Local News

WHITEWATER, Calif. (KESQ) – Millions of Americans are hitting the road to head home after the Thanksgiving holiday, and this year’s travel rush is proving to be the busiest on record. According to AAA, more than 73 million people nationwide are expected to drive during the holiday travel period, part of a record 81.8 million Americans

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Today is the final day of the Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians’ 42nd annual Powwow. The three day event kicked off on Friday with bird singing and dancing. The celebration features all kinds of activities focused on keeping Native American tradition alive. This morning, the gates open at 11 a.m. at

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – One person is in critical condition after a traffic collision Saturday evening in Coachella. Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies were dispatched to the area of Ninth St. and Grapefruit Blvd. for reports of a traffic collision. When they arrived on scene they found a pedestrian down in the roadway. That pedestrian was

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Downtown retailers are seeing a welcome boost this weekend as shoppers turned out in strong numbers for Small Business Saturday, an annual event encouraging people to support locally owned shops and restaurants. Store owners along Palm Canyon Drive said the day brought steady foot traffic, enthusiastic customers, and a noticeable

LA QUINTA, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters contained a house fire just before 4:00 p.m. in La Quinta on Saturday. CAL FIRE confirmed the fire was first reported roughly two hours prior on the 81000 block of Kingston Heath, within the Greg Norman Course at PGA West. News Channel 3 crews were on scene and saw

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The Shared Plate, a weekly meal program run in partnership with the Palm Springs United Methodist Church, will become its own nonprofit starting in January. The organization started out as the feeding ministry for the church. After becoming its own entity, organizers say that having nonprofit status will help them

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – The Cabazon Band of Cahuilla Indians are celebrating their 42nd annual Powwow at Fantasy Springs Resort Casino this weekend, bringing together community members and visitors to honor Native American culture, tradition, and heritage. The event featured a lively display of music, dance, and colorful attire, with gourd rattles and drums filling

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Desert Art Festival is back at The River in Rancho Mirage over Thanksgiving weekend, from Friday through Sunday. The festival, by West Coast Artists, features creations by hundreds of artists presenting their work in paintings, photography, pottery, wood, sculptures, jewelry, and more – All of which are available to

JOSHUA TREE, Calif. (KESQ) — Joshua Tree National Park is a popular, crowded destination during Thanksgiving weekend. Officials say to expect long lines, full campgrounds, and limited parking. The holiday season brings plenty of activity to the High Desert, and for many, that means navigating busy streets and crowds. “You can’t find parking anywhere, it’s

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Families throughout the Coachella Valley are buying their Christmas trees after Thanksgiving. Whether it’s heading to the store for a plastic tree or finding a local Christmas tree farm, they’re looking for the perfect tree and the best price. Nationally, it’s reported that the price of imported plastic trees is up

CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – Thanksgiving is officially behind us, and Black Friday shopping is in full force. Desert Hills Premium Outlets, the region’s largest luxury outlet center, features more than 180 stores. Shoppers lined up before dawn to score scope discounts from designer brands. Stores opened their doors at 6 a.m. Some of the most

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Saturday is officially “Small Business Saturday,” a day dedicated to supporting locally-owned businesses after Black Friday. The Rancho Mirage Chamber of Commerce says that every dollar spent at a locally owned business supports workforce stability and a healthy local economy.  According to the Main Street Palm Springs Business Association, around

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) — As families and friends gather for Thanksgiving, a growing number of people are choosing to skip the kitchen and let local restaurants handle the holiday cooking. According to recent data, 53% of Americans expect to get at least part of their Thanksgiving meal from a restaurant, up sharply from 37%

IDYLLWILD, Calif. (KESQ) – Three earthquakes struck near Idyllwild Thursday evening. The initial earthquake was reported at around 5:30 p.m. It was a M 3.8, according to the US Geological Survey. Two more small earthquakes struck near the area minutes later, a M 3.5 and a M 2.1.

YUCAIPA, Calif. (KESQ) – A tribe billboard on Interstate 10 in Yucaipa was recently vandalized with an anti-Native American message. The sign, advertising the tribal-owned Yamaava Resort and Casino at San Manuel, was defaced with a message reading: “America is not on stolen land. Your ancestors were conquered.” There was also an American flag hung

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly 350 Marines, who are away from their families, will be welcomed into local homes this Thanksgiving. Residents of eight county clubs will host two or more Marines for the meal and holiday activities. The day is organized by the nonprofit organization American Friends of our Armed Forces, with partners