Feb. 12 Daily Briefing: Recycling issues, Plaza Theatre lineup, it’s our anniversary, and more

Happy Wednesday, and happy anniversary to us! Four years after its humble start as a free newsletter, The Post is now the top news source in town, and we learned last week that we’re a contender for a 2025 Pulitzer Prize in local reporting for our work on the Queer Works and City Hall story. That’s not too shabby considering Kendall was fighting kidney failure, and Mark was balancing a full-time Microsoft gig, while we did the work. Recently, Kendall received a new kidney, and Mark left corporate life to devote 100% of his time to our efforts. So, as we kick off our fifth year, we’re feeling stronger than ever and incredibly thankful to our readers, paying supporters, and advertising partners for sticking with us. 💖

🎶 Setting the mood: “Daft Punk Is Playing At My House” by LCD Soundsystem

LEADING OFF

Solutions sought to recycling contamination challenges

Palm Springs is considering how to tackle challenges to recycling — particularly in vacation rentals and condominium — as waste collection rises. The city collected nearly 5,000 tons of organic waste last year while grappling with contamination issues.

Driving the news: The city is testing new waste sorting methods for public events and enhancing staff training to improve recycling practices across the community.

Dive deeper: According to Sustainability Director Lindsey-Paige McCloy, public spaces present significant recycling obstacles. Due to contamination, the city has resorted to a unique solution.

• “They spent so much time sorting out the recycling or sorting trash out from the recycling bins that they just started labeling them all trash bins because it really was just so contaminated,” McCloy said.

Why it matters: Effective recycling practices are crucial for waste reduction and environmental sustainability in Palm Springs.

Zoom in: The city is implementing various strategies to address recycling challenges, including:

• Partnering with the fire department to educate residents on proper hazardous material disposal.
• Engaging the community through cleanup events, like the recent event in District 1, which saw 40 participants.

What’s next: The city plans to demonstrate new waste sorting methods at public events and continue enhancing staff training over the summer.

• Another community cleanup is planned in March in District 2.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🎭 Tomlin, Lynch among acts when Plaza Theatre reopens

Palm Springs’ Plaza Theatre will reopen in December with a lineup featuring comedy legend Lily Tomlin, actress Jane Lynch’s holiday show, comedian Brad Williams, and drag performer Bianca Del Rio, it was announced Tuesday.

• The venue’s inaugural season includes performances by the New York Philharmonic String Quartet and the Gilbert & Sullivan Players presenting “The Mikado,” along with actor Cary Elwes hosting an evening about “The Princess Bride.”
  
• The programming spans comedy, music, theater, opera, and family entertainment, with performances scheduled through May 2026. Local events, including showings for the Palm Springs International Film Festival, will be announced later. 
  
• Next up: Tickets for Brad Williams’ performance go on sale Friday, while all other shows become available Feb. 21 through Ticketmaster.

👔 Mizell Center names Wheeler as new leader

Rob Wheeler, former CEO of the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, has been appointed executive director of the Mizell Center, it was formally announced Tuesday.

• Wheeler brings significant experience from his previous role and his tenure as chief operating officer at the New York City LGBT Community Center, where he also served as deputy executive director and board secretary.
  
• The NYU graduate will oversee strategy, operations, administration, fund development and financial management at Mizell, which has served as a community hub for seniors since 1974.
  
• Bottom line: Board President Brian Chavarin cited Wheeler’s community service background and skill set as key factors in his selection to lead the organization into its next chapter.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

SR111 Roadway Project
All Day | Multiple locations
Caltrans is completing roadway improvements on SR 111 in the city from Golf Club Drive to West Gateway Drive. Work is ongoing and expected to last until the end of the year. Click here for the latest updates on the impacted roadways.

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)

Open Mic Night
5:30 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join Joel Baker on piano and Brian Alec Thom as they sing the night away. Bring your own sheet music for Joel to play. ($10)

Dinner and a Movie: “Sleepless in Seattle”
7 p.m. | Boozehounds Palm Springs
Enjoy a cozy, dog-friendly outdoor screening of the classic rom-com “Sleepless in Seattle” with dinner, themed drinks, and romance. Some seating will be provided. Feel free to bring your favorite lawn chair and cozy blanket.

SAVE THE DATE

• Modernism Week starts on Thursday.
  
• Saving Wildlife at the Desert Wildlife Center at the Mizell Center on Saturday.
  
• “Racist Trees” film screening at the Cultural Center on Sunday. ($28)
  
• Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament at the Berger Foundation Iceplex on Feb. 21.
  
• 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 Alex, a male cat that’s about a year-and-a-half old, available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers said Alex has been adopted twice and returned both times. He needed a little more time to socialize, and Rogers said he’s made huge strides. He still has challenges, and can be a bit of a jerk, especially when it comes to treats. 

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.