Category: kesq-local-news

Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The restaurant scene in Palm Springs is experiencing both promising new beginnings and sobering realities, as rising costs and recent closures continue to challenge the industry.

Hunny’s Restaurant and Bar, located in the heart of downtown Palm Springs, has officially opened its doors. For owner Precious Dykstra, the moment is filled with excitement and anticipation. But opening a new restaurant isn’t without its hurdles. For Dykstra, one of the biggest early challenges is visibility.

“I just think opening a new restaurant is always challenging. Getting the word out there, letting people know that we’re here is probably the first challenge.”

Precious Dykstra, Hunny’s Restaurant & Bar

Hunny’s now occupies the former space of Grand Central — a visible reminder of how tough the restaurant business can be. Council member Jeffrey Bernstein noted that rising costs are straining restaurant owners throughout the city.

“Restaurants are having a pretty tough time in general just with the cost of everything rising so fast and its food, staffing and rents. But the costs of good has gone up significantly so it’s a tough business.”

Jeffrey Bernstein, Palm Springs City Council Member

Another recent closure includes Sonny’s, an establishment in the Arenas District. Still, Bernstein says the city overall is seeing strong business activity and emphasizes that local support remains a critical factor in a restaurant’s success.

“From a business point of view, we really do understand the struggles local businesses are going through… From the city council point of view, we see a lot of growth and economic opportunity. There’s lots of places that are opening up and other restaurants looking for space.”

Jeffrey Bernstein, Palm Springs City Council Member

While the road ahead may be uncertain, new owners like Dykstra are holding onto optimism — bolstered by a community that believes in their potential.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A person was detained after a rooftop standoff in Indio that started with at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office, police said.

The standoff was at the 83000 block of Highway 111. Police said Highway 111 is back open after an hours long closure near the scene.

Viewer video from the scene shows police using flashbangs were deployed as a distraction as officers approached the suspect. Police said the suspect was not struck by flashbangs.

The suspect was evaluated by CAL-Fire personnel for dehydration, and he is currently being processed. He will be booked into the John Benoit Detention Center on several charges, including vandalism, assault with a deadly weapon, and a felony warrant.

SWAT is at the scene assisting in efforts to take the suspect into custody safely.

Police said the incident started at around 8:45 a.m. with a vandalism report at the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office.

“A witness followed the adult male suspect to a second location, where he continued to vandalize property and then climbed onto the roof of a building, prompting a police standoff,” reads an Indio police news release.

The Indio Police Department urges anyone with additional information regarding this case to contact Indio Police (760) 391-4057.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates

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Jesus Reyes

Update 10/23/25

Police arrested the suspect, Ramon Alexis Salazar, 34, of Coachella on Wednesday, police said.

According to county jail records, Salazar was arrested in Riverside. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday.

Original Report 10/20/25

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Police are continuing to search for a suspect in a robbery at an AMPM gas station in Indio over the weekend.

The robbery was first reported just after 11:20 p.m. on Saturday at 41910 Jackson Street.

Police said a man entered the store and demanded money from the cashier. The employee complied and handed the suspect cash from the register. The suspect then left the business and was last seen leaving the area in a red Toyota Camry.

No firearms were seen during the incident, police confirmed.

The case remains under active investigation. Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Pride confirmed Monday that the postponement of its inaugural Pride Equality Walk was tied to Silvercrest Advertising, the key sponsor for the event.

Originally set for Saturday, October 25th, the postponement is the latest outcome of the arrest of Silvercrest Advertising’s CEO, William Rodriguez.

Greater Palm Springs Pride added to its statement on Monday, which referenced the organization’s decision to cut ties with the company last Friday:

“When we suspended active promotional activities tied to the presenting sponsor of the Walk, we understood we would not be in a position to secure another sponsor. We stand by our decision. We fully understand actions have repercussions; postponing the Walk is the cost of our decision. The Walk will be stronger when it returns. We are grateful for those who support us and are committed to a successful Walk in 2026.”

Ron deHarte, President & CEO of PS Pride

The walk was set to take the place of the annual DAP Health Equity Walk, which ended after nearly 40 years last October. Palm Springs Pride said funds raised during the walk would have been used to help keep its November Pride Festival free to attend.

News Channel 3 is gathering reaction from the community tonight. Stay with us for the latest.

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Timothy Foster

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – As Halloween approaches, local shoppers are feeling the pinch as rising prices on costumes, decorations, and candy add a new kind of challenge to the spooky season.

An annual consumer survey by the National Retail Federation found Halloween spending is expected to reach a record $13.1 billion this year, up from $11.6 billion last year. Costumes are averaging about $45 per person, up nearly 15% from pre-pandemic levels. Candy prices are also climbing, rising roughly 5% from last year, as global sugar and cocoa costs remain high.

Economists attribute the increase to several factors. Tariffs on imported goods and higher shipping costs have pushed up prices for everything from fabrics to plastics. Poor cocoa harvests in West Africa have driven chocolate prices higher, while sugar tariffs continue to impact sweets in stores across the country.

Local shoppers said they are finding ways to stretch their budgets. Many residents are reusing costumes from previous years to save money. Others are turning to DIY projects, thrift stores, and early discounts to create festive looks without breaking the bank. Some shoppers are making their own costumes when retail options are unavailable, keeping Halloween traditions alive while staying within budget.

Despite rising costs, many residents say the community aspect of Halloween, such as passing out candy, dressing up, and seeing neighbors, remains priceless.

Experts predict prices could stabilize next year if tariffs ease and supply chain costs drop. For now, the high cost of celebrating serves as a reminder that even holidays are not immune to inflation.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The inaugural Palm Springs Pride ‘Pride Equality Walk’ that was scheduled to kick off Saturday, October 25, has been postponed until 2026, organizers said Sunday.

According to Palm Springs Pride, the organization does not have the current resources needed to put on the event. In a statement, PS Pride said the decision was made due to “unexpected financial and logistical challenges,” including recent changes “impacting promotional relationships.”

A new date for the inaugural walk in 2026 has not yet been announced.

Volunteers for the walk received the notification Sunday, reading “We want to let you know Palm Springs Pride has decided to cancel the first-year Equality Walk scheduled for Saturday, October 25. This was a difficult call, and we truly appreciate your flexibility and continued support.”

Palm Spring Pride announced the Equality Walk in May, after DAP Health canceled their annual Health Equity Walk fundraising for HIV/AIDs care. DAP Health cited rising costs and declining participation as reasons for the cancellation.  

Earlier this week, Palm Springs Pride announced they were severing promotional ties with sponsor, Silvercrest Advertising. Silvercrest CEO William ‘Billy’ Rodriguez was arrested this month on felony charges of homicide and hit and run for a deadly crash in October of 2024. Rodriguez plead not guilty to the charges last week.

In a full statement to News Channel 3, Palm Springs Pride said:

“We are writing to let all registered participants, supporters, and valued sponsors know that the inaugural Pride Equality Walk, initially scheduled for Saturday, October 25, will be postponed. This difficult decision was made to ensure we can deliver an event that fully upholds the integrity and mission of the Pride Equality Walk: a unified stand for LGBTQ+ visibility, rights, and full equality.

Due to unexpected financial and logistical challenges, including recent changes that have impacted our promotional relationships, we have determined that our current resources are not sufficient to execute the high-quality, impactful event our community deserves. We believe taking this time to restructure and fortify our foundation is the necessary step to guarantee the Walk’s ultimate success.

We are fully committed to this event and are already working toward a new launch. We will announce a new date for the inaugural Walk in 2026 soon.

Thank you for your patience and unwavering support as we navigate this transition. Your commitment means the world to us! We look forward to gathering with you in 2026 for a truly memorable and powerful inaugural event! Please know that all registrations will automatically be applied to the 2026 event. If you prefer a refund, please email your request to walk@pspride.org. Thank you again for your understanding.”

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

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Athena Jreij

SKY VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Putting service into action, the Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs helped clean Kitty’s Wildlife Refuge and Rescue in Sky Valley Saturday.

The annual event brings together club members from across the Coachella Valley, in a show of unity and teamwork.

Kitty Pallesen, the sanctuary owner, says club members completed 6 months of work in one day, helping with raking, water basin maintenance, and cleanup in the tortoise habitat and raven aviary.

Pallesen says, “I see high school kids coming out here, students coming out here and I was never exposed to anything like this when I was in high school. When I see these young people coming out here, it just warms my heart.”

For more information on the Kiwanis Club of Palm Springs, visit: https://kiwanispalmsprings.org/.

To learn more about Kitty’s Wildlife Refuge and Rescue, visit: https://kittyswildliferescue.com/.

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Athena Jreij

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was transported to the hospital after a crash in Thermal Saturday morning.

According to Riverside CalFire, firefighters responded to a two-vehicle crash at the 67600 block of Pierce Street in Thermal shortly before 6 a.m.

One person in the crash was flown by Mercy 18 air ambluance to a hospital with critical injuries.

The cause of the crash is still unknown. Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Numerous protests for “No Kings” are expected across the Coachella Valley on Saturday, including in Palm Springs. Courageous Resistance of the Desert and Indivisible of the Desert are hosting the rally at Sunrise Park.

Organizers wrote in a press release statement that the rally is “a reminder that America rejects Authoritarian rule.” Attendees and organizers say the event is a call to action, opposing “dictatorship, corruption and cruelty,” according to the release.

The event is said to be a peaceful protest and law enforcement will be present. A “No Kings Rally” was also held in Palm Springs in June by the same organizers.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from the organizations and attendees about why the protest was held once again and their call for action.

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Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – With E-bikes growing in popularity, Riverside County Sheriff’s (RSO) deputies are making sure riders know how to stay safe on the road.

Paul Abrego, Deputy Sheriff, said the RSO traffic team held an e-bike safety course open to the public on Saturday, inviting riders of all ages to learn about new E-bike laws, safe riding practices and braking techniques.

“We’re open to everyone,” Abrego said. “We teach them road safety, the new E-bike laws and everything to keep safe on the road.”

Deputies demonstrated braking distances at different speeds, showing how much longer it takes to stop when riders only use a rear brake — a common mistake for distracted riders.

They also guided participants through a hands-on course that included U-turns, zigzags and “steer clear” drills — simulating how to avoid unexpected hazards on the road.

“We just want to make sure the public’s safe,” Abrego said. “Some parents buy E-bikes that are too powerful for their kids and don’t realize it. That’s why we’re out here — to educate, have fun and bring in the family.”

Abrego said RSO plans to host more E-bike safety events across the Coachella Valley ridership continues to rise.

The event happened at Palm Desert Civic Center.

Free appointments are available for 8 a.m., 9:30 a.m., 11 a.m., 12:30 p.m. and 2 p.m.  

Call 760-393-3260 for more information.

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