Author: KESQ

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Thousands gathered in Downtown Park in Palm Springs Saturday for the Coachella Valley Filipino Festival.

The highly anticipated event finally kicked off after it was postponed last weekend due to weather.

Over 50 vendors, locals and visitors gathered to celebrate Filipino culture, with many saying they were happy the event was rescheduled so they could continue to share their Filipino heritage in the Valley.

“It’s important because it’s Filipino festival and we’re heritage Filipino. And we. So we don’t get to see this that often in the community. So it’s a big thing for us to come out in spite of the cloudy weather. It reminds me the good old days in the Philippines,” said Thelma Santos, a Beaumont resident.

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Isaiah Mora

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two suspects are now in custody, accused of stabbing a man early Saturday morning in Palm Springs.

Around 1:51 a.m. on Saturday, the Palm Springs Police Department received a 911 call reporting an altercation near the 200 block of South Palm Canyon Drive. When officers arrived on the scene, they found a 32-year-old man who sustained multiple stab wounds. He was taken to a local hospital and is currently in stable condition.

During an investigation, officers identified two suspects involved in the incident, who were placed under arrest for assault with a deadly weapon and battery. Both were transported to the Riverside County jail in Indio for booking.

Anyone with additional information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Palm Springs Police Department’s Investigations Division at 760-323-8144.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates on this story.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – The Plaza Theatre is holding a block party Saturday, November 22, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Organizers said to celebrate the exciting revival of the beloved landmark, the block is closing with music, fun and community spirit.

It will include free guided tours.

Performers include:  

10:00 a.m. Modern Men: Coachella Valley Men’s Chorus

11:00 a.m. Coachella Valley Classical Voices

12 p.m. Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus

1:00 p.m. Musical Theatre University

The Box office will offer tickets for sale with no convenience fees.

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Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – Update 11/22/2025 9:30 a.m. — Due to rain and unsafe conditions the city of Palm Desert said it’s postponing the Wiener Dog Race.

Original Article

The city of Palm Desert is holding its first ever wiener dog race.

It’s all happening at Civic Center Park’s dog park from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Organizers said any Dachshund — or Dachshund mix — from 6 months to 15 years can hit the track.

Thanksgiving themed costumes are encouraged. There will be a special prize awarded for the “Best Dressed Pup.”

Organizers said they are taking extra safety precautions to keep the 4 legged athletes safe.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Oscar’s in Palm Springs has set a $40,000 goal on Gofundme asking for the community’s support to keep it’s doors open.

Restaurant owner, Dan Gore, says the Palm Springs landmark is in a dire financial situation due to rising operational and utility costs, repairs, slow summer tourism and increased financial pressure during the Valley’s peak season.

“The air conditioning went out over the summer. It was a huge strain on us to get that replaced. I mean, everything seems to go up. The vendor, the liquor, the food, it’s all continuing to rise, and with the locals who are on a fixed budget, you know, it’s hard to bring the locals in when our prices are continuing to go up,” Gore said.

That AC repair cost them nearly $50,000 and the expenses didn’t end there.

“Our Edison bill runs between $4-5,000 every month during the summer. Insurance has gone up astronomically. If anyone’s had a business and has as many place employees as I have, workers comp insurance, general liability, medical, health insurance for my management team. It all adds up very quickly,” he said.

Gore says those issues have been made worse with slow summers and the expectation of less tourism this year. He says they’ve reported 30% less business compared to last season.

“We’re totally seeking a quarter of $1 million. We don’t want any more band aids. We’ve been on a band aid for several years now, and last summer was very bad for many, many people, and it was hard to recover from last summer.”

Oscar’s isn’t the only LGBTQ-owned business struggling this year, with many owners turning to Gofundme for community support as well. The platform reports over $8 million was fundraised in more than 130,000 donations in 2025 for LGBTQ businesses, covering operating costs, rent and utilities.

For drag performer Lawanda Jackson, a shuttered Oscar’s means one less place for their community to gather.

“When you come here, you have a home. You have a place you can mingle with other guys your age. You can’t do that online. You can’t go to the bars at our age anymore because everything has changed. This gives us reason, gives us vision, and it gives us a place to hug ourselves,” Jackson said.

If you’re interested in supporting Oscar’s, visit: Save Oscar’s Palm Springs.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. — November 21, 2025 — Valley Sanitary District (VSD) marked a major milestone on Thursday, celebrating its 100th anniversary at the Coachella Valley History Museum.

Established in 1925, VSD has grown from serving fewer than 1,000 residents to providing wastewater collection and treatment for more than 90,000 people across Indio and the eastern Coachella Valley.

At the anniversary event, guests toured historic exhibits, viewed archival photographs, and visited informational booths. The program featured remarks and proclamations from state and local leaders.

State Water Board Chairman E. Joaquin Esquivel said, “The fact that Valley Sanitary District was created years before the incorporation of our first city, Indio, speaks to how fundamental the management of waste has been for the protection of our community’s health, environment, and our precious water resources.”

General Manager Jason Dafforn, P.E. recognized VSD’s staff and partners who have supported the District over the past century. “Reaching 100 years is a milestone that reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of the community we serve,” Dafforn said. “We are proud of our history and equally proud of the planning and investments underway that will support Indio and the surrounding area for the next century.”

Board President Debra A. Canero shared similar sentiments on behalf of the Board of Directors, saying, “This celebration honors every community member, employee and partner who has contributed to the District’s success. Valley Sanitary District has grown alongside this community for 100 years, and we remain committed to providing safe and reliable service every day.”

Looking at long-term planning, VSD is designing a tertiary treatment system that would allow the District to produce recycled water for non-potable irrigation when cost-effective. Additionally, VSD is advancing a biosolids conversion project in partnership with Lystek International that will transform wastewater byproducts into nutrient-rich fertilizer for local agriculture—reducing hauling costs and supporting sustainability.

Guests at the event also received VSD’s coffee table book, chronicling the District’s evolution from early treatment ponds to how it is today.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After lots of waiting, the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre officially cut the ribbon on Friday.

The 30 million dollar restoration project of the iconic theatre finally paid off, as they get ready to open the doors for the first time.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte and other important figures of the city were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A block party will be held on Saturday starting at 10:00 a.m.

The official opening night will be on December 1st.

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Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – “I would live in a tent and just stick out in there for a little bit until it pass over,” says Vicky Benitez. She’s been unhoused for almost 20 years. Now, she’s found a new home at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.

“I’m going to graduate. I’m doing everything I need to do just to get right and get my own house,” she says. Just last month, she started their gateway program. She says that being unhoused when it rains, it was a struggle, especially during the holidays.

“That’s when you know, my addiction got worse. Like, to the point where you just want to numb it all up,” she says. 

Scott Wolf, the development director for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, says that they expect to serve 5,000 meals a day during Thanksgiving week. Here’s a list of events for those in need at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission:

Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, November 26, 2 – 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving meals on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2 – 6 p.m. 

Annual Toy Giveaway on Thursday, December 18, 7 a.m.

The mission is located at 47-470 Van Buren Street, Indio, CA 92201.

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Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Riverside County health leaders are urging residents to take precautions ahead of Thanksgiving as flu activity begins to rise and the county records its first flu-related death of the 2025–26 season. Riverside University Health System confirmed that the individual who died was over the age of 65, lived in western Riverside County, and was not believed to have been vaccinated.

Dr. Geoffrey Leung, a physician for Riverside University Health System, said the death serves as a stark reminder that flu season is underway and that now is the critical time to get protected. He stressed that vaccination ahead of the holidays is one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness and safeguard vulnerable loved ones.

He noted that while flu activity is only beginning to rise, emergency rooms and hospitals historically see increases as the season progresses.

“We are just starting to see flu cases pick up and we expect that we’ll see a rise… and that tells us that this is the best time to get vaccinated because you do want to get your flu shot before the peak.”

Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside University Health System Physician

County numbers show that only about 16 percent of residents are up-to-date on their flu vaccinations this season, a slightly lower rate compared to this time last year. With holiday gatherings approaching, Leung said families can play a role in protecting those at higher risk.

“The best way to protect grandmother or a mother who’s pregnant is to have everybody else in the house get vaccinated and sort of provide the safeguard.”

Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside University Health System Physician

Health officials continue to recommend common preventive steps in addition to vaccination, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick.

Even though the flu shot takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness, officials emphasize that it is never too late to get vaccinated.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more. 

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — We had three local high school football teams make the semifinals in their respective division.

Unfortunately, all three fell short on Friday on night, ending their season.

0-3. Damn. All 3 local teams lose respective semifinal. Heck of a run by this trio that falls short.

D7: PS 7 at Barstow 28D8: PD 14 at Beckman 28D12: Grace 49 at CV 42

And with that, the high school football season is over. Wow. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @CIFSS @FootballinCV

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) November 22, 2025

FINAL SCORES – CIF-SS FOOTBALL SEMIFINALS

D7: Palm Springs 7 at Barstow 28

D8: Palm Desert 14 at Beckman (Irvine) 28

D12: Grace 49 at Coachella Valley 42

With all three losses, that ends the 2025 high school football season. All local teams have been eliminated.

Congrats to the Indians, Aztecs and Arabs on their respective playoff run.

Until next year.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of football and all high school sports.

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