Category: kesq-local-news

Cynthia White

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Hot Springs Police say they arrested a man following reports of a suspicious person wearing a ski mask and carrying a handgun.

Officers located the man hiding by the dumpsters near a local hotel early Thursday morning.

Police report the suspect was still wearing the ski mask and was initially uncooperative, but they were soon able to detain him and discovered he was in possession of a handgun.

He was also confirmed to be a convicted felon currently on parole for assault with a deadly weapon.

The man was arrested on multiple charges. 

You can view the original article here: https://kesq.com/news/2025/04/17/suspicious-person-wearing-a-ski-mask-and-carrying-a-gun-arrested-in-desert-hot-springs/

Suspicious person wearing a ski mask and carrying a gun arrested in Desert Hot Springs

Luis Avila

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A much less frustrating beginning for thousands of campers.

You may remember last week’s scenes, with some people waiting for hours and hours, trying to get into the camping areas.

As a result, organizers addressing staffing shortages and adding 12 new toll plazas to keep traffic off the roads. Gates to the campground were also opened earlier than scheduled.

Festival-goers say they’re seeing those improvements.

“When planning this trip we knew that weekend 2 would be better because they fix all the issues from weekend one. So weekend one, all the traffic, the mess, people in line for 10 hours.” 

Abraham Flores, festival-goer

“I actually did not concerns because a lot of people like to go to weekend one including influencers. Weekend two is more of like a chill weekend so I don’t think it’ll that much packed.”

Angelina Dieu, festival-goer

Indio PD releasing a statement Thursday reading:

The traffic conditions for today’s campers arriving early went smoothly with no major issues. There are no significant issues to report from the traffic this morning. The allied agencies’ traffic teams and concert staff did an excellent job of keeping the traffic moving.

Officials are reminding surrounding residents to use alternate routes to avoid any possible traffic delays.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

You can view the original article here: https://kesq.com/news/2025/04/17/festival-goers-seeing-traffic-improvements-for-coachella-festival-weekend-2/

Festival-goers seeing traffic improvements for Coachella Festival Weekend 2

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A Palm Desert man was arrested and charged with possessing child pornography after separate incidents in the bathroom of a local restaurant, authorities announced.

Joseph Seiders, 44, of Palm Desert, was arrested on April 9 at the Chick-fil-A on Dinah Shore Drive in Palm Desert, according to county jail records.

Seiders had been a drummer for the Canadian indie rock band “The New Pornographers” since 2014. The band performed at Coachella in 2007 and 2011.

A spokesperson for The New Pornographers provided a statement Thursday night, saying, “Everyone in the band is absolutely shocked, horrified and devastated by the news of the charges against Joe Seiders – and we have immediately severed all ties with him. Our hearts go out to everyone who has been impacted by his actions.”

Sieders’ arrest came after two separate incidents were reported at the bathroom of the restaurant, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office.

The first incident was reported just before 4 p.m. on Monday, April 7. Authorities said an 11-year-old told deputies that a man recorded him on a cell phone while he was using the restroom.

Two days later, at around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 9, deputies received a report from an employee that a man was entering and exiting the restroom with minors. Deputies responded and were able to take the suspect, identified as Seiders, into custody. Investigators believed Seiders was the same suspect in both incidents.

The Palm Desert Station Investigations Bureau served search warrants for Seiders’ residence, vehicle, and cell phone.

“Evidence was located implicating him in the two reported incidents, along with additional crimes, including possessing child pornography,” reads a news release by the Sheriff’s Office.

Seiders was booked into the John Benoit Detention Center in Indio. He was charged with possession of minor in sexual act, annoying/molesting a child, conceal camera of any type w/ intent to invade privacy, and attempted to conceal camera without consent.

He is scheduled to return to court for a felony settlement conference Tuesday at the Larson Justice Center in Indio.

The investigation remains ongoing. The Riverside Sheriff’s Office believes there may be additional victims and encourages anyone with information related to this investigation to contact Investigator Iniguez at 760–836–1600 or Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatched at 951–776–1099.

Stay with News Channel 3 for any updates.

You can view the original article here: https://kesq.com/news/2025/04/17/palm-desert-man-charged-with-child-porn-possession-accused-of-recording-minor-in-restaurant-bathroom/

Palm Desert man charged with child porn possession, accused of recording minor in restaurant bathroom

City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Friends of the Desert Mountains and local partners, including the Bighorn Institute, are continuing efforts to protect endangered desert Bighorn sheep by educating hikers about the risks posed by off-leash dogs.

The desert Bighorn sheep habitat ranges from the San Jacinto Mountains to south of the U.S.-Mexico border, with the Bighorn Institute managing two herds in the San Jacinto and northern Santa Rosa mountains, the institute said in a statement.

A pop-up visitor information tent at Homme-Adams trailhead in Cathedral City was set up Wednesday to inform visitors about proper trail etiquette, including keeping dogs leashed.

According to the Friends organization, the sheep view dogs as canine predators such as coyotes, which can cause the Bighorn to leave their feeding and watering sites.

“If Bighorn sheep habituate to dogs, they won’t teach their lambs to respond properly and they could be killed by coyotes,” biologist Aimee J. Byard said in a statement.

To help prevent disturbance, only two dogs are permitted on-leash when entering the monuments of La Cove Oasis trailhead and the trails connecting Homme-Adams park to Cahuilla Hills park in Palm Desert. In addition, Carrizo Canyon and Dead Indian Canyon are temporarily closed to everyone from January until September for Bighorn lambing season.

The Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy and the Bureau of Land Management also support the protection effort.   

Coachella Valley Mountains Conservancy Executive Director Elizabeth King says, “We all own and love our dogs as well, so this is not an anti-dog campaign. We’re just asking that folks recreate responsibly in the lambing habitats.”

“We appreciate that many residents value access to our wonderful natural area, but that access cannot be taken for granted,” said Friends of the Desert executive director Tammy Martin. “The public also has a part to play protecting our endangered species in recreating responsibly.”

News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with both Tammy Martin and Elizabeth King about the current efforts to protect the Bighorn sheep.

Click here to follow the original article.

Garrett Hottle

As temperatures climb in the Coachella Valley, mosquito season is starting to take hold—and this year, Palm Springs is earning some national attention for all the wrong reasons.

A recent report from Terminix ranks Palm Springs at No. 17 on its list of the 50 most mosquito-infested cities in the U.S. But local experts say that number may not tell the whole story.

Terminix is sharing its list of the 50 cities with the most mosquitoes from 2024. The list was compiled using service data from Terminix branches throughout the country and based on where residents used the highers number of mosquito control services in 2024. (Terminix.com)

Robert C. Gaona, public information manager at the Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control Management District, noted that the ranking appears to be based on service requests in the broader Palm Springs area, though it’s unclear which cities were included in that data. “Our district covers the entire Coachella Valley,” he said. “So it’s hard to say how accurate that ranking is for the region as a whole.”

Still, the timing of the report lines up with the beginning of the local mosquito season. Warmer weather triggers a spike in mosquito activity, and officials are already preparing for what’s ahead.

“It’s the start of our season,” Gaona said. “Temperatures are getting a little warmer, so that’s right in line with when we typically see mosquito activity ramping up.”

So far this year, no mosquitoes in the area have tested positive for disease, but surveillance efforts are already underway. The district expects to detect West Nile virus in native Culex mosquitoes as the season progresses, a pattern seen year after year.

This week, the district is using Mosquito Awareness Week as a chance to remind residents of simple steps they can take to cut down on mosquito breeding spots. At the top of the list: get rid of standing water.

“Even something like a saucer under a flowerpot or a water bowl left outside for pets can become a breeding ground,” Gaona said. Clogged drains and overwatered lawns can also be problem areas, especially where water collects and stagnates.

In addition to clearing out water sources, using mosquito repellent is key. Gaona recommends applying repellent directly to skin or clothing, and said there are plenty of options on the market for residents to choose from.

He also pointed out that the risk doesn’t stop at home. Last year, California saw 18 locally acquired dengue cases—highlighting the need for travelers to stay protected and remain cautious even after returning home.

To combat the growing mosquito population, the district uses a combination of tools, including field treatments, traps, and even drones, particularly around areas like the Salton Sea. All of these services are offered free of charge.

“We’re a special district, so we can provide these services to residents at no cost,” Gaona explained. “If anyone needs help, we’ll come out to their property, walk the yard, and help identify problem spots. We don’t go inside homes, but we do everything we can to help outside.”

As the season kicks off, officials are urging residents to stay alert, take action early, and use the resources available.

“Mosquitoes are still very much a part of life in the valley,” Gaona said. “But with the right steps, we can all do our part to keep them in check.”

For more information on the Coachella Valley Mosquito Control and Vector Control District and their services, visit this link.

You can view the original article here: https://kesq.com/news/2025/04/17/mosquito-season-is-back-in-coachella-valley-and-palm-springs-lands-among-most-infested-u-s-cities/

Mosquito Season Is Back in Coachella Valley, and Palm Springs Lands Among Most-Infested U.S. Cities

Kendall Flynn

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival brings nearly 125,000 people to the Empire Polo Club per day, and with two weekends of festival fun, there’s a potential for increased medical emergency visits.

JFK Memorial Hospital saw nearly double the number of people in need of care with 100 people compared to 54 patients in 2024.

And ER Attending Physician Chad Becker said he’s seen concerning cases so far from weekend one.

“We’re seeing a lot of people that lose their friends that are overheating in with temperatures 105 [and] 106 from the festival,” Becker said.

With the hospital located less than three miles from the Empire Polo Grounds, JFK is the closest trauma center to the festival and plays a crucial role in aiding in the health and well-being of festival goers and Indio residents.

Becker said no matter how many people show up to the emergency department, they will be prepared to help.

“We’re very aware of what’s going on in our Valley, so we’re always trying to be prepared for anything that happens at those events,” Becker said.

The care festival goers need ranges, but doctors said they typically treat people for dehydration and substance use. While both are major concerns for the festival, doctors especially warn attendees to not do drugs, but if they do, be aware of the risks.

“I’ve seen a lot of people who thought that they’ve used one substance, and they’re testing positive for other substances,” Becker said. “So there’s a lot. You just don’t know what you’re going to get.”

We spoke with festival goers shopping outside the grounds for supplies to see if they’ve prepared safety items. Many reported buying water and bringing bandaid, but some attendees are preparing for everyones safety.

“We have a first aid kit with us, and then we also have Narcan just to have for our group as well as any other groups because you never know what can happen,” Jane Vasquez said. “And then always just reminding each other just take care of one another.”

Even with the heightened hospital patients, JKF says residents should not delay seeking medical care to avoid crowds and say they are able to care for festival goers and patients alike.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more from JFK Memorial Hospital on what they expect in Weekend 2 and how attendee’s are preparing.

Athena Jreij

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) — For some, Coachella Valley’s festival season means late night concerts, rave wear and a boom in tourism for the desert.

But offshoots of the popular Coachella Valley Arts and Music Festival, like ‘Farmchella,’ are hoping to show appreciation for forgotten parts of the Coachella Valley, field laborers.

The annual event, presented by Celebration Nation, has planned an evening of entertainment, resource distribution and giveaways.

The event comes as local nonprofits, like TODEC, are also raising awareness about the true underbelly of the Coachella Valley through advertisements like ‘The Real Coachella’ billboard.

The 10 billboards placed across the Coachella Valley, Inland Empire and Los Angeles County, want to present a new image of Coachella to festival-goers. One that appreciates the work of Southern California’s field laborers, who TODEC says generates over $512 billion in revenue.

“Coachella Valley is very recognized for the festival, the Coachella Festival. But this festival is only two weeks. What’s left the rest of the year? Our farmworkers,” Sandra Reyes, a program coordinator for TODEC said.

Reyes says over the past few months, a tense immigration climate has raised fears in many of their farmworker clients.

“Because of the doubt and the concerns, e have seen that in the fields the workers don’t go to work,” Reyes said.

Now, as TODEC navigates uncertain immigration terrain, they’re hoping festival-goers will think of the ‘real Coachella’ during their next visit to the desert.

For TODEC resources, visit: https://todec.org/