Category: kesq-local-news

Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A recent robbery rattling people on El Paseo. Last Thursday, deputies were dispatched to the area of El Paseo and Larkspur Lane regarding a grand theft. Upon arrival, deputies learned multiple suspects had entered a business and fled the area with merchandise. The suspects remain at large and the investigation is ongoing.

Following this incident, neighboring business owners are staying alert but not alarmed.

“It’s very shocking to hear things like that because we actually feel very secure here and we do have a police presence.”

Kathe Reischman, Tommy Bahama design consultant

This latest incident representing a pattern of robberies along this popular shopping spot. But business owners say law enforcement has been actively working to change this.

“They do drive by every day and even come in to visit. They check up on us.”

Anne Donahue, Tommy Bahama design consultant

Business owners say officers are stationing along the street and patrolling throughout the say. Officers are also checking-in with businesses and have given owners a direct number to call and report anything.

Despite seeing positive results, some are saying officials can do more.

“I just think having the presence, maybe having more presence where they’re walking around more or maybe there’s certain days that they check in with us might help.”

Marisa Rivera, Skin Lab manager

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Tori King

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)– Today is Cinco De Mayo, a day that commemorates Mexico’s victory over the French army in 1862. It’s also a day that celebrates Mexican food, tradition, and culture. Several Latino-owned businesses say they see an uptick in customers today, wanting to support their store.

“Although it’s Monday, it will get crazy in a few more hours.,” said Miguel Molina, a Co-owner of Casa Luna Mexican & Seafood restaurant. “I’ve been getting a lot of phone calls, reservations. Everybody wants to make a reservation because they know it’s going to be busy tonight.”

Jose Delatorre says they look forward to the rush every year because they get to introduce people to authentic Mexican flavors, made by recipes that have been passed along through generations.

“We come from Guadalajara, and that’s our food,” said Jose, also known as ‘Pepe’. “But we also have some recipes from Puebla. We have the Chile Nogara is one of our signatures items.” Although Cinco de Mayo is an isn’t traditionally celebrated widely across Mexico, many owners say they’re happy to use the day to educate customers on Mexican culture and traditions.

“As Mexicans, we must take that upon ourselves to have the opportunity to show Americans that Mexico has a lot of great things,” said Molina. “Great culture, great food.”

Another local group agrees. Escaramuzas Charras, an all-female equestrian group also spent the morning with seniors at the Caleo Bay Memory Care and Assisted Living Center in La Quinta. The group treated seniors to special traditional Mexican dances like Foclorico. They also performed a synchronized equestrian routine, sharing their rich traditions, while also providing some relief and company to folks living at the home.And over in Coachella, Absolute Dollar, a Latino-owned dollar store, hosted a Cinco de Mayo party and giveaway for its customers.

“Today we’re giving out free tacos to the first 200 people,” said Gladys, the store’s general manager. “We’re also raffling off a Stanley cup, a small grill, and a cleaning basket.” In addition to the free tacos was drinks, music and fun for the entire family. Absolute Dollar is also having a fundraiser in partnership with the Coachella Valley Youth Soccer Academy on May 18th. The entire store will be 10% off and they will be raffling off a 55 inch TV to customers. All of the proceeds will go to a local food bank.

All of the business owners that News Channel Three spoke with say they are proud represent the Latino community, and that they get to share it by celebrating Cinco de Mayo with the Coachella Valley.

“Cinco de Mayo is for everybody,” said Molina. “All Americans. It gives them the opportunity to learn a little bit more of what Mexico is all about. It’s not just, you know, drinking and sombreros. It’s deeper than that.”

Several Cinco de Mayo celebrations are taking place across the Coachella Valley on Monday.

Here are some of the events that are happening:

The healing power of animal therapy takes center stage this Cinco de Mayo at Caleo Bay Memory Care and Assisted Living located at 47805 Caleo Bay Drive in La Quinta, where seniors living with Alzheimer’s and dementia will experience the joy, stimulation and emotional connection that only animals and community can bring. Residents and guests of Caleo Bay will be treated to a stunning and culturally rich performance by the Escaramuzas Charras, a traditional all-female Mexican equestrian team that is part of Mexico’s national sport. Dressed in elaborate traditional attire, the riders will perform synchronized, high-speed routines that are as emotionally moving as they are visually breathtaking. This celebration goes deeper than spectacle because it’s rooted in care and connection. The event offers a unique therapeutic experience. Animal-assisted activities, particularly involving horses, have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood and promote memory recall, offering a powerful emotional boost to both residents and their loved ones. In addition to the special performance, guests will be treated to a wonderful Cinco de Mayo fiesta spread complete with Esquites (corn in a cup), Jarritos (non-alcoholic drinks), ice cream Mexican Paletas, and a Churros Bar.

Absolute Dollar, your local family-owned discount store in the Coachella Valley, will be hosting a Block Party on Sunday, May 18, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at 50249 Harrison St. Coachella, CA. There will be free tacos, refreshing drinks, fun, music, and community vibes

News Channel 3’s Tori King will be speaking with businesses about how Cinco De Mayo can bring an economic boost to Latino owned businesses.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

Update 5/5/25

A second show has been added at Acrisure Arena due to popular demand.

blink-182 will now close out their “Missionary Impossible Tour” on Oct. 4 and Oct. 5 at Acrisure Arena in the Greater Palm Springs area.

Tickets for the October 5 show go on sale Friday, May 9 at 10am local at Ticketmaster.com.

Original Report:

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The legendary blink-182 is coming to Acrisure Arena in the Greater Palm Springs area later this year.

The multi-platinum, award-winning band is set to perform at Acrisure Arena on Saturday, October 4.

Mark Hoppus, Tom DeLonge, and Travis Barker’s Missionary Impossible Tour follows the release of their latest album One More Time …, the first album in over a decade with the original trio back in the studio.

Organizers said the upcoming shows will lean into blink-182’s punk roots, with a setlist packed with classics spanning their entire catalog. Special guests Alkaline Trio will join on all dates.

Tickets go on sale starting Friday, April 11 at 10am local time on ticketmaster.com.

PRESALE: Citi is the official card of the Missionary Impossible Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, April 8 at 12pm ET until Thursday, April 10 at 1pm local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

VIP:  The tour will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, invitation to the pre-show hospitality lounge, specially designed merch item & more. VIP package contents vary based on the offer selected. For more information, visit vipnation.com.

BLINK-182: MISSIONARY IMPOSSIBLE 2025 TOUR DATES:

*With Support from Alkaline Trio^Festival Performance

Aug 28 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live*

Aug 29 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*

Sep 1 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium*

Sep 3 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek*

Sep 4 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach*

Sep 6 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts*

Sep 7 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC*

Sep 9 – Gilford, NH – BankNH Pavilion*

Sep 11 – Buffalo, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater*

Sep 13 – Pittsburgh, PA – Four Chord Music Festival^

Sep 14 – Ashbury Park, NJ – Sea Hear Now^

Sep 16 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*

Sep 17 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center*

Sep 21 – Atlanta, GA – Shaky Knees^

Sep 22 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater*

Sep 24 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*

Sep 26 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheater*

Sep 27 – Kansas City, MO – T-Mobile Center*

Oct 2 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock Festival^

Oct 4 – Greater Palm Springs, CA – Acrisure Arena*

Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Drought conditions are an area of concern for many Californians as we begin our transition to the hot and dry summer months.

Rain over the weekend was a late-season treat for the Coachella Valley, though rainfall totals weren’t anything impressive for most of the valley.

Palm Springs saw just over a tenth of an inch. South Palm Desert was the wettest spot in the valley and clocked in just under half an inch. Our friends to the west, in Banning, saw the highest rainfall totals in our immediate area at around 1.51″ of rain.

NWS Weather & Hazards Data Viewer

According to drought monitoring data from the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), over half of California’s population – over 22 million people – is in a drought area.

This data is updated weekly, so any changes from this weekend’s rain event has not yet been reflected.

News Channel 3 is speaking with forecasters about how this rain affected drought conditions – if at all – in our region. Stay with us for the latest.

Click here to follow the original article.

Allie Anthony

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Today marks Missing and Murdered Indigenous Persons (MMIP) Awareness Day, an observance drawing attention to the ongoing crisis of violence against Native communities.

Monday morning, a group of tribal members, local leaders, and community allies gathered in downtown Palm Springs at The Center for a march aimed at raising awareness and demanding change.

The event called for justice, reform, and recognition of the thousands of Indigenous people who have gone missing or been murdered.

Many of those missing and murdered are lost to the shadows of underreporting and systemic neglect. Organizers hope today’s march will highlight the urgent need for stronger legal protections, improved data collection, and increased resources for families still seeking answers.

The crisis is deeply rooted in disturbing statistics. According to the Bureau of Indian Affairs, 5,712 Indigenous women and girls were reported missing in 2016 alone, yet only 116 of those cases were logged in federal databases. Indigenous women face violence at 1.7 times the rate of white women, and homicide is the third leading cause of death for Native women. Native American women are murdered at nearly ten times the national average, according to the California Courts Newsroom.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from event organizers about how they are raising awareness and calling for change.

Click here to follow the original article.

Athena Jreij

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) — “He was a top cop writer,” that’s how Dee Wambaugh describes her husband, Joseph Wambaugh, the late author often hailed as the inventor of true crime.

Dee and his son David, sat down with News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij two months after his passing from esophogeal cancer.

“His character was, so strong and devoted and gave love, unconditional love,” David said.

Wambaugh’s work spanned nearly 40 years, drawing from his own experience as a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. As he led the way in true crime, he also humanized those in the profession.

His third novel, The Onion Field, a nonfiction retelling of two LAPD cops kidnapped and taken to Bakersfield, would catapult the Wambaugh’s to new heights.

“He became kind of a celebrity. And he couldn’t do his police work anymore. People would want his autograph instead,” Dee said.

It was that story and its eventual film adaption that pushed Joseph to become a full-time author.

Twenty-one novels, 12 screenplays, and several Johnny Carson interviews later, David jokes the trick to a new book? Moving cities.

“My dad would have these these creative ideas. Only one book for one house.”

Despite the legacy, his family says they question if all of Wambaugh’s success would have been possible in today’s modern age where cultures and opinions around policing are changing.

“The culture of cops being human and being of service to society and cleaning the bad guys away to protect people like us is gone. Now, they’re scrutinized and they’re judged and they’re persecuted and not seen as human beings,” David said.

Now, as the world changes, they hope Joseph’s legacy will continue inspiring others.

Click here to follow the original article.

Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – A chilly, windy and wet Sunday in Desert Hot Springs — where showers have been coming through on and off all day.

Viewers submitted videos showing rain pouring down in Desert Hot Springs neighborhoods across the valley.

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson spent the evening speaking with community members to get their reaction.

“It’s crazy weather,” Jaquin said. “It was hot yesterday and today it was raining but it’s good for the land.”  

The News Channel 3 First Alert Weather Team is tracking conditions closely.

Download News Channel 3’s mobile app for real-time updates and weather alerts.

Click here to follow the original article.

Timothy Foster

The first-ever Retro Palm Springs Con has officially wrapped—and fans are already hoping it won’t be the last. Held over the weekend, the convention celebrated the best of pop culture from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, bringing together die-hard collectors, casual fans, and beloved celebrities for a nostalgic blast from the past.

From the moment the doors opened, attendees were transported back in time, reliving childhood memories through iconic franchises like Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Saved by the Bell. The convention floor was buzzing with excitement as fans browsed a vibrant vintage marketplace filled with rare toys, collectibles, retro fashion, and pop culture memorabilia. Local vendors had booths set up throughout the venue, benefiting from the extra foot traffic and exposure.

“There’s something for everybody here,” said one guest, marveling at the range of items on display. “From the toys I played with as a kid to stuff my own children love now—it’s all here.”

Adding to the excitement was a star-studded guest list that included fan-favorite celebrities and industry legends. Saved by the Bell star Mario Lopez reunited with several castmates, drawing massive crowds. “The fact that now their kids—and even grandkids—are watching the show makes me feel old,” Lopez joked, “but I’m grateful.”

Actor Sean Kanan, best known for his role as Mike Barnes in The Karate Kid Part III, reflected on his return to the franchise through Cobra Kai. “You just don’t think after 35 years you’ll get another bite at the apple,” he said. “It’s been an incredible experience.”

Also in attendance was Disney legend Bob Gurr, who worked alongside Walt Disney himself on attractions like the Matterhorn and the Haunted Mansion. Gurr, a longtime visitor to the Coachella Valley, shared his appreciation for the local Disney fan community. “I remember being a 7- or 8-year-old kid here,” he said. “It’s amazing to see how many Disney fans call this place home.”

Beyond the meet-and-greets and panels, Retro Palm Springs Con offered photo opportunities, immersive themed activities, and story-filled sessions that pulled back the curtain on decades of pop culture history. Fans young and old found themselves caught up in the joy of rediscovery, as generations connected over shared memories.

“This convention brought so much nostalgia to so many people,” said a local business owner. “Honestly, we’ve had better luck here than at some of the larger shows.”

With a warm reception from fans, a successful turnout for vendors, and heartfelt moments shared by stars and attendees alike, the inaugural Retro Palm Springs Con proved to be one of the most memorable events of the season. If the excitement surrounding this year’s event is any indication, this nostalgic celebration may just become a new Coachella Valley tradition.

Click here to follow the original article.

Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s been an active day of weather here in the Coachella Valley! We’ve seen winds, rain, and even some mountain snow!

Just take a look at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: this system has brought snowfall on May the Fourth! While it’s not looking quite like the snowy Star Wars planet of Hoth, it’s a pleasant surprise this late in the spring season.

Here on the desert floor, showers have been fairly widespread at times today. A look at our Doppler radar this afternoon shows quite a bit of activity.

Overnight showers are still possible according to our forecast models. Rain chances persist into tomorrow, though less likely than what we’re seeing today. At the very least, expect more cloud cover throughout the day.

The Air Quality Alert and Wind Advisory that were active yesterday have since expired, though we’re still tracking air quality concerns as winds stay elevated through this evening. Gusts across the valley are expected to remain 20-30 MPH, with our more wind prone areas like Desert Hot Springs and Thousand Palms still at or above 40 MPH. Calmer winds are expected for Monday morning, but we could see some lingering breezy weather into the evening hours.

Highs should remain below average as we start the workweek, but as calmer and drier conditions take hold on Tuesday, we’ll begin to warm. Wednesday will be very seasonal, but we’ll quicky warm past that heading into the weekend. Triple digits are expected by Friday!

Click here to follow the original article.

Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Indio Councilmember Oscar Ortiz is joining the race for California State Assembly District 36.

Ortiz, who has served for seven years on the Indio City Council and was previously mayor, announced the run via social media Sunday.

The councilman lost a Congressional bid against Representative Raul Ruiz in 2024.

Republican Jeff Gonzalez of Indio currently represents the 36th district, which encompasses Imperial County, Coachella, Indio, and the Salton Sea communities, as well as Blythe, portions of the San Jacinto Valley, Winchester, Anza, and parts of Hemet.

Stick with News Channel 3 as we follow Ortiz’s campaign.

Click here to follow the original article.