April 1 Daily Briefing: Convention Center’s future discussed, car show benefits Plaza Theatre, and more

Happy Monday and April Fool’s Day, a day notorious for dubious media pranks, like fast food chains claiming they bought the Liberty Bell or automakers joking about name changes. Often, not everyone finds these jokes funny, which is why we have always avoided reporting that they’ve relocated the Marilyn statue to the Top of the Tram. For those who must attempt a prank today, we recommend something simpler and more home-based, like swapping salt for the sugar that’s in the container your partner uses when making their morning coffee.

🎶 Setting the mood: “The Fool On The Hill” by The Beatles

LEADING OFF

Report: Convention Center needs modernization to stay competitive

Add the Palm Springs Convention Center to the list of aging major city facilities in need of an update.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs City Council received a comprehensive update last week highlighting the need to modernize the convention center to maintain its competitive edge and continue driving economic growth.

What they’re saying: Scott White, president and CEO of Visit Greater Palm Springs, emphasized that without timely modernization, the convention center risks becoming less competitive as other destinations move forward with their expansions and updates.

• “We’re at the point now we’re right at that line where I don’t think we can wait too much longer for modernization of the convention center,” White said, “because we really are becoming less and less competitive with a lot of the other destinations that are moving forward with their expansions and modernization as well.”
  
  
• In the past year alone, White estimated the convention center missed out on landing dozens of groups that would have booked hotel rooms and spent money in the city.

Looking ahead: The council was presented with a vision of an east entry plaza expansion and other enhancements that could transform the convention center into an innovative space reflective of Palm Springs’ iconic status.

• The cost estimate for the proposed phase one modernizations stands at approximately $43 million. If approved, the improvements could be initiated within 10 months, with construction spanning an additional 12 months.

Next steps: The city is already undertaking revitalization of its main library, expansion of the airport, and replacement of Fire Station 1 downtown. But that doesn’t mean the convention center work won’t be tackled. City staff has been asked to look into how funding for the improvements might work.

• During the meeting, Councilmember Lisa Middleton advocated for prioritizing financial planning to implement the changes, while Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein recognized the convention center’s broad impact on economic development and community events. 

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IN OTHER NEWS

🏠 Go behind the scenes and check out the gorgeous pictures as the Aluminaire House opens for public viewing after being reborn in Palm Springs. [LA Times] 

⚖️ A 29-year-old motorist who perpetrated a series of unexplained attacks on fellow drivers and one bicyclist throughout Palm Springs was convicted last week of nearly a dozen charges. [My News LA]

🐕 A pet-friendly crowd gathered at Willie’s Modern Fare in Rancho Mirage last week for the second annual mixer for the nonprofit Amy’s Purpose. [Desert Sun] 

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Experience world music with a French accent at Mon Petit Salon, hosted by violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson. ($10)

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Committee members will discuss a request to build a single family home at a site on West Crestview Drive according to the agenda.

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

SAVE THE DATE

• Police & Fire Luncheon Appreciation on Tuesday at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
  
• Rock the Park: Tribute to Garth Brooks on Wednesday at the Downtown Park.
  
  
• Super Bloom Art Show on Friday at Desert Art Center.
  
  
• Faux Fur Ball on Saturday at the Palm Springs Air Museum.
  
  
• DA Springs Festival on Sunday at DA Computers.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced recently that it will host ‘Drive the Plaza Theatre Into the Future,’ a fundraising event showcasing over 100 vintage automobiles. 

Driving the news: The April 19 event at The Prescott Collection Hangar aims to raise funds for the restoration of the iconic Plaza Theatre, with ticket prices ranging from $100 to $1,000 for an exclusive tour with collector Brad Prescott.

Looking back: The Plaza Theatre Foundation has raised more than $15 million towards the restoration but requires an additional $10 million. The restoration is expected to take 18 months, with a reopening slated for 2025.

Zoom in: Attendees can catch a glimpse of a unique collection of postwar American automobiles, including luxury and lesser-known brands. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres will be served, and live music will play while you view the cars.

Details: To purchase tickets, head to this website. The address of the event will be provided when you RSVP