Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – College of the Desert will provide free education to every Coachella Valley resident, regardless of age, income, or educational background, COD Superintendent/President Val Martinez Garcia announced.

During the State of the College address Thursday, Martinez Garcia announced a major expansion of the College’s tuition-free program, unveiling a phased roll-out of plEDGE for All to provide free college education to every Coachella Valley resident, regardless of age, income, or educational background.

“This next phase of plEDGE for All removes barriers and opens doors,” said Superintendent/President Martinez Garcia. “Education is a right that belongs to every member of our community. Whether you are beginning college, returning to finish your degree, or building new skills for your career, College of the Desert will support your success through access and opportunity.”

The program is set to launch in Fall 2026.

COD officials said the initiative builds on nearly a decade of impact from the original plEDGE, which has served more than 10,000 local students since 2017.

COD Board of Trustees Chair Dr. Joel L. Kinnamon, who introduced the original plEDGE while serving as College President, reflected on the milestone.

“When we began this program, the goal was to create a pathway to opportunity,” Dr. Kinnamon said. “The award-winning plEDGE program is nationally recognized as a best practice. This expansion continues that vision and aligns with the goal to ensure that every resident of the Coachella Valley can learn, grow, and thrive close to home.”

The expansion is expected to strengthen the region’s workforce pipeline in key industries, including healthcare, sustainability, hospitality, digital media, and advanced technology. It also aligns with the Board of Trustees visions and goals and supports COD’s Vision 2030 goal of increasing access and achievement across all communities

Click here for more on the plEDGE program.

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Kendall Flynn

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Downtown Palm Springs is gearing up for a night of Halloween parties, including in the Arenas District.

The Executive Producer of Halloween Palm Springs, Jeff Hocker, said this is the 10th year events like the Arenas block party have been hosted in the city. Hocker said it is a “labor of love” to make each element of the Halloween weekend unique compared to past years, but the inclusivity of the Arenas block party remains the same.

“It’s not just for the LGBT community. It’s really for everybody to come and enjoy,” Hocker said.

Arenas is hosting the free block party from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m. The party includes musical performances, costume contests and more. The theme for the Halloween night party is “Dance Party” with DJ’s set to host the night, including DEV, Meaty Beats by Juan. DJ MODGIRL and DJ Jeffree.

For locals, they said it’s a great night to show case their costumes, dance to the music and come together as a community. Many said the Coachella Valley and Palm Springs feel like a small community, and they want events like this to continue each year.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from attendees about the Halloween party.

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Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A 45-year-old Yucca Valley man is facing charges of vehicle theft, along with multiple firearm-related offenses after an investigation of the theft of a mobile detailing trailer in Rancho Mirage.

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office Palm Desert Station received a report on October 17th of the trailer, valued around $12,000, being stolen sometime on the previous day from the 39000 block of Vista del Sol in Rancho Mirage.

Investigators identified a suspect in the theft and say the suspect also allegedly sold the trailer to an unsuspecting buyer.

Investigators served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence in the 7000 block of Murray Lane in Yucca Valley on October 31, where they found an unregistered gun and ammunition. The suspect was arrested and booked on the charges of vehicle theft and firearm-related offenses.

Deputies were able to locate the stolen trailer and return it to the owner. They add that a separate investigation into the fraudulent sale of the trailer is ongoing, and additional charges will be filed at a later time.

The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station is asking anyone with information related to this ongoing case to contact Deputy Marco Castaneda at (760) 836-1600.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A local soccer team has its sights set on Spain.

“Natives FA”  is a team made up of high school seniors who live in different parts of the Coachella Valley.

The teams have been invited to play in a tournament in Madrid, Spain, called the Met Cup next summer.

The team has set up a GoFundMe me, hoping to raise the funds for this trip of a lifetime.

“We have players from all of the Coachella Valley, from Coachella to Palm Springs. We are looking to make this dream come true for the boys,” said coach Alexis Gutierrez.

The team is hoping to raise $60,000.

The tournament is set for June 15 through June 25.

Click here if you would like to help

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Peter Daut

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Living Healthy Expo is the premier health and wellness resource in the valley, uniting business and community partners to educate and serve the public.

This free event is taking place on Saturday, November 1st, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater located at 68526 Avenida Lalo Guerrero.

The Expo is through a partnership with News Channel 3 and Desert Oasis Healthcare, and will feature a variety of wellness activities, interactive experiences, and entertainment. There will also be complimentary health screenings, vaccinations, and demonstrations.

Desert Oasis Healthcare Director of Marketing Rob Banchich says, “I think it’s a great opportunity for a lot of the medical groups within the Coachella Valley to get together and show solidarity and just let the community know we’re there to support them.”

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Banchich on Friday to get more on the event.

For more information, visit kesq.com/living-healthy-expo/ or mydohc.com/about/living-healthy-expo-2025/.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY (CNS) – SafeHouse of the Desert, in partnership with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, will host its annual “Stuff the Bus” donation drive tomorrow at several locations across the Coachella Valley to benefit local youth in need.

Donations will be accepted from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. outside the following stores:   — 83053 Avenue 48, Coachella (Walmart);   — 79295 Highway 111, La Quinta (Walmart);   — 78953 Highway 111, La Quinta (Target) 

Donations may include household items such as twin-size bedding, towels, paper goods, soap, foil, kitchen supplies and cleaning products such as trash bags, disinfecting wipes, laundry detergent, mops and dish soap. Personal items such as sweatpants, socks, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and lip balm are also accepted, along with nonperishable food, bottled water, juice and grocery store gift cards. 

SafeHouse of the Desert provides emergency shelter, intervention and outreach services for runaway, homeless and at-risk youth ages 11 to 24, officials said.

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Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A new public art installation on the Fred Waring Bridge near Madison Street in Indio is turning heads after going viral on social media.

The artwork, which creates a flipbook-style optical illusion as drivers pass by, features a series of images that appear to move. Many residents say they’re impressed by the creativity and vibrancy it brings to the area.

“I enjoy it. I like the colors. I like how it moves like a 40s, 30s motion picture… It makes it look nice. That way no one can graffiti on it.”

Henry Barringer, Indio Resident

But while many are praising the new addition, others are expressing concern that the mural could be distracting for drivers. Some social media comments have even suggested it might lead to accidents near nearby intersections.

When asked about the safety concerns, the City of Indio — in a statement to News Channel 3 — said the installation does not pose a danger to drivers:

“The mural was designed and installed with great care and consideration. While the artwork adds color and character to the community, it is not considered a distraction for drivers, whose first and primary responsibility should always be to remain focused on the road.

This installation is no more visually prominent than many of the billboards, murals, and public art pieces that line our streets and highways throughout the Coachella Valley. Like those, it serves to enhance the visual landscape without impeding safe driving practices.”

Nearby residents echo that message.

“Eyes on the road… It’s usually mellow going through that area. Eventually people will get used to it and they won’t even look at it anymore.”

Henry Barringer, Indio Resident

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Sunline Transit Agency will offer free fares on Election Day this Tuesday.

All fares will be free on Routes 1–9.

“Whether you’re heading to the polls, running errands, or just enjoying a breezy ride around town, we’ve got you covered. No cash? No problem! Just hop on and enjoy the ride,” the agency wrote on social media.

Click here for more on the Sunline Transit Agency

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Athena Jreij

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) — On their final day of Red Ribbon Week, La Quinta Middle School is scaring off drugs and continuing a decades-long campaign against teen drug use.

The school spirit week began Monday, where students were encouraged to wear as much red as possible for the ‘We are REDy to say NO to drugs,” day.

Today, students are encouraged to wear their best Halloween costume, but administrators and student leaders say there’s a deeper meaning behind the spirit days.

“Stay substance-free, drug-free and alcohol-free because, that’s like the best lifestyle to live honestly. We want we want that for all of our students,” Harper Moyer said.

“It’s not just the spirit week. It’s more learning about something and how we can prevent drugs and alcohol use,” Ava Lopez said.

Since 1985, Red Ribbon Week has educated students on the dangers of drug and alcohol use.

It’s a decades-old tradition students are keeping relevant with new methods each year.

“We have our dress up days, like ‘scare off drugs’ or ‘lei off drugs’ for different days and we also have our pledge where we encourage all of our staff and students to sign. Then they get a certificate that reminds them of their commitment to say no to drugs,” Anni Lopez said.

That message rings true in the Coachella Valley as fentanyl-related overdoses continue to claim lives.

In 2020, 95% of all overdose deaths among 15 through 19-year-olds involved fentanyl. Riverside County found between 2016 and 2020, 56 teenagers died from overdoses, 25% or 14 of which were from the Coachella Valley.

There were also 168-drug related emergency visits every year from that same age group, according to the county.

Students and administrators at La Quinta Middle say peer pressure is still present and strong.

“A lot of that peer pressure starts even in middle school and goes on into high school and college. We’re teaching if you are pressured, learning to stand up for yourself and stand up for others, and to say no and do what’s right,” Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate said.

It’s a message they say will carry on beyond Red Ribbon Week.

For more information on Red Ribbon Week celebrations across the country, visit: https://www.redribbon.org/.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Firebirds beat the San Diego Gulls 4-3 in overtime to secure their first home win of the season.

Tyson Jugnauth’s first AHL goal, coming inside the final minute of overtime, and Victor Ostman’s 42 saves lifted the Firebirds to the win. 

The Firebirds netted two goals in an 11-second span to jump out to an early 2-0 lead. John Hayden put home a feed from Caden Price to make it a 1-0 game at 4:12 of the first period, which was quickly followed up by a Logan Morrison goal, set up by Lleyton Roed, for his team-leading fourth of the season.

The game was Roed’s first appearance with the Firebirds since April 9th. Matthew Phillips cut Coachella Valley’s lead in half with an unassisted goal at 11:18 of the first period.

The 2-1 lead lasted until the third period when Justin Bailey’s breakaway goal tied the game for San Diego and Yegor Sidorov’s go-ahead strike came just 2:24 later to put the Gulls ahead.

JR Avon ripped a shot over the shoulder of Gulls’ goaltender Calle Clang to pull the Firebirds even. Avon’s first goal with Coachella Valley was assisted by Kaden Hammell and Mitchell Stephens and came with 5:07 left in regulation. The game needed overtime to decide a winner.

Oscar Molgaard was sprung on a 3-on-2 rush into the offensive zone and found Tyson Jugnauth coming down the slot. Jugnauth’s shot hit Clang’s glove then ricocheted off the skate of Matthew Phillips into the back of the net, sealing a 4-3 win for Coachella Valley.

Victor Ostman made 42 saves on 45 shots to pick up his second win of the season as the Firebirds’ record moves to 3-3-1-0 to begin the 2025-26 season. 

Coachella Valley finished game 0-for-1 on the powerplay and 2-for-2 on the penalty kill. The Firebirds were outshot by the Gulls 45-22. 

The Firebirds continue their homestand for Dia De Los Muertos Night, presented by Verizon, this Saturday, November 1st. Get to the game early and get a Los Firebirds poncho, enjoy theme night celebrations, food and drink specials, specialty jerseys, and more! Puck drop is set for 6pm PT. Click HERE to get your tickets now!

Fans are encouraged to secure $20 parking by purchasing in advance through the ParkWhiz app. Parking rates will increase on the day of the game.

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