Author: KESQ

Gavin Nguyen

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Twelve intersections within Cathedral City are getting upgrades.

The project began on Monday and will continue until the spring of 2026.

The following intersections will be worked on during that period:

Ramon Road & Desert Vista Road/Avenida Del Yermo

Ramon Road & Whispering Palms Trail

Ramon Road & Cathedral Canyon Drive/Avenida Maravilla

Ramon Road & Da Vall Drive

Vista Chino Drive & Avenida Quintana/Desert Princess Drive

Date Palm Drive & Via Olivera

Date Palm Drive & Gerald Ford Drive

Gerald Ford Drive & Plumley Road/Avenida Del Sol Road

Dinah Shore Drive & Plumley Road

Dinah Shore Drive & Cathedral Canyon Drive

Landau Boulevard & 30th Avenue

East Palm Canyon Drive & El Dorado/East Canyon Plaza

New hardware upgrades are being installed, including advanced dilemma zone detection equipment, left turn phases, and pedestrian countdown heads. They are meant to provide added safety and improve traffic flow in the affected areas.

The city said residents should expect some delays during construction hours, which occur Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

For questions, you’re encouraged to contact Project Manager Andrew Lee at (760) 770-0319 or by email at alee@cathedralcity.gov.

Stay with KESQ as we hear from residents and the city on how these improvements will make your commute smoother and safer.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Film Awards announced that Kate Hudson is the recipient of the Icon Award, Actress, for her performance in Focus Features’ Song Sung Blue.

The Film Awards will take place on January 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running January 2-12, 2026. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight. You can watch the event live on CBS Local 2, coverage starts at 5pm

Palm Springs International Film Festival announces lineup of 168 films

“Kate Hudson’s turn in Song Sung Blue is deeply moving bringing warmth, vulnerability, and musical confidence to a role that demands both heart and grit,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “From her breakthrough in Almost Famous to her fearless turns in romance, comedy, and drama across her career, she has shown a remarkable ability to evolve as an artist. It is our privilege to honor her with the Icon Award, recognizing not just this performance but a body of work that continues to inspire.”

Based on a true story, Song Sung Blue follows Mike and Claire as they become Lightning and Thunder, a joyous Neil Diamond tribute band that takes them from a small garage to dive bar glory to an unlikely Milwaukee stardom defined by their moving devotion to one another and the raucous power of “Sweet Caroline.” But when tragedy strikes and plunges them to the bottom, it’s the revelatory power of their love — for music and for each other — that binds the pair, provides a way forward, and ultimately helps them remember one another.

The Focus Features film is directed and written by Craig Brewer, starring Hugh Jackman, Kate Hudson, Michael Imperioli, Ella Anderson, King Princess, Mustafa Shakir, Hudson Hensley with Fisher Stevens and Jim Belushi. Song Sung Blue opens in theatres nationwide on Christmas Day.

Hudson received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Actress in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy.

Kate Hudson is a Golden Globe Award winner and Academy Award-nominated actress, singer/songwriter, producer, entrepreneur, and bestselling author. She is best known for her roles in Almost Famous, How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, and Bride Wars, which she also produced. She co-starred with Mark Wahlberg in Deepwater Horizon, Marshall, opposite Chadwick Boseman and Sterling K. Brown, and was nominated for a Golden Globe for her performance in Music. She co-starred opposite Octavia Spencer in the Apple TV+ series Truth Be Told, and starred in Ana Lily Amirpour’s mystery thriller Mona Lisa and the Blood Moon. She was part of the all-star ensemble of the Netflix global smash hit, Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery.

She currently stars in and executive produces the hit Netflix series Running Point, which has wrapped its second season.

Hudson joins this year’s previously announced honorees Michael B. Jordan (Icon Award), Leonardo DiCaprio (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Ethan Hawke (Career Achievement Award), Adam Sandler (Chairman’s Award), Amanda Seyfried (Desert Palm Achievement Award), Hamnet director Chloé Zhao as well as actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal (Vanguard Award), Frankenstein (Visionary Award) and Sentimental Value cast members Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning (International Star Award).

Past winners of the Icon Award include Glenn Close, Willem Dafoe, Michael Douglas, Robert Duvall, Lady Gaga, Paul Giamatti, Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. In their respective years, Close (The Wife), Dafoe (The Florida Project), Duvall (The Judge), Giamatti (The Holdovers) and Streep (August Osage County) were each nominated for an Academy Award in their respective years.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Symphony brought the magic of the season to the Plaza Theatre on Sunday in its premiere performance.

Symphony lovers were treated to “Sleigh Ride & Symphony: A Joyful Christmas Concert,” where they were entertained with holiday classics, a festive sing-along, and a visit from Santa.

The evening blended world-class music with holiday cheer.

There are several more performances scheduled for the Palm Springs Symphony throughout the season.

For information on show dates and ticket pricing, visit palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events. To learn more about the Palm Springs Symphony, visit palmsprings-symphony.org.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Santa’s elves made an early delivery to Martha’s Village & Kitchen on Monday. The elves – members of the Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus – dropped off several carloads of toys and gifts from their recent Holiday Toy Drive.

The generous donations from chorus members and the Mattel Corporation will help ensure that clients of Martha’s Village have presents to open on Christmas morning.

This is the fifth year that Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus has partnered with Martha’s Village on a Holiday Toy Drive.

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Juan Montesló

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Residents of a housing complex in Indio are raising concerns over the lack of proper maintenance for the trash.

They say the accumulation of garbage at Sun Castle Condominiums on Aladdin Street is bringing unwelcome guests that include flies, rats, and cockroaches into their homes.

They also say a lack of security is a concern, with homeless people digging through the trash.

Residents are frustrated, saying the homeowners association and management of the complex are doing nothing about it.

One resident comments, “I’ve spoken with the HOA, with the community manager here, and she tells me the association doesn’t have the money to fix it.”

News Channel 3 reached out to the association responsible for the maintenance of the complex on Monday, and they said they were not able to respond that day. We will have an update as soon as the organization responds to the issue.

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Daniella Lake

Update 12/9/25

The city has approved the use of the pantry following an inspection.

City officials in Cathedral City came by Christina Bruno’s home earlier today to look at the reinforcements needed to keep it up. After confirming the pantry’s upgrades, the city told the owner that her case was now closed. They even brought donations to add to her pantry once it reopens.

Original Report 12/8/25

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Kristina Bruno, a Cathedral City resident who started a food pantry outside her home near Century Park, is now upgrading her food pantry to comply with city codes.

News Channel 3 shared her story last week, after her food pantry went viral on the NextDoor app. Then, Cathedral City code enforcement asked her to remove the cabinet from the sidewalk within ten days.

“I was completely devastated. I cried. I didn’t understand why there was so much pushback on helping our community that’s in need,” she says.

Bruno says the city asked her to downsize the pantry and create a sturdier structure if she wished to continue her effort to feed those in need.

“[Code enforcement] were afraid that somewhere a child might climb by or walking by would want to grab one of the cereal boxes from up here and it could fall on them,” she says.

With the help of friends and neighbors, Bruno’s family is building a new pantry to serve the community.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Billy Reed’s, one of Palm Springs’ most iconic restaurants, is up for sale for $7.5 million.

For decades, the restaurant has drawn visitors with its timeless breakfast, lunch, and dinner options, its koi pond, and the artwork painted by original owner William (Billy) Reed himself.

“It’s a fun place, it’s like Disneyland every day,” said co-owner David Scott, who has been part of the operation for years. “We have 63 employees. Several of them have worked for over 40 years. The main chef has been here 45 years. One of the bartenders has been here 41 years.”

But when word spread that the restaurant had been listed, customers worried.

“We’re going to make sure whoever buys it keeps it the same,” Scott said. “Keep all the employees. Nothing will change.”

Scott said the sale includes the property, the brand, and all of the recipes.

He said after decades in business, they’re ready to retire.

“He wants to retire from the restaurant and return to painting in his home studio,” Scott said. “For myself, I want to move back to Orange County and watch my grandkids grow up.”

For the customers who’ve made Billy Reed’s part of their routines, the news stirred emotion.

“What a gem,” David Bagg said. “I hope they don’t change a single thing. I enjoyed so much visiting with the staff today.”

Regular Diane Sichel shared the same sentiment.

“It was always very good. The food was consistent. The service was always wonderful. I mean, you just couldn’t find anything wrong with it. It was always excellent,” Sichel said. “I hope they can find somebody that wants to make the same food with all the delicious recipes and keep the staff.”

Scott said that’s the plan.

“Just keep coming to Billy Reed’s,” Scott said. “We’re open. We’re not closing our doors. We’re not changing anything.”

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City News Service

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – The annual State of the County presentation will be held later this week at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms, where local leaders will discuss the regional economy, local government issues and upcoming projects, it was announced today.

The event is set for 4 p.m. Thursday at 75702 Varner Road, according to Riverside County Board Chairman Manuel Perez.   

“The arena is an investment in our county and a major addition that builds upon our quality of life. People from all over will have the opportunity to see Acrisure Arena that is firing up the fourth district and the county of Riverside!,” Perez said.

Officials said more than 900 guests are expected to attend.   

The program will begin with registration and a business expo at 4 p.m., followed by the presentation from 5 to 6:30 p.m. and a networking reception at 8 p.m.

“On behalf of the Thousand Palms Community Council, I want to extend our sincere gratitude to Supervisor Perez for hosting the State of the County event here in Thousand Palms,” Christopher Mitchell, chair of the city’s council, said in a statement. “We deeply appreciate the Supervisor’s continued support and commitment to our community’s growth and quality of life.”

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today appointed a new fire chief for Riverside County and bid farewell to the man who has served in the top spot for the last five years.

The board voted unanimously in support of the appointment of Robert Fish, a Cal Fire firefighter for almost 35 years, to head the Riverside County Fire Department. He assumes the position previously held by Chief Bill Weiser, who is slated to officially retire on Dec. 31.

Chief Bill Weiser

“Chief Weiser exemplifies the best in Riverside County,” Supervisor Jose Medina remarked during Fish’s swearing-in ceremony on Tuesday morning in the County Administrative Center. “He’s leaving the county fire department in very good hands. I look forward to working with you, Chief Fish.”

Fish recently served as deputy chief for East County Operations, managing a territory extending from Beaumont to Blythe, supervising Cal Fire operations in 10 of the 19 municipalities that contract with the county for emergency services. The county has contracted with Cal Fire for fire protection services since the 1940s.   

Fish was tentatively selected by Cal Fire Chief Joe Tyler earlier this year to lead the county fire department, after which he was vetted by a committee composed of two county supervisors, as well as officials from the Executive Office, who affirmed the choice.

“I’m very proud of you to serve Riverside County,” Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez said. “You grew up in Riverside County, and that’s really important. You even graduated from Valley View High School in Moreno Valley, which is really exciting. When Chief Weiser was unavailable, you would step in and do a professional job. You’ll be a great fire chief for Riverside County.”  

Supervisor Karen Spiegel admitted she’d miss Weiser, who had “done so much for the county.”

“But we’ve got to focus on the future,” she said. “You have big shoes to fill, Chief Fish, but you’re starting with a clean slate. I look forward to seeing where you’re going to take us.”

Fish thanked the board for its decision and vowed that he would do “everything I can to lead as effectively as Chief Weiser has.”   

Weiser, a firefighter since 1981, replaced Shawn Newman as fire chief in August 2020. During the chief’s watch, several fire stations have been constructed and renovated. However, the county fire department’s budget has also swollen in that time, though by working with the Executive Office, cost overruns have been held in check.   

Weiser told the board he intends to remain in California in retirement.

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Tauli Anderson

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County health officials are reporting a slight increase in mpox cases in recent weeks, prompting renewed reminders for residents to stay aware.

Experts say the overall risk to the general public remains very low. Still, health leaders emphasize that early diagnosis can significantly reduce the severity of symptoms and help limit further spread.

“The symptoms vary depending on how long you’ve had it. Initially, it might feel like any other illness — fever, fatigue, malaise,” said Lindsey Valenzuela, Vice President of Population Health Integration at Desert Oasis Healthcare.

Health officials say individuals at higher risk—including those who may have close physical contact with multiple partners—should consider getting vaccinated.

Mpox has a two-dose vaccine given 28 days apart.

The mpox vaccine continues to be available throughout Riverside County, and public health leaders encourage residents to stay informed about symptoms, prevention methods, and vaccination options. 

 

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