Author: KESQ

Matthew Pearce

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ) — The goal is to “fit in,” according to MedlinePlus. For some students, that pressure can lead to experimenting most commonly with substances like alcohol, marijuana and tobacco. But the dangers can be fatal.

In 2025, 41% of 12th-graders reported drinking alcohol, and 25% reported using marijuana.

Additionally, the Drug Enforcement Administration reports that fentanyl is the leading cause of death for Americans ages 18 to 45.

While parents worry about substance use year-round, these substances can be distracting during school hours and inhibit a productive learning environment. In fact, some students are buying or making discreet compartments to bring devices to school in their backpacks.

“There’s a lot of disguises out there, so just be cautious of anything that looks out of place. Devices that may look like highlighters, pens or even hoodie sweaters,” Palm Springs Unified School District Director of Security and Disaster Preparedness Alex Borrego said.

Digging deeper, News Channel 3 spoke with officials from Hazelden Betty Ford to learn more about how parents should approach conversations. Their advice: Prevention starts with education and a conversation.

“The biggest mistake I see parents make is that my kids won’t do that,” Melissa Hawkins, a clinical supervisor at Hazelden Betty Ford, said. “It doesn’t matter what school you go to, it’s everywhere.”

She said keeping an open, two-sided dialogue is the best way to build a mutual understanding about substance use and family expectations.

For more resources:FindHelpNational Institute on Drug Abuse

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Dakota Makinen

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (KESQ) – Hundreds of classified employees from the Palm Springs Unified School District gathered today at Rancho Mirage High School for a day of professional development ahead of back to school beginning tomorrow.

District officials say the annual training is designed to equip classified staff with new skills and resources to better support students and teachers for the upcoming school year.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Tommy Gallegos

RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. (Aug. 4, 2026) — Eisenhower Health has been recognized as the No. 1 hospital in the Inland Empire by U.S. News & World Report in its 2026–2027 Best Hospitals rankings. The hospital also ranked No. 22 in California, placing it among the state’s top 5.5% of hospitals.

The annual rankings evaluated nearly 4,500 hospitals nationwide across 14 adult specialties and 23 procedures and conditions. Only 16% of hospitals earned a Best Hospitals designation, with Eisenhower recognized for delivering high-quality, patient-centered care and strong clinical outcomes.

“This recognition reflects the dedication and expertise of our physicians, nurses, employees and volunteers who are committed to exceptional care every day,” said Martin Massiello, President and CEO of Eisenhower Health.

U.S. News says it bases its rankings on objective measures, including patient outcomes, risk-adjusted mortality rates, preventable complications and patient experience.

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Jesus Reyes

COACHELLA, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire burned a trailer and one-quarter acre, including at least 10 palm trees, Monday night in Coachella.

The fire was reported just before 8:10 p.m. near the intersection of Tyler Street and Avenue 47.

The forward rate of spread was stopped at 8:35 p.m., CAL FIRE confirmed. Crews will remain on scene for several hours extinguishing smoldering material and completing mop-up.

SoCalGas was requested to the scene for a utility shutoff.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Jesus Reyes

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A fire has damaged at least three mobile homes and spread to nearby vegetation in Desert Hot Springs Monday evening.

The fire was first reported at around 6:40 p.m. on the 14700 block of Palm Drive, inside the Skys Haven community.

Battalion Chief Ryan Kirby said the fire started in the rear of one of the mobile homes and spread to two other mobile homes.

A 2nd alarm was requested, bringing in additional resources to the incident. The Palm Springs and Cathedral City fire departments were called in to assist. Southern California Edison was also called in due to power lines down; crews were able to mitigate the issue.

The fire was contained by 8:45 p.m.

No injuries have been reported. The Red Cross was requested, but there was no word on whether anyone was displaced.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation.

Stay with News Channel 3 for continuing updates.

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Karen Devine

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – A suspicious death in the desert is now reigniting questions tonight about another mysterious death and a man behind bars for targeting gay men.

Dan Mulcahey’s body was found near Palm Springs last week after being reported missing for days.

When News Channel 3 learned his identity, we recognized him as the man who spent years seeking justice for his husband, Darrin Tharp. That’s when we began digging again.

Mulcahey told News Channel 3 in 2023 he did not believe his husband’s death was an accidental overdose; he believed someone else was involved. At the time, his only evidence was a visitor sign-in sheet showing a name of “Issac” who arrived at Tharp’s home at 11:27 p.m. on April 15, 2023.

“I don’t understand why I can’t have a police report. I still have no idea who found him, what time, who called the police, who called the ambulance, who was here, and that’s all I wanted to know,” Mulcahey said in 2023.

The coroner’s report obtained by News Channel 3 confirms the alias used was that of Hakan Isik.

The coroner’s report states he was with Tharp and also called 9-1-1. Isik told investigators he found Tharp unresponsive in bed after the two had sexual relations. He also said they had used methamphetamine that morning. The coroner ruled Tharp died from acute methamphetamine intoxication, with heart disease as a contributing factor.

We never had the opportunity to discuss those findings with Mulcahey but continued asking why Tharp’s death had not resulted in charges against Isik.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office said the case was submitted to the district attorney in December of 2023, eight months after Tharp died. The D.A.’s office told us it returned the case to the Sheriff’s department in January of 2025 for further investigation.

Prosecutors said Isik’s sex-crimes case is moving forward and a separate case could still be filed if investigators recommend additional charges.

The Sheriff’s Department now confirms the investigation remains ongoing-and now an investigation into the suspicious death of Dan Mulcahey, but is it connected or a coincidence?

This after years of heartbreak. Dan Mulcahey appeared to be turning the page. He’d moved into a new home in Palm Springs, neighbors telling News Channel 3 he was furnishing it, appeared to be settling in— and were shocked to learn of his death.

Isik remains jailed awaiting trial. His next court date is November 3 at the Larson Justice Center in Indio. He faces eight felony sexual assault charges and four misdemeanor counts involving seven alleged victims — most of whom met him online for sex.

Darrin Tharp never had the opportunity to explain what happened that night. Dan Mulcahey spent the final years of his life fighting for answers.

We will continue pressing law enforcement for those answers.

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Luis Avila

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Drivers are lining up at the newly opened Agua Caliente Fuel station in Palm Springs, where some of the city’s lowest gas prices are drawing motorists looking for relief from high fuel costs.

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians officially opened its second Agua Caliente Fuel station Saturday at the corner of Dinah Shore Drive and Lawrence Crossley Road. Regular gasoline was selling for $4.99 per gallon Monday.

The opening comes as California drivers continue paying some of the highest gas prices in the country, with the war in Iran adding pressure to prices at the pump.

Many drivers said the lower prices made the new station worth the stop.

“The prices for one, you can’t really beat it,” one driver said.

For Uber driver Brennan Baggett, saving money on gas can have a direct impact on his bottom line.

“I have to fill up every single day so definitely every penny saved is a big help for me,” Baggett said. “I’m driving several rides a day and several hundreds of miles.”

Agua Caliente officials say the tribe is able to offer competitive fuel prices because of its tribal sovereignty. They also say the station is more than just a place to buy gas.

“This is a tribal business, this is a tribal enterprise, so with everything, tribal enterprises support the tribal government which of course continues to give back to the greater community,” Kate Anderson, Director of Public Relations, said.

The new location includes 24 fuel pumps, a convenience store and a gaming area with 90 slot machines. Tribal officials say they wanted to create a destination that offers more than just fuel.

As gas prices continue to weigh on many families, drivers say any opportunity to save money is welcome.

The Palm Springs station is part of the tribe’s continued expansion. A third Agua Caliente Fuel station is under construction in Cathedral City.

Stay with News Channel 3 for more.

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Haley Meberg

THOUSAND PALMS, Calif. (KESQ)– The Coachella Valley Firebirds celebrate the beginning of their fifth season by unveiling the team’s 2026-27 promotional calendar filled with a season full of fan-favorite theme nights.

The season officially begins Friday, Oct. 2, when the Firebirds host the Ontario Reign.

New additions to this season’s schedule include Coachella Valley Lakers Night, celebrating the valley’s newest professional basketball team, along with Canadian Night, Route 66 Night and Margarita Valley.

Firebird fans can also expect to see returning events such as:

Teddy Bear Toss

Fuego’s Birthday

Pride Night

Día de los Muertos

Kraken Night

Kids Night

Fan Appreciation Night

“Reaching our fifth season is worth celebrating, and our fans are the reason we’ve gotten here,” said John Page, Senior Vice President of Acrisure Arena and the Coachella Valley Firebirds. “Season Five is about celebrating everything we’ve built together over the last four years while creating even more opportunities for fans to make memories with family and friends.”

The Coachella Valley Firebirds plan to bring back community-focused celebrations throughout the season honoring military members and veterans, teachers, first responders, cancer awareness initiatives and local civic organizations in partnership with One Valley Foundation.

Throughout the themed events, fans can prepare for specialty jerseys, giveaways, themed entertainment and interactive pregame experiences on select nights. Firebird officials say additional promotions, specialty ticket packages and event details will be announced throughout the season.

The complete 2026-27 schedule, along with information on season ticket memberships and group outings can be found at Season Ticket Member 26-27 – Coachella Valley Firebirds .

Stay with News Channel 3 for more updates.

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Jesus Reyes

THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) – A plane made an emergency landing Monday afternoon at the Thermal airport.

The incident was first reported at around 2:45 p.m. Authorities said a small personal aircraft was experiencing an alternator fire, prompting an emergency landing at Thermal Airport.

The fire was extinguished before firefighters arrived at the scene just before 3:00 p.m. A CAL FIRE spokesperson confirmed the scene is all clear.

Three people were aboard the aircraft. No injuries were reported.

Palm Springs International Airport temporarily halted air traffic traveling to Thermal Airport. Air traffic has since resumed.

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KESQ News Team

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Reps. Raul Ruiz (CA-25), and Gus Bilirakis (FL-12) have introduced the Developing the Community Health Workforce Act, bipartisan legislation designed to strengthen the workforce at federally qualified health centers.

The congressman says the bill would improve recruitment and retention through expanded loan repayment programs, create workforce pipeline initiatives, expand training partnerships between community health centers and hospitals, and increase the behavioral health workforce serving FQHC patients.

Supporters say the legislation aims to address ongoing staffing shortages at community health centers and improve access to care in rural and underserved communities.

The bill is supported by Advocates for Community Health, the National Association of Community Health Centers, and Health Center Partners of Southern California.

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