Oct. 13 Daily Briefing: Unique walking tour, parade season starts, PSHS still undefeated, and more

Happy Monday, everyone, and welcome to what promises to be a very busy week, with art dedications, the grand opening of an affordable housing project, and a lot of meetings! But first, we pause today to recognize Indigenous Peoples’ Day, an official city and state holiday that celebrates and honors Native Americans and commemorates their histories and cultures. It’s also the federal Columbus Day holiday, so be aware that there are lots of closures, including banks, post offices, schools, and City Hall. Trash service is on a regular schedule this week.

🎶 Setting the mood: “DARE” by Gorillaz

LEADING OFF

Weekend walking tour offers rare look inside pre-modernist landmarks

A historical walking tour happening this Saturday (Oct. 18) will give participants interior access to seven downtown buildings that highlight the pioneers who shaped the city before Mid-Century Modern architecture took hold. 

Driving the news: The “Iconic Palm Springs” tour is an official Modernism Week event organized by Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS). Tours run from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. and include stops at locations like the Welwood Murray Memorial Library, La Plaza Shopping Center, Plaza Theatre, and O’Donnell Golf Club House.

• A total of 400 tickets are available through the Modernism website for $110 with staggered start times. The tour serves as ONE-PS’s only major fundraiser of the year.

Why it matters: Many of these historic interiors are not easily accessible to the general public, offering a rare glimpse into the architectural and social history that predates the city’s famous modernist era.

The backstory: The tour highlights pioneering figures, including Welwood Murray, who operated the Palm Springs Hotel from 1887 to 1909, and Julia Patterson Carnell, who built La Plaza Shopping Center in 1936 as one of Southern California’s first planned outdoor shopping centers.

But wait: Tour stops also feature the Plaza Theatre, which is nearing completion of a full restoration, and American Legion Post 519, designed by Albert Frey and John Porter Clark in 1948, with one of only three remaining “Lamella” roofs in California.

The route: The 22-minute walk at a moderate pace covers about 2,200 steps and concludes at Welwood Murray Cemetery, where many early city pioneers are buried.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

IN OTHER NEWS

🏳️‍🌈 The Palm Springs chapter of the USO will not participate in this year’s Pride Parade, attributing the decision to new federal mandates. In messages to local volunteers, USO leaders reiterated their ongoing mission to support all service members and their families, clarifying that their withdrawal from the event does not reflect a change in values. [KESQ]

🏈 Palm Springs High School’s football team maintained its perfect season with a 41-21 victory over Shadow Hills Friday night, scoring touchdowns across offense, defense, and special teams. The Indians face host Xavier Prep on Friday in their homecoming game. [Desert Sun]

⚖️ An NBC News investigation explores the twisted case of two con artists who murdered California art dealer Cliff Lambert in Palm Springs, stealing his money and identity. [NBC News]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Water Aerobics
12 p.m. | Palm Springs Swim Center
Get some low-impact exercise at the swim center every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday with instructor Donna Newton! ($5)

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Come play the American version of Mahjong with others. Play Lounge has two mats and sets, but feel free to bring your own

California Community of Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Modernism Week October starting Thursday
  
• Wet + Wild Party benefitting Palm Springs Police and Fire at Desert Hand Car Wash on Oct. 23
  
• Pride Equality Walk on Oct. 25
  
• “Be A Hero For Kids” Halloween Bash on Oct. 26
  
• Pride on the Page on Nov. 1
  
• Palm Springs Pride Nov. 6 through 9
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 8
  
• Palm Springs Hospitality Golf Tournament on Nov. 14

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

It’s that time of year again — parade season — when Palm Canyon Drive starts to be filled with floats, bands and more. Even if you’re not attending any parades, you can keep these dates in mind if you’re ever wondering why streets are blocked off or why there’s more traffic than usual. Here’s a look at what’s coming up: 

Driving the news: Five major parades will march down Palm Canyon Drive over the next five months. All events are free and celebrate different aspects of Palm Springs’ diverse community, from high school spirit to military service to holiday traditions.

The schedule:

• On Wednesday, Palm Springs High School’s “Old Hollywood”-themed homecoming parade is held starting at 3:30 p.m.
  
• The 39th Annual Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade marches down main street on Nov. 9 with its theme of “Be Heard.”
  
• The 28th Annual Veterans Day Parade happens on Nov. 11 and also features a patriotic concert and fireworks at the finale at Palm Canyon Drive and Amado Road.
  
• The 33rd Annual Festival of Lights Parade lights up the streets on Dec. 6.
  
• The 39th Annual Black History Parade will take place on Feb. 6 followed by a town fair in the Downtown Park.

Details: Specific parade routes and additional details are available here.