration. That move was assailed as unnecessary and provocative by Newsom and top Democratic officials in Los Angeles, including Mayor Karen Bass, and is also being challenged in court.

The troops ordered to Portland were part of that Los Angeles deployment.   

Newsom had said the number of troops ordered to Portland was 300.   

“At the direction of the president, approximately 200 federalized members of the California National Guard are being reassigned from duty in the greater Los Angeles area to Portland, Oregon,” Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said before Sunday’s ruling.  

Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek said Sunday that about 100 California Guard troops had already arrived in Oregon and more were on the way.   

Trump ordered Oregon’s guard troops to Portland on Sept. 28 to help local law enforcement amid what he has described as a serious crime wave in that city. Local officials disputed the accuracy of that assessment, and on Saturday Immergut agreed, saying the city has seen relatively minor street protests that did not rise to the level of urgency characterized by Trump.   

“President Trump exercised his lawful authority to protect federal assets and personnel in Portland following violent riots and attacks on law enforcement — we expect to be vindicated by a higher court,” White House spokeswoman Abigail Jackson said over the weekend.

White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller called Sunday’s ruling “one of the most egregious and thunderous violations of constitutional order we have ever seen. There is no legal distinction between a state volunteering guardsmen to guard the border and volunteering guardsmen to guard a federal immigration facility.”

Miller added. “Either we have a federal government, a supremacy clause, and a nation, or we don’t.”

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María García

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — A three-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 10 is causing delays in Palm Springs.

The wreck happened just before 7:00 a.m., west of Palm Drive and Gene Autry Trail. According to early reports, two trucks, one hauling a trailer, and a white sedan were involved in the collision.

The left lane of eastbound I-10 is currently shut down, leading to a backup of at least one mile. Westbound traffic is moving normally at this time.

There’s no word yet on any injuries, and emergency crews remain on scene.

Stay with News Channel 3 for new updates.

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María García

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — A driver was rescued after a violent crash left their car overturned along Highway 111 in Palm Desert on Sunday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 111 and San Luis Rey, in front of the Tower Market.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said there were no injuries. One witness told News Channel 3 that they believe the car’s airbags likely saved the driver’s life.

During their investigation, deputies learned of a possible third vehicle involved, which had left the location prior to their arrival.

No arrests have been made in connection with the collision. The investigation remains ongoing.

Stay with News Channel 3 for new updates.

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Allie Anthony

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Today, county election offices will begin mailing ballots to registered voters for the upcoming special election. Proposition 50, a controversial redistricting measure, would temporarily strip the state’s independent redistricting commission of its power. It would shift that authority to the state legislature for the next three congressional elections.

Governor Gavin Newsom, who authored and is the leading proponent of Prop 50, introduced the measure in response to a partisan redistricting push by Republicans in Texas. If passed, the legislature would take over drawing district lines, effectively suspending California’s independent process through 2032. A “No” vote would keep the commission in place.

Ballots for the November 4, 2025, special statewide election are being mailed today to registered voters. To ensure your vote counts, ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.

The latest Emerson College poll shows 51% of voters currently support Proposition 50, indicating a closely watched outcome ahead.

For voters in Riverside County, a full list of in-person voting locations can be found here.

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Timothy Foster

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – Nearly two years after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, members of the Coachella Valley’s Jewish community came together Sunday to honor the victims and show support for those still affected by the ongoing conflict.

The Jewish Federation of the Desert hosted a community-wide memorial service at a Palm Desert temple, drawing residents, faith leaders, and civic officials from across the valley.

The event marked the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack that left thousands dead and ignited a war that continues today. Organizers said the ceremony served as both a memorial and a message of hope.

“This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, to honor the memories of those we’ve lost, and to offer hope and support in these difficult times,” said Danny Labin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of the Desert.

Federation leaders say the tragedy continues to impact Jewish communities around the world. The organization has joined other Jewish federations across the U.S. and Canada that have collectively raised more than $1 billion to support those affected in Israel.

Arnie Gillman, president of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, said the memorial was meant to bring people together in faith and solidarity.

“This is a community memorial — we wanted everyone to come together as one, to pray for those still kidnapped, and to support the families who are suffering,” Gillman said.

The Palm Desert ceremony is one of many similar events taking place nationwide, as communities remember the victims of the Hamas attack and continue to hope for peace in the region.

Organizers say they plan to hold a remembrance every year, keeping alive the message of unity, healing, and hope.

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Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – Travis Barker, drummer for Blink-182, traded drumsticks for running shoes on Sunday as he hosted the “Run Travis Run,” 5K at Civic Center Park.

Barker told News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson his goal is to get people moving.

“It’s really just about bringing the community together,” Barker said. “Getting everyone together and being active, whether you’re walking, even if you just come out and watch music or say what’s up. That’s what it’s about.”

Dozens attended and supporters said it was exciting running alongside the legendary musician.

“I think I did my best PR today, which was 19 something,” Barker said. “I think I came in 3rd or 4th place. That’s big for me.”

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Isaiah Mora

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station arrested two suspects accused of burglarizing two homes across Palm Desert.

On August 20, around 8:00 a.m., deputies responded to the reports of a residential burglary at a new housing development located on the 73300 block of Warhol Lane. Upon arrival, deputies were able to determine one of the model homes had been burglarized. The Palm Desert Station’s Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the investigation. After an investigation, deputies obtained a vehicle description and identified the suspect as a 49-year-old resident of Hemet.

On Friday, October 3, the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team located a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s in a new home development located in the 74000 block of Becker Street in Palm Desert. Deputies conducted a vehicle check, during which they detained two suspects. They were later identified as the 49-year-old from Hemet and a 26-year-old resident of Banning.

During the investigation, deputies located multiple residential electrical circuit breakers in their possession. Deputies confirmed the items had been stolen from the housing development.

Both of the suspects were transported and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for numerous charges. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Pouchoulen of the Palm Desert Station at (760)- 836-1600.

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Athena Jreij

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – ‘Pride Under the Pines’ painted the small mountain town of Idyllwild rainbow on Saturday.

In it’s fifth year, the event celebrated people of all identities living out loud, with live performances, drag, activism and fellowship.

Organizers say this year’s event drew 700-800 attendees, bringing a big boom in business for Idyllwild’s shops. Many say it’s one of the largest events of the year.

Neils Kosman, event organizer, says attendees from across the world visited this year, with several from Alaska, Ireland and Dublin.

Pride Under the Pines first began in 2021 when Kosman and his partner traveled up to Idyllwild and noticed a large gay community, but no formal ‘Pride’ events.

Tune in tonight at 10 and 11 p.m. for a look at the celebrations and why organizers say it matters this year more than ever.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert and United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire hosted a fall carnival and resource fair for Coachella Valley families.

Both organizations have a focus on providing resources for health, mobility, independence and social inclusion of people with disabilities throughout communities. This year, they decided to host the fall carnival in Cathedral City for the first time to hopefully reach new families who are unaware of resources available to them.

Officials say many people lack awareness for resources, and the fair is to ensure they understand what’s available and build a sense of community with each other.

The fall carnival will provide inclusive activities and games, face painting, balloon creations and food. Families will all get a chance to meet with vendors for additional community resource information.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from parents on how events like this have impacted their children’s lives and built a sense of community.

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