Category: kesq-local-news

KESQ News Team

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — A passenger was killed, and the driver was seriously injured following a motorcycle crash Sunday morning on Highway 74 near the Devil’s Ladder Trail.

Authorities were dispatched to the scene around 9:15 a.m. following reports of a single-motorcycle crash.

According to the California Highway Patrol, the motorcyclist was riding their Harley Davidson trike motorcycle on State Route 74 eastbound when a deer ran from south to north across the roadway, in front of the motorcycle.

The rider attempted to swerve to the left, into the westbound lane, in an attempt to avoid the deer. The Harley Davidson struck the deer, causing the motorcycle to leave the north dirt shoulder.

The Harley Davidson overturned and subsequently ejected the rider and 72-year-old female passenger from Hemet.

The 72-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified by authorities on Tuesday as Peggy Thomas of Hemet.

The driver, a 71-year-old man from Hemet, suffered major injuries and was airlifted to a hospital for treatment.

Highway 74 was temporarily closed in both directions as emergency crews responded to the scene and investigated the crash. The roadway has since reopened to traffic.

Authorities have not released the identities of the two people involved.

Investigators are still investigating the cause of the crash.

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Kiera McKinney

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — Decorated golf carts, community groups and families gathered along El Paseo Sunday for the 2026 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, with actor and television host Anthony Anderson serving as grand marshal.

This year’s theme, “Better Together,” celebrated the local schools, businesses and community organizations taking part. News Channel 3’s team also joined the parade.

For longtime paradegoer Mary Perry, the event’s appeal goes beyond the decorated carts. She has been attending for nearly 30 years and said the celebration continues to feel personal.

“But I think it’s that it’s such a local small town feeling,” Perry said. “You know, the golf cart parade started with just people in their golf carts driving down El Paseo, and now it features all of the local high school and middle school bands, the cheer squads, the dance teams, and so many people who just come out because it’s the family and community thing to do.”

Actor and television host Anthony Anderson served as grand marshal. The “black-ish” star said participating in community events is part of realizing a dream that began when he was growing up in Compton.

“And a part of that dream is being able to be at events like this and having fun and meeting people like you and, you know, giving back to the community, which is what it’s all about,” Anderson said.

Palm Desert Councilmember Jan Harnik said she has watched the parade since her own children were little. For her, the tradition reflects the community’s character.

“It’s the sweetness and the heart and soul of our community,” Harnik said. “It’s what we’re about. It brings everybody together for a very good reason.”

The celebration also included a pancake breakfast, local vendors, live bands and activities for children throughout the morning.

The annual event is organized by the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce.

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Jesus Reyes

Watch Live Below (Scheduled to Start at Noon)

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PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – One of the desert’s most fun and colorful events returns on Sunday, October 25, when scores of decorated carts, floats, and marching bands will head down world-famous El Paseo for the annual Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade.

The Golf Cart Parade steps off at Noon, following a flyover by the Palm Springs Air Museum. Creatively decorated golf carts and floats, local businesses, community organizations, marching and performance groups, classic cars and more will make their way along El Paseo.

Anthony Anderson, Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor, producer, television host, and philanthropist, will be the Grand Marshal.

While the parade itself starts at noon, activities start in the morning.

The Palm Desert Rotary will hold its popular annual Pancake Breakfast starting at 8 a.m. on the corner of El Paseo and San Luis Rey. Sponsor and vendor booths open at 9 a.m., and be sure to leave time to peruse the classic car show, too.

Other attractions include a Kid’s Play Zone, a section for our Super Seniors, food and drink vendors, awards and trophy presentations, and more.

Free seating can be found at multiple locations along the parade route. VIP seats ($30 each) and Senior Seating can be reserved in advance. For more information, please call the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce at 760-346-6111

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Matthew Pearce

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — First Tee Coachella Valley participants will honor Coach Kyle “Peanut Butter Cups” Winn, who served as program coordinator/director and executive director at First Tee and passed away earlier this year.

Participants in today’s golf-a-thon pledged to play 18 to 100 holes throughout the day to raise funds for First Tee Coachella Valley programs. The organization aims to teach critical life skills to children through the game of golf.

News Channel 3 is speaking with participants to learn more about the significance of this year’s fundraiser. To connect with First Tee Coachella Valley, visit its website and stay tuned for more.

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Jonathan Ramont

UPDATE: 10/26

Around 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an off-road collision near Meccacopia Truck Trail.

The California Highway patrol says Two side by side offroad vehicles were driving in the open desert near when they collided head-on.

One of the vehicles was identified as a Can-am driven by a 36-year-old Hispanic male driver. The Can-am was also occupied by four additional passengers.

The crash resulted in injuries to the driver and the four passengers. The driver of the Can-am fled the scene and was later arrested for hit-and-run.

No injuries were reported for the driver and passengers in the other off-road vehicle.

ORIGINAL REPORT: 10/24

NORTH SHORE, Cali. (KESQ) – A viewer reached out to News Channel 3 with footage of a heavy police presence near North Shore.

We reached out to officials and learned that at 7:39 p.m., Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies responded to an off-road collision in the Meccacopia Off Highway Vehicle area near 70th Avenue and Sea View Way. Upon arrival deputies remained at the scene assisting the California Highway Patrol (CHP), who are leading the response to the incident.

We are awaiting further information from CHP.

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KESQ News Team

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City is celebrating Halloween weekend with several family-friendly events, including a dog costume contest, trick-or-treating and the city’s 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular.

The festivities kicked off Saturday morning at Panorama Park Dog Park with the dedication of a new sculpture called “Great Scott,” created by artists Karen and Tony Barone.

The dedication was followed by the Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Contest, where dogs competed in small and large dog categories. Prizes were offered for first, second and third place, along with an award for the best dog-and-owner costume combination.

The celebrations continue Sunday, October 25, with the 10th Annual Halloween Spooktacular in Downtown Cathedral City.

The free event will take place from noon to 3 p.m. in front of City Hall, located at 68700 Avenida Lalo Guerrero.

Families can enjoy trick-or-treating at more than 20 vendor booths, with organizers preparing more than 70,000 pieces of candy for children.

The event will also feature hourly costume contests, bicycle giveaways, music, games and demonstrations from the Cathedral City Police and Fire departments.

Adoptable dogs from Desert Paws Sanctuary will also be at the event.

City officials say the Spooktacular serves as Cathedral City’s version of National Night Out, giving residents an opportunity to meet local first responders and learn more about public safety services.

Following the event, families can attend a special screening of The Addams Family at Mary Pickford Theatre is D’Place, located at 36850 Pickfair Street.

The movie begins at 3:30 p.m., with tickets costing just $1. Seating will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Admission and parking for Sunday’s Halloween Spooktacular are free.

For more information, visit discovercathedralcity.com.

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Kiera McKinney

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — East Coachella Valley Pride is marking its 10th anniversary Saturday with a free festival celebrating LGBTQ+ identity, local art and a decade of community connections.

The festival runs from 3 to 8 p.m. Oct. 24 at Coachella Library Park and Garden. It will feature performances and art by local queer artists, food vendors and local organizations sharing resources with residents.

The celebration traces its roots to young people speaking up about the need for more support in the East Coachella Valley.

According to organizers, a 2016 Youth Participatory Action Research project surveyed more than 600 East Valley teens and young adults. One in 10 respondents identified as LGBTQ+, and the research identified a need for affirming spaces, information and services.

Those findings helped inspire the creation of East Coachella Valley Pride and The Center Coachella.

“What began with young people speaking up about what their community needed has grown into a decade of connection, visibility and celebration,” said Miguel Navarro, director of East Coachella Valley programs at The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert.

A committee of local residents is organizing the anniversary events with support from The Center. Organizers say the celebration is also an opportunity to reflect on what has changed and consider what the next decade of support and community-building could look like.

“As we look toward the next 10 years, we’re excited to continue building on that foundation and creating opportunities for LGBTQ+ people across the East Coachella Valley to feel seen, supported and celebrated,” Navarro said.

For the full entertainment lineup and more information, follow @ecvpride on Instagram or Facebook.

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Matthew Pearce

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — Shelter From the Storm, an organization working to combat domestic violence in the Coachella Valley, is relocating its service center to Cathedral City.

Volunteers tell News Channel 3 the move comes after the organization outgrew its previous location. The new center will provide more space to serve members of the community.

To contact Shelter From the Storm, visit its website here. Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Matthew Pearce

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — September is National Suicide Prevention Month, but every day is an opportunity to remind those around you that they are not alone — which is exactly what this walk aims to do.

It is one of the largest suicide prevention events in the Coachella Valley and returns today.

The walk will take place at the Palm Desert Civic Center. Check in begins at 9 a.m., with the walk starting at 10 a.m.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Are you in a crisis? If so call 988 or text “TALK” to 741741. For more, head here.

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City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City has appointed author, curator and arts scholar Clare Chu as the city’s inaugural poet laureate, officials announced today.

The honorary and volunteer position aims to promote literary arts, cultural identity and community engagement.

Her two-year tenure will being immediately, with her first public appearance planned at the city’s 10th annual Halloween Spooktacular event Sunday.

“Clare’s experience, heart for community and artistic breadth bring immense value to Cathedral City,” Assistant City Manager Anne Ambrose said in a statement. “Her work will strengthen our cultural identity and ensure poetry is accessible and engaging for all residents.”

Chu has authored 12 books and several academic articles on Asian art, and has expertise in Chinese snuff bottles. She has served as a gallery owner, exhibition curator, auction consultant, lecturer, director and secretary of the International Chinese Snuff Bottle Society. Chu currently serves as a director of snuff bottles collectors of California. She curated numerous exhibitions at the Los Angeles County Museum of Art and Walters Art Museum.

Additionally, Chu’s poetry has appeared in several literary publications and she is the author of “The Sand Dune Teacher” and “Objects Heavy in This Life.”

During her term, Chu will lead numerous new programs “designed to inspire creativity and invite the community to connect through poetry,” including community poetry workshops, seasonal poetry readings and cultural events and a youth poetry project, officials said.

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