Category: kesq-local-news

Garrett Hottle

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park will officially celebrate its grand reopening on November 8, following months of construction and nearly a decade of planning.

After months of construction, parts of Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park have reopened to the public, giving visitors their first glimpse of a $12 million enhancement project led by the Riverside County Regional Park and Open-Space District.

The project has been years in the making. So far, visitors can see the modernized RV pads, shaded picnic areas, and new landscaping that are already complete.

The upgrades to the park and pool are also apparent, even at a distance.

“What we’ve done here, part of the construction documents is basically a modernization,” Kevin Wiecamp, Construction Superintendent with the company KYA, overseeing the work. “So we’ve upgraded all the facilities, restrooms, playground, the irrigation systems, the pools been totally rehabbed and redone. It’s been out of service for I believe ten years.”

The new pool also includes a heat resistant coating placed around the walking area of the pool to protect kids feet from burning, Wiecamp explained.

“All the restrooms have been ripped out and all redone, refurbished new roofing. As we move around the park to the other side, we added a basketball court, a pickleball court, all the, the exterior lighting. And then the big one is the amphitheater over here. It’s all concrete with the shade structure and electrical outlets for events, and that’s all brand new.”

Officials say more work still ahead, including the park’s first pool and splash pad in nearly a decade expected to open in early 2026.

Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, whose district includes La Quinta, announced a Nov. 8 ribbon-cutting celebration of Lake Cahuilla Veterans Regional Park. You can find that information included below.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – An attempted traffic stop by Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies in La Quinta on Wednesday afternoon escalated into a chase that ended near the Indio-Coachella border, with the suspect crashing into another car and fleeing the scene.

Deputies report that the suspect failed to cooperate with the stop around 4:00 p.m. in the area of Avenue 47 and Adams Street, leading to the pursuit. The chase ended at Avenue 48 and Calhoun Street as the suspect crashed into a vehicle that was not involved in the pursuit.

The male suspect fled on foot from the scene to a nearby neighborhood, and after a search of the area, deputies found and arrested him.

Indio Police Department assisted with traffic control as eastbound Avenue 48 was closed from Calhoun to Chapparosa Street for a time while the search was active and the collision scene was cleared.

Deputies add that the uninvolved motorist in the crash was taken to a local hospital in stable condition.

The Sheriff’s Office states that the investigation is ongoing. Stay with News Channel 3 for updates.

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Jesus Reyes

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – The former Associate Dean of CSU San Bernardino has been awarded $6 million in a gender discrimination lawsuit against Cal State University, attorney group Helmer Friedman LLP. announced.

A jury in Los Angeles County returned a $6 million verdict in favor of Dr. Anissa Rogers.

According to her attorneys, the lawsuit stemmed from reports from Rogers and other employees to multiple CSU officials that the defendant, CSUSB Palm Desert Dean Jake Zhu, was harassing and discriminating against female employees on account of their gender.

Despite repeated reports, CSU took no action to remedy the situation. CSU would go on to fire Rogers from her Associate Dean position.

The jury’s $6 million award is entirely for noneconomic damages, including compensation for emotional distress and the personal toll suffered by Rogers on account of workplace gender discrimination, harassment and retaliation.

“This case exposed what women inside Cal State have been saying for years: the mistreatment of women within the Cal State system is not just a series of one-off incidents; the problem is systemic and structural,” said Andrew H. Friedman of Helmer Friedman, LLP who represented Dr. Rogers. This verdict should serve as a loud message to CSU to clean up its act and take complaints of employment violations seriously,” Friedman added. “Cal State can no longer ignore the systemic twin problems of gender-based mistreatment and retaliation that is endemic. The jury saw the importance of holding this institution to account, and we’re very appreciative of that.”

Rogers’ lead trial lawyer, David M. deRubertis of The deRubertis Law Firm APC, argued the gender based mistreatment of Rogers was an inevitable result after CSU San Bernardino ignored a 2015 “climate survey” that suggested a culture of fear, intimidation, gender-based mistreatment and bullying at Cal State San Bernardino and recommended adoption of an anti-bullying policy and an audit of HR practices and policies.

At trial, CSU San Bernardino President Tomas Morales admitted that neither recommendation was implemented.

Courtney Abrams of Courtney Abrams, PC, who also represented Dr. Rogers, said the jury verdict “represents a resounding rejection of CSU’s long-running denials of gender bias within its ranks. Dr. Rogers stood up not only for herself, but also the other women who have been subjected to gender based double-standards within the Cal State system.”

Friedman, Abrams, and deRubertis also represent Clare Weber, the former Vice Provost of Academic Affairs of CSU San Bernardino, whose claims of gender pay equity, harassment based on gender and retaliation are expected to go to trial next year.

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The International LGBTQ+ Travel Association is hosting its annual convention in Palm Springs at the Renaissance Palm Springs Hotel. The convention runs from October 21 until Saturday, October 25.

Programming includes workshops on advancing LGBTQ+ travel, inclusive work-abroad opportunities for LGBTQ+ youth, and more. The IGTLA was founded in 1983 and seeks to improve safety and tourism within LGBTQ+ tourism worldwide.

This is the first time the convention is being held in Palm Springs.

Previous convention locations include Osaka, Japan, Milan, Italy and West Hollywood, Los Angeles.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from organizers about why this convention is important to the LGBTQ+ tourism industry.

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Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride announced its four-day festival entertainment lineup, centered around a dynamic LGBTQ+ Artist Showcase that spotlights groundbreaking queer talent from across the nation.

Organizers said the celebration of community, visibility, and fierce energy will feature a total of 68 diverse performances, kicking off Thursday night on the Arenas District Main Stage.

“This year, we’re proud to put a spotlight on the incredible depth of talent within the LGBTQ+ community and its allies,” said Jasmine Sullivan Waits, Executive Director of Palm Springs Pride. “The lineup is a collection of the powerful, genre-bending music being made right now, and we can’t wait for our attendees to experience it.”

Featured LGBTQ+ Artist Showcase

The Festival’s Main Stage on Arenas Rd will be graced by a mix of international stars, multi-talented queer artists, and high-energy performers, setting the tone for an unforgettable Pride weekend. The featured showcase artists include:

NOVUL: A rising Canadian pop-alternative artist based in Los Angeles, known for her genre-blurring sound, high-energy performances, and bold creative identity, headlines the Arenas Main Stage on Saturday, November 7. Come experience why NOVUL’s bold visuals and fearless sound are fueling her rapid rise.

Sorana: Kicking off the weekend with a global sound and infectious energy, Sorana is a Romanian multi-platinum singer and songwriter known for her catchy melodies and passionate vocals. Following her start on the Romanian X Factor, she has collaborated with music giants like The Chainsmokers, Jason Derulo, and David Guetta.

Jules Liesl: The Bold New Voice of Gay Dance-Pop

Fresh off her Top 17 Billboard Dance Airplay hit, Jules Liesl is rapidly emerging as one of pop’s most electrifying new voices. Recently hailed by Flaunt Magazine as “the fun new voice of gay dance-pop,” Jules blends high-energy production, undeniable hooks, and fearless authenticity into a sound that’s entirely her own.

Reclaiming her power through music and unapologetic self-expression, Jules commands a digital following of several million and continues to inspire a growing LGBTQ+ audience around the world. Known for her striking visual identity, captivating performances, and bold sense of individuality, she represents a new era of pop, vibrant, inclusive, and uncompromisingly original.

ViRR: A rising star from San Diego and a 2025 San Diego Music Awards Nominee, ViRR is a Navy veteran and Black queer artist whose music is an energetic blend of pop, R&B, soul, and alternative rock. His genre-bending approach and emotionally dynamic vocals have made him a must-see act.

Real Xman: Bringing the ultimate “Pride energy,” the San Diego-based artist Real Xman promises to deliver “bangers for the Girls, Gays, Thems, Theys, and allies,” electrifying the crowd with unapologetic queer anthems.

Bryce Xavier: Queer artist Bryce Xavier, who engages an audience of over 4 million followers, will be featured in the Friday lineup, fresh off the release of his new single “You Make Me Stupid” on October 24.

Ashley Paul: Get ready for an electrifying performance by the acclaimed Ashley Paul, whose remarkable career spans music, film, and television. Her hit single Bingo Baby has over 1 million streams and is ranked #1 on Amazon Music, proving she’s a true powerhouse entertainer.

Beyond the featured headliners, the festival includes a variety of musical acts guaranteed to keep the party going, including Planet Booty, direct from Oakland, this ollective of Indiana brothers and their friends is an eclectic funk and soul dance band powerhouse known for preaching sweaty joy along the West Coast.

Chase Brown is a Texas-born country artist and Las Vegas resident known for his high-energy “Vegas Country” show that blends country hits from various decades with pop and rock.

The decks will also be hot with twenty DJs in the lineup, including Sam Childs, DJ Galaxy, Jayne Gray, and ModGirl’s Rainbow Rave to close the Festival on Sunday. A new DJ stage, located at Palm Canyon Dr at Amado, will be the go-to spot for nonstop EDM vibes, featuring talented local and special guest DJs.

Attendees can dance under the desert sky and take a spin on the 100-foot Ferris Wheel while soaking in breathtaking views of downtown.

The four-day celebration, presented by the City of Palm Springs, kicks off on Thursday night with Dia de La Reina at the Arenas District Main Stage, where the Pride energy never stops!

The full schedule of all 68 performers and acts will be available soon on the Palm Springs Pride website at pspride.org.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police are asking for the community’s help identifying suspects in a dog theft.

Police said the theft happened on Friday, Oct. 17 at around 10:30 a.m.

A man and a woman are believed to have stolen two small Yorkshire Terriers—Maggie and Winnie—that had wandered from their home after a door was left open.

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One thief is described as a Hispanic man in his 30s–40s wearing a black cap, white shirt with the words “I NEED COFFEE,” black shorts, and white shoes, carrying a purple backpack. The man also has tattoos on his right leg (possibly an eagle design) and a right arm sleeve

He was accompanied by a white woman in her 30s with brown hair, wearing a leopard-print dress, brown boots, and carrying a black purse.

The two were seen leaving the area quickly.

The dogs, each valued at approximately $2,500, are microchipped.

Police are seeking help identifying the individuals involved in this suspected theft and any information on sightings of Maggie or Winnie.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Officer Guzman at animal.control@palmspringsca.gov or 760-323-8151, referencing Case# 2510P-4762.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 47-year-old probationer accused of vandalizing the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office’s Coachella Valley branch, then attempting to hide on the roof of a nearby building, where he was forcibly taken into custody, was charged today with nearly a dozen felony and misdemeanor offenses.

Sean Allen Camba of Temecula was arrested Monday following an hours-long standoff with law enforcement officers on Highway 111 in Indio.   

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Camba is charged with assault on a peace officer with a deadly weapon, resisting arrest and eight counts of vandalism, three of which allege felonious property damage.

The defendant, who is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail at the Robert Presley Jail, was slated to make his initial court appearance Wednesday afternoon at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

According to the Indio Police Department, shortly before 9 a.m. Monday, the convicted felon caused damage to the DA’s building in the 82900 block of Highway 111, adjacent to the Larson Justice Center.  

The extent of the vandalism was not specified, and a possible motive wasn’t mentioned.

A witness observed the acts and followed Camba to another property less than a block away, where he allegedly perpetrated further vandalism before climbing onto the roof of the Sunline Transit Agency building near Highway 111 and Jackson Street in an apparent effort to hide, according to police Sgt. Abe Plata.   

He said patrol officers arrived a short time later and requested assistance from the multi-agency Desert Regional SWAT team. In the meantime, Highway 111 was shut down between Golf Center Parkway and Salton Street for public safety.

Check Out: Desert Regional S.W.A.T. brings departments together, works specialized cases

Attempts to talk Camba down from the roof failed, and just before 2 p.m., SWAT members deployed flash bang grenades to divert his attention while other members clambered onto the roof, where they took him into custody after a brief struggle.

Camba was not injured, nor were any law enforcement personnel, Plata said.    Court records show the defendant has prior convictions for felony vandalism, burglary and resisting or obstructing a peace officer.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A suspected DUI driver was arrested after a pursuit that went from Beaumont to the Coachella Valley, causing a brief closure of eastbound Interstate 10 on Wednesday morning.

The pursuit started at around 10:55 a.m. in Beaumont. CHP said officers spotted a driver traveling erratically and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield and a pursuit ensued.

The suspect was stopped near Gene Autry Trail after spike strips were deployed, and officers used a PIT maneuver. The suspect vehicle sustained damage to its side and tires.

The driver, a 44-year-old woman from Moreno Valley, was taken into custody.

News Channel 3 cameras captured officers pulling out a box of alcoholic beverages and two cats from the vehicle.

Eastbound Interstate 10 is back open.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs voted 4-0 Wednesday night to approve a proposal that nearly triples the city’s funding for the annual Palm Springs Pride Festival – from $125,000 to $350,000 annually through 2027.

Mayor Ron deHarte, who also serves as the CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride, recused himself from voting on the funding proposal due to his dual role.

The major increase in the city’s financial support for the event results from organizers facing growing expenses and a lingering budget shortfall.

City officials say the additional money will not go directly to Greater Palm Springs Pride, the nonprofit that organizes the festival, but will instead cover the city’s own costs related to public safety, security, and logistical support during the event.

“Anytime you have a gathering, whether it’s for Pride or another community event, you want to make sure people have a sense of safety and security that they can come out and participate and not have that worry top of mind.”

Ron deHarte, Palm Springs Mayor

A staff report to the City Council cited rising operational and security costs as key factors behind the proposed increase.

City officials also emphasized the festival’s positive economic and cultural impact on Palm Springs. In a statement to News Channel 3:

“Greater Palm Springs Pride produces a weekend of events that attracts more than 200,000 visitors annually, making it an important economic engine that enhances the Palm Springs brand as a resort destination.”

The decision comes as the Pride organization continues to navigate a budget shortfall that recently led to the postponement of the Palm Springs Pride Equality Walk. However, deHarte says community support has helped reduce the deficit.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Acrisure Arena capped off a historic stretch of world-class entertainment branded as “The Magnificent Seven.” The arena hosted seven major events over a two-week period, including Paul McCartney, The Who, blink-182, Maroon 5, Los Angeles Lakers, and the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

According to officials, the arena welcomed 56,981 fans, drawing guests from all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico, averaging 2.82 guests entering every minute throughout the two-week stretch.

“The ‘Magnificent Seven’ was a remarkable achievement and a true testament to the incredible crew that worked tirelessly to make each show an unforgettable experience for our guests, as well as the performers, their crew, and athletes. From Paul McCartney’s tour launch to The Who’s historic farewell, as well as blink-182’s explosive finale, Maroon 5’s performances, the Lakers games, and our Firebirds’ home opener—every night was fueled by the dedication of our outstanding team in cooperation with our local stagehands, and technical teams, who helped transform this ambitious vision into reality. Their heroic efforts demonstrated that Acrisure Arena can deliver world-class entertainment at the highest level, night after night. We’re also grateful to the artists, agents, managers, and promoters who realize the potential for Acrisure Arena and what we’re building here in Coachella Valley.”

– John Page, Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds, said,

Full Lineup of “The Magnificent Seven”:

Paul McCartney (Sept. 29) — Launch of the “Got Back” tour.

The Who (Oct. 1) — Final North American show on “The Song is Over” tour.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Phoenix Suns (Oct. 3) — NBA preseason action; Lakers return for the third time to the Desert Duel, continuing a growing tradition of preseason excitement in Palm Desert.

blink-182 (Oct. 4 & 5) — Two sold-out nights closing the “Missionary Impossible” tour

Maroon 5 (Oct. 8) — Second show at Acrisure Arena, following New Year’s Eve grand opening performance.

Coachella Valley Firebirds Home Opener (Oct. 10) — Start of the 2025–26 AHL season.

Arena officials said Maroon 5’s production alone featured 82 rigging points supporting 83,000 pounds of equipment, with approximately 2,400 total labor hours — including 121 hours contributed by 73 stagehands for load-in and load-out.

Key Operational Highlights / By the Numbers:

7 shows in 12 days — record-breaking run.

56,981 total attendees — fans from all 50 U.S. states, Canada, and Mexico.

Maroon 5 rigging – 82 points, 83,000 pounds, 2,400 labor hours.

2.82 people entered the arena every minute throughout the run.

487 stagehands worked a combined 2,435 labor hours behind the scenes.

Maroon 5 stagehands – 73 hands for an additional ~121 labor hours.

34 semi-trucks of equipment loaded in and out.

349,341 pounds of rigging across 374 points and 358 motors — equivalent to the weight of a Boeing 747.

14,570 gallons of water used to create the arena’s professional-grade ice sheet (for hockey).

Averaged 3.8 guests per vehicle — sustainability win.

CVF Home Opener parking – 2,113 cars

Magnificent 7 total — averaging just under 3.5 guests per car, highlighting sustainable transportation

Sustainability Highlights:

Collected 31.67 tons of trash.

Diverted 15.85 tons of material to recycling.

Achieved a 50% diversion rate.

Food & Beverage Totals:

Sold a half ton or 1,036 pounds of pretzels alone.

Sold 8.5 tons or 17,070 pounds of food.

4,104 gallons of water used to produce ice for concessions.

8,175 labor hours.

1,759 slices of pizza.

11,394 gallons of beer or enough to fill an above-ground pool.

Click here to check out what’s coming up at Acrisure Arena.

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