At 10:49 AM, sitting in my office, I heard a massive boom. My Saturday morning — and weekend was turned upside down as was that of our entire community.
My news background kicked in as I made my way from the KGAY/Gay Desert Guide offices to the scene, taking back streets as smoke began to rise.
The initial explosion created a huge black plume, and I ran through in my mind what could have happened. I neared Desert Regional on Tahquitz and initially thought a tank had exploded at the hospital. I started my phone’s camera, parked behind a police cruiser and walked up to the mass destruction laid out in front of me.
Firetrucks and emergency personnel continued to arrived on the scene as I witnessed first responders rushing into American Reproductive as the flames and smoke poured from the building toward my vantage point. I returned to the studios to file live reports on our sister station 103.1 MeTVFM.
As the day went on, social media speculation filled my feed. News crews arrived from Los Angeles, and we learned that domestic terrorism had come to our city. Luckily the investigation was able to come to a conclusion quickly as we move on with our lives, but feeling a bit less secure.
We start the week having been changed and affected by the tragedy, but comfortable in the knowledge that our community stands together and is stronger for it.
Brad Fuhr, your K-Gay Desert Guide
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Starts MON: Love Local Palm Springs $50 Bonus Card
Support local businesses during Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week with the Love Local Palm Springs promotion: Purchase a $100 digital gift card to use at local businesses, and receive a $50 bonus card! This deal is only available starting May 19, while supplies last. The bonus card must be used by June 8, so don’t sleep on this limited-time offer. Learn more
WED: Driving Growth and Building Bridges
Join the Rancho Mirage Chamber Signature Speaker Series on Wednesday, May 21 from 11:30 am–1:30 pm at Mission Hills Country Club for an insightful discussion on Driving Growth and Building Bridges: Business Attraction for the Coachella Valley. Industry leaders Scott White, CEO, and Sean Smith, Director of Economic Development from Visit Greater Palm Springs will share valuable data, strategies, and insights on attracting businesses to the region. More info
WED: 2025 Ride of Silence
Join the 2025 Ride of Silence on Wednesday, May 21 at 6:30 pm at Ruth Hardy Park, honoring cyclists lost and injured, while raising awareness for cycling safety. Riders of all levels will take part in this silent, global tribute, following a 5-mile route at 12 mph with helmets and lights encouraged. Non-cyclists can show support by walking the park’s one-mile loop or attending the brief ceremony. More info
WED: The Center Women’s Social
Connect with community at The Center Women’s Social on Wednesday, May 21 from 5:30–7 pm at one eleven bar in Cathedral City! This free event, held every third Wednesday of the month, offers a welcoming space to forge meaningful connections, make new friends, and enjoy a fun evening. Come out and be part of this wonderful gathering. More info
OPENS WED: The Beverly Hills Peace Talks
Step back into a captivating moment in history with The Beverly Hills Hotel Peace Talks by CVRep, opening Wednesday, May 21 at 2 pm and running May 21–June 1. The story was inspired by a real-life 1968 incident—when the casting of Funny Girl sparked tensions between Israel and Egypt. In this fictionalized scenario, a movie executive and a publicity expert host an impromptu peace talk with an Israeli and an Egyptian diplomat, and as debates unfold, unexpected romance blooms, mirroring the film’s narrative. Get tickets
THU: Women Who Lead Luncheon
The Women Who Lead Luncheon is on Thursday, May 22 from 11 am–2 pm at The Ritz-Carlton in Rancho Mirage. Presented by Palm Springs Life and SBEMP Attorneys, this inspiring event celebrates four remarkable women whose leadership, vision, and commitment are transforming their communities and elevating the business landscape. The program features keynote speaker Mädchen Amick—along with 2025 honorees: Business Leader Theresa Maggio, Nonprofit Leader Gana Wingard, and Rising Star Sharrissa Iqbal. More info
FRI: Ron Oliver Honored on Walk of the Stars
Join the celebration as Ron Oliver receives the 479th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars! Head to Downtown Palm Springs on Friday, May 23 at 10 am to honor this Emmy-nominated director, writer, and producer for his contributions to film, television, and the local community. More info
FRI: Simple Minds, Soft Cell, & Modern English
Simple Minds headlines the Alive & Kicking Tour 2025 at Acrisure Arena on Friday, May 23 at 7 pm. With over 60 million albums sold and the iconic hit “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” under their belt, they join forces with special guests Soft Cell and Modern English for an electrifying night of classic New Wave and 80s hits. Don’t miss your chance to relive the magic of one of music’s most legendary eras. Get tickets
THU-SUN: The Inheritance Part I
Experience the powerful storytelling of The Inheritance, presented by THE BENT at the Palm Springs Cultural Center from May 9–26. This award-winning play by Matthew Lopez delves into the lives of three generations of gay men navigating love, loss, and identity in a changing America. Directed by Steve Rosenbaum and inspired by E.M. Forster’s Howards End, the performance promises an evening of drama and reflection. Get tickets
ALSO THIS WEEK
Monday, May 19
Anthony Anderson Star-Studded 7th Annual Celebrity Golf Classic | at BIGHORN
Bingo at the Ace Hotel with Bella da Ball | 7 pm
Tuesday, May 20
Summer Speaker Series: Holocaust Survivors Harry Davids & Gabriella Karin | 2 pm at Tolerance Education Center
Thursday, May 22
VillageFest Street Fair | 6–8 pm in Downtown Palm Springs
Friday, May 23
Photog.Alchemy | 4–7 pm at Desert Art Woman Gallery in the Perez Art District
Tom Jones | 8 pm at The Show
BearUnion | 8 pm–4 am at Club 541
Saturday, May 24
Quarterly Art Exhibits | Sat & Sun, 10 am–4 pm at Cathedral City Library
Animal Samaritans Adoption Event | 11 am–1 pm at Petco Palm Desert
Power Yoga Master Class with Bryan Kest | 5:30–8 pm at Khaga Yoga Palm Springs
The Totally Ridiculous Game Show! | 7–8:30 pm at Dietlart Gallery and Performance Space
Country Dance Saturdays: Barn Dance with Rob Ollander-Krane | 7 pm at Step by Step
For all events go to GayDesertGuide.com
