NBC Palm Springs did not have a float in this year's Palm Springs Pride Parade, an event run by Mayor Ron deHarte, marking the first time the longtime sponsor was absent. The station says this may have been an act of retaliation after their reporters asked deHarte to publicly disclose how the funds raised for victims of the May car bombing were distributed.
The station was removed as a sponsor without notification and, when the parade order was released, their position was changed from its usual prominent spot (around number 30) to the very end at number 199. Mayor deHarte had reportedly deemed the station's questions about the fund's transparency "silly," claiming the recipients wished to remain anonymous.
The online community reacted strongly in support of the station's investigative efforts. Comments largely accused the Mayor of displaying "poor leadership" and engaging in a "juvenile hissy fit" of "petty politics." Many suggested the Mayor might be "hiding something" regarding the fundraiser money and praised the station for pursuing sensible accountability. Commenters are now demanding that Mayor deHarte publicly explain the change in the station's status.
By: NBC Palm Springs
December 4, 2025
