Dec. 9 Daily Briefing: Airport overcomes drop in Canadian traffic, next Walk of Stars honorees, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Every December since we’ve been publishing, we’ve taken time to look back at the year that was in Palm Springs and to look ahead to the coming year. And each year we’ve asked for you to weigh in. This year is no different. So, as we prepare for our look back and look ahead stories next week, we’re asking you to complete this survey if you have time and thoughts to share. It’s four simple questions, so hopefully won’t take too much of your time. Thank you!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Day In The Sun” by De La Soul, Q-Tip & Yummy Bingham

LEADING OFF

Airport sees growth despite modest decline in Canadian flights

Palm Springs International Airport set five monthly records in 2025 and is on track for another record year despite a modest decline in Canadian flight capacity scheduled for early 2026.

Driving the news: Canadian arriving seats are scheduled to drop 5% in January and 17% in February compared to the previous year, amounting to roughly one fewer flight per day during the peak winter months.

• The reduction follows backlash after President Donald Trump labeled Canada a “major security threat” earlier this year, prompting some Canadian visitors to vow not to return to the Coachella Valley.

The big picture: Domestic growth is more than offsetting the Canadian reductions. Domestic flight capacity is scheduled to increase 5.4% in January and 2% in February.

• The data is not meant to represent the overall economic picture in the region due to the reduction in Canadian visitors. It pertains only to what the airport is recording.

By the numbers: Year-to-date passengers through October were up 3.6%, with March recording nearly half a million passengers as the busiest month ever. October traffic was essentially flat at down 0.26% year-over-year.

What they’re saying: “The narrative we are seeing here is that Canadian arrivals are down but only fractionally, while PSP’s domestic growth is more than offsetting the difference,” said airport spokesperson Jake Ingrassia.

What’s next: If the airport meets last year’s numbers for the remaining months, 2025 will mark another record year for the facility.

Diver deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

⭐ Rogers and Geske to receive next Walk of the Stars honor

• Barbara Rogers and Gary Geske will be honored with the 484th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars during a public ceremony on Thursday at 3 p.m. at 849 North Palm Canyon Dr. The couple will receive recognition in the Humanitarian and Literary categories.
  
• For over 16 years, Rogers and Geske have supported initiatives benefiting women, families, seniors, the LGBTQ+ community, animal welfare and the arts across the Coachella Valley. Rogers serves on multiple boards, while the couple has backed organizations including The Desert Symphony, CV Rep, Jewish Family Services and the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
• Details: Rogers, an avid pickleball player who hosts charity tournaments at their Bighorn home, is the author of It’s A No Grainer, a cookbook promoting healthy living. She has received the Woman of Wonder Award from The Desert Symphony and Humanitarian Awards from McCallum Muses and Jewish Family Services.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mid-Century Magic
10 a.m. | Rubine Red Gallery
Master realist painter Geoffrey Gersten puts on his first solo show at Rubine Red Gallery with his very own “Mid-Century Magic”.

Yoga with Mariana
10 a.m. / 2 p.m. | Palm Springs Leisure Center
These affordable community yoga classes are the perfect way to recharge your body, mind, and spirit. ($12)

Leads Lunch
12 p.m. | Hunny’s Restaurant & Bar
Connect, collaborate, and grow your business at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Lead$ Lunch — hosted every Tuesday in December at Hunny’s in downtown Palm Springs.

Prostate Cancer Support Group
3 p.m. | The Center
This is a men’s group for those facing the fight at every stage, whether you are recently diagnosed or a survivor. The group is facilitated by a prostate cancer survivor himself.

ONE-PS Monthly Meeting
4:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Police Training Center
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) holds its monthly meeting to discuss neighborhood issues with city council members, public safety officers, and others. The meeting will also be available on YouTube.

Christmas Tree Lane Party & Live Auction
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Air Museum
Bid on some stylish decorated Christmas trees, wreaths, and more to benefit local charity ACT for Multiple Sclerosis. ($75)

Palm Springs Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners meet to make recommendations on land use, zoning, and the general plan. Check out the agenda here. 

Michael Orland’s Open Mic Night
6 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Tonight is the last night of Michael Orland’s Open Mic residency at the Revolution Stage company. Sign up pre-show for your chance at the mic with Michael on piano. ($25)

PSUSD Board of Education Meeting
6 p.m. | PSUSD Headquarters
The Board of Education meetings tonight, check out the agenda here.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Stewardship: Dedication to Conservation talk at the Agua Caliente Cultural Museum on Wednesday.
  
• Fundraiser for Shop with a Cop at Palm Springs Tennis Club on Friday.
  
• Psychedelic Society documentary “Last Journey” on Saturday.
  
• Palm Springs Police Department Blood Drive on Dec. 16.
  
• Palm Springs Speaks with Rob Reiner on Dec. 16.
  
• Jews Do The Blues on Dec. 17.
  
• Palm Springs Santa Pub Crawl on Dec. 18.

Submit your event here

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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 this handsome boy named Tristan. This three-year-old Shepherd/Chow Chow mix is a new arrival at the shelter. Staff say he’s very loyal to those he trusts, but can be cautious with new people. 

• Staff also said he’s good on leash and is comfortable around other dogs on walks, though a prop dog-to-dog introduction may be needed if you want to ensure a good match at home with another pup. 

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.