Harold Matzner's legacy of compassion, community building celebrated at McCallum Theatre memorial ⋆ The Palm Springs Post

*Rabbi Sally Olins, who served as Harold Matzner’s rabbi for 20 years at Temple Isaiah, speaks during the opening portion of a celebration of his life in Palm Desert Tuesday evening.*

Harold Matzner, who rose from delivering newspapers as a boy in Newark, New Jersey, to become one of Palm Springs’ most influential philanthropists, was remembered Tuesday evening at The McCallum Theatre as a visionary leader whose impact touched every corner of the Coachella Valley.

The businessman, who died Sept. 4 at age 88, built his fortune through innovative advertising ventures before dedicating decades to transforming Palm Springs’ cultural and civic landscape.

Rabbi Sally Olins, who served as Matzner’s rabbi for 20 years at Temple Isaiah, traced the arc of a remarkable life that began with financial struggle and dyslexia but was defined by determination. After attempts at careers in sports journalism and law, Matzner discovered his gift for business, founding CBA Industries in the early 1970s with a revolutionary idea for free weekly newspapers.

“If I can’t do this well, I will do something I can do well,” Olins quoted Matzner as saying, a philosophy that would guide him to retire wealthy at just 35 years old.

Following 11 years of leisure in Acapulco, Matzner found his true calling in Palm Springs, where he would earn the moniker “Mr. Palm Springs” through decades of civic leadership and philanthropy that touched virtually every institution in the valley.

His commitment to community safety emerged powerfully after tragedy struck the Palm Springs Police Department. When two officers lost their lives in a hostage situation, Matzner immediately partnered with the city to fund an armored response vehicle for the department.

“I’ve known a lot of amazing people and tough guys in my time, but very few who balance that with sensitivity, compassion and caring about other people,” said Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills as he spoke to hundreds in the audience. “Harold was a man of conviction, compassion and loyalty.”

That loyalty extended deeply into personal relationships, particularly with the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich revealed how Matzner became a father figure to his family after his own father’s death, fulfilling a deathbed promise to protect Milanovich’s sister, Tristan.

“He treated Tristan like she was his own flesh and blood,” Milanovich said, describing dinner debates about everything from travel to Dodgers players that revealed both Matzner’s protective nature and genuine affection. “He went above and beyond to make sure she stayed on the right path.”

*Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich speaks during a celebration of the life of Harold Matzner Tuesday evening in Palm Desert.*

The depth of Matzner’s community ties was evident in his inner circle of friends, which included tribal leaders Richard Milanovich, Jim Houston and Jackie Lee Houston. Together, they formed what speakers described as a powerful force for valley improvement, with Matzner deeply affected by each of their deaths over the years.

His business philosophy mirrored his personal relationships. Carl Casazza, who served as CFO of CBA Industries for 35 years, remembered a leader who rejected zero-sum thinking in favor of collective success.

“He used to say that winning wasn’t about making somebody else lose,” Casazza said. “It was about finding ways for everyone to succeed together.”

This inclusive approach transformed local institutions. When Matzner arrived in Palm Springs, the Tennis Club was deteriorating with high prices and an unwelcoming atmosphere. Through his investment and vision, it became a community gathering place open to all, anchored by Spencer’s restaurant, named after his beloved Siberian Husky.

The restaurant embodied Matzner’s quirky compassion. Not only did he never profit from Spencer’s, but he even added a feral cat to the payroll after recognizing her pest control services, ensuring staff provided her daily food and water. His home operated under a strict no-harm policy for all creatures.

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills told the audience Tuesday that, “Harold was a man of conviction, compassion and loyalty.”

Garry Keif, who succeeded Matzner as McCallum Theatre chairman, insisted the title still belonged to his predecessor. “As far as I’m concerned, that’s his job for life,” said Keif. “I’ll fill in for a few years.”

The theater served as what Keif called Matzner’s “home away from home,” one of many institutions that flourished under his leadership. His civic achievements culminated in the 2011 passage of Measure J, which increased sales tax to fund Downtown Palm Springs revitalization and infrastructure rebuilding.

“He believed his greatest accomplishment was leading the passage,” Olins said of the measure that transformed the city’s urban core.

Even in his final days, Matzner remained focused on others. His granddaughter Elizabeth revealed to the audience that he wished to “cast a blanket of kindness to make sure you all felt appreciated and inspired to continue spreading kindness in this world after he was gone.”