Feb. 5 Daily Briefing: Building demolition, hate crime reported, free baseball, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, everyone, where we’re talkin’ baseball — specifically, free baseball — courtesy of the California Winter League. Today is Fan Appreciation Day for the league, and there’s free admission to both games being played at Palm Springs Stadium. The action starts at 10 a.m. with the Washington Blue Sox vs. the Canada A’s, followed by the Palm Springs Chill battling Team China at 12:30 p.m. Fans are asked to enter the stadium through the third base gate. Play Ball!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Abracadabra” by Lady Gaga

LEADING OFF

Demolition of former El Morocco Hotel approved

One of the last remaining buildings in the original Downtown Palm Springs will soon be no more after the city’s Historic Site Preservation Board (HSPB) approved of the demolition of a structure at 340 North Palm Canyon Dr., formerly home to the El Morocco Hotel.

Driving the news: The HSPB ruled that the Class 3 property, which dates back to 1922, lacks the historic integrity needed for reclassification as a Class 1 or 2 resource, clearing the way for its removal.

Looking back: The El Morocco Hotel evolved from a modest five-room bungalow into a 38-room hotel by the 1940s, featuring the popular Algiers Cocktail Lounge and attracting celebrities like Rosalind Russell and Bette Davis.

• Over the years, the property underwent multiple alterations and housed various retail establishments and restaurants.

What they’re saying: “With each of these approvals we lose a little bit,” said Board Chair Jade Nelson, expressing concern over the diminishing 1930s and ’40s architecture along Palm Canyon Drive.

Zoom in: Sarah Yoon, associate planner and historic preservation officer, reported that the property no longer meets criteria for exceptional historic significance.

• The demolition application included extensive documentation, featuring historic photographs, business licenses, and newspaper clippings from the 1930s.

Worth noting: The board also approved plans for redeveloping another historic property at 450 East Palm Canyon Drive, the former Palm Highlands Inn, into a new small hotel while preserving some existing features.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🚨 Hate crime investigation opened after LGBTQ+ flags vandalized

Palm Springs police are investigating the vandalism of seven LGBTQ+ flags at the Palm Springs Cultural Center as a potential hate crime. The destruction, discovered Monday morning, has prompted a call for public assistance and donations to replace the damaged flags and pay for enhanced security.

• Staff found the flags torn down and discarded in a dumpster during a routine morning inspection. The flags represented various segments of the LGBTQ+ community, including Lesbian, Gay Pride, Bisexual, Trans, and GenderQueer. 
  
• Police have classified the incident as both a hate crime and an act of vandalism and is looking for public assistance in their investigation. anyone with information to contact Detective Matt Steed at 760-323-8157 or via this email.
  
• Bottom line: “We have those cliche statements — you don’t think this is going to happen here,” said Tim Rains, marketing manager at the Cultural Center. “But that’s not the reality and that’s not the reality we’re sitting on today.” 

Dive deeper with our complete story

🏛️ County affirms support for immigrant rights

Riverside County supervisors voted 4-1 Tuesday to approve a resolution protecting civil rights for law-abiding immigrants and refugees, prompted by increased federal immigration enforcement operations.

• The measure directs creation of a web portal for undocumented immigrants to access legal aid and seeks funding to support the immigrant community, particularly DACA recipients.
  
• Board Chairman Manuel Perez and Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez proposed the resolution, which states county agencies will not conduct inquiries based solely on immigration status, while acknowledging required cooperation with federal authorities.
  
• Yes, but: Supervisor Karen Spiegel opposed the measure, citing concerns about crime and border security. Spiegel appealed to her colleagues to stay “focused on issues that we have adjudication over,” comparing the resolution to merely “raising a flag.”

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mizell Center Business Expo
10:30 a.m. | Mizell Center
Whether you’re a senior, care taker, a community member, or someone looking for community business resources, this event will help you connect with things like health services and financial planning.

Coffee with a Cop
12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. | Café La Jefe
PSPD invites you to grab a cup of coffee and connect with your local officers at Café La Jefa. No speeches, no formalities — just casual conversations and a chance to ask questions or share what’s on your mind.

“The Light in the Piazza”
2 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
Winner of six Tony Awards “The Light in the Piazza” takes us to the Tuscan countryside where a young woman meets a handsome young Florentine man by chance. Running through Feb. 9. ($90)

“Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story”
4:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
After sold-out screenings at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, this star-studded tribute dives into Liza Minnelli’s dazzling rise to legend. ($10)

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of musical hijinks and hilarity with award-winning hosts. Tickle your musical senses with their fun and unique arrangements of Mid-Century Pop Music, Yacht Rock, Rat Pack, classic oldies & a whole lot more. ($20)

First Wednesday Art Walk
5 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
Tour galleries and meet artists at this monthly event that happens rain or shine. Check with galleries’ individual websites to find out about their hours of operation and special events.

OutBook Book Club
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Public Library
This month, the group will discuss “February House: The Story of W. H. Auden, Carson McCullers, Jane and Paul Bowles, Benjamin Britten, and Gypsy Rose Lee, Under One Roof in Brooklyn” by Sherill Tippins. Next month they’ll read “Capote’s Women” by Laurence Leamer. Join the club’s email list here.

Rock The Park with Twisted Gypsy
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
Bring your blankets and chairs for an unforgettable free evening with Twisted Gypsy, a Fleetwood Mac tribute band. This free outdoor concert series transforms downtown Palm Springs into a live music haven from December through May.

SAVE THE DATE

• Black History Month Kick-Off at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday.
  
• “Perfect Arrangement” presented by The Bent, starting Thursday at Palm Springs Cultural Center. ($40) 
  
• “Racist Trees” film screening at the Cultural Center on Feb. 16. ($28)
  
• Black History Month Adult Basketball Tournament at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Feb. 17.
  
• 38th Annual Black History Parade & Town Fair on Palm Canyon Drive on Feb. 22.
  
• Desert Pet Walk at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Feb. 22.

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AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today, we invite you to meet Wes, a 10-month-old male American Staffordshire Terrier mix. Staff at the shelter say West is full of life and enthusiasm and he’s always ready for the next adventure. 

• Staff also said he is playful and loves to run around and make new canine friends, so if you have other dogs at home, Wes will fit right in. 
  
• Wes is affectionate with people he knows. While he may take a moment to warm up, once he trusts you, he’ll be your loyal companion for life.

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here. And get a jump start on adoption by completing the form here.