Category: kesq-local-news

Athena Jreij

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) — “He was a top cop writer,” that’s how Dee Wambaugh describes her husband, Joseph Wambaugh, the late author often hailed as the inventor of true crime.

Dee and his son David, sat down with News Channel 3’s Athena Jreij two months after his passing from esophogeal cancer.

“His character was, so strong and devoted and gave love, unconditional love,” David said.

Wambaugh’s work spanned nearly 40 years, drawing from his own experience as a homicide detective with the Los Angeles Police Department. As he led the way in true crime, he also humanized those in the profession.

His third novel, The Onion Field, a nonfiction retelling of two LAPD cops kidnapped and taken to Bakersfield, would catapult the Wambaugh’s to new heights.

“He became kind of a celebrity. And he couldn’t do his police work anymore. People would want his autograph instead,” Dee said.

It was that story and its eventual film adaption that pushed Joseph to become a full-time author.

Twenty-one novels, 12 screenplays, and several Johnny Carson interviews later, David jokes the trick to a new book? Moving cities.

“My dad would have these these creative ideas. Only one book for one house.”

Despite the legacy, his family says they question if all of Wambaugh’s success would have been possible in today’s modern age where cultures and opinions around policing are changing.

“The culture of cops being human and being of service to society and cleaning the bad guys away to protect people like us is gone. Now, they’re scrutinized and they’re judged and they’re persecuted and not seen as human beings,” David said.

Now, as the world changes, they hope Joseph’s legacy will continue inspiring others.

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Shay Lawson

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – A chilly, windy and wet Sunday in Desert Hot Springs — where showers have been coming through on and off all day.

Viewers submitted videos showing rain pouring down in Desert Hot Springs neighborhoods across the valley.

News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson spent the evening speaking with community members to get their reaction.

“It’s crazy weather,” Jaquin said. “It was hot yesterday and today it was raining but it’s good for the land.”  

The News Channel 3 First Alert Weather Team is tracking conditions closely.

Download News Channel 3’s mobile app for real-time updates and weather alerts.

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Timothy Foster

The first-ever Retro Palm Springs Con has officially wrapped—and fans are already hoping it won’t be the last. Held over the weekend, the convention celebrated the best of pop culture from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s, bringing together die-hard collectors, casual fans, and beloved celebrities for a nostalgic blast from the past.

From the moment the doors opened, attendees were transported back in time, reliving childhood memories through iconic franchises like Star Wars, Back to the Future, and Saved by the Bell. The convention floor was buzzing with excitement as fans browsed a vibrant vintage marketplace filled with rare toys, collectibles, retro fashion, and pop culture memorabilia. Local vendors had booths set up throughout the venue, benefiting from the extra foot traffic and exposure.

“There’s something for everybody here,” said one guest, marveling at the range of items on display. “From the toys I played with as a kid to stuff my own children love now—it’s all here.”

Adding to the excitement was a star-studded guest list that included fan-favorite celebrities and industry legends. Saved by the Bell star Mario Lopez reunited with several castmates, drawing massive crowds. “The fact that now their kids—and even grandkids—are watching the show makes me feel old,” Lopez joked, “but I’m grateful.”

Actor Sean Kanan, best known for his role as Mike Barnes in The Karate Kid Part III, reflected on his return to the franchise through Cobra Kai. “You just don’t think after 35 years you’ll get another bite at the apple,” he said. “It’s been an incredible experience.”

Also in attendance was Disney legend Bob Gurr, who worked alongside Walt Disney himself on attractions like the Matterhorn and the Haunted Mansion. Gurr, a longtime visitor to the Coachella Valley, shared his appreciation for the local Disney fan community. “I remember being a 7- or 8-year-old kid here,” he said. “It’s amazing to see how many Disney fans call this place home.”

Beyond the meet-and-greets and panels, Retro Palm Springs Con offered photo opportunities, immersive themed activities, and story-filled sessions that pulled back the curtain on decades of pop culture history. Fans young and old found themselves caught up in the joy of rediscovery, as generations connected over shared memories.

“This convention brought so much nostalgia to so many people,” said a local business owner. “Honestly, we’ve had better luck here than at some of the larger shows.”

With a warm reception from fans, a successful turnout for vendors, and heartfelt moments shared by stars and attendees alike, the inaugural Retro Palm Springs Con proved to be one of the most memorable events of the season. If the excitement surrounding this year’s event is any indication, this nostalgic celebration may just become a new Coachella Valley tradition.

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Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s been an active day of weather here in the Coachella Valley! We’ve seen winds, rain, and even some mountain snow!

Just take a look at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway: this system has brought snowfall on May the Fourth! While it’s not looking quite like the snowy Star Wars planet of Hoth, it’s a pleasant surprise this late in the spring season.

Here on the desert floor, showers have been fairly widespread at times today. A look at our Doppler radar this afternoon shows quite a bit of activity.

Overnight showers are still possible according to our forecast models. Rain chances persist into tomorrow, though less likely than what we’re seeing today. At the very least, expect more cloud cover throughout the day.

The Air Quality Alert and Wind Advisory that were active yesterday have since expired, though we’re still tracking air quality concerns as winds stay elevated through this evening. Gusts across the valley are expected to remain 20-30 MPH, with our more wind prone areas like Desert Hot Springs and Thousand Palms still at or above 40 MPH. Calmer winds are expected for Monday morning, but we could see some lingering breezy weather into the evening hours.

Highs should remain below average as we start the workweek, but as calmer and drier conditions take hold on Tuesday, we’ll begin to warm. Wednesday will be very seasonal, but we’ll quicky warm past that heading into the weekend. Triple digits are expected by Friday!

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Athena Jreij

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) — Indio Councilmember Oscar Ortiz is joining the race for California State Assembly District 36.

Ortiz, who has served for seven years on the Indio City Council and was previously mayor, announced the run via social media Sunday.

The councilman lost a Congressional bid against Representative Raul Ruiz in 2024.

Republican Jeff Gonzalez of Indio currently represents the 36th district, which encompasses Imperial County, Coachella, Indio, and the Salton Sea communities, as well as Blythe, portions of the San Jacinto Valley, Winchester, Anza, and parts of Hemet.

Stick with News Channel 3 as we follow Ortiz’s campaign.

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Spencer Blum

An Air Quality Alert remains in place this Sunday morning as we continue to track elevated winds. Thankfully, the air quality isn’t the worst we’ve ever seen, but it is still not perfect. Temperatures today will be very comfortable and mild in the upper 70s, quite below average for early May.

Here’s a look at our FutureTrack. We can see that winds will increase again as we head into it this evening. The winds will be fairly widespread. As we head into tomorrow, the winds will not be nearly as strong, but they may still be a tad bit elevated.

Get ready for some heat! Temperatures are mild and well below average to start the week, but they will quickly warm back up! Expect highs in the triple digits by the end of the workweek.

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Garrett Hottle

Update – 5/5/25 1:45 p.m. Monday

Indian Canyon has been reopened.

Update – 5/5/25 11:05 a.m. Monday

Gene Autry Trail has been reopened, city officials confirmed.

Indian Canyon remains closed.

Update – 5/4/25 2:35 p.m. Sunday

Indian Canyon Drive through the wash in Palm Springs is now closed due to weather conditions.

Original Report

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) A portion of North Gene Autry Trail in Palm Springs was closed due to blowing sand and low visibility, Palm Springs Police said in a Sunday morning press release.

The closure affects North Gene Autry Trail between Salvia Road and Via Escuela, according to the Palm Springs Police Department. Drivers are advised to avoid the area and use alternate routes.

It’s unclear how long the closure will remain in effect.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

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Kendall Flynn

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Congressman Raul Ruiz held a town hall meeting with House Democratic Steering & Policy Co-Chair Nanette Barragán (CA-44) and special guest Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries.

Residents gathered from across the Coachella Valley to hear statements from Ruiz, Barragán and Jeffries on policy concerns they have. Many of the topics included the Republican budget cuts, women’s health rights and the dismantling of the Department of Education.

News Channel 3 spoke with Hakeem Jeffries and Raul Ruiz one-on-one before the town hall, to discuss it’s importance for Valley residents.

“It’s so important right now that we capture the momentum and listen to the American people, my constituents, the people right here in the Coachella Valley, about their real anxieties and fears of what this administration is doing,” Ruiz said.

“Our message to the people here in the Coachella Valley and across the country, is we hear you, we see you, we feel you,” Jeffries said. “We know this is a time of great anxiety, but we are committed to doing everything possible to make life better for you.”

Many residents said they’ve been concerned with the budget cuts, and come to the town hall looking for answers.

“I live in a senior community, and we have fear there because of Medicaid, Medicare benefits being cut,” Yasmin Espinoza of Cathedral City said. “We have the fear of losing benefits from Social Security.”

Stay with News Channel 3 tonight to hear how Ruiz, Jeffries and Barragán reponded to residents questions and concerns.

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Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – A First Alert Weather Alert is in place Saturday and Sunday as we track gusty winds and rain chances this weekend.

A pocket of rain looks like it made its way through parts La Quinta, Indian Wells, and Indio just after 3:00 p.m. today.

Rain chances look to increase on Sunday. Our models show potential rainfall in the afternoon, but we’re not ruling out the possibility of light rain as early as Sunday morning!

The winds and travel impacts remain the biggest concern for us in the valley. A Wind Advisory is in place for the Banning Pass and Desert Hot Springs this evening and into tomorrow morning. Gusts in those areas are expected near 55 MPH. An Air Quality Alert is also in place from 2:00 p.m. Saturday through 2:00 p.m. Sunday for the rest of the Coachella Valley.

While calm for the early parts of today, our FutureTrack models tell us we should expect increased gusts tonight. By dinnertime, winds are expected to be widespread, with gusts nearing 30 MPH for most of our valley cities; our windier spots like Desert Hot Springs could be pushing 45-50 MPH by then.

There’s not much relief in sight for Sunday. Continued breezy to gusty conditions for most of the Coachella Valley is expected.

Temperatures drop sharply from Saturday to Sunday. Palm Springs saw a high in the 90s today; tomorrow, we’re expecting highs in the upper 70s. We stay cooler than normal to start the workweek, but gradually warm throughout the week. Triple-digits appear to make a return by next weekend.

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Spencer Blum

Happy Saturday! We are under a First Alert Weather Alert today as we begin to track the impacts of an incoming low pressure system. This system will increase winds throughout Southern California and lead to widespread breezy to gusty conditions as we head into the afternoon.

An Air Quality Alert will take effect at 2 PM later this afternoon as we track potential air quality concerns throughout the Coachella Valley. A Wind Advisory is also in place for the San Gorgonio Pass and Desert Hot Springs.

Taking a look at the next seven days, we can see a bit of a rollercoaster in our temperatures. Highs will fall back into the 70s by tomorrow. Temperatures will slowly warm back up next week, reaching the triple digits by Friday. We will remain under a First Alert Weather Alert through the weekend.

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