Author: KESQ

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – While Hispanic Heritage Month is a time to honor Latino culture and contributions, some local Latino-owned businesses in the Coachella Valley say they’re facing one of their toughest moments yet — a troubling slowdown in customers fueled by growing fears over immigration enforcement.

According to recent data, Latinos make up approximately 64 percent of the Coachella Valley population, playing a major role in the local economy. But some say those same communities are now staying home out of fear — and that’s leaving small businesses struggling to stay afloat.

One of them is Teresa Garcia, owner of Refugio’s Mexican Food in Indio. She says things have changed dramatically in recent months.

“In reality, it has impacted us greatly. Our sales are way down. It’s the first time that the situation has been this hard.”

Teresa Garcia, Refugio’s Mexican Food Owner

She’s not alone. Rafael Oscal, President of the Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce, says similar stories are playing out across the Valley.

“The fear is there. That’s another thing that’s affecting businesses because the people don’t want to go out.”

Rafael Oscal, Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce President

Oscal warns that if these trends continue, the consequences for the local economy could be serious. With Latinos accounting for the majority of the population, their absence in public spaces and local stores is already being felt.

“The economy for Coachella is in the hands of the Hispanic people. Without the Hispanic, Coachella don’t survive at all.”

Rafael Oscal, Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce President

The Chamber is now urging the community to come together — not just to support Latino-owned businesses — but to stand united during uncertain times.

The Hispanic American Chamber of Commerce continues to offer resources and seminars to assist Latino-owned businesses in navigating these challenges.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Tuesday marks National Voter Registration Day!

Volunteers are using the occasion to encourage valley residents to register to vote ahead of this year’s special election.

Each year, volunteers at the Mary Pickford Theater encourage passing moviegoers to check their voter registration. Tuesday marks their first day boothing this year.

The organizers of the booth told News Channel 3 that while registering to vote is always important, this year is especially important with Proposition 50 on the ballot.

The proposition, introduced by Gov. Gavin Newsom, asks voters to approve a plan to temporarily redraw California’s congressional districts through 2032. The move comes in response to Republicans in Texas, who approved redrawing their congressional maps.

Becki Robinson is the voter registration coordinator for Courageous Resistance, a nonpartisan activist group in the Coachella Valley. She made it clear to us: regardless of how you plan on voting, she wants to help you register to vote.

“It is very important that we do nonpartisan voter registration,” Robinson explained. “I personally believe that everybody has the right to their own opinion. They have the right to whatever political party they want. They have the right to vote, however it is they want to vote.”

It’s been seven years since Robinson first started tabling inside the Mary Pickford Theater. It’s been so long that the regular moviegoers are familiar with her presence around each election cycle.

Each time a guest walked into the building or toward the exit, Robinson and other volunteers held up signs and asked them a simple question: “Are you registered to vote?”

Most gave thumbs-ups or nodded as they walked past. Others had questions, which the volunteers were happy to answer.

Robinson argued every election is important, but this year’s special election is especially important.

“We are Californians. We need to be sure that our voices are heard. And whatever it is that happens, happens because we voted for it,” Robinson said. “I would prefer to lose with everybody voting than to win with only a fraction of the people voting, because that means I don’t have any support or whatever the issue is, doesn’t have any support.”

Meanwhile, Riverside County is also seeking temporary hires to assist with the special election. More details can be found on the county’s website, found here.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Nursing Street Medicine Program at the Cal State San Bernardino, Palm Desert Campus has received a $100,000 grant from the Houston Family Foundation to support its mission of delivering compassionate healthcare to underserved populations in the Coachella Valley.

School officials said grant funds will be used to serve 700 unique individuals, 1,200 annual patient contacts, launch three new clinics and train 35 nursing students annually in culturally competent, street-based care. It will also expand behavioral health services.

In partnership with other local organizations, the CSUSB Nursing Street Medicine Program increases access to healthcare by serving the sheltered, unsheltered and other vulnerable populations in the Coachella Valley through nurse clinics and other outreach programs with the goal of decreasing emergency room visits and improving the well-being of people.

CSUSB Palm Desert Campus nursing students and faculty, led by Department of Nursing instructors Diane Vines and Samantha Duffle, deliver vital services at no cost, including wound care, foot soaks, triage, health assessments, checking vital signs and blood glucose levels, and preventative healthcare and education, among others.

“We are honored by the Houston Family Foundation’s generosity. This grant is truly transformative,” said Vines. “This funding strengthens our ability to bring essential healthcare directly to people, while empowering our nursing students to practice compassion and community service at the heart of their education.”

The CSUSB Nursing Street Medicine Program was established in 2019 to address healthcare disparities by meeting patients where they are — in encampments, shelters and other locations across the region.

“This program embodies the mission of the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus — to serve the community through education, compassion and innovation,” said Edna Martinez, associate vice president and administrator in charge of the Palm Desert Campus. “With the support of the Houston Family Foundation, we can continue to grow this program and make a meaningful impact in the Coachella Valley.”

Visit the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus Nursing Street Medicine Program webpage for more information about this innovative program. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

Update 9/18/25

Forensic teams and Sheriff’s deputies were out at the scene once again on Thursday. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed. No other details were available.

Original Report 9/16/25

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) – An investigation is ongoing after human remains were found in Whitewater Monday night, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

The investigation started when remains were located at around 8:45 p.m. in the area of Esparta Avenue and Salton View Road.

The coroner’s bureau responded and confirmed the remains were human.

Additional details were not available.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A man was hospitalized today with major injuries after being ejected from a pickup truck that overturned on Interstate 10 in Thousand Palms.

The crash was reported about 7:44 a.m. Tuesday on the westbound side of the freeway east of the Ramon Road overcrossing, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A gold Ford F-150 left the roadway and overturned onto the right shoulder, CHP Officer David Torres said.

A male passenger was ejected from the truck and taken to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, Torres said.   

It was not immediately clear if the driver was injured. No other passengers were in the vehicle.   

The cause of the crash remained under investigation.   

Anyone with information was asked to call the CHP Indio area office at 760-772-5300.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio officials today launched a citywide emergency alert system to mark National Preparedness Month and urged residents to sign up for urgent public safety notifications.

“Prepared communities are safer communities,” Mayor Glenn Miller said in a statement. “National Preparedness month is the perfect time to take one easy step that makes a big difference, so we strongly encourage our entire community to sign up for alerts to ensure access to critical information right when you need it.”  

The free alerts will cover severe weather, road closures, evacuations and other emergencies. Residents, businesses and visitors can choose to receive notifications by text, phone call or email, in either English or Spanish.   

“Enrolling in the city of Indio’s Emergency Alerts helps you quickly, check on loved ones and follow official guidance during fast changing situations,” city officials said.

Sign-ups are available at www.indio.org/alert.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Cardi B will kick off her first-ever headline arena tour, “The Little Miss Drama Tour,” on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs.

Tickets will go on sale Tuesday, Sept. 23 through an Artist VIP presale.

The Acrisure Arena tour opener will deliver an explosive, career-spanning set, bringing fans face-to-face with the energy and style that made Cardi B a cultural force. She made history with her 2017 breakout single “Bodak Yellow,” becoming the first solo female rapper in nearly two decades to top the Billboard Hot 100. Her debut album, Invasion of Privacy (2018), debuted at No. 1, won the Grammy for Best Rap Album, and produced multiple No. 1 hits, including “I Like It” and “Girls Like You.”

With culture-shifting singles like “WAP” and “Up,” Cardi B has amassed billions of streams, multiple diamond plaques, and an unparalleled global fanbase. Known for her bold personality, fearless lyrics, and unmatched stage presence, she has redefined hip-hop stardom and become a force across music, fashion, and culture.

Tickets for the Acrisure Arena show will be available through an Artist VIP presale beginning Tuesday, September 23 at 10:00 AM local time through Wednesday, September 24 at 9:00 AM local time.

A local presale will follow on Wednesday, September 24 from 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM local, with the public on-sale beginning Thursday, September 25 at 10:00 AM local time via Ticketmaster.com, the official ticket provider for Acrisure Arena.

For more information, visit Acrisure Arena’s website.

Click here to follow the original article.

Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Cannabis Rights to Remedy Act is under review once again in California Legislature. Local dispensaries say this comes at a time when the industry is in decline, with the cost of cannabis expected to drop to an all-time low of around $200 per unit.

The decline in cost could hurt the industry, leading to California to consider changes to AB 564 – Cannabis Right to Remedy Act – which is a bill aiming to strengthen consumer protections by ensuring cannabis customers have access to the same types of remedies available in other regulated industries.

The state house and senate have passed changes to the bill, which would rollback on the excise tax that went into effect July 1, 2025. The cannabis excise tax rate could roll back from 19% down to 15%, effective October 1, 2025. This rollback is expected to help stabilize and support the cannabis market during this challenging period.

The California State Senate passed AB 564 Sept. 10 with a 39-1 vote, and the Assembly followed Sept. 11 with a 76-0 vote in favor. These passages include votes in favor from Assemblymembers Greg Wallis and Jeff Gonzalez, and State Senators Steve Padilla and Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh.

AB 564 is now on Governor Gavin Newsom’s desk as dispensaries wait to hear the decision. If signed, the rollback would go into effect October 1, 2025.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from dispensaries about the impacts of the tax in the last two months and how the rollback would be beneficial.

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is set to host its Annual Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs on Wednesday. A premier networking event designed to connect and support local businesses ahead of the busy season.

Attendees can explore 100+ local businesses, sample food from 40+ restaurants, and enjoy wine and beer tastings throughout the evening. The event also features live entertainment by Prince Again, the nation’s top Prince tribute band.

This is a great opportunity for businesses to build relationships and grow their presence in the Coachella Valley. The Chamber continues to prioritize uplifting and uniting the local business community.

Tickets are available here and can be picked up at Will Call during the event.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella 2026 lineup is out! The program was officially released late Monday, confirming reports that Sabrina Carpenter and Karol G will headline, with the addition of Justin Bieber.

Passes will be on sale Friday, September 19, starting at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. Registration for access to purchase passes is at coachella.com. 2024/2025 attendees get early access starting Thursday, September 18 at 11:00 a.m. Pacific Time. To access the loyalty sale, register with the same email used to purchase or register a wristband in 2024 or 2025.

Sabrina Carpenter will headline on Friday, Justin Bieber on Saturday, and Karol G will close out the festival on Sunday.

Click here to follow the original article.