G.O.P. Candidate Santorum Surprises Crowd in Indian Wells

INDIAN WELLS - Republican presidential candidate and former Pennsylvania Sen. Rick Santorum is in the Coachella Valley this weekend, it was reported today.

The former Republican Senator made a surprise appearance at a Catholic church and school fundraiser in Indian Wells, the Desert Sun reported today.

Steve Garvey, a onetime Los Angeles Dodgers player, introduced Santortum at the Renaissance Esmerelda Saturday night in Indian Wells, according to the newspaper.

Santorum's campaign has been gaining momentum with victories in three state primaries last week.

Last year, former President George W. Bush attended the event, which is an annual fundraiser for the Sacred Heart Church and School in Indian Wells, according to the newspaper.

It was not announced beforehand that Santorum would appear, and it was not known if the candidate was in California for other appearances or fundraising. The Republican California primary, with 172 delegates at stake, is June 5.

Santorum remained seated and made no public remarks, the Sun reported.

Longtime Dodgers broadcaster Vin Scully was the keynote speaker.