Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) –  It’s groundbreaking day! News Channel 3 and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital are teaming up once again for the 7th annual St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway. 

Each year, News Channel 3 partners with St. Jude Children’s Hospital for this fundraiser to help families of children battling cancer.

For more information, including how to register for alerts when tickets go on sale, click here

The builders, along with St. Jude, local elected officials, and News Channel 3 crew, were on the site Thursday morning with their shovels. 

The house is being built by GHA Companies within the Silver Spur Ranch community, right next to the Living Desert Zoo, in Palm Desert. The house has an estimated value of $1,250,000.

House Details:

3 bedrooms, 3.5 bath home with approx. 2,600 sq. ft.

Flex room to use as you see fit

Single Story Home

3 Car Garage

Open Concept Floor Plan

Upgraded kitchen with large island and walk in pantry

Large property

Within walking distance to the Living Zoo and El Paseo shopping plus dining

Tickets will go on sale on December 5 for $100. Get your tickets by the following

December 5 – 19, 2025 Tickets on Sale prize promotional spots run

$2,500 VISA gift card, courtesy of The Law Offices of Jeffrey Weaver – Deadline: Friday, December 19, 2025

December 20, 2025 – January 9, 2026 Early Bird prize promotional spots run

Michael Phelps Legend Series LSX 900 hot tub with cover, courtesy of Master Spas® – Deadline: Friday, January 9, 2026

January 10 – February 6, 2026 Bonus prize promotional spots run

Fuel for a year, valued at $3,000 – Deadline: Friday, February 6, 2026

The house and other prizes will be given away on KESQ News Channel 3 on March 10, 2026.

Stay with News Channel 3 for all your Dream Home updates so you don’t miss your chance to get your tickets.

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Kendall Flynn

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s almost Veteran’s Day and locals are helping honor those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces, including students at La Quinta High School.

Students in the high school Culinary Academy are preparing and serving meals to 150 local veterans and active duty public servants for a “Feed the Heroes Lunch.”

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from attendees and students about the importance of the lunch ahead of Veteran’s Day.

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Garrett Hottle

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Federal Aviation Administration is set to cut flight volume at 40 U.S. airports. Palm Springs International Airport is not one of those airports; however, it does have flights to some of the destinations on the list.

The cuts are the result of the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has led to staffing issues among air-traffic controllers. The controllers are considered essential workers who are instructed to continue working despite the closure, and not receiving paychecks.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said the cuts are set to start Friday if the shutdown continues.

“I anticipate there will be additional disruptions,” Duffy said during a Washington, D.C., news conference Wednesday afternoon. “There will be frustration. We are working with the airlines. They’re going to work with passengers. But in the end, our sole role is to make sure that we keep this airspace as safe as possible.”

PSP spokesperson Jake Ingrassia wrote in a statement that travelers are encouraged to contact their airline directly for the most up-to-date flight information.

You can also check for updates on PSP’s Flight Status page.

Check Out: Here’s what to do if your flight is canceled or delayed

According to the air-travel tracking website FlightAware, 19 flights originating at LAX have already been canceled on Friday, along with 17 incoming flights, as of early Thursday afternoon. By comparison, only four outbound and four inbound flight cancellations were reported at LAX on Thursday.

At Ontario, two outbound and two incoming flights on Friday had already been canceled by Thursday afternoon, compared to none on Thursday.   

In San Diego, seven inbound Friday flights had already been canceled as of Thursday, along with nine inbound flights. That compared to only one each on Thursday.

News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle will have more on the issue. Watch his report starting at 4 p.m.

List of Airports’ flight capacity reduction:

1 ANC Anchorage International

2 ATL Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International

3 BOS Boston Logan International

4 BWI Baltimore/Washington International

5 CLT Charlotte Douglas International

6 CVG Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International

7 DAL Dallas Love

8 DCA Ronald Reagan Washington National

9 DEN Denver International

10 DFW Dallas/Fort Worth International

11 DTW Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County

12 EWR Newark Liberty International

13 FLL Fort Lauderdale/Hollywood International

14 HNL Honolulu International

15 HOU Houston Hobby

16 IAD Washington Dulles International

17 IAH George Bush Houston Intercontinental

18 IND Indianapolis International

19 JFK New York John F Kennedy International

20 LAS Las Vegas McCarran International

21 LAX Los Angeles International

22 LGA New York LaGuardia

23 MCO Orlando International

24 MDW Chicago Midway

25 MEM Memphis International

26 MIA Miami International

27 MSP Minneapolis/St Paul International

28 OAK Oakland International

29 ONT Ontario International

30 ORD Chicago O`Hare International

31 PDX Portland International

32 PHL Philadelphia International

33 PHX Phoenix Sky Harbor International

34 SAN San Diego International

35 SDF Louisville International

36 SEA Seattle/Tacoma International

37 SFO San Francisco International

38 SLC Salt Lake City International

39 TEB Teterboro

40 TPA Tampa International

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Athena Jreij

MORONGO VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The person who intentionally killed a 50-year-old Morongo Valley man last month in a hit-and-run is still on the loose, according to the man’s family and authorities. 

Chris Garcia was killed on October 27 after a traffic collision at the intersection of Hess Boulevard and Senilis Avenue in Morongo Valley. His wife was in the car during the crash and says they were rear-ended by another vehicle near Highway 62. 

When both cars pulled over to exchange information, Garcia and the suspect got into a heated argument. That’s when his wife says he was intentionally run over by the suspect and left for dead. 

San Bernardino County Sheriffs said in a press release, “CHP was initially dispatched to the location for a vehicle versus pedestrian and possible hit and run. CHP requested deputies after they arrived on scene, because they determined the victim was intentionally struck by a vehicle.”

Garcia’s wife spoke with News Channel 3 under the condition of anonymity, out of fear of retaliation from the suspect.

“My husband was walking back to my car, the guy actually put it in reverse and backed up and then floored it and rammed right into my car, the back of my car with my daughter in it still. He then backed up and proceeded to go around my vehicle, which he then struck my husband and drug him under the truck,” his wife said.

She went on to say, “So I got out of the passenger seat. My daughter, you know, she’s only six, she’s in the backseat screaming, don’t leave me by myself, I’m scared. I’m like, well, you know, I got to find Chris. I got out and told my daughter, just keep her eyes closed and that Chris needed help. I found him and he was still breathing, but he was already unresponsive.”

Garcia’s wife says his body laid in the intersection for hours as investigators worked the scene.

“The detectives, I get it they’re busy and stuff, but my husband body is laying in intersection until like 7:30 the next morning,” she said.

Now, the family is left searching for a suspect and for answers in what seems like a senseless tragedy.

“It didn’t need to happen. I don’t understand, like why he didn’t just drive around and leave. All this over what? I don’t even have answers to the what? Like was he under the influence? Was it just road rage? You know, we don’t know. I have no idea.”

News Channel 3 reached out to SBCSD who said they are still working the investigation. They were unable to provide a suspect description upon asking.

If you’d like to support the Garcia family, visit: Celebrate Chris’s Life with Love.

Those with information are encouraged to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904. Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com. 

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Daniella Lake

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – CV Link has officially opened to the public with its first grand opening ceremony in Coachella today.

The CV Link runs 40 miles across the Coachella Valley, from Palm Springs to Coachella. There’ll be other grand opening ceremonies in La Quinta, Cathedral City, Palm Desert and Palm Springs. You can learn more here.

The 40 mile path has been 14 years in the making, and it’s had a few bumps along the way. KESQ has reported on homeless encampments, limited guardrails, and confusing signage on the path.

Although it’s meant to connect all the cities in the valley, the cities of Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells  opted out of the project. 

The Coachella Valley Association of Governments says they hope the 40 mile path will transform recreation for residents. 

“The link provides an option for folks. There are some people that are willing to get on their bike and take a chance with traffic. It’s not for me and certainly not for my kids…and not for a lot of adults,” says Tom Kirk, CVAG’s executive director.

Nearly 1,000 bicyclists are hit and killed by a motor vechile every year, according to the Center for Disease Control.

“I’ve been run over twice. One in an intersection with lights and one at a stop intersection. Some of the people in my crew have been personally run over and hit,” says Wenceslao Rodriguez, a Coachella local.

He’s been biking in the area since he was a kid. Now, he says he’s grateful to have an option that feels safer.

“We don’t have to worry about somebody just coming over here and trying to deal with getting run over,” Rodriguez says.

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Police arrested a second person in connection with a recent spree of burglaries and vandalism in Indio.

The suspect, a 34-year-old man, was arrested Wednesday just before 2 p.m., on the 82000 block of Avenue 48, Indio police announced.

He was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio and faces multiple felony charges.

The case dates back to last month, when nearly 10 small businesses in Indio were broken into and vandalized.

A 38-year-old man was arrested on Oct. 29.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is encouraged to contact the  Indio Police Department at (760) 391-4057 or Crime Stoppers at (760)-341-STOP to provide information anonymously.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Care Network kicked off Palm Springs Pride weekend with a ceremonial unfurling of the Pride Flag from the El Mirador Bell Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center on Wednesday.

“Our unfurling of the Pride flag has grown into a cherished tradition at our hospital,” said Desert Regional Medical Center CEO Mike Ditoro. “The Bell Tower on our Stergios Building is an historic landmark for the City of Palm Springs, and it is inspiring to so many of us to see the flag welcoming everyone to town for one of Palm Springs’ biggest events.”

The role of honorary flag bearer went to Carl Taussig-Eilman, RN, who started at Desert Regional Medical Center as a monitor tech in 2015, graduated from nursing school in 2018 and rose through the ranks to become a Clinical Manager for the ICU, and most recently, a House Supervisor.

“Displaying the rainbow flag, especially on such a grand scale, serves as a signal that Desert Regional is a safe space and acts as a life-saving invitation to care,” said Taussig-Eilman. “That commitment is one of the reasons I’m so proud to have worked here for the last 10 years.”

Desert Regional Medical Center has been a participant and sponsor of Palm Springs Pride for many years – This year marks the 10th year the hospital has celebrated the unfurling of the Pride flag. The hospital also has been recognized as a “Leader in LGBTQ+ Healthcare Equality” by the Human Rights Campaign Foundation for its dedication to providing a safe, welcoming, and affirming environment for LGBTQ+ patients, staff, and visitors.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A law enforcement training exercise will take place Thursday night at Palm Springs International Airport, but flight operations are not expected to be affected.

The exercise will be held from late Thursday into early Friday, officials said.

“The annual training brings together multiple law enforcement agencies to enhance emergency preparedness and interagency coordination,” according to a statement from the airport. “Nearby residents and businesses may hear overnight activity or noise from the airport area during theexercise.”

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Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – In partnership with FIND Food Bank, College of the Desert is hosting a number of food distribution events across campuses.

Organizers said distribution events are open to the public and students.

News Channel 3 is attending the next distribution event on Wednesday from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at the Desert Hot Springs Campus located at 11625 West Dr. Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240.

Stay with us for continuing coverage. For a list of future distribution events visit this link.

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City News Service

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Pretrial motions got underway today ahead of jury selection for the trial of an ex-Riverside County sheriff’s deputy accused of harassing and abducting a woman, as well as possessing child pornography.   

Alexander Ravy Vanny, 34, of Hemet was arrested last year following an investigation by the sheriff’s department’s Special Victims Unit.

Vanny is charged with kidnapping, stalking, possession of child porn, unauthorized use of protected electronic data, maliciously destroying a wireless device, witness intimidation, illicit eavesdropping, using a concealed camera to invade a person’s privacy, illegal use of a tracking device to monitor a person, interference with a traffic control device and possession of a firearm in violation of a protective order, with a sentence-enhancing allegation of perpetrating a felony while on bail.

Vanny’s case was moved Wednesday from the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta to the Larson Justice Center in Indio, where jury trial proceedings were slated to begin in the coming days, following Riverside County Superior Court Judge James Hawkins’ rulings on prosecution and defense motions.

Vanny is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning.  

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Mike Kelleher, Special Victims Unit detectives received word at the end of last November regarding Vanny’s alleged harassment of the woman, whose complaints earlier in 2024 had prompted a separate investigation into the defendant’s alleged misconduct.

Sufficient evidence was gathered to book the former lawman into custody.   

Vanny was first arrested on June 22, 2024, following the Special Victims Unit’s findings from an investigation that began weeks before when the alleged victim, identified in court documents only as “M.P.G.,” told a law enforcement officer that she had been assaulted by the defendant.

At the time, the woman was confirmed to be a sheriff’s department volunteer at the Hemet station, where Vanny was assigned.   

He was booked into the Banning jail but posted a $1 million bond and was released. He was initially placed on paid administrative leave, but within a few months he was fired from the department, according to sheriff’s officials.

The criminal complaint against him alleged that he abducted M.P.G. sometime between May and December 2024. The document stated that sometime between August and December, he “unlawfully, maliciously and repeatedly followed and harassed” the victim.

He also gleaned specific data from a government computer system, copied it and loaded the information onto his personal electronic device, the complaint alleged.

It further said that he allegedly destroyed a mobile phone “to prevent the use of the (phone) to … notify law enforcement of a crime.”   

No additional details were provided.   

While he was out on bail, Vanny was separately charged with possession of child pornography.

He had been a sworn peace officer since he was hired by the sheriff’s department in 2016.

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