Dec. 1 Daily Briefing: The week ahead, Oscar’s asks for help, Shop With a Cop fundraiser, and more

Happy Monday and Happy December! Since today is Cyber Monday, we thought it would be a good idea to issue this word of warning: Not all websites offering deals today are what they might seem. Fake shopping sites have surged by 250%, and counterfeit Amazon sites are up a whopping 232%, thanks to AI making it easier than ever to create convincing knockoffs of legitimate retailers. Check out these tips for avoiding scams today.

🎶 Setting the mood: “December” by Norah Jones 

LEADING OFF

This week in city government: Development, preservation, and an annual address

Palm Springs officials will tackle a full slate of development and preservation matters this week while Mayor Ron deHarte delivers the annual State of the City address at the Convention Center.

Leading off: The Architectural Review Committee meets tonight at 5:30 p.m. to consider several high-profile projects. See the agenda here.

• Members will review a proposed hillside home on Cahuilla Hills Drive, new LED signs for the Plaza Theatre, and a 119-home Toll Brothers development in Escena — all recommended for approval by staff.

State of the City: On Tuesday, the city hosts its annual community update at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

• A nonprofit and city department fair begins at 2 p.m., followed by the mayor’s presentation at 3 p.m. and an ice cream social immediately afterward.

Historic preservation: Also Tuesday, the Historic Site Preservation Board meets at 5:30 p.m. to weigh a potential Class 2 designation for the Fallows Residence on Via Vadera. You can find that agenda here.

• The board will also consider two Class 4 cases — one on North Cahuilla Road and another on West Cielo Drive — with staff recommending no action, which would allow those projects to move forward.

And finally: The Library Board of Trustees is slated to meet Wednesday at 5:30 p.m., and the Public Arts Commission is scheduled Thursday at the same time.

Neither agenda has been released, and both bodies frequently cancel meetings when there is no pressing business.

IN OTHER NEWS

💸 Oscar’s in Palm Springs is nearing its goal after launching a $40,000 GoFundMe campaign. Owner Dan Gore said the longtime local venue is facing severe financial strain. He cites rising operational and utility costs, needed repairs, a slow summer season and mounting expenses during the busy months as putting the business’s future at risk. [KESQ]

🖼️ The Palm Springs Art Museum is pushing back against a Los Angeles Times investigation alleging financial and governance problems, saying the report relies on selective correspondence and does not reflect the years of audit work and reforms its board and advisors say have strengthened the institution’s financial integrity. [ArtNews]

🍽️ In local restaurant news, On the Mark is extending its footprint beyond Downtown Palm Springs with a new Rancho Mirage location, while a new Italian “cucina” concept has debuted in the city, offering lighter, seasonal dishes and modern twists on traditional favorites. [CV Independent]

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Water Aerobics
10 a.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)

Aids Memorial Ceremonial Groundbreaking
11 a.m. | Downtown Park Amphitheater
Join us on World AIDS Day as we mark the start of a community space dedicated to remembrance, reflection, and healing.

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)

Architectural Review Committee 
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The ARC typically holds regular meetings on the first and third Monday of each month to review and make recommendations on building and landscape design to the Planning Commission, City Council and city staff.

Cynthia Erivo
7:30 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre
The wait is over! The newly restored Plaza Theatre will reopen its doors in grand style with Cynthia Erivo, the iconic voice behind Wicked’s “Defying Gravity,” headlining a spectacular opening night gala. ($1,250)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• State of the City address on Tuesday at the Palm Springs Convention Center.
  
•  Wreath Auction at Eight4Nine Restaurant & Lounge on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
  
•  Rock the Park free concert series at Downtown Park at 7 p.m. on Wednesday.
  
• Palm Springs Holiday Tree Lighting at Francis Stevens Park Friday at 5 p.m.
  
• Festival of Lights Parade Saturday at 5:45 p.m. in Downtown Palm Springs.
  
• Fundraiser for Shop with a Cop at Palm Springs Tennis Club on Dec. 12.
  
• Psychedelic Society documentary “Last Journey” On Dec. 13.

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs Tennis Club is once again opening its gates to the public for a cause that puts the “serve” in community service.

Driving the news: The club at 701 West Baristo Road will host its annual Shop With A Cop fundraiser on Dec. 12 starting at 11 a.m., supporting a program that pairs underprivileged children with Palm Springs police officers for holiday shopping trips.

• Each participating child receives $200 to spend on gifts, guided by an officer who helps them fulfill their Christmas wish lists.

What to expect: Police Chief Andy Mills will address attendees at 11 a.m., followed by a police dog demonstration that promises to be the event’s most enthusiastic contribution.

Why it matters: The program serves children throughout Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley, with the actual shopping trips taking place before Christmas.

How to help: Donations can be made at the event via cash, check, credit card, or Walmart gift card. Those unable to attend can call the club at 760-318-1716 to contribute by credit card.

Find details in our calendar listing