Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — It was a tough week for many of our local teams here in Week 4 of the high school football season.

Only two desert programs came away with wins this week. See below for the schedule and scores.

Thursday 9/10

Rancho Mirage 18 at Tahquitz 34 29 Palms 14 at Rubidoux 47

Friday 9/11

Xavier Prep 68 at Cathedral City 0 Colton 57 at Palm Springs 34 Hesperia 29 at La Quinta 22 Yucaipa 13 at Palm Desert 31 Granite Hills 27 at Desert Hot Springs 23 Palo Verde Valley 61 at Coachella Valley 23 Shadow Hills 7 at Bishop Alemany 40 Indio 7 at Western Christian 35

Saturday 9/12

Yucca Valley 7 at Desert Christian Academy 48

Join Blake Arthur and Kendall Flynn for LIVE reports, highlights, scores, interviews and more on Best Local Sports Show every Friday night during the season.

News Channel 3 is your home for high school football in the Coachella Valley.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Local students are being recognized with this month’s “Do the Right Thing Award,” a partnership between the Palm Springs Police Dept. and News Channel 3.

10 students got the honor on Thursday, from elementary to high schools valley-wide.

Henry Maclean Rubin Yanez Jesus Segura Fernando Martinez-Esteban Dayanara barriga-huitron William millan Tyson gainey Hunter Wallace Anthony Valdez Michael Camargo, a preschooler and special addition to our usual 9 winners this month

Do the Right Thing recognizes and rewards school-age youths in the Greater Palm Springs area for their positive attitude, behavior, and accomplishments. Click here to nominate a student

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Jesus Reyes

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Stagecoach Country Music Festival released a video Thursday teasing Florida Georgia Line as headliners for 2027.

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The popular pop-country music duo of Tyler Hubbard and Bryan Kelley, dominated the charts with their 2012 hit “Cruise.” They continued to have success in the genre until they went on hiatus in 2022, with Hubbard and Kelley launching solo careers.

Florida Georgia Line reunited at the CMA Fest in June.

FGL headlined Stagecoach in 2018 with a set that included the “Walmart Yodeling Kid” Mason Ramsey.

The three-day festival will take place from April 23-25, 2027 at the Empire Polo Club in Indio. The lineup has not been released.

Tickets went on sale in June, you can still join the waitlist at stagecoachfestival.com/passes/.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing coverage on the Stagecoach and Coachella festival.s

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Lieutenant William Hutchinson is retiring from the Palm Springs Police Department after 30 years.

Hutchinson joined PSPD as a Police Explorer at 14, became a Reserve Police Officer at 19, and was hired full-time in 1998. He served in patrol and as a Field Training Officer, then advanced from street-level to major narcotics investigations.

As a member of the Inland Crackdown Allied Task Force (INCA), Hutchinson and his team received the White House Office of National Drug Control Policy’s 2004 HIDTA award for outstanding cooperative effort after dismantling a Guadalajara-based drug trafficking pipeline into the Inland Empire. In another investigation, he helped seize more than $2 million in U.S. currency connected to a large-scale cartel operation.

He also served on PSPD’s SWAT and Crime Suppression teams, seizing multiple pounds of illicit drugs and hundreds of thousands in U.S. currency.

While assigned to patrol, Hutchinson established PSPD’s social media presence. As a sergeant, he continued that work while leading the Public Information Office. He responded to critical incidents, including serving as incident commander during the 2025 fertility clinic bombing.

For more than two decades, Hutchinson served on the Police Officers’ Association and Police Management Association boards in roles including president and vice president. He advocated for members and managed high-profile campaigns.

As a lieutenant, Hutchinson oversaw personnel, training, hiring, and recruiting before commanding the Investigations Bureau. He later founded and built the Coachella Valley Real Time Intelligence Center, developing partnerships with agencies throughout the region. He also helped launch PSPD’s Drone as First Responder program and led its technology governance implementation, creating a blueprint referenced by agencies across California.

In his own words: “I am beyond grateful to the community of Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. This city has given me a good life and provided for me and my family. The years have brought tremendous experience, pain, joy, and many challenges—and for all of it, I am forever grateful.”

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Greater Palm Springs Pride announced the honorees for the 2026 Pride Honors Awards.

The awards celebrate individuals and organizations whose dedication, advocacy, and leadership have made a lasting impact on the LGBTQ+ community across the Coachella Valley and beyond.

Organizers said this year’s ceremony carries special significance as Palm Springs marks the 40th Anniversary of Pride, a legacy sparked in 1986 when the Desert Business Association helped lay the foundation for the region’s first Pride celebration.

The 2026 Pride Honors Awards will be presented on September 24, 2026, at the Palm Springs Hilton. Tickets on pspride.org.

Spirit of Pride Award: André Chambers

Presented to an individual who enhances the quality of life in the region by raising awareness to advance equality, promote diversity, and celebrate the strength and talent of the LGBTQ+ community.Known affectionately as the “Gay Glitter Mayor of Palm Springs,” André Chambers is an author, artist, advocate, and registered nurse specializing in addiction recovery. A former Eagle LA Mr. Leather titleholder, Chambers brings compassion and visibility to every corner of his work—from mentoring within the leather community to advocating for transgender youth. His story of resilience is featured in the award-winning documentary Merman.

Business of Pride Award: Andy Wysocki & Bill Sanderson (Townie Bagels)

Celebrating LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and inclusive businesses that blend commercial excellence with advocacy and set the standard for economic empowerment, driving innovation, and proving that authenticity and equality are the cornerstones of lasting success.After relocating to Palm Springs in 2007, partners Andy Wysocki and Bill Sanderson turned a quest for an authentic New York-style bagel into a beloved local institution. Founded at the local Farmers’ Market and established in Warm Sands in 2015, Townie Bagels serves as a neighborhood anchor rooted in traditional baking, active community support, and a 35-year partnership.

Spirit of Stonewall Organization of the Year: Desert Business Association (DBA)

Recognizing an outstanding group with a proven commitment to supporting the LGBTQ+ community in the Coachella Valley.Founded in 1979, the DBA is one of the nation’s oldest LGBTQ+ chambers of commerce. Representing over 375 members, the DBA champions small businesses through networking, educational programming, and contract readiness. Notably, the DBA played a foundational role in launching Palm Springs Pride 40 years ago. Before becoming a street parade, Palm Springs Pride began in the mid-1980s as the DBA’s indoor “Sizzle” fundraisers. Early organizers shaped its foundation: Bob Hoven co-founded the 1986 event during the AIDS crisis; Dr. Barry Woods ensured financial survival; Dr. Herb Lazenby unified the community; and Greg Pettis moved Pride into public spaces by 1990.

Spirit of Stonewall Friend of Pride Award: Kristie Dore

Honoring an ally whose unwavering dedication, leadership, and heart have helped build a more inclusive Coachella Valley. This award celebrates an individual who uses their platform to advocate for equality, elevate LGBTQ+ voices, and stand shoulder-to-shoulder with our community over time.As Director of Event Services at the Palm Springs Convention Center for 13 years, Kristie Dore has led the execution of major regional events, including the Harvey Milk Breakfast and conferences for the National LGBT Chamber of Commerce and the LGBTQ+ International Travel Association. As a board member for the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, Dore has dedicated her career to creating inclusive, welcoming spaces across the valley.

Community Service Award: Leslie Barclay

Presented in recognition of an extraordinary individual or organization whose selfless dedication, tireless volunteerism, and visionary leadership uplift our community, creating a lasting legacy of compassion, empowerment, and meaningful progress for all.Serving as the LGBTQ Specialist at Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits, Leslie Barclay has spent four decades championing inclusion and opportunity across the industry. Since 1994, she has leveraged corporate partnerships to fuel vital grassroots initiatives, lending tireless support to civil rights advocates, regional community centers, local health initiatives, and statewide equality organizations.

Spirit of Stonewall Volunteer of the Year: Randy Perrin

Presented in celebration of an exceptional advocate whose hands-on dedication, unwavering spirit, and selfless grassroots service inspire hope, strengthen our community from the ground up, and turn everyday commitment into transformative action.A longtime advocate who began volunteering during the HIV/AIDS epidemic and helped start the Federal GLOBE Southern California Chapter at the IRS, Randy Perrin has dedicated his retirement to community service. As an active leader with Gay For Good (G4G) Palm Springs, Perrin mobilizes volunteers for environmental cleanups, school projects, and local non-profit support

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Luis Avila

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) — The Palm Desert City Council voted unanimously Thursday to table a proposed resolution asking Southern California Edison to minimize planned power outages during the summer.

The proposal comes after concerns over a maintenance outage in July that would have affected 878 customers during a period of extreme heat. The outage was later rescheduled by SCE.

During Thursday’s meeting, residents shared concerns about the impact planned outages can have on local businesses.

City leaders also raised concerns about how much notice the city and residents receive before planned outages.

“I understand for emergency outages, but we have residents saying even when it’s a planned outage they don’t know until it happens,” said Councilmember Karina Quintanilla.

SCE representatives encouraged residents to use the utility’s online resources to stay informed about planned outages.

“That’s probably the most important thing I will tell you, residents out here, be prepared for anything,” the SCE representative said.

SCE said it is following the guidelines currently in place while balancing planned maintenance with the need to maintain a reliable power grid.

The utility also said rescheduling some maintenance could delay projects and create additional reliability and safety risks.

During the discussion, the Mayor Evan Trubee asked whether SCE could commit to avoiding planned outages during the summer months.

The SCE representative responded, “We can do as much as we can — we try to do outages for five hours or at nights.”

City leaders acknowledged the need for regular maintenance but said they also want to limit the impact outages can have on the community.

The resolution will now return to the council in November, giving city leaders and SCE more time to discuss the proposal and address questions about how planned outages are scheduled and communicated.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Alaska Airlines’ seasonal nonstop service between Palm Springs International Airport and Charles M. Schulz — Sonoma County Airport in Santa Rosa returned today.

“Seasonal service is starting earlier at PSP, and that means more options for our travelers for more of the year,” Victoria Carpenter, interim executive director of aviation, said in a statement. “Santa Rosa is a great way to kick things off, and we’re excited to see airline partners continue extending popular routes beyond the traditional peak winter season.”

The route will operate Thursday through April 25, 2027, with flights offered five days a week, except Tuesdays and Wednesdays, aboard Alaska Airlines’ 76-seat Embraer 175 aircraft, officials said.

Airport officials said the seasonal route returned six weeks earlier than last year. Additionally, other seasonal routes will be back earlier than last year, including Delta’s service to Minneapolis starting Saturday, United Airlines to Houston on Sept. 24, Alaska Airlines’ service to Boise, Idaho on Nov. 20 and Southwest Airlines service to Austin, Texas starting on Nov. 21.

“The growing schedule gives Coachella Valley travelers more opportunities to fly nonstop from their hometown airport while making the beginning of PSP’s busy travel season,” airport officials said.

To find schedules and booking information, go to flyPSP.com/deals.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. — The long-delayed Dream Hotel project is facing another setback after developers missed a key deadline set by the Palm Springs City Council.

The project returned to the council Wednesday after the developer failed to submit a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) for construction by the July 30 deadline. The GMP is a key step in determining the project’s construction cost and readiness to move forward.

The developer was placed in default under the terms of a March agreement. However, city leaders said developers still plan to begin construction by October 1.

The proposed hotel is planned for the northwest corner of Avenida Caballeros and East Amado Road. The project has been in the works in some form since 2007.

Council members also raised concerns about ongoing complaints regarding the site’s fencing and landscaping. The March agreement requires the developer to maintain the property during pre-construction. City officials said they may have to make repairs themselves and fine the developer if the issues continue.

A community meeting is scheduled for October 8, when the developer is expected to provide an update on the project’s latest plans and timeline.

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Kiera McKinney

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)- A breast cancer survivor is using her own experience to help women across Southern California get access to mammograms.

Melanie Lewis, executive director of the Pink Journey Foundation, shared her story Thursday at the Healthy Desert, Healthy You Summit in Rancho Mirage.

Lewis was diagnosed with breast cancer seven years ago despite having no family history. She underwent a bilateral mastectomy, chemotherapy and a preventative hysterectomy. Lewis said having good health insurance and a strong medical team made her realize not every woman has the same access to care.

“I had wonderful health insurance and a wonderful health team that took care of me. And it made me realize not everybody has those same services and I wanted to give back,” Lewis said.

Today, Lewis leads the Pink Journey Foundation, which focuses on breast health education, mentoring and helping women access mammograms.

Through a partnership with Breastlink, the foundation brings a mobile mammography unit into communities, providing no-cost screenings to qualifying women 40 and older. Lewis said insurance is not required.

The program has screened more than 1,200 women in about three and a half years, including women in the Coachella Valley.

Lewis spoke Thursday on a summit panel focused on bringing healthcare beyond traditional clinic walls.

“If my story can help just one person, that’s my goal,” Lewis said.

Her message to women putting off a mammogram: “Get it done.”

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John White

CALEXICO, CA (KESQ) – Encounters in the El Centro Sector of the U.S. Border Patrol have dropped from more than 50,500 in fiscal year 2023 to under 2,000 in the current fiscal year. The reduction in local encounters south of the Coachella Valley comes as nationwide Border Patrol staffing reached a record high of more than 21,000 agents.

The El Centro Sector, which covers the Valley, previously played a key role in a nationwide crackdown on undocumented immigrants. That multi-city effort was directed by former Sector Chief Gregory Bovino during his time as Commander at Large. Following Bovino’s removal from that role and subsequent retirement, the sector has focused its resources directly on border enforcement, utilizing new secondary fencing and upgraded surveillance technology.

Check Out Part 1 of John White’s Report

Assistant Chief of the El Centro Sector, David Kim, gave News Channel 3’s John White a tour of the border area and addressed questions about whether the involvement in operations across the country was a distraction.

Bovino led nationwide operations in cities including Los Angeles, Chicago and Minneapolis, where Renee Good and Alex Pretti, were shot and killed. The operations ultimately led to Bovino’s removal from the role and his retirement from the U.S. Border Patrol.

“I don’t think there’s ever been any, you know, secret that El Centro sector border patrol has was heavily involved in all of that during that mission set,” Kim said. He added that the sector’s primary directive has shifted back to local border security.

“During Chief Bovino’s tenure, obviously every chief’s going to have their own style, and you know the way they conduct business. However, here at the time we had a different mission set that we were engaged in and now our focus is back on the border.”

Border Patrol agents rely on updated infrastructure and surveillance systems to monitor the region, including new secondary fencing and a technology hub mounted on the Calexico water tower in the Imperial Valley. Agents recently used the border wall system’s technology to track a group near the All-American Canal.

“We had some of our technology that’s part of this border wall system pick up a group of aliens that had crossed illegally in this area, made their way to the canal, got to the north side of the canal bank and you know our agents were able to pick it up using that technology and we were able to make the apprehension as you can see really close to the border,” Kim said.

Patrolling in the sector also presents physical hazards, including the New River, which is considered one of the most polluted rivers in the world. Kim recalled falling into the river while attempting to make an arrest earlier in his career as an agent. “Smelled just like an outhouse, basically and yeah, I did have to do a hospital visit over that just to make sure that they did some blood testing and make sure that I didn’t contract anything down here,” Kim said.

Federal border operations have drawn criticism from local law enforcement leaders, including Andy Mills, retired Palm Springs Police Chief, who spoke out regarding the nationwide enforcement tactics used in Minneapolis.

“When you have systemic failure, I mean incident after incident. If that was a local police chief, we’d be gone and rightfully,” Mills said.

Kim responded to the critique by pointing to legal standards regarding law enforcement discretion.

“Well, I mean, everybody’s going to have their own opinion. Every situation, as we discussed earlier, every officer is going to react to any given situation differently. The courts have seen that many, many times over the years and give officers and agents wide latitude on how they perceive and the actions that they take,” Kim said.

The Migration Policy Institute estimates that more than 150,000 unauthorized immigrants live in Riverside County, with many residing in the Coachella Valley. When asked about long-term residents, Kim emphasized legal accountability while noting that local daily enforcement routines remain consistent.

“Well, I mean, at the end of the day, they made a choice whether it was 10 minutes ago if they crossed the border or 20 years ago if they crossed the border. The issue is accountability,” Kim said. He added that residents should not expect drastic changes in local enforcement methods: “there really is no need for alarm. There’s nothing going on out there that we haven’t done in the past. This is operations normal.”

Check Out John White Reporting at the Border Last Year:

I-Team: Uncovering the Truth at the Border – Part 1 I-Team: Uncovering the Truth at the Border, The Other Side Click here to follow the original article.