Category: kesq-local-news

Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Cleanup is underway at the Palm Springs Cultural Center after a fire broke out Saturday night, forcing evacuations and drawing a rapid response from firefighters.

The Palm Springs Fire Department says crews were called to the 2300 block of East Baristo Road just after 7:30 p.m. for reports of a fire in the roof and attic space above the building’s kitchen.

When firefighters arrived, they found flames in the upper portion of the structure. Officials say the fire was quickly contained before it could spread into the main theater area. About 30 people were evacuated as a precaution, and no injuries were reported.

Volunteer Michelle Johnson described the moment the fire was discovered, saying the situation began with an unusual alarm and the smell of smoke before staff and guests began evacuating as fire crews arrived on scene. She said smoke quickly became visible as firefighters worked above the building to knock down the flames.

Fire officials say the blaze was brought under control in less than an hour.

Volunteers say the Cultural Center is a long-standing community hub that hosts films, live performances, events, and weekly gatherings, and that many in the community consider it a second home.

Supporters say the focus has now shifted from emergency response to recovery, with an emphasis on reopening and restoring operations as quickly as possible. Volunteers also say continued community support, including memberships and attendance at events, will be critical to keeping the nonprofit operating in the long term.

Volunteer Joanne O’Connell emphasized that ongoing membership and participation in fundraising efforts are key to sustaining the Cultural Center, noting that consistent community support helps ensure the organization can continue offering programming and events.

Another volunteer, Brian O’Connell, said the Cultural Center remains an important gathering space for residents and encouraged the public to continue attending events and supporting the venue financially, saying that revenue from tickets, concessions, and memberships directly helps keep the facility running.

Fire officials have not yet determined what sparked the blaze. The cause remains under investigation.

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Dakota Makinen

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Firefighters responded to a residential fire in Desert Hot Springs this afternoon that damaged two homes.

According to Riverside County Fire Department, officers received a 911 call at about 4:15 p.m. reporting multiple homes on fire in the 13000 block of West Street.

When crews arrived, they encountered high winds, which officials say contributed to the fire spreading to a second home. The second structure sustained light damage to its roof.

Firefighters contained the fire at 5:22 p.m. and the American Red Cross was requested to assist two adults and two children who have been displaced.

No injuries were reported.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates as more information becomes available.

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Matthew Pearce

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Assemblymember Greg Wallis partnered with the Palm Springs Animal Shelter to host community-driven event aiming at raising awareness about overcrowded animal shelters.

This one-day event features waived adoption fees, allowing residents to bring new family members home without the financial burden.

Prior to the event, Palm Springs Animal Shelter was operating at more than 200% capacity. Organizers hope residents will adopt pets to make room for other animals in need. This is exactly what happened.

With a line out the door before the event officially started, furry friends from across the Coachella Valley are finding forever homes. Stay tuned for more.

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Dakota Makinen

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Amateur radio operators from the Desert RATS gathered at the Cathedral City Library for ARRL Field Day, an event focused on emergency communications and disaster preparedness.

The annual exercise gives ham radio operators a chance to practice communicating without relying on cell service, internet or the power grid — skills organizers say can be critical during earthquakes, wildfires and other emergencies.

Organizers say ham radio operators can quickly relay messages between emergency responders, neighbors and families when traditional communication systems fail. They also stressed that preparedness starts before disaster strikes, encouraging residents to have an emergency kit and a plan in place.

Residents can also use the MyShake app for earthquake alerts, the Watch Duty app for wildfire updates, and find preparedness training through the Coachella Valley Disaster Preparedness Network.

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City News Service

PINYON PINES, Calif. — A 31-year-old motorcyclist suffered major injuries Friday afternoon after crashing off Highway 74 in Pinyon Pines, authorities said.

The single-vehicle crash was reported shortly after 3:15 p.m. in the 71000 block of Highway 74, according to the Riverside County Fire Department. Emergency crews responded to the scene, where the rider had gone down an embankment after leaving the roadway.

Investigators with the California Highway Patrol said the man was riding a 2006 Kawasaki motorcycle eastbound on Highway 74 at an unspecified speed when he made an unsafe turn for reasons that remain under investigation. The maneuver caused the motorcycle to veer off the highway and descend the embankment.

The rider, who has not been publicly identified, sustained major injuries and was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital.

The crash prompted the temporary closure of the eastbound lane of Highway 74 while emergency personnel assisted the victim and investigators examined the scene.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation. No additional details were immediately available.

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Tommy Gallegos

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. — The Riverside County Registrar of Voters has officially certified the results of the June 2, 2026, Statewide Direct Primary Election, completing the county’s canvass of election returns.

On Friday, June 26, the certified election results were transmitted to the Riverside County Board of Supervisors and the California Secretary of State, marking the conclusion of the official vote-counting process.

A total of 550,840 ballots were processed and counted during the election. Overall voter turnout reached 38.35% of eligible registered voters across Riverside County.

Residents can now view the final official election results and the Statement of Votes Cast on the Riverside County Registrar of Voters website at www.voteinfo.net.

Under California election law, any individual seeking a recount must submit a request to the Registrar of Voters within five days of the certification of election results. The deadline to file a recount request is Wednesday, July 1, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.

The cost of conducting a recount is the responsibility of the individual requesting it.

The certification officially concludes the county’s administration of the June 2 primary election and ensures the results are forwarded for inclusion in California’s certified statewide election totals.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Ashley Stein, co-owner of Palm Springs’ Saffron Restaurant and Lounge, says she found her restaurant listed for lease, after a battle with the landlord over a Pride poster.

News Channel 3 first followed this story early June, when Stein says she was instructed by her landlord to take down the poster or lose a lower summer rent rate. Amy Brinkman, one of the property’s co-owners, says they asked the poster be taken down because of lease provisions.

Now, Stein believes the listing could be linked to the debacle over the poster, which still stands.

“I don’t know how I could take it any other way,” Stein said.

The listing read at the time, “Currently occupied by Saffron Restaurant. Pleae do not disturb existing tenant. Contact listing agent for tours.”

However, Brinkman claims it was posted by an outside commercial realtor unauthorized by property management, and has since been taken down.

Brinkman says she believes the realtor posted it when they learned the restaurant was behind on their rent by $140,000.

News Channel 3 asked Saffron’s co-owners if they are behind on rent and if that could be related.

“That is not something that we are going to speak of at this time … They have said nothing about that [rent] to us. So this is obviously quite the shock,” Stein said.

In emails shared by Brinkman, News Channel 3 found property management claims that they did not authorize the listing, as well as the agent saying he had posted it to generate leads for the future.

However, Stein and her co-owners say it’s further strained their relationship with management.

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City News Service

DESERT HOT SPRINGS (CNS) – A series of road repairs in a community on the northwest end of Desert Hot Springs will begin next week, periodically interrupting travel for a few months but making for a smoother ride after the project is finished.

“This project will fix up a substantial number of streets in this unincorporated community (of Mission Lakes),” Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez said. “This road work is a significant improvement that will be long lasting after it’s completed.”

Perez’s Fourth District encompasses the Mission Lakes Country Club. According to his staff, a total of 25 streets covering 5.7 miles are due for upgrades as part of the Mission Lakes Area Resurfacing Project, which is slated to begin at 7 a.m. Monday and continue for about three months.

Crews generally will be on the job Monday to Friday, between 7 a.m and 6 p.m., officials said.

Jurupa Valley-based LCR Earthwork & Engineering Corp. was awarded the project contract, the total budget for which is $3.3 million, according to Perez’s office.

“This is very significant in our community’s over 50-year history that the roads are being totally re-done up here,” Mission Lakes Country Club General Manager Eric Charos said. “This will be a big improvement for our residents, and all who visit to golf, enjoy our restaurants and amenities, with some of the best views in the (Coachella) Valley.”

Officials said residents impacted by street repairs will be given 48 hours’ notice to ensure street parking doesn’t impede work and vehicles aren’t exposed to potential damage.

The anticipated length of travel delays, and on which roads, as well as possible detours, have not been announced yet.

The project’s funding originates from a mix of local sales tax revenue, Senate Bill 1, or Road Repair & Accountability Act of 2017, grants and Mission Springs Water District allocations, though the latter will mostly cover expenses directly tied to rearranging utilities.

Officials noted that several other Mission Lakes streets east of the current project are expected to be repaired in future years during the next phase of work.

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Tommy Gallegos

BIG BEAR LAKE, Calif. — As Independence Day approaches, a growing debate has emerged in Big Bear Lake over whether the community’s annual Fourth of July Fireworks Spectacular should proceed amid concerns about its potential impact on the region’s famous bald eagle family.

An online petition calling for the cancellation of the fireworks display has attracted thousands of supporters who fear the event could disturb Jackie, Shadow, and their surviving eaglet, Sandy. The eagles have become internationally recognized through the popular Big Bear Eagle Cam set up by Friends of Big Bear Valley, drawing millions of viewers who have followed the birds’ nesting seasons in recent years.

Petition supporters argue that loud fireworks could cause unnecessary stress to the eagles and other wildlife during a critical time of year. They are urging local officials to explore quieter alternatives, such as drone or laser light shows, that would allow the community to celebrate Independence Day while minimizing impacts on wildlife.

In response to the growing public concern, Visit Big Bear released a statement acknowledging the deep connection many people have formed with the eagles while reaffirming that the July 4 Fireworks Spectacular will move forward as planned.

“Visit Big Bear recognizes the deep passion people have for Jackie, Shadow, Sandy, Luna, and the bald eagles that have become such an important part of Big Bear’s identity,” the organization said. “We also recognize that people across the country have formed a meaningful connection to Big Bear through the eagle cam.”

The tourism organization emphasized that the decision was made after careful consideration and cited the event’s longstanding importance to the local economy.

According to Visit Big Bear, the fireworks celebration supports local hotels, restaurants, recreation providers, retail businesses, and seasonal workers during one of the community’s busiest weekends of the year. Officials noted that after another low-to-no snow winter, many businesses are relying on summer tourism to help recover financially.

“This is not a choice between caring for wildlife and caring for local families,” the statement said. “We believe Big Bear can and must do both.”

Visit Big Bear also outlined several measures intended to reduce potential impacts on wildlife. The fireworks display will be professionally managed from a barge on Big Bear Lake, approximately two miles from the Jackie and Shadow nest, according to a Google Earth measurement reviewed by the organization.

Officials said the show will last less than 30 minutes, will comply with all required fire safety regulations, and that organizers are working with the fireworks provider to reduce the loudest explosive effects where possible.

Wildlife advocates, however, continue to question whether distance alone is sufficient to prevent disturbance, citing research showing that loud, unexpected noises can affect birds even when they originate miles away.

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Kiera Seapy

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)- Hundreds of students from elementary school to middle school are watching the films they created on the big screen at Mary Pickford Theatre.

The event marked the ending of the two week Young Creators Summer Program, where about 600 students participated. This years theme was “Monster Summer” and inspired the students to use characters such as mummies, vampires, and others.

Students took on different roles as the program continued, such as acting, directing, camera operation, and props. Organizers say that the goal was to give students the hands on experience while working as a team.

Christian Sesma, the filmmaker, CEO, and founder of the Young Creators Student Film Program said they “provide really a truly Hollywood certified experience.”

He also added that its the only program in the state that has a progressed filmmaking program.

Michelle Castillo-Soto, A paraprofessional bilingual for Palm Springs Unified School district said this program with the children “has been a truly great opportunities watching them grow from….. seeing how much they’ve learned and expanded. It’s it’s been a true blessing.”

She also said how this program keeps students engaged over the summer because “students tend to start declining over the summer.” So this keeps their mind fresh on reading and math and also giving them the opportunity to grow and learn.

The goal is simple for the students, keep kids learning, creating, and exploring new opportunties.

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