Longtime Councilmember Dana Hobart remembered for incredible legacy and big set of footprints at Rancho Mirage City Hall

KESQ News Team

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Tuesday was a day to remember longtime Rancho Mirage City Councilmember Dana Hobart.

Hobart died last month at the age of 93. He was appointed mayor five times and served on the Rancho Mirage City Council from 2002 until 2021.

Tuesday’s memorial service was open to the public, with fellow Councilmembers attending to pay their respects.

“He left an incredible legacy and a big set of footprints at City Hall.  and I can only hope that in my time in service, I can come close to even filling those. He was an incredible leader that balanced the preservation of what makes Rancho Mirage so beautiful, the future of where Rancho Mirage is headed. And in that legacy, I hope to serve.”

— Rancho Mirage City Councilmember Eve Fromberg Edelstein

The service was held at the Rancho Mirage Library and Observatory, which Hobart played a major role in bringing to the city.

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Strong voter turnout, smooth process mark Election Day at Registrar of Voters

Luis Avila

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) — Hours after polls closed Tuesday night, things had quieted down at the Riverside County Registrar of Voters. But earlier in the day, the scene was much different — filled with long lines, steady traffic, and a strong turnout of eager voters.

Throughout the day, residents arrived to cast their ballots in person or drop off mail-in ballots. Election workers greeted voters, provided guidance, and ensured the process ran smoothly.

According to the Registrar of Voters’ Public Information Officer, operations went as planned thanks to extensive preparation and training.

“They go through a three-week training — it’s called an academy — so workers here are well prepared. Obviously, there can be surprises, but so far it’s been pretty smooth. You can see voters lining up, and we also have the police department helping with traffic so the experience can be a lot better for those who want their ballot.”

Yaoska Machado, Riverside County Registrar of Voters PIO

Inside the ballot processing center, staff worked nonstop verifying and counting votes. As of the latest update, more than 390,000 ballots had been returned.

Election officials say counting will continue through the night, with updated numbers expected as more ballots are processed.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Greater Palm Springs Pride to begin four-day celebration this Thursday

Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Greater Palm Springs Pride kicks off this week, with a variety of events on the days leading up to Sunday’s big parade.

An estimated 200,000 people are expected to attend the four-day celebration, which begins on Thursday.

From free block parties, to entertainment, to a variety of activities, there’s truly something for everyone.

This weekend, head to Palm Canyon to explore the massive festival, featuring hundreds of vendors and exhibitors. And catch the parade on Sunday which begins at 10:00 a.m.

News Channel 3 will be broadcasting the parade live on our CW station, and our very own Peter Daut is this year’s Community Grand Marshal.

The theme of this year’s Pride is “Be Heard.”

Greater Palm Springs Pride Executive Director Jasmine Sullivan-Waits says of the theme, “It’s more relevant now than ever to the LGBTQ+ community. Our power is in our visibility. And we take these moments right now during Pride to stand together to be heard and be seen, and the Palm Springs Pride organization wants everyone to feel loved and welcomed.”

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke in-depth with Sullivan-Waits to get more information on the celebration.

And something different this year – There’s going to be a 100-foot Ferris wheel with free rides on Palm Canyon Friday night.

For more information and a complete list of events, visit pspride.org.

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Prop 50 passes; Newsom, leaders react

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – California voters today approved Proposition 50, the statewide congressional redistricting proposal. By 10 p.m., the proposition had nearly 65% of the vote.

Live Coverage from ABC News:

9:00 p.m.

President Donald Trump reacted to today’s election results with a short post on Truth Social.

Earlier this morning, Trump threatened legal action over mail in ballots cast in California.

Republican Congressman Darrell Issa (CA-48) commenting on the passage of Prop 50:“California is my home. And it’s worth fighting for.I know how many of my friends and constituents feel about tonight’s election results and the unprecedented purely partisan campaign that pitted neighbor against neighbor and divided the state as never before. It was difficult to watch as Gavin Newsom and Sacramento’s special interests set about shredding the state constitution, disenfranchising millions of Californians solely because of how they vote, and delivering what they know is an undeserved advantage to Democrats.But here’s something Newsom and his cronies don’t know: It won’t work. The worst gerrymander in history has a fatal flaw. Voters get to pick their representatives. Not the other way around.I’m not going anywhere. I’ll continue to represent the people of California — regardless of their party or where they live.I’m not quitting on California. And neither should anyone else.”

Congressman Kevin Kiley, one of the most vocal critics of Gov. Newsom in recent years, issued a statement on Prop 50 passing:

Keep the faith, my friends. We’ll be ok. pic.twitter.com/jc5i6zEsPN

— Kevin Kiley (@KevinKileyCA) November 5, 2025

Democrat Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06) announced he will run against Kiley in the newly drawn Third Congressional District.

8:50 p.m.

Governor Gavin Newsom spoke for the first time since Prop 50 passed:

8:45 p.m.

Local Congressman Ken Calvert, whose district will change with the passing of Prop 50, issued a statement:

“With the passage of Prop 50, Californians were sold a bill of goods, allowing Gavin Newsom and his radical allies in Sacramento an unprecedented power grab to redraw the Congressional map and silence those who disagree with his extreme policies,” said Congressman Ken Calvert. “Gerrymandering districts because you don’t like the results of an election is politics at its absolute worst. Governor Newsom pouring millions into this ballot initiative while crime goes unchecked, housing costs skyrocket, and taxes as well as gas prices remain among the highest in the nation shows he’s more interested in protecting his party’s stranglehold on the state than delivering on the issues families face. Despite the passage of Prop 50, I am determined to keep fighting for the families I represent in Congress.”

In Riverside County, the Yes votes were up by nearly 57% of the ballots after the first batch of results.

8:05 p.m.

Prop 50 is projected to pass, according to multiple outlets, including ABC News.

Riverside County is set to release its first batch of results at approximately 8:20 p.m.

Check Out Proposed Redistricting Maps

California voters have chosen to redraw their state’s congressional map in the middle of the decade and to temporarily sideline the state’s independent redistricting commission, according to ABC News’ projection that California’s Proposition 50 (Prop 50) will pass — which could have major implications for the 2026 midterms.

The proposition being projected to pass gives Democrats their first major win during the ongoing mid-decade redistricting wars across the country. Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed the ballot measure after Texas Republicans, encouraged by President Donald Trump, revised their maps in a rare mid-decade redistricting move that could allow Republicans to gain five seats in 2026.

-ABC News’ Oren Oppenheim

7:00 p.m. Polls close at 8:00 p.m. in California; however, if you are still in line at a voting center, you can still cast your vote.

KEY RACES ACROSS THE COUNTY

Zohran Mamdani will win New York City’s mayoral race, according to multiple outlets.

Democrats are also projected to win two key governors’ races: Abigail Spanberger will flip control from Virginia GOP Gov. Glenn Youngkin and Rep. Mikie Sherrill will defeat Republican nominee and Trump ally, Jack Ciattarelli.

Texas voters approve two constitutional amendments:

US citizenship is required to vote in the state

Parents are the primary decision makers for their children

Maine will pass ballot referendum enacting red flag law; Maine voters rejected a ballot initiative requiring photo ID to vote in person and by mail

BREAKING DOWN PROP 50

CALIFORNIA – Voters will be asked whether to approve the redrawing of California’scongressional district lines in an effort to create more Democratic seats in the House — an effort Gov. Gavin Newsom says will offset a similar move in Texas designed to create more Republican seats.

Proposition 50, dubbed by supporters as “The Election Rigging Response Act,” would establish new congressional district maps for the 2026, 2028 and 2030 elections. An analysis by the election news website Ballotpedia said it would shift five Republican-held congressional districts toward Democrats.  

Check Out Proposed Redistricting Maps

Democrats hold a 43-9 advantage in the state’s House delegation.   

Backers of the measure say it “draws fair maps that represent California’s diverse communities and ensure our voices aren’t silenced by Republican gerrymandering in other states.”   

Opponents say Proposition 50 “creates one of the most extreme partisan gerrymanders in modern American history” and is a “threat to democracy and fair elections in California,” according to the campaign against the measure.

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South Coast AQMD to Host Dust Summit in Palm Desert

City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Air quality regulators will host a summit in Palm Desert this week to discuss the health impacts and environmental factors of dust.

The event, hosted by the South Coast Air Quality Management District in partnership with Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez, will be held at 5 p.m. Thursday at the auditorium on UC Riverside’s Palm Desert campus, at 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive.

It will feature presentations, panel discussions and an interactive Q&A session from experts and community leaders.   

Dust pollution affects the Coachella Valley through high winds across the desert, which impacts air quality and overall quality of life, officials said.

The agency said it will outline a three-part plan approved by its Governing Board, which includes scientific research led by faculty at UC Riverside and UC San Diego/Scripps Institution of Oceanography, targeted strategies to develop area-specific control measures and implementation of on-the-ground mitigation projects.   

The SCAQMD is an agency responsible for improving air quality in several counties, including the Coachella Valley.   Attendees unable to make it in person may view the summit via Zoom ataqmd.zoomgov.com/j/1611757966.

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The American Express charitable foundation donates $1.1 million at community impact celebration

Blake Arthur

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — Impact Through Golf, the charitable foundation for The American Express, hosted its annual Community Impact Celebration Tuesday, revealing the charities selected to receive donations this year. $1.1 million was awarded to 15 deserving organizations.

This money was generated via the proceeds of last year’s American Express golf tournament.

Great day at La Quinta Country Club! A total of $1.1M was awarded to 15 local charitable organizations, proceeds from last year’s @theamexgolf. This tournament has always given back to the local community.

The 2026 tournament is Jan. 22-25. Stay with @KESQ for coverage. pic.twitter.com/h3fNnVwrGO

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) November 4, 2025

The charitable donations were distributed to nonprofit organizations focused on health and wellness, education, youth and family support, aiding those experiencing homelessness, natural disaster relief and recovery, and capital improvement.

Below are the 15 organizations to receive donations.

American Red Cross

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Desert

California Community Foundation

Coachella Valley Boxing Club

Coachella Valley Rescue Mission

Coachella Valley Volunteers in Medicine

First Tee Coachella Valley

Find Regional Food Bank

Galilee Center

Girlfriend Factor

Hunter Lopez Foundation

Ophelia Project

Pueblo Unido CDC

United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire

Since the tournament’s inception in 1960, this event has donated more than $67 million in support of over 100 non-profit organizations based in the Greater Coachella Valley region.

The 67th edition of The American Express will take place January 19-25, 2026, at PGA WEST’s Pete Dye Stadium Course (host course) and Nicklaus Tournament Course, as well as La Quinta Country Club.

Tickets are now on sale at the tournament’s official website.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage.

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Fight at Palm Desert Library vote center; one man arrested

Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – One person was arrested after a fight at a Palm Desert Library voting center on Election Day.

The incident was first reported just after 10:05 a.m. on the 73000 block of Fred Waring Drive.

Deputies said they were called to respond to a person involved in a verbal altercation with employees at the location and that battery had occurred.

News Channel 3 crews on scene witnessed an older man yelling in line, complaining about how long it was taking to vote. After he voted, he told others waiting in line that it was going to take them too long.

The man then pushed one of the voters with a prosthetic leg who was waiting in line to vote.

Police said there were no injuries reported.

Riverside County Sheriff’s deputies arrested the man, identified as a 68-year-old from Palm Desert.

The man was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. He faces charges of battery and interference at a polling location.

This comes as voters make their way to the polls across the Coachella Valley to vote on Proposition 50.

News Channel 3 will have continuing live coverage from valley voting centers throughout the day. Stay with us for the latest.

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Election Day: How to vote in the Coachella Valley

Kendall Flynn

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Thousands are gathering throughout Riverside County and California to vote in the special election for Proposition 50.

If you’re planning to vote in the Coachella Valley polls will open at 7 a.m. and stay open until 8 p.m. If you arrive before or at 8 p.m. you will be able to vote. However, if you arrive after 8 p.m. you will not be able to cast a ballot or drop one off.

There are 18 official ballet drop off locations in the Coachella Valley. A full list can be found on the County of Riverside Registrar of Voters website.

Voter registration closed October 20th, but eligible citizens can sign up for “Same Day Registration” at county election offices or other voting locations.

If you have your mail in ballot, election officials recommend dropping them off at a voting location. They can be sent by mail if the postage is marked by Nov. 4 and received by Nov. 12.

Stay with News Channel 3 for your Election day coverage.

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City of Indio set for 10th annual BBQ Festival this Saturday

KESQ News Team

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Indio invites the community to get a taste of its 10th Annual Indio BBQ Festival on Saturday.

The festival starts at 4:00 p.m. and runs through 9:00 p.m. in Downtown Indio at the Center Stage, 82881 Miles Avenue.

The city’s tasty tradition will feature smoky, savory BBQ, live entertainment, a free kids’ zone, and a beer garden. This year they’re set to have more BBQ vendors than ever before – so arrive hungry to try as many as you can.

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Local fan joins in on Dodgers parade

KESQ News Team

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) –  It was a day of celebration in Los Angeles as the city hosted a World Series parade for the second year in a row.

Tens of thousands of fans turned out to the celebration in downtown LA Monday morning, showing off their pride for the team.

Some local fans also made the journey, including local resident Mark Morocco, who’s become a mini-celebrity for bringing his dogs to countless Dodger games in the last decade.  

“It’s been a blessing of seeing the Dodgers just have such a good team and so entertaining going to the games. it’s hard not to be a baseball fan, let alone a Dodger fan,” Morocco said.

Morocco says he started the drive at 6 o’clock this morning and it took three hours — with a lot of traffic — to get to the parade.

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