Category: kesq-local-news

Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is back open after being closed for more than a week due to electrical issues.

The shutdown began Friday, August 8, when technicians discovered a malfunctioning motor contactor, a component that provides power between the tram drive and motor. Repairs were delayed while crews located the replacement part. Once installed, the tramway underwent testing before reopening on Saturday.

The reopening comes just weeks before the tramway’s scheduled annual maintenance closure. The last day of operation will be September 7, with reopening planned for October 13. Projects during the closure will include replacing one of the tram’s cables, repainting, repaving, and other refurbishments.

The tramway is now running on its regular schedule, operating daily from 8 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Visitors can enjoy cooler mountain temperatures, hiking trails, restaurants, gift shops, and scenic views.

August has also been designated as First Responders Month at the tramway. Free admission for police, fire, and EMT personnel, along with discounted entry for up to four guests, has been extended through September 7 to account for time lost during the closure.

Several seasonal events are scheduled in the coming months, including the annual Tram Road Challenge in October, the debut of an Autumn Fest celebration, and the snow guessing contest beginning October 1.

For more information, visit pstramway.com.

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Shay Lawson

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)  – A traffic collision in Indio left two people injured Sunday afternoon.

CAL FIRE said the crash happened at Clinton St. and Miles Ave. just after 12 p.m.

Courtesy: Esmeralda Orozco

Firefighters responded to the two-vehicle traffic collision where one pedestrian was pinned after the car left the roadway. Crews successfully extricated the patient.

First responders said one patient with serious injuries and another patient with minor injuries were transported to a local hospital.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates in this developing story.

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Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – About 8% of U.S. veterans have been diagnosed with PTSD at some point of their lives according to current estimates by Hill and Ponton a leading law firm.

The firm says that percentage is possibly higher among those who served in recent conflicts or are registered with the VA, which repots 7% of veterans will have PTSD.

In the Coachella Valley Custom Canines, a nonprofit, is working to provide support to Veterans and other individuals living with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Stay with News Channel 3 at 10 and 11 p.m. to hear from the organization and a patient.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The cost of food, including at home and away from home, is up 9.4% on the year, according to the Consumer Price Index. Valley residents told News Channel 3 the spike it causing them to be more conscious of their spending.

“It’s just going with the flow right now and just budgeting and spending for what you need,” Randy Lamere, a Thousand Palms resident, said.

Residents said some grocery items have remained consistent but certain foods they purchase regularly are rising, including beef. The Department of Agriculture reports the cost of beef is rising, with it now retailing for $9.26 per pound.

The Consumer Price Index also shows steak and ground beef prices are up 12.4% and 10.3%, respectively. Lamere has noticed these prices, but said it also depends on where you shop.

“I can go here [Walmart] and I can buy a tri-tip and it’s like 30 bucks,” He said. “But if I go out to Indio to Winco it’s $15. You learn after a while of what’s what. And you know, if I want to have a tri-tip I’ll go out there. It’s no big deal.” 

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear more from residents on the impacts on rising costs.

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Isaiah Mora

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorcycle rider has died after a major traffic collision according to the Desert Hot Springs police department.

Authorities said just after 7 a.m. on Saturday officers responded to the intersection of Palm Drive and Dillion Road.

The collision involved a motorcycle and a vehicle.

First responders said the motorcycle rider sustained fatal injuries and was pronounced dead on scene. The driver and passenger of the car sustained minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital.

Based on preliminary information, it appears that alcohol was not a factor in the collision according to the Desert Hot Springs Police Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) who has assumed the investigation.

Anyone with information is being asked to contact MAIT Investigator Sergeant Chris Saucier at csaucier@dhspd.com or Corporal Sean McGuire at smcguire@dhspd.com or 760-329-2904.

Officials tell News Channel 3 Southbound Palm Drive from Dillon Road will be closed for the next several hours during the investigation.

Officials ask residents to avoid the area and use alternative routes.

Stay with us for the latest on this developing story.

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Tori King

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Democrats of the Desert is hosting a ‘Protect our Checks – Hands Off Our Social Security’ sidewalk rally, Saturday, the 16th.

The rally will run from 9-10 AM, on the sidewalk in front of the Social Security Administration building in Palm Springs, 4201 Ramon Rd. According to the organization, the rally is being held 2 days after the 90th anniversary of Social security. 

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Kristen Outlaw

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff’s investigators said they detained a suspect Friday night, following a short pursuit and perimeter search.

The incident began Friday around 6:30 p.m. when deputies attempted a traffic stop in the area of Warner Trail and Mountain View.

The suspect reportedly did not yield, initiating a pursuit.

Investigators said the driver abandoned the vehicle in the 76000 block of Kentucky Avenue, fleeing on foot.

A perimeter was set up – with a heavy police presence in the area.

Several residents in the area of Palm Desert Country Club were told to stay indoors.

After 8:00 p.m., investigators told News Channel 3 the suspect had been located and detained.

There were no reports of injuries.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest on this story.

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Jesus Reyes

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (KESQ) – California officially released the first draft of redrawn congressional districts on Friday.

One of the major districts that would be changed would be Rep. Ken Calvert’s. Calvert currently represents the 41st district, which covers a portion of the Coachella Valley.

The proposed revision would change the district to District 48, keeping most of the Coachella Valley but expanding further west and south.

Draft of District 48

Current District 41

The draft release comes after Governor Gavin Newsom’s announcement that California will move forward with putting proposed new congressional maps on the ballot in a November special election.

081525-kgo-ca-redistricting-maps-pdf-compressed-draftDownload

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Calvert about the proposed change.

“Are you concerned this will affect your district?” Peter

Calvert said, “Oh, they want to eliminate my district. They can’t get me at the election box, so they want to do it through gerrymandering in an unfair process.”

“Are you concerned you could be out of a job soon?” Peter asked

“I’ve done the best I can, I’ll continue to do the best I can. I intend to run in the 41st Congressional District, because I think this initiative will be defeated,” Calvert said.

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Allie Anthony

La Quinta, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Recreation District is now officially partnering with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to maintain the CV Link. The 40-mile multi-use pathway connects communities, parks, and destinations throughout the Coachella Valley.

The partnership went into effect Tuesday and is aimed at ensuring the long-term upkeep and safety of the pathway, which is designed for pedestrians, cyclists, and low-speed electric vehicles.

DRD attendants are now deployed daily along the route. Their responsibilities include picking up trash, cleaning rest areas, maintaining water fountains and benches, and reporting any graffiti, damage, or other issues that may arise.

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