Dec. 16 Daily Briefing: Looking back on 2024, latest hospital development, pet parade, and more

Welcome to Monday and the start of our annual year in review and look ahead week. We kick things off today with a look at the stories you read the most in 2024 and finish on Friday by naming our Palm Springs Person of the Year. In between, we report on what our readers had to say and what city officials had to say as they looked back (and ahead). After the series ends, we’re taking a week off. So, early heads up that we will be out of office, and out of your inbox, the week of Dec. 23.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Surfing in Iceland” by Goth Babe

LEADING OFF

Our top 5 most-read stories of 2024

In 2024, readers of the Palm Springs Post clicked on a diverse range of stories, from the relocation of the “Forever Marilyn” statue to a grand jury indictment of a local CEO.

Driving the news: Unlike previous years, the majority of the most popular stories in 2024 did not revolve around development. Instead, readers showed interest in various topics, including politics, City Hall allegations, and business news.

The top 5 were:

5. “New location for Forever Marilyn statue announced” – The relocation of the well-known “Forever Marilyn” statue, ending a lawsuit and criticism regarding its previous location.

4. “Queer Works CEO under scrutiny for alleged misuse of taxpayer funds” – A seven-part series exposing possible misuse of tax dollars and failures at City Hall, leading to a grand jury indictment.

3. “Riviera name returning to Palm Springs hotel” – The announcement of the Riviera name returning to the 400-room property formerly known as Margaritaville.

2. “Holstege concedes 47th Assembly District race” – Christy Holstege’s concession after losing the California Assembly race by more than 5,500 votes.

1. “Pain Street: Downtown suffers summer slump” – The most-read story of 2024, and our most read story ever, revealed the summer struggles of local store owners and staff due to declining business and rising costs.

Bonus: Our most shared social media post was about a motorcycle accident involving a Palm Springs Police Department officer during the annual Festival of Lights Parade, causing serious injuries and delaying the event.

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BRIEFLY

🏥New lease, purchase agreement for hospital in place

Officials from the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation, Tenet Healthcare, and Desert Care Network last week signed the 30-year lease purchase agreement for Desert Regional Medical Center, which was approved by 72% of voters in the Nov. 5 election.

• The agreement includes a commitment by Tenet to cover the cost of state-mandated seismic upgrades for the city hospital, estimated at more than $220 million, at no cost to district taxpayers.
  
  
• Tenet’s investment of nearly $650 million will support additional health services to the community, while the Desert Healthcare District & Foundation will begin public planning sessions to continue their mission of achieving optimal health for all District residents.
  
  
• Up next: Desert Care Network is preparing for a key deadline, with plans for seismic upgrades due to the State of California on Jan. 1, 2026, to ensure older sections of Desert Regional remain in service when new state rules become effective in 2030.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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.

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Café
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Holiday PJ Movie Night
6:30 p.m. | Play Lounge & Café
Bring your friends to enjoy festive movies every Monday in December all while relaxing in your cozy holiday PJs. Tonight’s film is “Elf.”

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular at the Palm Springs Art Museum starting Thursday and running through Sunday.
  
  
• Desert Film Society Screenings on Saturday.
  
  
• Community Giving Day at the Palm Springs High School football field on Saturday.
  
  
• Blue Christmas Interfaith Service at the Church of St. Paul in the Desert on Saturday.
  
  
• Snowtopia at the Palm Springs Air Museum on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  
• Free screening of “The Muppet Christmas Carol” on Sunday.
  
  
• Hanukkah candle lighting and latkes on Dec. 29 at Gré Coffee House & Art Gallery.
  
  
• Art in the Park in the Dark at DeMuth Park on Dec. 31.

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs may claim the Festival of Lights Parade as its holiday highlight, but for some dogs and their human companions, Saturday’s inaugural Holiday Paw Parade and Pet Costume Contest may have been this month’s bright spot.

Driving the news: Boozehounds, a dog friendly bar and restaurant off North Palm Canyon Drive, put on its first of what organizers hope are many holiday pet parades, drawing 18 entrants and their pet parents. 

• Entrants gathered at Victoria Park shortly after 8 a.m. and made a loop around it perimeter. Afterward, they ventured over to the restaurant for some light bites, treats, and an awards ceremony.

Why it matters: Boozehounds co-owner Bryan Rogers said the event was put on in coordination with the city in an effort to boost the level of fun events held in city parks. 

• Boozehounds holds a Bow Wow Ball during Pride each year, so coordinating the parade seemed like a natural fit.