Category: kesq-local-news

Athena Jreij

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Oscar’s in Palm Springs has set a $40,000 goal on Gofundme asking for the community’s support to keep it’s doors open.

Restaurant owner, Dan Gore, says the Palm Springs landmark is in a dire financial situation due to rising operational and utility costs, repairs, slow summer tourism and increased financial pressure during the Valley’s peak season.

“The air conditioning went out over the summer. It was a huge strain on us to get that replaced. I mean, everything seems to go up. The vendor, the liquor, the food, it’s all continuing to rise, and with the locals who are on a fixed budget, you know, it’s hard to bring the locals in when our prices are continuing to go up,” Gore said.

That AC repair cost them nearly $50,000 and the expenses didn’t end there.

“Our Edison bill runs between $4-5,000 every month during the summer. Insurance has gone up astronomically. If anyone’s had a business and has as many place employees as I have, workers comp insurance, general liability, medical, health insurance for my management team. It all adds up very quickly,” he said.

Gore says those issues have been made worse with slow summers and the expectation of less tourism this year. He says they’ve reported 30% less business compared to last season.

“We’re totally seeking a quarter of $1 million. We don’t want any more band aids. We’ve been on a band aid for several years now, and last summer was very bad for many, many people, and it was hard to recover from last summer.”

Oscar’s isn’t the only LGBTQ-owned business struggling this year, with many owners turning to Gofundme for community support as well. The platform reports over $8 million was fundraised in more than 130,000 donations in 2025 for LGBTQ businesses, covering operating costs, rent and utilities.

For drag performer Lawanda Jackson, a shuttered Oscar’s means one less place for their community to gather.

“When you come here, you have a home. You have a place you can mingle with other guys your age. You can’t do that online. You can’t go to the bars at our age anymore because everything has changed. This gives us reason, gives us vision, and it gives us a place to hug ourselves,” Jackson said.

If you’re interested in supporting Oscar’s, visit: Save Oscar’s Palm Springs.

Click here to follow the original article.

Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. — November 21, 2025 — Valley Sanitary District (VSD) marked a major milestone on Thursday, celebrating its 100th anniversary at the Coachella Valley History Museum.

Established in 1925, VSD has grown from serving fewer than 1,000 residents to providing wastewater collection and treatment for more than 90,000 people across Indio and the eastern Coachella Valley.

At the anniversary event, guests toured historic exhibits, viewed archival photographs, and visited informational booths. The program featured remarks and proclamations from state and local leaders.

State Water Board Chairman E. Joaquin Esquivel said, “The fact that Valley Sanitary District was created years before the incorporation of our first city, Indio, speaks to how fundamental the management of waste has been for the protection of our community’s health, environment, and our precious water resources.”

General Manager Jason Dafforn, P.E. recognized VSD’s staff and partners who have supported the District over the past century. “Reaching 100 years is a milestone that reflects the dedication of our team and the trust of the community we serve,” Dafforn said. “We are proud of our history and equally proud of the planning and investments underway that will support Indio and the surrounding area for the next century.”

Board President Debra A. Canero shared similar sentiments on behalf of the Board of Directors, saying, “This celebration honors every community member, employee and partner who has contributed to the District’s success. Valley Sanitary District has grown alongside this community for 100 years, and we remain committed to providing safe and reliable service every day.”

Looking at long-term planning, VSD is designing a tertiary treatment system that would allow the District to produce recycled water for non-potable irrigation when cost-effective. Additionally, VSD is advancing a biosolids conversion project in partnership with Lystek International that will transform wastewater byproducts into nutrient-rich fertilizer for local agriculture—reducing hauling costs and supporting sustainability.

Guests at the event also received VSD’s coffee table book, chronicling the District’s evolution from early treatment ponds to how it is today.

Click here to follow the original article.

KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – After lots of waiting, the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre officially cut the ribbon on Friday.

The 30 million dollar restoration project of the iconic theatre finally paid off, as they get ready to open the doors for the first time.

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte and other important figures of the city were present at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

A block party will be held on Saturday starting at 10:00 a.m.

The official opening night will be on December 1st.

Click here to follow the original article.

Daniella Lake

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – “I would live in a tent and just stick out in there for a little bit until it pass over,” says Vicky Benitez. She’s been unhoused for almost 20 years. Now, she’s found a new home at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission.

“I’m going to graduate. I’m doing everything I need to do just to get right and get my own house,” she says. Just last month, she started their gateway program. She says that being unhoused when it rains, it was a struggle, especially during the holidays.

“That’s when you know, my addiction got worse. Like, to the point where you just want to numb it all up,” she says. 

Scott Wolf, the development director for the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission, says that they expect to serve 5,000 meals a day during Thanksgiving week. Here’s a list of events for those in need at the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission:

Thanksgiving meals on Wednesday, November 26, 2 – 6 p.m.

Thanksgiving meals on Thanksgiving Day, November 27, 2 – 6 p.m. 

Annual Toy Giveaway on Thursday, December 18, 7 a.m.

The mission is located at 47-470 Van Buren Street, Indio, CA 92201.

Click here to follow the original article.

Luis Avila

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — Riverside County health leaders are urging residents to take precautions ahead of Thanksgiving as flu activity begins to rise and the county records its first flu-related death of the 2025–26 season. Riverside University Health System confirmed that the individual who died was over the age of 65, lived in western Riverside County, and was not believed to have been vaccinated.

Dr. Geoffrey Leung, a physician for Riverside University Health System, said the death serves as a stark reminder that flu season is underway and that now is the critical time to get protected. He stressed that vaccination ahead of the holidays is one of the most effective ways to reduce severe illness and safeguard vulnerable loved ones.

He noted that while flu activity is only beginning to rise, emergency rooms and hospitals historically see increases as the season progresses.

“We are just starting to see flu cases pick up and we expect that we’ll see a rise… and that tells us that this is the best time to get vaccinated because you do want to get your flu shot before the peak.”

Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside University Health System Physician

County numbers show that only about 16 percent of residents are up-to-date on their flu vaccinations this season, a slightly lower rate compared to this time last year. With holiday gatherings approaching, Leung said families can play a role in protecting those at higher risk.

“The best way to protect grandmother or a mother who’s pregnant is to have everybody else in the house get vaccinated and sort of provide the safeguard.”

Dr. Geoffrey Leung, Riverside University Health System Physician

Health officials continue to recommend common preventive steps in addition to vaccination, including frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick.

Even though the flu shot takes about two weeks to reach full effectiveness, officials emphasize that it is never too late to get vaccinated.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more. 

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — We had three local high school football teams make the semifinals in their respective division.

Unfortunately, all three fell short on Friday on night, ending their season.

0-3. Damn. All 3 local teams lose respective semifinal. Heck of a run by this trio that falls short.

D7: PS 7 at Barstow 28D8: PD 14 at Beckman 28D12: Grace 49 at CV 42

And with that, the high school football season is over. Wow. @KESQ @KenjiitoKESQ @CIFSS @FootballinCV

— Blake Arthur (@BlakeArthur24) November 22, 2025

FINAL SCORES – CIF-SS FOOTBALL SEMIFINALS

D7: Palm Springs 7 at Barstow 28

D8: Palm Desert 14 at Beckman (Irvine) 28

D12: Grace 49 at Coachella Valley 42

With all three losses, that ends the 2025 high school football season. All local teams have been eliminated.

Congrats to the Indians, Aztecs and Arabs on their respective playoff run.

Until next year.

Stay with KESQ News Channel 3 for continuing coverage of football and all high school sports.

Click here to follow the original article.

City News Service

RIVERSIDE (KESQ) – A veteran Riverside County prosecutor will take the No. 2 spot at the District Attorney’s Office, following the retirement of another career litigator who served in the post for a decade.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin on Thursday formally appointed Jared Haringsma as chief assistant district attorney.   

Haringsma takes the position previously held — until earlier this month — by John Aki, who retired after nearly a quarter century in the D.A.’s office. Aki had been in Hestrin’s executive circle since the three-term district attorney was first elected in 2014.   

“Jared has earned the respect of colleagues throughout our office for his integrity, skill and steady leadership,” Hestrin said. “His depth of trial experience and strong management background make him exceptionally well-suited to help lead this office. … He will continue to strengthen our leadership team and ensure our office upholds the highest standards of fairness and professionalism.”

Haringsma has been employed by the agency since 2002, serving in all of the regional offices countywide. He achieved a standout record for homicide prosecutions over many years, handling multiple complex cases, including five death penalty trials.

Among his previous assignments at the executive level were supervising the Cold Case Unit, overseeing the Administrative Division and managing the Accounting Office.  

Like Hestrin and Aki, prior to moving over to the management side of the D.A.’s office, Haringsma was active in the Riverside County Deputy District Attorneys’ Association, where many working relationships involving individuals now leading the office were cemented.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – CHiPS for Kids returns today! The event kicks off Friday from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Walgreens at 44840 Monterey Avenue in Palm Desert.

California Highway Patrol officers will be collecting toy donations for its annual collection of toys for children in need around the Coachella Valley.

Toys you can donate include:- Sporting items- Hygiene items for preteens: body wash/spray combos- Dolls, toy cars, learning games, or board games.- Any toy for children up to 18 years old.

All toys will be distributed to local families in need this holiday season. Donate today!

CHiPS for Kids runs through Dec. 20 at various locations, including Walgreens, Walter Clark Legal Group, Children’s Museum of the Desert, and more.

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Victims injured in a police motorcycle crash during the 2024 Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade have officially filed a lawsuit against the city, the police department, and multiple officials.

Formica Law Group filed a lawsuit in the Superior Court of California, County of Riverside, on behalf of 15 victims of the crash, which includes children, seniors, and families.

The crash happened on December 7, 2024. Palm Springs police motorcycles led the Festival of Lights Parade through downtown. The department’s administrative review found officers performed unauthorized stunts, including “bumping up” their front wheels. One officer lost control, and his motorcycle slid into the crowd, injuring 11.

“This is a serious issue that left 15 people with lifelong conditions to battle,” said Formica. “This lawsuit aims to ensure that the victims and what they have suffered are addressed and that no tragedies like this happen ever again.”

Formica Law Group said the lawsuit names the City of Palm Springs, the Palm Springs Police Department, Chief Andrew Mills, Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein and Officer Kenny Merenda, among others, as defendants. It reserves the right to add additional parties as the case proceeds.

“That annual parade is once again upon us, on December 6th, and we have yet to see any changes or specifics of what is being implemented differently this year to ensure safety,” said Stefano Formica of Formica Law Group in Los Angeles. “As a result of last year’s incident, plaintiffs have sustained lifelong and consequential physical, emotional, and psychological injuries and damages.”

Attorneys said the lawsuit claims that the devastating injuries sustained were a result of a systematic failure occurring over several years that was known to City officials who failed to act to ensure the safety of its citizens.

“The specific allegations include negligence, dangerous conditions on public property, a failure to discharge a mandatory duty, and a lack of foresight in planning the parade. Additionally, the district attorney failed to press charges when any other civilian would have been in custody and charged with multiple felonies,” reads a news release by Formica Law Group.

The California Highway Patrol investigated the incident and turned its findings over the prosecutors, who declined to file charges.

The Palm Springs Police Department released an administrative review in August, citing unauthorized maneuvers dating back years, supervisory inaction, “mission drift” from safety to entertainment, breakdowns in communication, and officer fatigue tied to overtime.

PSPD announced multiple reforms in the wake of the crash, including:

Banning dangerous maneuvers at parades and public events

Limiting all event vehicles to 15 mph

Stronger command and supervision at large gatherings

Creating a full-time special events supervisor

Fatigue management protocols and retraining on incident command

In September, Formica told News Channel 3’s Garrett Hottle that while the reforms sound like progress, they have not been implemented.

“It’s just a statement right now,” he said. “Several of the individuals that were involved are back at work. If this were an ordinary person on a motorcycle, we’d be talking about arrests and potential jail time.”

Click here to follow the original article.

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – More than 900 tourism and hospitality leaders gathered Thursday night at the Palm Springs Convention Center for the annual Champions of Hospitality Awards Gala, a signature celebration honoring the workforce that powers Greater Palm Springs’ number one industry.

The program this year received 285 nominations from hospitality partners across all nine cities of the destination—underscoring the depth, diversity, and enduring strength of the region’s tourism workforce.

Hosted by Visit Greater Palm Springs and supported by the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation, the gala recognized employees, organizations, and emerging leaders who exemplify exceptional service, innovation, sustainability, and community impact.

“Tourism is the heartbeat of our region,” said Scott White, President & CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs. “Each nominee and honoree represents the dedication, creativity, and spirit that makes our destination one of the most welcoming and inspiring places in California. We are proud to celebrate the individuals who elevate the visitor experience every single day.”

INVESTING IN THE FUTURE OF HOSPITALITY: SCHOLARSHIP RECOGNITION

In addition to industry awards, the evening highlighted the next generation of hospitality professionals through scholarships presented by the Greater Palm Springs Tourism Foundation. Students from both the Coachella Valley High School Hospitality Academy and OneFuture Coachella Valley were recognized on stage, along with the recipient of the Tony Bruggemans Memorial Scholarship.

Coachella Valley High School Hospitality Academy Scholarship Recipients

Melanie Carranza Solorzano

Alessandro Frias-Dominguez

Deseray Merez-Perez

Erick Morales-Serrano

Sebastian Ramirez

OneFuture Coachella Valley Scholarship Recipients

Christopher Bravo Lopez

George Cabrera

David Flores

Brenda Franco Alcala

Ashley Garcia

Sebastian Jaimes-Miranda

Melanie Martinez-Chavez

Diego Rendon

Jacquelinee Sandoval

Tony Bruggemans Memorial Scholarship Recipient

Edith Alcala

CHAMPIONS OF HOSPITALITY AWARDS

Oasis Award (Sustainability)Recognizes leadership in eco-friendly, sustainable practices.

Augustine Band of Cahuilla Indians

Santa Rosa Impact Award (DEIA)Honors excellence in advancing diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility.

Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

HOSPITALITY AWARDSRestaurant | Bar Champions

Mary Bongard, Hunters Palm Springs

Francisco Castellanos, Chez Pierre

Oscar Cortes, Lulu California Bistro

Emma Vasquez-Lopez, Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs

Attractions | Tours Champions

Janet Baker, Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert

Jackie Cameron, Drag & Fly Tours

Alfredo Garcia, BMW Performance Center West

Retail Champion

Taryn Gemmell, Azure Palm Hot Springs Resort & Day Spa Oasis – TheBoutique

Wellness | Spa Champion

Amy Kuschel, Sensei Porcupine Creek

Venue Champion

Luis Rosas, Desert Champions, LLC

Vacation Rental Champions

Ashley Bastardi, Palm Desert Vacation Properties

Amanda Benzra-Turner, Acme House Company

Boutique or Hot Spring Hotel Champion

Melanie Quinones, The Spring Resort & Spa

Select Service Hotel Champions

Alfredo Bolanos, Hampton Inn & Suites Indio

Rosa Resendiz de Cervantes, Courtyard by Marriott Palm Springs

Full-Service Hotel Champions

Pablo Aguiar, Hilton Palm Springs

Ken Starr Jr., The Dunes Palm Springs

Resort Hotel Champions

Guadalupe de la Cruz, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Josef Escher, La Quinta Resort & Club

Erika Escobar Flores, Tommy Bahama Miramonte Resort & Spa

Belinda Espinoza, Thompson Palm Springs

David Giraud, The Westin Rancho Mirage Golf Resort & Spa

Norby Gonzalez, Avalon Hotel & Bungalows Palm Springs

Branden Joven, Parker Palm Springs

Yessica Puga, Doubletree by Hilton Golf Resort Palm Springs

PALM AWARD – VISITOR EXPERIENCERecognizing outstanding guest service and memorable visitor experiences.

Diane Drucker, JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa

Eddy Estrada, Smarter Property Management

Santos Perez, Indio Taphouse

Richard (Kip) Serafin, Locations 760

Ashley Stein, Saffron Restaurant & Lounge

SAN JACINTO RISING STARSRecognizing emerging leaders with fewer than five years in the industry or under age 40.

David Arreguin, Tac/Quila

Hailey Chapman, The Reserve Club

Justin Godfrey, The Ritz-Carlton, Rancho Mirage

Katrina Jordyn, La Quinta Cliffhouse

Jasmin Lora, Renaissance Esmeralda Resort & Spa, Indian Wells

Yokli Oktavianto, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs

Kayla Raffaelli, Acrisure Arena

Edgar Ramirez, Grand Hyatt Indian Wells Resort & Villas

SPIRIT OF TOURISM AWARDThe evening’s highest honor, presented to an individual or organization whose contributionshave significantly advanced tourism’s economic and cultural impact in Greater Palm Springs.

Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians

Click here to follow the original article.