Dec. 17 Daily Briefing: Readers choose top story, awards revamp, movie theater open, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone! While we’re running down our 2024 top stories (and yours) this week, we thought we’d point out what readers of The Coachella Valley Independent said were the top local businesses. We meant to point to the publication’s annual Best of the Valley last month, but circumstances prevailed. So, today let us encourage you to check them out by clicking here. Chances are you’ll see many Palm Springs businesses among the honorees!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Pretty Paper” by Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson

LEADING OFF

Section 14 settlement named 2024’s top story by readers

The historic Section 14 reparations settlement addressing the forced displacement of a predominantly Black community in the 1950s-60s was voted the biggest Palm Springs story of 2024 by Palm Springs Post readers. 

Driving the news: The settlement was seen as a pivotal and polarizing event – an overdue act of justice for some, but setting a concerning precedent for others. Readers were divided on the implications.

• One supporter called it “a historic moment for the city and the country,” while a critic warned it “opens an unprecedented grab for money and land.”

Other top stories: Readers also highlighted the opening of the homeless navigation center, a “Forever Marilyn” statue lawsuit, and alleged misuse of funds by a local non-profit leader as major 2024 events.

Looking ahead: Airport expansion and its potential to reshape Palm Springs over the next 20 years emerged as a key topic concerning readers for 2025, along with worries over the impact of a second Trump administration on the progressive city.

• Readers noted opportunities and challenges with the expanding airport, including economic benefits but also increased traffic and noise.

What’s next: Readers anticipate issues like climate change response, housing affordability, and the city’s approach to homelessness to also be important stories in 2025 as Palm Springs grapples with the settlement’s fallout and charts its future course.

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

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BRIEFLY

🏆 Human Rights Commission to revamp community service award program

The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission (HRC) plans to overhaul its Community Service Award program, with the goal of presenting an updated version to the City Council next year. 

• The commission hopes to revamp the nomination, vetting, and selection processes for the award, which recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to human rights in the community.
  
  
• The Community Service Award has been a longstanding tradition for the HRC. but came under fire this year due to possible open public meetings act violations during the nomination process.
  
  
• Next up: The award program discussion comes as the commission prepares to resume its regular business, which was approved by the Palm Springs City Council at its Dec. 12 meeting. Commissioners plan to discuss the draft process document for the award program at their Jan. 13 meeting. 

🗣️ Community input sought for tract of land in northern Palm Springs

Palm Springs is hosting a workshop to gather community input on the future of the Tramview Heights Specific Plan.

• This is the second workshop devoted to this specific plan and residents are invited to help develop goals and ideas for future land uses for the tract of land in the area of Highway 111, North Indian Canyon Drive, and West San Rafael Drive.
  
  
• Some of the topics include housing — such as exploring opportunities for more affordable, diverse, and quality housing options — and ways to attract and support local businesses.
  
  
• Details: Other topics include ideas for open spaces, parks, zoning, and land use. The meeting starts tonight at 5:30 p.m. at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
This support group is open to LGBTQ+ colorectal cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers. Organizers will offer resources and a sense of community in a safe place to share experiences. 

Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Holiday Mixer
5 p.m. | Thompson Hotel
Join the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce for their Annual Holiday Mixer at the Hall Winery Tasting Room & Lounge at the Thompson Hotel. Enjoy light bites, a cash bar, and plenty of time to connect with fellow business leaders and professionals. ($15)

Tramview Heights Specific Plan Update
5:30 p.m. | James O Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
Palm Springs invites you to join their next workshop to discuss the Tramview Heights Specific Plan and share your vision for housing, business, open spaces, zoning, and land use.

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

Sustainability Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
According to the agenda, commissioners will hear reports from each of its standing subcommittees including waste reduction, climate action, and others.

PSUSD Board of Education Meeting
6 p.m. | PSUSD Headquarters
The Board of Education meetings tonight, check out the agenda here.

Skippy ‘n Bitsy’s All-Star Christmas TV Extravaganza
7 p.m. | Cultural Center
Skippy and Bitsy are taping their 1969 TV Christmas Special in front of a live studio audience, which is you! This duo pulls out all the stops to entertain you with song, dance, fabulous guest stars, and the best banter the TV censors will allow. ($40)

SAVE THE DATE

• The Magic of Palm Springs on Wednesday at The Desert Star in Palm Springs.
  
  
• 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 …

The independently-run Festival Theaters on Tahquitz Canyon Way, housed in the former Regal Cinemas building, held its soft opening last week, after the theater closed temporarily at the end of October. 

What that means: Film buffs can now purchase tickets at the independently-run theater for new releases like “Moana 2,” “Gladiator II,” and “Wicked,” in addition to holiday favorites like “Elf” and “Gremlins.” 

What else: In addition to new releases, Festival Theaters, owned by tech and real estate investor Dale Okuno, will serve as the new home for the Palm Springs International Film Festival, screening several films from the lineup from Jan. 2 to 13.

Looking ahead: According to the The Desert Sun, a grand opening for the theater is likely to take place in conjunction with the 36th annual festival.

What’s new: While the theater’s lobby remains largely unchanged from its Regal days, upgrades to theater seats, a new bar, and elevated concessions are expected soon.

• The theater will also offer upgraded movie theater favorites like “all-beef hot dogs, brioche buns, real cheese, and fresh-cut vegetables.”

Details: Tickets can be bought online, with prices varying based on age.