Category: kesq-local-news

KESQ News Team

COACHELLA VALLEY (KESQ) – Local officials are highlighting sandbag distribution sites, storm safety tips and emergency preparedness resources as residents get ready for potentially wet weather.

With rain and strong winds possible across Southern California, cities throughout the Coachella Valley are reminding residents to take precautions, prepare their homes and stay informed about changing weather conditions.

Local agencies, including the cities of Palm Desert and Indio, have shared storm preparedness guidance and resources to help residents protect their properties, travel safely and plan for potential emergencies.

Palm Desert crews prepare for possible rain

The City of Palm Desert says its Public Works crews are taking proactive steps to prepare for possible rainfall, including clearing drainage areas, checking equipment and ensuring resources are ready if needed.

In a message shared on Instagram, the city emphasized the importance of taking steps ahead of a storm, noting that a little preparation can go a long way.

Residents can also pick up sandbags at Palm Desert City Hall and the Palm Desert Library. The city has set a limit of 15 sandbags per resident.

Sandbags can help redirect water away from vulnerable areas around homes and properties when properly filled and placed. Residents should also keep nearby storm drains clear of debris and monitor local updates as weather conditions develop.

La Quinta offers free sandbags at three locations

The City of La Quinta is also making sandbags available to residents preparing for possible rain.

According to the city’s public notice, empty bags and sand are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the following locations:

City Corporate Yard: 78106 Frances Hack Lane Fire Station No. 70: 54001 Madison St. Fire Station No. 93: 44555 Adams St.

Residents are encouraged to follow the city’s instructions for properly filling and positioning sandbags to help reduce the risk of water entering homes and other structures.

Because supplies are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, residents should check with the city for current availability before making a trip.

Assemblyman Greg Wallis provides storm preparation checklist

Assemblyman Greg Wallis’ office is also encouraging residents to prepare for rain and wind by taking advantage of its READY AD 47 resource page.

The online resource includes a downloadable storm checklist covering preparations to make before, during and after a storm. It also provides access to emergency alert sign-ups and road updates.

Residents can access the checklist and additional preparedness information at ad47.asmrc.org.

The office is also asking community members to complete a short survey about flood risk and insurance awareness. The survey asks residents whether they know if their homes are in a flood-risk area and understand what their insurance policies cover.

The information is intended to help identify where the community may need additional education and resources.

Indio reminds drivers to use caution and secure their homes

The City of Indio is reminding motorists to exercise extra caution with rain in the forecast.

In a Facebook post, city officials urged drivers to avoid flooded roadways and remain focused behind the wheel. Even when water appears shallow, flooded streets can be dangerous, and motorists should never attempt to drive through standing water when its depth or road conditions are uncertain.

The city also outlined several steps residents can take to prepare:

Stay informed: Monitor weather forecasts and local emergency information through the National Weather Service, RivCoReady.org/Storms and RCFlood.org. Secure outdoor items: Bring in or secure patio furniture, decorations and other loose objects that could be blown away by strong winds. Check on neighbors: Reach out to older adults, people with disabilities and others who may need additional assistance. Review emergency plans: Make sure family members know how to communicate and where to meet if they become separated. Prepare for power outages: Charge phones and other essential devices in advance, and keep flashlights and extra batteries readily available.

Indio’s reminders underscore the importance of preparing for both rainfall and wind, particularly when storms can affect road conditions, electricity and access to essential services.

How Coachella Valley residents can prepare before a storm

While local agencies are taking steps to prepare public infrastructure and distribute supplies, residents can also take practical measures to reduce potential storm-related problems.

Before rain arrives, residents should consider clearing leaves and debris from gutters and drainage areas on their properties, checking for leaks, moving valuables away from areas vulnerable to water intrusion and placing sandbags where runoff could enter a home or garage.

Households should also keep drinking water, necessary medications, flashlights, batteries and charged phones accessible in case of an emergency.

During periods of heavy rain, residents should avoid flooded roads, follow road closures and heed instructions from emergency officials. Weather conditions can change quickly, so checking official sources regularly is important.

Residents who live in flood-prone areas should review their emergency plans and understand their insurance coverage before severe weather occurs.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A motorcyclist is in the hospital with serious injuries after a crash Friday morning in Desert Hot Springs.

The crash was reported at around 10:45 a.m. on Pierson Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue.

Officers arrived on the scene, along with members of Cal Fire, and found the motorcycle driver on the shoulder of the roadway.

Police said investigators determined that the motorcycle driver ran a red light and collided into a vehicle traveling east on Pierson Boulevard.

The Desert Hot Springs Police Department Major Accident Investigation Team responded and took over the investigation. Anyone with further information about the collision is asked to contact Corporal Cregg Corona at (760) 329-6411 x352, or by email at ccorona@dhspd.com

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Gavin Nguyen

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City’s fire chief is confident in the preparations his department has taken. With the potential for flooding in the forecast from the remnants of Tropical Storm Rachel, those preparedness steps could prove to be critical this weekend.

“We don’t get to choose what calls we get to go to, so we’re 100% ready,” said Chief Michael Contreras.

He pointed to lessons learned from Tropical Storm Hilary. While that storm ravaged parts of Cathedral City – and much of the Coachella Valley – in 2023, the chief said the department stepped up, performing rescues and preventing any fatalities. In its wake, the department has prioritized training, command and control, and adding several key partners to its contact book.

“You can’t prepare for a thousand-year flood. But, you know, we were able to respond. We had no loss of life. And we were able to rescue all the people that needed to be rescued,” the chief explained. “From there, We started looking at what we call our deployment model, like what resources do we have and how can we deploy them.”

Contreras said he has sent over 20 of his personnel to be trained in swiftwater rescues since his department received a federal grant in 2025. Equipment, like a boat, has also been ordered to be used in such rescues.

“We’re kind of front loading our training to train up all of our personnel first, and then we’re slowly securing the rest of our equipment through different fundings and grants,” said Capt. Christopher Dietz, with the Cathedral City Fire Department. He was one of the 20 who trained in Chico, California. Sent in groups of 3 to 5, he was in the middle of the pack of those who trained.

“It’s a humbling experience. A lot of us thought that we were pretty strong swimmers. And of course in a swimming pool, everybody feels pretty heroic. But it’s a little different when you got fast moving water,” he said.

Pre-planning is a key component, too. Leaders within the fire department have ran through different scenarios on where they would stage equipment and crews in the event of flooding. Plans have been drawn up on the mutual aid partners Cathedral City Fire can rely on for different emergencies. Whether that’s contacting the Palm Springs Fire Department for assistance or requesting a helicopter from CAL FIRE, the chief said the department has great local partners that can help.

Leaders also attend a weekly situational awareness meeting with the National Weather Service on the weather threats that could be coming.

The chief pointed out that even if this weekend’s storm doesn’t bring significant rainfall, all of this preparation will still be relevant with El Niño forecasted to bring wetter-than-usual conditions through at least February of next year.

“It’s diligence, you know, keeping our eye on the ball, keeping focused on what is going on around us and not having that apathy to where, ‘Oh, this is just another, you know, it’s just another storm. It’s no big deal.'” Chief Contreras said. He committed, “We have to be on our game every time.”

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Raymond Kalra

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands of music fans are making their way to the Empire Polo Club for the first-ever HeadTrip music festival, but the excitement comes as organizers and public safety officials prepare for potentially dangerous weather that could disrupt Sunday’s performances.

The two-day festival is scheduled for Saturday, October 10, and Sunday, October 11, bringing electronic dance music fans from across Southern California and beyond to the Coachella Valley.

While festivalgoers are arriving and setting up their campsites, heavy rain, strong winds, possible flooding and lightning are raising concerns about what conditions could look like during the second day of the event.

City of Indio officials met with Goldenvoice and public safety partners Friday to discuss contingency plans, including the possibility of delaying Sunday’s opening, adjusting performance times and evacuating the festival grounds if conditions become unsafe.

Organizers discuss possible schedule changes

Jim Curtis, Community Services Manager for the City of Indio, told News Channel 3 that officials had just completed a weather briefing to review potential impacts and determine what actions might be necessary.

“So yeah, so we just came out of a briefing with everybody talking about the weather, talking about what our actions could be,” Curtis said. “So there’s a lot of in place and a lot we don’t know yet, but we have a lot of things in contingency right now that hopefully will work if the rain does come at a certain time.”

Curtis said the timing of the storm will play a major role in determining whether festival operations need to change.

While some of the heaviest rain could arrive overnight, he said wet conditions could create problems for campsites and other areas of the festival grounds.

Officials have also discussed what would happen if storms affect Sunday’s scheduled opening or performances.

“And there’s certain curfew times that we have in place. And we might look at those curfew times and see maybe those might need adjusted,” Curtis explained. “We don’t really want to do that, and we don’t think we’re going to have to do that, but we’re going to have it in place just in case.”

Curtis added that if organizers cannot open the gates at the scheduled time Sunday, they may need to delay entry and adjust performers’ set times.

No changes to Sunday’s festival schedule had been confirmed to News Channel 3 as of Friday afternoon.

Lightning and electrical equipment among biggest concerns

Beyond the potential for heavy rain and flooding, Curtis said lightning is one of the most significant safety concerns for organizers.

Festival officials begin tracking lightning when it is approximately 30 miles away. If lightning moves within roughly eight miles of the grounds, Curtis said officials begin determining whether an evacuation is necessary.

He explained that the festival’s large stage, elevated structures, lighting systems and electrical equipment all factor into safety planning.

“Yeah. It’s really it was really the rain because we have a lot of electrical equipment too. So we talked a lot about shutting things down so that they don’t they’re not sparking if we need to and spark a fire that we don’t want to have,” Curtis said.

Organizers are also drawing on lessons learned during severe weather at Stagecoach earlier this year.

Curtis said the city, Indio Police Department, Goldenvoice and other public safety agencies are coordinating their plans to make sure they can respond quickly if conditions deteriorate.

If an evacuation becomes necessary, attendees may be directed back to their vehicles while officials assess whether performances can resume.

Curtis emphasized that decisions will depend on the actual conditions and that attendees should follow instructions issued by festival staff and public safety officials.

Festivalgoers prepare for rain while setting up camp

Despite the concerning forecast, excitement remained high Friday as music fans arrived in Indio and prepared for the weekend.

Several attendees told News Channel 3 they were bringing additional supplies to prepare for both the desert heat and Sunday’s potential storms.

Katia, who traveled from Los Angeles with her fiancé, said they planned ahead by packing equipment to help protect their campsite from the elements.

“He brought tarps and like, anything that we might need, like for just for the rain and yeah, we have ponchos and everything,” she said.

The couple is camping at the festival and said they are excited to experience the event without having to leave the grounds between performances.

Riley Weinstein traveled from Orange County with friends for their first festival camping experience.

Weinstein said their group packed canopies, shade walls and fans to prepare for the heat, but they are hoping those supplies will also help them get through any rain.

“And then for the rain kind of the same thing and just, you know, get through it. It won’t be too bad, hopefully. Fingers crossed. But we’ll see,” Weinstein said.

Other festivalgoers expressed excitement about the lineup, including performances by Skrillex and Swedish House Mafia.

For many attendees, the opportunity to see their favorite artists is outweighing concerns about the forecast, although they acknowledged the importance of being prepared.

Police prepare for crowds, traffic and possible flooding

The Indio Police Department is also preparing for the influx of visitors and potential weather-related challenges.

Sergeant Abraham Plata told News Channel 3 on Friday that traffic was moving relatively smoothly as festivalgoers arrived.

Officers had observed some minor backups, but no major traffic problems had been reported at the time of the interview.

Plata said multiple law enforcement teams have been assigned to different areas of the festival, with officers stationed both inside and outside the grounds.

Police are reminding residents and visitors to expect delays near the Empire Polo Club and use alternate routes whenever possible.

Motorists should also plan around festival-related road closures, including areas of Avenue 50 and Avenue 52.

With heavy rain expected Sunday, Curtis said public works crews and police officers will also be watching for flooded roadways.

He noted that some streets east of the festival grounds can be especially vulnerable to flooding during heavy rain.

Shuttle transportation is another consideration. Curtis said drivers have been made aware of potential problem areas and alternative routes that could be used if flooding affects their normal paths.

Police are also encouraging festivalgoers to take basic precautions while attending the event.

“Stay with your group. Don’t split up. Try to keep you guys be able to track each other in case you get lost,” Plata said.

He also encouraged attendees to stay hydrated, look after their friends and immediately contact an officer or festival employee if someone experiences a medical emergency.

Plata said personnel wearing fluorescent green vests can help connect attendees with assistance.

Another weather meeting planned for Sunday morning

Curtis said officials expect to meet again at approximately 11 a.m. Sunday to reassess the forecast and determine whether adjustments to festival operations are needed.

He said decisions about delays or other changes will likely depend on how the storm develops and when the heaviest rainfall is expected to arrive.

Organizers also plan to communicate important updates to attendees.

“I think it’s just mostly pay attention to the reports that come out,” Curtis said. “We’ll send messaging out to all of the attendees here, and we’ll have a message from the city of Indio, I’m sure, as well.”

Festivalgoers are encouraged to download the official HeadTrip app and enable notifications for weather-related updates.

For now, the festival remains scheduled to proceed, but city officials say safety will remain the top priority as the weather system approaches.

News Channel 3 will continue monitoring the forecast, possible schedule changes, traffic conditions and preparations at the Empire Polo Club throughout the weekend.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of HeadTrip and Sunday’s potential storm impacts.

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Kiera McKinney

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — A ping-pong program in Palm Desert is giving people with neurological conditions a place to stay active and connect with others.

Arthur Gregoire wasn’t sure he wanted to play. Then he watched another participant’s face light up across the ping-pong table.

“It wasn’t five or 10 minutes into the game and I was enjoying it, I was smiling,” Gregoire said.

Gregoire lives with Parkinson’s disease and participates in NeuroPong, a table tennis program at the Family YMCA in Palm Desert. The program is designed for people living with Parkinson’s, multiple sclerosis, dementia and other neurological conditions.

How the program works

NeuroPong board member Trent MacLean said the Palm Desert sessions are adjusted for each participant’s abilities, symptoms and how they feel that day.

Players practice following the ball, positioning their paddles and reacting to each shot. MacLean said the emphasis is on working together across the table rather than winning trophies.

People using walkers or wheelchairs can participate, and players are allowed to use the table for support. MacLean said safety comes first, followed by fun and skill development.

“We’re not looking for a cure. We’re looking to improve your quality of life,” MacLean said.

Understanding Parkinson’s symptoms

An estimated 1.1 million people in the United States live with Parkinson’s, and nearly 90,000 are diagnosed each year, according to the Parkinson’s Foundation.

Parkinson’s is a progressive brain disorder. Symptoms vary from person to person and can include:

Tremors Slow movement Muscle stiffness Balance problems

The disease can also affect sleep, mood and other functions beyond movement. Not everyone with Parkinson’s has tremors.

Why exercise matters

There is currently no cure for Parkinson’s, but treatments can help manage symptoms. Exercise is an important part of that care.

According to the Parkinson’s Foundation, physical activity can help maintain or improve balance, mobility and flexibility. It can also help with some symptoms beyond movement, including depression and constipation.

Exercise programs should be tailored to each person’s needs and abilities. NeuroPong’s stated goals include supporting physical activity, social connection and quality of life.

Gregoire said he feels the game challenges his endurance, concentration and balance. He now plans to practice between classes after buying a table for his home.

“I have a six-foot table behind my couch, and I’ll be practicing at home in between classes,” he said.

How to participate

NeuroPong meets Tuesdays and Thursdays at 10:45 a.m. at the Family YMCA in Palm Desert. People interested in joining can learn more at neuropong.org

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Dakota Makinen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Drivers heading to HeadTrip in Indio this weekend should prepare for traffic delays and road restrictions, according to Indio police.

Sgt. Abraham Plata said police will have additional traffic officers and increased patrols in the surrounding area, including officers watching for impaired drivers.

According to Indio police, Avenue 50 is completely closed between Madison Street and Monroe Street. Monroe Street will also be closed to pedestrian traffic between Avenue 49 and Avenue 52 over the weekend.

Police recommend avoiding the area if possible and taking alternate routes to help limit delays.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Joel Killam

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A two-vehicle crash temporarily impacted traffic Thursday night at the intersection of Dinah Shore Drive and Toni Street in Palm Desert.

According to News Channel 3’s crew on the scene, one vehicle had significant damage and remained in the intersection, while a second vehicle came to rest on a nearby embankment.

Emergency responders worked to clear the crash, and the intersection has since reopened to traffic. Drivers are once again able to turn into the shopping center that includes Sam’s Club and Walmart.

No additional information about possible injuries or the cause of the crash was immediately available. An investigation is ongoing.

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Joel Killam

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs is asking residents to weigh in on how the city’s mayor should be selected in the future.

City leaders have launched a community survey to gather feedback on whether Palm Springs should continue its current system of rotating the mayoral position among elected city council members or return to directly electing a mayor by voters.

The survey follows multiple discussions by city officials regarding the structure of the mayor’s role and the process used to select the city’s top elected leader. City officials say public feedback will help inform future City Council discussions and potential decisions on the issue.

Since 2019, Palm Springs has rotated the mayoral position annually among members of the City Council. City leadership has recently been considering a proposal to switch back to a system in which residents would directly elect a mayor, pending voter approval.

The community survey is available in both English and Spanish.

To participate in the Mayoral Position Community Survey, click here.

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Joel Killam

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – La Quinta High School has been named one of the Top 40 finalists in T-Mobile’s nationwide Friday Night 5G Lights competition, putting the school in the running for a $1 million football field renovation.

The recognition comes after nearly 2,500 schools across the country participated in the program’s third year. As a Top 40 finalist, La Quinta High School will receive a $25,000 award.

La Quinta High School will put the funding toward program needs, including improving accessibility, upgrading, and expanding some areas.

The selection marks the school’s ongoing pursuit of the competition’s top prize. This is La Quinta High School’s third year participating in Friday Night 5G Lights. The Blackhawks previously earned $5,000 Friday wins and advanced to the program’s Top 25 finalists last year.

Now, community members are once again rallying behind the effort to modernize a stadium that has served Blackhawk students and families.

To celebrate the achievement, T-Mobile will present a $25,000 check during a home game event Friday night.

The celebration begins when gates open at 6 p.m., followed by a 7 p.m. kickoff between the La Quinta High School Blackhawks and the Rancho Mirage High School Rattlers. A halftime check presentation honoring the school’s accomplishment is scheduled between 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

The event will take place at La Quinta High School Stadium, located at 79-255 Blackhawk Way in La Quinta.

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Luis Avila

ADELANTO, Calif. (KESQ) – The federal government’s $950 million purchase of three immigration detention facilities in Adelanto is raising questions about transparency, state oversight and what the change could mean for people being held inside.

The purchase transfers ownership of the Adelanto West ICE Processing Center, Adelanto East ICE Processing Center and the Desert View Annex from private prison operator GEO Group to the federal government.

Immigration attorney Alex Galvez says the change could make it more difficult for California officials and the public to obtain information about conditions inside the facilities.

California’s AB 103 allows the state attorney general to inspect certain immigration detention facilities and report on conditions, including the treatment of detainees. However, Galvez says the law does not give the state the same authority over federally owned facilities.

“California will have a harder time now trying to find the transparency of any abuses that might happen in the central detention facility in Adelanto,” Galvez said.

News Channel 3 has previously reported on findings involving conditions at Adelanto, including concerns about medical care, food and water.

Galvez says the federal government could limit the release of certain information by citing national security concerns.

“Of course we could always file FOIA requests, but that tends to take a long time, especially under this administration,” he said, referring to the federal Freedom of Information Act process.

He also said legal action against the federal government can be difficult.

Immigrant rights advocates say obtaining information about conditions inside Adelanto was already a challenge before the ownership change.

“It has to be announced, it can’t be unannounced. You give them time to clean up and fix a couple things so it helps give them some cover,” said Eddie Torres, with the Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice.

The purchase also raises questions about what the change could mean for detainees and their families. Galvez said he does not expect the sale itself to change family visitation, adding that elected officials should be able to visit the facilities.

News Channel 3 reached out to Congressman Ken Calvert’s office for comment but had not received a response.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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