Category: kesq-local-news

Dakota Makinen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The California Highway Patrol will increase patrols across the state during a 12-hour Maximum Enforcement Period focused on identifying and arresting impaired drivers.

The enforcement period begins at 6 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, and continues through 5:59 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.

CHP says alcohol- or drug-impaired driving contributed to an average of nearly 800 fatal crashes each year from 2022 through 2024. During last October’s 12-hour enforcement period, CHP officers arrested more than 500 impaired drivers.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead, designate a sober driver, use public transportation or arrange for a rideshare.

CHP also asks drivers to call 911 if they see a suspected impaired driver and provide information such as the vehicle’s make, model, license plate and direction of travel.

The increased patrols will be in place throughout California, including the Coachella Valley. CHP says drivers should also make sure they have a safe way home before drinking or using drugs and never get behind the wheel while impaired.

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Blake Arthur

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The Coachella Valley Firebirds are just one day away from opening their fifth season as a franchise, with plenty of anticipation surrounding the start of another hockey campaign in the desert.

As the Firebirds prepare for Friday night’s season opener against the rival Ontario Reign at Acrisure Arena, attendance and affordability remain important topics for fans.

Over the past two seasons, some fans have raised concerns about the cost of attending games, including ticket prices, parking and concessions.

Firebirds and Acrisure Arena Senior Vice President John Page says the organization has made changes to help make the game-day experience more affordable.

“We really made a concerted effort last year to change our approach on concession prices as well as parking,” Page said.

That includes continuing the Firebirds’ “pocket-friendly picks” program this season. Page also said parking prices have been reduced and will remain at that level for the upcoming season.

Season-ticket members will also receive a 25% discount on food and beverages at most concession locations inside the arena.

“We want it to be affordable,” Page said. “Everything is expensive these days. You look at gas prices, food prices. I mean, anything you do is tough and expensive.”

Page also added that the organization wants fans to recognize the value of attending Firebirds games and have an opportunity to come to Acrisure Arena and support the team.

The Firebirds will officially begin their fifth season Friday night against the Ontario Reign. Puck drop is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Acrisure Arena.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of the Coachella Valley Firebirds.

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Tommy Gallegos

RANCHO MIRAGE, CA (KESQ) – A traffic collision at the intersection of Highway 111 and Thunderbird Road in Rancho Mirage is causing traffic delays Thursday afternoon, according to local authorities.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office issued a traffic alert advising motorists to avoid the area while an ongoing investigation takes place. Drivers should expect congestion and are encouraged to use alternate routes if possible.

CAL FIRE reported the collision at approximately 4:28 p.m. Firefighters responded to a two-vehicle crash that resulted in major damage to one vehicle and moderate damage to the second vehicle.

One person was transported to a local hospital with moderate injuries, according to CAL FIRE.

Authorities are asking drivers to use caution in the area and allow additional travel time while the scene remains under investigation.

Motorists are encouraged to avoid Highway 111 and Thunderbird Road if possible and seek alternate routes until the investigation and traffic impacts are cleared.

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, CA (KESQ)- The City of Palm Springs is taking the next step toward bringing a new, state-of-the-art fire station to the downtown area.

According to the city, demolition has begun at the Town & Country Center, where two buildings at 171 and 181 Indian Drive are being torn down. The properties formerly housed Well in the Desert. Demolition is expected to be completed by the end of the month.

Once the work is finished, the city anticipates being able to close escrow on the property, with the sale expected to be finalized by the end of the month. Following the transfer of ownership, the city will begin the process of selecting and hiring a design and construction team for the new fire station.

Palm Springs agreed to purchase a portion of the historic Town & Country Center property for $4 million.

Meanwhile, Well in the Desert recently received a $1 million donation to launch a matching campaign for a new facility. The organization has not yet announced a new location.

The city says the new fire station is expected to provide a modern facility for firefighters while adding a new public-safety resource to the downtown area.

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Luis Avila

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) — A viewer-submitted video appears to show several law enforcement agents with a person on the ground Thursday morning in Thermal.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department said deputies were notified of a disturbance shortly before noon in the area of Grapefruit Boulevard and Church Street. Deputies were later told the activity was connected to immigration enforcement in the area.

The Inland Coalition for Immigrant Justice says the man seen on the ground experienced a medical emergency during the incident.

“We can confirm that a medical crisis occurred resulting in the person being transported to a hospital,” said Michelle Monjaraz, one of the group’s organizers.

The group also says it has seen an increase in immigration enforcement activity across the Coachella Valley.

Monjaraz said the organization has reported three confirmed immigration enforcement incidents in the valley since Wednesday. She said reports often come from people in the community who report suspected ICE or Border Patrol activity to the group’s local patrollers and hotline.

“The community is our eyes out in the valley,” Monjaraz said.

Monjaraz said the impact of immigration enforcement extends beyond individual incidents, saying some people in the community do not feel safe.

Cal Fire also confirmed that its personnel had been asked to stage nearby. The agency said it could not provide additional details about the incident.

At this time, officials have not confirmed what led to the enforcement activity or whether anyone was arrested or detained.

News Channel 3 has reached out to U.S. Customs and Border Protection for additional information and clarification about the operation but has not yet received a response.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Tommy Gallegos

RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) — The Riverside County Flood Control and Water Conservation District has advanced to Class 5 in FEMA’s Community Rating System (CRS), recognizing the county’s efforts to reduce flood risks and improve floodplain management.

Effective October 1, 2026, eligible National Flood Insurance Program policyholders in unincorporated Riverside County can receive up to a 25% discount on flood insurance premiums for policies issued or renewed on or after that date.

“This new FEMA rating demonstrates the District’s commitment to not only meeting, but exceeding, federal guidance for managing flood risk in our communities,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor.

The upgrade is expected to generate more than $385,000 in annual savings for eligible residents, or more than $1.9 million over five years. Riverside County now ranks among the top one percent of NFIP communities nationwide.

The new rating comes as residents prepare for the potential impacts of an El Niño weather pattern, which can increase the risk of wet conditions in Southern California.

“Achieving CRS Class 5 is especially significant as we enter an El Niño year,” said Jason Uhley, District General Manager and Chief Engineer. “We encourage our residents to consider flood insurance if they live within a FEMA mapped floodplain or have a history of flooding.”

Officials remind residents that flooding is generally not covered by standard homeowners insurance and encourage them to review their coverage with an insurance agent or insurer.

For more information, you can visit the counties website.

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Tommy Gallegos

PALM SPRINGS, CA (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs is moving forward with plans for a leadership transition following City Manager Scott Stiles’ announcement that he will retire effective November 1, 2026.

The city has hired Valerie Phillips of Bob Murray & Associates to lead the search for a permanent City Manager. The nationally recognized public-sector recruitment firm expects the process to take approximately four to six months and will include opportunities for input from residents, stakeholders and city employees.

News Channel 3 spoke exclusively with Palm Springs City Manager Scott Stiles when he announced his retirement.

Residents and community stakeholders can also participate through a City Manager Community Survey, now available online through Engage Palm Springs.

At the same time, the City Council is recruiting an Interim City Manager to provide leadership and maintain continuity while the permanent search is underway. The city expects to announce the interim appointment in the coming weeks.

Mayor Naomi Soto said the transition will not disrupt ongoing city priorities, including infrastructure, economic development, public safety and housing.

“Palm Springs has tremendous momentum on many crucial priorities, and we are committed to protecting that momentum during this transition,” Soto said.

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Tommy Gallegos

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., and Rep. María Elvira Salazar, R-Fla., introduced a bipartisan resolution Sept. 28 designating Oct. 1 as National Latino and Latina Physician Day.

The resolution recognizes Latino and Latina physicians and calls attention to their underrepresentation in the medical workforce. According to the lawmakers, Latinos make up nearly 20% of the U.S. population, but just 6.7% of physicians are Latino or Latina.

Ruiz said the designation highlights physicians serving Latino communities and the need to create more pathways into medicine. Salazar said Latino physicians can help build trust and address gaps in care.

The resolution is supported by the Association of American Medical Colleges and the National Hispanic Medical Association.

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Tommy Gallegos

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) — The 2026 BNP Paribas Open generated an estimated $887 million in economic impact across the Coachella Valley, according to a new study.

The two-week tennis tournament at Indian Wells Tennis Garden drew a record 527,626 fans, including more than 165,000 visitors from outside the region. Out-of-town spending, along with spending by organizers, sponsors, vendors and media, generated $629 million in direct economic impact, with another $258 million attributed to indirect and induced activity.

The tournament supported the equivalent of 12,706 full-time jobs and generated more than $55 million in tax revenue, according to the study conducted by The George Washington University.

“The BNP Paribas Open demonstrates the extraordinary impact a world-class sporting event can have across our entire destination,” said Scott White, president and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs.

The event also contributed $750,000 to The Champions Volunteer Foundation, supporting more than 75 local nonprofit organizations and programs.

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Tommy Gallegos

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ)— Banning police arrested a 19-year-old Beaumont man Wednesday in connection with an alleged armed robbery at a community pool parking lot.

Police said the robbery occurred around 2:33 p.m. Tuesday at the Atwell Community. According to investigators, the victim had arranged through social media to meet someone to sell a watch. During the meeting, the prospective buyer allegedly brandished a handgun, took the watch without paying and fled in a vehicle.

Banning Police detectives worked with the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office Gang Impact Team to locate him.

The man was arrested in Hemet on Sept. 30, police said. Investigators said he was wearing the stolen watch when he was arrested, and the firearm allegedly used in the robbery was also recovered.

Detectives later served a search warrant at his residence as part of the investigation.

The man was booked into the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility on suspicion of robbery and carrying a concealed weapon in a vehicle, according to police.

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