Author: KESQ

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The grand marshals for the 2025 Palm Springs Pride Parade were announced on Tuesday, which includes News Channel 3 anchor Peter Daut.

Peter is joined by Sister Roma, Holly Near, Esther Loewen, Renae Punzalan, and Jasper Price.

Organizers said the grand marshals were chosen for their profound commitment to fostering inclusion and community connection in the Greater Palm Springs area who embody this year’s Pride theme, “Be Heard.”

Douglas Woodmansee and Marshall Pearcy, also known as Dottie and Maude, are recognized as 2025 Pride Royalty.

The Palm Springs Pride Parade will be held on Sunday, November 9.

“Amidst a rising tide of challenges facing the LGBTQ+ community nationwide, from legislative bans on gender-affirming care and curriculum censorship to a surge in anti-trans legislation, the dedication of these Grand Marshals is more crucial than ever,” said Jasmine Sullivan Waits, Executive Director of Palm Springs Pride. “They stand as a powerful force against a coordinated effort to silence LGBTQ+ stories and erase their presence from public life. They remind us that our stories cannot be silenced, and our community will not be erased.”

This year’s Grand Marshals are:

Sister Roma, Grand Marshal: For nearly four decades, Sister Roma has been a globally recognized member of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence in San Francisco. She joined the order in 1987, inspired by their pioneering work in HIV/AIDS education and fundraising. A tireless activist and fundraiser, Roma has raised millions of dollars for charitable causes and helped create impactful social movements, such as the #MyNameIs campaign.

Holly Near, Celebrity Grand Marshal: A renowned singer and storyteller, Holly Near has dedicated over 40 years to creating music that inspires activism and celebrates a more equitable world. Her powerful, consistent voice has made her an outspoken ambassador for peace and justice. Through her music and performances, she connects with audiences who believe in peace, justice, and feminism, a true reflection of humanity’s beautiful spectrum.

Peter Daut, Community Grand Marshal: A six-time Emmy Award-winning journalist for KESQ News Channel 3, Peter is being honored for his commitment to community service and his powerful reporting. A strong believer in giving back, he hosts numerous events to raise funds for worthy causes, including the Harvey Milk Diversity Breakfast, and uses his platform to raise awareness for deserving local nonprofits.

Esther Loewen, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: An Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, educator, and podcast host, Esther is being honored for her work in creating inclusion and celebrating authenticity. She brings a deep understanding of mental health and human connection to her advocacy, sharing her insights through her podcast, Transgender Woman Talking. 

Renae Punzalan, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: A native Chamorro from Guam, Renae is the Director of Youth Services at the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. She is recognized for her advocacy for transgender rights, a mission she has pursued through her work at the Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-In Center and by helping organize events like Trans Pride and Transgender Day of Remembrance (TDoR).

Jasper Price, Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal: As the Director of Trans & Gender Expansive Programs at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, Jasper works to expand affirming resources and programming throughout the Coachella Valley. With a background in Gender Studies and Social Work, he focuses on mental health and education for both youth and adults, providing brave and affirming spaces where people can explore their identities.

“Dottie and Maude” have been declared Palm Springs Pride Royalty for Life. Together since 1976 and Palm Springs residents since 1980, they have been an integral part of the Pride Parade since 1995. As Les Dames du Soleil, they have helped raise over $2 million for local HIV/AIDS charities, cementing their legacy as pillars of the community.

For more information about the Grand Marshals and the full list of official events, visit pspride.org.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert Library is embracing Emergency Preparedness Month and bringing it into story time with local families. 

The library is bringing in the city’s public works team to demonstrate how they keep the city safe and clean with their trucks. They’ll also be joining story time for local children, by reading them a couple books before the show and tell.

Workers with Palm Desert Public Works tell News Channel 3 it’s important to tell children about their jobs because they see them on the street but may not know what they are doing. Workers turned on equipment for the families and demonstrated how the machinery is used.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local workers about the importance of their show and tell today.

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Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A 52-year-old Yucca Valley man was arrested following multiple reports of sexual assault involving children between the ages of five and 14 over several years.

Julio Cesar Vega Medina was identified as the suspect in the sexual assaults after the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station received multiple reports.

“During the course of the investigation, three victims positively identified Julio Cesar Vega Medina as the individual who sexually assaulted them,” reads a news release from the agency.

Medina was arrested Wednesday morning.

During a search of his residence, deputies located evidence linking Medina to a 2012 sexual assault of a minor in the city of Gardena, authorities said. Detectives later determined Gardena Police Department had an active felony warrant for Medina’s arrest in connection with that case, which was listed under one of his many aliases.

Medina was known to use the aliases Julio Calzada-Vega, Julio Calzada, Julio Vega Calzada, Julio Medina, Julio Cesar Vega, and Julio Cesar Vega Medina.

Authorities said several of the local incidents under investigation are believed to have occurred at a private residence in Yucca Valley where Medina played part in religious gatherings.

Medina was booked into the Morongo Basin jail, where he is being held on $3 million bail. He was charged with multiple counts of sexual assault. He pleaded not guilty to charges on Tuesday.

Gardena Police Department has also placed a hold on him as part of their ongoing lewd acts with a minor sexual, assault of a minor investigation.

Any additional victims or anyone with information regarding the incident is urged to contact Detective Tyler A. Bengard or Detective David Rodriguez of the Morongo Basin Station at (760) 366-4175.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSANDS PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Jimmy Kimmel Live! is set to return to the airwaves Tuesday night, according to the Walt Disney Company. His return follows a suspension due to comments he made about Charlie Kirks suspected killer.

Now Coachella Valley comedians are discussing their reactions to the suspension and now return. The suspension of the live show also raised questions throughout the country about free speech and the First Amendment. Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from local comedians about their reactions and the suspensions impacts.

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Luis Avila

Idyllwild, Calif. (KESQ) – A therapeutic sanctuary in Idyllwild is working to recover after being severely damaged by a powerful flash flood that tore through the area last week, leaving behind a trail of destruction.

The sudden surge of water inundated the neighborhood, sending torrents of mud and debris through roadways and properties. One of the hardest-hit locations was a local healing space, known as A Human Sanctuary.

Sascha Breuer, who helps run the sanctuary, described the terrifying moments when the floodwaters arrived.

“We have flood gates that we just put in and I opened both, and within seven minutes the whole back of this started piling up with water. We’re talking at this point it was just below my chest… There was a lot of swearing and me rushing forward and backwards. There wasn’t really time to freak out — just frantically unlodging everything.”

Sascha Breuer, Idyllwild Resident

Julie Anne Steiger, who also runs the sanctuary, said the timing couldn’t have been worse. The site had just completed major upgrades, including new fencing and walkways.

“This month we were supposed to launch workshops on the land here. A lot of the spaces that I had curated… were a part of what was swept away. A lot of the materials I had put out internationally and with my heart and a lot prayer are now three feet under soil.”

Julie Anne Steiger, Idyllwild Resident

While the initial mess has largely been cleared, Breuer says the real work is just beginning. In addition to rebuilding the sanctuary grounds, they’re also working on preventive measures to protect against future flooding.

“Clean up — which is the most immediate part, but we also have to build a flood barrier.”

Sascha Breuer, Idyllwild Resident

Despite the loss, the community’s support has been overwhelming. Giving those behind the sanctuary hope that their work will not only continue — but grow stronger.

A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help with recovery and rebuilding efforts. For more information or to donate, click here.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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María García

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- A 48-year-old Los Angeles man was killed in a rollover crash on Interstate 10 in Thousand Palms Tuesday morning.

The crash was reported just before 8 a.m., west of Cook Street.

According to the California Highway Patrol, a red Ford Explorer was traveling on the eastbound lane when “it made an unsafe turning movement to the right, drove off the roadway, and overturned onto the south dirt shoulder. The Ford came to rest on its roof.”

The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. He was identified as Christopher Murphy.

The reason for the crash is still under investigation.  Drugs and/or alcohol are not suspected to be a factor, CHP confirmed.

All lanes on the I-10 are back open.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Cynthia White

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A 64-year-old woman who went missing from her Twentynine Palms home was located Monday after a search led by Morongo Basin Sheriff’s deputies and their K-9 unit Naji.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies responded to a missing person report after the woman’s daughter discovered her mother, who is diagnosed with dementia, was not at their home on Athol Avenue. The woman was last seen on Saturday, September 20, around 11:00 a.m.

Family and friends had searched the area without success before contacting law enforcement for help.

Deputies launched a search, assisted by K-9 handler Deputy Bakker and K-9 Naji, who tracked the victim’s scent heading north from the home.

During the tracking, deputies recalled seeing a woman matching the description of the victim in the same area. Deputies checked at several local businesses, which confirmed the victim was seen in the local area.

The search expanded into the unincorporated Joshua Tree area. After hours of tracking, at just before 12:30 a.m. Monday, K-9 Naji led deputies to the woman more than 15 miles away, near Twentynine Palms Highway and Sunset Road.

Officials said the victim was found safe but was transported to a local hospital for evaluation as a precaution.

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Garrett Hottle

FOREST FALLS, Calif. (KESQ) We’re learning new numbers tonight on just how destructive last week’s September debris flows were in the San Bernardino Mountains.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department reports a total of 14 homes, one commercial building, and four outbuildings were damaged across Forest Falls, Oak Glen, and nearby areas. That includes three homes destroyed, one with major damage, four with minor damage, and six more listed as “affected.”

Officials say crews have completed their surveys, but with rain possible again Tuesday, firefighters remain ready to respond if more slides occur.

In Forest Falls, families like Arturo Guerrero’s told News Channel 3 they don’t plan to rebuild after losing everything for a second time. 

Longtime resident Trent Reid described the latest debris flow as “the worst one,” saying it sounded like a freight train.

This is the worst one from debris flow standpoint, not from damage,” Reid said. “Three years ago, we had somebody die just on the other side of the creek.”

As of Monday, no injuries or rescues were reported, and evacuation warnings for mountain communities have since been lifted.

In Oak Glen, cleanup reached a crescendo near Chagall Road, where bridges that we’re buried under what residents said was at least 10 feet of mud, have now been cleared out, and water has been let flow through the creek once again. 

Business owner Alison Law Matheson from Country Mom Orchards in Oak Glen told News Channel 3, the development couldn’t have come at a more important time.

 “Our little community makes 75% of its income in the fall season,” she explained. “is needing business because we all got ready for the seasons like we always do.” 

The National Weather Service says Forest Falls saw 1.5 inches of rain in just one hour, followed by another half inch soon after  nearly triple the rate of a typical summer thunderstorm.

Still, with rain in the forecast on Tuesday, county officials caution residents to remain alert with the chance of more wet weather this week. They’re encouraging residents to grab sandbags and be prepared. For more info on sand availability visit sbcfire.org/sandbags. 

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Some Palm Springs residents are raising concerns about a proposed nine-story hotel and condo project that would become the city’s tallest building.

The Nexus Hotel, planned near the Palm Springs Convention Center, cleared the Planning Commission last week, but Stephen Dixon and other neighbors said the project is out of scale for a city known for its mountain views and mid-century modern charm.

“I have a condominium here at Plaza Villas, which would be very closely affected by the hotel,” Dixon said. “This could very well set up a precedent for future development. So a nine-story hotel right next to the Plaza Villas is bad enough as it is, but the idea of other development projects going to 9 stories would really change the flavor of the city.”

Others point to how quickly the plan is moving forward.

Dan Donahue, who has lived in Palm Springs for over 20 years, said he received notice of the Planning Commission meeting just days before it happened.

“Most of our residents are gone,” Donahue said. “The timing of this was very suspicious.”

In a statement to News Channel 3, Christopher Hadwin, Palm Springs Planning Director said:

“This is a private application initiated by a private developer. In issuing their approval, the City’s Planning Commission was guided by Section 14’s unique zoning rules – set by the Tribe in partnership with the City – which allow buildings up to 100 feet tall on properties like this one. In response to community concerns, the Planning Commission required changes to the building to step back the height in certain locations and to better integrate into the neighborhood. 

The Commission also acknowledged the economic benefits of the development, which will add 257 hotel and condo-hotel units to the downtown core bringing additional visitors and residents to support the convention center and our local businesses. Final architectural and landscaping details will be reviewed by the Architectural Review Committee in the coming weeks.”

The Nexus Hotel staff report says the hotel portion of the building will be 7-stories and the residential portion will be 9-stories or 99 feet and 8 inches, consisting of 125 hotel rooms and 132 residential condominium units which will be associated with the hotel and have access to hotel amenities and services.

Terra Nova

Neighbors said they are not against city growth, but are worried about the projects scope.

“I’m not anti-development,” Donahue said. “This is the first project I’ve opposed because of the scale. I’d support a modified version of this development.”

Neighbors said they are now working to appeal the Planning Commission’s approval.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – President Trump made what he described as “one of the biggest medical announcements in the history of our country” on Monday.

He says it’s an answer to autism, linking the disorder to Tylenol use during pregnancy.

The President says the FDA will issue a physician’s notice about the risk of patients using Tylenol during pregnancy, unless they have a fever. There will also be a nationwide campaign to inform patients about the risk.

But the recommendation clashes with a bulk of scientific research, suggesting there is no link between autism and exposure to Tylenol in the womb.

While autism rates have been steadily increasing, an exact cause has eluded the scientific community for decades. Doctors say the answer to what causes autism is likely far more complex, involving genetics and environmental factors.

And many doctors, including some here in the valley, remain skeptical, believing it ignores decades of science. They also say there is insufficient data linking autism and Tylenol.

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with a local pediatrician, who says the evidence of a connection is lacking.

When asked if she is concerned that Monday’s announcement may give some people false hope about the cause of autism, Desert Regional Medical Center Pediatrician Dr. Rebecca Ward said, “Absolutely. I do think that is an unintended consequence of this announcement that people say, “If I just avoid Tylenol my child won’t have autism.” And I think that is an unfortunate consequence that’s probably going to occur as a result of this announcement.”

Tylenol parent company Kenvue issued a statement, saying independent scientific research shows that taking acetaminophen – the generic name for Tylenol – is the safest pain reliever option for women throughout their entire pregnancy, adding there is no credible evidence linking Tylenol to autism.

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