April 7 Daily Briefing: Sobriety support, thousands attend rally, elephant down, and more

Happy Monday, everyone, where we once again have a gentle reminder about a traffic disruption. Just a few days after the winds died down and the road reopened, Indian Canyon Drive between Sunrise Parkway and Garnet Avenue is now closed again. This time it’s due to the ongoing construction project that will see a new bridge built over the railroad tracks. The closure began at midnight (we went out there and double checked) and will last until 6 a.m. Friday morning, unless they finish early 🤞🏽  

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Apple” by Charli xcx

LEADING OFF

Business owners forge new path of sobriety in crucial Palm Springs industry

Three Palm Springs entrepreneurs are challenging the alcohol-soaked culture of the hospitality industry, creating businesses that support sobriety while thriving in a city known for its party scene.

Driving the news: Cameron Alsup, Marcel Ramirez, and Justin Snyder — all business owners who overcame serious addiction — are reshaping workplace culture in an industry where substance abuse has traditionally been normalized.

• By overcoming adversity, each can better relate to their employees and business colleagues. They’ve also formed a tight, supportive bond.

By the numbers: The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration ranks the restaurant industry as most at risk for illicit drug use and substance use disorders, and third most at risk for heavy alcohol use.

The backstory: All three men experienced the industry’s dark side before making dramatic life changes. Alsup was consuming over a liter of bourbon daily and Ramirez struggled with heroin and crack from age 13

• Snyder, influenced by the rampant substance abuse in high-pressure culinary environments, decided to make a life change following a significant meeting with Anthony Bourdain shortly before the chef’s suicide. 

Making an impact: The three friends are intentionally creating supportive workplaces for others in recovery.

• Ramirez’s Gabino’s Creperie employs people seeking second chances, including those in recovery programs, children of addicts, former gang members, and recently released prisoners.

Between the lines: Jacquilyn Leath, CEO of Michael’s House treatment center in Palm Springs, says these business owners are “changing and shifting the culture inside the organization” to create safe spaces in an industry where substance abuse is often expected.

What they’re saying: “We don’t drink with guests. We don’t party with guests. We’re not here to partake in the party. We’re here to provide the party,” said Alsup about his company’s approach.

Read much more in Maggie Miles’ complete story

BRIEFLY

📣 Thousands rally at City Hall as part of nationwide protests

Protesters gathered in Palm Springs and elsewhere in the Coachella Valley on Saturday to demonstrate against Trump Administration policies, part of a nationwide “Hands Off!” day of action that saw tens of thousands rally in cities across the United States.

• The Palm Springs event, which drew an estimated 2,000 people, was organized by Courageous Resistance-Indivisible of the Desert and featured speakers including California Lt. Gov. Eleni Kounalakis and U.S. Rep. Raul Ruiz.
  
• Ruiz criticized several Trump administration policies, particularly tariffs that he claimed could cost working families up to $3,000 annually. “His billionaire friends won’t feel it. The Elon Musk-types won’t feel it. You will feel it,” Ruiz told the crowd.
  
• Bottom line: Joy Silver, one of the event organizers, said the large turnout demonstrated public concern about the administration’s impact. “Our lives are at stake,” Silver said. “Some of us are suffering. Some of us are dying because of the decisions that are made right now.”

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Desert X
The fifth edition of Desert X, the recurring site-specific, international art exhibition is open now through May 11. Find the map of installations on the Desert X website.

Mahjong Monday
1 p.m. | Play Lounge and Cafe
Come play the American version of Mahjong 

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

PSUSD Board Special Meeting
3:30 p.m. | District Headquarters
The Board of Education will hold a special meeting to hear presentations and then ask questions and evaluate two candidates for the search firm that will be hired to help the district in its search for a new superintendent.

Conversational Spanish
5:30 p.m. | The Center
Join a dynamic and diverse group of people who get together to chat and strengthen their language skills. New attendees, register online here.

Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Bella da Ball hosts this entertaining evening, calling numbers, quizzing and giving away prizes. ($35 minimum purchase)

See all events

SAVE THE DATE

• The 70s Show starts Friday at the Cultural Center. ($25)
  
• World Art Day at Downtown Park on Saturday.
  
• Movies in the Park: “The Love Bug” at Downtown Park on April 15.
  
• GPSR Spring Fling Auction at Mizell Center on April 16.
  
• Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair at Palm Springs Convention Center on April 16.
  
• Oasis del Sol Neighborhood Organization Annual Meeting at Sunrise Racquet Club on April 16.
  
• Movie Night in the Park: “The Wild Robot” at DeMuth Park on April 16.
  
• “Falsettos” at Dezart Performs starting April 18. ($53)
  
• “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest” at Palm Canyon Theatre starting April 18. ($32)
  
• Self-Advocacy in Healthcare Conference at the Mizell Center on April 19.
  
• PS Gay Men’s Chorus “Disney Pride In Concert“ starting April 24. ($35)
  
• 2025 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival starting May 8. ($17)
  
  Submit your event

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AND FINALLY …

A Palm Springs resident received a quick response from Animal Control last week after reporting a “deceased elephant” in somebody’s yard, though the responding officers found themselves facing a far less exotic situation than anticipated.

Driving the news: Palm Springs Police Department dispatchers mobilized Animal Control officers after receiving a concerned call about a supposedly dead elephant, only to discover the “fallen giant” was actually a decorative yard statue toppled by strong winds.

Behind the scenes: The amusing mix-up provided a moment of levity for local first responders while serving as a practical reminder for residents to secure outdoor decorations during Palm Springs’ occasionally powerful wind conditions.

The takeaway: While Palm Springs is home to many forms of desert wildlife, elephants are not among the local fauna—though their artistic representations apparently can cause momentary confusion when they take an unexpected tumble.