Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. – A 64-year-old man was killed in a crash while on a bicycle Thursday afternoon in Yucca Valley, authorities said.

The crash happened on Thursday at around 12:50 p.m. on Pueblo Trail and Joshua Lane.

Leon Dowd was traveling westbound and collided with a vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital with major injuries, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

He was pronounced dead nearly an hour later.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A tuberculosis case reported at Indio High School last week is drawing attention from health officials, who are also warning of a seasonal increase in respiratory illnesses across the Coachella Valley. Officials confirmed that a student at Indio High tested positive for tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs.

Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, a medical director at Eisenhower Health, says TB is not common, but cases do appear occasionally in the valley.

“It’s not as contagious as the common cold. Usually it’s in tight quarters… It’s not a hugely common infection. We see occasional patients with tuberculosis, and it can range from just a mild respiratory infection to someone very sick.”

Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, Eisenhower Health Medical Director

According to public health data, Riverside County reported 98 cases of TB in 2024, up from 63 in 2023. Health officials say the increase could be tied to more international travel and fewer people getting tested.

While TB remains relatively rare, doctors are also monitoring a rise in more common respiratory illnesses, including the cold, flu, and milder strains of COVID-19.

In response, health officials are urging the public to stay home when sick, wear a mask in crowded indoor settings, and get tested early if symptoms develop.

“It is important to test when you have an upper respiratory infection or you lose your taste buds — mainly because there are medications we can give to patients who are at risk that can shorten the disease.”

Dr. Euthym Kontaxis, Eisenhower Health Medical Director

With flu season approaching, local health departments are also encouraging residents to get vaccinated to stay protected.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif.– The Oasis of Mara trail at Joshua Tree National Park is closed after damage from recent flooding.

Park officials said recent summer monsoonal events caused severe erosion of the paved trail and impacted the cultural site. Several sections of the trail have been undercut, and others have steep drop-offs, creating unsafe hiking conditions.

The trail will be closed until repairs are completed.

Repairs will be planned and implemented in consultation with associated Tribes.

Park rangers encourage visitors to check the weather forecast before entering the park. Flash floods in the desert can quickly turn deadly. Do not attempt to drive through flooded areas.

Visitors can prepare for a safe visit by:

Downloading the NPS App for trip planning and park alerts at https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm

Checking the park website for current conditions, restrictions, closures, and more at http://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/conditions.htm

Reviewing safety information at https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/safety-guidelines-for-your-visit-to-joshua-tree-national-park.htm

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A man was rushed to the hospital after being struck by a vehicle Monday afternoon on the eastbound side of Interstate 10 near Cook Street.

The crash was reported at around 1 p.m.

News Channel 3 crew at the scene confirmed a person was on the ground in the middle of the freeway. The person was taken to the hospital. There was no word on their condition.

At least one vehicle was damaged.

The crash caused some traffic delays on eastbound side of the freeway, however, traffic was moving again by 2:25 p.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Jesus Reyes

Update 9/9/25

The driver was pronounced dead in the hospital nearly an hour after the crash, according to the coroner’s office.

He was identified as Alvin Cunningham, 47, of Menifee.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Original Report 9/8/25

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was taken to a trauma center after a vehicle fire Monday afternoon in Desert Hot Springs.

The incident was first reported at a little after 1:45 p.m.

The California Highway Patrol told News Channel 3 that the driver exited the off-ramp for unknown reasons and made contact with the barrier wall. The vehicle caught on fire. The driver was able to be pulled out.

CHP said the driver sustained “multi-traumatic major injuries.” CAL FIRE confirmed the patient was transported to a trauma center in unknown condition.

The incident is not impacting traffic on the I-10 but is affecting the on-ramp/off-ramp.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif (KESQ) The legal group representing 15 victims injured in last year’s Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade crash say the city’s newly announced police reforms don’t go far enough.

In a statement issued Monday, the Formica Law Group called the December 7, 2024, incident a “nightmare” caused by “preventable, inexcusable failures.” The group says its clients including children, seniors, and families are living with lasting injuries and trauma.

The Palm Springs Police Department’s August 2025 report cited multiple problems: unauthorized stunts, officer fatigue tied to overtime, lack of supervision, and communication breakdowns. But attorneys say the report “stops short of true accountability.”

“These were not isolated ‘unfortunate events,’” the statement reads. “They were systemic, repeated, and avoidable acts of recklessness. Chief Andy Mills and senior leadership were or should have been aware of these risks as early as 2019.”

The City of Palm Springs announced new safety protocols for parades and large gatherings last week. Attorneys described those changes as “a step in the right direction,” but said “empty promises and policy tweaks will not heal our clients’ wounds, nor will they restore public trust.”

The Formica Law Group said its lawsuit against Chief Mills and the city will outline what it calls “systemic failures and preventable decisions” tied to the crash.

The statement also called for concrete reforms: banning dangerous maneuvers, enforcing limits on overtime to prevent fatigue, and mandating stronger safety measures for large public events.

“One young boy and 14 other innocent people will carry these scars for the rest of their lives,” the statement reads. “Their courage in standing up today is about creating a safer Palm Springs tomorrow.”

The Festival of Lights Parade draws more than 100,000 spectators each year.

This is a developing story and will be updated with further information as it becomes available.

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KESQ-Newsroom

Palm Desert, Calif. (KESQ)  – One person was sent to the hospital in Palm Desert following a report of a gas leak at a business.

Firefighters saying they responded to a compressed natural gas leak outside an industrial building just before 11 a.m. on Lennon Place, off of Hovley Lane and Cook Street. 

They say they were able to quickly activate the emergency shut-off to the tank, which shut off the leak. 

One person with minor symptoms was taken to a hospital for further evaluation, and another reporting illness declined further treatment.

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Athena Jreij

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – One person is in the hospital Sunday night following a gas leak at a Palm Desert business.

At 11 a.m., Cal Fire officials say they responded to a compressed natural gas leak outside an industrial building on Lennon Place off Hovley and Cook Street.

Authorities say they were able to activate the emergency shutoff to the tank, which shutoff the leak.

One person with minor symptoms was taken to a hospital for further evaluation.

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Timothy Foster

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Football season is officially back, and sports bars across the Coachella Valley are already feeling the rush.

The 19th Hole in Palm Desert, the opening weekend of the NFL season brought in large crowds of fans decked out in jerseys, eager to cheer on their favorite teams.

“Football’s huge,” said Ryan Hansen, a manager at the restaurant. “We open at 9 a.m. on Sundays and you’ve got fans from every single team here. It brings people together and it really helps the business.”

Local bar owners say the return of the NFL season is especially important after the summer months, when business typically slows down. Extending hours on game days and adding food and drink specials helps bring customers back week after week.

“Usually we wouldn’t be this full at this time of day — but football brings everybody out,” said owner Bobby Campbell. “Thursday night, Friday night, Sunday — people are coming out for football.”

For many fans, the season is about more than just the score.“It doesn’t matter who you root for. Lions, 49ers, Patriots — everyone’s here together. That’s the beauty of it,” said Ken Humes, who lives in Palm Desert.

Others say they prefer to watch games at local spots instead of chain restaurants.“You’re supporting your community,” said fan Jesus Patino Jr. “Having a beer, kicking back, and keeping the money local.”

As games continue three nights a week — Thursdays, Sundays, and Mondays — business owners say they’re preparing for foot traffic to pick up again!

The return of football means good food, cold drinks, and a chance to come together.

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Shay Lawson

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)  – California’s minimum wage is set to rise to $16.90 an hour on January 1, 2026 according to California’s Department of Finance.

While California’s cost of living varies, recent data indicates cost of living is about 12.6% above the national average according to the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

Some supporters said the higher wage is necessary to help workers keep up.

While some opponents said increasing the minimum wage would increase business costs, forcing companies to pass those expenses on to consumers through higher prices.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear what residents are saying.

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