Aug. 18 Daily Briefing: State redistricting, expanded pool hours, last Wexler home, and more

Happy Monday,where it’s great to be back in your inbox (but not so great to be wading through several hundred emails). Judging by the volume of emails asking us if we’re okay, it seems not everyone received the message in our August 8 edition that we were taking last week off for our annual vacation. If you’re reading this, it means you didn’t cancel your subscription to this newsletter while we were away, so please know we appreciate you sticking with us and understanding that we needed some time off. And now, back to work …

🎶 Setting the mood: “Homeward Bound” by Simon & Garfunkel

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs would shift congressional districts under proposed redistricting

Palm Springs residents would get new congressional representation under redistricting maps released Friday by California officials. The desert city would move from Rep. Ken Calvert’s District 41 to District 48, currently held by Rep. Darrell Issa, who will not seek reelection.

Driving the news: California is targeting five Republican-held congressional seats through redistricting as part of a broader political battle with GOP-controlled states.

• Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a November special election for voter approval one day after releasing the maps.

The big picture: The redistricting represents California’s response to President Donald Trump’s call for Texas to redraw district lines as Republicans face potential losses in the 2026 midterm elections.

• Democratic analysis indicates the redrawn districts would contain more Democratic-leaning voters than Republicans, with approximately one-third being Latino.

What changes: Under the proposed maps, Palm Springs would join parts of San Diego County in District 48, while District 41 would be completely relocated to include cities such as Lakewood, Bellflower and Downey.

What’s next: The proposed maps must be reviewed and approved by the state legislature before becoming final, with Democratic leaders pledging support for Newsom’s plan.

• Residents can submit public comments through the state assembly’s redistricting website before the legislature makes its final decision.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏊 Swim Center to expand hours starting late next month

The Palm Springs Swim Center will expand its hours of operation beginning Monday, Sept. 22, in response to growing community demand for aquatic programs and recreational swimming opportunities.

• The facility at 405 South Pavilion Way will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday under the new schedule, with Friday and Saturday hours from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m. and Sunday operations from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
  
• The expanded schedule will accommodate lap swimming, aquatic fitness classes and open swim times, aligning with the city’s mission to promote health, wellness and year-round recreation opportunities.
  
• What they’re saying: “Whether you’re an early riser looking to swim before work or a family wanting more weekend recreation, these new hours are designed to better serve our community,” said Nicholas Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation director.

✈️ Southwest adding Austin flights from PSP

Southwest Airlines will launch seasonal nonstop service between Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) and Austin, operating Saturdays and Sundays from March 5 through April 6, 2026.

• Southwest becomes the second airline to serve the Austin route from PSP in 2026, joining Delta Air Lines, which announced service earlier this year. Weekend flights from both carriers provide travelers between the Coachella Valley and the Texas capital with expanded options and greater flexibility.
  
• Bottom line: “When airlines compete, travelers often benefit with more convenient schedules and competitive fares — and that’s great news for anyone flying between Palm Springs and Austin,” said Harry Barrett, Jr., PSP’s executive director of aviation.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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. 

Guys Happy Hour
4 p.m. | QUADZ
Join us and other like-minded gay guys for a monthly Happy Hour in Palm Springs – where locals and visitors can connect with each other!

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

Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
It’s Monday, where the locals come to dance to Jazz, Latin, Pop, Disco, covers and more.

Fabulous Bingo with Bella Da Ball
7 p.m. | King’s Highway
The lovely Bella da Ball hosts, calling numbers, quizzing and giving away prizes. Reservations are strongly recommended as space is limited. ($35)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

•  Johnny Marfa and the Lights at Agua Caliente Casino on Wednesday
  
• Rise & Shine Clean Up Palm Springs at Downtown Park on Saturday 
  
• Fix-it Clinic at Mizell Center on Saturday
  
• Desert Film Society Screening on Saturday at Camelot Theatres
  
• Musical Matinees: Hair at Palm Springs Cultural Center on Aug. 31

Submit your event here

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IN OTHER NEWS

📺 Palm Springs resident Tristan Rogers, the actor best known for his time on General Hospital, died last week at the age of 79 following a battle with lung cancer. He received a star on the city’s Walk of the Stars last November. [KESQ]

👙 Splash House, the poolside music festival held at three local hotels and the Palm Springs Air Museum over two August weekends, has achieved the unexpected: attracting a young crowd to the desert during the hottest season. [Desert Sun]

🏠 The last home Donald Wexler ever designed has hit the market in Palm Springs. It can be yours for $6.6 million. [Robb Report]