Author: KESQ

Raymond Kalra

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – With the November election just weeks away, voters across the Coachella Valley are preparing to select their local leaders. But in Palm Springs, residents won’t find a mayoral race on their ballots.

That’s because the city currently operates under a rotating mayor system, where each of the five elected City Council members takes a turn serving as mayor for one year.

Now, a renewed push to return to a directly elected mayor is raising questions about representation, consistency in city leadership and whether residents should have the final say in who holds the position.

News Channel 3 spoke with Palm Springs City Councilmember Ron deHarte, community advocate Thomi Clinton and local residents about the proposed change and what it could mean for the city.

Why Palm Springs has a rotating mayor

Palm Springs previously allowed voters to elect a mayor directly. However, the city transitioned to district-based elections in 2019 following concerns involving the California Voting Rights Act and minority representation.

Under the current system, residents elect City Council members within their respective districts, and the mayoral position rotates annually among those five council members.

Supporters of the rotating system argue it gives representatives from different parts of the city an opportunity to serve as mayor.

Others believe having a different mayor each year creates challenges for continuity and long-term leadership.

Councilmember Ron deHarte, who represents District 3, supports bringing back a directly elected mayor.

“I think the biggest thing that you’ll see is you’ll see strategic leadership. You’ll see representation that is consistent and has a stronger foothold in the community, with stakeholders and with our business partners and with business entities throughout the region,” deHarte said.

He argues that allowing residents to vote directly for their mayor would give them another opportunity to participate in city government without taking away their district representation.

“We’re going to get a vote for who our city council member is, and we’re going to get a vote for who our mayor is,” deHarte explained. “So we’re increasing the opportunity to have a greater say on who runs our city.”

What could change, and how much would it cost?

According to deHarte, one option being discussed would add a sixth seat to the City Council, with the additional member serving as mayor.

The existing five council districts would remain unchanged.

DeHarte said that maintaining the city’s majority-minority district is especially important to him and that the conversation is not about eliminating district-based representation.

The change, however, could come with additional costs for taxpayers.

DeHarte said the mayor currently earns approximately $49,000 annually. Under the proposal he described, the city would take on the cost of another elected position, including compensation and equipment.

He estimated the annual cost of a laptop and iPad at approximately $1,500, in addition to the salary and other expenses associated with another council member.

“There are costs that are associated with adding representative government, but that’s a very small cost when the big picture of the size of Palm Springs and what Palm Springs has going for it and the type of leadership we need moving the city forward,” deHarte said.

Those figures are deHarte’s estimates, not a complete independent assessment of the proposal’s potential financial impact.

When asked whether a citywide mayoral election could favor candidates with greater financial resources, deHarte said he believes community support would help candidates raise the money needed to campaign.

He also said he has no plans to run for the position himself.

“I’m not running for mayor. I’m running for city council member,” deHarte said. “I want you to have a vote for who your mayor is.”

Residents weigh in on consistency and leadership

Some residents who spoke with News Channel 3 expressed support for having one directly elected mayor serve a longer term.

Palm Springs resident Michael Johnson said he believes a consistent mayor would provide a recognizable face for the city, particularly when interacting with visitors, businesses and other communities.

“I actually like a single mayor because they were the face of the city,” Johnson said. “And I think when you have this rotating all this time, it’s confusing for the outside world, for the people that are coming in, the tourists, celebrities, whatever.”

Johnson said he would support a proposal returning the city to a directly elected mayor.

Palm Springs resident Mary Hayes expressed similar sentiments, saying she believes the current rotation can make it more difficult to maintain a consistent approach to city leadership.

“I think it would be more stable. And the decisions would be more consistent, rather than everybody rotating and coming in and having a different approach to everything,” Hayes said.

She also believes voters should have the opportunity to choose a different mayor if they become dissatisfied with the person serving in the position.

Concerns about representation and whose voices are heard

Not everyone is convinced changing the system would improve representation.

Thomi Clinton, founder and CEO of the Transgender Health and Wellness Centers, questions what residents would actually gain from the proposal.

Clinton expressed concern that a citywide mayoral election could favor residents with greater financial resources and political influence while leaving working-class and marginalized communities with less representation.

“We need to hear from the people that would be impacted the most by this, which are going to be the lower income or middle income marginalized communities,” Clinton said.

They also questioned whether city leaders are providing enough information to help residents understand the potential consequences of changing the system.

“I think the rotation gives everyone an opportunity to represent, and it allows what’s called dissemination of ideas,” Clinton said.

Clinton believes the city should also be focusing on issues such as housing affordability and the financial challenges facing working-class residents.

“I think that the city council should be focusing on reasonable rent or rent control and other things, and I feel that these elections, they distract from what the people need,” Clinton said.

They also raised concerns about whether community meetings alone would be sufficient to reach residents who work multiple jobs or cannot attend in person.

Clinton believes the question should ultimately be placed before voters rather than being decided solely by the City Council.

“You need to give it to the people to decide, and you need to allow them to speak,” Clinton said. “And if you want this, you need to be 100% honest with why you want it and what you get from it, so that the people can make their own decision.”

While Clinton and deHarte disagree over the potential benefits of changing the system, both emphasized the importance of residents having a voice in the process.

Could the issue appear on a March ballot?

The city is currently gathering public feedback through community meetings and an online survey before determining its next steps.

DeHarte said the City Council could decide to move forward with a ballot measure, while a separate citizen-led initiative could also pursue placing the question before voters.

He said a March 2027 election is among the possibilities being discussed, although no ballot measure has been finalized.

DeHarte said he believes residents have already expressed significant interest in electing their mayor directly, but acknowledged that public feedback could change the outcome.

“If what we learn in the feedback that we get from the citizens is we want to stay where we’re at, of course, I will stand in line and support that,” deHarte said.

The councilmember also encouraged residents to attend the upcoming community meetings, listen to different perspectives and learn more about the proposal before deciding where they stand.

How Palm Springs residents can have their voices heard

The City of Palm Springs has scheduled two additional community meetings this month to gather feedback on the future of the mayoral position.

Thursday, October 15: District 3 Community Meeting

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Location: Agua Caliente Cultural Museum Address: 140 N. Indian Canyon Drive, Palm Springs

Monday, October 19: District 4 Community Meeting

Time: 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Location: Palm Springs High School Address: 2401 E. Baristo Road, Palm Springs

Residents are welcome to attend either meeting, regardless of which council district they live in.

The meetings provide opportunities to ask questions, hear different perspectives and share opinions directly with city leaders.

The city is also encouraging residents to participate in its Mayoral Position Community Survey, available in English and Spanish.

Click here to participate in the city’s online survey and learn more about the community meetings.

Residents needing translation services or other accommodations for the meetings are encouraged to contact the Palm Springs City Clerk’s Office at (760) 323-8204 at least 48 hours in advance.

For now, Palm Springs will continue selecting its mayor through the annual council rotation.

Whether residents eventually get the opportunity to elect their mayor directly will depend on what happens after the city finishes gathering feedback and whether a proposal moves forward to the ballot.

News Channel 3 will continue following the discussion and the City Council’s next steps.

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Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) Riverside County says it is moving ahead with destroying the roughly 650,000 Proposition 50 ballots Sheriff Chad Bianco seized in February, after the state Department of Justice told the county it finished reviewing his investigation and had no objection.

Bianco says the Registrar of Voters is destroying the ballots Tuesday. He announced it Monday in a campaign email, saying his attorney told him. The county’s statement does not give a date.

“This is exactly what AG Rob Bonta wanted — for trust in our elections to be buried, along with any evidence of a crime,” Bianco wrote.

County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen sent News Channel 3 this statement:

“Following the California Supreme Court’s rulings concerning the November 2025 Special Election, the ballots seized by the Sheriff’s Department were returned to the Registrar of Voters. The County subsequently sought written guidance from the California Department of Justice and Secretary of State regarding the appropriate disposition of those materials.

“The Department of Justice has confirmed that it has completed its review of the Sheriff’s investigation and has no objection to the County’s disposition of the ballots in accordance with State law. The Secretary of State’s Office has also confirmed that the ballots must be destroyed pursuant to California Elections Code section 17302(c).

“Following receipt of this guidance and an independent legal review confirming the County’s obligations under State law, the Registrar of Voters will proceed with the destruction of the ballots in accordance with established election procedures.

“The County remains committed to secure, accurate, transparent, and lawful elections. We have confidence in Registrar Art Tinoco and the dedicated professionals in the Registrar of Voters office, who continue to carry out their responsibilities while preparing for the November 3 General Election.”

Bianco seized the ballots Feb. 26 while investigating a claim from the Riverside Election Integrity Team that the county counted 45,896 more ballots than it took in. Registrar Art Tinoco says the real gap was 103 ballots.

The California Supreme Court ruled unanimously Sept. 24 the seizure was unlawful and ordered the ballots returned. The registrar got them back Sept. 29.

State law only required the county to keep ballots from the November 2025 special election for six months. That deadline passed in May. The ballots lasted this long because the Supreme Court ordered them preserved while it decided the case.

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Dakota Makinen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) — Desert Regional Medical Center is offering low-dose radiation therapy as a treatment option for some patients with mild to moderate osteoarthritis.

The treatment, offered through the hospital’s Comprehensive Cancer Center, uses low doses of radiation in an effort to reduce inflammation and relieve joint pain.

Radiation therapy is commonly associated with cancer treatment, but doctors can also use it for certain noncancerous conditions.

Patients should ask whether low-dose radiation is appropriate for their specific condition and discuss the potential risks and benefits before starting treatment. Patients should consult their health care provider about the options best suited to their needs.

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John White

COACHELLA VALLEY, Calif. (KESQ) – The 48th Congressional District race that includes Palm Springs and Indian Wells is being targeted by Democrats and Republicans as a key race in the battle for control of Congress in the mid-term elections.

Democrat Marni von Wilpert is a San Diego City Councilmember running against Republican Jim Desmond, a San Diego County Supervisor.

Full Interviews with the candidates:

Tonight at 6:00, News Channel 3’s John White breaks down the race, how it’s attracting millions of dollars from both sides, and what’s at stake on November 3rd.

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Gavin Nguyen

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Two serious bicycle accidents in Palm Springs over the past week have become a cause for concern.

One cyclist is in critical condition after a crash Sunday night, according to police. The department said the crash happened at N Sunrise Way and E Vista Chino just before 10 p.m. The cyclist was trying to cross Vista Chino when they were struck by a vehicle. They were taken to Desert Regional Medical Center, where they remained in critical condition.

It’s the second serious crash in the span of a week after a cyclist was killed last Monday, October 5th. That crash happened around 8:30 p.m. near E Palm Canyon Dr. and Cherokee Way. The cyclist was pronounced dead at the scene.

Jairo Rivas was riding along the CV Link with one of his coworkers on Monday night, taking advantage of cooler weather to commute to and from work. Coincidentally, he worked at a resort right next to the intersection the cyclist was killed last Monday.

“It’s crazy that it just happened by where we work,” he commented.

While he doesn’t ride often, he shared his concerns for when he does: “There’s some cars sometimes they get close to you, you know, and then sometimes the bike lane. The path ain’t really, wide enough for for your bike.”

And when he’s tried to use the sidewalk as a safer option, he recounted, “Last time we were on the road over there by Rancho, we were on the sidewalk because there was no bike lane. Some people were mad because we were on the sidewalk and they yelled that out, like, ‘What are you guys doing on the sidewalk?’ We’re just trying to be safe.”

“They’re very unfortunate to show up on those type of scenes. A lot of times they are … simply avoidable,” said Sgt. David Etchason, with the Palm Springs Police Department. As a patrol sergeant, he responded to both of the recent crashes.

He continued, “A lot of times is drivers typically are looking for vehicles. They’re not looking for the bicyclists, they’re not looking for pedestrians, and they’re not looking for the motorcyclists. Please, please obviously look out for the vehicles, but also look out for the for the pedestrians and motorcyclists and the bicyclists.”

As skies begin to darken earlier, police are urging everyone using the road to stay vigilant. They said safety was a shared responsibility: cars should stay alert for bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians, which can be much more difficult to see. Cyclists should also abide by all traffic laws and utilize proper lighting to help them stay visible.

Despite these two serious crashes in short succession, Lt. Michael Torres said so far, collisions involving cyclists and pedestrians are down in 2026 (39 incidents) compared to 2025 (52 incidents).

Regardless, police urged drivers to use extra caution and to give cyclists extra space when passing them.

The City of Palm Springs has several resources for cyclists on its website, including bike maps and safety programs. You can find that information by clicking here.

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City News Service

INDIAN WELLS, Calif. (KESQ) – In an effort to protect local wildlife and comply with state and federal wildlife protections, the Indian Wells City Council will consider amending the city’s tree-trimming and general property-maintenance regulations Thursday.

A section of the city’s municipal code requires all landowners, tenants, lessees and occupants adjacent to public right-of-way to either trim, prune or maintain all trees, shrubs, grass or other plantings and to prune or remove plants considered an obstruction or a nuisance, according to a staff report.

Additionally, a separate section requires private landowners to annually trim date palm trees no later than June 30 and Washingtonia palms by July 30.

Council members were informed by wildlife biologists at the Desert Wildlife Center in Indio that the city’s mandatory annual tree-trimming dates in June and July coincides with the annual bird-nesting season, which is considered from Feb. 1 through Aug. 31 by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, and if “unintentionally disturb or destroy active nests, eggs, nestling, and breeding habitat” then it could result in violations of state and federal wildlife laws.

According to the staff report, the California Fish and Game Code prohibits the needless destruction of bird nests and eggs, with special protections for raptors and other protected birds while the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act prohibits wounding, capture, collection or other harm to more than 1,000 covered bird species, including the destruction, movement or relocation of in-use nests and viable eggs and hatchlings.

As a result, city staff recommends City Council to change the annual trimming dates to a single annual deadline of Oct. 1.

The proposed ordinance states that if trimming is unavoidable during nesting season then a qualified biologist will inspect the specified tree or shrub to make ensure there are no in-use nests or viable eggs and fledglings present.

Contracting a qualified biologist to inspect city-owned trees for bird nests prior to annual tree-trimming would cost roughly $37,200 per annual event assuming the biologist would inspect 40 trees a day over a 31-day survey period.

If adopted, the ordinance would take effect 30 days after council approval and city staff will conduct an education and outreach campaign starting early next year to inform residents and landscapers of the new tree-trimming requirements.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Anthony Anderson, Emmy- and Golden Globe-nominated actor, producer, television host, and philanthropist, will be the Grand Marshal of the 2026 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade.

The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade will take place Sunday, October 25, on El Paseo. Festivities kick off at 8 a.m., the parade is scheduled to start at Noon.

Already no stranger to Palm Desert, Anderson has developed a special connection to the community through his annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic at BIGHORN Golf Club. Now, he will return to Palm Desert to lead one of the city’s most beloved community traditions.

This year’s theme, “Better Together,” with the tagline “Individually Unique. Collectively Unstoppable.” celebrates the people, businesses and organizations that make Palm Desert and the greater Coachella Valley such a special place to live, work and visit.

“We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Anthony Anderson as our Grand Marshal this year,” said Alisa Williams, President/CEO of the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce. “Anthony already has such a wonderful connection to Palm Desert through his Celebrity Golf Classic at BIGHORN and the charitable work he does through that event. We love that he is coming back to our community for a completely different kind of celebration. The Golf Cart Parade is about bringing people together, having fun and celebrating what makes our community special, and Anthony’s energy and personality make him such a great fit for this year’s Better Together theme.”

2026 GRAND MARSHAL — ANTHONY ANDERSON

Anthony Anderson is an Emmy and Golden Globe-nominated actor, producer and television host who starred for eight seasons as Andre “Dre” Johnson in ABC’s multi-award nominated sitcom black-ish, where he also served as executive producer. His performance earned him seven consecutive Emmy nominations for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, along with three Golden Globe nominations and three Critics Choice nominations. He also received four Emmy nominations as a producer of the series.

Anderson can currently be seen in Chris Rock’s latest directorial feature “MISTY GREEN” which debuted at the 2026 Toronto Film Festival to rave reviews.

Anderson has also partnered with Cedric the Entertainer to launch their own barbecue label, AC Barbeque, and documented their journey to become barbeque masters on the A&E Network unscripted series “Kings of BBQ.” The brand opened its first restaurant in Westfield Century City in 2025 and released its cookbook, AC BBQ The Husky and Handsome Guide to Grilling, published by Simon & Schuster. 

His extensive career includes roles in Law & Order, The Shield and All About the Andersons, as well as prominent films including Transformers, The Departed, the Barbershop franchise, Kangaroo Jack, Scary Movie 3 and Me, Myself & Irene.

His hosting credits include the 75th Annual Emmy Awards, To Tell the Truth, We Are Family and The Real Full Monty.

Anderson received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2020 and was named a Disney Legend in 2022, The Walt Disney Company’s highest honor recognizing individuals who have made an extraordinary and integral contribution to the company.

Beyond entertainment, Anderson is an active advocate and philanthropist. His annual Anthony Anderson Celebrity Golf Classic has brought together celebrities, athletes and community supporters in Palm Desert to raise funds for charitable causes, further strengthening his connection to the Coachella Valley.

Anderson will take an active role in this year’s Golf Cart Parade celebration, arriving ahead of the parade to join the festivities on El Paseo. He is scheduled to appear on the Main Stage for brief remarks and spend time meeting paradegoers, signing autographs and posing for photographs with fans.

At noon, Anderson will take his place as Grand Marshal and lead the 2026 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade along El Paseo.

A FULL DAY OF FUN ON EL PASEO

The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade is much more than the parade itself, with activities and entertainment planned throughout the morning along El Paseo.

The day kicks off at 8:00 a.m. with the Rotary Pancake Breakfast. Beginning at 9:00 a.m., El Paseo comes alive with the Marketplace, Kids & Family Fun Zone, food trucks, live bands, beer gardens, classic cars, custom golf carts and activities for all ages.

A highlight of this year’s festivities will be the return of the skydivers, sponsored by General Air Conditioning & Plumbing, bringing an exciting aerial element to the celebration before the parade begins.

At 12:00 p.m., the Golf Cart Parade takes center stage as creatively decorated golf carts and floats, local businesses, community organizations, marching and performance groups, classic cars and more make their way along El Paseo.

From creative entries and live entertainment to food, family activities and community spirit, the Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade offers something for everyone.

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY, SENIORS AND VETERANS

The Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade has long been a celebration of community, and special areas along the parade route help make the day accessible and enjoyable for even more residents.

The Auen Foundation Senior Seating Area provides dedicated seating and hospitality for local seniors, while the Mechanic’s Bank Veterans Seating Area gives veterans and active-duty military a special place to enjoy the parade while being recognized for their service.

Families can enjoy the Berger Foundation Kids & Family Fun Zone, filled with activities and entertainment for younger paradegoers, while the Twenty-Nine Palms Band of Mission Indians VIP Area welcomes special guests and community supporters.

For more information about the 2026 Palm Desert Golf Cart Parade, including parade participation, sponsorship opportunities and event updates, visit the Palm Desert Area Chamber of Commerce website.

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Garrett Hottle

RIVERSIDE, Calif. (KESQ) – Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco claims the 650,000 Prop 50 ballots he seized and was forced to return will be destroyed on Tuesday.

The claim comes from a campaign fundraising email, and News Channel 3 is working to confirm it.

Bianco seized those ballots while investigating fraud claims in the November 2025 Prop 50 election. The California Supreme Court ruled the investigation unlawful and ordered him to return the ballots to the Registrar.

The discrepancy behind his investigation, activists claimed, was over 45,000 votes. The Registrar says it was about 103.

In a campaign email this afternoon, Bianco says his attorney told him the registrar will destroy the ballots Tuesday.

County Executive Officer Jeff Van Wagenen sent News Channel 3 a statement:

Following the California Supreme Court’s rulings concerning the November 2025 Special Election, the ballots seized by the Sheriff’s Department were returned to the Registrar of Voters. The County subsequently sought written guidance from the California Department of Justice and Secretary of State regarding the appropriate disposition of those materials.

The Department of Justice has confirmed that it has completed its review of the Sheriff’s investigation and has no objection to the County’s disposition of the ballots in accordance with State law. The Secretary of State’s Office has also confirmed that the ballots must be destroyed pursuant to California Elections Code section 17302(c).

Following receipt of this guidance and an independent legal review confirming the County’s obligations under State law, the Registrar of Voters will proceed with the destruction of the ballots in accordance with established election procedures.

The County remains committed to secure, accurate, transparent, and lawful elections. We have confidence in Registrar Art Tinoco and the dedicated professionals in the Registrar of Voters office, who continue to carry out their responsibilities while preparing for the November 3 General Election.

-Riverside County CEO Jeff Van Wagenen

Destroying ballots isn’t unusual; state law only requires keeping them so long, and this election is almost a year old.

Two weeks ago, the Registrar refused to take any questions on when the ballots are slated for destruction.

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City News Service

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert campus and the city of Palm Desert have launched a yearlong paid internship program to give students hands-on experience working in municipal government, officials announced today.

The program’s inaugural class includes five students who are gaining experience in various city departments, including finance, economic development, planning, public works, the City Manager’s Office and the library.

“CSUSB is an important educational partner in the Coachella Valley, and welcoming these talented students into City Hall creates a meaningful opportunity for everyone involved — the students, the city and our community,” Palm Desert City Manager Chris Escobedo said in a statement. “By giving students firsthand experience in local government, we hope to develop the next generation of public sector professionals and inspire more talented individuals to consider careers in public service.”

Officials said the program is intended to give students a better understanding of how local government operates while helping them develop professional skills.

“The paid internship program in partnership with the city of Palm Desert provides CSUSB Palm Desert campus students not only with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience but to hone their strength and develop skills employers are looking for across industries, such as professional communication, critical thinking and leadership within a government setting,” Tiffany Bitting, director of the campus’ career center, said in a statement.

During the spring semester, participants will be able to select a city department for a more focused internship based on their interests and career goals, organizers said.

“The Coachella Valley has given me the opportunity to attend college and access valuable resources, so I would like to give back to the community by pursuing a career that allows me to serve and support the people who live here,” intern Angel Hernandez Acevedo said.

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Jesus Reyes

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Kataluna Enriquez, groundbreaking model, fashion designer, and advocate, has been named the Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal for the 40th Anniversary Palm Springs Pride celebration, organizers announced on Monday.

Enriquez is a brand ambassador, mental health advocate, gender equality champion, multidimensional fashion designer, and owner of KatalunaKouture.

As a Filipino American model, she has appeared in major campaigns for Andrew Fitzsimons Hair, Ulta, The Chase game show, Emmy Meli’s “I Am Woman” music video, MGM Grand, and The Venetian in Las Vegas. Her work and advocacy have earned prominent media coverage in outlets such as People Magazine, E! News, Good Morning America, NBC, TMZ, and Business Insider.

In 2021, Enriquez made history twice, becoming the first trans woman to win Miss Nevada USA and the first trans woman to compete in the Miss USA pageant, which has more than 70 years of history. She went on to represent the United States at the 2024 Miss International Queen pageant in Thailand, the world’s premier international transgender beauty competition, placing in the Top 6, earning three major awards, and capturing international recognition.

As a survivor of abuse, Enriquez utilizes her platform to foster vulnerability, raise vital awareness around mental health, and combat hate. She amplifies voices across the LGBTQ+ spectrum, focusing on youth empowerment and expanding nonprofit partnerships nationwide. Her dedicated hands-on trans volunteerism includes serving local Southern California communities by assisting in business operations and helping coordinate care for individuals in Riverside, California. Fans and supporters can also catch her occasional drag performances at local venues including One-Eleven Bar, Flip Phone events at Toucans, Southern California Improv, and Las Vegas hot spots Gipsy and Piranha Nightclub.

The Palm Springs Pride Marsha P. Johnson Grand Marshal is an honor bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated exceptional dedication to advancing the rights and visibility of the trans community.

It is named for pioneering transgender activist and Stonewall Uprising icon Marsha P. Johnson, the award recognizes leaders who embody Johnson’s spirit of advocacy by promoting inclusivity, resilience, and awareness of the challenges trans individuals face.

“Marsha P. Johnson paved the path for trans visibility, resilience, and liberation,” said Ron deHarte, President and CEO of Greater Palm Springs Pride. “Kataluna Enriquez embodies that same transformative courage, using her global platform and community volunteerism to empower trans youth and uplift our entire community. We are honored to recognize her leadership alongside our incredible slate of 2026 Grand Marshals.”

Enriquez joins an esteemed lineup of previously announced honorees leading this year’s parade, including National Grand Marshal Fortune Feimster, Celebrity Grand Marshal Cheyenne Jackson, Community Grand Marshal Gary Moline, and Pride Royalty for Life Marshall Pearcy (Dottie DuBois).

The Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade and Festival will bring together residents, visitors, and advocates to celebrate diversity, equality, and community resilience in downtown Palm Springs November 6-8, 2026.

News Channel 3 is a proud sponsor of Pride. We will broadcast the parade on News Channel 3 and our website.

More entertainment announcements, including the complete roster of performers and stage schedules, will be released in the coming weeks.

For festival information, updates, and ways to support Palm Springs Pride, visit pspride.org.

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