Category: kesq-local-news

John White

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – A retired Judge has found in favor of Dr. Rick Loftus in a case against Eisenhower Health and Eisenhower Medical Associates that claimed Loftus was forced out in 2020 for raising concerns about COVID safety, and retaliation for reporting discriminatory behavior.

I-Team Investigator John White takes an in-depth look at the case and the first interview with Dr. Loftus on what was happening inside Eisenhower Health in the early days of the pandemic.

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María García

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) — Drivers heading westbound on Interstate 10 near Bob Hope Drive should expect delays today as Caltrans crews carry out asphalt repairs.

The westbound off-ramp at Bob Hope has been shut down since just before 8 a.m. and is expected to remain closed until about 2 p.m., according to Caltrans.

Drivers are encouraged to plan ahead and use alternate exits such as Monterey Avenue or Date Palm Drive to avoid delays.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new updates.

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María García

UPDATE: 7/21/25 7:32 A.M. – All lanes are now open and SIG alert has been lifted.

BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) — A semi tanker truck overturned early Monday morning on Interstate 10 in Banning, triggering a Sig Alert and causing major traffic delays.

The incident happened around 4:00 a.m. on the eastbound side of I-10 near Hargrave Street. According to initial reports, the overturned truck caused damage to a guard rail. As of now, only one lane is open in the area.

Drivers heading east through Banning should expect delays throughout the morning commute. Officials have not said how long the Sig Alert will remain in effect.

There’s no word yet on whether anyone was injured.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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Timothy Foster

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ)–A golden retriever named Max. He’s been the town’s official “Mayor Max III” since 2022, and his popularity is undeniable. While most cities have human leaders, Idyllwild’s leadership is a bit more… fluffy.

The tradition of electing a dog as mayor began back in 2012. It started with a local animal rescue group that thought the town needed something special—an animal mayor. Max I, the first golden retriever to hold the title, won the election by a landslide. He didn’t just win hearts—he also raised more than $21,000 for animal rescues in the process. The idea was simple: use the power of a pet to raise awareness for animal welfare. And it worked.

“I didn’t even know there was a Mayor Max at first,” one local resident shared. “We came up here with the kids, and they knew all about him. He was so sweet.”

After Max I passed away in 2014, Max II took over, and today, Max III continues the family tradition. Max’s role might seem ceremonial—showing up at festivals, visiting schools, or attending community events—but in truth, he’s so much more. He’s a symbol of community spirit, kindness, and unity.

Max’s influence goes beyond town events. He’s visited hospice patients, offering quiet comfort in tough times. According to Phyllis Mueller, his human chief of staff, “Max is more than a mascot; he’s the heart of this place. He’s a peace dog, a dog of the community. He’s not just ours—he’s everyone’s.”

People love Mayor Max for his gentle, calming presence. Visitors from all over come to Idyllwild just to meet him. Phyllis often tells people, “He’s your dog too.” Max has this rare ability to bring people together, even in the hardest moments. “He can lie in a hospital bed and just be there with you. He has this magic,” Phyllis says.

And it’s not just about lifting people’s spirits. Max is helping the town’s economy, too. Tourists come to see him, and while they’re in town, they explore local shops and enjoy Idyllwild’s charm. It’s a win for businesses and the community alike.

Whether he’s at a local event or just strolling through town, Max is a reminder of the power of kindness and how little things—like a friendly dog—can make a big difference. He’s not just a dog; he’s a leader, and he’s become the heart of Idyllwild.

So, if you’re ever in town, be sure to stop by and say hello to Mayor Max III. He’s a dog that unites people and makes the world a little better, one wag at a time.

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Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – As immigration enforcement intensifies across the Coachella Valley, Father Francisco Gomez, S.T. Priest at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church said fear is gripping the faith community.

“This is not right,” Father Gomez said. “It is not right what is taking place. It is affecting everything.”

Father Gomez said some of his parishioners are afraid to go to school, the grocery store or even attend Mass.

“Usually 1:00 p.m. Mass would have been about 1,500 people,” Father Gomez said. “Today we only had about 1,000 people. There’s a decrease.”

He said some church volunteers are delivering groceries to families too scared to leave home.

Father Gomez said the Bishop of San Bernardino issued a letter saying people should not feel obligated ti attend Mass if they’re afraid.

“If you don’t come to church because you’re terribly afraid — stay home,” Gomez said. “We do broadcast Mass at 9:00 and 11:00 in the morning every Sunday. Give us a call if you need us, and we’ll find a way to reach out to you.”

To recognize those who’ve been deported, Father Gomez is having a vigil on July 21 at 7 p.m. at Our Lady of Soledad Catholic Church.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Isaiah Mora

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – One woman is dead after a rollover crash in Indio Saturday night.

Shortly after 9 p.m., the Indio Police Department responded to a crash in the desert canyon area located southwest of Dillon Road and west of Fargo Canyon Road.

For reasons still under investigation, a Jeep Wrangler traveling through the desert terrain at unknown speeds rolled over multiple times.

A 47-year old woman was ejected from the car during the crash. She was airlifted to Desert Regional Medical Center where she later died. passenger was ejected from the vehicle during the crash and sustained life threatening injuries.

The driver, a 47-year-old male, was also transported to the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation.

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Tori King

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ)– Today is National Ice Cream Day and Brandini Toffee is serving up something sweet. The company announced it’s offering free ice cream at its Rancho Mirage location.

The company says if you swing by Brandini’s Rancho Mirage location this Sunday, July 20th from 12–4 PM, you can get a free toffee ice cream bar, all you have to do is show your Brandini Rewards account or sign up for one on the spot.

The store is located at 42-250 Bob Hope Dr, Rancho Mirage.

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Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Several units at the Palm Springs Navigation Center were damaged after a fire broke out Saturday morning.

Fire crews arrived at the homeless shelter around 8:28 a.m. to find a small room on the second floor engulfed in flames.

Shortly after containing the fire, emergency responders rescued a puppy from the room.

No people were injured in the fire. Two units in the shelter sustained water damage.

While no cause has been identified, officials say they’re working closely with building management to ensure all safety protocols are in place.

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Timothy Foster

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Five homes are damaged after a fire broke out shortly before 3:30 p.m. Saturday at the Ramon Mobile Home Park in Palm Springs.

Authorities say five fire engines and two ambulances responded to the scene to find multiple homes and palm trees on fire.

The fire was quickly contained, but roads near Ramon and Sunrise Way remained closed for hours with Palm Springs Police urging the public to avoid the area.

One person was sent to the hospital for smoke inhalation.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Stick with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on this story.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Springs Public Library is hosting a closing party Saturday afternoon, to celebrate the buildings upcoming renovations.

The library is preparing for a $45 million major renovation project, which will bring new life to the 50 year old building in Sunrise Park. During renovations, the staff and a portion of the over 100,000 item library collection will move to a temporary location at Rimrock Plaza off East Palm Canyon Drive.

The public library was originally set to close Saturday before the Rimrock Plaza landlords found HVAC issues at the temporary location, prompting officials to push back the move date three weeks to August 8.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from library officials and visitors on the closing party and what the library means to them.

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