March 6 Daily Briefing: Bridge work starting, Dada honored, library naming, and more

Happy Thursday, everyone, where we’re here to admit that we think it’s us who has jinxed the Chamber of Commerce’s “Rock The Park” concert series, and we’re truly sorry. We’re too afraid to do the math, but it feels like a majority of the free Wednesday evening concerts in Downtown Park have been postponed right after we’ve told the community about the show in a newsletter that went out the morning of the performance (and couldn’t be recalled). It happened again yesterday, when weather impacted a performance by AbbaFab. Fortunately for the community, chamber leaders were quick to reschedule the event. So, mark your calendars for the evening of March 26, but make sure to keep an eye on that day’s weather.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Don’t Let Me Be Misunderstood” by Nina Simone

LEADING OFF

South Palm Canyon bridge project starts next week

Construction on the South Palm Canyon Bridge Project will begin Monday, March 10, with long-term lane closures and preparatory work from Sunny Dunes Road to Mesquite Avenue. Motorists should expect traffic impacts and plan for extra travel time as the city replaces the structurally deficient 95-year-old bridge.

Driving the news: Traffic control will begin Monday with planned lane closures that will reduce South Palm Canyon Drive to one lane in each direction throughout the project area.

• Construction activities will include median removal, signage installation, paving, striping, and utility work.

Why it matters: The existing bridge, built in 1930, is structurally deficient and no longer meets modern design standards.

By the numbers: The new 98-foot-long bridge will feature:

• Two traffic lanes in each direction
• Upgraded concrete center median with public art
• Widened 8-foot sidewalks
• Dedicated bicycle lanes
• Concrete barrier rails with art installations

How it works: Due to space constraints in the Tahquitz Creek creek bed, construction will happen in two phases:

• Western lanes will be demolished and reconstructed first while eastern lanes handle traffic
• Traffic will then shift to the new western span while the eastern portion is rebuilt

What’s next: Bridge construction will begin later in March following preparatory work, with the full project on track for completion by late 2026.

Stay informed: Residents can visit www.SouthPalmCanyonBridge.com for updates, follow @SouthPalmCanyonBridge on social media, or call the project hotline at 760-502-0072.

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BRIEFLY

📚 Library Board offers naming rights as fundraising opportunity

The Palm Springs Public Library is moving forward with its renovation plans, offering naming rights opportunities for various spaces and features.

• The Library Board of Trustees on Wednesday endorsed a list of naming rights options, which will be presented to the City Council for approval. That endorsement comes as the Library Foundation is preparing to launch a capital campaign to fund the renovation, with naming rights as one part of the fundraising strategy. 
  
• Naming rights provide a way for donors to support the library renovation while leaving a lasting legacy. Options range from entire spaces like the children’s area, different entrances, the koi pond, and other places. 
  
• What’s next: The Library Board’s endorsement will be included in a staff report to the City Council, likely to be presented in April. Naming rights for donations over $100,000 require council approval and rights will last for 20 years.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collection at your own pace all to the soundtrack of a DJ. 

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners will meet to discuss art in public parks and asphalt art, among other items on the agenda. A special meeting follows to discuss funding for the Palm Springs Pride Memorial.

Americana Guest House: Open Mic
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join your neighbors at a laid-back open mic hosted by Dede Ondishko and Jason Powell. It’s the perfect spot for anyone looking to take their first steps on stage or just sharpen their skills in a friendly, welcoming atmosphere. ($20)

“Jesus Christ Superstar”
7 p.m. | CV Repertory
CVRep is presenting a new staging of the iconic 1970s rock musical that tells the story of the struggles between Jesus, Judas, Mary Magdalene, his disciples, his followers, and the Roman Empire. (most performances $90)

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
Weather permitting, the street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food.

View all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Desert X starts Saturday.
  
• Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K Run at Indian Canyons on Saturday. ($12) 
  
• Rotary Club of Palm Springs Sunup blood drive on Saturday.
  
• Palm Springs Drone Fest at Palm Springs High School starting March 21. ($25)
  
• Brothers of the Desert 6th Annual Wellness Summit at the Riviera Resort on March 22. ($25 suggested donation)
  
• Palm Springs 70mm Film Fest at the Cultural Center starting March 22. ($18)
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Annual Scholarship Event Dinner at Palm Springs Surf Club on March 26. ($125)
  
• Free Shredding Event at the Palm Springs Convention Center on April 5.
  
• World Art Day at Demuth Park on April 12.

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Hundreds of first responders took center stage at the Palm Springs Convention Center Wednesday for the annual Police & Fire Appreciation Luncheon, during which a giant in the local hospitality industry was spotlighted.

Driving the news: Aftab Dada, the former general manager of the Hilton Hotel, received the Richard M. Milanovich Community Leadership Award for his contributions to the city’s tourism sector and community development. 

• The award was presented by the leadership of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians, including Milanovich’s son, current Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich.
  
• “Dad had a great relationship with Aftab,” the chairman said. “He had so much respect for him. … My dad truly admired him, his work to help the community, and to bettering our people.”

Zoom in: While Dada could not attend, a lengthy video tribute showed how his impact on the hospitality industry and the city’s growth helped transform Palm Springs into a leading destination.

• Several speakers also referenced Dada’s renowned wine collection lightheartedly, with one friend noting, “You have a rare talent for making great conversations even better. Especially over a glass of red.”

Why it matters: Dada’s involvement extends beyond tourism. He is known for supporting police, firefighters, and multiple community projects, including the arrival of the “Forever Marilyn” statue, which draws tens of thousands of visitors who aim to take a picture of the 26-foot artwork.

• He also played a key role in major initiatives, including downtown redevelopment and airport expansion.

But wait: The city’s police and fire chiefs also had their moment, handing out awards for everything from exemplary service and valor to those for citizens who helped each department in the past year. 

• Among those singled out were Police Officer of the Year David Etchason and Firefighter of the Year Ricky Gandhi.