September 5 Daily Briefing: More moves for historic hotel, film fest seeks volunteers, and more

Happy Thursday, where if you thought our real estate market was expensive, have we got a deal for you! A news story that starts with the intriguing headline “Half a house, half a million” is making the rounds after a home that was nearly destroyed by a falling tree is now on the market for $499,000 in Monrovia. What’s left of the one-bedroom, one-bath bungalow is apparently comparable to similar homes in the market, even though the story’s author says it “looks like a postapocalyptic set piece complete with missing walls, loose wires and no ceilings.” The agent who listed it is not phased by its condition, however, quipping that it’s an “open-concept floor plan.”

🎶 Setting the mood: “Puttin’ On The Ritz” by Irving Berlin

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LEADING OFF

Historic name returning to hotel with glamorous past

The Margaritaville Hotel and Resort in Palm Springs is expected to rebrand as The Riviera Hotel in the coming weeks. This change marks a return to the property’s original name from its 1959 opening, following a brief stint as a Margaritaville-themed resort.

Driving the news: The rebranding appears to be linked to a change in ownership between Davidson Hospitality Group and IHG Hotels & Resorts, though official confirmation is pending.

• Employees at the hotel have confirmed the imminent change, with Riviera-branded materials already on order.

Why it matters: The Riviera Hotel holds significant historical and cultural importance in Palm Springs, having hosted celebrities like Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley during its heyday.

• Many community members applauded the move when it was first reported on social media by Gary Johns, president of the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation Board of Directors, over the weekend.
• “The Riviera IS Palm Springs, and Palm Springs IS the Riviera,” wrote one commenter.

The backstory: The 400-room hotel has undergone multiple ownership and branding changes since its opening, including periods as a Hilton and Radisson property.

• It faced financial difficulties in the 1970s and 1980s, closing briefly in 2006 before reopening after renovations in 2008.
• The hotel was briefly closed again in March 2020 before being rebranded as Margaritaville Resort Palm Springs and re-opening in November 2020.

What’s next: While the Riviera rebranding is expected to remain for the foreseeable future, IHG has not formally announced its long-term plans for the property.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🚒 Fire Department hosting 9/11 memorial event

The Palm Springs Fire Department is inviting the public to a 9/11 memorial event on Wednesday, Sept. 11, at Fire Station 2.  

• Fire Chief Paul Alvarado will deliver the keynote address, offering words of remembrance and resilience. The Palm Springs Air Museum Pipes and Drums band will perform during the tribute.
  
  
• The event provides an opportunity for community members to connect with firefighters over complimentary coffee and donuts during an open house following the ceremony.
  
  
• Details: The ceremony begins at 8:30 a.m. with the Palm Springs Honor Guard, followed by a moment of silence at 8:46 a.m. Fire Station 2 is located at 300 N. El Cielo Rd.

🐾 Free pet adoptions at county facilities on Saturday

Riverside County Department of Animal Services announced Wednesday that pet adoptions are free this Saturday as part of the “Clear the Shelters” event. The campaign aims to encourage residents to adopt homeless dogs and cats from county shelters.

• Adoption fees, typically ranging from $12 to $120, will be waived. The fee includes spay/neuter surgeries, rabies vaccinations, and microchipping. Dog licenses are still required for residents in unincorporated areas.
  
  
• Pets are available at the Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, as well as the San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus, and Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley.
  
  
• Zoom in: The weekend event is part of a larger monthlong adoption event that is now in its 10th year. It through Sept. 10, offering reduced rates to help clear shelters and find homes for four-legged friends.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

COD Listening Sessions
9 a.m. until 5 p.m. | Virtual
Members of the community, organizations, staff and students are invited to weigh in on the selection of a new superintendent/president for College of the Desert at multiple one-hour sessions. Check the Zoom schedule here.

Pet Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
The shelter provides low-cost vaccines every Thursday, excluding holidays. You do not need to be a Palm Springs resident to attend. These services are by appointment only. To make an appointment, please call 760-416-5718.

PALS Death Cafe
2 p.m. | Virtual
PALS Death Cafe is a group-led open conversation about death and dying. It is not counseling or bereavement group; and there is no agenda, specified topics, or designated outcomes.

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
This Commission is responsible for procuring and placing visual art in and around the city of Palm Springs. It typically meets on the first Thursday of each month

VillageFest
7 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair featuring art, entertainment, shopping, and food, starts at 7 p.m. in the summer. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Fire Foundation kickball tournament this Friday at James O. Jesse Desert Highland Unity Center.
  
  
• PSUSD Diversity & Racial Equity Conference at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Genealogical Society meets on Saturday and monthly after then.
  
  
• Cat Show at the Palm Springs Convention Center on Sept. 14.
  
  
• Audition for the Modern Men Chorus on Sept. 9 and Sept. 14 at United Methodist Church of Palm Springs.
  
  
• Business Expo & Taste of Palm Springs at Indian Canyons Golf Resort on Sept. 18.
  
  
• Healthy Desert, Healthy You summit on Sept. 20 and 21.
  
  
• Evening Under The Stars benefit for AAP – Food Samaritans on Oct. 13.
  
  
• Pride on the Page Book Festival on Oct. 20.
  
  
• Palm Springs Speaks first speaker appears in town on Oct. 22.

AND FINALLY …

It’s nearly time for Cinema Diverse, and that means it’s time to find volunteers.

Driving the news: The LGBTQ film festival is gearing up for its 17th year and needs volunteers to fill various roles. Festival organizers announced last week that they are actively recruiting individuals to help out during the festival, which runs Sept. 19 through 22 and Sept. 26 through 29.

• Volunteer orientation is scheduled for Sept. 19 at 10:30 a.m., coinciding with the festival’s opening night.

Zoom in: Volunteers are needed to fill shifts across multiple roles, including ushers, gophers, and even a shift lead. 

• Organizers put out a special request for two people who can staff the welcome table on Sept. 18 and individuals interested in introducing films or moderating Q&A sessions.

Why it matters: Volunteers play a crucial role in the festival’s success, handling tasks from greeting guests to moderating Q&A sessions with filmmakers.

Details: Anyone interested in helping out can turn here for additional information, or email volunteer coordinator Tim Rains here.