Category: kesq-local-news

María García

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — A driver was rescued after a violent crash left their car overturned along Highway 111 in Palm Desert on Sunday night.

The crash happened around 8:30 p.m. near the intersection of Highway 111 and San Luis Rey, in front of the Tower Market.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said there were no injuries. One witness told News Channel 3 that they believe the car’s airbags likely saved the driver’s life.

During their investigation, deputies learned of a possible third vehicle involved, which had left the location prior to their arrival.

No arrests have been made in connection with the collision. The investigation remains ongoing.

Stay with News Channel 3 for new updates.

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Allie Anthony

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Today, county election offices will begin mailing ballots to registered voters for the upcoming special election. Proposition 50, a controversial redistricting measure, would temporarily strip the state’s independent redistricting commission of its power. It would shift that authority to the state legislature for the next three congressional elections.

Governor Gavin Newsom, who authored and is the leading proponent of Prop 50, introduced the measure in response to a partisan redistricting push by Republicans in Texas. If passed, the legislature would take over drawing district lines, effectively suspending California’s independent process through 2032. A “No” vote would keep the commission in place.

Ballots for the November 4, 2025, special statewide election are being mailed today to registered voters. To ensure your vote counts, ballots must be postmarked on or before Election Day.

The latest Emerson College poll shows 51% of voters currently support Proposition 50, indicating a closely watched outcome ahead.

For voters in Riverside County, a full list of in-person voting locations can be found here.

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Timothy Foster

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – Nearly two years after the deadly Hamas attack on Israel, members of the Coachella Valley’s Jewish community came together Sunday to honor the victims and show support for those still affected by the ongoing conflict.

The Jewish Federation of the Desert hosted a community-wide memorial service at a Palm Desert temple, drawing residents, faith leaders, and civic officials from across the valley.

The event marked the second anniversary of the October 7, 2023, attack that left thousands dead and ignited a war that continues today. Organizers said the ceremony served as both a memorial and a message of hope.

“This event is an opportunity for our community to come together, to honor the memories of those we’ve lost, and to offer hope and support in these difficult times,” said Danny Labin, CEO of the Jewish Federation of the Desert.

Federation leaders say the tragedy continues to impact Jewish communities around the world. The organization has joined other Jewish federations across the U.S. and Canada that have collectively raised more than $1 billion to support those affected in Israel.

Arnie Gillman, president of the Jewish Federation of the Desert, said the memorial was meant to bring people together in faith and solidarity.

“This is a community memorial — we wanted everyone to come together as one, to pray for those still kidnapped, and to support the families who are suffering,” Gillman said.

The Palm Desert ceremony is one of many similar events taking place nationwide, as communities remember the victims of the Hamas attack and continue to hope for peace in the region.

Organizers say they plan to hold a remembrance every year, keeping alive the message of unity, healing, and hope.

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Shay Lawson

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)  – Travis Barker, drummer for Blink-182, traded drumsticks for running shoes on Sunday as he hosted the “Run Travis Run,” 5K at Civic Center Park.

Barker told News Channel 3’s Shay Lawson his goal is to get people moving.

“It’s really just about bringing the community together,” Barker said. “Getting everyone together and being active, whether you’re walking, even if you just come out and watch music or say what’s up. That’s what it’s about.”

Dozens attended and supporters said it was exciting running alongside the legendary musician.

“I think I did my best PR today, which was 19 something,” Barker said. “I think I came in 3rd or 4th place. That’s big for me.”

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Isaiah Mora

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station arrested two suspects accused of burglarizing two homes across Palm Desert.

On August 20, around 8:00 a.m., deputies responded to the reports of a residential burglary at a new housing development located on the 73300 block of Warhol Lane. Upon arrival, deputies were able to determine one of the model homes had been burglarized. The Palm Desert Station’s Robbery and Burglary Suppression Team assumed the investigation. After an investigation, deputies obtained a vehicle description and identified the suspect as a 49-year-old resident of Hemet.

On Friday, October 3, the Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team located a vehicle matching the description of the suspect’s in a new home development located in the 74000 block of Becker Street in Palm Desert. Deputies conducted a vehicle check, during which they detained two suspects. They were later identified as the 49-year-old from Hemet and a 26-year-old resident of Banning.

During the investigation, deputies located multiple residential electrical circuit breakers in their possession. Deputies confirmed the items had been stolen from the housing development.

Both of the suspects were transported and booked into the John Benoit Detention Center for numerous charges. Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Deputy Pouchoulen of the Palm Desert Station at (760)- 836-1600.

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Athena Jreij

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – ‘Pride Under the Pines’ painted the small mountain town of Idyllwild rainbow on Saturday.

In it’s fifth year, the event celebrated people of all identities living out loud, with live performances, drag, activism and fellowship.

Organizers say this year’s event drew 700-800 attendees, bringing a big boom in business for Idyllwild’s shops. Many say it’s one of the largest events of the year.

Neils Kosman, event organizer, says attendees from across the world visited this year, with several from Alaska, Ireland and Dublin.

Pride Under the Pines first began in 2021 when Kosman and his partner traveled up to Idyllwild and noticed a large gay community, but no formal ‘Pride’ events.

Tune in tonight at 10 and 11 p.m. for a look at the celebrations and why organizers say it matters this year more than ever.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert and United Cerebral Palsy of the Inland Empire hosted a fall carnival and resource fair for Coachella Valley families.

Both organizations have a focus on providing resources for health, mobility, independence and social inclusion of people with disabilities throughout communities. This year, they decided to host the fall carnival in Cathedral City for the first time to hopefully reach new families who are unaware of resources available to them.

Officials say many people lack awareness for resources, and the fair is to ensure they understand what’s available and build a sense of community with each other.

The fall carnival will provide inclusive activities and games, face painting, balloon creations and food. Families will all get a chance to meet with vendors for additional community resource information.

Stay with News Channel 3 to hear from parents on how events like this have impacted their children’s lives and built a sense of community.

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Shay Lawson

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ)  – Dozens of local residents peacefully rallied Saturday morning outside La Quinta City Hall to voice support for Proposition 50, a ballot measure aimed at temporarily redrawing California’s congressional districts through 2030 as the state grapples with redistricting challenges.

Organized by Democrats of the Desert and friends, the demonstration ran from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m.

About 75 participants held signs, chanted slogans and urged their neighbors to back the measure ahead of the Nov. 4 special election.

The Proposition has drawn both backing and opposition statewide.

Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger has publicly questioned the plan, saying “two wrongs don’t make a right.”

If approved, Prop. 50 could potentially give Democrats up to five additional seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.

For more information on how the Coachella Valley might be impacted, watch John White’s Prop 50: The Stakes in California.

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Blake Arthur

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — The 2025 high school football season rolled on this week with all eyes on the Desert Empire League.

The week was highlighted by a highly anticipated match-up of local, traditional powers in Palm Springs and La Quinta. Not to mention, a rivalry is renewed between Palm Desert and Xavier Prep in the battle of Cook Street.

Palm Springs – 32(6-0)
@
La Quinta – 13(4-2)
F

Palm Desert – 14(3-3)
@
Xavier Prep – 19(5-1)
F

Shadow Hills – 18(4-2)
@
Rancho Mirage – 14(3-3)
F

Cathedral City – 36(2-4)
@
Indio – 6(1-5)
F

Banning – 42
@
Yucca Valley – 62(4-3)
F

Nuview Bridge – 0
@
Desert Christian – 46(5-0)
F

Coachella Valley – 56(2-5)
@
Desert Mirage – 14(3-4)
F (Thursday)

DHS – 36(3-4)
@
Twentynine Palms – 6(3-3)
F (Thursday)

CMI – 0
@
Desert Chapel – 46(1-4)
F (Thursday)

However, this week began on Thursday night with the Date Bowl rivalry between Coachella Valley and Desert Mirage.

CV defeated DM 56-14, improving to 16-1 in the all-time series. The Rams’ lone win in this rivalry came in 2011.

Desert Hot Springs and Twentynine Palms also played on Thursday night. The Golden Eagles defeated the Wildcats 36-6 on the high desert.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of local high school football.

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Jesus Reyes

Update:

On Saturday morning, the Palm Springs Police Department sent out an alert confirming that N Gene Autry Trail is back open at the Whitewater Wash in Palm Springs.

Original Report:

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – N Gene Autry Trail has been closed at the Whitewater Wash in Palm Springs due to strong winds and low visibility.

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