Category: kesq-local-news

Tauli Anderson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The holiday spirit has officially arrived in downtown Palm Springs. Preparations are underway for one of the city’s most beloved seasonal traditions.

Families and visitors are expected to fill the streets on Friday evening for the annual Palm Springs Tree Lighting Ceremony at Frances Stevens Park at 5:15 p.m.

Just 24 hours later, the festive energy will return for the iconic Festival of Lights Parade. An annual event that has been going on since 1993. A longtime community favorite that draws thousands to Palm Canyon Drive each year.

This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshal Jada McLean, a proud Palm Springs local. McLean’s participation adds a special hometown touch to an already cherished desert tradition.

Among those hard at work, building the sparkling floats, is Steven Mansueto, owner of Manmade Floats, whose team is responsible for creating some of the parade’s most eye-catching designs. Mansueto says preparations begin months in advance to ensure every detail shines on parade night.

For many in Palm Springs, these annual festivities are more than just seasonal entertainment—they’re traditions that bring the community closer.

The Festival of Lights Parade kicks off at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday.

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Jesus Reyes

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – An 86-year-old man was pronounced dead in the hospital after a two-vehicle crash Wednesday afternoon in Cathedral City.

The crash was first reported at 4:20 p.m. on Date Palm Drive and Tachevah Drive.

Police said the two vehicles involved were found with significant damage. Both drivers were transported to Desert Regional Medical Center for complaints of pain. 

One of the drivers, identified as Raymond Johnson of Cathedral City, was pronounced dead at the hospital just before 1 a.m. “due to injuries sustained from the collision.”

“Although several citizens stopped to lend assistance, no one was located who actually witnessed the collision,” reads a news release by the Cathedral City Police Department.

The Traffic Bureau is requesting anyone who witnessed the collision to contact Officer Jeff Bird at 760-770-0332 or email at: JBird@cathedralcity.gov

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” will receive the Visionary Award at the 2026 Palm Springs International Film Festival.

del Toro, who directed the film, is expected to attend the Palm Springs Film Awards along with actors Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, and Mia Goth.

The Film Awards will take place on January 3, 2026, at the Palm Springs Convention  Center, with the festival running January 2-12, 2026. The event will be presented by Kering and sponsored by Entertainment Tonight.

“Guillermo del Toro delivers a bold reimagining of a timeless classic, infusing the story with a profound  emotional resonance that urges us to consider what it truly means to be human,” said Festival Chairman  Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Oscar Isaac’s haunting portrayal of Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi’s deeply  affecting performance as The Creature, and Mia Goth’s mesmerizing turn as both Elizabeth Harlander and  Claire Frankenstein, illuminate the film’s central themes with extraordinary power. For the first time, we  are proud to present the Visionary Award to Frankenstein in recognition of both the director and his remarkable cast resulting in one of the year’s most daring and unforgettable achievements.”

From Oscar®-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro comes the definitive retelling of Mary Shelley’s genre-defining novel of life and death — an epic drama about what it means to be human, to crave love, and seek understanding. Golden Globe-winner Oscar Isaac plays the brilliant but tortured scientist Victor Frankenstein, who embarks on an ego-driven quest to bring new life into this world, resulting in the Creature (BAFTA-nominee Jacob Elordi), whose very existence provokes questions about what it means to be a human and what it really means to be a monster.

This sprawling epic takes audiences from the remote reaches of the Arctic to the bloody battlefields of 19th-century Europe, as Frankenstein and his Creature go on their own search for meaning in a world that can seem quite mad. Also starring Mia Goth as the luminous Elizabeth and two-time Academy Award® winner Christoph Waltz, Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein is a reminder of how, at heart, we are all creatures, lost and found.

The Visionary Award honors a film that breaks boundaries in the art of cinema, and this year marks the first time the accolade will be  presented jointly to a director and his cast—recognizing their remarkable collaboration in bringing this  cinematic vision to life.

Past recipients of the Visionary Award include last year’s Denis Villeneuve (Dune: Part Two); Alfonso Cuarón (Roma) and Michel Hazanavicius (The Artist), who both received the  Academy Award for Best Director during their respective year; Richard Linklater (Boyhood), Tom McCarthy  (Spotlight), Martin Scorsese (The Irishman), and Quentin Tarantino (Inglourious Basterds), who went on to receive Academy Award nominations for Best Director. All of these directors’ films received Best Picture Academy Award nominations, with The Artist and Spotlight receiving the Best Picture Award

Frankenstein joins this year’s previously announced honorees Michael B. Jordan (Icon Award); Leonardo  DiCaprio (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor); Ethan Hawke (Career Achievement Award); Adam  Sandler (Chairman’s Award); Amanda Seyfried (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actress); Hamnet director Chloé Zhao as well as actors Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal (Vanguard Award); and Sentimental  Value cast members Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, and Elle Fanning  (International Star Award).

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Palm Springs Police is rolling out new safety measures for this weekend’s Festival of Lights Parade after last year’s event took a frightening turn when a police motorcycle crashed into the crowd.

Thousands are expected to pack Palm Canyon Drive, including Bermuda Dunes resident Linda McCarthy. She remembers the crash clearly and says she was standing right across the street when it happened.

“I was shocked. That he pulled up the wheelie and did what he did. I’ve never seen that before.”

Linda McCarthy, Bermuda Dunes Resident

Police say they’ve made significant changes to prevent anything like that from happening again. Lieutenant Gustavo Araiza says the department has created a new policy. Officers will now follow a strict 15-mile-per-hour speed limit. No sudden movements or demonstrations will be allowed. Vehicles must keep at least 10 feet apart.

One of the biggest changes: no police motorcycles in this year’s parade.

“There won’t be any motorcycles during the parade. We will have officers on bicycles.”

Lt. Gustavo Araiza, Palm Springs Police Department

The city has also added heavy steel meridian barricades. Police will work alongside the DA’s Office, CHP, and regional SWAT teams. Officers will also be posted on rooftops for better visibility, and drones will be flying above the route.

Officials say the goal is to ensure the event remains safe, orderly, and enjoyable for the thousands of people attending.

“We’re taking precautions to ensure the safety of the community so when it comes to their safety if they see something that seems suspicious to let us know so we can address it.”

Lt. Gustavo Araiza, Palm Springs Police Department

Even with the memory of last year’s crash, McCarthy says she’s coming back. She says the parade brings a sense of childhood joy and community that people across the Coachella Valley look forward to every year.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Athena Jreij

Update 12/5/25

The judge at Friday’s Felony Settlement Conference ordered Gaeta to be held on no bail, the District Attorney’s office confirmed.

He is scheduled to return to court on Jan. 23.

Original Report 12/4/25

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A court appearance for Marcos Cruz Gaeta, the 45-year-old man out on bail for a 2016 homicide, scheduled today was delayed to Friday.

Gaeta is scheduled to appear for a felony settlement conference.

Gaeta was arrested in November on suspicion of felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, possession of an assault weapon, possession of a controlled substance for sale and possession of a controlled substance, according to the Indio Police Department.  

He is set to appear at the Larson Justice Center Friday morning for the recent arrest.

Gaeta was released in 2024 on bail for the killing of 30-year-old Jamie Maher in 2016.

On Wednesday, News Channel 3 spoke with the mother of Maher, Valerie Silveira, who said Gaeta’s release was an injustice for her daughter and the community.

Stay tuned for continuing coverage from the courtroom.

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KESQ News Team

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Indio Mayor Glenn Miller passed the gavel to new Mayor Elaine Holmes at Wednesday night’s City Council meeting in the new City Hall Council Chamber.

The title of Mayor was rotated from Glenn Miller to Elaine Holmes as part of the city’s annual rotation.

Mayor Miller was honored for his leadership over the last year and his continued dedication and commitment to the community.

Councilmember Waymond Fermon is also now the city’s new Mayor Pro Tem.

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KESQ News Team

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Indio City Council approved a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request to the Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday.

The goal of the request is to obtain information on how many people have been detained by ICE during immigration enforcement operations in the city.

The move was met with a lot of debate, eventually passing on a 3 to 2 vote.

Councilmember Oscar Ortiz led the effort, saying the information will give residents a clearer picture of what’s going on locally.

Ortiz, along with Councilmember Benjamin Guitron and Mayor Pro Tem Waymond Ferman voted in favor of the City Attorney drafting the request to come from the City Council.

Mayor Pro Tem Ferman said the FOIA request is necessary because, “Nonetheless, we could see what happened in 2025. We could look at trends. We could look at how it might affect our economy, how it’s affecting our schools, how it’s affecting employment and development. “

Mayor Elaine Holmes and Councilmember Glenn Miller voted no.

The city plans to make the data public once received, offering transparency on enforcement activity that has raised concerns in the community.

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Kendall Flynn

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The new Fire Station 98 officially opened its doors in Desert Hot Springs.

Fire Station 98 is located at 69111 Hacienda Avenue. It officially opened on Nov. 24 and is currently operating with a municipally staffed four-person fire engine supported by CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department personnel.

City officials touted the station as a major public safety investment that significantly strengthens fire protection, emergency medical response, and advanced life support services for residents and businesses in the eastern portion of the city.

“The safety of our residents has always been, and will always remain, our highest priority,” said Mayor Scott Matas. “Fire Station 98 is more than a new building — it is a powerful statement of our commitment to this community. Every family, every neighborhood, and every business deserves reliable and timely emergency services, and this investment ensures we can meet those needs today and for generations to  come. I am incredibly proud of the collaboration and dedication that brought this  project to life.”

City officials said the opening of Fire Station 98 significantly improves coverage in an area that continues to grow in both population and service demand.

The distance between the three Desert Hot Springs Fire Stations.

The station will soon transition to Quint  98, a 107-foot ladder truck equipped with a water tank and pump. The transition will provide enhanced firefighting, rescue, and high-angle response capabilities for the community. 

“Fire Station 98 enhances our ability to respond quickly and effectively to emergencies throughout the eastern region,” said Bryan White, Division Chief, CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department. “This station gives our firefighters the tools, the location, and the resources they need to reach residents faster and provide the highest level of service. We are proud of our partnership with the City and remain committed to protecting every neighborhood with professionalism, compassion, and unwavering dedication.”

Fire Station 98 features state-of-the-art design, modern living quarters, and enhanced operational space to support 24-hour emergency response. The newly constructed facility includes:

• 8,729 sq. ft. total station footprint• 4,723 sq. ft. living quarters• 4,006 sq. ft. apparatus bay• 400 sq. ft. support/storage building• Expanded Advanced Life Support (ALS) and pre-hospital emergency medical services coverage for the eastern region

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Daniella Lake

Update 12/04/25

Kristina Bruno says that Cathedral City code enforcement is encouraging her to keep the pantry going, as long as she downsizes it and implements a sturdy structure per safety concerns.

Cathedral City officials told News Channel 3 Thursday morning that they are simply asking the pantry to be downsized and built to a sturdier standard. That way, the pantry will remain appropriate for a residential neighborhood and comply with local codes.    

News Channel 3 reached out to Cathedral City for answers and here’s the city’s response: 

“The city of Cathedral City supports the spirit and mission of ‘Little Free Pantries’ and residents who wish to help their neighbors in need. We remain open to working with the operator to find a solution that allows her to continue serving the community while maintaining compliance with local codes.” 

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from Kristina Bruno and the city on their efforts.

Original Report 12/03/25

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Cathedral City is attempting to shut down the food pantry a resident started outside her home.

Earlier this week, News Channel 3 shared the story of Kristina Bruno, whose free food pantry went viral on the Nextdoor app.

Now, the city of Cathedral City says she has 10 days to remove the pantry. The city left a note at her door saying, “Please remove cabinet from public view/sidewalk.” The city will come back from re-inspection on December 13th.

News Channel 3 reached out to this city for their response, they say:

“The City of Cathedral City supports the spirit and mission of Little Free Pantries and residents who wish to help their neighbors in need. We remain open to working with the operator to find a solution that allows her to continue serving the community while maintaining compliance with local codes.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Donna Anderson said the Amtrak station in Palm Springs left her behind twice in 2024.

She said the first incident happened in January, when the conductor said the train would skip her stop in Palm Springs, and continue to Ontario.

“I said how do you expect me to get home?” Anderson said. “They paid an Uber to get me to my door.”

She said the company blamed weather.

“It was a clear night. There was no wind. There was no rain. There was nothing,” Anderson said.

Believing the issue was fixed, Anderson said she booked another trip in August. 

She said her cousin dropped her off at the station at 1:30 a.m.

“Nothing stopped me from booking it. I get there with 5 other passengers,” Anderson said. “We were sitting there, sitting there… no wind, no rain, nothing. It went by and passed us.”

She said she later discovered an email — sent after she had already left home — saying the stop was canceled. 

“I had to leave home in the middle of the night and I didn’t check my emails. I was checking my text,” Anderson said. “The thing is, they were telling me by text that the train was coming.”

In a written statement, Olivia Irvin, Amtrak Senior Public Relations Manager, said:

“Amtrak temporarily suspended service to Palm Springs due to high winds and sandstorms at and around the station. All ticketed customers received notifications advising them that the scheduled stop could not be made.

To prioritize the safety of our customers and employees, Amtrak may occasionally suspend service after a train has departed its origin. If this occurs, onboard crew will notify affected passengers.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused. For the latest service updates, customers can visit Amtrak.com/service-alerts.”

Anderson’s experience comes as cities along the rail line push to host the next permanent Coachella Valley station. 

Anderson believes Indio is the clear choice.

“Indio is the largest city in population,” she said. “The station would not be in the middle of nowhere like Palm Springs station is. It’s protected from the wind.”

Anderson said she eventually received a refund from Amtrak, but plans to never ride again. 

She said she wants the company to stop selling tickets to the Palm Springs station until service is restored or relocated.

“Why don’t they just admit they’ve abandoned the station?” she said. “And stop fooling people.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full story at 10 p.m. and 11 p.m.

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