Category: kesq-local-news

Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Public officials across the Coachella Valley are continuing work to reduce homelessness and provide affordable housing options for those in need.

On Friday, Governor Gavin Newsom’s office announcing California’s State Action for Facilitation on Encampments (SAFE) Task Force.

Within the next 30 days, Newsom’s office said the goal is to “aggressively prioritize and deploy California’s comprehensive network of services to quickly remove encampments on state rights-of-way and help connect people with wrap-around supportive services and shelter.”

The Governor’s office provided numbers from some of California’s largest communities reporting reduced homelessness, with Riverside County CoC seeing -19% unsheltered homelessness.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte said the highly anticipated Aloe Palm Canyon, located at 1479 N. Palm Canyon Drive, will offer affordable housing options for adults 55 and older with incomes ranging from 0% to 80% Area Median Income (AMI).

“This is one more property that brings housing to 71 different families,” deHarte said. “It’s been a concentrated effort by the city of Palm Springs to create these opportunities to create affordable housing.”

The housing project is set to open in September.

“This project broke ground in October 2023,” deHarte said. “In less than 2 years, this projects doors are going to open in just a couple of weeks.”

The Cathedral City Police Department’s Homeless Liaison Program is also continuing to take steps toward homeless outreach.

The city said Officer Mark Novy and Officer Phillip Garcia have redefined what it means to serve and protect citing that the program successfully helped 14 individuals transition from homelessness to permanent housing, last month alone.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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City News Service

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline in Riverside County was at its lowest amount for Labor Day since 2020 today, $4.476, despite rising 11 of the past 12 days.

Check Out Our Gas Gauge Section For Coachella Valley Gas Deals

The average price has increased 15.8 cents over the past 12 days, including a half-cent Monday, according to figures from the AAA and the Oil Price Information Service. The average price rose nine consecutive days, dropped one-tenth of a cent Saturday, then rose one-tenth of a cent Sunday.

The average price is 6.6 cents more than one week ago, 16.8 cents higher than one month ago and three-tenths of a cent above what it was one year ago. It has dropped $1.897 since rising to a record $6.373 on Oct. 5, 2022.   

The national average price rose two-tenths of a cent to $3.19, after three consecutive decreases totaling 2.2 cents, including four-tenths of a cent Sunday. A nine-day streak of increases totaling 8 cents ended Friday when the average price dropped nine-tenths of a cent.

The national average price is 2.9 cents more than one week ago and 3.9 cents higher than one month ago but 14.2 cents less than one year ago. It has dropped $1.826 since rising to a record $5.016 on June 14, 2022.

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Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Valley residents faced another busy travel day on Monday as the Labor Day weekend came to a close.

The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicted Palm Springs would be another very popular travel destination for folks bound from Los Angeles and San Diego ahead of the holiday. Valley residents felt the push, with big crowds in places like Downtown Palm Springs all weekend long.

The I-10 headed westbound began bunching up as early as 10:00 a.m. Monday morning. On its website, AAA stated 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. are typically the worst hours to drive for the holiday. Traffic began thinning out in Whitewater by 5:00 p.m., though some delays further west near Cabazon remained through that hour.

Some travelers, like Marilyn McAlister, were fortunate enough to take the road less traveled. McAlister and her husband, from El Centro, were visiting their daughter in Buena Park to celebrate her baby shower.

“We’ve been going against the traffic. We haven’t had any problems. No major accidents. So, yeah, our traveling has been relatively smooth,” recounted as the couple filled up at an Arco in Cathedral City.

Others who came into Palm Springs from Orange County, like Nathan Shackelford, said, “I got here on Friday evening. The traffic wasn’t really that bad. There [were] little pockets … I’m going to take I-10 back and try and beat some traffic.”

Stay with KESQ for the latest on traffic conditions as travelers make their last trips of the summer.

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City News Service

UPDATE 9/2/2025 – California Highway Patrol authorities are reporting that the two women on horseback involved in the crash were riding with a group of people along eastbound State Route 371 at Contreras Road.

They say one of the horses was spooked and went into the roadway. Monique Morton, who was killed in the crash, had followed the horse and rider into the road to assist with getting it back to the group.

At the same time, the driver of the car traveling westbound on 371 collided with the horses and riders. Officers say the driver did not see the horses or their riders in the roadway, and both riders were ejected onto the roadway. Officers add that both horses are deceased as a result of the crash, but no details were given on whether or not it was necessary to euthanized the horses.

The second rider received major injuries and was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center.

CHP says at this time, alcohol or drugs do not appear to have played a factor in the crash, which remains under investigation.

They ask anyone with information on the crash to contact the California Highway Patrol San Gorgonio Pass Area office at 951-846-5300.

ANZA, Calif. (KESQ) – A rider and two horses were killed when a vehicle plowed into them along Highway 371 in Anza, authorities said today.   

The fatalities occurred just after 9 p.m. Sunday on the westbound 371, near Bailiff Road, according to the California Highway Patrol and Riverside County Fire Department.

Authorities said a 70-year-old driver traveling at an unconfirmed speed ran into the equines and rider, identified as 48-year-old Monique Morton of Anza.   

She was pronounced dead at the scene by county fire paramedics 20 minutes later. It was unclear whether the horses died from the impact or were humanely euthanized due to their injuries.

A second rider, identified as a 34-year-old woman from Temecula, was airlifted to the hospital with major injuries.

No other details were immediately available, including the condition of the motorist and whether the CHP believes alcohol or drugs played a part in the crash.

The two-lane highway was partially shut down until the predawn hours Monday while a preliminary investigation was conducted.   

Anyone with information relevant to the investigation was asked to contact the Indio CHP office at 760-772-8938.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — As Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, local businesses are beginning to shift into high season — a time that typically brings an influx of tourists and a much-needed boost in revenue. Despite concerns earlier in the year, many local business owners say the summer turned out stronger than expected. Still, some are approaching the new season with cautious optimism.

As Palm Springs transitions from summer into its traditionally busy fall and winter seasons, one key question remains: will Canadian snowbirds return in their usual numbers?

Earlier this year, some Canadian travelers told News Channel 3 they were reconsidering their annual winter trips to the U.S., citing concerns over political tensions and divisive rhetoric.

Jaime Rodriguez, manager at Crazy Shirts, says he remains hopeful but realistic.

“We’re hoping to get all of our snow birds back, how it normally goes. I know it’s not 100 percent guaranteed right now.”

Jaime Rodriguez, Crazy Shirts Manager

A significant drop in Canadian visitors could pose a challenge for businesses that rely heavily on winter tourism. Many say they’re used to riding out the slower months and counting on the high season to carry them through.

Darren Fishman, owner of the newly opened Gelato-A-Go-Go, says that safety net is crucial.

“I think most businesses gear up knowing you’re going to have a high season and a low season. If summer was all year round, I don’t think it would be ideal for most businesses. They can weather the summer season by having good on seasons.”

Darren Fishman, Gelato-A-Go-Go Owner

For now, local business owners are focusing on maintaining momentum and encouraging both residents and tourists to support local.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif We’re tracking new developments in the case of missing 7-month-old Emmanuel Haro, as both parents prepare to return to court.

The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office says it has a strong indication of where Emmanuel’s remains may be, but recovery efforts are still underway.

Jake and Rebecca Haro remain in custody on $1 million bail, charged with murder and filing a false police report. Their arraignment is scheduled to continue Sept. 4 in Riverside.

According to court records viewed by KESQ Monday afternoon, Jake Haro’s probation and firearm hearing originally set for Sept. 2 has been vacated and reassigned to Sept. 4 the same day as his and Rebecca’s arraignment. That case stems from a 2024 arrest while Jake was on probation for his 2023 child-cruelty conviction.

We’ll be in the courtroom Thursday, pushing for updates on the search plan. Stay with News Channel 3 at 4, 5, 6, and 6:30 p.m. for continuing coverage.

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Julia Castro

Original Report 9/1/25 – 11:40 a.m.

Richard Schwartz was found deceased this morning and no foul play is suspected, the Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Station announced Monday morning.

Original Report 9/1/25 – 4:38 a.m.

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Authorities are asking for the public’s help in locating an 85-year-old Yucca Valley man who went missing over the weekend.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said Richard Schwartz was last seen Saturday, leaving his home on Terra Vista Drive wearing a blue shirt, khaki shorts, and possibly a tan sunhat. He was walking northbound with his dog, which was later found still on its leash.

Schwartz has a cognitive disability, and deputies say he may be in danger.

Anyone who sees Schwartz is urged to call the sheriff’s dispatch immediately at (760) 365-2364.

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Timothy Foster

BEAUMONT, Calif. (KESQ) – It may still feel like summer outside, but step inside many retailers and you’ll think October has already arrived. From pumpkins and skeletons to candy corn and pumpkin-spiced everything, Halloween is showing up weeks earlier than ever before.

While some shoppers welcome the early arrival, others say it feels too soon.

But for small businesses, early Halloween displays aren’t just about festive fun—they’re about survival.

At Rapstine’s Red Barn Antique Mall in Beaumont, owner Deborah Rastine said the spooky season decorations are essential to keeping sales strong during slower summer months.

“June, July, August are usually slow. People are on vacation, it’s hot, and sales drop,” Rastine explained. “The second I throw out some Halloween stuff, immediately here they come. We even sell Christmas in July.”

Her antique mall has been a fixture in Beaumont for decades, transforming from produce stalls in the 1920s to stables in the ’40s, and finally into a community hub for antiques and vintage finds. Today, it houses 110 independent dealers—many who count on seasonal displays to attract customers.

And Halloween, she says, delivers.

“People love it. It puts everybody into that holiday mindset, even if summer isn’t over,” Rastine said. “We even have one booth that’s Halloween year-round.”

For shoppers, the enthusiasm is just as strong. Esly Recendez was already sipping a pumpkin spice drink while browsing.

“It just makes it feel like Halloween’s coming back,” she said. “Everyone loves pumpkin spice right now, even though it’s hot. Halloween is definitely my favorite season.”

Others echoed the excitement. Angel Chavez said he enjoys the community aspect of the holiday.

“I’ve seen on social media—everyone is trying to make fall come early,” Chavez said. “Halloween parties, scary movies, pumpkin spice—it all brings people together.”

For some, the early decorations even bring relief from the desert’s summer heat. Emily Schubin of Desert Hot Springs said it’s more than just a holiday—it’s motivation.

“Halloween gives you a little bit of joy to keep going,” she said. “Even if it’s still hot outside, seeing the decorations makes life feel cozier. I’d celebrate all year if I could.”

And businesses are responding to that demand. Spirit Halloween stores have already started opening across the Coachella Valley, with shoppers lining up for costumes, décor, and everything spooky.

Whether you think it’s too early or right on time, one thing’s clear—spooky season has officially begun.

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif (KESQ) — Firefighters worked to contain a fire in the 43000 block of Jackson Street in Indio Sunday afternoon.

Officials say the fire broke out at 2:36 p.m. in the rear of a business. The fire was contained shortly after 3 p.m. with no injuries.

An unplanned power outage was also reported near the area of the fire around 3:30 p.m. Sunday afternoon, affecting more than 1,000 customers.

As of the latest update, 877 customers have had their power restored while 199 are still out. The restoration time for all customers is unknown.

Stick with News Channel 3 as we continue to follow this story.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Palm Springs Pride is calling on volunteers to help with its inaugural Pride Equality Walk Oct. 25. 

Organizers said the new walk is scheduled around when the DAP Health Equity Walk was typically held.

DAP Health announced the end of its nearly 40-year Health Equity Walk fundraiser in May.

Organizers cited rising costs and declining participation as reasons for DAP Health’s decision.  

Mitchell Battersby, director of volunteers for Palm Springs Pride, emphasized the walk’s significance amid growing threats to LGBTQ+ rights.

“So many of our rights are being stripped away from us,” Battersby said. “In other cities and other states, things that seem simple to others that are important to us — like crosswalks — are being erased. Equality is about everybody.

Battersby also outlined volunteer needs.

“We need about 20 volunteers that are helping with guiding the route, kind of like route monitors,” Battersby said. “They’ll have pom poms and pride flags and they’re just helping people know where to turn and what direction to keep going.”

He said there is also a safety need.

“About 20 First Aid professionals that we’re looking for,” Battersby said. “Those First Aid professionals will be put out throughout the walk with first aid kits and vests so that if anybody trips, falls or has a minor injury, we have somebody there to take care of them.”

Interested volunteers can sign up at pspride.org, under the “Get Involved” section.

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