Earthquake strikes near Indio, Borrego Springs one minute apart

Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Two small earthquakes were recorded a minute apart near Indio and Borrego Springs Thursday afternoon, the US Geological Survey reported.

A 3.7 magnitude earthquake was recorded at 5:16 p.m. west of Borrego Springs.

One minute later, a 3.0 magnitude earthquake was recorded east of Indio.

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Indio set to open 20-year time capsule and seal away a new one for 50 years

Haley Meberg

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ)– Indio officials are set to host “Moments in Time,” a 20-year time capsule celebration at City Hall to honor the city’s past. 

This celebration will be held July 16 at 3 p.m. in the council chambers at 150 Civic Center Drive. Officials say this time capsule was sealed in 2005 marking the 20-year anniversary leading to its opening. 

“Opening this time capsule allows us to reflect on how far Indio has come over the past two decades,” said Mayor Glenn Miller. “We’re also calling on our community to help shape the next chapter by contributing to the new ‘Moment in Time’ capsule — a lasting legacy that will tell future generations the story of who we are today.”

Following the opening the city will create a new time capsule that will be sealed for 50 years. In this event residents are able to submit photographs that they believe embody the city of Indio in 2025.

Through the “Moments in Time” celebration residents are able to honor the city’s past while creating a legacy for future generations. 

More information about submission details can be found at https://woobox.com/uuvryy.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Twentynine Palms residents arrested for child abuse following lengthy investigation

Haley Meberg

TWENTYNINE PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)– Two adults from Twentynine Palms were arrested following a six-month investigation into suspected child abuse, authorities said.

Christine Curington, 31, and Justin Surs, 34, were arrested and booked at Morongo Basin jail following a child abuse investigation that began Mid-December 2024. 

Detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s Specialized Investigations Division — Crimes Against Children Detail — launched the investigation on Dec. 17, 2024, for an alleged occurrence of child abuse that took place on November 6, 2024.

The pair were identified as the main suspects of this case and were issued arrest warrants in violation of PC203, Mayhem and PC273a for Felony Child Endangerment.

Curington was arrested on June 26, and Surs was arrested on July 7.

A spokesperson from the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office clarified the mayhem charge, stating that while the legal language may reference multiple body parts, the charge in this case pertains specifically to an eye injury.

“The way the complaint reads can be confusing,” the spokesperson said. “The charge is related to only an eye injury. The complaint reads that it includes other parts of the body like tongue and ears; however, that’s just the way the laws are written and/or translated to our filing documents.”

Both suspects have been formally charged. Their next court appearance is scheduled for Aug. 6.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is asked to contact Detective Victoria Twardowski of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 890-4904 or place an anonymous call through the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Amazon delivery drivers face extreme heat

Shay Lawson

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Amazon’s Prime Day deal is in full swing running from July 8th to 11th.

With more demand this week Zoe Richmond, Amazon spokesperson, said drivers are busy delivering in extreme heat.

“We prepare ahead of time by training our employees and our driving associates on how to make sure that they are being safe during this heat,” Richmond said. “Simple things like making sure that they are hydrating correctly, taking the appropriate breaks.”

She said the company recently partnered with 7-Eleven and McDonalds to provide driver’s free places to cool down, refill their water or use the facilities.

“It’s a way to keep our drivers cool on the road,” Richmond said.

Richmond said the company offers cooling supplies to its employees.

“We provide 90,000 water activated cooling sleeves, which are very helpful during this time of year,” Richmond said. “As well as water tumblers, coolers, electrolyte powder and sunscreen. So as they’re making those deliveries, they are staying safe from the sun’s heat.”

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Palm Springs Police Hold SWAT Training Exercise

City News Service

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs police officers were set to conduct a SWAT training exercise today.   

The department said the exercise would continue until 4 p.m. Thursday in the 1000 block of East Via Escuela Road.   

Officials issued the notification to dispel concerns among residents that Immigration Enforcement agents or Homeland Security were in the area.   

No further details were immediately available.

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All evacuations warnings lifted after gas leak in Mecca

Jesus Reyes

MECCA, Calif. (KESQ) – All evacuation warnings issued in Mecca following a gas leak have been lifted Thursday afternoon.

The leak was first reported just after Noon on Coahuilla Street and 2nd Street.

“Crews are on scene of a valve issue involving a 1,200 gallon propane tank,” CAL FIRE wrote on social media.

Evacuation warnings issued for north of 66th Avenue, south of 64th Avenue, east of Grapefruit Boulevard and west of Johnson Street has since been lifted.

Officials said the leak was caused by a valve issue, which was “returned to operational order.”

Crews has mitigated the leak but advise residents to stay clear of the area.  

The incident was turned over to the propane company and the Environmental Health Department.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Steven Johnson retires as DWA GM, Esther M. Saenz set to take over as first female GM in agency’s history

Haley Meberg

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)– Desert Water Agency announces the retirement of General Manager Steven Johnson after 30 years of agency service.

Johnson began his work with Desert Water Agency in 1995 as a DWA assistant engineer and worked his way up to become the company’s Assistant General Manager.

Following the retirement of General Manager Mark Krause in 2024, Johnson took over the role of GM where he stayed until the end of his remarkable career.

Throughout his time at the company, Johnson negotiated new power purchase and land use agreements to generate revenue and keep rates down for DWA, while also guiding his employees through several departmental restructurings and increasing regulations. 

Upon his retirement former DWA Finance Director Esther M. Saenz is set to replace Johnson as General Manager

Saenz, a 15-year veteran of the agency, will mark a significant milestone for the company as she becomes the first female General Manager in Desert Water Agency’s history. 

Saenz began her work at DWA as a phone operator and worked her way through multiple positions at the company through hard work, continued education and dedication.

Former General manager Johnson comments, “Esther has been a key figure in our financial management and strategic planning. Her leadership will ensure a smooth transition and continued stability for Desert Water Agency. I’m confident that she will continue to drive our mission forward with the same dedication and expertise she has shown throughout her career.” 

This transition is set to take place this July where Saenz will oversee DWA operations including management of the community’s water resources and conservation regulations.

“Holding this position is a tremendous privilege and responsibility,” she said. “I have had the incredible honor of working closely with Steve and the talented team at DWA for more than a decade and I am dedicated to building upon our strong foundation. The continued reliability and sustainability of our water supply is vital for our region and the people who live, work and play here.” 

For more information contact Victoria Llort, Director of Public Affairs & Conservation, at 760-323-4971, ext. 273 or vllort@dwa.org.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates. 

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Coachella Valley Firebirds release full schedule for 2025-26 season

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– The Coachella Valley Firebirds announced the team’s 2025-2026 regular season schedule on Thursday.

Caught up with Firebirds VP of Hockey Operations @TroyBodie on the 2025-2026 schedule release. No new opponents this year, but there will be new start times, as the organization says they took into consideration suggestions from the fans. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @Qassignmentdesk pic.twitter.com/6icFpRbTBE

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) July 11, 2025

The Firebirds open their season against the San Diego Gulls Friday, October, 10 at 7 p.m. at Acrisure Arena.

Throughout this 72-game season the Firebirds will go head-to-head with all teams in the Pacific Division as well as one out-of-division team, the Texas Stars. 

The 2025-26 #CVFirebirds schedule has landed 🔥

More info: https://t.co/eb3ZSTg6b1 pic.twitter.com/4W0cEIXgUr

— Coachella Valley Firebirds (@Firebirds) July 10, 2025

Starting this season, weekday home games are set to begin at 6:30 p.m., Friday night games will begin at 7:00 p.m. and Sunday home days will begin at either 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. depending on the game. 

Their season is set to close late April at Acrisure Arena marking a total of 36 home games.

Last season the Firebirds ranked fourth in the Pacific Division with a record of 37 wins and 25 loses having fans eager to get back in the stands for the upcoming 2025-26 matchups. 

Scheduled dates and times are subject to change. 2025-26 season tickets are currently on sale at https://cvfirebirds.com/. More information about individual tickets, themes and promo nights will be released on the site at a later date. 

Stay with News Channel 3 for more Firebirds updates.

FULL SCHEDULE (all times Pacific, home games in bold)

Day
Date
   Time
Visiting Team
@
Home Team

Fri
10/10/25
7:00 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
10/18/25
6:00 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
10/19/25
4:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Wed
10/22/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Fri
10/24/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Sat
10/25/25
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Thu
10/30/25
6:30 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
11/1/25
6:00 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
11/5/25
6:30 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
11/7/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Tucson

Sat
11/8/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Tucson

Tue
11/11/25
6:30 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
11/15/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Sun
11/16/25
3:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
11/21/25
6:00 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
11/23/25
3:00 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
11/28/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sat
11/29/25
6:00 PM
Texas
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
12/3/25
6:30 PM
Texas
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
12/6/25
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Sun
12/7/25
4:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Tue
12/9/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Thu
12/11/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Calgary

Wed
12/17/25
6:30 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
12/19/25
7:00 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
12/20/25
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Sat
12/27/25
6:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
12/28/25
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Wed
12/31/25
5:00 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
1/2/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sat
1/3/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Wed
1/7/26
6:30 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
1/10/26
6:00 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Tue
1/13/26
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Texas

Wed
1/14/26
5:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Texas

Sat
1/17/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sun
1/18/26
5:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
1/21/26
6:30 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
1/23/26
7:00 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
1/28/26
6:30 PM
Colorado
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
1/30/26
7:00 PM
San Diego
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
2/1/26
3:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Wed
2/4/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Fri
2/6/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Sat
2/7/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Fri
2/13/26
7:00 PM
Tucson
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
2/15/26
3:00 PM
Tucson
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
2/18/26
6:30 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Bakersfield

Fri
2/20/26
6:05 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Sat
2/21/26
6:05 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Thu
2/26/26
6:30 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
2/28/26
6:00 PM
Bakersfield
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
3/4/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Henderson

Sat
3/7/26
6:00 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
3/8/26
3:00 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
3/13/26
7:00 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
3/14/24
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Wed
3/18/26
10:30 AM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Sat
3/21/26
6:05 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Sun
3/22/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Colorado

Wed
3/25/26
6:30 PM
Calgary
@
Coachella Valley

Sat
3/28/26
6:00 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Sun
3/29/26
3:00 PM
San Jose
@
Coachella Valley

Wed
4/1/26
6:30 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
4/3/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Sat
4/4/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Abbotsford

Wed
4/8/26
6:30 PM
Henderson
@
Coachella Valley

Fri
4/10/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
Ontario

Sat
4/11/26
6:00 PM
Ontario
@
Coachella Valley

Tue
4/14/26
7:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Jose

Sat
4/18/26
6:00 PM
Coachella Valley
@
San Diego

Sun
4/19/26
3:00 PM
Abbotsford
@
Coachella Valley

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Sir Paul McCartney to kick off 2025 tour at Acrisure Arena in September

Haley Meberg

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)– The legendary Sir Paul McCartney is kicking off his tour in the Coachella Valley at Acrisure Arena later this year. 

His 19 date “Got Back” USA Tour is set to begin September 29 and will feature iconic songs from The Beatles to Wings to solo hits. 

The iconic Paul McCartney brings his ‘Got Back’ tour to the USA 🇺🇸

From The Beatles to Wings to solo hits—experience the music that defined decades, live at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs on September 29. Sign up now for first access to tickets!

Sign up at… pic.twitter.com/2gOwigv2M8

— Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs (@AcrisureArena) July 10, 2025

Presale and VIP Packages will be available to the public starting July 15 at 10 a.m. local time before general tickets go on sale July 18 at 10 a.m. via Ticketmaster.com

Following its opening at the Acrisure Arena, the tour will move on to Las Vegas and continue throughout the country before closing at the United Center in Chicago late November.

This isn’t McCartney’s first trip to the Coachella Valley. In 2009, the former Beatle headlined the Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio. He returned to the Empire Polo Club in 2016 for Desert Trip.

McCartney, 83, is one of the two last remaining Beatles, along with Ringo Starr who recently celebrated his 85 birthday with the help of local students.

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Kering named presenting sponsor of the Palm Springs International Film Awards

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Global luxury group Kering is the new presenting sponsor of the Palm Springs International Film Awards.

The Palm Springs International Film Society has announced its multi-year partnership with Kering on Thursday. As part of the sponsorship, Women In Motion, Kering’s acclaimed program spotlighting women in the arts and culture, will present two Talking Pictures during the festival’s opening weekend.

The 2026 Film Awards will take place Saturday, January 3rd, with the 37th annual festival scheduled for January 2-12, 2026. Film Awards tables and festival passes go on sale August 1.

“We are honored to welcome Kering as the Presenting Sponsor of the Palm Springs International Film Awards,” said Festival Chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi. “Kering is more than a global leader in luxury—it’s a force for cultural change. Their commitment to artistic innovation and amplifying diverse voices aligns perfectly with our mission. This partnership celebrates the power of storytelling and the global impact of film.”

“We are thrilled to partner with the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Awards as part of Kering’s long-standing commitment to supporting cinema and celebrating creative talent,” said Laurent Claquin, Chief Brand Officer of Kering. “In honor of its 10th anniversary, Women In Motion made its debut at the Festival this year with two powerful conversations — one with the cast of Emilia Pérez, and another with Angelina Jolie. Through this initiative, we not only recognize women’s contributions to culture, but also create a space to amplify their voices, spark dialogue, and inspire future generations.”

Palm Springs International Film Festival is one of the first stops during Awards Season – nearly all honorees at the 2025 Film Awards went on to receive Academy Award nominations.

Adrien Brody (Desert Palm Achievement Award, Actor), Kieran Culkin (Breakthrough Performance Award, Actor), Mikey Madison (Breakthrough Performance Award, Actress) and Zoe Saldaña (Vanguard Award) went on to win Oscars in their respective acting categories.

The festival also screened numerous Oscar winners including “I’m Still Here” (Best International Feature), “Flow” (Best Animated Feature Film), and “No Other Land” (Best Documentary Feature). Best Live Action Short winner “I’m Not a Robot” screened at the 2024 Palm Springs ShortFest.

At last year’s festival, Women In Motion supported two Talking Pictures, featuring Angelina Jolie for her role in “Maria,” and “Emilia Pérez” actors Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, Edgar Ramírez and director Jacques Audiard.

Launched in 2015 at the Festival de Cannes, Women In Motion has become a vital platform with the aim of shining a light on women in all aspects of filmmaking, both in front and behind the camera. Through its support of the Palm Springs international Film Festival, Kering deepens its commitment to amplifying the contributions of women in the film industry and celebrating creative voices.

For more information on the Palm Springs International Film Festival, visit www.psfilmfest.org or call (760) 969-7533 or toll free (800) 898-7256.

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