CABAZON, Calif. (KESQ) – New technology in the Banning Pass is giving firefighters an advantage to fight wildfires in our region. There are two heli-hydrant systems currently installed and operational in the Cabazon area on both the northern and southern sides of the I-10. The tanks were installed in mid-June. These water tanks allow helicopters
Continue Reading
YUCCA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – A Yucca Valley High School teacher was arrested Wednesday morning for embezzlement from the school’s Parent Teacher Organization. The Morongo Basin Sheriff’s Department reports that on June 18, a member of the Parent Teacher Organization called law enforcement to report the unauthorized withdrawal of funds from the PTO account. The
Continue Reading
Updated 7/2/25 1:17 p.m. BANNING, Calif. (KESQ)- Earlier today, former Palm Springs Mayor Pougent who admitted accepting six-figure bribes was sentenced to two years of probation with a $325k fine for his counts of bribery. In court the judge read statements from former council members Christopher Mills and Ginny Float requesting leniency on the sentencing
Continue Reading
PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – A Riverside County Sheriff’s Office deputy was involved in a traffic collision in Palm Desert early Wednesday morning. It was reported that at approximately 8:10 a.m. Wednesday morning an on-duty deputy of Riverside County Sheriff’s office was involved in a crash off of Cook Street and Gerald Ford on his
Continue Reading
PALMS SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Desert Regional Medical Center said every year they expect to see an increased number of people in the trauma center. Not only are people dehydrated from the Valley heat, but they get injured from fireworks, despite it being illegal in Palm Springs. Last year Desert Regional only saw one patient with
Continue Reading
Calif. (KESQ) – This Fourth of July weekend marks the first of two free fishing days for California residents presented by the Department of Fish and Wildlife (DFW). This program is set to run July 5 and August 30 and is designed so California residents can enjoy the outdoor fun without having to spend a
Continue Reading
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) Â – The Indio Police Department (IPD) is cracking down on illegal fireworks this Fourth of July, and this year enforcement is taking flight. Officer Felipe Escalante said the department is deploying several drones to help identify and respond to firework violations. “The entire city,” Escalante said. “When people are calling in illegal
Continue Reading
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ) – Californians will now pay more for legal cannabis products after a new state excise tax took effect July 1. The 19% tax represents a 4% increase from the previous 15% rate. Double Eye Dispensary in Cathedral City said it has been preparing customers for the tax increase, by letting them know
Continue Reading
Last week, we learned about the National Weather Service and how the meteorologists there work day and night to keep Americans safe across every inch of the country. First Alert Meteorologist Spencer Blum is taking an in-depth look at how recent government staffing cuts and proposed budget cuts could impact the agency monitoring the land,
Continue Reading
29 PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) Another national retailer is shutting down locations across our valley. rite aid is closing all of its stores in the coachella valley and that’s leaving customers scrambling to fill prescriptions and workers uncertain about their futures. The doors are still open but not for long. rite aid’s 29 palms location is
Continue Reading
PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Leaders in the Coachella Valley met Tuesday to discuss how policy changes could affect immigrant communities. Representatives from UnidosUS, the nation’s largest Hispanic civil rights and advocacy organization, hosted the discussion on Tuesday at the Mizell Center in Palm Springs. Several different organizations, ranging from healthcare companies to local advocacy groups
Continue Reading
CATHEDRAL CITY, Calif. (KESQ)–The Cathedral City Fire Department just commissioned a brand new ambulance, making it the department’s fourth in it’s fleet. The ambulance, along with six newly-hired firefighters and paramedics, were introduced to the community in a ceremony on Tuesday. The celebration took place at CCFD’s Fire Station #2. Cathedral City Fire Chief Michael
Continue Reading
INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – A mother and her son were charged in connection with the death of a 24-year-old Indio woman who was found last week near the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission campus. Mario Morales Jr., 25, of Coachella, faces multiple charges, including murder, for the death of his girlfriend, Alexis Cano. He pleaded not
Continue Reading
BANNING, Calif. (KESQ) – Firefighters are getting the upper hand on the Wolf Fire burning south of Banning. The brushfire is at 35 percent contained and has burned more than 2,400 acres. This progress, in large part, thanks to retardant lines. Retardant, or PHOS-CHEK, is made of a salt mixture that helps to slow the
Continue Reading
RIVERSIDE COUNTY, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Department of Animal Services is calling out for immediate help from fosters and adopters as they continue to push capacity numbers to the highest levels all year. RCDAS announced on Tuesday they are operating at 125% capacity for cats with a population of over 300 cats in their
Continue Reading
RIVERSIDE (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors today approved a new three-year contract with the union representing upper-level Riverside County sheriff’s personnel, District Attorney’s Office investigators and other county peace officers, guaranteeing pay increases to members totaling 19% over the duration of the compact.  In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board authorized implementation of
Continue Reading
LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – Acquiescing to concerns expressed by Gov. Gavin Newsom, the U.S. Department of Defense agreed today to release 150 California National Guard troops who had been deployed to protect federal buildings and personnel in Los Angeles and return them to their wildfire-protection assignments. Â Â According to U.S. Northern Command, which is overseeing
Continue Reading
RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – The Board of Supervisors voted unanimously today to impose special assessments totaling $4.16 million on thousands of Riverside County property owners’ tax bills to collect unpaid trash collection debts.  In a 5-0 vote without comment, the board signed off on Department of Environmental Health Director Jeff Johnson’s request to apply the
Continue Reading
PALM SPRINGS (CNS) – Palm Springs’ “Love Local” digital gift card program will return Monday to encourage residents to shop at participating businesses. Starting July 7, residents can purchase a digital gift card with a maximum value of $300 per person, and the city will contribute an additional 50%. While the gift card itself has
Continue Reading
THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) – Local 41st District Rep. Ken Calvert (R) is hoping President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill will be passed in the Senate and House this week advancing the President’s agenda. The bill includes an extension of the President’s first term tax cuts along with cuts in Medicaid spending to offset some of
Continue Reading