Nov. 27 Daily Briefing: Free concerts return, trial delayed for former mayor and developer, city launches new website, and more

Happy Monday everyone, where we’re still counting our blessings after having a few days off last week to gather with family, but we’re also thankful for you, who we consider our extended family. 

Inspired by Black Friday and Cyber Monday (today!), we want to re-state that The Post’s journalism is not for sale. Our work is completely independent of lobbying or politicking. Our newsroom is owned and operated by your neighbors and we don’t answer to a big boss with deep pockets and an agenda. Will you join other readers and support us today? Click below if you’re able:

LEADING OFF

🎸 Tribute band concert series returning

Get ready to rock at the city’s new Downtown Park again starting next month. That’s when the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce expects the popular “Rock the Park” series to kick off its new season.

• Chamber staff announced last week that the monthly concert series will run from December to May 2024. It will feature six acts performing tributes to iconic bands and musicians, including Chicago, Tina Turner, and Bon Jovi.
  
  
• The concert series is free and open to everyone. Attendees are encouraged to bring beach chairs and blankets and enjoy live entertainment. Concerts typically start around 7 p.m.
  
  
• Details: The series kicks off on Dec. 6 with Kenny Cetera’s Chicago Experience. Additional acts and dates can be found here.

🏘️ Latest General Plan updates ready

The latest updates to a key portion of the city’s updated General Plan are available for public review in anticipation of being submitted on Thursday.

• The update is a strategic process to guide the city’s future growth and development through 2040. Due first is an updated housing element, which city leaders have been developing since 2021. It faced its latest state review after adoption here in late September.
  
  
• Following comments by the California Department of Housing & Community Development, additional revisions to the housing element were made. The revised document can be viewed here. 
  
  
• Bottom line: The city will send the revised document this week. You can follow along with the entire process and subscribe for updates at this city website.

IN OTHER NEWS

⚖️ Former Palm Springs Mayor Steve Pougnet and real estate developer John Wessman won’t be tried this year on allegations they engaged in a public corruption scheme. The trial has been rescheduled for May of next year.

📺 Dennis Chase of Palm Springs  won his semifinal round of “Jeopardy” in an episode broadcast last Friday night. The two-show finals round will be broadcast tonight and Tuesday on NBC.

⚖️ A 34-year-old man who sexually assaulted an unconscious victim at a Palm Springs hotel in 2019 was convicted last week of a half-dozen felony charges.

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FEATURED EVENTS

Leanna & Miguel
5 p.m. – 8 p.m. | V Wine Lounge
Join Leanna and Miguel as they play Jazz, Latin, Bossa and Mod every Monday.

Parks & Recreation Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall and virtual
The Commission functions in an advisory capacity to the City Council on matters relating to planning and monitoring of parks and recreational services and facilities. See the meeting agenda here.

Men’s Monday Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Men are invited to come sit, sip, and chat about issues at this weekly event. No reservation is required — just drop in until 7:30 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

• Holiday wreath auction on Wednesday.
  
  
• Tree lighting and banner awards Friday at Frances Stevens Park.
  
  
• Wine ‘n’ Wags benefit event on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday.
  
  
• American Legion toy giveaway starting on Dec. 7.
  
  
• Friends of the Palm Springs Library Holiday Bazaar on Dec. 9.
  
  
• Santa visits Tramway Station on Dec. 9.
  
  
• Breakfast with Santa on Dec. 16 at the Palm Springs Pavilion.
  
  
• Snowtopia at Palm Springs Air Museum starts on Dec. 19.

AND FINALLY …

From major bridge projects to minor changes at city parks, a lot is happening in Palm Springs. While The Post is an excellent way to learn about some of these projects, we can only cover some. More importantly, we can’t provide you with a direct pipeline to people at City Hall making the decisions.

But wait: What if there was a way to stay on top of many of the projects residents have questions about while sharing your thoughts? The city has you covered.

Driving the news: Staff in the city’s communications department recently launched “Engage Palm Springs,” a website designed to bring you up to speed on multiple major projects happening in town — from building a homeless navigation center to traffic signal upgrades. 

Details: Not only can you click through to learn the latest about all the projects being undertaken in the city, but you can also subscribe to emails that will keep you informed at every step. 

• Once you register, you’ll be able to contribute your ideas, ask questions about projects, and be first to know about additional engagement opportunities such as polls, quizzes, question-and-answer sessions, and more.