Winston Gieseke

2 weeks ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

This year’s Holocaust poetry and art contest, sponsored by Jewish Federation of the Desert, embraced the timely and powerful theme “No tolerance for intolerance.” This message clearly resonated with students across the Coachella Valley, inspiring nearly 100 heartfelt and thought-provoking submissions from public, private and parochial schools.

3 weeks ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Fans of public broadcasting are likely familiar with PBS’ popular slogan saying its programming is “made possible by viewers like you.” But did you know that Desert Scene and Giving — the weekly sections you’re reading right now — rely similarly on community generosity in order to operate? In fact, it’s essential. Desert Scene and Giving have long shined a welcome spotlight on philanthropy, nonprofits and people who give back in the Coachella Valley.

1 month ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival has announced the two winning playwrights for its 2025 season: Kayla McCarty, 18, of Ramona High School and Peyton Taylor, 17, from Valley View High School. McCarty's play, "Seven," explores the haunting stillness of purgatory, where seven souls must confront the weight of their sins. Only one can rise toward grace, while the others descend into darkness.

2 months ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

They say an image is worth a thousand words. And perhaps nowhere is this more true than in photojournalism, where complex and sometimes multiple ideas are conveyed in a single, carefully composed image. A photojournalist's job is to capture photos that tell a story. And behind every powerful image is a person who saw something worth remembering.

2 months ago | desertsun.com | Winston Gieseke

Those who don't believe that angels walk among us are probably not familiar with the Angel Light Academy. The nonprofit's mission is to teach leadership, team building, problem solving, conflict resolution, drug and gang resistance and communication skills to young people and adults in the Coachella Valley. And on March 15, the organization held its annual Above & Beyond Desert Gala, where it honored 10 "Angels on Earth," individuals who make our local community better by going above and beyond.