Author: KESQ

Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Prosecutors will not file criminal charges in connection with the Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade crash that injured at least 10 people in December 2024, the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office confirmed this week.

The case involved Palm Springs police motorcycle officer Ken Merenda, who lost control of his bike and struck spectators along North Palm Canyon Drive. An internal review later found Merenda and other officers attempted an unapproved stunt just before the crash.

In a statement to News Channel 3, a spokesperson with the Riverside County Disitrict Attorney’s Office said: “Our office did not file criminal charges in this case. The investigation did not show that this was a criminal matter, and it is instead being handled through the civil process. Because it is a civil matter, it will be handled outside of the District Attorney’s Office.”

The California Highway Patrol investigated the crash and turned its findings over to prosecutors earlier this year. Merenda, who was also injured, remains on leave. Palm Springs police say they have since implemented new safety measures, including a 15 mph speed cap for vehicles in parades and hiring a full-time special events supervisor.

Attorneys representing multiple victims have already signaled plans to move forward with lawsuits against the city. A legal group representing 15 victims confirmed their intent to file to News Channel 3 in an interview 2 weeks ago.

The crash temporarily sidelined PSPD’s motorcycle unit, though it has since been reinstated.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte is inviting the community to a town hall on Wednesday, Oct. 8.

The meeting will be held from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the City Council Chambers (3200 E Tahquitz Canyon Way).

According to the city, the forum will provide community members with a direct channel to address concerns, ask questions about neighborhood-specific issues, and contribute ideas for the City’s future.

In addition, deHarte will outline recent achievements, current challenges facing Palm Springs, and his vision for continued growth and improvement. Everyone is invited to attend.

No registration is required. There will be free parking available at City Hall.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County Suicide Prevention Coalition hosted its annual conference on Thursday at the Palm Springs Convention Center. The event had a focus on postvention—providing support after a suicide loss. This year’s theme centers on helping communities, schools, and emergency responders respond with compassion and resilience.

Riverside County reported 266 confirmed suicide deaths in 2024. The Suicide Prevention Coalition, created in 2020, works year-round to raise awareness, offer training, and promote collaboration across health care, education, and public safety to address the ongoing mental health crisis.

The conference will offer breakout sessions, access to local resources, and best practices for handling grief and trauma. Attendees will gain tools to strengthen support systems in both professional and personal settings. Sessions are designed to improve community response and reduce the risk of future suicides through education and connection.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Passes for the 2026 Stagecoach Music Festival went on sale today — with Cody Johnson, Lainey Wilson and Post Malone headlining.   

Passes went on sale at 11 a.m. Thursday, starting at $579 for general admission.  

The three-day festival will take place April 24-26 at Empire Polo Club, 81-800 51st Ave.

Johnson will headline the festival’s Friday opening night, backed by acts including Bailey Zimmerman, Red Clay Strays, Counting Crows, Ella Langley and Sam Barber.

Wilson will headline Saturday night, with Riley Green, Journey, Little Big Town, Bush Gavin Adcock and Teddy Swims among the performers set to perform that day.

Post Malone will be the wrap-up headliner on Sunday, with the day’s lineup also including Brooks & Dunn, Hootie and the Blowfish, Third Eye Blind and Wyatt Flores.

Also expected to make late-night appearances during the event are Diplo, Pitbull and Ludacris.

For more information, or to buy a pass, visit stagecoachfestival.com/passes/.

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City News Service

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Five 18-year-old men suspected of weapons violations during a traffic enforcement stop in Coachella were taken into custody, authorities announced today.  

Deputies from the Thermal Sheriff’s Station conducted the traffic stop around 10:35 p.m. Tuesday near Highway 86 and Avenue 50, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Five occupants were identified during the investigation — four from Indio, along with a Coachella resident.

Sheriff’s officials said all five suspects were arrested and booked in the John Benoit Detention Center on possession of firearms and conspiracy.   

Further investigation during the arrest led deputies to a handgun, rifle, and ammunition.

The case remains under investigation, with no additional details provided.   

Anyone with additional information was urged to contact Thermal Sheriff’s Station Deputy Beltran at 760-863-8990.

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Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) The Riverside County Registrar of Voters will conduct public testing of its voting system Thursday, Oct. 2, ahead of the Nov. 4 statewide special election.

The “logic and accuracy” test is meant to ensure ballots are properly processed and tallied. Staff will run ballots marked with selections for every measure through the system, then check results for accuracy.

The event begins at 10 a.m. at the Registrar of Voters office, 2724 Gateway Drive in Riverside. Members of the public are invited to observe.

Officials say the testing is part of ongoing efforts to maintain transparency, accuracy and security in county elections.

More information is available from the Registrar of Voters at (951) 486-7200.

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Allie Anthony

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and Desert Care Network is encouraging women across the Coachella Valley to prioritize their health with regular screenings.

Thanks to advances in treatment and early detection, the death rate from breast cancer has dropped by 42% since its peak in 1989. However, breast cancer remains one of the most common cancers among women, and incidence rates are increasing.

Breast cancer affects 1 in 8 women in the U.S., and more than 80% of those diagnosed have no family history. That’s why regular screening is vital for every woman, regardless of risk factors.

To help make screenings more accessible, the Comprehensive Cancer Center at Desert Regional is hosting “Mammo Mondays” throughout October. On Mondays, the center will offer extended hours for mammograms until 6 p.m., making it easier for women to come in after work. The center will also be open on Saturday, October 25, for mammogram appointments.

Scheduling a screening is simple and only takes about 20 minutes. To make an appointment, call 760-416-4700 or visit DesertCareNetwork.com/Mammo.

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Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – Joel Osmond, Indio Police officer, said preparation goes a long way in keeping families safe.

“You’re aware of your surroundings,” Osmond said. “You take some measures to minimize becoming a victim of crime.”

He said the first step for residents returning to the Coachella Valley is to visually check their homes.

“To see if there’s any signs of break ins, broken glass, forced entry on one of the doors,” Osmond said. “If you see something like that, call 911.”

Once inside, he said simple steps go a long way.

“We want to create that illusion that someone is always home,” he said.

Past numbers show Indio Police have made strides in safety.

According to the 2022 Indio PD Annual Report, between 2017 and 2022 violent crimes fell 45% and property crimes dropped 18%.

Officers say technology, including drones and a mobile app for reporting suspicious activity, have played a key role in keeping the community safe.

“We’re utilizing everything that we can to keep people safe here in Indio,” Osmond said. “It’s a must. We have to keep up with the times. The criminals are getting more advanced. We have to become more advanced.” 

Indio Police hope to share even more advice at next week’s National Night Out on Tuesday, October 7 from 6-8:30 p.m. in Downtown Indio.

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Gavin Nguyen

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) – The government shutdown has arrived.

With the shutdown comes thousands of furloughed national park staff, including those working Joshua Tree National Park. The park’s website shows this alert at the top of its website:

Joshua Tree nonprofits have been concerned by the possibility of the shutdown in recent days.

KESQ crews are heading to Joshua Tree to show you what impacts park visitors are currently feeling. We’ll have full coverage at 4, 5, and 6. Stay with us for the latest.

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