Author: KESQ

Timothy Foster

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Porch pirates are targeting holiday deliveries at higher rates this year as online shopping continues to surge across the country.

Nearly 70% of holiday shopping in 2025 is expected to take place online, according to industry estimates. That increase in deliveries has led to a sharp rise in package theft nationwide. About 15% of Americans report having a package stolen in the past year, with losses totaling more than 8.2 billion dollars across the United States.

Security experts say most package thefts are crimes of opportunity that happen quickly when deliveries are left unattended.

Gene Petrino, lead security advisor for Security.org, says it only takes a few seconds for someone to walk up, grab a package, and disappear. Petrino adds that the risk increases during the holidays when delivery volumes are at their highest.

In the Coachella Valley, residents say the rise in online shopping has changed how they handle deliveries during the holiday season.

Palm Springs resident Niki Plaid says neighbors in her community regularly watch out for one another by collecting packages if someone is not home.

Experts recommend several ways to reduce the risk of package theft. Those include shipping packages to a workplace, using secure lockers such as Amazon Hub locations, or sending deliveries to a P.O. Box. Asking a trusted neighbor to collect packages, requiring a signature upon delivery, and enabling real-time delivery alerts are also effective options.

Security technology is another tool shoppers are using. Video doorbells and security cameras may not prevent every theft, but experts say they can discourage criminals and help identify suspects if a package is stolen.

San Diego resident Kate Fogerty says communication at home helps prevent deliveries from being left outside for too long. She says she texts her roommates when a package is expected so someone can grab it right away.

If a package does go missing, experts advise shoppers to verify delivery details with the carrier first, such as USPS, UPS, or FedEx. Contacting the seller is the next step, as many retailers offer replacements or refunds. Filing a police report may also be required for insurance purposes or official records.

With holiday deliveries expected to peak in the coming weeks, experts say taking simple precautions now can help prevent theft and keep the holiday season on track.

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Shay Lawson

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)  – What was planned as a celebration of the first night of Hanukkah was also a moment of solidarity at the Jewish Federation of the Desert.

The Jewish Federation of the Desert’s first annual Hanukkah community celebration featured performances by the Palm Springs Gay Men’s chorus and Israeli folk dancing.

The gathering also included a moment of silence for those killed in the Bondi Beach shooting that targeted Australia’s Jewish community.

More than 100 people attended the program — following the news of the deadly attack — saying fear won’t win.

“I was looking forward to coming for exactly that reason,” Stefanie Guynn, attendee, said.

“We decided to continue having this celebration today exactly for the reason of rising above the hate,” Danny Labin, CEO of Jewish Federation of the Desert, said. “For continuing to dedicate ourselves as a people to celebrating life and celebrating the light that is part of Hanukkah.”

Local law enforcement visible at the event.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andrew Mills lighting the menorah, a moment many said feels more powerful than ever.

Stay with KESQ as News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson speaks with a local man who says he knew some of the victims killed in the Australia attack.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Police shared new information Monday on a deadly crash over the weekend along Highway 111 that was initially believed to be a hit-and-run incident.

The incident started Sunday just after 10:30 a.m. when a bicyclist found a body off the side of the roadway on Highway 111, between Tipton Road and Snowcreek Canyon Road, southeast of Whitewater.

Investigators initially determined that the victim was likely struck by a car, which had left the scene before authorities arrived. Monday afternoon, police told News Channel 3 that they were able to locate driver in the crash, who had actually reported it on Saturday just before 3:30 a.m.

Police said the driver reported hitting an object in the roadway. The vehicle’s onboard OnStar system detected the collision and initiated a 911 call. California Highway Patrol, Palm Springs Police Department, and Palm Springs Fire Department responded and conducted an extensive search of the area; however, they were unable to locate what had been struck due to darkness and the location of the impact.

The driver sustained an injury and was transported to the local hospital for treatment. The driver was cooperative with investigators and was not under the influence, police added.

Further investigation determined the collision occurred more than a half mile south of where the vehicle ultimately came to rest, a distance that was unknown to responding personnel during the initial nighttime search.

After reviewing the evidence and interviewing the driver, investigators determined the driver did not leave the roadway. The incident has been classified as non-criminal.

The coroner’s office released a partial ID on the person killed in the crash, a male from Cherry Valley.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Athena Jreij

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A proposal from Palm Desert Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto to limit Pride month celebrations in the city is facing pushback from state Assemblyman Greg Wallis.

Earliert this week, Pradetto suggested the city end recognition for Pride month, including no longer displaying a Pride banner at City Hall.

In response, Assemblyman Wallis issued a formal statement condemning the measure on Saturday.

Wallis said in part, “Pride month recognition doesn’t create division, it affirms that every resident deserves to be celebrated and respected.”

The assemblyman also called it a ‘slap in the face’ to LGBTQ+ residents.

Speaking with News Channel 3 on Friday, Pradetto said he proposed the measure to highlight residents’ similarities rather than differences.

“Who you love is a matter of personal liberty, and I believe that government must stand strong to protect those liberties. However, I do not believe that government should get in the business of celebrating the private identities of one group over another,” Pradetto said in a city council meeting Thursday evening.

The City of Palm Desert said Friday, “At last night’s meeting, Mayor Pro Tem Pradetto made a formal request for Council discussion regarding Resolution 24-038 and a potential update to Resolution 2018-09. That request was approved for future agenda placement, but no action has been taken at this time.”

As of now, the earliest this item would return to Council is the second meeting in January, though it may be February. It’s anticipated that any initial discussion would take place in a study session format, allowing space for a full and thoughtful dialogue among Councilmembers before any decisions are considered.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.  

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – In Palm Springs and Cathedral City locals gathered to lay 1,315 wreaths on the headstones of veterans for National Wreaths Across America Day.

Welwood Murray Cemetery and Desert Memorial Park are official Wreaths Across America locations, each hosting a wreath-laying ceremony Saturday afternoon, joining more than 4,900 other locations across the nation.

The ceremony at Welwood Murray Cemetery in Palm Springs was hosted by Daughters of the American Revolution Cahuilla Chapter Regent Noma Bruton. The Palm Springs cemetery is home to 139 veterans, each one receiving a wreath.

Bruton said they originally only had enough sponsors to lay 89 wreaths in the cemetery, but the City of Palm Springs sponsored the remaining 50 to ensure all veterans were honored.

As each volunteer approached a headstone, they said the name of the veteran out loud and thanked them for their service.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from volunteers and organizers about the importance of the wreath laying ceremony.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A bird that managed to escape from the Living Desert last week was returned safely to the zoo, officials announced on Monday.

“Pili,” a Southern ground hornbill, escaped the zoo grounds on Thursday. Staff initially tracked the bird, but due to the steep terrain, couldn’t follow its path. It was last seen on Friday near the Boyd Deep Canyon Desert Research Center at the base of the Santa Rosa Mountains.

Zoo officials said Pili was spotted Monday morning at the Reserve Country Club in Indian Wells. It was later spotted a few miles away at the Vintage Country Club, where animal Care staff successfully recaptured the hornbill without incident at approximately 9:15 a.m.

“I am happy to report that the bird appears healthy and uninjured following its brief adventure,” said Allen Monroe, CEO and President of The Living Desert. “The eight-year-old male hornbill is currently undergoing veterinary evaluation and will eventually be placed on habitat with the female “Mabel.”

Monroe praised the collaborative effort that led to the bird’s safe return.

“I want to extend my sincere gratitude to our Animal Care Department, whose team worked tirelessly throughout the weekend searching for the bird and coordinating recovery efforts. Their professionalism, persistence, and dedication to animal welfare were exemplary,” Monroe said.

The Living Desert said it received several reported sightings from community members during the search. Officials thanked the individuals and staff at the Reserve and Vintage Country Clubs as well as local media outlets, for sharing information about the bird with the public.

The Living Desert is conducting a thorough review of the incident to ensure continued animal safety.

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Daniella Lake

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert hosted its annual bike giveaway at Acrisure Arena this morning. They gave bicycles, helmets and bike locks to lock fourth grade students.

“We know that fourth grade is a really meaningful time when these students. If they know the community is supporting them, they’re going to continue to show up, do their best work, try their hardest. And that’s what we want to be here today to support them in,” says Heidi Maldoon, executive director for the organization.

Students were nominated by their school districts for their character and merit. The Palm Springs, Desert Sands, and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts participated. 

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)- Guide Dogs of the Desert is hosting its annual 5K run/walk today. Jingle Paws, formerly known as Santa Paws, invites the community to celebrate the holiday season and support Guide Dog’s of the Desert’s mission. 

Participants are encouraged to walk or run in Santa suits. The event will include a special Elf Dash for children, along with vendor booths and holiday photo opportunities.

The event will take place at Vine Ave. & W. Chino Drive, Palm Springs, CA.

5K Run/Walk starts at  9:00 a.m. 

Elf Dash starts at 10:00 a.m.

Guide Dogs of the Desert says they’re looking for volunteers to raise over 20 new puppies. You can learn more information on their website.

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KESQ News Team

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Desert Hot Springs is counting down to its Parade of Lights and Holiday Festival on Saturday, December 13.

The event will light up Palm Drive with illuminated floats decorated vehicles, and community groups.

The festivities will include face painting, carnival rides, food vendors, and of course, photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.

The event starts at 5:45 pm and will go until 10:00 p.m., with the parade starting at Palm and Mission Lakes Blvd. and ending at Palm and 2nd Street.

The holiday festival is on Palm and Pierson immediately following the parade, with a tree lighting at City Hall.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department announced that there will be road closures for the event:

9:00 a.m. – The area of Palm Drive, First Street, and Acoma Avenue will be closed to all through traffic.

2:00 p.m. – Palm Drive from Mission Lakes Boulevard to 2nd Street will be closed to all through traffic.

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Jesus Reyes

Update 12/14/25

Snyder’s mother has reported her daughter has been found and is now back home.

Original Report 12/12/25

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A teenager from Rancho Mirage has been missing for several days.

Sara Snyder, 13, has been missing since Monday, Dec. 8.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that this is an active case.

If you have any information, call the Sheriff’s Office at 760-836-1600.

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