Harold Matzner, prominent Coachella Valley philanthropist, dead at 88

KESQ on September 4, 2025

Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Harold Matzner, a prominent entrepreneur, humanitarian, and philanthropist in the Coachella Valley, has died at the age of 88 after a brief illness.

News Channel 3 confirmed Matzner was pronounced dead at Eisenhower Health Thursday afternoon. Services will be announced at a later date. He is survived by his partner for life, Shellie Reade; his son, Devin; his daughter, Laura; his grandchildren, Elizabeth and Emily; his nephew, Jason; and his two Cavalier King Charles spaniels, Little Guy and Doc.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the charity of your choice, in honor of Harold Matzner’s extraordinary spirit of giving.

Matzner was widely known as “Mr. Palm Springs,” who helped transform the city into a world-class destination for arts and civic life.

Matzner served as the chair of the Palm Springs International Film Festival and Film Awards for more than 20 years, saving the festival from near collapse in 1999. As chairman for more than two decades, he donated more than $12 million of his own funds, built the Palm Springs International Film Awards into a glittering Hollywood launchpad, which generates billions of media impressions worldwide each year, and cemented the festival’s reputation as one of the world’s great showcases for cinema.

He stepped down from the position in April 2023.

Matzner was born in 1937, in Newark, New Jersey, he made his fortune in advertising and marketing.

Matzner discovered Palm Springs in 1985 and soon made it his focus. Nowhere was his influence felt more profoundly than in the city’s arts and culture.

Matzner is one of the Coachella Valley’s largest donors to philanthropy. Over nearly four decades, he donated more than $85 million to local nonprofits, championed healthcare, education, and the arts, and elevated the Palm Springs International Film Festival into a premier stop on Hollywood’s awards circuit.

Over the years, his giving benefited dozens of organizations, including Eisenhower Health, DAP Health, the Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, the Living Desert Zoo & Gardens, the McCallum Theatre, the Palm Springs Art Museum, FIND Food Bank, Jewish Family Services of the Desert, the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, and Equality California.

Matzner’s philanthropy was both sweeping and personal after he fell in love with tennis and the Palm Springs Tennis Club. When he joined the club in 1997, it had only 44 members. After becoming the Tennis Club Chairman and turning it into an inclusive experience for everyone, there are almost 500 members today.

He was also the owner of the popular Palm Springs restaurant, Spencer’s, named after his beloved 110-pound Siberian husky. He was also Chairman of CBA Industries on the East Coast.

Matzner is credited with the key leadership role in creating Palm Springs’ Measure J (a 1% sales tax increase that has helped to fund a $200 million downtown revitalization program, while providing an additional surplus of $12 million per year to rebuild the city’s infrastructure).

In 2006, Matzner was honored with a star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, which is located at the foot of his friend Sonny Bono’s statue in the heart of Palm Springs, at 155 S Palm Canyon Drive.

Matzner often said his joy came from “making magic for the people I love.” His mantra was simple: “Never give up. Always push forward.” His absence will be felt in boardrooms, ballrooms, and the countless lives touched by his generosity — many who never knew his name but live better because of him.

Community Reaction:

“The passing of Harold Matzner is a profound loss for our community. His generosity, leadership, and dedication will be remembered with great respect. My sincere condolences go out to Shellie and the entire Matzner family. Rest well! Eight4Nine, Restaurant & Lounge, Willie’s.”

– Willie Rhine, owner of Eight4NIne and Willie’s Rest

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Harold Matzner, a true philanthropist and visionary whose generosity has left an indelible mark on Eisenhower Health and the entire Coachella Valley. Harold’s steadfast commitment to improving the health and well-being of our community has touched countless lives, from patients and families to our staff and future generations.

His dedication to supporting world-class health care at Eisenhower has helped us expand our programs, strengthen our services, and ensure that high-quality care is available close to home. Beyond his contributions to health care, Harold was a champion for the arts, culture, and countless charitable causes that have made our valley a more vibrant and compassionate place.

We are profoundly grateful for his partnership, his vision, and his heart. On behalf of the entire Eisenhower Health family, we extend our deepest condolences to his loved ones. Harold’s legacy of generosity and service will continue to inspire us for years to come.”

— Martin MassielloPresident and Chief Executive OfficerEisenhower Health

Palm Springs Mayor Ron deHarte statement:

An Enduring Legacy: Harold Matzner (1937-2025)

Harold Matzner’s vision and generosity have permanently enriched the community he called home. His legacy lives on in the thriving cultural institutions, revitalized downtown, and countless lives touched by his compassion and commitment to making Palm Springs a better place for all. He exemplified the profound impact one person can make when business success is paired with genuine care for community and an unwavering dedication to the greater good.

He knew how to get it done.

Palm Springs Councilmember David Ready, previously longtime City Manager

“Harold Matzner was such a major figure in the amazing journey of Palm Springs’ renaisance over the past 20 years.   Working with him as City Manager, his dedication, commitment and stewardship of the Palm Springs Film Festival has propelled our city brand to heights we could not have imagined.

Our community is lesser with his passing, and he will be dearly missed.”

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Phil Welch Stadium undergoing renovations before 2026 season

News-Press NOW on September 4, 2025

Patrick Holleron

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — With the St. Joseph Mustangs in the midst of their off-season, renovations to Phil Welch Stadium will have the team and fans coming back “home” with a slightly different look.

New aluminum bleachers and plastic seats for the reserve box will be installed at Phil Welch, with the same classic color scheme. To support the structures of the seats, new layers of concrete will also be applied.

In discussions with Mustang’s Owner and President, Ky Turner, he noted, the new seats will mark the second major addition to Phil Welch this year. The first came back in March, when a new video scoreboard was installed.

“A big thing we talk about when you come to a Mustangs game at Phil Welch Stadium is it’s like a high school game. A big part of your experience is where you sit,” Turner said. “I know these seats have been here for a long time. We’re pretty excited to see it being done.”

Since the stadium’s inception, dating back to 1939, adjustments and renovations have been made when necessary. However, certain areas have required more attention and extensive work.

Stan Weston, the Mustangs’ director of operations, provided additional context on what has been needed in maintaining an older stadium like Phil Welch.

“In my opinion, the seats are kind of a hazard,” Weston said. “They’re (made) with fiberglass on two-by-ten planks and put in with nails. Those (nails) also pop out. We’ve had to go around the stadium before we start (the season). And then we’ll walk through two or three times a year, just pounding nails back in. It’s so people don’t catch their clothes or their legs on the nails.”

According to recent agendas from St. Joseph City Council meetings, construction company costs totaled $674,611.00.

The purchase and installation of new seating was an additional $336,814.00, for a total cost of $1,011,425 for the overall project.

For longtime fans like Kevin Little, he views the improvements to the stadium as something to be excited about, but still appreciates the older feel of Phil Welch. 

“It reminds me of baseball. You look at all the older baseball movies, are just like this,” Little said. “It adds a little bit to the baseball lore. With the changing of times, you have an opportunity to make it a more quality experience for the participants and the spectators.”

The plan for the old seats is to make them available for Mustangs fans to purchase. Once they are officially on sale, Little intends to be one of the first people in line. 

“I might have one of those (seats) down in my basement,” Little said. “Especially since we have Mustang players stay with us. It’d be a fun little experience to put the stadium seat downstairs where they stay.”

Turner also mentioned the recent renovations at Phil Welch may only just be getting started and teased more changes and upgrades coming to the stadium in the future.

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Driver dead from August 29 crash in Buellton

KEYT on September 4, 2025

Caleb Nguyen

BUELLTON, Calif. – A driver died after a solo car crash on August 29 near Buellton, according to an investigation by the California Highway Patrol.

CHP officers responded to a single-car crash on Santa Rosa Road on August 29 and received assistance from the Santa Barbara Fire Department and the Santa Barbara Sheriff’s Office.

The driver travelled west, left on the south road edge and crashed into a tree east of milepost marker 10 in a Nissan Quest, according to the CHP.

The driver had fatal injuries from the crash as the only person in the car and their identity is being referred to the Santa Barbara County Coroner’s Office until all proper notifications are made, according to the CHP.

It is unknown if drugs or alcohol played a factor in the crash though the investigation remains ongoing, according to the CHP.

Those with any additional information on the incident should contact the Buellton CHP.

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SCE sued by US attorney for role in LA fires

KESQ on September 4, 2025

Haleemon Anderson

LOS ANGELES (KESQ) – The United States Attorney’s office announced two lawsuits against Southern California Edison Co., today, alleging that faulty transmission and power lines led to the devastating Eaton and Fairview fires.

The filings cite “a troubling pattern of negligence,” and allege that the company’s negligence caused the deadly fires, which burned tens of thousands of acres of National Forest System lands, killed a total of 21 people, and destroyed thousands of buildings.

Both fires damaged federal government-owned land and property. The United States is seeking to recover tens of millions in damages incurred by the Forest Service, including fire suppression costs, rehabilitation of burned areas and other environmental damages.

“The lawsuits filed today allege a troubling pattern of negligence resulting in death, destruction, and tens of millions of federal taxpayer dollars spent to clean up one utility company’s mistakes,” Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said in a statement.

According to the lawsuit, SCE admitted that it detected a “fault” on one of its transmission lines around the time that the Eaton Fire started.

Federal prosecutors allege SCE’s equipment caused the Jan. 7 blaze. Forty million in damages is sought in connection to the fire, which destroyed more than 9,400 homes and other structures in Altadena and killed 19 people, making it one of the most destructive wildfires in California history.

The Eaton fire ignited around 6:20 p.m. Jan. 7 near Altadena Drive and Midwick Drive in the foothills above Altadena during hurricane-force Santa Ana winds, according to Cal Fire. The blaze burned roughly 14,021 acres over 24 days, destroying about 9,414 structures and damaging another 1,074. The cause of the fire has not been determined.

The Fairview fire burned 44 structures, claimed two lives, and injured three people — including two firefighters– in addition to damage caused to the national forest.

The lawsuit alleges that SCE failed to properly maintain its power and transmission lines in or around the area where the Fairview Fire ignited. It also failed to ensure the minimum clearance between its power lines and the Frontier Communications messenger cable in the area where the fire started.

The United States is seeking to recover nearly $37 million in damages incurred by the Forest Service, including about $20 million in fire suppression costs, according to the Fairview suit.

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Blaze on east end of Cahuilla Indian Reservation blackens seven acres

KESQ on September 4, 2025

Jesus Reyes

ANZA, Calif. (KESQ) – A brush fire that erupted today south of Highway 371 inAnza scorched seven acres before it was stopped.   

The non-injury blaze was reported at 1:57 p.m. Thursday in the area of Coyote Canyon and Terwilliger roads, on the east end of the Cahuilla Indian Reservation, according to the Riverside County Fire Department.   

Multiple engines and hand crews were sent to the location and encountered flames moving at a slow rate through heavy brush amid light winds, firefighters said.

Three Cal Fire air tankers and a water-dropping helicopter reached the fire at 2:15 p.m. and performed runs across the head and heel of the blaze. That slowed its advance and enabled firefighters to establish hose lays.   

There were early concerns that a series of afternoon thunderstorm cells that developed just east of the fire might impact operations. But those drifted south into San Diego County.

At 3:10 p.m., the fire’s forward rate of spread was stopped. The fire was completely contained an hour later, according to officials.   

No structures were damaged.   

The area has been ground zero for a cluster of large and small wildfires every summer over the last three or four years  

The cause of Thursday’s blaze was under investigation.

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Is Santa Barbara’s red tile roof its most famous architectural feature?

KEYT on September 4, 2025

Beth Farnsworth

SANTA BARBARA, Calif. (KEYT) – If you love interesting tidbits, there’s a new book to add to your list: a go-to guide on architectural gems throughout Santa Barbara.

The American Riviera is known for its red roofs and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture but many people may not realize that there are 34 other distinct designs across the city; that includes a log cabin. There’s only one and it was built back in 1889.

The private residence on De La Vina Street is a point of interest among a treasure trove of information you’ll find in Robert Ooley’s newly published book, “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest.”

Robert Ooley, FAIA

“There are hiking guides, guides to the historic district and there are guides to places to eat but there’s no architecture and points of interest guide for the entire city,” said Robert Ooley, FAIA. “This covers every single neighborhood from one end to the next.”

Ooley served as County Architect for Santa Barbara and holds the prestigious title as Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

The Red Piano hosted the launch of Ooley’s new book Thursday evening.

You’ll find “A guide to Santa Barbara Architecture and Points of Interest” on shelves at the The Book Den, Chaucers and Tecolote Book Shop.

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Santa Cruz County sends a strike force to assist in the TCU Lightning Complex fire

KION on September 4, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SANTA CRUZ COUNTY, Calif. (KION-TV) — Strike Team XCZ 2325C from Santa Cruz County was sent to assist in the TCU Lightning Complex fire Thursday morning.

Wildland engines from Zayante, Scotts Valley, Central, Santa Cruz and Watsonville are enroute to Angels Camp to assist other communities threatened by various wildfires from the recent flurry of lightning caused fires in the area.

Cal Fire saying that the fire is spanning across Calaveras, Stanislaus, and Tuolumne counties, with 15% containment at 13,790 acres.

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19 violations lead to failed health inspection at Biaggi’s

KRDO on September 4, 2025

Bart Bedsole

When an entree costs anywhere from $17 to $51 per plate and is served on a white tablecloth, one might expect the restaurant to have no problem passing its health inspection. 

That was not the case, however, for an upscale Briargate restaurant last week. 

With a total of 19 violations found on August 25, Biaggi’s Ristorante Italiano at the Promenade Shops on Briargate Parkway not only failed its inspection, but was shut down due to the total number of points it lost. 

Here are a handful of the violations: 

There was no Certified Food Protection Manager on duty as required

”Multiple employees” were actively eating and drinking in the kitchen 

”Multiple staff in the kitchen” were not washing hands prior to putting on gloves 

Servers were observed touching bread with their bare hands

There were no dates marked on containers to show when chicken, pasta, and vegetables were prepared

Not only was there no soap in any of the dispensers, but there was no soap in the entire building to refill them 

The report also noted that not all kitchen workers had obtained a Food Handler Certificate (different from a CFPM), although a health department spokesperson later clarified that workers aren’t required to have a certificate to be employed.

Regarding the lack of soap, the person in charge told the inspector that they ran out of soap the night before and were still waiting for an order that was placed. 

When KRDO13 stopped by the restaurant on Tuesday to ask about the violations, the manager was unavailable.

A spokesperson with the corporate office released the following statement a day later: 

“We take our responsibility for food safety very seriously at Biaggi’s.  Our highest priorities are the safety and trust of our guests.  We work very closely with the health department, and we are fully committed to  maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness, safety, and quality.” 

KRDO13 replied and asked if the company had any response to the specific violations at the local restaurant, and the spokesperson said they did not.

Biaggi’s was allowed to reopen two days after its closure, but it is still awaiting its full re-inspection. 

OTHER FAILING SCORES

Mimi’s Cafe 55 – 7133 N Academy Blvd 

Egglush – 1025 S Sierra Madre St  

The Point Bar & Grill – 1545 S 8th St 

Trivelli’s Hoagies – 4547 Austin Bluffs Pkwy 

Awi Sushi – 1286 Interquest Pkwy 

Milano Pizza and Italian Kitchen – 750 Citadel Dr 

Fountain Creek Winery – 606 S Santa Fe Ave 

HIGH SCORES

Schlotzsky’s – 2381 N Academy Blvd 

Lolley’s Ice Cream – 174 Washington St 

In N Out Burger – 495 Garden of the Gods 

Pizza Hut – 3345 N Academy Blvd 

Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen –  2839 E Fountain Blvd 

Sourdough & Co. – 3264 Centennial Blvd 

Red Lobster – 3510 New Center Point 

Chick-fil-A – 391 Spectrum Loop 

Awi Sushi – 5070 N Nevada Ave 

Upstate Pizzeria – 4621 Austin Bluffs Pkwy 

Honey Hill Charcuterie – 1520 Verde Dr 

Mariscos El Rey #4 – 1811 S Academy 

The Mariscos El Rey, near S Academy and Chelton, doesn’t just serve Mexican-style seafood. 

It’s inspired by the cuisine from the state of Sinaloa on Mexico’s west coast, where its owners previously lived before moving to Colorado. 

“Sinaloa-style seafood is going to be spicier and it’s going to be a lot more rich in flavor,” explains Cindy Valenzuela, the co-owner and also the daughter of the restaurant’s founder, Juan Carlos Venezuela. 

Some of the signature dishes are the Pescado Zarandeado and the Agua Chile. 

Valenzuela says their extensive varieties of ceviches and sushi are also very popular. 

Before Mariscos El Rey opened in early 2024, it underwent a massive renovation that included adding murals of scenes from a typical small fishing village in Mexico. 

“We really wanted a place to transport you to Sinaloa, to make you feel like you were in Sinaloa.  The scenery we have on the walls, along with the food, should make you feel like you’re in Mazatlan,” says Valenzuela. 

Part of the reason the Valenzuelas opened the location in Colorado Springs is that so many people in Southern Colorado were driving to their other three restaurants in Denver. 

The next time you’re fishing around for a good restaurant, keep an eye out for the KRDO13 Restaurant Roundup awards, to know the kitchen inside is clean. 

Click here for a complete look at all the most recent restaurant inspections.

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St. Joseph bars prepare for the Chiefs season

News-Press NOW on September 4, 2025

Carter Ostermiller

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (News-Press NOW) — The Kansas City Chiefs will play in São Paulo, Brazil, and face the Los Angeles Chargers on Friday to kick off their 2025 season.

Many local St. Joseph bars are planning for the big game. 

Jake’s Steakhouse & Sports Bar is planning a special night.

“We are expecting to have a very decent crowd in here tomorrow. We have some specials going on for the Chiefs game, and we have a KC punch, which is a specialty drink just for the Kansas City Chiefs,” said Jake’s Steakhouse & Sports Bar server Leigh Holland.

Jake’s is also planning live music at 7 p.m., with the Chiefs game also kicking off at the same time.

Local bar Tipps is planning their own special for this Friday.

Co-owner Lindsey Bernard is really excited about their new shot.

“We’re going to have the pineapple upside-down shot for $3. And we put it all together. It really represents the Chiefs’ color, so we’re excited about that one,” said Bernard.

The expectation is that the red kingdom will be well represented at St. Joseph Bars this Friday.

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Soledad unveils new inspirational mural Wednesday afternoon

KION on September 4, 2025

Jeanette Bent

SOLEDAD, Calif. (KION-TV) — The City of Soledad celebrated a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday to unveil the city’s newest public art installation at Aerial Apparatus Bay on Monterey Street.

The city saying that the artwork is to commemorate Soledad’s “rich identity and heritage and serves as a vibrant tribute to the dedication, courage, and service of the City’s first responders.”

Supervisor Chris Lopez, who awarded the City a $40,000 grant to help fund the mural, said “Public art is a reflection of who we are as a community; it tells our story, honors our values, and brings people together. The Soledad Fire Apparatus Bay mural is a perfect example of how creativity and collaboration can transform a space into something meaningful for all who pass by.”

Lopez attributing the mural’s location on the new fire apparatus bay to first responders’ sacrifice and service to the communities in the past, current, and future.

The mural was designed and created by three artists: Brenda Scettrini Saglio, Paul Richmond, and Briden Cole Schueren, with a lot of community input. The city saying that it is meant to weave together themes of cultural diversity, Soledad’s past, present, and future, while honoring the vital role of local first responders within our community.

“Our public safety professionals are the backbone of Soledad. This mural is a powerful reminder of their courage, sacrifice, and daily commitment to keeping our community safe. It is also a symbol of the deep respect and gratitude we hold for those who serve,” said Anna Velazquez, Mayor of Soledad.

“There are a few Easter eggs imbedded in the piece as well that make it special and heartfelt,” wrote Supervisor Chris Lopez in a Facebook post. “A tribute to the women who sacrificed so much, working in the sun stooped over so we could stand tall, so our children could fly.”

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