IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ)–A golden retriever named Max. He’s been the town’s official “Mayor Max III” since 2022, and his popularity is undeniable. While most cities have human leaders, Idyllwild’s leadership is a bit more… fluffy. The tradition of electing a dog as mayor began back in 2012. It started with a local animal rescue group

PALM DESERT, Calif. — Mirabelle Lee, a recent graduate of Palm Valley School, has received a prestigious scholarship in recognition of her outstanding work in promoting diversity and literacy in education. Lee, who has worked in the entertainment industry since her childhood, founded the Beatrice Martin Foundation during her sophomore year of high school. The

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At first glance, it looks like any other thrift store. But step inside and you’ll find a guy who’s been powering this place for nearly a decade. “Life’s great. I have been here almost nine years, so that explains how cool it is here… This place is kind of like a

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) At first glance, Will Rooker might look like just another friendly face behind the counter at Revivals. But to many in Palm Springs, he’s something more: a neighborhood hero quietly powering hope through fashion, compassion, and community. Rooker, is a volunteer at Revivals Palm Springs, and is being recognized for his

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) Every day, nurses carry the weight of life-saving care. They do it quietly, without fanfare. This week, as the country marks National Nurses Week, one local nurse is being recognized for her dedication to patients who rely on critical treatments to survive. Vanessa Handwerk is the registered nursing manager over outpatient

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Jared Rogers, an engineer paramedic with Palm Springs Fire Station 2, will be receiving the Medal of Valor on Wednesday for saving a fellow firefighters life. Rogers told News Channel 3, he and his coworker were cutting holes on the roof of the Elk’s Lodge, an abandoned structure that caught

Mitch Battersby is involved in various community service projects around the Coachella Valley. Working as the director of volunteers at Palm Springs Pride, hosting his cooking show called “Neighbors Cooking” and working as a city commissioner for Village Fest are just some of his titles.  But other volunteers and friends of Battersby say his impact

This month, we’re honoring our local heroes—our firefighters—who risk everything in times of crisis. As L.A. County begins to recover from one of the most destructive natural disasters in U.S. history, firefighters from across the nation have rallied together to assist, including several of our own from the valley. The Cathedral City Fire Department deployed

The CEO at Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City has been creating a positive difference and truly changing the lives of so many throughout the organization for almost twenty years. News Channel 3’s Timothy Foster introduces us to Scott Robinson, CEO of Boys and Girls Club of Cathedral City, who gives back to an

People throughout our community are changing lives every day and News Channel 3 is celebrating Neighborhood Heroes! This time we’re highlighting Monique Moreria, who runs an assisted-living and memory-care facility in Palm Desert. News Channel 3’s Allie Anthony visited with Moreria and her team to hear about the impact she’s having on the lives of

A Palm Springs resident is touching the lives of dozens of folks here in the Coachella Valley, according to local volunteers. Doug Oostdyk serves at dozens of organizations in the desert, including being a long-time volunteer for ‘The Feeding Program’ at the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs. “It’s very heartwarming,” said Oostdyk. “It’s wonderful

An estimated 10,000 people in the Coachella Valley have Parkinson’s disease. This past year, News Channel 3’s John White has been serving on the board of the “Parkinson’s Resource Organization” and is now the co-chair. He introduces us to Jo Rosen, founder of Parkinson’s Resource Organization and a “Neighborhood Hero” who’s been making a difference

Variety Children’s Charity of the Desert gave away 300 bikes at its annual giveaway event on Sunday inside Acrisure Arena. The recipients were fourth-grade students from around the Coachella Valley nominated by their school teachers. They were chosen for having good school work habits while overcoming challenges and disadvantages, yet still being helpful and caring

Longtime Agua Caliente employee Roy Agriam was given $10,000 on Wednesday to celebrate his 30 years of work at the casino.  Agriam started his career there as a supervisor at the buffet in 1993 and worked his way up to a sous chef, a position he’s had since 2010.  “You know, work is work, you

Since Tropical Storm Hilary hit the Coachella Valley, it’s been all hands on deck getting things cleaned up. For one Cathedral City neighborhood, people have come out day after day to help however they can. Dozens of homes from the Panorama neighborhood in Cathedral City were damaged by the storm. Residents were in disbelief that

A group of women part of a group called Stitches for Kids in Indio sew quilts for children in the Coachella Valley who are going through a hard time. The group is coming up on its 20th year anniversary of providing these warm quilts to local children. Natalie Shonerd has been part of the group

As the war in Ukraine ravages on, a local Palm Springs resident is packing his bags and heading to Ukraine for humanitarian work. Nicholas Campell of Palm Springs will be on a plane in a few days to spend two months helping people in Ukraine. Campbell said, “Being of service to your fellow man is

Daniel Arredondo, a custodian at Amistad High School in Indio, is in the running for the Tennant Custodians are Key award. The award recognizes the work of K-12 custodians across the United States. Out of 1,400 nominees, Arredondo is now one of 12 finalists. The grand prize winner, who will be chosen in May, will

CASA Volunteers are court-appointed special advocates who help children going through the court system. In this month’s Neighborhood Heroes segment, News Channel 3’s Crystal Jimenez spoke with one volunteer about the impact someone in her position can make on a child going through a tough time. News Channel 3 wants to celebrate these neighborhood heroes. Tell us

A local woman has dedicated her retirement to volunteering at several organizations across the Coachella Valley. Nancy Swanlund is a volunteer at Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC), and the Hanson House in Palm Springs, as well as being part of the board of three different non-profits and churches. Most of her time is spent between

Two Indio teens are empowering children in the foster care system through a youth club they founded. Brianna Fabian and Natalie Fabian founded GFWC HOPE, under the Women’s Club of Indio, in October 2020. Then in May 2021, the club received its official charter. Brianna and Natalie Fabian, founders of GFWC HOPE The club has

With over 18 years since Barbara Ayala-Eves started volunteering at Desert Regional Medical Center (DRMC), she’s logged over 20,000 volunteer hours to help bring joy to the hospital. Ayala-Eves is a familiar face to those who work at the hospital. Her ties involve her being born there when DRMC used to be a military hospital

A group of PGA West residents banded together to bring some holiday cheer to the family of an Indio woman who recently lost her daughter. Alejandra Lomeli works as a food server at a restaurant at PGA West. Catherine Foss who is a member of a bunco group within the PGA West community said when

A custodian from Central Elementary School in Banning is being praised for his quick thinking after saving a student from choking during lunch. Jack Sanchez has worked at the school for 16 years as a custodian. While his job has many duties, one he didn’t expect was to play a part in helping a student

Clean-up efforts continue in Florida, after Hurricane Ian tore through the state. A La Quinta resident is now in Florida, helping to pick up the pieces from the destruction left by Hurricane Ian. Last week, News Channel 3 spoke with Sarah Brouse as she was on standby. She’s among hundreds of trained volunteers from across

You may be wondering how you can help recovery efforts in Florida following the devastation of Hurricane Ian. Sarah Brouse, Red Cross Disaster Responder For La Quinta resident Sarah Brouse, volunteering with the American Red Cross is her calling. She is on standby and prepared to fly across the country to help residents impacted by

In Thermal, The Flying Doctors and the Coachella Valley Medical volunteers hosted a free health fair clinic at the Desert Mirage High School from 8 a.m. until 3 p.m. Congressmember Raul Ruiz joined local medical volunteers to provide services to the community, including flu shots, COVID testing, and more health resources. This event was open

Friday is Hunger Action Day and FIND Food Bank is joining other Coachella Valley cities to help stop hunger. FIND Food Bank distributes over 20 million pounds of food annually to people across the Coachella Valley. Statistics from the food bank reveal that 99% of people that receive assistance from the food bank have an

Sam Pace, owner of Sammy’s Place in Cathedral City, has died, the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City announced on Tuesday. Pace was a former board member, volunteer, and mentor for the Boys & Girls Club of Cathedral City for over 15 years. “It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of