Dec. 17 Daily Briefing: City’s year of momentum, Pride reversal denied, where to see Santa, and more

Welcome to Wednesday! If you’ve ever wondered what accountability journalism looks like, it’s this: It means we were there in January when promises were made— and we’re still here in December checking if they happened. It means we read every report, remember every statement, and track every project. This only works with your support. Throughout this month, we’re raising the funds that will assure we keep showing up. If you’re able, and you haven’t done so already, we’d truly appreciate your help! DONATE NOW!

🎶 Setting the mood: “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper

LEADING OFF

City manager reflects on year of momentum, major project completions

Palm Springs closed 2025 with a series of major milestones, including the opening of the Thompson Hotel and the reopening of the Plaza Theatre, alongside new investments in neighborhoods and infrastructure.

Driving the news: City Manager Scott Stiles described the year as defined by momentum rather than any single achievement, with downtown projects finally crossing the finish line and steady improvements visible across the city.

Why it matters: The completion of high-profile projects and increased financial transparency signal stability and continued investment in Palm Springs, both publicly and privately.

• The city ended the year with between $83 million and $87 million in reserves, along with roughly $50 million in unappropriated surplus.
  
• Between 40 and 50 businesses renovated their properties during the year, a sign of confidence in the city’s direction, Stiles said.

What else happened: The city approved a two-year budget, adopted a reserve policy requiring 20% of operating costs be maintained, and conducted quarterly financial reports for the first time.

• Three new playgrounds opened, with five playground renovations expected within a few years.
  
• The Aloe Palm Canyon affordable housing project also opened.

The big picture: Palm Springs continued balancing visible wins like cultural and hotel openings with ongoing challenges including homelessness, housing affordability and transportation in 2025.

• The city advanced an economic development framework aimed at diversifying beyond tourism while maintaining financial reserves and investing in infrastructure, public safety technology and airport improvements.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏳️‍🌈 Palm Desert council rejects rollback of Pride recognition

• The Palm Desert City Council voted 4-1 Tuesday to reject Mayor Pro Tem Joe Pradetto’s proposal to stop displaying Pride banners at City Hall and revise the city’s diversity resolution. The decision came after nearly four hours of public testimony from more than 150 people packed into Council Chambers, many of them from Palm Springs.
  
• Pradetto’s proposal sought to rescind a resolution that formalized how the city recognizes LGBTQ Pride Month, and update another that affirms the city’s commitment to diversity and nondiscrimination. Of more than 50 speakers, only five supported the changes, with residents and business owners warning the move would damage the city’s reputation and economy.
  
• Bottom line: Every other councilmember assured the crowd Palm Desert remains safe and welcoming, with Councilmember Jan Harnik saying, “This is not who Palm Desert is.”

Dive deeper with Kendal Balchan’s complete coverage of the meeting

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Morning Coffee Book Club
10:30 a.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
This once a month group meets the third Wednesday of the month in the Cornelia White Community Room. Members will discuss “A Room With a View” by E.M. Forster.

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Mizell Center
Practice your skills and play with others. This is a FREE library program; you do not have to be a member of Mizell Center to attend.

Poetry Club
4 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
This group meets on a monthly basis with a new theme every time. Poets of all levels of experience welcome! Led by Donna Fitzgerald, this month’s theme is “Redemption.” 

Cocktails & Cabaret with Francesca Amari & Jeff Lantz
5 p.m. | Cultural Center
With a fizzy mix of mod pop, yacht rock, Broadway show tunes, classic Rat Pack gems, and interactive fun, this swinging night out is equal parts music and laughter. ($22)

Over the Hump Flights with Tod Macofsky
6 p.m. | PS Air Bar
Set in the stylish, aviation-themed lounge, this midweek musical escape is the perfect way to unwind

Plaid Tidings
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
This production is not just another Christmas show; it is a heartfelt, hilarious, and harmonically flawless journey that captures the very essence of seasonal joy, making it the can’t-miss theatrical event of the year. ($43)

A Very Broadway Christmas
7 p.m. | Annenberg Theater
Join Michael Orland and the talented students and alumni of David Green’s Musical Theatre University for the Coachella Valley’s newest holiday tradition — a fully staged, fully costumed holiday spectacular featuring everyone’s favorite music of the season, both classic and new. ($50)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Santa Pub Crawl on Thursday.
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus food drive outside The Plaza Theatre Friday through Sunday.
  
• Snowtopia at Palm Springs Air Museum starting Friday.
  
• White Christmas Sing-Along on Dec. 21 at Quadz Video Bar.

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs families who missed out on reservations for the city’s annual Breakfast with Santa this Saturday — which sold out all three morning seatings at the Palm Springs Leisure Center — still have multiple chances to catch the jolly fellow this week.

Driving the news: Santa makes a stop at the Palm Springs Public Library from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. today, offering families a chance to capture holiday memories without reservations or fees.

• The event takes place at the library’s Rimrock Shopping Center location at 4721 East Palm Canyon Drive, and families should bring their own cameras.

More Santa sightings: On Thursday, Santa takes to the skies starting at 11:30 a.m. for a flyover from the Palm Springs Air Museum, waving to healthcare workers at Desert Regional, Eisenhower Health, JFK Hospital, and High Desert Regional.

• The Palm Springs Air Museum then transforms into Snowtopia from Friday through next Monday, bringing 60 tons of real snow, a holiday train, and Santa visits from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. nightly, with free admission for children five and under.
  
• Santa may also make an appearance Thursday night at VillageFest’s “Jingle All the Way” event, where families can enjoy cookies with Mrs. Claus.

Helpful hint: Children should remember to prep their wish lists, and adults might want to prep some explanations if they find out they’ve somehow landed on the naughty list!