Author: KESQ

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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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Nearly 3,000 employees with the Palm Springs Unified School District gathered this morning to officially kick off the 2026-27 school year during the district’s annual “Rally for Excellence.”

District leaders say the event will feature entertainment, staff recognitions and the official launch of PSUSD’s new Vision 2031 initiative, which will help guide the district’s priorities in the years ahead.

The annual rally is designed to celebrate employees and energize staff as they prepare for the start of a new academic year.

Stay with News Channel 3 for the latest updates.

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Tommy Gallegos

OJAI, Calif. — UPDATE 8/7/2026 The Ojai Raptor Center reports that Big Bear Lake bald eagle Jackie remains in intensive care, where she is receiving oxygen therapy, supportive treatment, and continuous monitoring. Her condition remains critical after recent blood work showed her packed cell volume (PCV) has declined again, falling below 10%.

“We are sorry to share that today’s update is not positive,” the Ojai Raptor Center said in the post.

The center says that advanced diagnostics performed this week, including a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy, have provided important new insights into her condition. The center says additional specialized testing is still pending.

The Ojai Raptor Center’s veterinary team continues to collaborate closely with specialists across the country as they evaluate the latest findings and determine the most appropriate next steps in her care.

The center is consulting with specialists at the University of Georgia, UC Davis, and avian specialists in Northern California as they determine the next steps in Jackie’s care.

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A post shared by Ojai Raptor Center (@ojairaptorcenter)

UPDATE 8/5/2026

The Ojai Raptor Center has shared a medical update regarding Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, reporting that she underwent further advanced diagnostics, including a contrast CT scan and bone marrow biopsy.

The center says Jackie recovered well from anesthesia and is back in her recovery enclosure receiving supplemental oxygen.

The veterinary team says together with their scientific advisory council and consulting specialists, are now reviewing today’s findings alongside Jackie’s previous test results.

The center also says additional lab work is still pending. The group says it will share a more comprehensive updates once they have the opportunity to review their findings.

Original Report

OJAI, Calif. — The Ojai Raptor Center has shared a concerning medical update regarding Jackie, the Big Bear bald eagle, reporting that the bird’s condition has become more serious following the latest round of diagnostic testing.

According to the rehabilitation center, bloodwork performed Monday revealed that the eagle’s packed cell volume (PCV) has declined to 13%, indicating that her anemia has worsened since the previous public update. A low PCV means the bird has fewer circulating red blood cells than normal, reducing the body’s ability to deliver oxygen to vital organs and tissues.

In response to the results, the Ojai Raptor Center’s veterinary team has initiated additional advanced diagnostic testing while requesting expedited laboratory analysis to help determine the underlying cause of the anemia. Those findings will be used to guide the next phase of the eagle’s treatment.

Jackie has been receiving treatment after being found on the ground on Big Bear Lake following a confrontation with two other bald eagles.

The center revealed that the encounter with eagles likely left her grounded, but experts do not believe it is what caused her illness.

At this time, veterinarians say they do not yet have definitive answers regarding the cause of the worsening condition or the prognosis. The center emphasized that it will provide another update once meaningful new medical information becomes available.

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Peter Daut

The Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) is preparing to welcome students back to campus as the new academic year begins Wednesday, with district leaders emphasizing a renewed focus on connection, belonging, and student achievement.

Superintendent Dr. Marcus Funchess says the district’s top priority this school year is ensuring every student feels supported, affirmed, and engaged in their education. District leaders are working to strengthen relationships with students, families, and staff while creating learning environments where everyone feels they belong.

A key initiative this year centers on improving student attendance. PSUSD plans to work more closely with families by reaching out when attendance concerns arise, helping identify barriers that may be preventing students from getting to school, and connecting families with available resources and support.

During an in-depth interview with KESQ’s Peter Daut, Dr. Funchess shared the challenge that remains at the forefront of his mind.

“There’s one challenge that’s always on my mind: How can we help our scholars excel academically? And how can we help them be excited about learning in our classrooms?” Funchess said.

In addition to its attendance efforts, the district has launched a new multi-year vision aimed at shaping the future of PSUSD. The long-term plan is designed to build on academic success while fostering stronger connections throughout the district community.

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