Category: kesq-local-news

Garrett Hottle

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — Dolores Huerta, the pioneering labor leader and civil rights activist who co-founded the United Farm Workers (UFW), has died at age 96, leaving behind a legacy of organizing, advocacy and social justice that continues to inspire communities nationwide.

Huerta was born April 10, 1930, in Dawson, New Mexico, and grew up in Stockton, California, where early experiences with discrimination helped shape her lifelong commitment to fighting injustice. After briefly working as a teacher, she became involved in community organizing, motivated by the poverty and hardships she witnessed among farmworker families.

In 1962, Huerta and Cesar Chávez founded the National Farm Workers Association, which later became the United Farm Workers. As a union leader and negotiator, she fought for better wages, safer working conditions, health care benefits and protections against harmful pesticides. Her leadership in the 1973 grape boycott helped build momentum for landmark farmworker labor protections in California.

Huerta also advocated for immigrant rights, women’s equality, LGBTQ+ communities and greater political representation for marginalized people. She founded the Dolores Huerta Foundation in 2002 to strengthen community organizing and advance social justice. Her enduring motto, “¡Sí, se puede!” — “Yes, we can!” — became a rallying cry for movements seeking equality and change.

News of Huerta’s passing prompted tributes from organizations and leaders across the region. The United Farm Workers, in a statement attributed to President Teresa Romero, celebrated Huerta as a tireless advocate whose work strengthened farmworkers and the Latino community. The union emphasized that continuing her organizing legacy is the greatest tribute to her life.

The Coalition for Humane Immigrant Rights (CHIRLA) also mourned her loss. Executive Director Angelica Salas described Huerta as a “guiding light” and an “indomitable fighter for justice,” remembering her as a mentor and friend who continued encouraging civic engagement and urging community members to vote in her final days.

In the Coachella Valley, TODEC expressed its grief, remembering Huerta as a friend, sister in the struggle and companion in the movement. The organization pledged to continue the fight in her honor, declaring, “Dolores Always Present!” The City of Palm Springs also honored Huerta’s courage, determination and commitment to justice, recognizing the lasting impact she made on farmworkers and families.

Reaction continued to pour in this afternoon from local leaders to Riverside County and the Coachella Valley, with Supervisor V. Manuel Perez releasing a statement reading, “Dolores Huerta was a leader among leaders, an icon, and a pioneer for social justice whose impact will be felt for generations.”

Perez’s statement continued, “I first had the privilege of meeting Dolores during my undergraduate years at UC Riverside, where she spoke passionately about social justice and farmworkers’ rights. Over the years, I was fortunate to get to know her personally through her visits to the Coachella Valley.Her work was especially meaningful to my family. My mother, who worked in the agricultural fields, often spoke about how Dolores’ advocacy helped bring essential protections to farmworkers, including access to restrooms, shade, clean drinking water, and safer working conditions. These victories brought dignity to hardworking families like mine. Dolores lived a remarkable 96 years, yet our nation still needs courageous voices like hers advocating for justice and equality. Her legacy will live forever in the families, workers, and communities she fought so tirelessly to uplift. I will always be grateful for her leadership, friendship, and extraordinary contributions.”

Congressman Dr. Raul Ruiz also released a statement on the legacy of Huerta, saying, “Our nation lost a hero and a warrior for justice with the passing of Dolores Huerta. She fought for justice until the very end. She stood up for farmworkers, women, children and the poor her entire life.”

Ruiz continued, “As the son of farmworkers who grew up in a farmworker community, I owe her so much gratitude for inspiring a movement that brought so much dignity to many people who work hard to feed America and struggle just to give their children an opportunity. May she rest in peace. Her legacy and the struggle live on.”

Statement from CVUSD

Huerta’s legacy also includes difficult revelations about her relationship with Chávez. Earlier this year, she publicly alleged that he sexually assaulted her in 1966 and described two sexual encounters that she said involved coercion and force. Her allegations, along with those of other women, contributed to a reassessment of Chávez’s legacy.

Despite the complexities of the movement’s history, Huerta’s decades of activism transformed labor organizing and helped amplify the voices of people too often excluded from political and economic power.

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Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – The cast and director of A24’s The Invite will receive the Vanguard Award at the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival. Director and actor Olivia Wilde, as well as actors Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz and Edward Norton, are confirmed to attend the award presentation, organizers said.

The Vanguard Award is a group honor distinguishing a film’s cast and director in recognition of their collective work on an exceptional film project.

The Film Awards will take place on January 7, 2027, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, with the festival running January 7-18, 2027. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.

“With The Invite, Olivia Wilde has made a film that is both comedic and deeply human. In addition to directing, she stars alongside three of the most compelling actors working today: Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Each of them brings something irreplaceable to this story, and together they’ve created something that has stayed with audiences long after the credits roll. We are thrilled to honor this incredible team with this year’s Vanguard Award.”

Following its celebrated Sundance premiere, The Invite became a breakout cultural and box office success, winning over audiences with its razor-sharp humor, irresistible ensemble, and disarming emotional depth.

The film has since earned four Gotham Award nominations, including Best Feature, Best Adapted Screenplay, Outstanding Supporting Performance for Penélope Cruz, and the Gotham Audience Award.

Masterfully directed by Olivia Wilde and starring Wilde, Seth Rogen, Penélope Cruz, and Edward Norton, the film finds both hilarity and humanity in the complexities of marriage, intimacy, and the relationships that shape our lives. What begins as a dinner party between two neighboring couples spirals into an unpredictable evening of revelations, desire, and unexpected connection. Beneath its biting comedy is a heartfelt exploration of the messiness of human relationships, and the complicated, often surprising ways we love one another.

The screenplay was adapted by Will McCormack and Rashida Jones.

Past recipients of the Vanguard Award include Academy Award Best Picture winners Green Book and The Shape of Water , as well as Best Picture nominees Belfast, Emilia Pérez, Hamnet, Killers of the Flower Moon, La La Land, Little Miss Sunshine, The Fabelmans, and The Trial of the Chicago 7.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing announcements on the 2027 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

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Kiera McKinney

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Halloween celebrations could mean a late night for many Coachella Valley residents—and this year, the clocks change just hours after the holiday.

Daylight saving time ends Sunday, Nov. 1, at 2 a.m., when clocks move back one hour. While that creates an opportunity for extra sleep, staying up later could cut into that rest.

News Channel 3 is looking at how the combination of Halloween plans and the time change could affect sleep heading into the work and school week, and why preparing before the weekend may help.

Watch News Channel 3 for advice on preparing for the change and keeping your sleep schedule on track.

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Raymond Kalra

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – With Election Day less than a week away, California’s recommended seven-day mailing window has passed, but voters still have several ways to return their ballots ahead of the November 3 general election.

The California Secretary of State recommends voters mail their ballots at least seven days before Election Day to allow time for processing and delivery.

That recommended window ended Tuesday, October 27. However, voters can still return their ballots through the mail, at official drop-off locations or in person.

News Channel 3 reached out to the United States Postal Service and Riverside County Registrar of Voters to clarify what voters should know about mailing deadlines, postmarks and other ballot-return options.

USPS taking additional steps to expedite election mail

In a statement to News Channel 3, the Postal Service said it remains committed to the timely and secure delivery of election mail.

“The Postal Service is committed to the secure, timely delivery of the nation’s Political and Election Mail and we are confident that we will deliver another successful election season,” USPS said.

According to the agency, postal managers across the country began implementing additional measures on October 24 to expedite the delivery of ballots to election offices.

Those measures may include extra mail deliveries and collections, special pickups, and localized handling and transportation of ballots.

USPS also clarified an important detail about how ballots are postmarked.

Because postmarks are generally applied at postal processing facilities, the date appearing on a ballot’s postmark may not always match the date the ballot was placed in a collection box, dropped off at a retail location or picked up by a letter carrier.

However, voters who still plan to mail their ballots have another option.

“A customer can ensure that their mailpiece receives a postmark, and that the date on the postmark matches the date of mailing, by taking the mailpiece to any one of our conveniently located Postal Service retail locations and requesting a manual (local) postmark at the retail counter when dropping off the mailpiece,” USPS said.

The Postal Service confirmed that manual postmarks are available free of charge.

USPS recommends mailing ballots before Election Day and at least one week before the deadline for their receipt by an election office.

In California, mailed ballots generally must be postmarked on or before November 3 and received by county election officials no later than November 10.

Local voters choosing to return ballots in person

While mailing remains an option, some Coachella Valley residents told News Channel 3 they prefer returning their completed ballots at official drop-off locations.

Trina, who dropped off her ballot in person, said the decision offered peace of mind.

“I just know I did it and it’s in there and I have nothing else to worry about,” she said.

Another voter, Carol, said she previously mailed her ballots but has recently preferred returning them herself.

“I’ve been voting for many, many years, so at the beginning I would mail it,” Carol said. “More recently, I prefer to drop it off like this, so I know it’s definitely taken care of.”

Carol said completing her ballot at home also gave her time to carefully research candidates and measures.

Both voters said personally dropping off their ballots gave them additional confidence in the return process.

Republican and Democratic organizations helping voters return ballots

California law also allows voters to authorize another person to return their completed mail-in ballot on their behalf.

The practice, sometimes referred to as ballot harvesting or ballot collection, is legal when state requirements are followed.

Under California Elections Code Section 3017, an authorized individual may return a ballot for another voter. The person returning the ballot must complete the required information on the return envelope and follow applicable deadlines.

The law prohibits paying individuals based on the number of ballots they collect.

News Channel 3 spoke with representatives of Republican and Democratic organizations in the Coachella Valley about how they assist residents with returning their ballots.

Joy Miedecke, President of the East Valley Republican Women said the organization has helped voters with their ballots for years.

“People are very confused about ballots, especially where judges are concerned,” Miedecke said. “And so we have them come in and we help them and we take their ballot and we take it up to the ROV office in Moreno Valley and have it counted.”

The organization also said it offers assistance regardless of a voter’s political affiliation.

At Democratic Headquarters of the Desert, Political Director Ellie Kurpiewski said the organization has returned a limited number of ballots but generally encourages people to visit official drop-off locations themselves.

“We have not been doing it, per se. We’ve done a couple of them,” Kurpiewski said. “But what we tell folks, because City Hall is so close, we just tell them to go there immediately.”

Kurpiewski said employees are instructed on the requirements for handling ballot return envelopes when voters request assistance.

She said the organization also directs residents to nearby official drop-off locations, including Cathedral City Hall and the library.

Both organizations described providing ballot-return assistance, although their approaches differ.

Riverside County Registrar: “Vote Early, Don’t Delay”

In a response to News Channel 3 on Wednesday, the Riverside County Registrar of Voters emphasized that residents still have multiple ways to cast their ballots.

When asked what the county recommends to voters who have not yet returned their ballots, election officials offered a straightforward message:

“Vote Early, Don’t Delay.”

The Registrar’s Office said residents have three convenient options for returning their ballots: voting in person, using a secure ballot drop-off location or returning their vote-by-mail ballot through USPS.

The county confirmed that mail-in ballots are accepted up to seven days after Election Day, provided they are properly postmarked on or before November 3.

Officials also reminded voters of one important requirement that could affect whether a ballot is accepted.

“Voters must sign their own designated return envelope, which is preprinted with their name,” the Registrar’s Office said.

That signature is used during the ballot verification process.

Riverside County has identified 107 secure ballot drop-off locations throughout the county.

Twenty early vote centers began opening October 24, with an additional 131 vote centers scheduled to open October 31.

Voters can return ballots at official drop-off locations until 8 p.m. on Election Day.

How voters can track their ballots

The Riverside County Registrar of Voters also encourages residents to use BallotTrax to monitor the status of their returned ballots.

“Voters may sign up for BallotTrax to receive updates on the status of their vote-by-mail ballot,” election officials told News Channel 3.

The service allows voters to receive notifications when their ballot has been received and whether it has been accepted for counting.

Carol told News Channel 3 she was already enrolled in the service and planned to monitor her ballot after dropping it off.

Residents who have not received a ballot or need a replacement can contact the Registrar’s Office at 951-486-7200 or rovweb@rivco.org.

Important dates for Riverside County voters October 27: California’s recommended seven-day mailing window ended. October 31: An additional 131 Riverside County vote centers are scheduled to open. November 3: Election Day. In-person voting and official ballot drop-off locations close at 8 p.m. Mailed ballots generally must be postmarked by this date. November 10: Deadline for county election offices to receive qualifying mailed ballots postmarked by Election Day. Helpful voter resources Riverside County Registrar of Voters Find an early voting location or ballot drop box Track your ballot through BallotTrax Check your voter registration status USPS Election Mail Information California Secretary of State Election Information

With Election Day approaching, both USPS and Riverside County election officials say voters still have options for returning their ballots.

Whether mailing a ballot, using an official drop box or voting in person, election officials encourage residents to review the deadlines, follow ballot-return instructions and check the status of their vote.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the November 3 general election.

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Hernán Quintas

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A new study by Feeding America shows that many people right here in the Coachella Valley continue to face food insecurity. The FIND Regional Food Bank is helping to fill the gaps.

Our Telemundo anchor Hernán Quintas spoke to a client about her experience and how FIND is helping.

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Jesus Reyes

Update – 10/30/26

Authorities arrested a 40-year-old from Hemet on suspicion of murder, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office announced on Friday.

The suspect was arrested on Wednesday in Hemet. Investigators served a search warrant at his residence, where they reportedly seized multiple items related to the investigation.

The suspect is scheduled to be arraigned on Tuesday. He remains in custody at the Cois Byrd Detention Center

Authorities also announced the identity of the woman, Jessica Rodriguez, 43, of Hemet.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office thanks the public for their assistance in this investigation and for helping bring justice to this victim. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Daniel DiMaggio at (951) 955-2777.

Original Report – 10/27/26

ANZA, Calif. (KESQ) – A suspicious death investigation is underway after the remains of a missing woman were found in the unincorporated area of Riverside County known as Anza last week, authorities said.

The remains were located on Friday, just before 3:00 p.m., in the area of Bautista Canyon Road and Willis Road.

“Upon arrival, deputies located the remains of an adult female in a red shirt and purple pants,” reads a news release by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office. “Investigators believe she may have gone missing during the month of October in the Hemet or Anza area.”

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit is seeking the public’s assistance in identifying the woman.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Dan DiMaggio at (951) 955-2777.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – We’re just over a week away from the start of the Coachella Valley Lakers’ inaugural season at Acresure Arena.

On Tuesday, the G League team held a basketball clinic at Indio Middle School, where they interacted with students and showed off the dunk squad.

Students were able to join in on the fun as they practiced their dribbling and shooting skills.

“So these students are actually seeing the dunk squad, which you’ll see on court during our games, for the first time ever. So we’ve come out to launch our fan fest. We’re engaging the students, we’re teaching them some tips and tricks for basketball, and then we’re also just making sure that they have some entertainment,” said Nathan Truesdell, the team’s vice president of marketing and revenue.

Tip-off for the CV Lakers is set for next Friday at 7 p.m. against the Salt Lake City Stars.

Check out our Coachella Valley Lakers section for continuing coverage.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An ex-cop who roughed up two boys while arresting them after they fled an alleged burglary on the campus of Desert Hot Springs High School was on probation today.

Johnny Acosta, 31, on Tuesday pleaded no contest to gun assault, filing a false report and assault by a peace officer. The charges were originally felonies, but under the defense’s plea offer, all counts were reduced to misdemeanors.

The plea was made directly to the court — over the objections of the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office — during a hearing at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. Superior Court Judge Susanne Cho certified the terms and sentenced Acosta to a year of probation, as well as 100 hours of community service, to be completed through an area nonprofit organization.

The Department of Probation will also make a determination as to potential victim compensation, court records showed.

Acosta was arrested in November 2025 following a Riverside County Force Investigations Detail Task Force probe into the acts involving excessive use of force. Acosta posted a $30,000 bond and was released from custody the same day.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, shortly before 2 a.m. on Nov. 8, 2024, Desert Hot Springs Police Department patrol units were sent to the high school on Pierson Boulevard to investigate a possible break-in.

Acosta was among the patrolmen who encountered four male suspects fleeing the location when the officers approached, prosecutors said.

The defendant pursued one 17-year-old boy, resulting in the first act of excessive force, then went after another 17-year-old, culminating in the second instance of heavy-handedness, according to investigators.

The youths were ultimately taken into custody without incident, and there was no indication that either suffered injuries that necessitated medical treatment.

The specific actions on the part of the defendant weren’t disclosed, and there was no word regarding damage to the campus during the reported burglary.

Acosta was placed on administrative leave, after which an internal investigation was initiated that led to his dismissal from the police department on March 27, 2025.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Friday will mark the 60th anniversary of a Riverside murder case that remains unsolved but for which detectives continue to seek decisive clues that might close it.

Cheri Jo Bates, 18, was killed on the campus of Riverside City College, where she had gone to study in the library on the afternoon of Oct. 30, 1966.

Riverside Police Department Detective Steve Espinosa said that even though it’s been six decades, “information from the public may help bring answers to Cheri Jo’s family and move this investigation forward.”

The young woman went to visit the campus library while her family was elsewhere, though she left a note for her father telling him her destination, Espinosa said.

When his daughter didn’t return home that night, the man became anxious, finally contacting police shortly before 6 on Halloween morning.

Less than an hour later, an individual walking in the area of Fairfax Avenue and Terracina Drive, which is near the middle of the campus, discovered the body of a woman in an alleyway and called police. Espinosa said the remains were quickly confirmed to be those of Bates.

Detectives have not publicly disclosed the manner in which she was killed, or whether there was any type of attempted sexual assault.

“Investigators identified a primary person of interest,” Espinosa said. “Based on the evidence, this individual has remained a focus of the investigation over the years.”

There has not been sufficient evidence for an arrest.

“Investigators have continued to evaluate all viable leads and pursue new avenues of inquiry,” the police spokesman said. “The search for answers continues.”

Anyone with information was asked to contact the police department’s Cold Case Unit at homicidecoldcase@riversideCA.gov.

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Gavin Nguyen

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – California’s 47th State Assembly District is a big race for the Coachella Valley.

The district is a large one. Encompassing a big chunk of the valley, its eastern bounds start in La Quinta before stretching to portions of the Inland Empire. Including parts of Redlands, it also stretches north, into the High Desert of San Bernardino County, including Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree.

Greg Wallis is the incumbent and is looking ahead to his third term after first being elected in an extremely tight race in 2022. A Republican, he said he’s worked with the legislature’s Problem Solvers Caucus in search of good policy decisions rather than partisan politics.

That’s why he said he disagreed with how campaign ads paid for by his opponent have portrayed him this election cycle.

“It’s the politics of division we’ve seen every two years out here in the races that I’ve run,” he said. Responding to an ad that claimed he voted with the “Republican MAGA agenda,” he refuted, “You look at the initial claim on that. It was from an article that Cal Matters wrote calling me the most independent member of the state legislature.”

The ad also said he has voted to keep costs for Californians high. He refuted that claim, citing his voting history in the assembly: “I’ve voted against policies that are going to drive, well, companies out of state, because right now, the reality is Californians need fuel to get around. And when we artificially limit the supply like we have in Sacramento, you’re going to see costs go up.”

Leila Namvar is the Democratic challenger looking to oust Wallis from his assembly seat. Originally from Iran, she moved to the Coachella Valley in 2005. She has since served more than 20 years with the City of Indio drafting policy and is currently a Public Arts Analyst within Indio’s Public Works department.

Ads targeting her campaign claimed the policies she and her backers support extreme. She disagreed.

“I don’t consider [any of my positions] extreme. We pay taxes for essentials. Our tax pays for our police, fire, ambulances,” she said. “Their claims that there are some Democrats, that they disagree with me. That’s wrong.”

Namvar said her experience in public policy is something she would take with her to Sacramento.

“The way I operate is always show up, listen, learn and bring all the stakeholders at the table so we can create the policy that is balanced.”

She said she wanted to prioritize affordability, justice, and access to education and healthcare. “People are talking about affordability. People are afraid of their health care. That is going to go away. People are afraid that they can’t afford their rent.”

For Wallis, he said the cost of living was what was at the top of every voter’s mind this election. He wanted to prioritize bringing legislation forward to help drive down costs.

“I think that really means getting rid of red tape, getting rid of some of the redundant regulations that end up increasing timelines and driving up costs on projects that ultimately get passed on to Californians,” Wallis said.

The key to the race, according to independent political analyst Chad Mayes, was the appeal Greg Wallis manages to secure from voters across party lines.

“You know, that party label means an awful lot,” he explained. “The question is for Assemblymember Wallis, has he done enough to be able to reach out to folks in the district to say, listen, I’m representing your values. I think that he’s done that. The question is, is do the voters believe that he’s done that?”

News Channel 3 is your election headquarters. Be sure to stick with us for the latest updates leading up to and on Election Night.

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