Dec. 18 Daily Briefing: City’s plans for 2026, Soho House back in the mix, Marines need help, and more

Happy Thursday, everyone, where the holiday travel rush is almost here. Between Dec. 20 and 28, Palm Springs International Airport expects more than 55,000 departing passengers, with the busiest security lines hitting between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. So, arrive early and check real-time wait times at flyPSP.com. Safe travels to everyone heading out, and we’ll keep the desert warm for those flying back home! 

🎶 Setting the mood: “California” by Phantom Planet (Tchad Blake remix)

LEADING OFF

Looking ahead: City has ambitious 2026 project slate

Palm Springs City Manager Scott Stiles is planning a busy 2026, with major construction projects set to begin and key amenities nearing completion. He described the approach as “progress with a purpose” during an interview this week.

Driving the news: Fire Station 1 could break ground after decades of discussion, while bond financing will fund convention center expansion, library renovation and fire equipment purchases.

• The city maintained its AA-plus bond rating in 2025, which Stiles said will save millions in borrowing costs.

What’s opening: New pickleball courts at Demuth Park could debut by late 2026, potentially for winter season. Two playgrounds will open at Desert Highland and Ruth Hardy parks, plus a spray ground pad at Downtown Park.

Why it matters: Transportation has emerged as a top resident concern, replacing issues like homelessness and vacation rentals as the dominant feedback, according to Stiles.

• The city plans pedestrian safety enhancements, bike lane improvements and better downtown wayfinding in response.

The big picture: The convention center project ranks among the city’s largest undertakings, with roughly $50 million in infrastructure upgrades planned for the existing facility plus an expansion and shaded pedestrian connector to downtown.

What’s next: The city will conduct a revenue forecast in late winter and adjust the budget in July. Stiles acknowledged external factors like tariffs and interest rates could force midyear change

• “You always have to make adjustments,” he said.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🍸 Soho House revives Colony 29 development plans

• Soho House is once again pursuing plans to redevelop the historic Colony 29 property in Palm Springs, with the development team currently working with city staff on an application for the seven-acre site in the Historic Tennis Club neighborhood, according to a city official.
  
• The company abandoned the plans in early 2023, but recently began promoting the Palm Springs project on its website. Director of Planning Services Director Chris Hadwin said Wednesday that city staff is awaiting additional technical information to support the application, and the applicant plans to resume outreach with nearby residents in the new year.
  
• Next steps: Any proposal requires Planning Commission review at a public hearing, though no date has been scheduled. Property owners within 500 feet of the site will receive mailed notice before the hearing.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Preschool and Baby Story Times
10 a.m. | Library at Rimrock Plaza
Children’s Librarian Nancy reads stories, sings songs, and shares early learning concepts. Preschool story time is from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. and baby story time is at 11 a.m. until 12 p.m. each Thursday morning, unless otherwise noted.

Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club
2 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Members of the book club will discuss this month’s pick: “The Year of Magical Thinking” by Joan Didion. Next month they’ll tackle “Outraged: Why We Fight About Morality and Politics and How to Find Common Ground” by Kurt Gray. Find out how to join the book club here.

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museums 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collections at both museums at your own pace. 

Measure J Oversight Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
At this month’s meeting, commissioners will discuss projects for funding that were tabled at the last meeting. 

Annual Palm Springs Santa Pub Crawl
6 p.m. | Palm Canyon and Arenas
Meet at the intersection of Palm Canyon and Arenas at 6 p.m. till around 6:30 p.m. and then jingle your way over to the Arenas District and go from there.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. 

Thursday Night Vibes
6 p.m. | Hyatt Palm Springs
Every Thursday, Leanna & Miguel on Congas turn up the entertainment energy with an electrifying mix of Pop, Soft-Rock, Disco, Jazz, Classic Covers, and those irresistible dance a sing-along hits from the 70s & 80s! 

Plaid Tidings
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Plaid Tidings, the critically acclaimed and utterly delightful holiday sequel to the international sensation, Forever Plaid. ($43)

Deserted Films: Holiday Oddities 4
7 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join local nonprofit film archive Deserted Films for an evening of holiday-themed home movies, shorts, animation, and more! ($22)

View all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• 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 Sunday at Quadz Video Bar.

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AND FINALLY …

Active-duty service members stationed at the Marine Corps Ground Combat Center at Twentynine Palms are facing an unexpected transportation hurdle as they prepare to head home for the holidays—the military buses that typically shuttle them to Palm Springs International Airport won’t be running this year.

Driving the news: A local volunteer organization, 29-PSP, is scrambling to fill the gap after being told no free bus transportation will be provided, allegedly due to budget constraints from the government shutdown earlier this year.

• The organization is working to secure motorcoaches and additional vehicles to transport more than 150 service members, primarily on Dec. 19, with return trips needed Jan. 3-4.

Why it matters: Without transportation assistance, service members face paying out-of-pocket for the 65-mile trip — an Uber or Lyft can easily run $250 — and the military doesn’t reimburse these costs.

The response: 29-PSP has secured at least one 54-to-56-passenger motorcoach and is leasing four seven-passenger SUVs to supplement volunteer drivers, though the last-minute arrangements are straining the nonprofit’s finances.

How to help: The all-volunteer organization runs primarily on individual donations and is appealing to the community for support at 29-psp.org/donate or givebutter.com/sponsorrides.