Author: KESQ

Timothy Foster

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) – Millions of Americans are hitting the road to head home after the Thanksgiving holiday, and this year’s travel rush is proving to be the busiest on record. According to AAA, more than 73 million people nationwide are expected to drive during the holiday travel period, part of a record 81.8 million Americans traveling at least 50 miles for Thanksgiving.

Traffic congestion was clearly visible across Southern California on Sunday, especially along Interstate 10 near Whitewater in the Coachella Valley, where drivers experienced slow, heavy traffic as the holiday weekend came to a close.

At a rest stop along I-10 West, travelers described long delays and the need for patience on the road.

Lottie Henry, who was traveling back to Orange County after spending Thanksgiving in the desert, said she anticipated traffic but came prepared. Henry and her family drove their electric vehicle and took advantage of hands-free driving technology to ease the stress of stop-and-go traffic. She encouraged other drivers to remain patient as everyone works their way home.

Other drivers faced longer-than-expected delays. Olive Martinez, returning to Los Angeles after a multi-state road trip that included the Grand Canyon, Phoenix, and Monument Valley, said her estimated arrival time had been pushed back by more than an hour and a half. Martinez said while she expected congestion, the extent of the slowdown was surprising. She urged drivers to stay calm and look out for one another, noting how dangerous impatience on the road can be.

Joshua Lee, who was traveling back to Corona after spending time in the desert with friends, said heavy traffic is simply part of life in Southern California, especially during holidays. Lee encouraged drivers not to rush and to follow the rules of the road, stressing that arriving safely is far more important than arriving quickly.

AAA reports that overall Thanksgiving travel is up more than 1.6 million people compared to last year, making this the busiest holiday travel period on record. Sunday is expected to remain the most congested travel day, with heavy traffic continuing into the evening.

Drivers are urged to allow extra time, stay patient, and use caution as they make their way home from the holiday weekend.

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Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Today is the final day of the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians’ 42nd annual Powwow. The three day event kicked off on Friday with bird singing and dancing. The celebration features all kinds of activities focused on keeping Native American tradition alive.

This morning, the gates open at 11 a.m. at the Fantasy Springs Resort Casino in Indio. The grand entry starts at noon. The event is free.

Fantasy Springs Resort Casino is located at 84-245 Indio Springs Pkwy, Indio, CA 92203.

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Athena Jreij

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – One person is in critical condition after a traffic collision Saturday evening in Coachella.

Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of Ninth St. and Grapefruit Blvd. for reports of a traffic collision. When they arrived on scene they found a pedestrian down in the roadway.

That pedestrian was transported to a nearby hospital in critical condition.

The driver remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation.

No further details on the cause of the crash were available.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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KESQ News Team

STOCKTON, Calif. (CBS News) – Four people were killed, and 11 others were wounded in a shooting during a family gathering in the Northern California city of Stockton Saturday night, authorities said. The suspect, or possibly suspects, remains at large.  

Heather Brent, a spokesperson for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office, told reporters in a briefing that the shooting occurred around 6 p.m. Pacific Time at a banquet hall along the 1900 block of Lucile Avenue. On Sunday, Brent confirmed three children were among the four people killed. The victims were 8, 9, 14 and 21 years old.

“In this community, in San Joaquin County, violence of this nature has absolutely no place at any time, shape or form, and children should not be harmed by gun and gang violence,” said Ron Freitas, San Joaquin County district attorney.

Brent also provided an updated number of victims, saying that in total, 15 people were shot. Officials had initially reported there were 14 victims. 

Stockton Vice Mayor Jason Lee wrote in a social media post that “the mass shooting” occurred “at a child’s birthday party,” but Brent could not confirm the details of the event, only calling it a “family gathering.” She added that when the shooting started, there were between 100 and 150 people at the event.

“[A] birthday party should never be a place where families fear for their lives,” Lee added.

No arrests have been made, Brent said. And there were no immediate details about the suspect or a possible motive, though Brent said early indications suggest it was targeted. The circumstances that led up to the shooting were unclear. 

“And let us call this what it is,” Mayor Christina Fugazi said in a Facebook post Sunday. “Gang violence exists in cities across the country, but this act was a pure act of terrorism. A complete, cowardly Terrorist Act!”

On Sunday, Fugazi said she would be matching Crimestoppers’ $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those involved, and that Councilwoman Mariela Ponce would be contributing $5,000, for a total of $25,000.

“Let me be very clear to anyone who hides, shields, or harbors these terrorists. You are putting yourself at risk of having your door kicked in, your home raided, and being arrested for aiding and abetting. If you protect them, you become part of this. And you will face the consequences,” Fugazi said.

Nonprofit Youth Peace & Justice Foundation also said it is offering a “reward of up to $5,000 for information that leads directly to the arrest and conviction of the suspect(s) responsible for the shooting.”  

The office of California Gov. Gavin Newsom said in a social media post that Newsom had been briefed on the shooting. 

“We are urging anyone with information, video footage, or who may have witnessed any part of this incident to contact the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Office immediately,” the sheriff’s office said in a news release.  

Investigators were still at the scene Sunday, and the area remained closed. 

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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Gavin Nguyen

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters contained a house fire just before 4:00 p.m. in La Quinta on Saturday.

CAL FIRE confirmed the fire was first reported roughly two hours prior on the 81000 block of Kingston Heath, within the Greg Norman Course at PGA West. News Channel 3 crews were on scene and saw heavy police and fire presence at the entrance of the community.

Multiple engines are on scene of a 3,000 ft. single-story family dwelling with smoke and fire showing from the roof. The Incident Commander has requested additional engines and utilities.

CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Dept. (@CALFIRERRU on X)

[UPDATE 3:50PM] The fire was contained at 3:48PM. Crews will remain on scene conducting salvage and overhaul operations for approximately three hours. American Red Cross assistance was declined by the residents.

CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Dept. (@CALFIRERRU on X)

A CalFire spokesperson told News Channel 3 everyone inside the home was safely evacuated.

It’s unknown if the fire spread to any nearby structures and the cause is under investigation.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Downtown retailers are seeing a welcome boost this weekend as shoppers turned out in strong numbers for Small Business Saturday, an annual event encouraging people to support locally owned shops and restaurants.

Store owners along Palm Canyon Drive said the day brought steady foot traffic, enthusiastic customers, and a noticeable uptick in sales.

Shoppers browsing holiday gifts said they made a point to buy local this year.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Shared Plate, a weekly meal program run in partnership with the Palm Springs United Methodist Church, will become its own nonprofit starting in January.

The organization started out as the feeding ministry for the church. After becoming its own entity, organizers say that having nonprofit status will help them make a larger impact on the community.

Breakfast is served Fridays and Sundays from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. Lunch is served Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

You can learn more on ways to support The Shared Plate by visiting their website.

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KESQ News Team

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Art Festival is back at The River in Rancho Mirage over Thanksgiving weekend, from Friday through Sunday.

The festival, by West Coast Artists, features creations by hundreds of artists presenting their work in paintings, photography, pottery, wood, sculptures, jewelry, and more – All of which are available to buy and a perfect opportunity to shop for unique holiday gifts.

The event is free and open to the public, and runs from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. each day.

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City News Service

PALM SPRINGS (CNS) – The newly restored Plaza Theatre in Palm Springs will reopen its doors to the public with a monthlong slate of shows, starting with the “Opening Night Gala” on Monday, December 1st.

“Wicked” actress Cynthia Erivo will headline the Gala at 7:30 p.m. at 128 S. Palm Canyon Drive. Her one-night performance will feature Mark Meadows and the Palm Springs Pops Orchestra.

Erivo is a Tony-, Grammy-, Emmy-award winner as well as a three-time Academy Award-nominated actress, singer, and producer.

“Opening night at the Plaza is the moment we’ve all been waiting for,” said Senior Vice President of Oak View Group and general manager of the Plaza Theatre John Bolton. “We’re honored to welcome Cynthia Erivo for this milestone performance; it’s the perfect way to begin a vibrant new chapter in the Plaza’s story.”

Every ticket will include a copy of Erivo’s book, “Simply More: A Book for Anyone Who Has Been Told They’re Too Much,” a commemorative ticket, and a limited-edition poster created exclusively for opening night.

Actress Lily Tomlin will perform at 7:30 p.m. December 2nd through December 4th. Tomlin has received nine Emmy’s, two Tony awards, a Grammy, two Peabody awards, the Mark Twain Prize, the Kennedy Center Honor and SAG Lifetime Achievement honor, officials said. She has starred in “The Late Show,” “9 to 5,” “The Incredible Shrinking Woman,” and Netflix’s “Grace and Frankie.”

Filmmaker John Waters will have his comedy revival show, “A John Waters Christmas,” at 8:00 p.m. on December 5th.

Many more events have been scheduled well into 2026. Other scheduled events coming up in the next few weeks include:

Comedian Fortune Feimster on December 6th

Palm Springs Symphony from December 7th through July 4th, 2026

Palm Springs Icons on December 8th

Queens of the Stone Age on December 9

Modern Men Cool Yule on December 13th and 14th

Palm Springs Speaks series with Rob Reiner on December 16th

Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus from December 19th through April 26, 2026

Since 1936, the venue has hosted a variety of events starting with its opening night with the world premiere of the Oscar-winning film, “Camille,” starring Greta Garbo. It has hosted movie premieres and live radio shows featuring stars like Bob Hope, Jack Benny, Amos ‘n’ Andy, Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.

The restoration began in March 2024 under the management of Oak View Group and a partnership between it and the Plaza Theatre Foundation and the city of Palm Springs. News Channel 3 has followed the restoration from the first months of work, to the middle of the progress, and leading up to just days before the curtain rises again.

Information on tickets and all events, including holiday, can be found at www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events.

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KESQ News Team

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – An employee with the Palm Springs Unified School District was placed on paid leave after being arrested earlier this month.

Jarvis Williams, 45, of Coachella, was arrested on November 15 after allegedly recording video at a bathroom on the 72000 block of State Highway 111, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

Williams was later located in the area of Shadow Mountain Road and Highway 74, where he was taken into custody without incident.

He was released on $2,500 bail the same day as his arrest, according to court records.

Williams is PSUSD’s Coordinator of Family Engagement. The district confirmed to News Channel 3 that he is on paid leave pending investigation.

He has not been formally charged as of Friday. Jail records show he faces a misdemeanor charge of video tape w/ invasion.

Williams is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 30.

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