Category: kesq-local-news

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Drivers in Indio might notice a larger police presence Friday night. From 7 pm to 2 am, Indio Police will conduct a DUI saturation patrol, aiming to catch impaired drivers and keep roads safer.

News Channel 3 joined Officer Viktor Custic for a ride-along to see firsthand how the operation works. From scanning for erratic driving behavior to conducting traffic stops, officers remain vigilant throughout the evening. Custic noted that the operation is about more than making arrests, it’s about deterring dangerous behavior before it happens.

“More of a visibility and letting officers go out there prevent DUIs and be more proactive, suppression is the way to do this.”

Viktor Custic, Indio PD traffic officer

Unlike checkpoints, officers in marked patrol cars will be roaming city streets, looking for signs of drunk or drugged driving — like swerving, speeding, or failing to signal.

The department says DUI incidents have seen an uptick in recent weeks, a trend they attribute to late summer travel and an increase in social gatherings.

During the patrol, one driver was pulled over for speeding, a common infraction that officers use to identify potential signs of impairment. Custic explained that subtle behaviors, like failing to stay in one’s lane or being unable to produce a driver’s license quickly, often signal deeper concerns.

“Most times they can’t focus… I look at their eyes, many can’t do multiple things at once.”

Viktor Custic, Indio PD traffic officer

The ultimate goal: prevention through visibility. Officers urge drivers to plan ahead — use a sober driver, call a rideshare, or stay put.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Garrett Hottle

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– The magic of Disney met the curiosity of Coachella Valley kids during a special one-day event at the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert Friday morning. 

During the magical one-day event, young imaginations were encouraged to dream big, build boldly, and ask a lot of questions.

In partnership with Walt Disney Imagineering, the museum welcomed dozens of children for a hands-on STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) experience that brought together creativity and cutting-edge tools.

At first glance you might think the kids are just playing, but if you look closer you’ll see a future engineer, designer, or maybe even a disney imagineer in the making.

Inside the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert, it’s all hands on deck with Disney Imagineers leading the way.

“We combine creative storytelling and innovation to dream big, and then bring those dreams to life,” Caroline Boone, Executive Creative Director said. 

Friday morning’s event aimed to inspire the next generation of creators with a little help from lasers and a lot of answered questions.

The kids wasted no time designing houses, skyscrapers, and even water parks.

“We’re making a huge community… with houses on the sides of a pool!”

“It’s a water park! With a waterfall!”

The organization says this event isn’t just for little ones. The museum’s CEO says the goal is to grow with the kids adding spaces for older students to learn life skills, build podcasts, and launch big ideas.

“We really revolved this space around STEAM… so kids can have access to resources they may not otherwise get,” Cindy Burreson, CEO of the Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert said. 

Thanks to a partnership with Disney, the living desert, and local boys & girls clubs, dozens of kids got a taste of what’s possible when you dare to dream.

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Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) brings back nonstop service from Palm Springs to Santa Rosa beginning October 26. 

PSP reports that through Alaska Airlines California residents will be able to travel directly between two of California’s most iconic destinations. The seasonal flight will run five times a week aboard an E175 jet. 

“We’re thrilled to see Santa Rosa return with Alaska, our largest carrier and one of our strongest partners,” said Harry Barrett, Jr., Executive Director of Aviation at PSP. “It’s a perfect match between two world-class destinations known for unforgettable hospitality.”

Along with the nonstop flight Alaska Airlines introduces their Wine Flies Free program for Mileage Plus members to check a case of wine with no baggage fees when customers fly from 32 of the West Coast cities. 

The nonstop flights to wine country are set to begin late October and run alongside regular seasonal services. 

For more information Stay with News Channel 3 

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Haley Meberg

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has arrested two people in connection to an e-bike theft that occurred early June. 

Deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station say they responded to a call at about 11:50 a.m. on Saturday June 7, reporting a burglary at the 40 block of Via Del Rossi in the city of Rancho Mirage.

The victim claims on June 4, at approximately 2:25 a.m., an unknown male was caught on surveillance entering their home and stealing an electric bicycle. 

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the investigation and determined the suspect to be a 42-year-old resident of Coachella. 

On Friday, July 25, at approximately 4:20 p.m. a search warrant was served at the suspects residence in the 51400 block of Ponderosa Drive in Coachella. The accused was taken into custody without incident.

A second male suspect was soon identified as another 42-year old resident of Coachella who was arrested at approximately 12:34 p.m. on Thursday, July 31. RSO reports when deputies attempted to serve the accused, he fled on an unrelated electric bicycle while discarding a bag with a loaded firearm and ammunition. 

When authorities apprehended the suspect they booked him without further incident. 

Both suspects were booked into the John Benoit Detention Center. 

The first suspect was booked in connection to aiding and abetting during the commission of a crime and grand theft and the second suspect was booked on suspicion of first-degree residential burglary, conspiracy, being a convicted felon in possession of ammunition, being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, obstruction, and multiple counts of committing a felony while out of custody on bail.

The investigation of this burglary is still ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Paull of the Palm Desert Station by calling (760)- 836–1600. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.  

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Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Several small quakes have struck near the Coachella Valley over the last couple of weeks. As earthquakes are unpredictable, it’s important to stay prepared with an updated quake kit.

USGS has a list for creating a preparedness kit for families, including:

Fire extinguisher

Adequate supplies of medications for all family members

Crescent and pipe wrenches incase of issues with gas or water supplies

First-aid kid and handbook

Flashlights with extra bulbs and batteries

Portable radio with extra batteries

Water supply for two weeks for each family member (1 gallon per person, per day)

Purification tablets for water from other sources

Canned and package foods, with enough for several days. (mechanical can opener)

Camp stove or barbecue to cook outdoors

Waterproof, heavy duty plastic bags for waste disposal.

For local preparedness presentations from CVDPN visit cvdpn.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network about what you should do to prepare for earthquakes.

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Haley Meberg

La Quinta, Calif. (KESQ) – Fire crews battled their second house fire in La Quinta reported on Friday. The latest fire erupted just after noon on the 52-500 Block of Avenida Carranza.

According to a Cal Fire Battalion Chief, on scene, the first arriving unites found a working fire with smoke coming from the rear of the home.  Crews were able to isolate the fire to the attic area of the home. 

Five people are displaced due to the fire, 2 adults and 3 children.  There were no injuries reported.  One dog inside the home was found deceased. 

No word on what caused the fire at this time. 

Earlier in the day, fire crews battled a residential structure fire on the 50300 block of Spyglass Hill Road, also in La Quinta. https://kesq.com/news/2025/08/01/fire-breaks-out-in-a-la-quinta-home-friday-morning/

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates on both fires.

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Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– The Coachella Valley Rescue Mission (CVRM) is calling out for community support for food donations following rising demand from “food insecure” families leaving CVRM’s food pantry depleted. 

The CVRM was founded in 1971 and distributes about 175 boxes of food to local families each Wednesday. CVRM reports that recently there has been an influx of families looking for support. 

“We have seen nearly a 200 percent increase in families coming to the Mission to pick up food boxes in recent weeks,” said Executive Director Amanda Galindo. 

Food donations can be brought directly to CVRM at 47470 Van Buren St in Indio.

CVRM is requesting pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned meat, mac n cheese, top ramen, canned vegetables, canned fruit, rice, beans, cookies, crackers, granola bars, snack packs, and hamburger helper. 

 CVRM provides food, clothing and safe shelter to anyone in need as well as help people end their cycle of homelessness through counseling, job training and job placement services. 

Financial contributions to their efforts can be made at CVRM.org 

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Haley Meberg

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ)– Riverside County Department of Animal Services (RCDAS) launches Unleash Your Superpower- Adopt a Hero event following the popularization of Krypto, Superman’s loyal canine companion, who was inspired by a real-life RCDAS shelter dog.

Ozu, the real-life inspiration for Superman’s four-legged friend, was one of 37 small dogs brought to a RCDAS shelter from a packed minivan.

“If a dog who started at our shelter system can inspire a movie hero, it’s proof that animals in our care have the potential to do incredible things,” said RCDAS Lieutenant of Field Services James Huffman. “You don’t need a cape to be a hero – just a willingness to open your home and heart to a shelter pet.” 

To celebrate Ozu’s journey from shelter life to superhero fame RCDAS is holding a month-long adoption event “Unleash Your Superpower – Adopt a Hero,” from August 1-30.

During this month-long event, adoption fees will be waived for all cats and dogs and include spay/neuter surgery, vaccinations, microchips and engraved ID tags.

RCDAS has reports they operate one of the highest-intake shelter systems in the nation with kennel spaces being in critical overflow. Throughout the summer shelters across the valley have called out for community support in finding these animals their forever homes. 

“We can all do more, and this story shows the power of giving shelter pets a second chance,” said  Riverside County Chairman of the Board and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “You never know who is waiting for you at a Riverside County shelter, and there is no better time to make a lasting connection.”   

The month-long event will take place at all RCDAS locations and will be open Tuesday-Thursday 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Wednesday 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

To view adoptable pets visit https://rcdas.org/

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Tenet nurses at Desert Regional Medical Center and across California held informational pickets Thursday demanding increased staff and training.

According to the union, Tenet nurses are currently in negotiations to bargain a contract that includes staffing improvements like lift support, rapid response nurses, and rest and meal break nurses, as well as adequate orientations for new hires.

Those picketing on the ground allege inconsistent staffing and shift cuts are harming patient care.

“We’re constantly moving nurses like they’re chess pieces across the hospital. A patient can have 2 or 3 nurses in a shift, that’s not good for them. That increases the risk of errors when that happens,” Rachel Garcia, a registered nurse at Desert Regional said.

“We hear constantly we don’t staff for ‘what ifs,’ it’s an administrator saying. We are a level one trauma center. We are a comprehensive stroke center. We are an advanced cardiac care center. We should be staffing for ‘what ifs,” Laura Bruce, an ICU nurse said.

Nurses on the ground told News Channel 3 some new hires receive just days or orientation before working.

“New nurses that come to our hospital that have experience, they’re only getting four days orientation. Is that enough? No,” Bruce said.

In a statement to News Channel 3, Desert Regional Medical Center said:

“Our hospital is in full operation and open for all services. Our team’s focus today, as it is every day, is on providing exceptional quality patient care. We are currently involved in bargaining with the union and will continue to negotiate in good faith in hopes of reaching a successful contract. Our focus is on providing high quality healthcare to our community and a positive work environment for our employees.”

Officials say the hospital and nursing union will meet back at the bargaining table next week, on August 5th and 6th to resume contract negotiations.

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

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Haley Meberg

FONTANA, Calif. (KESQ)- At approximately 9:32 a.m., a 4.3 magnitude earthquake occurred near Fontana California, with movement being felt in several regions including the Coachella Valley.

Residents in the Coachella Valley have reported feeling tremors, described as a rumble.

Three other quakes have been reported this morning in the Rialto area. The quakes were reported at a 3.0 magnitude earthquake at 8:34 a.m., a 2.8 magnitude earthquake at 8:42 a.m., and a 3.1 magnitude earthquake at 9:36 a.m.

No injuries or major damages have been reported from the earthquake at this time.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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