Category: kesq-local-news

Jesus Reyes

Palm Springs, Calif. (KESQ) – The 37th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival (PSIFF) announced its lineup, including opening and closing night films.

The festival will screen 168 films from 72 countries and territories, including 53 premieres (3 World, 6 International, 10 North American, 12 U.S., and 22 California) from January 2-12, 2026. The lineup includes 44 of the International Feature Film Oscar® Submissions along with a plethora of returning and brand-new programs. The festival has also added the historic Plaza Theatre as one of its venues.

OPENING AND CLOSING SCREENINGS

The festival will open on Friday, January 2 with the film Calle Malaga, where actress Carmen Maura shines as an aging woman in Tangier, fighting to keep her home—and her sense of self—in director Maryam Touzani’s poignant Spanish-language debut. In attendance will be director Maryam Touzani.

Calle Malaga

Opening Night will take place at multiple venues.

The festival will close on Sunday, January 11 with the film Glenrothan, with film’s director and star Brian Cox in attendance. The Closing Night screening will take place at the Richards Center for the Arts at Palm Springs High School. Making his directorial debut, legendary actor Brian Cox stars alongside Alan Cumming as two estranged brothers reunited in their idyllic Scottish hometown, bound by the traditions of their family’s whiskey distillery.

Glenrothan

Key programs with guests expected to attend include King Hamlet with actor Oscar Isaac and director Elvira Lind; Kim Novak’s Vertigo with actress Kim Novak and director Alexandre O. Philippe; The Housemaid with director Paul Feig; She Dances with actress Audrey Zahn, actor Steve Zahn, director RickGomez, and actress Mackenzie Ziegler; Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story with songwriter CarolConnors; All That’s Left of You with director, writer and star Cherien Dabis; Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’tDie with director Gore Verbinski; It Would Be Night in Caracas with actor Edgar Ramirez; Steal This Story,Please! with subject and journalist Amy Goodman; Palestine 36 with director Annemarie Jacir; The LastViking with director and writer Anders Thomas Jensen; and more.

Highlights for this year include the launch of Gateway Films, a new series celebrating the titles thatsparked a lifelong love of cinema, curated by actress Diane Kruger, critic Leonard Maltin, director PaulFeig, programmer Therese Hayes, and late actor Udo Kier. Additional programming includes a GermanCountry Spotlight showcasing A Land Within, Amrum, Bad Painter, Islands, Miroirs No. 3, Silent Friend,Stars, The Last Spy, and What Marielle Knows; Family Day with Arco, KPOP Demon Hunters, and Zootopia2 presented at the Mary Pickford alongside a lively revue of local vendors and family-friendly fun; and anAfter Dark slate featuring Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die, Mārama, The Book of Sijjin and Illiyyin, andThe Plague. The Festival will further highlight local storytelling with Local Spotlight selections ItalianWannabe and Ramona and the Ballad of Juan Diego, along with a new edition of Close-Ups incollaboration with Dave Karger.

“Our 2026 lineup is a celebration of the stories that move us, challenge us, and remind us why we lovemovies,” said Lili Rodriguez, Artistic Director of the Palm Springs International Film Society. “From familyfun to bold new voices, from international masters to exciting first-time filmmakers, this year’s selectionsreflect the range of energy of world cinema today. At Palm Springs, the joy comes not just from the films,but from the conversations and shared moments that bring people together year after year. We can’twait for audiences to feel that spark that only cinema brings.”

AWARDS BUZZ – BEST INTERNATIONAL FEATURE FILM SUBMISSIONS This section is selected by Festival programmers as the strongest entries in this year’s Academy Awards® race and will screen 44 official submissions from the Best International Feature Film category. A special jury of international film critics will review these films to present the FIPRESCI Award for Best International Feature Film of the Year, as well as Best Actor, Best Actress, Best First Feature Film, and Best Screenplay in this category.

On Wednesday, January 7, The Hollywood Reporter will also host an in-depth panel discussion with some of the directors that have made the Best International Feature Film short-list.

● 100 Liters of Gold (Finland), dir. Teemu Nikki● 2000 Meters to Andriivka (Ukraine), dir. Mstyslav Chernov● A Poet (Colombia), dir. Simón Mesa Soto● A Sad Beautiful World (Lebanon), dir. Cyril Aris● A Useful Ghost (Thailand), dir. Ratchapoom Boonbunchachoke● All That’s Left of You (Jordan), dir. Cherien Dabis● Belén (Argentina), dir. Dolores Fonzi● Beloved Tropic (Panama), dir. Ana Endara● Eagles of the Republic (Sweden), dir. Tarik Saleh● Familia (Italy), dir. Francesco Costabile● Father (Slovakia), dir. Tereza Nvotová● Franz (Poland), dir. Agnieszka Holland● Happy Birthday (Egypt), dir. Sarah Goher● Hijra (Saudi Arabia), dir. Shahad Ameen (North American Premiere)● Homebound (India), dir. Neeraj Ghaywan● It Was Just an Accident (France), dir. Jafar Panahi● Kokuhô (Japan), dir. Sang-il Lee● Late Shift (Switzerland), dir. Petra Volpe● Left Handed Girl (Taiwan), dir. Shih-Ching Tsou● Little Trouble Girls (Slovenia), dir. Urška Djukić● Magellan (Philippines), dir. Lav Diaz● Mr. Nobody Against Putin (Denmark), dirs. David Borenstein & Pavel Talankin● My Father’s Shadow (United Kingdom), dir. Akinola Davies● No Other Choice (South Korea), dir. Park Chan-wook● Orphan (Hungary), dir. László Nemes● Palestine 36 (Palestine), dir. Annemarie Jacir● Reedland (Netherlands), dir. Sven Bresser● Sirât (Spain), dir. Oliver Laxe● Sound of Falling (Germany), dir. Mascha Schilinski● The Last Dance (Hong Kong), dir. Chan Mou Yin Anselm● The Love That Remains (Iceland), dir. Hlynur Pálmason● The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo (Chile), dir. Diego Cespedes● The President’s Cake (Iraq), dir. Hasan Hadi● The Sea (Israel), dir. Shai Carmeli-Pollak● The Secret Agent (Brazil), dir. Kleber Mendonça Filho● The Tale of Silyan (North Macedonia), dir. Tamara Kotevska● The Things You Kill (Canada), dir. Alireza Khatami● The Tower of Strength (Montenegro), dir. Nikola Vukčević● The Voice of Hind Rajab (Tunisia), dir. Kaouther Ben Hania● Traffic (Romania), dir. Teodora Ana Mihai (California Premiere)● Under the Flags, The Sun (Paraguay), dir. Juanjo Pereira● Young Mothers (Belgium), dirs. Jean-Pierre Dardenne & Luc Dardenne

TALKING PICTURESThe Talking Pictures program includes in-depth discussions with directors, writers and actors from theyear’s top titles. The following films selected for this year’s program with guests attending are:

● King Hamlet (USA), dir. Elvira Lind (California Premiere)—Expected to attend are actor OscarIsaac and director Elvira Lind● The Housemaid (USA), dir. Paul Feig—Expected to attend is director Paul Feig● The Librarians (USA), dir. Kim A. SnyderAdditional titles featuring discussions with Film Award honorees will be announced at a later date.

AFTER DARKThe Festival’s late-night corner, serving up sharp, strange, and pulse-pounding genre films.

● Good Luck, Have Fun, Don’t Die (USA), dir. Gore Verbinski● Mārama (New Zealand), dir. Taratoa Stappard● The Book of Sijjin and Illiyyin (Indonesia), dir. Hadrah Daeng Ratu (California Premiere)● The Plague (Romania), dir. Charlie Polinger

AMERICAN INDIESIndependent films from rising American filmmakers.

● Burt (USA), dir. Joe Burke● Fantasy Life (USA), dir. Matthew Shear● Honeyjoon (USA), dir. Lilian T. Mehrel● Idiotka (USA), dir. Nastasya Popov● She Dances (USA), dir. Rick Gomez● Tow (USA), dir. Stephanie Laing

CLOSE-UPSDocumentaries spotlighting the lives and creative worlds of filmmakers, celebrating the craft, thelegends, and the stories behind the camera.

● Boorman and the Devil (USA), dir. David Kittredge● Coroner to the Stars (USA), dirs. Ben Hethcoat & Keita Ideno● It’s Dorothy! (USA), dir. Jeffrey McHale● Kim Novak’s Vertigo (USA), dir. Alexandre O. Philippe (U.S. Premiere)● The Eyes of Ghana (USA), dir. Ben Proudfoot● Third Act (USA), dir. Tadashi Nakamura

GATEWAY FILMSA new series celebrating the titles that sparked a lifelong love of cinema, curated by actress Diane Kruger, critic Leonard Maltin, director Paul Feig, programmer Therese Hayes, and the late actor Udo Kier.

● Fire (India), dir. Deepa Mehta—Selected by programmer Therese Hayes● In the Mood for Love (Hong Kong), dir. Wong Kar-Wai—Selected by actress Diane Kruger● Medea (Denmark), dir. Lars Von Trier—Selected by actor Udo Kier● Films curated by Leonard Maltin and Paul Feig to be noted at a later date.

GERMAN FOCUSStories from German filmmakers.

● A Land Within, dir. Michael Kofler (North American Premiere)● Amrum, dir. Fatih Akin● Bad Painter, dir. Albert Oehlen● Islands, dir. Jan-Ole Gerster (California Premiere)● Miroirs No. 3, dir. Christian Petzold● Silent Friend, dir. Ildikó Enyedi● Stars, dir. Konrad Wolf● The Last Spy, dir. Katharina Otto-Bernstein (California Premiere)● What Marielle Knows, dir. Frédéric Hambalek (California Premiere)

LOCAL SPOTLIGHTHighlighting films from the Coachella Valley.

● Italian Wannabe (USA), dir. Steve Dabal (World Premiere)● Ramona and the Ballad of Juan Diego (USA), dir. Jason Sklaver (World Premiere)

MODERN MASTERSNew films, classic auteurs.

● A Magnificent Life (France), dir. Sylvain Chomet● Below the Clouds (Italy), dir. Gianfranco Rosi● Cover-Up (USA), dir. Laura Poitras, Mark Obenhaus● Dreams (Mexico), dir. Michel Franco● Hen (Greece), dir. György Pálfi (U.S. Premiere)● Orwell: 2+2=5 (USA), dir. Raoul Peck● The Captive (Spain), dir. Alejandro Amenábar (U.S. Premiere)● The Last Viking (Denmark), dir. Anders Thomas Jensen (California Premiere)● The Soundman (Netherlands), dir. Frank Van Passel (North American Premiere)● Two Prosecutors (France), dir. Sergei Loznitsa● Yes (France), dir. Nadav Lapid

NEW VOICES NEW VISIONSUnique viewpoints from first- and second-time directors.

● Broken Voices (Czech Republic), dir. Ondřej Provazník● Deaf (Spain), dir. Eva Libertad (California Premiere)● God Will Not Help (Croatia), dir. Hana Jušić (California Premiere)● Lucky Lu (Canada), dir. Lloyd Lee Choi● Mad Bills to Pay (USA), dir. Joel Alfonso Vargas● On the Sea (United Kingdom), dir. Helen Walsh (North American Premiere)● Silent Rebellion (Switzerland), dir. Marie-Elsa Sgualdo● The Nature of Invisible Things (Brazil), dir. Rafaela Camelo● The Negotiator (Italy), dir. Alessandro Tonda (North American Premiere)

SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS● Dead Man’s Wire (USA), dir. Gus Van Sant● Hamlet (United Kingdom), dir. Aneil Karia (California Premiere)● I Swear (United Kingdom), dir. Kirk Jones (U.S. Premiere)● Vertigo (USA), dir. Alfred Hitchcock

TRUE STORIESNon-fiction filmmaking at its most urgent and illuminating.

● Adaptation to Darkness (Israel), dir. Shay Fogelman (International Premiere)● ASCO: Without Permission (USA), dir. Travis Gutiérrez Senger● Ask E. Jean (USA), dir. Ivy Meeropol● Elvis, Rocky & Me: The Carol Connors Story (USA), dir. Alex Rotaru (World Premiere)● La Salsa Vive (Colombia), dir. Juan Carvajal● Modern Whore (Canada), dir. Nicole Bazuin (International Premiere)● Natchez (USA), dir. Suzannah Herbert● Raoul Wallenberg: Missing Inaction (USA), dir. Brad Rothschild, Brian Mait (North AmericanPremiere)● Remaining Native (USA), dir. Paige Bethmann● Runa Simi (Peru), dir. Augusto Zegarra (California Premiere)● Speak. (USA), dir. Jennifer Tiexiera, Guy Mossman● Steal This Story, Please! (USA), dirs. Tia Lessin & Carl Deal● Sweet Störy (United Kingdom), dirs. Sarah Justine Kerruish & Matt Maude● The Gas Station Attendant (USA), dir. Karla Murthy● The Golden Spurtle (United Kingdom), dir. Constantine Costi● Trade Secret (Australia), dir. Abraham Joffe● Whistle (Australia), dir. Christopher Nelius (California Premiere)● Yanuni (Austria), dir. Richard Ladkani

QUEER CINEMA TODAY & THE GAYLAPoignant, heartfelt and insightful stories from the LGBTQ community.

● 3670 (South Korea), dir. Joonho Park● Dope Queens (USA), dir. Grafton Doyle (California Premiere)● Drunken Noodles (USA), dir. Lucio Castro● Jimpa (Australia), dir. Sophie Hyde● Manok (South Korea), dir. Lee Yu-jin● Maspalomas (Spain), dirs. Jose Mari Goenaga & Aitor Arregi (U.S. Premiere)—Featured as theGayla Spotlight● State of Firsts (USA), dir. Chase Joynt● The Little Sister (France), dir. Hafsia Herzi● We Are Pat (USA), dir. Ro Haber—Featured as the Gayla Spotlight

WORLD CINEMA NOWTravel the world without leaving your seat.

● A Private Life (France), dir. Rebecca Zlotowski● Battle of Oslo (Norway), dir. Daniel Fahre (International Premiere)● Beginnings (Denmark), dir. Jeanette Nordahl (California Premiere)● Colours of Time (France), dir. Cédric Klapisch● Damned If You Do, Damned If You Don’t (Italy), dir. Gianni Di Gregorio (California Premiere)● Frontier (Spain), dir. Judith Colell (California Premiere)● Fuze (United Kingdom), dir. David Mackenzie (U.S. Premiere)● Gustaakh Ishq (India), dir. Vibhu Puri● H Is for Hawk (United Kingdom), dir. Philippa Lowthorpe● Hello Betty (Switzerland), dir. Pierre Monnard (International Premiere)● It Would Be Night in Caracas (Mexico), dirs. Mariana Rondón & Marité Ugás (California Premiere)● Ky Nam Inn (Vietnam), dir. Leon Le● Lovely Day (Canada), dir. Philippe Falardeau (U.S. Premiere)● Made in EU (Bulgaria), dir. Stephan Komandarev (California Premiere)● Meadowlarks (Canada), dir. Tasha Hubbard (International Premiere)● Mr. Burton (UK), dir. Marc Evans (U.S. Premiere)● No Comment (Norway), dir. Petter Næss (North American Premiere)● Once Upon My Mother (France), dir. Ken Scott● Primavera (Italy), dir. Damiano Michieletto (California Premiere)● Project Y (South Korea), dir. Lee Hwan● Promised Sky (France), dir. Erige Sehiri● Renoir (Japan), dir. Chie Hayakawa● Saipan (Ireland), dirs. Lisa Barros D’Sa, Glenn Leyburn (U.S. Premiere)● Spices and Lies (France), dir. Amine Adjina (North American Premiere)● Spit (Australia), dir. Jonathan Teplitzky (International Premiere)● Sundays (Spain), dir. Alauda Ruiz de Azúa (North American Premiere)● The Altar Boys (Poland), dir. Piotr Domalewski (North American Premiere)● The Blue Trail (Brazil), dir. Gabriel Mascaro● The Choral (UK), dir. Nicholas Hytner● The Condor Daughter (Bolivia), dir. Álvaro Olmos Torrico (California Premiere)● The Party’s Over (France), dir. Antony Cordier● The Richest Woman in the World (France), dir. Thierry Klifa● The Sun Rises on Us All (China), dir. Cai Shangjun (U.S. Premiere)● To the Victory! (Ukraine), dir. Valentyn Vasyanovych (U.S. Premiere)● Two Pianos (France), dir. Arnaud Desplechin (U.S. Premiere)● Youngblood (Canada), dir. Hubert Davis (U.S. Premiere)

FAMILY DAYPresented by Acrisure on Sunday, January 11, Family Day includes an array of activities and local food trucks at the Cathedral City Community Amphitheater from 12pm to 4pm. The Mary Pickford Theater will screen the following free movies with entry available on a first-come, first-served basis including:

● Arco (France), dir. Ugo Bienvenu● KPOP Demon Hunters (USA), dirs. Chris Appelhans & Maggie Kang● Zootopia 2 (USA), dirs. Jared Bush & Byron Howard

Supporting sponsors of Family Day include 3M Studios, EōS Fitness, and Arco.

Juried awards for films in competition will be announced Sunday, January 11 for seven categories, including the FIPRESCI Prize for films in the International Feature Film Oscar® Submissions program; NewVoices New Visions Award for unique viewpoints from first and second-time directors; Best DocumentaryAward for compelling non-fiction filmmaking; Ibero-American Award for the best film from LatinAmerica, Spain or Portugal; Desert Views (Local Jury) Award for a film that promotes understanding andacceptance between people; and the Young Cineastes Award for a film chosen by our Youth Jury.

The complete lineup will be available online on December 2 at psfilmfest.org. Passes are currently onsale. The Festival’s box office can also be reached at (760) 778-8979

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Daniella Lake

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – Palm Villas at Millennium, a new affordable housing complex, hosted its groundbreaking ceremony Tuesday in Palm Desert.

Palm Villas at Millennium will be developed in two phases across 10.49 acres. The first phase will include five three-story residential buildings with 120 residential units.

“Up and down the state of California, the number one issue facing Californians is affordability, and that’s housing affordability and access to affordable homeownership,” says Assemblyman Greg Wallis.

12 units will be set aside for victims of domestic violence, and 43 will be designated for those experiencing homelessness. They also plan to provide wraparound services.

“After school care, continuing education, and resume building,” shared Reid Bradshaw, director of development for Palm Communities.

Phase one is estimated to be completed by June 2027.

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John White

WASHINGTON, D.C. – (KESQ) The office of Southern California Republican Rep. Darrell Issa is reacting to a Punchbowl News report that Issa is considering dropping his re-election bid in California’s 48th district to run next year in Texas.

The 48th district is being redrawn after the passage of Proposition 50 to include Palm Springs and Indian Wells in the Coachella Valley.

Most of the district is in San Diego county and registration now favors democrats.

Punchbowl News reports that Issa is now considering running in a district in the area of Dallas, Texas if the U.S. Supreme Court upholds new congressional districts in Texas that favor Republicans. 

News Channel 3 reached out to Issa’s Deputy Chief of Staff and Communications Director who provided this statement in an e-mail:

“We don’t have any news to make tonight – but stay tuned. On the record!”

Stay with News Channel 3 for any new developments.

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KESQ News Team

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – The wait is finally over – The historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre is now open after a $30 million restoration.

The monthlong celebration kicked off Monday with an opening night gala headlined by Emmy, Tony and Grammy award-winning actress Cynthia Erivo.

The atmosphere was electric for those who were able to attend. Local resident Lisa Flom said, “It’s absolutely – it’s a once in a lifetime event. You just can’t miss it and I’m so glad I got a ticket. I’m just thrilled to be here.”

Monday night’s gala will be followed by a lineup of star-studded performances, including actress Lily Tomlin.

For more information on upcoming events, visit www.palmspringsplazatheatre.com/events.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Local Democratic U.S. Representative Raul Ruiz (CA-25) will host a Veterans University for the valley’s armed service members on Saturday, December 6, in Indio.

The event aims to provide veterans and their families with important information on healthcare, accessing benefits, and other critical resources.

The program will feature expert presenters offering overviews and guidance on securing the benefits earned through service, along with a veterans’ resource expo featuring agencies that serve veterans. 

Veterans University will begin at 9:00 a.m. To sign up for the event, click here. The event location in Indio will be sent to those who register.

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Cynthia White

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – Eisenhower Health, in partnership with the Mizell Center and HARP-PS, hosted a World AIDS Day community gathering to honor those affected by HIV/AIDS on Monday.

The event highlighted the ongoing progress in prevention, treatment, and community support. The program featured remarks from Dr. Jorge Rodríguez, Eisenhower Health’s Medical Director for HIV Services, and included a display of local and national AIDS Memorial Quilts.

Dr. Rodríguez said of the exhibition of quilts, “The AIDS Memorial quilts displayed here today connect us to the stories of loved ones who are no longer with us. They remind us why awareness, compassion and continued progress matters.”

Across the city, other World AIDS Day events also took place. The City of Palm Springs held a groundbreaking for the new Palm Springs AIDS Memorial, and DAP Health hosted its annual candlelight vigil.

Organizers of the community gathering say that together, these events reflect the community’s ongoing commitment to remembrance, awareness, and support for those affected by HIV and AIDS.

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Cynthia White

PALM DESERT, Calif. (KESQ) – The American Friends of our Armed Forces (AFAF) hosted its 17th Annual Military Appreciation Golf Tournament on Monday, honoring around 75 active-duty Marines from Twentynine Palms, Camp Pendleton, and Miramar.

The Marine golfers represented more than 60,000 service members stationed across Southern California. Civilian and retired golfers joined them for a day of camaraderie, gratitude, and connection at Classic Club in Palm Desert.

Participants enjoyed breakfast, 18 holes of golf, and a buffet luncheon that featured awards for top teams and special contests, including “Closest to the Pin,” “Longest Drive,” and “Straightest Drive.”

American Friends of our Armed Forces President Walt Van Benthuysen said of the event, “It’s a great satisfaction to meet these fine young men and women that are part of the Marine Corps and the Navy also that are here. And we just have a great time. We enjoy it and we look forward to every year. When this year is over, we’ll start thinking about next year.”

During the luncheon, retire Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy Alicia Lopez, the mother of fallen Marine Corporal Hunter Lopez, addressed the Marines and guests.

Organizers say the annual event reflects the deep appreciation of the Coachella Valley community for those who serve our nation.

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Cynthia White

INDIO, Calif. (KESQ) – Get ready to savor traditional family recipes and creative new flavors at the 33rd annual International Tamale Festival in Downtown Indio this weekend, December 6th and 7th.

The Festival runs from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. each day. Admission is free, with free parking at the Riverside County Fairgrounds and a complimentary shuttle to Miles Avenue Park.

The journey starts at the Chavez Jessup GMC Tamale Trail – the heart of the tamale experience. Every stop along the trail celebrates the rich culture and flavor behind every dish.

Entertainment at the event includes live music, cultural performances, and carnival rides, along with lucha libre Mexican wrestling. Families can visit Santa’s Village for crafts and photo opportunities, and spread cheer at the Holiday Toy Drive by bringing an unwrapped, new gift to Santa’s Workshop.

The festival also features the crowd-favorite Tamale Eating Contest where the goal is to eat the most cheese tamales in two minutes, as well as a juried Best of the Fest Tamale Competition.

You can also kick off the holidays and celebrate community at “Flock the Block,” a festive lane of decorated trees by schools, nonprofits, neighbors, and local businesses.

For more information, visit indiointernationaltamalefestival.com and @IndioTamaleFest on Instagram.

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Shay Lawson

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ)  – Dozens gathered at DAP Health Monday night for a candlelight vigil honoring the lives lost to HIV/AIDS and reflecting on the ongoing fight against the epidemic.

David Brinkman, DAP Health CEO, addressed the crowd, alongside community members who shared emotional, personal testimonies about their experiences.

Many described the ceremony as a space for healing, remembrance and solidarity.

After the vigil, attendees moved inside for a viewing of select panels of the historic AIDS Memorial Quilt.

Organizers said it’s a powerful display honoring those who died during the height of the crisis, with around 50,000 panels.

4 original panels from the National AIDS Memorial quilt are on exhibit at DAP Health Sunrise from December 1–5, open daily from 12:00 to 6:00 p.m.

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Peter Daut

PALM SPRINGS, Calif. (KESQ) – On Monday – World AIDS Day – the groundbreaking was especially meaningful for the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial at Downtown Park.

Hundreds gathered to witness a major step in finally bringing the Memorial to life. It has been more than a decade in the making, planned for completion in spring of 2026.

The event also included a moving tribute to those lost to HIV and AIDS.

The groundbreaking was the culmination of the 12-year effort to create a lasting place of remembrance, healing, and hope. Palm Springs AIDS Memorial Task Force member Mike Richey said, “It’s going to create awareness about the disease, it’s going to create awareness about the people who helped those who were ill very early on were caregivers for them, it’s going to help those we lost and remember them.”

Monday’s ceremony symbolized more than the start of construction on the Palm Springs AIDS Memorial. For many, it represented the community’s resilience through decades of loss, care, and activism.

Local artist Phillip K. Smith designed the piece, called “The Well of Love,” pro bono. Smith said, “This is a project that’s been talked about for so long, and it’s finally happening.”

Hundreds of donors and residents contributed time, energy, and money toward the $1.2 million fundraising goal, leaving just $275 thousand to go. The Memorial will be gifted to the city and added to its public art installation.

Smith continued, “It’s not in a park somewhere that you have to park and walk to, it’s part of the city, part of the fabric of the city, part of the experience of being in downtown, and that was really important for the whole task force.”

The 11-foot tall stone structure will share three different messages: “Forever Remembered,” Forever Loved,” and Forever Celebrated.” Each vertical glass face holds an oval pool of tears unique to its message.

Vincent Corrales, who has lost friends to AIDS, said, “This memorial here is something that will help us to remember all our friends who have passed and the work ahead to find a cure for HIV.”

Members of the Memorial Task Force say the project will do more than honor the past – It will ensure the history of the AIDS crisis in Palm Springs is never forgotten.

Task Force member Dan Spencer said of choosing World Aids Day for the groundbreaking, “It is an important day because of awareness, and because of the memories we have of so many we lost. And because people are still living with HIV and AIDS and so the community provides a lot of support.”

A digital component will also accompany the physical Memorial, including a QR code to share the Memorial’s concept and to highlight the timeline of HIV and AIDS in Palm Springs.

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