Dec. 2 Daily Briefing: Hitchcock series, Film Fest lineup, community meetings, and more

Welcome to Monday, and the start of what promises to be a very busy week. From meetings about post-election concerns, airport expansion, and large warehouses, to the annual tree lighting ceremony and holiday parade, if you’re ready to be involved in your city, there’s something for you. We’ll do our best to cover it all, so stay tuned and stay informed! 

🎶 Setting the mood:  “Guy For That” by Post Malone, featuring Luke Combs

LEADING OFF

Hitchcock series allows fans to see his films as he intended

When the lights dim and the screen goes down to show the Alfred Hitchcock film “Marnie” on Friday at the historic Camelot Theatre, it will be the 10th in a monthly series of the famed director’s films that started in March. The screening will also be part of the start of even bigger plans for 2025.

Driving the news: The Hitchcock series, which began in March, entered what organizers are calling its second phase with November’s screening of “Rebecca.” Now, they plan to continue the screenings on the first Friday of every month in the new year. 

• As a bonus, each film will be introduced and discussed by Hitchcock scholars Richard Edwards and Steven Smith, enhancing the viewing experience with expert insights.

Why it matters: A legendary figure in cinema, Hitchcock crafted films that were not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating and emotionally engaging.

•  The series aims to bring together communities to experience his work as intended—on the big screen, surrounded by fellow viewers, thereby amplifying the films’ impact.

Behind the scenes: The scholars and organizers emphasize the unique communal experience of watching Hitchcock’s films, noting how shared moments of fear, laughter, and suspense create a memorable cinema experience. 

• The series also serves as a reminder of Hitchcock’s mastery in blending entertainment with deep psychological and emotional themes.

Details: Tickets for the upcoming screening of “Marnie” are available for pre-purchase here.

Dive deeper with Cat Makino’s complete story

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BRIEFLY

🎬 Film Festival announces 2025 lineup 

The 36th annual Palm Springs International Film Festival, set to run from January 2-13, 2025, will feature 158 films from 71 countries, including 68 premieres, it was announced last week. 

• The festival will kick off with the Robbie Williams biopic “Better Man” and conclude with “Penguin Lessons,” starring Steve Coogan.
  
  
• Bottom line: The diverse lineup includes 35 international feature film Oscar submissions. For those interested in attending or learning more about the festival’s full lineup, details are available at www.psfilmfest.org.

🚨 Community service officer dies in Thanksgiving crash

A Palm Springs Police Department community service officer was killed in a three-vehicle crash on Thanksgiving morning in Cathedral City. Nick Griego, 31, of Palm Desert, was pronounced dead at the scene after the collision involving his motorcycle and a pick-up truck.

• The incident occurred around 11:50 a.m. The driver of the pick-up truck stayed at the scene following the collision, which is being investigated by the Cathedral City Police Department.
  
  
• What they’re saying: Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills expressed the department’s grief, saying, “Nick was a dedicated member of our team and was committed to serving our community. His loss leaves a void that will be felt by all who had the privilege of knowing and working alongside him.”

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Travel Writing Workshop
2 p.m. | Mizell Center
Travel writer and award-winning journalist Kathy Condon will provide students with the essential tools to navigate the exciting world of travel writing ($30-$45)

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell 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 & Cafe
Join us for coffee, chat & chew! Drop in … no RSVP required.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Cultural Center
Come on up and enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave. ($22)

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Architectural Review Committee (ARC) holds regular meetings at 5:30 pm on the first and third Monday of each month to review and make recommendations on building and landscape design to the Planning Commission, City Council and city staff.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Online
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Circle is a free informal weekly Zoom drop-in for connection and support. There is no agenda, no topic – like getting together with friends every week. Reach out to the organizer at billymoss.pals@gmail.com for Zoom instructions.

Director’s Choice Movie
6 p.m. | Cultural Center
Celebrate iconic filmmaker Howard Hawks on the BIG Screen with a showing of “A Song is Born.” ($12)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join the “hostess with the mostest,” Bella Da Ball, for an entertaining evening where you could walk away with prizes. ($30 minimum purchase)

SAVE THE DATE

• Community meeting on post-election safety concerns on Wednesday.
  
  
• Palm Springs holiday tree lighting on Friday.
  
  
• Santa Paws 5K on Saturday.
  
  
• Desert Film Society Screenings on Saturday (Dec. 7) and on Dec. 21.
  
  
• The Leslies’ 36th Annual Toy Drive & Fundraiser on Saturday.
  
  
• Breakfast with Santa at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway on Saturday.
  
  
• 32nd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade on Saturday.
  
  
• PS Concerts: Svetlana Smolina on Sunday.
  
  
• Joint Holiday Preview Concert with Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus and Modern Men on Sunday.

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs officials are organizing a public forum to address concerns about potential hate crimes and inclusivity following the 2024 election. 

Driving the news: The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday at 4 p.m. at the Palm Springs Convention Center, aims to foster dialogue between residents and local leadership. Doors open at 3:30 p.m., and the event is in room Oasis 3A.

Zoom in: Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein, City Manager Scott Stiles, City Attorney Jeff Ballinger, and Police Chief Andrew Mills plan to attend.

What they’re saying: “I want to reassure our residents that Palm Springs remains one of the most inclusive and secure communities in the nation,” Mills wrote recently. “While there are no serious or credible threats to our community at this time, we remain vigilant and committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of everyone in Palm Springs.”