Category: kesq-local-news

Tauli Anderson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Holiday travel is ramping up at Palm Springs International Airport, and officials are reminding travelers to plan ahead during this month’s peak travel period.

The airport expects to welcome more than 55,000 departing passengers between Dec. 20-28. The busiest travel days are expected to be Dec. 22, 26 and 28, with more than 6,000 departing passengers per day.

The busiest security screening times will be from 9 a.m. through 1 p.m. during the peak period.

“Peak times 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. We could see up to 700 passengers passing through the checkpoint an hour in those times. And so we really just want people to leave enough time to get through the checkpoint comfortably, be able to have a bite to eat and enjoy a PSP for all that we have to offer, and get to your gate with plenty of time to make your flight,” said Jake Ingrassia, PSP spokesperson.

Officials said passengers should plan to arrive 90 minutes before departure for people with carry-on bags and at least two hours before departure when checking bags.

During the peak travel days, main parking lots will fill spaces quickly and overflow parking will be available. Parking rates are $9 hourly.   

During security screening, travelers were advised to use gift bags instead of wrapping paper if bringing gifts, as wrapped items may be opened by Transportation Security Administration officials.

More information can be found at flyPSP.com.

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Peter Daut

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – News Channel 3 and the H.N. and Frances C. Berger Foundation presented Impact Grants to several Valley nonprofits in 2025, working to improve lives and help those in need.

At the beginning of the year, a $50,000 charitable gift was awarded to Coachella Valley Rescue Mission. The Impact Grant was used throughout the year to provide food, shelter, and programs for more than 100 seniors, one of the fastest-growing segments of the Valley’s homeless population. And that includes people like Ernest Gonzales from Indio. “I had no way out. Nowhere to go. And I felt like God led me here, pushed me towards this place. And I’m just so honored to be here,” he said.

In the spring, a surprise gift of $30,000 was presented to Big Hearts for Little Hearts Desert Guild, which is dedicated to supporting Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital. Cancer remains the leading cause of death from diseases among children and teens. Each year, more than 2,200 children from the Coachella Valley, including James Crieglow, receive treatment at Loma Linda. “They not only provide the treatment and care for him, but they also provide support to the families. Everything from the medications, the operations, the countless clinic visits and stuff, but they help with travel costs as well,” Jameson’s father Jeff said. Jameson is now doing much better, and in good spirits as he continues his recovery.

A $5,000 charitable gift was awarded to 29-PSP, which provides complimentary transportation for active-duty military members and their loved ones between Twentynine Palms and the Palm Springs and Ontario airports. The Impact Grant helped the nonprofit with insurance costs to rent 15 passenger vans for shuttle service. 29-PSP has provided nearly 1,500 rides to military personnel and their families, an increase of 35 percent from last year.

In the summer, Songshine Foundation in Palm Desert received a $10,000 Impact Grant to help with its ongoing program support and long-term sustainability. The nonprofit provides a music-based arts in healthcare program for those with Parkinson’s, stroke, or other neurological challenges. It’s fantastic, because I can tell a huge difference. When I don’t sing, my voice gets very quiet and people have a hard time hearing me. But when I sing, my voice gets stronger and it’s great. It’s made a big difference,” student Pamela Alms said.

The Soroptimist House of Hope received a $50,000 charitable gift. The residential addiction program in Desert Hot Springs is helping women to establish and maintain sober and healthy lives. The Impact Grant contributed to the nonprofit’s capital campaign to transform its new ranch into a 14-bed residential facility.

And finally this year, Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert received a $40,000 Impact Grant to support satellite offices in Mecca and Desert Hot Springs to bring services directly to these communities.

So add everything up: This year, Impact Grants totaling more than $186,000 were presented to six Valley nonprofits. The grants are awarded on the concept that through service, funding, and awareness we are making a difference together. And in 2026, Impact Grants will continue to improve lives and help those in need!

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Jesus Reyes

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – In an effort to crack down on excessive speeding and prevent deadly vehicle collisions, the California State Transportation Agency announced a pilot program today to immediately review drivers cited for driving more than 100 mph.

The state transportation agency is working with the Department of Motor Vehicles and California Highway Patrol on the initiative known as Forwarded Actions for Speeding Tickets, or FAST. It’s part of a statewide effort to reverse what state officials describe as an alarming rise in traffic fatalities.  

Under the pilot initiative, citations for excessive speeding will be automatically forwarded to the DMV’s Driver Safety Branch — no matter their prior record. The DMV will then review the case and the driver’s history to determine next steps, which could include suspension or revocation of their driver’s license.  

This administrative process can happen independently of any court conviction, according to CalSTA.

The pilot program builds on the DMV’s existing Driver Safety Branch enforcement and Negligent Operator Treatment System partnership with CHP.   

“The FAST pilot reflects our commitment to innovation, accountability and prevention — using real-time information to intervene before dangerous driving turns deadly,” California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin said in a statement. “This is about protecting lives and delivering on our shared responsibilities to make our roads safer for everyone.”   

According to CalSTA, CHP officers issue about 1,600 citations per month to drivers caught speeding more than 100 mph. In 2024, CHP officers issued more than 18,000 of such citations.

The CHP recently deployed a new fleet of low-profile specifically marked patrol cars on the state’s busiest and high-risk roads, in part, to catch speeding drivers.

“We want to take immediate action against dangerous drivers before their carelessness leads to a deadly crash,” DMV Director Steve Gordon said in a statement. “We’re being proactive, and together with our CHP partners, we’re ready to put the brakes on this reckless behavior.”  

Speeding remains a major factor in traffic deaths statewide, contributing to 32% of all fatalities, according to CalSTA officials.   

The DMV will evaluate the program’s impact by comparing citation and outcome data to the same period in the previous year.

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Kendall Flynn

CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Reports of immigration enforcement in Cathedral City had local Hispanic communities reacting Monday. Multiple viewers reported ICE activity near the Target and Cardenas shopping centers.

Details remain limited; we’re working on getting additional information. Cathedral City issued a statement to News Channel 3:

“The City is not involved in any federal immigration enforcement activities and, in compliance with California state law, does not coordinate with, assist in, or receive advance notice of such operations.

The City of Cathedral City has been classified as a Sanctuary City since 2017, following a City Council vote that limits local law enforcement’s cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Cathedral City Police does not enforce civil immigration laws, nor do officers ask about an individual’s immigration status when responding to calls for service. Our focus remains exclusively on local public safety.”

ICE has appeared to be very active in the Coachella Valley over the past week, with reports throughout cities including Palm Springs, La Quinta, and Indio.

On Friday, a crash scene a vehicle that was being followed by ICE agents crashed into a wall.

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Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A 47-year-old man was arrested after a traffic stop in Yucca Valley led to law enforcement seizing ghost guns, drugs, and suspected explosives.

The traffic stop happened on Dec. 17 near the intersection of Twentynine Palms Highway and Kickapoo Trail.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, deputies determined that the driver, identified as James Gagnon, was out on bail for possession of a controlled substance while armed.

“During the investigation, Gagnon was found to be in possession of a “Ghost” firearm with an extended magazine, ammunition, an AR-15-style “Ghost” rifle, an electronic vehicle key-cloning device, and suspected methamphetamine,” reads a news release by the agency.

Based on the information obtained during the traffic stop, detectives and deputies continued their investigation into Gagnon. 

Investigators served a search warrant at Gagnon’s residence and located several rounds of ammunition, rifle magazines, suspected controlled substances, and suspected explosive materials. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Bomb and Arson Detail responded to the residence and recovered the suspected explosive materials.

Gagnon is currently being held at the West Valley Detention Center without bail.

He was officially charged Monday. His charges include Possession of Destructive Device in a Private Habitation, Felon/Addict/Etc Possess Firearm, Possess Controlled Substance While Armed With Loaded/Etc Firearm. Gagnon pleaded not guilty to all charges and is scheduled to return to court on Dec. 26.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is asked to contact Deputy R. Quiroz or Detective Tyler A. Bengard at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Morongo Basin Station, at (760) 366 4175. Those wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME.

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KESQ News Team

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – It’s time for this week’s Living Healthy segment. Today it’s a story for the guys in the room. Prostate artery embolization is a minimally invasive treatment that helps men suffering from an enlarged prostate.

The treatment uses a tiny catheter in the wrist or groin and blocks blood flow to shrink the prostate. This will relieve symptoms like frequent urinary, urination and nighttime urgency to use the restroom.

Dr. Sonny Bagla, interventional radiologist for the Urologic Institute, says untreated secondary complications are even worse.

“A prostate untreated, which is causing obstruction, can lead a man to get urinary tract infections, bladder stones. Ultimately, a man can end up with a catheter,” Bagla said.

After the procedure, Bagla says it takes about 4 to 12 weeks for the prostate to shrink, and most men simply notice a better quality of life after treatment.

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Jesus Reyes

YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – Michael Ramos Jr., former star Quarterback for Yucca Valley High School, is not expected to survive after being injured in a shooting Sunday night, authorities said Tuesday.

The shooting was reported at around 9:50 p.m. on the 57000 block of Chipmunk Trail.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the shooting was at a party. Ramos, 18, was involved in an argument with another man, identified as Nicholas Daniel Lee, 29, of Yucca Valley. Lee allegedly shot Ramos and fled the location.

Michael Ramos Jr.

Lee was found hiding in the area and arrested. He was charged on Wednesday with murder, attempted murder, among several other charges, according to court records. Lee remains in custody on $2 million bail.

Authorities said homicide detectives were provided with an update from the hospital on Ramos’ condition and learned Ramos is not expected to survive. According to a GoFundMe page set up to help Ramos’ family, the 18-year-old will be taken off life support later this week.

Lee remains in custody on $2 million bail.

Ramos graduated from Yucca Valley High School in 2025, setting various records in his time as QB and helping lead the school to their first CIF-SS title game since 1996.

A community vigil is scheduled to take place on Trojan Field at Yucca Valley High School on Friday at 11 a.m., weather permitting.

The suspect remains in custody on $2 million bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He is expected to appear in court on Wednesday.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the Homicide Detail at 909-890-4904.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous should contact We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or go to wetip.com.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Fans tossed more than 20,000 teddy bears onto the ice during the Coachella Valley Firebirds’ fourth annual Teddy Bear Toss Night at Acrisure Arena, the hockey team announced today.   

The toss occurred after Firebirds’ forward Oscar Molgaard scored the first goal 2:30 into the first period during the team’s game Friday against the Bakersfield Condors.

“This night is such a powerful reminder of what this community is capable of when we come together,” Executive Director of One Valley Foundation Kate Spates said in a statement. “Each teddy bear represents comfort, joy, and care for a child who needs it most. The generosity of Firebirds fans continues to inspire us, and we are incredibly grateful to everyone who helped make this year’s Teddy Bear Toss such a meaningful success.”  

The 22,029 stuffed animals collected will be distributed through One Valley Foundation, the charitable arm of the Firebirds’ organization, and donated to local first responders, including fire and police departments in the Coachella Valley, 29 Palms Marine Corps Toys for Tots and Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.   

Fans have helped donate more than 72,000 teddy bears and other stuffed animals for more than four seasons for children in need, officials said.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nurses in Palm Springs continue to fight for better working conditions, gathering Monday night to rally again.

Nurses gathered outside of Desert Regional Medical Center for a candlelight vigil as contract negotiations with Tenet Healthcare Corporation, which operates the hospital, continue.

Officials with the California Nurses Association/National Nurses United said the union members are pushing for safer working conditions, including more staffing, assured meal and rest breaks and stepped-up orientation requirements for new hires.

The nurses also conducted a food drive to benefit The Path, an outreach and engagement program for chronically homeless adults. Attendees were encouraged to bring non-perishable food items.

News Channel 3 reached out to the hospital about the demonstration. A spokesperson provided the following statement:

“Patients and their loved ones can be assured that Desert Care Network hospitals are appropriately staffed with qualified and experienced nurses. The California Nurses Association (CNA), the labor union that represents our nursing staff, is holding this demonstration due to the fact that the parties are currently negotiating a new collective bargaining agreement, rather than any substantiated concerns about patient safety. We continue to bargain in good faith with the union in hopes of reaching a fair contract for our nursing staff. Our focus has been and continues to remain on the excellent care we provide our community, as well as providing a safe work environment for our employees.”

Desert Care Network

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Rain is coming to the Coachella Valley, bringing flooding risk to roadways and the desert’s washes.

The valley’s unhoused population often seeks shelter underneath those overpasses and bridges that are threatened by the incoming storms.

The Palm Springs Police Department says they are working to clear those areas to keep them safe from dangerous floodwaters.

The National Weather Service’s Flood Watch for the Coachella Valley will go into effect at 4:00 p.m. on Tuesday and last until 10:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Christmas Eve. The First Alert Weather Alert team anticipates the most significant rainfall to occur between 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday. On the high end, current estimates place rainfall totals for Palm Springs in the ballpark of 1.5 inches.

News Channel 3 is speaking with law enforcement about the effort to keep the desert’s homeless population safe and will have more tonight. Stay with us for the latest.

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