
More Interviews with Valley Leaders

Riverside County DA plans candlelight vigils to honor crime victims on Tuesday and Thursday
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – It is “National Crime Victims’ Rights Week,” and Riverside County District Attorney Mike Hestrin is holding two separate candlelight vigils to honor those who have been victims of crime here in Riverside County. The first vigil will be held on Tuesday at 7:00 p.m. at Palm Desert Civic Center Park; the

Cathedral City leaders plan to install entryway monuments to welcome visitors
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City leaders are looking to install entryway monuments as part of the city’s branding campaign. City officials say the monuments would help to identify the city’s boundaries and provide a recognizable icon of the city. A study session was recently held to review size and cost options of the

Cathedral City Fire Dept. recognized for commitment to excellence in performance, safety
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – The Cathedral City Fire & EMS Department has earned the prestigious international accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) and the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). City Manager Charlie McClendon and Mayor Pro Tem Raymond Gregory joined Chief Michael Contreras and representatives from Cathedral City Fire &

Desert Recreation District needs lifeguards for swim season
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – With summer approaching, there’s a growing need for lifeguards at pools throughout the Coachella Valley – but it’s not always easy to find people who are qualified. The Desert Recreation District has openings for more than a dozen lifeguards to watch over area pools this swim season. Applicants for the lifeguard

Palm Springs American Legion to host event Saturday for ‘National Vietnam War Veterans Day’
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Saturday, March 29 is National Vietnam War Veterans Day – a day to recognize and remember the men and women who served in the U.S. military during the Vietnam War. To observe the day, Palm Springs American Legion Post 519 will be hosting an event and dinner to celebrate and

Rotary Club of Palm Springs organizes prom for Angel View residents
For nearly two decades, the Rotary Club of Palm Springs has brought joy to hundreds of Angel View residents with disabilities through having a special prom. The annual event will be held this weekend at Cahuilla Elementary School in Palm Springs, and is planned to be an unforgettable and joyful experience for promgoers. Organizers say

Doctors concerned some people may not be prepared for record setting triple digit heat
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Record setting heat in the Coachella Valley has made our region the first in California to reach triple digits this year. Since the typical high this time of year is in the 80’s, doctors are concerned some people here may not be prepared to deal with the heat. Doctors at JFK

Educating youth on human trafficking, PSUSD holding free film screening
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – 1/3 of Riverside County’s Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force teams victims are juveniles, according to Sergeant Jeff Hammond. It’s why the task force is partnering with the Palm Springs Unified School District Family Engagement Center to educate students about human trafficking. PSUSD is holding a free film screening and panel discussion

Steve Henke of DAP Health discusses ‘The Chase’
In light of proposed federal budget cuts that may eliminate funding for HIV prevention, organizers of the Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards say this year’s event is especially important. With public funding in jeopardy, DAP Health is turning to private donors. This Saturday will mark the 31st year of “The Chase,” which is the organization’s biggest

Expert panel to discuss strategies to prevent drug overdoses
Drug abuse remains a major issue in the gay community. According to “American Addiction Centers,” gay men are far more likely to use crystal meth and heroin than heterosexual men. On March 24 in Palm Springs, a panel of experts will discuss real world strategies to prevent overdoses and connect people with the right resources.

Boys and Girls Club and City of Palm Springs holding town hall on cannabis issues
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs along with the Boys and Girls Club of Palm Springs will be holding a town hall meeting to focus on marijuana related issues impacting the community. The meeting is set to take place next Wednesday, March 26, at the Boys and Girls Club of Palm

Measles outbreak in southwest spreading; cases continue to climb
It’s only three months into 2025, and current measles cases have already surpassed the total number of cases in the U.S. for all of last year. It is a highly contagious disease, and cases continue to climb across several states. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with CEO and founder of PS Test, Infectious Disease

City of Indio holds Virtual Community Forums to gather input for Strategic Plan
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – City of Indio officials are inviting the public to join in on a Virtual Community Forum on Thursday, March 20, at 12:00 p.m. to help provide input on the city’s Strategic Plan to guide its future. The first of the two community forums was on Tuesday evening. News Channel 3’s Peter

City of Palm Springs offers free tenant rights workshop
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The City of Palm Springs is inviting the public to attend a free tenant rights workshop this Wednesday at the Palm Springs Public Library. The workshop is designed to provide crucial legal education and support for renters, with a special focus on low income renters who may need help with

Desert Hot Springs police warn: don’t drink and drive – and be aware this St. Patrick’s Day
Monday is St. Patrick’s Day – a day of festivities and good cheer. But alcohol is often included on the holiday, so police are urging everyone to be safe and plan ahead. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Desert Hot Springs Police Corporal Sean McGuire, who says the department is stepping up enforcement on

Desert Regional official discusses flu cases
California has been grappling with an unusually severe flu season. Hospitalizations statewide spiked with some doctors calling 2025 “The Year of Flu.” But what are we seeing right now here in the valley? According to officials at Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs, there are currently five patients in the hospital with the flu.

CVTA President Carissa Carrera named Woman of the Year by Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Coachella Valley Teachers Association President Carissa Carrera was recognized on Monday by Assemblyman Jeff Gonzalez as the 2025 Assembly District 36 Woman of the Year. Gonzalez said he was honored to name Carrera as Woman of the Year, and “As President of the Coachella Valley Teachers Association (CVTA), Carissa has dedicated

Palm Springs Trans Pride organizers discuss importance of this year’s event
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Trans Pride will soon be held in Palm Springs and organizers say this year’s event is especially meaningful. It will be presented by the Transgender Health and Wellness Center on March 29 inside the Palm Springs Pavilion. Organizers say the transgender community remains the highest statistic in unemployment, job discrimination,

DAP Health partners with College of the Desert for free sexual wellness services to students
DAP Health is partnering with College of the Desert to offer students free STI testing and treatment, pregnancy and HIV testing, and birth control consultations. The services, through a pop-up clinic, will be offered in room 133 of the Cravens Student Services Building at the COD campus every Monday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

“It Happens to Boys” conference addresses abuse
Sexual abuse is a difficult subject to talk about, but it is important to address to prevent traumatic situations from progressing or even happening in the first place. The annual “It Happens to Boys” conference, being held on February 21 this year, explores the trauma from sexual abuse. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with

Cathedral City agrees to partnership with Desert Recreation District
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Cathedral City has penned an agreement with the Desert Recreation District (DRD) aimed at providing parks maintenance and recreation programming, city officials announced on Thursday. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke to DRD spokesman Scott Sear on Friday about the new agreement and what it means for the city. The

Coachella Animal Network offers low-cost dog and cat clinics this Friday and Saturday
As overcrowded animal shelters remain a big concern in our valley, a local non-profit is collaborating with the county to host low-cost dog and cat clinics Friday, February 14, and Saturday, February 15, in Indio. News Channel 3’s Peter Daut spoke with Coachella Animal Network founder Kim Hardee to get details of the event. Hardee

Plaza Theatre gives sneak peek into 2025-26 schedule
Plaza Theatre staff unveiled a sneak peek today into its 2025-26 lineup ahead of the completion of its restoration process. Check Out: Peter Daut takes a look at the restoration of the Plaza Theatre “An Evening with Lily Tomlin,” slated for Dec. 2-3, will inaugurate the new venue’s seasonal schedule, officials announced Tuesday. The Emmy,

Palm Springs Modernism Week begins Thursday
PALM SPRINGS, Calif (KESQ) – Design lovers from across the globe are arriving in Palm Springs for Modernism Week. And this year, on its 20th anniversary, organizers say it will be bigger than ever. More than 350 events are scheduled, starting this Thursday and running through February 23rd. The event will feature tours of iconic

News Channel 3 Exclusive: DAP Health CEO in D.C. to advocate for health funding
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif (KESQ) – DAP Health CEO David Brinkman is in Washington D.C. this week advocating and pushing for federal support for the 84,000 community members the valley nonprofit serves. Brinkman says he wants to protect Medi-Cal, the public health insurance program for those with low income, and the Affordable Care Act to ensure