Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A 21-year-old man was convicted and immediately sentenced for his role as an accessory in an Indio murder back in 2022.

Isaac Anthony Martinez was found guilty Friday of accessory aids principal in felony to escape arrest/trial. He was sentenced to one year and four months in prison.

Martinez was arrested on Sept. 5. The alleged killer, Efren David Bracamonte, 21, was arrested days later. The pair were charged in connection with a deadly shooting in December 2022.

Bracamonte was charged with murder. He is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 10.

The shooting happened early in the morning on Dec. 23, 2022 on Grace Street, near Jackson Street and Highway 111. Police said Steven Matthew Sanchez, 44, died at the scene from multiple gunshot wounds.

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Katie Boer

Happy Friday! We’re about to experience “weather whiplash” as we transition from 90s and sunshine to a very wet and active stretch over the Coachella Valley, with the pace picking up noticeably tonight.We’re under a First Alert Weather Alert for rain leading to possible flooding across the region today and all day tomorrow.

Light, spotty showers we’ve been seeing today (especially this morning) will increase late as a stronger surge of moisture moves inland, all associated with a powerful low-pressure system moving across Southern California.

By late tonight and especially Saturday morning, rainfall becomes more widespread and much heavier, with some bursts of quick and constant rain possible when one of these bands pops up. There is an elevated amount of CAPE or instability moving through our region with this push overnight and Saturday so I’m not ruling out an chance of thunderstorms.

For the Valley, storm totals are expected to land near an inch, though models have ranged anywhere from about 0.75″-1.50″. Even on the lowest end, this would be significant rainfall for us. Obviously pockets under those heavier bands of rain could see much higher accumulation in a short period of time.

A Flood Watch remains in effect because of the potential for excessive runoff, reduced visibility, and brief, intense downpours. This will be especially problematic near recent burn scars and there are a number of evacuation orders around some of these spots.

Winds are also expected to pick up as the front pushes through, gusts 30-40 mph in desert slopes and breezier conditions into the lower Valley, but this remains of lesser concern than the impact the rain will have.

It’s possible we’ll still see some lingering showers into Saturday evening before gradually tapering off. Sunday looks better with some dry breaks–but a slight chance of rain still remains.

Brace yourself, we’re not out of the woods on this after this weekend. Another storm system is lining up for Monday and Tuesday, along with dramatically cooler temperatures–highs dropping into the upper 60s! Showers may linger into Saturday evening before gradually tapering late. Sunday should offer some breaks, but we’re not done yet—another storm is lining up for Monday into Tuesday, with cooler temperatures and additional rain chances returning. If this were a boxing match, we’re looking at going several rounds here… with a third system possibly arriving toward the end of next week. So we’re locked into a pretty active pattern here for a few days.

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City News Service

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City officials today announced Agua Caliente Casinos as the presenting sponsor for the 10th annual LGBT+ Days pride celebration slated for next year.  

“Cathedral City LGBT+ Days is more than just a festival — it’s a powerful reminder of the city’s legacy of inclusion and a joyful way to kick off Pride season across the state,” said Michael Westman, marketing manager of Montage Agency.

The event will be held March 6-8, 2026. It will feature live entertainment, community programming, drag performances, local artisans, special tributes, a bed race and a parade.

“Agua Caliente Casinos is honored to continue our support of Cathedral City LGBT+ Days — especially in this milestone 10th anniversary year. This celebration embodies this spirit of inclusion, creativity and connection within the Coachella Valley,” said Pearl Aguinaldo, vice president of marketing at Agua Caliente Casinos.   

Updates and announcements will be featured at www.cathedralcitylgbtdays.com.

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Jesus Reyes

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters were able to contain a fire that damaged two big rigs at a gas station in Thousand Palms Friday afternoon.

The fire was first reported at around 1:05 p.m. at the Flying J on Varner Road.

The California Highway Patrol said two big rigs at the pumps caught on fire, as well as a canopy, which is the roof like structure that covers the pumps. The building was not on fire.

The fire was fully contained by 1:35 p.m., according to CAL FIRE. Resources will remain on-scene for an extensive overhaul. 

Details on what caused the fire were not available.

News Channel 3 crew confirmed the roadway was reopened by 4 p.m.

The Flying J location will be temporarily closed as crews work to restore service, according to Pilot.

Statement from Pilot Company:

“Pilot appreciates the swift response by local authorities to contain a semitruck fire at our Flying J location in Thousand Palms, California. We are grateful no injuries were reported. This location is temporarily closed as we work to restore service. In the meantime, guests can visit our nearby locations in North Palms Springs and Mecca. Any additional questions about the incident should be directed to CAL FIRE.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The city of Palm Springs is officially kicking off its holiday season next month with a tree lighting ceremony and the Festival of Lights Parade.

The city announced its grand marshals for the 33rd annual Festival of Lights Parade:

Jada McLean, Palm Springs High School grad and star of “America’s Sweetheart,” a popular Netflix show about the Dallas Cowboys cheerleaders. McLean fought and won a 400% pay increase for the squad

Scheana Shay, a part-time Palm Springs resident, star of Bravo-TV, favorite “Vanderpump Rules,” and NYT Bestselling author

Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Matt Sorum, of Guns ‘N Roses

Mädchen Amick, part-time resident and actress, best known for her roles in “Riverdale” and “Twin Peaks”

Nelda Linsk, the First Lady of Modernism Week who was famously immortalized in the iconic Slim Aarons photograph “Poolside Gossip.”

Grammy Award–winning singer Thelma Houston will also join the parade as a special guest star.

The parade will feature a special kickoff 50th Anniversary Sunrise Park float, honoring a beloved community landmark and five decades of Palm Springs tradition. There will also be multiple other holiday floats, giant inflatable balloons of beloved characters, marching bands from Portland, Oregon, Arizona, Napa, and throughout Southern California, as well as a very special visit from Santa Claus himself.

The parade will be held at 5:45 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6 in downtown Palm Springs.

The city also teased a special appearance from beloved “Full House” actor, singer and producer John Stamos

Palm Springs will hold a holiday tree lighting the evening before with Mayor Ron deHarte and CityCouncilmembers, parade Grand Marshals, and Santa Claus himself. They will light up the City’s stunning 22-foot Holiday Tree at 5:15 p.m. in Frances Stevens Park. The evening includes a meet-and-greet with Santa, free cookies and cocoa, plus arts and crafts for the little ones. Plus, the Holiday Student Banner Awards ceremony at 4 p.m. will get everyone in the festive spirit.

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Timothy Foster

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Greater Coachella Valley Chamber of Commerce (GCVCC) hosted a Legislative Breakfast featuring California gubernatorial candidate Chad Bianco as part of its Legislative Breakfast Series. The program offered chamber members and guests an opportunity to hear directly from candidates in the upcoming governor’s race, with questions focused on issues affecting the regional business community.

The event took place on Friday, November 14th, at the Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa in Indian Wells. Tickets were $35 for chamber members and $45 for non-members and included a seated breakfast.

Bianco shared his priorities and perspectives on topics important to businesses and communities throughout California.

About Chad Bianco:

Chad Bianco was born in 1967 at Hill Air Force Base in Ogden, Utah, and grew up in a small mining town as the eldest of three boys. Raised by hardworking parents, he developed values rooted in integrity and personal responsibility. He moved to California in 1989 and later graduated at the top of his class from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Academy in 1993. He went on to spend more than 32 years with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Elected as Riverside County Sheriff in 2018, Bianco worked to address budget challenges, staffing shortages, and strained relationships with other law enforcement agencies. He continued to lead the department through civil unrest and the COVID-19 pandemic and was re-elected in 2022. He also became a prominent advocate for public safety reforms, including Proposition 36, which passed in 2024.

Bianco is also a husband, father, and grandfather, and lived in the Woodcrest area of Riverside with his wife, Denise. He has often emphasized faith, family, and service above self.

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Daniella Lake

Update:

La Quinta announced in a social media post that the city’s Art Celebration Encore will be cancelled for Saturday due to the weather conditions. The city says the event will reopen on Sunday at 10 A.M..

Original Report:

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 is tracking heavy rainfall throughout the valley this weekend with our First Alert Weather Alert. There are several events planned for this weekend that may be canceled or postponed due to the weather. 

Postponed events with new dates: 

Coachella Valley Filipino Festival is now happening Saturday, November 22 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the Palm Springs Downtown Park. 

Desert Nights on the BLVD DJ event in Desert Hot Springs, now happening Saturday, November 22.

Desert Hot Springs Original Certified Farmers Market inaugural launch, now happening Saturday, November 22.

Canceled events: 

Mecca Fall Festival, it was supposed to take place today at 4:30 p.m. in Mecca Sports Park but is now canceled.

Coachella Movies in the park.

East Valley youth soccer championship games.

Stay with News Channel 3 for updates on event cancellations. 

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Athena Jreij

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — With the government shutdown now over, many Valley residents experiencing food insecurity are hoping to feel relief soon.

Recipients of SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, have been in ‘benefit limbo’ since the shutdown. With conflicting reports on when and how recipients will receive benefits with the government reopening, News Channel 3 is digging deeper into the confusion and when residents will feel relief.

Lisa Newell, a Palm Springs native, says she’s gone without benefits since October and has had to rely on her friends and family for food.

“I’ve worked all my life just right now trying to get my feet back on the floor and so, you know, we all need a little help,” Newell said.

She says she received a letter in the mail saying her benefits would be fully distributed between November 15 and 20th.

However, some recipients may have already received theirs. At FIND Food Bank, officials say it depends on the typical schedule recipients receive their benefits.

News Channel 3 reached out to the California Department of Social Services for clarification, who said in a statement:

“CalFresh/SNAP benefits were delayed due to the Trump Administration’s decision to oppose the issuance of benefits during the shutdown. However, the federal shutdown is over. We anticipate that all recipients should be receiving full SNAP benefits in November and the coming months.  

California remains committed to ensuring that vulnerable Californians have access to the food support they need to the greatest extent possible. While SNAP benefits were delayed, we anticipate that currently all recipients should be receiving full SNAP benefits.”

At FIND Regional Food Bank, the organization has gone into ‘disaster mode,’ with lines extending 30-40% longer than prior to the shutdown. Even with benefits restored, officials say they still expect to operate in crisis mode as they recover the losses and prepare for the holiday season.

“We’ve seen a spike in our lines of up to 30-40%. So even without the shutdown, November and December are holiday months for us, so we typically experience a spike in service numbers. But now even more so, due to the uncertainty,” Lorena Marroquin, Vice President of Community Impact with FIND.

Marroquin says families who lost SNAP have had to put their typical money used for bills, towards groceries.

“A lot of clients have been saying that they are redirecting funds because of the uncertainty. So I know when that happens in a household, especially when you’re paycheck to paycheck, you need a couple of months just to balance out,” Marroquin said.

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Spencer Blum

Good morning and happy Friday. As of this morning, we are officially under a First Alert Weather Alert as we track a very wet weekend ahead. A powerful area of low pressure will bring an atmospheric river into Southern California. We have already seen some light showers overnight and early this morning. This will continue throughout the day as the main band of moisture approaches. The most significant rainfall will arrive late tonight and Saturday morning. Rainfall may continue into the evening hours, but the rain chances will begin to taper off.

Let’s talk totals. There is still a lot of spread in the rainfall estimates, but we are likely to see somewhere between two-thirds of an inch and an inch and a half or rain between Friday and Sunday. Given the high rainfall totals expected, particularly on Saturday, Flood Watches are already in place. The Weather Prediction Center in Washington, D.C., has us under a slight risk for flash flooding (that’s at least a 15% chance) for Saturday

The First Alert Weather Alert will be in place today and tomorrow as we track potentially heavy rain here in the Coachella Valley. In some better news, highs stay in the low 70s next week!

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KESQ News Team

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Associa Desert Resort Management partnered with six local charities on Thursday to donate 300 bikes to Coachella Valley children.

Desert Resort Management CEO Mark Dodge says, “This initiative is one way we can create a lasting impact in the neighborhoods Associa Desert Resort Management calls home. And for families who are struggling, the gift of this bike may relieve the stress that can come with holiday spending.”

Dodge adds, It’s great for us to be able to give back and, and to make a meaningful contribution, I think, to a lot of families’ Christmases.”

This is the second year Associa has hosted the nation-wide initiative, sponsored by Associa Supports Kids.

The event brought together members of six local charities – Olive Crest, Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, Galilee Center, Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert, Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City, and Martha’s Village & Kitchen, along with volunteers, including employees, vendor partners, and Board members.

The day featured bike-building stations, music, and raffle prizes.

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