Local News Archives

Abi Carter partners with IEHP to advocate for teen and young adults’ mental health

December 9, 2024 10:45 AM Allie Anthony

American Idol winner Abi Carter is partnered with the Inland Empire Health Plan (IHEP) in support of teen and young adults’ mental health. It’s a yearlong collaboration, and IEHP is launching a Hometown Hero-themed video where Abi will “Start the Conversation” surrounding mental health. Abi emphasizes the importance of prioritizing one’s health and well-being, urging individuals to take proactive steps to

UPDATE: Riverside Sheriff’s Office says allegations of misuse of funds by CVUSD teacher “unfounded”

December 8, 2024 8:44 PM Athena Jreij

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office has announced their investigation into Coachella Valley Unified School District teacher, Carissa Carrera, discovered allegations of misuse of funds to be “unfounded.” News Channel 3 first brought viewers this story late October, after the sheriff’s office opened an investigation into Carrera on October 15. Carissa Carrera is a teacher for the

Palm Springs holiday celebrations create traffic for local businesses

December 6, 2024 7:37 PM Athena Jreij

Following a long and slow summer, Palm Springs’ local businesses are bouncing back this winter season as local events drive tourism to the downtown area. This weekend, the city of Palm Springs is hosting the downtown Christmas tree lighting, the Festival of Lights Parade and the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway annual tree lighting ceremony. The

Santa Paws 5K event brings snowstorm to the desert

December 7, 2024 1:47 PM Jeff Stahl

Santas enjoyed the sunny weather in Palm Springs Saturday despite an extremely local snow forecast at the Santa Paws 5K. DJ Rulis was spinning the Manilow as Santas and elves took photos at the step and repeat while others registered for the annual event and holiday favorite. 560 Santas gathered outside Temple Isaiah to let out some energy and support Guide Dogs

Buyer beware: Third-Party Ticket Sellers

December 6, 2024 5:37 PM Garrett Hottle

Imagine getting what you paid for…but moments later..learning you paid far too much for what you wanted. That’s what happened to one man in Palm Springs buying tickets to a concert at the McCallum theater online, and now he wants the community to know about his mistake. When you google – McCallum Theater tickets –

“Skellington” rules at Coachella’s holiday parade

December 6, 2024 9:50 PM María García, Cynthia White

Thousands turned out on Friday evening to watch the “Skellington Holiday Parade” in Coachella and enjoy the fun filled activities afterward. The streets were packed and the atmosphere was festive as the sparkling floats and displays entertained the crowds. Dancers and cheerleaders, including the Arabs, marched by as well as Skellington himself, along with Oogie

CHP Officer assaulted while assisting driver in Imperial County

December 6, 2024 8:25 PM Cynthia White

A CHP Officer is recovering tonight after being assaulted by the driver of a disabled car on Interstate 8 just west of Imperial Highway in Imperial County on Thursday. CHP reports that the Officer stopped to help the suspect, a 43-year-old male from Phoenix, Arizona. The suspect “displayed altering mood swings” and attacked the Officer

Road closures in place for IronMan Indian Wells La Quinta 70.3 on Sunday

December 6, 2024 3:56 PM Jesus Reyes

The IronMan Indian Wells La Quinta 70.3 will take place on Sunday morning, prompting road closures throughout the area. The bicycle portion of this race will be traveling from Lake Cahuilla to the Indian Wells Tennis Gardens between 7:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m., utilizing several major roadways. Route avoids Washington St. Route does not cut

Building partially collapses as residential fire breaks out in Palm Desert

December 6, 2024 11:42 AM Jesus Reyes

After a structural fire broke out at a house in Palm Desert today, the residence partially collapsed. The fire was first reported at around 11:15 a.m. on the 900 block of Mesa Grande. Firefighters arrived at the scene of the single-story dwelling to battle a “well-established” fire in the attic. The department published an update

Palm Springs International Film Festival announces ‘Books to Screen’ series

December 6, 2024 12:58 PM City News Service, KESQ News Team

Organizers of the 2025 Palm Springs International Film Festival today announced a series of panels from filmmakers connected to this year’s literary adaptations as part of the “Books to Screen” series. Directors and writers from four novel- and memoir-adapted movies will be present at the festival, according to Deadline, with writers from the entertainment publication

Police K9 Axel helps investigators locate loaded firearm in Palm Springs

December 6, 2024 12:37 PM Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs police K9 Axel helped officers locate a loaded firearm during an investigation early Friday morning. The incident started at around 1:15 a.m. on the 2800 block of Avery Drive. Police were called out to the area following a report of a potential disturbance involving a known gang member who was possibly armed, the

Palm Springs Police Association dedicates annual golf tournament to fallen officer

December 6, 2024 10:21 AM Luis Avila

The 25th Annual Memorial Golf Tournament is underway at the Indian Canyons Golf Resort. This year, the golf tournament is honoring Community Service Officer Nick Griego, who was killed in a motorcycle crash Thanksgiving Day. All proceeds from the event will be dedicated to supporting the Griego family. The Palm Springs Police Officer’s Association hosts

Palm Springs International Airport hosts public Master Plan presentation

December 6, 2024 8:30 AM Joel Killam

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. – UPDATE: Palm Springs International Airport held a Master Plan presentation and Q&A event Thursday night, offering the public an opportunity to provide valuable input. Key topics discussed included increasing baggage claim capacity, creating a Customs and Border Patrol facility for international flights, and expanding terminal space. The terminal is currently in the

The cost of Christmas tree prices climb, local families adjust

December 5, 2024 6:00 PM Shay Lawson

Families searching for the perfect Christmas tree this holiday season may be in for a shock: prices are up. According to the American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA), Christmas tree prices have increased in 2024. ACTA says the average price of a real Christmas tree is up 10% more than last year. Aerni Family Christmas Trees,

Suspect in Palm Springs triple vehicular manslaughter case held to answer

December 5, 2024 5:11 PM City News Service

A 53-year-old man suspected of driving under the influence in a three-vehicle collision that killed three Escondido residents last year in Palm Springs was held to answer today. Shawn Michael Kirkpatrick will stand trial for three felony counts of DUI gross vehicular manslaughter and a felony count each of DUI alcohol causing great bodily injury,

Palm Springs fulfillment center clears hurdle, but not done deal yet

December 5, 2024 1:25 PM Garrett Hottle, Jesus Reyes

A proposed 750,000-square-foot fulfillment center project in Palm Springs cleared a major hurdle on Wednesday. The Palm Springs Planning Commission voted to move ahead with the project with a number of conditions. Some of those conditions deal with concerns about air quality because of increased truck traffic. The center would be built near Indian Canyon

Riverside County to give update on East Valley Infrastructure Initiative

December 5, 2024 10:22 PM Cynthia White

A year after forming a new effort to generate funding for infrastructure improvements in eastern Coachella Valley communities, Riverside County will update the public on how the initiative is going. The Public Financing Authority for the Eastern Coachella Valley Enhanced Infrastructure Financing District (EIFD) will meet on Tuesday, December 10 following the Board of Supervisors

Morongo Casino Resort & Spa 20th anniversary celebration on Tuesday, December 10, 2024

December 5, 2024 7:51 PM Cynthia White

Fireworks will light up the desert sky above the 27-story Morongo Tower on Tuesday, December 10, 2024 in celebration of the 20th anniversary of Morongo Casino Resort & Spa. The Tribe announces that the pyrotechnics are just one part of the 20th birthday bash. A red carpet will welcome guests inside to enjoy special performances,

Holiday fire safety: What to know before putting up your lights

December 5, 2024 10:06 AM Athena Jreij

With Thanksgiving in the rear-view window, those celebrating this holiday season are getting ready to put up their Christmas decorations. However, with increasing residential fires in the month of December, local fire departments want residents to know these key safety guidelines before hanging up their lights. Candle-burning, cooking, faulty electrical wiring and dry Christmas trees

Fundraiser set up for family after sudden death of local 8th grade student

December 5, 2024 2:07 PM Jesus Reyes

Editor’s Note: An earlier version of our social media post reported that the student died at the school. This was inaccurate. The article has been updated with the correct information. A fundraising page has been set up to help the family of a local middle school student who died earlier this week. Gavin Fournier, a