Dec. 12 Daily Briefing: Dream Hotel update, private pickleball project, weekend events, and more

TGIF everyone! Ever wonder why we go to nearly every single city meeting? Even “the boring ones”? To us, there’s no such thing as an unimportant meeting when it’s your city government making decisions. We show up every time because accountability isn’t selective. That’s why we’re asking you to help support that consistent coverage. If you’re able, we’d appreciate your assistance to help get us off to a strong start in 2026. Click here to support The Post!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Got to Be Real” by Cheryl Lynn

LEADING OFF

Concerns about delayed Dream Hotel project addressed at community meeting

Developers of a mixed-use resort adjacent to the Palm Springs Convention Center outlined plans to resume construction on a project that has been stalled since its foundation was completed in 2015.

Driving the news: The 450 South Calle Alvarado project—known as the Dream Hotel—has been in development since 2007 on a 7.8-acre site and will include a resort hotel and residential condominiums.

• Lauri Kibby of CDI Ventures and Eran Nornberg of Brookriver Hotels & Resorts met with neighbors Thursday to address years of setbacks.

Why it matters: The long-delayed project has become a source of frustration for neighbors and skepticism about large developments in Palm Springs, particularly after construction costs ballooned to $330 million — $80 million over budget.

What happened: A series of challenges derailed the project after its foundation was completed in 2015, including a year-and-a-half lawsuit with the general contractor resolved in early 2020, followed by COVID-19 shutdowns and tariff-driven material cost increases.

• The developers have spent nearly a year reducing costs and bringing the project back within budget, Kibby said.

What’s next: The developers plan to submit revised plans to the city in the first quarter of 2026, with construction targeted to begin by year’s end and an opening date of Christmas 2028.

The latest: Monthly community meetings will be held on the second Thursday of each month at 9 a.m. at the convention center, with a website launching soon at selenepalmsprings.com for resident questions and updates.

Dive deeper with our complete story

---

BRIEFLY

🏓 Private pickleball complex approved near airport

• The Palm Springs Planning Commission unanimously approved plans Tuesday for a 16-court commercial pickleball facility at the southwest corner of Avenida Evelita and Airport Center Drive. The complex will feature 13 competitive courts, three recreational courts, and a 1,200-square-foot building with restrooms, offices, a snack shop and viewing area.
  
• The commission previously postponed the project in June to allow for an acoustical study. Updated plans include taller barrier walls and acoustical panels on the south side to mitigate noise for nearby residents. The facility will operate from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily with 55 parking spaces.
  
• Bottom line: Public comments unanimously supported the project. The approval includes a condition requiring the applicant to return for another hearing if noise complaints or violations occur once operational.

Dive deeper with our complete story

YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• Modern Men: Cool Yule at The Plaza Theatre on Saturday and Sunday ($35)
  
• Plaid Tidings at Revolution Stage Company All Weekend ($33)

TODAY

• Shop With a Cop Fundraiser at the Palm Springs Tennis Club at 11 a.m.
  
• Mah Jongg Friday at the Mizell Center at 1 p.m. 
  
• Foodie Fridays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5 p.m.
  
• A Palm Springs Christmas at PS Underground at 7 p.m. ($190)
  
• Camille – 89th Premiere Anniversary at The Plaza Theatre at 7:30 p.m. ($20)

SATURDAY

• Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 8 a.m.
  
• Psychedelic Society documentary “Last Journey” on Saturday starting at 12 p.m. at Mizell Center.
  
• Clearing Fountain Grass at Oswit Canyon at 8 a.m.
  
• Breakfast with Santa at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at 8:30 a.m. ($55)
  
• Jingle Paws 5K Holiday Run/Walk at the Palm Springs Las Palmas Neighborhood ($45)
  
• Last Journey Documentary and Q&A at the Mizell Center at 12 p.m. ($20)
  
• Pappy Boyington & The Black Sheep at the Palm Springs Air Museum at 1 p.m. 
  
• Kevin Goetz Book Signing at Just Fabulous Palm Springs at 2 p.m.

SUNDAY

• Gift Wrap & Chill at the Social Cafe & Play Lounge at 8:30 a.m.
  
• Jingle Jam at Passion Church at 10 a.m. 
  
• Judy’s Old Fashioned Christmas at the Purple Room Supper Club at 5 p.m. ($45)
  
• Yuletide at PS Underground at 6 p.m. ($150)
  
• Holiday Celebration at the Revolution Stage Company at 7:30 p.m. ($40)

AND FINALLY …

The holidays got a little warmer in the East Valley this month thanks to one Palm Springs based organization, though not in the way you might expect.

Driving the news: DAP Health skipped its usual holiday party and instead sent 11 staff members door-to-door on Dec. 3, delivering nearly 800 toys, 350 blankets, and more than 400 bags of groceries to roughly 400 households in mobile home communities across Oasis, Thermal, Mecca, and North Shore.

• The reimagined Winterfest responded to immigration enforcement concerns that left many farmworker families afraid to leave home, even for essentials.

Why it matters: In communities where the average household earns less than half the rest of Riverside County, these weren’t holiday extras — they were necessities for families who harvest the produce on our tables yet struggle to fill their own.

The moment: One child asked to trade his toy for a second blanket. Another quietly requested an extra blanket instead of a toy, explaining simply, “It gets really cold at night.”

What’s next: Two more delivery rounds are planned for later this month.