Category: kesq-local-news

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Downtown Indio is undergoing a major transformation, with new businesses, a growing college campus, and the recent opening of a modern public library drawing more people into the area. The rapid growth is fueling excitement among residents — but it’s also raising new concerns about public safety.

Mayor Glenn Miller says safety is top of mind as the city continues to invest in revitalizing downtown.

“This part of the city is a very big focus for us because a lot of our residents come here, especially for our events and as you see it get bigger and bigger, our focus will be on how we can be able to provide more public safety for the area.”

Glenn Miller, Indio Mayor

According to the mayor, crime in the downtown area has remained low in recent months, with overall crime rates trending downward over the last several years.

One recent incident occurred at the College of the Desert’s Indio campus, where an unhoused woman reportedly threatened two students with a screwdriver.

Miller emphasized that the city is working closely with law enforcement and private security to maintain safety.

“We have our Indio Police Department that works with the local security out here and then we have a security team that comes through, that works with us, going through the community to see if there are any problems and then they call Indio PD. We have officers that come through here all the time.”

Glenn Miller, Indio Mayor

Despite some lingering concerns, residents say the improvements are noticeable — not only in terms of safety, but in quality of life overall.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The offices for Friends of the Desert Mountains, a nonprofit that partners with the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument, have closed due to the ongoing government shutdown.

The organization has weathered government shutdowns before, but this is the first time they have been unable to continue operations. Their offices are located on federal land at the start of the monument off of Highway 74.

Tammy Martin, the nonprofit’s Executive Director, explained, “I think it’s probably due to the administration and the rules that are coming down from higher up. And they had they just have to follow what’s being directed to them.”

Martin says the nonprofit does not pay rent or utilities to operate its offices and gift shop at the visitor center because of the close partnership it has with its federal counterparts. That agreement, though, is what led to the closure amid the shutdown. And according to Martin, the timing is detrimental.

“In season, it’s overwhelming with people. They’re going on guided hikes. They’re just coming to check out things. They want to know what to do in the valley – that’s why they’re here. So, yes, with the government being shut down and this being in season right now, it’s hitting us hard,” she said.

The nonprofit said because of the shutdown, less donations are being given due to canceled programs and income has been lost since it cannot operate its gift shop. Other programs, like upcoming anniversaries for the monument, could also be postponed if funding is not restored in the coming weeks.

Ten of the nonprofit’s employees are still working off-site, but their services are limited for now. Programs that are continuing are still being hosted on the organization’s website, like native planting lectures.

But in the meantime, hikers in the area said locals have lost a vital source for knowledge and education about our natural landscape.

“If I was a kid, this would be a place that I would like to enjoy the education,” said Raymond Rubio. He is an avid hiker who frequents the trails in the area who is very familiar with the programs Friends of the Desert Mountains provides. “It’s a necessity to this part of the valley.”

“I just wish that this would all be over with if I didn’t know that this place is closed down. And that’s too bad, because those are good people that are in there that are trying their best to to do what they believe in,” Rubio hoped.

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Today at Rancho Mirage High School, students are getting a head start on their financial futures.

Through an event called “Bite of Reality,” students are learning to navigate the real-world challenges of managing a budget, paying bills, and making smart financial decisions. The immersive simulation puts them in adult-like scenarios where they will learn about balancing expenses. As part of the experience, they’re faced with everyday financial choices.

According to the Pew Research Center, only about half (54%) of U.S. adults say they know a great deal or a fair amount about personal finances. This event aims to support students financially ahead of their graduation.

The event is a collaborative effort between OneFuture Coachella Valley, Sun Community Credit Union, and the Palm Springs Unified School District.

Stay with News Channel 3 to learn more about ‘Bite of Reality.’

Click here to follow the original article.

Peter Daut

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation continue to present Impact Grants to local nonprofits working to improve lives and help those in need. And the foundation is also helping more than a dozen nonprofits achieve their goals at its Charitable Center in Palm Desert.

At the corner of Cook Street and Merle Drive is a building many people pass by everyday, without realizing the big difference being made inside. The H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation Charitable Center is currently home to 13 nonprofits, all leasing space at a charitable rate.

“They understand the mission these nonprofits have, and how they can best help them and support them. It’s really amazing,” the President and Co-founder of Alzheimers Coachella Valley, Dominick Calvano, said. The organization leases nearly 8,000 square feet at the Center. He said the organization has grown tremendously over the past seven years, and the Berger Foundation encouraged that growth by offering more space for it to flourish.

“They had the foresight, because realizing our growth pattern from way-back-when to present they were saying, ‘You’re going to need this spot.’ We were hesitant, but when we jumped on it we started realizing, ‘Hey, they were right.'” he said.

The discounted charitable rate also includes electricity, water, building maintenance, internet and air-conditioning. The property, which includes two buildings, totals roughly 60,000 leasable square feet.

“As a nonprofit, we rely on the community to fund our program. And so when we can save money on administrative costs, because no funder likes to see a lot of administrative costs for a nonprofit, it’s a benefit to us,” the executive director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Desert, Judy Tobin May said.

The organization leases more than 1,400 square feet at the Center, which it’s been at for 26 years. She said it is also helpful to be surrounded by numerous other Valley nonprofits, allowing them to network and collaborate.

“It’s great. I can just go out the door, go next door, knock on the door and say, ‘Hey, can I talk to you about our program?’ So we have that opportunity here,” she said.

Right now, about 16,000 square feet across the two buildings are available for lease. For more information, head to hnberger.org.

Click here to follow the original article.

Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – Destiny Church hosted a memorial service Tuesday evening in honor of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, who was assassinated in September.

Pastor Nate Conant from Destiny Church in Indio said the event was held on what would have been Kirk’s 32nd birthday.

“It’s just to commemorate his life and allow some people to come together and celebrate who he was,” Conant said.

The service was originally planned to be held outdoors at The River in Rancho Mirage; however, Conant said that due to weather concerns, organizers decided to move the memorial indoors.

Organizers invited the public to attend and asked guests to wear red. The evening featured worship, video tributes, and messages from several pastors.

“It’ll probably be about an hour and a half,” Conant said. “It’s very healthy to have the community come together to either grieve or celebrate the life of Charlie Kirk here locally in the Coachella Valley.”

Conant described the service as a Christian gathering rather than a political one.

“It’s not so much a political event as much as it is a Christian gathering,” he said. “We view Charlie Kirk as what we would call an evangelist — somebody who takes the message of the gospel to unreached people.”

Conant said Kirk’s message resonated deeply with local young people.

“I have a 23-year-old son, and a lot of young people were mentored by him in their youth,” he said. “My son had his voice continually in his life to sort of frame his worldview in terms of his Christian view.”

Conant said he attended Kirk’s memorial service in Arizona.

“One thing that was very interesting about Charlie Kirk’s memorial there was that the name of Jesus was said more than the name of Charlie Kirk,” Conant said. “In doing this, we honor his memory — and like all of us who follow Christ, it is our hope that the name of Jesus grows greater and our names grow even smaller.”

Hundreds of community members attended.

“We want to celebrate Charlie Kirk,” Conant said. “And more than that, we want to worship Jesus together. We just hope that this event will be a blessing to the community.”

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

SAN DIEGO, Calif. (KESQ) – Days after the signing of a new state law that bans the sale or transfer of Glock and Glock-style handguns, firearms advocates filed a lawsuit in San Diego federal court this week challenging the ban.   

Assembly Bill 1127, which was signed by Gov. Gavin Newsom on Friday, bars California firearms dealers from selling semi-automatic firearms that include a “cruciform trigger bar,” which lawmakers behind the bill say allows semi-automatic guns to be converted into fully automatic weapons.

The law takes effect next year.   

On Monday, a complaint was filed challenging the new law, which it states “is flagrantly unconstitutional.”

The complaint cites case law stating that weapons “in common use at the time” are protected by the Second Amendment and that the guns targeted by the ban are “among the most popular firearms in the nation.”   

Plaintiffs in the case include national organizations like the National Rifle Association of America, Firearms Policy Coalition, and Second Amendment Foundation, along with local plaintiffs including firearms retailer Poway Weapons & Gear and its president, John Phillips, as well as San Diego County resident Danielle Jaymes.   

“The Constitution does not allow elitist politicians to decide which constitutionally protected guns the people may own, and California doesn’t get to tell people that their rights end where Gov. Newsom’s tyrannical, anti-Second Amendment politics begin,” Brandon Combs, president of the Firearms Policy Coalition, said in a statement. “Every American has a right to choose the tools they trust to defend their lives and liberty.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – All lanes are back open after a vehicle overturned on the westbound side of Interstate 10, near Bob Hope Tuesday afternoon shortly before 2:30 p.m.

Authorities said the crash involved two vehicles, causing one to roll about 30 to 40 feet from the roadway. One person was transported to the hospital with minor injuries.

The crash caused some traffic backup for about an hour in the area.

Details on the crash or any injuries were not available.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs International Airport issued a statement on Tuesday regarding the decision not to broadcast a video by Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem blaming Democrats for the government shutdown.

Noem’s “Public Service Announcement” is supposed to air at security checkpoints.

“It is TSA’s top priority to make sure that you have the most pleasant and efficient airport experience as possible while we keep you safe,” Noem starts. “However, Democrats in Congress refuse to fund the federal government, and because of this, many of our operations are impacted, and most of our TSA employees are working without pay.”

FIRST ON FOX: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem blasted Democrats for the government shutdown affecting TSA workers in a video that will play at every public airport in America. pic.twitter.com/LdhRmF6wlT

— Preston Mizell (@MizellPreston) October 9, 2025

According to CNN, nearly 20 airports across the country have refused to play the PSA due to its political nature.

In a statement released Tuesday, Palm Springs airport cited state law and the federal Hatch Act, a 1939 law prohibiting political activities of federal employees to ensure government programs are administered in a nonpartisan fashion.

“Palm Springs International Airport is not playing the video on terminal screens because California law and federal Hatch Act principles prohibit using public facilities for partisan political messaging. We remain committed to providing a welcoming, neutral space for all travelers, while respecting the responsibilities of our federal partners during the government shutdown.”

– Jake Ingrassia, PSP Communications & Marketing Specialist

In a statement to CNN Tuesday morning, the Department of Homeland Security reiterated much of the language from the video, including blaming the shutdown on Democrats.

“Our security operations remain largely unimpacted at this time. It’s unfortunate our workforce has been put in this position due to political gamesmanship,” the statement said. “Our hope is that Democrats will soon recognize the importance of opening the government.”

Airports who have confirmed to CNN they will not show the video include

Albany (NY) International Airport

Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport

Bradley (CT) International Airport

Buffalo Niagara (NY) International Airport

Charlotte Douglas (NC) International Airport

Chicago Midway International Airport

Chicago O’Hare International Airport

John F. Kennedy International Airport

Harry Reid (Las Vegas) International Airport

LaGuardia Airport

Newark Liberty International Airport

New York Stewart International Airport

Philadelphia International Airport

Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport

Portland International Airport

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport

Springfield–Branson (MO) National Airport

Westchester County (NY) Airport

Click here to follow the original article.

Haleemon Anderson

Congressman Raul Ruiz will host a Government Shutdown Resource Fair on Wednesday, October 15 at 5 p.m.

Families, workers and small businesses who are feeling the strain can connect with local organizations and programs offering support during the government shutdown, currently in its tenth day.

Ruiz, who represents the 25th District, said the virtual fair will help ensure the local community has the support they need. 

“I want you to know that help is available and you are not alone,” Ruiz said in a statement.

Interested individuals can listen live at YouTube.com/RepRaulRuizMD to hear from local organizations, partners and experts providing information and assistance.

Organizations and service providers scheduled to participate in the resource far include:

Federal Employee Unions and Associations offering updates and worker support

Food Assistance Programs and Food Banks providing meals and relief

Banks and Credit Unions with financial hardship and loan programs

Regional Community Organizations coordinating local aid

County and Mental Health Resources offering counseling and wellness support

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds lost their season opener against the San Diego Gulls 5-0 Friday night at Acrisure Arena.

Birds get blown out in the season opener 5-0 at home against the San Diego Gulls. Youngest team in the AHL, so growing pains are expected. Not to mention, it’s just one of 72 games in the regular season. Next game is Saturday, 10/18 at Acrisure Arena. @KESQ

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) October 11, 2025

Goaltender Nikke Kokko made 39 saves on 45 shots in the Firebirds’ first loss of the season.

Gulls’ forward Ryan Carpenter capped off a San Diego shot heavy first period with a goal in the final minute. San Diego outshot Coachella Valley 18-5 in the opening frame. Tim Washe extended the Gulls’ lead to 2-0 early in the second and Judd Caulfield added a third San Diego tally.

Sasha Pastujov and Matthew Phillips combined to tack on two more Gulls goals to secure a 5-0 win for the visiting team. Netminder Ville Husso stopped all 26 shots to pick up the shutout victory for his team.

Tonight marked the first professional games for Firebirds’ defenseman Tyson Jugnauth and Caden Price.

The Firebirds were held to just one powerplay in the game and did not capitalize. San Diego was blanked on all four man-advantage tries. The Firebirds were outshot 44-26.

The Firebirds will seek to avenge the loss next Saturday, Oct. 18 at home against the Colorado Eagles.

Stay with News Channel 3 for full coverage of the Firebirds all season long.

Click here to follow the original article.