Category: kesq-local-news

Tori King

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ)– Each and every year, thousands of music fans descend upon the desert to attend both Stagecoach and Coachella. Last year, 250,000 tickets were sold for the 2024 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and Stagecoach Country Music Festival, according to attendance data provided to News Channel Three by the city of Indio, but 2025 was expected to have an even higher turnout.

Higher attendance also leads to more items being left behind. With so many people in town, its easy to misplace items, especially enjoying the performances out at the Empire Polo Club. Most of those items end up at the festival’s lost and found. But what happens to the 60,000-70,000 pounds of junk that campers get rid of at Stagecoach and Coachella every year?

In order to find that answer, all you have to do is ask Lupe Torres Hilario. She’s the Director of Operations at the Galilee Center in Mecca. Over the past six years, her organization has partnered with Goldenvoice, the creators of the music festivals, to solve the ‘lost and found’ problem. They work together to make sure perfectly good items don’t go to waste.

News Channel Three’s Tori King visited the Galilee Center in Mecca to see the process from start to finish.

“So these are not like Prada sunglasses or diamond earrings being left behind, I mean, this is stuff that people deliberately left behind that they did not want to take home,” asked News Channel Three’s Tori King.

“Yeah, that’s correct, we don’t get none of that,” that Hilario. “The only stuff that we get is what campers use to spend the night that they don’t want to take back with them, things that they don’t want, or they don’t need it. Toothpaste, cots, beds, blankets, pillows, inflatable pools. That’s the stuff we bring back.”

Items are sorted at the center, cleaned and are first given to those in need.

“A lot of the sleeping bags are used for most of the homeless people that come in and ask us for something to keep them warm wherever they need to spend the night,” said Hilario. “We do also give back to families in need that come in with a clothing voucher. We do give them whatever they need with a clothing voucher.”

Whatever is left, is marked with a price and then sold at the Galilee Center Thrift Store.

“Everything gets sold, and all of the the profits go towards funding our programs,” said Hilario. “Those programs include our rental assistance, utility assistance, our food program, which is feeding 450 families each each week, and our our infant services. We give out 500 diapers to infants once a month. So you can give back to the community by purchasing from our store.”

Hilario hopes the partnership between the center and Goldenvoice continue for years to come.

“We try to help the community any way we can, and we would love to keep doing it,” said Hilario.

For more information on the Galilee Center, or any of its programs or thrift stores, click here.

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Gavin Nguyen

Update 4/29/25:

Court Moe tells News Channel 3 that after our report on April 28th, SCE visited his home and installed the switch.

Original 4/28/25

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – One Desert Hot Springs resident is voicing his concern with Southern California Edison after waiting months to turn his solar system online.

Court Moe, of Desert Hot Springs, says Cosmic Solar & Roofing, the solar company he contracted, finished installing the solar panel and batteries in late February. They told him within the next two to three weeks, they would receive approval to connect the solar panels to the grid, and Southern California Edison would install a switch to allow the system to be turned online.

According to Cosmic Solar & Roofing’s Chief Operating Officer, Pey Shadzi, they have been waiting on a “Tesla Backup Switch” (a meter collar) that connects the Tesla Powerwall battery they installed to the home and electrical grid.

Shadzi says Southern California Edison is the only authorized entity in the area to install the meter collar. Until it is installed, Shadzi’s solar company isn’t able to finalize the project or inspect it with Riverside County.

“I expected it to be two or three weeks before Edison would hook us up. And now it’s over a little over two months and still, no, not hooked up,” Moe recounts.

Moe says there needs to be improvements when it comes to communication with Edison. He says he’s reached out to the utility via email and phone several times since February to inquire about the status of his system, but hasn’t heard back.

“Any other business or agency … I mean, I can call the IRS or the state anything in the state, and I get an answer. And most employees are very happy to help. Why don’t they have somebody you can talk to?” Moe asks.

Cosmic Solar also reached out by leaving voicemails at Edison’s help line; they only received a reply last week. According to the solar company, Edison said they tried to install the meter collar in February, but were unable to complete the installation. Shadzi writes, “they tried to come out to install the meter collar but could not, ‘probably because of meter access issues.'”

“There are absolutely no meter access issues here on site. The Edison meter is on the front side of the house and completely available from the street. No dogs, gates or obstructions are present on this property,” Shadzi continues in a statement to KESQ.

News Channel Three reached out to Southern California Edison. A spokesman for the power company says it is launching an investigation into this issue, but says it will likely take several days before any findings can be released.

Stay with us for the latest updates on what the cause of the issue may be – and for the status of Moe’s solar panel system.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, California (KESQ) – A new civil rights monument honoring the LGBTQ+ community is coming to Palm Springs.

A special media preview of the Pride Monument is set for Monday, April 28, 2025, at 1 p.m. at the Thompson Hotel’s Whisky Park Terrace.

Organizers say the sculpture will serve as a lasting tribute to the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community and its allies in Greater Palm Springs. It’s also designed to act as a beacon of hope for future generations and a powerful educational tool about the community’s rich history and culture.

The event will feature presentations from Ron deHarte, president and CEO of Palm Springs Pride; Al Jones, president of the Monument Board of Directors; and Jim Isermann, the artist behind the design.

For more information on the monument, visit pspride.org/monument.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s been a tough stretch for ride share drivers, as strong winds and road closures disrupt trips across the region. Longer drive times affecting their ability to find and pick up passengers on time.

But some drivers are now being penalized for it, and seeing hits to their earnings as a result.

Suzanne Golas, a local ride share driver, received a notice from Lyft, stating post-ride increases will not be added to her fare in cases where the trip is longer than estimated.

“I got several messages from one of the ride share companies that my rides were taking too long and they thought I was doing something fraudulent to increase the fair which I tried to explain to them.”

Suzanne Golas, ride share driver

News Channel 3 reached out to Lyft. A representative says they have reached out to the driver and are now looking into the matter.

As for ongoing road closures, Golas says the recently approved contract for the Gene Autry wind wall project is a step in the right direction, but more work is needed.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Allie Anthony

Stagecoach has come to a close, and Monday morning marks the mass departure of more than 40,000 festival goers and campers.

Campers are required to check out of the festival grounds early Monday, which could lead to heavy traffic on streets surrounding the Empire Polo Club and along Interstate 10. Drivers in the Coachella Valley are advised to plan for delays and consider alternate routes.

For north-south travel, use Washington Street, Jackson Street, Calhoun Street, or Golf Center Parkway. For east-west travel, detours include Highway 111, Fred Waring Drive, Miles Avenue, Dr. Carreon Boulevard, and Avenue 54.

Drivers should remain patient, stay alert and give themselves extra time to navigate local roads throughout the day.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continued coverage and live updates from our roads.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation hosted a community presentation looking at the theatre’s re-opening and progress of its restoration.

The free event took place at 11 a.m. Sunday inside the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The one hour presentation walked attendees through the theatre’s history from the time it originally opened until today.

The event also showed the historical significance of the building, as well as the many events held inside it that helped put Palm Springs on the map, including several movie premieres and film festivals. 

Organizers say the theatre’s rich past is a perfect reminder to showcase what the space is capable of in the future.

“The theater was built in 1936 and from the opening, it had a unique connection to Hollywood, and a lot of what happened to the theater had a lot to do with building the brand of Palm Springs,” VP of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, Kevin J. Corcoran said.

The theatre is scheduled to open in December with actress Lily Tomlin set to star in the inaugural show.

The cost of remodeling is expected to be nearly $3 million higher than initially predicted. The City of Palm Springs project had an original cost of $34 million.

The foundation is still working to raise additional funds for the theatre as it will need to pay back the city $10 million in construction costs.

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Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – A devastating fire destroyed Isabel Ramirez’s home, displacing her and her granddaughter, leaving them with nothing but memories and each other.

Ramirez said the fire broke out on April 22 at her home in Coachella.

Investigators said the fire started when a part inside the family’s RV exploded – sparking flames that spread to their rental home.

“I was very sad,” Ramirez said. “It was very overwhelming.”

Ramirez, well known in the community for her generosity and hospitality, had long opened her doors to those in need according to her daughter in law Rebekah Monroy.

Now, Ramirez faces the challenge of rebuilding her life without insurance.

“We’ve been living here for so long,” Jose Gonzalez Ramirez’s son said. “She never knew about renters insurance.”

Experts say renters insurance typically covers personal belongings, temporary housing and liability if something goes wrong.

Viewers can learn more by checking with local insurance agents, visiting consumer protection websites or asking their landlord if renters insurance is recommended or required.

Monroy launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Ramirez and her granddaughter.

She said funds will help cover temporary housing, basic necessities and long-term rebuilding expenses.

“They lived here for so long. I’m just at a loss for words,” Monroy said.

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

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Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s another breezy weekend in the Coachella Valley as a low pressure system moves through California. Here’s a look at the big picture: this system brought showers to a large swath of the state. Snow levels have dropped for our Riverside and San Bernardino County mountains. A couple of drizzles have even been reported on the valley floor!

While the desert has (mostly) avoided the rain, we’re seeing another round of elevated winds as festival season continues.

While winds were relatively calm Saturday morning, things kicked back up this afternoon. Our FutureTrack data is showing winds 25-40 MPH for much of the valley, with gusts to 55 MPH for some of our more wind-prone spots.

Expect another lull tomorrow morning before winds kick up again, though to a lesser extent Sunday afternoon and evening.

Wind gusts Sunday morning

Wind gusts Sunday afternoon, evening

An Air Quality alert remains in place for the Coachella Valley as air quality remains a concern. This is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. tonight, though it could be extended with winds elevated again tomorrow.

And check this out! As of 3:30 p.m., we’re seeing some late-spring snowfall atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

Temperatures are well below average tomorrow, though as calmer conditions return, we’re expected to warm through the workweek. Highs remain a touch above average for the middle part of the week before another system could bring cooler, breezier temperatures yet again next weekend.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Strong winds are known to have a great impact on the Valley, especially with blowing sand. While it can be a driving hazard and create a dust haze, it also creates sand drifts.

Residents of the Verano Neighborhood in Cathedral City are dealing with similar aftermath of recent strong winds that have led to significant sand accumulation along the street. Residents report streets are buried, vehicles are damages and their health is at risk.

“We have to park the car around the street, because if you live here the sand is just going to hit the glass, the mirrors,” Cesar Hernandez, a resident, said. “When you’re trying to get out of the car, all the sand gets in your face…Nobody’s taking accountability for it.”

Not only is there air quality when during high-wind days, but for these residents, they say the sand in the street adds additional airborne dust and allergens that infiltrate their homes.

“[The sand] starts damaging the people,” Rafael Oscal, a resident, said. “People are getting sick right now.”

Hernandez and Oscal said the sand wall started three to four weeks ago, and with the recent winds, it has grown significantly. Keeping cars from being able to drive or park along the street. Additionally, the sand is growing past the street and onto their sidewalks.

Photo provided by Rafael Oscal.

Residents said they’ve tried to reach out to Cathedral City and the neighborhood home owners association, but neither group has helped the cause.

“I’ve called the city, Cathedral City, and they said it’s the associations responsibility,” Hernandez said. “I call the association, they say the streets are part of the city, and yet it’s still the same. And it does affect us because it keeps mounting and mounting.”

Not only are fences broken, but sidewalks in front of homes are filled with sand. Residents are unable to park their cars in front of homes, but also cannot walk easily outside physically with sand coverage and poor air quality.

“Nobody has shown up to see it, exactly what it is,” Oscal said. “Not even the city. Not even the HOA.”

Residents reported to News Channel 3 the Verano Neighborhood HOA sent a March/April community update letter on the situation recently. It confirmed the streets were turned over to Cathedral City and the HOA is responsible for blow sand.

However, the HOA reports “the sand drifts and collapsed fence will remain as is until September.” This is due to ongoing weather and “burrowing owl mating season” which is hindering construction in the sand field.

News Channel 3 is working to confirm these efforts and claims with Cathedral City officials.

Until they see change, the local community reports it remains distressed and unable to navigate their streets safely. Oscal said may residents are considering moving out of the neighborhood if the livability conditions do not change.

“It’s so sad to see my neighborhood this way,” Oscal said. “Especially on this side over here.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for more on the sand impacts and to hear from residents.

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Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)–The Riverside University Health System (RUHS) “One Life, One Heart” Poisoning and Overdose Awareness Walk returns this year with events across three Riverside County locations.  

The walks bring people together to connect with vital recovery and prevention resources as participants honor lives lost to overdose. The community is invited to take part in the events, which foster support and strengthen access to critical services. 

“Healing begins with awareness, and change starts with action,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “These walks are more than a remembrance. They are a call to unite, support one another and build a community where hope replaces loss and recovery is within reach for all.”  

This year’s events will bring communities together to raise awareness, take meaningful action and provide a space for healing and connection at the following locations: Palm Desert Civic Center, 43900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 

Murrieta Town Square Park, 1 Town Square, Murrieta

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7 

Participants will take part in a free 5K Fun Walk and resource fair. Guest speakers will share personal stories and expert insights, helping to build solidarity and understanding in the fight against overdose.  

Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. 

According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States experienced approximately 97,000 drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending June 30, 2024, a 14% decline from the previous year’s 113,000 deaths. This marks the first significant reduction in overdose fatalities since 2018. 

Riverside County recorded 1,381 fatal overdoses between January 2023 and July 2024; 824 of the cases involved fentanyl, about 60% of total overdose deaths, according to Riverside County Overdose Data to Action. 

The “One Life, One Heart” events connect attendees with essential services, including housing assistance, behavioral health resources and healthcare services.  

“At its core, overdose prevention is grounded in compassion, empathy and meeting people where they are,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of RUHS Behavioral Health. “When we walk together at these events, we remember those we’ve lost while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who are still struggling so that they have the resources and support needed to move forward.”  

RUHS Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive range of substance use treatment programs, including crisis intervention, outpatient programs, peer support and prevention initiatives, providing individuals and families with the tools needed to break the cycle of addiction. 

Register for the event today and take a step toward hope, healing, and action: https://bit.ly/1LifeWalker25. 

For more information on RUHS Behavioral Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) services, visit: www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/sapt. 

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