Category: kesq-local-news

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation hosted a community presentation looking at the theatre’s re-opening and progress of its restoration.

The free event took place at 11 a.m. Sunday inside the Palm Springs Convention Center.

The one hour presentation walked attendees through the theatre’s history from the time it originally opened until today.

The event also showed the historical significance of the building, as well as the many events held inside it that helped put Palm Springs on the map, including several movie premieres and film festivals. 

Organizers say the theatre’s rich past is a perfect reminder to showcase what the space is capable of in the future.

“The theater was built in 1936 and from the opening, it had a unique connection to Hollywood, and a lot of what happened to the theater had a lot to do with building the brand of Palm Springs,” VP of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation, Kevin J. Corcoran said.

The theatre is scheduled to open in December with actress Lily Tomlin set to star in the inaugural show.

The cost of remodeling is expected to be nearly $3 million higher than initially predicted. The City of Palm Springs project had an original cost of $34 million.

The foundation is still working to raise additional funds for the theatre as it will need to pay back the city $10 million in construction costs.

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Shay Lawson

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)  – A devastating fire destroyed Isabel Ramirez’s home, displacing her and her granddaughter, leaving them with nothing but memories and each other.

Ramirez said the fire broke out on April 22 at her home in Coachella.

Investigators said the fire started when a part inside the family’s RV exploded – sparking flames that spread to their rental home.

“I was very sad,” Ramirez said. “It was very overwhelming.”

Ramirez, well known in the community for her generosity and hospitality, had long opened her doors to those in need according to her daughter in law Rebekah Monroy.

Now, Ramirez faces the challenge of rebuilding her life without insurance.

“We’ve been living here for so long,” Jose Gonzalez Ramirez’s son said. “She never knew about renters insurance.”

Experts say renters insurance typically covers personal belongings, temporary housing and liability if something goes wrong.

Viewers can learn more by checking with local insurance agents, visiting consumer protection websites or asking their landlord if renters insurance is recommended or required.

Monroy launched a GoFundMe campaign to support Ramirez and her granddaughter.

She said funds will help cover temporary housing, basic necessities and long-term rebuilding expenses.

“They lived here for so long. I’m just at a loss for words,” Monroy said.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the full report at 10 and 11 p.m.

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Gavin Nguyen

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s another breezy weekend in the Coachella Valley as a low pressure system moves through California. Here’s a look at the big picture: this system brought showers to a large swath of the state. Snow levels have dropped for our Riverside and San Bernardino County mountains. A couple of drizzles have even been reported on the valley floor!

While the desert has (mostly) avoided the rain, we’re seeing another round of elevated winds as festival season continues.

While winds were relatively calm Saturday morning, things kicked back up this afternoon. Our FutureTrack data is showing winds 25-40 MPH for much of the valley, with gusts to 55 MPH for some of our more wind-prone spots.

Expect another lull tomorrow morning before winds kick up again, though to a lesser extent Sunday afternoon and evening.

Wind gusts Sunday morning

Wind gusts Sunday afternoon, evening

An Air Quality alert remains in place for the Coachella Valley as air quality remains a concern. This is set to expire at 11:59 p.m. tonight, though it could be extended with winds elevated again tomorrow.

And check this out! As of 3:30 p.m., we’re seeing some late-spring snowfall atop the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway!

Temperatures are well below average tomorrow, though as calmer conditions return, we’re expected to warm through the workweek. Highs remain a touch above average for the middle part of the week before another system could bring cooler, breezier temperatures yet again next weekend.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Strong winds are known to have a great impact on the Valley, especially with blowing sand. While it can be a driving hazard and create a dust haze, it also creates sand drifts.

Residents of the Verano Neighborhood in Cathedral City are dealing with similar aftermath of recent strong winds that have led to significant sand accumulation along the street. Residents report streets are buried, vehicles are damages and their health is at risk.

“We have to park the car around the street, because if you live here the sand is just going to hit the glass, the mirrors,” Cesar Hernandez, a resident, said. “When you’re trying to get out of the car, all the sand gets in your face…Nobody’s taking accountability for it.”

Not only is there air quality when during high-wind days, but for these residents, they say the sand in the street adds additional airborne dust and allergens that infiltrate their homes.

“[The sand] starts damaging the people,” Rafael Oscal, a resident, said. “People are getting sick right now.”

Hernandez and Oscal said the sand wall started three to four weeks ago, and with the recent winds, it has grown significantly. Keeping cars from being able to drive or park along the street. Additionally, the sand is growing past the street and onto their sidewalks.

Photo provided by Rafael Oscal.

Residents said they’ve tried to reach out to Cathedral City and the neighborhood home owners association, but neither group has helped the cause.

“I’ve called the city, Cathedral City, and they said it’s the associations responsibility,” Hernandez said. “I call the association, they say the streets are part of the city, and yet it’s still the same. And it does affect us because it keeps mounting and mounting.”

Not only are fences broken, but sidewalks in front of homes are filled with sand. Residents are unable to park their cars in front of homes, but also cannot walk easily outside physically with sand coverage and poor air quality.

“Nobody has shown up to see it, exactly what it is,” Oscal said. “Not even the city. Not even the HOA.”

Residents reported to News Channel 3 the Verano Neighborhood HOA sent a March/April community update letter on the situation recently. It confirmed the streets were turned over to Cathedral City and the HOA is responsible for blow sand.

However, the HOA reports “the sand drifts and collapsed fence will remain as is until September.” This is due to ongoing weather and “burrowing owl mating season” which is hindering construction in the sand field.

News Channel 3 is working to confirm these efforts and claims with Cathedral City officials.

Until they see change, the local community reports it remains distressed and unable to navigate their streets safely. Oscal said may residents are considering moving out of the neighborhood if the livability conditions do not change.

“It’s so sad to see my neighborhood this way,” Oscal said. “Especially on this side over here.”

Stay with News Channel 3 for more on the sand impacts and to hear from residents.

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Tori King

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ)–The Riverside University Health System (RUHS) “One Life, One Heart” Poisoning and Overdose Awareness Walk returns this year with events across three Riverside County locations.  

The walks bring people together to connect with vital recovery and prevention resources as participants honor lives lost to overdose. The community is invited to take part in the events, which foster support and strengthen access to critical services. 

“Healing begins with awareness, and change starts with action,” said Riverside County Board Chair and Fourth District Supervisor V. Manuel Perez. “These walks are more than a remembrance. They are a call to unite, support one another and build a community where hope replaces loss and recovery is within reach for all.”  

This year’s events will bring communities together to raise awareness, take meaningful action and provide a space for healing and connection at the following locations: Palm Desert Civic Center, 43900 San Pablo Ave., Palm Desert

7 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, April 26 

Murrieta Town Square Park, 1 Town Square, Murrieta

8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, June 7 

Participants will take part in a free 5K Fun Walk and resource fair. Guest speakers will share personal stories and expert insights, helping to build solidarity and understanding in the fight against overdose.  

Lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. 

According to provisional data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the United States experienced approximately 97,000 drug overdose deaths in the 12 months ending June 30, 2024, a 14% decline from the previous year’s 113,000 deaths. This marks the first significant reduction in overdose fatalities since 2018. 

Riverside County recorded 1,381 fatal overdoses between January 2023 and July 2024; 824 of the cases involved fentanyl, about 60% of total overdose deaths, according to Riverside County Overdose Data to Action. 

The “One Life, One Heart” events connect attendees with essential services, including housing assistance, behavioral health resources and healthcare services.  

“At its core, overdose prevention is grounded in compassion, empathy and meeting people where they are,” said Dr. Matthew Chang, Director of RUHS Behavioral Health. “When we walk together at these events, we remember those we’ve lost while standing shoulder-to-shoulder with those who are still struggling so that they have the resources and support needed to move forward.”  

RUHS Behavioral Health offers a comprehensive range of substance use treatment programs, including crisis intervention, outpatient programs, peer support and prevention initiatives, providing individuals and families with the tools needed to break the cycle of addiction. 

Register for the event today and take a step toward hope, healing, and action: https://bit.ly/1LifeWalker25. 

For more information on RUHS Behavioral Health’s Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment (SAPT) services, visit: www.ruhealth.org/behavioral-health/sapt. 

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Kristen Outlaw

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Crews were on scene of a duplex fire in Palm Desert late Friday night.

It broke out around 9:30 p.m. off Colada Court, a community near Hovley Lane and Portola Avenue.

Southern California Edison and SoCal Gas were called to the scene to assist.

Investigators said crews knocked down flames, but they were expected to be on scene for an additional three hours.

There was no word on displacements or injuries.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest on this developing story.    

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Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Dozens of local veterans gathered near the VA Clinic in Palm Desert on Friday to rally in opposition to the proposed layoffs at the Department of Veterans Affairs.

An internal memo obtained by the Associated Press mentions plans that would cut more than 80,000 jobs from the department. The memo went on to state the layoffs would return the staffing levels in the department to the pre-pandemic number of about 400,000 employees.

Local veterans are saying these cuts could disrupt their healthcare by increasing wait times on telephone calls to make healthcare appointments, as well as making wait times longer to visit a healthcare provider.

The group also held a rally in March.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Plantation Golf Club on Monroe Street in Indio is one of the few men-only clubs remaining in the country.  

Now, it’s the target of a lawsuit by JCM Farming, Inc. alleging the policy is discriminatory and a violation of California’s Unruh Civil Rights Act.

News Channel 3 I-Team Investigator John White will bring you a look inside the dispute between the two sides that also includes a disagreement over the growing of date palm trees.

Also, hear from multiple sides, including the woman who challenged Augusta National Golf Club on the issue over 20 years ago, and someone else who’s faced litigation from the same company that he says damaged his business.

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Katie Boer

Windy Weekend Ahead for the Coachella Valley

Happy Stagecoach and Desert Rodeo Weekend! We’ve been talking about winds all week and winds remain the main topic of discussion into the weekend.

The First Alert Weather Team is issuing a First Alert Weather Alert for gusty winds, reduced visibility and poor air quality through 11:59pm Saturday.

This afternoon winds have ramped up across the valley, especially through our mountain passes. We’ve already seen peak gusts between 50-60 mph so far today. Air Quality will continue to be something we continue with poor conditions expected into the evening.

Expect these strong southwest to west winds to continue across our mountains and desert through Saturday night.

Like the last few days, gusts will continue to peak during the afternoons and evenings, 45-55 mph — up to 60 mph in along desert slopes and below the passes–our more wind-prone areas. Obviously a lot of travelers are coming into town this weekend. If you’re driving across the San Gorgonio Pass watch for gusty conditions, especially if you’re driving high-profile vehicles and RVs. We could see some reduced visibility due to blowing dust.

Cooler Weekend, Then a Warming Trend

Sunday and Monday will stay on the cooler side as a weak trough lingers over the region. Highs on Sunday will be about 10 degrees below normal for inland areas, moderating a tad Monday with temperatures a little warmer, but still 3-5 degrees below normal.

By Tuesday, a ridge builds in from the west, bringing warmer temperatures — even slightly above normal. Another weak system could swing through midweek, keeping temps moderate before a second ridge brings a little bit of warming again late next week.

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