Jesus Reyes
IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – Three earthquakes struck near Idyllwild Thursday evening.
The initial earthquake was reported at around 5:30 p.m. It was a M 3.8, according to the US Geological Survey.
Two more small earthquakes struck near the area minutes later, a M 3.5 and a M 2.1.
Luis Avila
COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — As families and friends gather for Thanksgiving, a growing number of people are choosing to skip the kitchen and let local restaurants handle the holiday cooking.
According to recent data, 53% of Americans expect to get at least part of their Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant, up sharply from 37% last year. Another 5% say they plan to eat out entirely.
Many diners say the switch is about saving time — and in some cases, money.
“The cooking, the cleaning up, it’s just much more family time.”
Jean Logan, Visitor
“I live alone. One person. My sister lives with two people and the amount of money you spend on food for a small amount of people is a lot and there’s a lot of waste. So it’s just cheaper to eat out.”
Barbara Rosebrock, Visitor
Local restaurants are welcoming the increased demand. At Wally’s Desert Turtle, Madalyn Botello, owner, says Thanksgiving has always been one of their biggest days.
“Lots of reservations… We’ve been open for Thanksgiving since we opened our doors in 1978. We love Thanksgiving. It’s our favorite holiday. Everyone comes for turkey.”
Madalyn Botello, Wally’s Desert Turtle Owner
Over at Trio Palm Springs, Tony Marchese, owner, reported a packed house from the moment they opened.
“Busy all day since noon we opened so it’s nice… We always had Thanksgiving at my house so as a restaurant I love having people in for Thanksgiving. It’s so much fun.”
Tony Marchese, Trio Palm Springs Owner
And for many celebrating today, the joy of the holiday isn’t tied to who makes the meal.
“We wanted to celebrate the holiday. It’s a celebration.”
Nathan Zalkow, Visitor
Stay with News Channel 3 for more.
KESQ News Team
YUCAIPA, Calif. (KESQ) – A tribe billboard on Interstate 10 in Yucaipa was recently vandalized with an anti-Native American message.
The sign, advertising the tribal-owned Yamaava Resort and Casino at San Manuel, was defaced with a message reading: “America is not on stolen land. Your ancestors were conquered.”
There was also an American flag hung down the middle of the billboard.
Crews have since removed the message.
We reached out to tribal leaders for comment, but so far, have not heard back.
The city said in a statement: “The city of Yucaipa strongly condemns the vandalism of the Yuhaaviatam billboard along the I-10 freeway. This is a criminal act, and we are working closely with the Yucaipa police department to identify those responsible and bring them to justice.”
Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.
City News Service
COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – Cook Street in Palm Desert will be paved from Dec. 1- 16 for a pipeline construction project, the Coachella Valley Water District announced.
Northbound traffic will be reduced to one lane while the southbound lanes will be unaffected. Eastbound traffic at intersections throughout Cook Street will have limited access at night, officials added.
The work is part of the WRP-10 low-pressure pipeline project, which officials said will expand the water district’s delivery capacity to serve nonpotable recycled water to more customers throughout the valley, reducing groundwater pumping for outdoor irrigation.
The project is also intended to address long-term water management goals by safeguarding the local groundwater basin for future generations, the CVWD said.
From Dec. 1-4, the public can expect day work from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the following areas: — Paving through the Belmonte Drive intersection on Dec. 1; — Paving from Merle Drive to Green Way on Dec. 2; — Paving from Green Way to Hovley Lane East on Dec. 3; — Paving from Hovley Lane East to Riviera Drive on Dec. 4.
Night road work was scheduled on Dec. 10-11 from 7 p.m. to 3:30 a.m. in the following areas: — Paving from the WRP-10 entrance, south of Sheryl Avenue to MerleDrive, and through the intersections at Merle Drive and Green Way on Dec. 10; — Paving through the intersection at Hovley Lane East on Dec. 11;
Day work will resume again on Dec. 15-16, with striping work from the CVWD’s WRP-10 entrance to Riviera Drive from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The public was advised to use alternate routes and expect delays around the affected areas. The road work schedule might change due to inclement weather or field conditions, and any updates will be posted at cvwd.org/civicalerts.aspx?AID=481.
Jesus Reyes
Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) — The legendary Carol Burnett will join Palm Springs Art Museum’s Art Party 2026 in January, officials announced.
Burnett will present the Art Party Honoree Award to the legendary costume and fashion designer Bob Mackie, the previously announced honoree. The event brings together two long-time collaborators and icons together on one stage for an unforgettable evening.
Art Party returns on Saturday, January 24, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., inviting supporters, artists, designers, and cultural leaders to a glamorous reception-style experience with creative cocktails, gourmet hors d’oeuvres and food stations, and entertainment throughout the night.
The celebration will also feature a special performance by Stephanie J. Block, Tony Award winner for The Cher Show. The hit musical featured Mackie’s recreated designs, made from his own original patterns, bringing Cher’s most iconic looks to the stage.
Art Party 2026 Honoree – Bob Mackie
Bob Mackie is a nine-time Emmy Award winner, recipient of the Geoffrey Beene CFDA Lifetime Achievement Award, and a three-time Oscar nominee. His award-winning designs have shaped some of the most iconic looks in entertainment, worn by performers such as Tina Turner, Diana Ross, Cher, Elton John, Bette Midler, and Carol Burnett. He also won a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for The Cher Show.
For tickets and more information, visit artparty2026.com.
Jesus Reyes
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office announced the retirement of Courthouse Facility Dog K9 Rachel, who has provided five years of dedicated service supporting victims and witnesses of crime.
She was the first courthouse facility dog in Riverside County to provide these critical services.
According to the DA’s office, Rachel joined the DA’s Office on November 12, 2020, and quickly became an essential member of the Division of Victim Services. Throughout her career, she supported more than 500 children and direct victims of crime.
Her steady companionship on the witness stand, during meetings with prosecutors, and throughout community outreach and peer-support deployments helped bring comfort, stability, and a trauma-informed presence to the justice process.
“K9 Rachel has been amazing in helping children share and relive traumatizing events when they take the stand to have their voices heard,” said Director of the Division of Victim Services Melissa Donaldson.
In recognition of her outstanding professional service, District Attorney Hestrin has formally commended K9 Rachel for her years of dedicated work on behalf of victims and the community, extending heartfelt appreciation and best wishes as she transitions into retirement.
Following her retirement, Rachel will enjoy a well-deserved life of rest, love, and play with her family – continuing to bring joy to all who know her
Tauli Anderson
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands of runners, walkers, and families laced up their shoes early Thanksgiving morning, all for a good cause.
The annual Martha’s Village & Kitchen 5K is a holiday staple that has been in the valley for nearly two decades.
The high-energy event has record numbers this year, drawing more than 3,000 participants.
Each step taken helps raise vital funds to support individuals and families facing homelessness, food insecurity, and financial hardship across the Coachella Valley.
The Thanksgiving season makes the event even more impactful. Funds raised today help provide thousands of holiday meals and support year-round programs that offer stability, housing assistance, and job training to those in need.
For those who couldn’t attend the 5K, organizers say there are still many ways to contribute—through donations, volunteering, or supporting Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s ongoing programs.
Kendall Flynn
INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly 350 Marines, who are away from their families, will be welcomed into local homes this Thanksgiving. Residents of eight county clubs will host two or more Marines for the meal and holiday activities.
The day is organized by the nonprofit organization American Friends of our Armed Forces, with partners with the county clubs and transports the Marines. The Marines are currently completing a four-month training at the Marine Corps Communications Electronics school.
The Toscana Country Club in Indian Wells is joined by the Hideaway, Indian Palms, Indian Wells, Rancho La Quinta, The Lakes, The Reserve and Palm Valley country clubs in hosting Marines.
Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from families and Marines about what the day means to them as they celebrate Thanksgiving.
Daniella Lake
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Martha’s Village and Kitchen is hosting their annual thanksgiving meal service at 11 a.m. today following their 19th annual 5K on El Paseo. The event is open to the public and they expect to serve up to 2,000 meals.
Martha’s Village and Kitchen is located at 83791 Date Avenue, Indio, CA 92201.
Joel Killam
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — A reported car fire blocked eastbound lanes of State Route 62 near Indian Canyon Wednesday evening, causing major traffic delays. A News Channel 3 crew observed traffic backed up between Indian Canyon and Pierson Boulevard as vehicles headed uphill toward Morongo Valley. Fire crews were dispatched, but gridlock made access difficult. Authorities requested additional assistance for traffic control. No injuries have been reported at this time.
This is a developing story. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.
