Jake Ingrassia

Sep 15, 2023 | kesq.com | Jake Ingrassia

A proposed AIDS memorial sculpture in Palm Springs is at the center of a heated debate with its design sparking concerns in the community. The controversial sculpture, meant to honor those who lost their lives to HIV and AIDS, is facing scrutiny for its abstract design and perceived inappropriate connotations. The sculpture, standing at nine feet tall, features a round limestone structure with concentric carved circles, symbolizing the diverse impact of AIDS on the community.

Sep 14, 2023 | kesq.com | Jake Ingrassia

In a landmark development, Governor Newsom unveiled today the largest-ever single investment to combat organized retail crime, with over $267 million allocated to law enforcement agencies across the state. Palm Springs emerged as a significant beneficiary of this financial injection, receiving about $4.5 million to tackle the rising tide of retail theft within the city.

Sep 13, 2023 | kesq.com | Jake Ingrassia

Palm Springs residents are growing increasingly frustrated as a reported backlog in the city's permit process continues to cause significant delays in home improvement projects. In response to mounting complaints, the city is taking steps to address the issue. Palm Springs homeowner Sharon Bourne initiated her permit application process in May to install more energy efficient windows and doors ahead of the hot summer months. "This really should be a rubber stamp kind of situation.

Sep 12, 2023 | kesq.com | Jake Ingrassia

As summer fades in the Coachella Valley, Palm Springs is reporting a steeper decline in tourism this year compared to the previous summer. The city's transient occupancy tax (TOT), often referred to as a room tax, which is primarily paid by visitors, has seen a significant drop of 16% from July 2022 to July 2023. "We're definitely seeing a significant slowdown with our summer travel business," said Kelly McLean, CEO of vacation rental property management company Poppy.

Sep 11, 2023 | kesq.com | Jake Ingrassia

New questions are being raised about Palm Desert city councilmember Gina Nestande's role as a realtor in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and whether she is breaking any rules splitting time between the Sunshine State and the Golden State. A Facebook page created in April of this year identifies Gina Nestande as a "South Florida realtor" affiliated with the Fort Lauderdale-based Rachel Barach Group.