Category: kesq-local-news

Gavin Nguyen

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Volunteers gave their time to care for nature Sunday morning.

The City of Palm Desert and Friends of the Desert Mountains hosted a cleanup at Homme-Adams Park (72500 Thrush Road, Palm Desert, CA). The cleanup kicked off at 8:00 a.m.

Although National Public Lands Day traditionally happens in September, the city typically hosts the cleanup in November in favor of cooler temperatures. This year, though, they were forced to reschedule to February due to rain.

Volunteers assisted with trail cleanup and park maintenance, including removing dead plants, trimming bushes and trees, hauling debris and light grading. The event highlights the importance of environmental stewardship and caring for the Coachella Valley’s unique and fragile desert ecosystem.

One of three groups hikes to their cleanup spot at Homme-Adams Park

Executive Director of Friends of the Desert Mountains, Tammy Martin, said of the event, “You want to do the cleanup. You don’t want the trash choking out things. You just want your nature to to be able to breathe, not to be choked out by debris and all that kind of stuff. So just keeping it natural and beautiful is our goal.”

Dozens of volunteers were split into three groups. Many of them collected trash, including broken glass, old metal cans, construction debris, plastics, and chunks of concrete.

Before the cleanup started, a park bench was also dedicated to former Palm Desert Councilman Buford Crites, a longtime advocate for trails, parks, and open space.

Palm Desert Mayor, Evan Trubee, and Friends of the Desert Mountains Executive Director, Tammy Martin, lead a ceremony dedicating a bench to Buford Crites

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Daniella Lake

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Friends and family members held a vigil this morning for Ricardo Marano, a 56-year-old man who was killed by a hit and run crash on January 18th on Vista Chino.

The vigil began on Hermosa before attendees walked to Ruth Hardy Park.

Marano was known in the community for taking walks in the neighborhood.

Loved ones have also set up a memorial along Vista Chino.

Police have seized a car matching the description of a suspect vehicle in Thousand Palms, but have not announced an arrest

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Isaiah Mora

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ)- Two people are in the hospital with serious injuries following an overnight rollover crash in Coachella on Sunday morning.

Around 12:37 a.m., Firefighters responded to a reported vehicle rollover near Airport Boulevard and Grapefruit Boulevard. Upon arrival, fire crews reported seeing one vehicle with major damage and two patients that required extrication.

Both patients were extricated from the vehicle and were transported to a nearby hospital, with serious injuries. We’re told one patient was airlifted to the hospital.

California Highway Patrol is investigating what led up to the crash, so make sure to stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

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Gavin Nguyen

INDIO HILLS, Calif. (KESQ) – A magnitude 3.3 earthquake struck at 1:20 a.m. early Sunday morning.

The small quake was centered in the same area as previous quakes in recent weeks, like a M 4.9 earthquake that rattled the Coachella Valley on January 19th.

We’re keeping a close eye on any other tremors in the area. Stay with us for the latest.

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Athena Jreij

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Dozens of locals and visitors are exploring some of the best natural mineral hot springs in the world right here in the Coachella Valley.

At the Miracle Hill Spa Tour, attendees can tour 13 spas and experience over 80 activities, including yoga, meditation, workshops and spa treatments.

As the event sells out, Tourism Development Liaison, Rayce Jonsrud, says it’s a testament to the city’s increased presence in the wellness space.

“I would say that that the the people that come here are all interested in what spas offer, which is relaxation, a chance to chill, and in a way to kind of set your clock back a little bit and just kind of relax,” Jonsrud said.

The water comes all the way from Mount San Gorgonio to reach the city.

“This hot water comes up from San Gorgonio. It takes about seven years to get here. That comes out of the ground pretty hot from 105 to 175, and they cool it off with the other mineral water that’s cold.”

From small boutique stays like Miracle Manor, to world-class resorts like Two Bunch Palms and Azure Palm Hot Springs, there’s something for everyone.

At Azure, you’ll find the only Himalayan salt room in Coachella Valley, reaching up to 110 degrees. Laying in the salt is supposed to help with lymphatic drainage and clear your respiratory system.

In the same resort, you’ll also find the 29 degree ice room, which is supposed to reduce inflammation and soreness and increase one’s blood flow. The concept is halotherapy, meant to shock your body from extremely cold to hot temperatures.

Others say soaking in the mineral springs can reduce joint pain, muscle tension and soothe skin conditions like psoriasis and eczema.

It’s a form of self care that also goes back into the community.

“It supports all the things that we do here, and this is a community on the rise. When I came here 20 years ago, it was a little bit different. It just feels different now. We’re putting in curb and gutter where we’re doing all kinds of road improvements, and it just feels good,” Jonsrud said.

For a full list of the hotels featured and more information on the tour, visit: https://m.miraclehillspas.com/spa-tour/

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Timothy Foster

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – At a time when many LGBTQ people say they are feeling isolated or uncertain, a community event in Palm Springs aimed to remind people they are not alone.

The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert hosted its ninth annual Info-A-Go-Go on Saturday at Hotel Zoso, bringing together more than 50 local organizations offering resources, support, and opportunities for connection. Organizers say the event is especially important right now, as national rhetoric and ongoing social tensions have left many people searching for safe and welcoming spaces.

Info-A-Go-Go serves as a one stop information fair, connecting community members with volunteer opportunities, social clubs, advocacy groups, and support services across the Coachella Valley. The goal of the event is to reduce isolation and help people find community.

Lex Ortega, chief programs officer at the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, said it is easy for people to feel isolated or fearful right now and that events like Info-A-Go-Go help remind the community that staying connected builds strength.

In addition to LGBTQ focused organizations, the event included allied groups providing immigration resources, health services, youth support, and community activities. Organizers said these partnerships help ensure people know where to find trusted support.

The center estimates more than 500 people attended the event, many learning about resources they were not previously aware of. For some attendees, the event offered more than information and served as a chance to find connection and belonging.

Organizers said Info-A-Go-Go reflects the center’s ongoing mission to build community and ensure people do not feel alone. The event is expected to return next year.

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Gavin Nguyen

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Recreation District hosted a town hall/conference in Indio on Saturday to gather input from veterans about what events and activities could benefit them.

It was the first time the discussion was hosted, with organizers of the event saying they plan to turn it into an annual conversation.

Veteran shares input with Desert Recreation District in Indio

Scott Sear, DRD’s Public Information and Legislative Affairs Officer, said, “We can’t implement programs without veterans programs being designed by them – have their veteran’s input. It’s so important because it’s the least we could do to our veterans and give back to not only to the veterans, but their families that have sacrificed.”

Some of the input gathered during today’s event: activities and events that veterans are looking for, what obstacles they may face when trying to go to certain events, and where veterans’ events should be held.

The discussion lasted more than half an hour, with many veterans asking for things like mental health retreats, different sports and recreational activities, and classes to help other service members transition back into civilian life. District organizers actively listened and took down the suggestions they heard from veterans.

Desert Recreation District staff took down notes as they listened to input from veterans

Several local leaders, like La Quinta Councilman Steve Sanchez, California Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez, and Riverside County Supervisor V. Manuel Perez were in attendance.

After the event, Sear said it was now up to the District to work in tandem with those local leaders to bring the Coachella Valley’s veteran population the programs and activities they deserve.

He said it the District’s goal to bring pilot programs within the next 30 to 90 days.

If you have any suggestions or input to share with Desert Recreation District staff, you are encouraged to contact them directly by email: VetRec@drd.us.com

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Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Democrats of Sun City Shadow Hills is hosting a “signs of fascism” protest in Indio at 10 a.m. The protest will take place near the Food 4 Less parking lot, located at 82124 CA-111, Indio, CA 92201.

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Jesus Reyes

UPDATE 1/31/2026:

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Springs Police say the suspect was arrested Saturday morning after a community member shared they were spotted near the crime scene.

Officers say the suspect was arrested without incident.

1/30/2026:

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Police are searching for an armed suspect in Palm Springs Friday evening.

Police searched the area west of N Indian Canyon, south of San Rafael, north of San Carlos.

The Palm Springs Police Department said shortly after 8 p.m. that officers cleared the area and were unable to locate the suspect. Authorities advise anyone who sees a person matching the suspect’s description to call 911.

Officers are searching for a man, described as five feet, eight inches tall, weighing 180 lbs, with short dark hair and a light mustache. He has tattoos on his chest and upper shoulder area.

He was shirtless with gray sweat shorts and black flip flops or white shoes.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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KESQ News Team

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Rancho Mirage Writers Festival came to an end on Friday. The three-day festival featured literary powerhouses and some of the biggest names in politics and culture today.

News Channel 3 caught up with popular author Taylor Jenkins Reid, author of Daisy Jones and the Six and the Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo. Her latest book is called Atmosphere, about an aspiring female astronaut.

Reid talked about the decline in the number of people reading for pleasure.

“I think that one thing that a lot of people forget, and one thing that’s great about book people is they haven’t forgotten, is that reading is fun. Reading is supposed to be fun, and we’re going to get things from it and we’re going to learn things from it, but it’s first and foremost fun,” Reid said.

A University of Florida study shows the number of people reading for pleasure has dropped 40% over the past 20 years. Only 16% read for fun, down from 28% in 2004.

But Reid also talked about the joy that can come from reading and why it’s so important.

“It feels good to open a book and want to keep turning the pages because you can’t wait to see what happens next. So I write books for a lot of reasons, but I never forget that my job is to make it fun for you. My job is to pull you through to the end of the book because that’s what’s gonna make you keep reading,” Reid said.

Passes for the festival this year sold out in three minutes.

If you’d like to watch any of the sessions, festival organizers are live streaming all sessions for the first time. They will be posting them online later at https://rmwritersfest.org/

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