Dec. 30 Daily Briefing: Those we lost in 2024, official on leave, 1,000th cake, and more

Happy Monday, and welcome to that odd time of the year between Christmas and New Year’s where nobody seems to know what day it is. We’re happy to be back in your inbox after our annual holiday week off, but learned the same lesson we always learn when we’re off — the news doesn’t stop just because we do. Below you’ll find a few articles we wrote while the newsletter was on break, as well as the first of two articles in Bruce Fessier’s annual look back at those we lost in 2024. The second part will run Tuesday, just in time to ring in 2025.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “A Long December” by Counting Crows

LEADING OFF

In memoriam: Those we lost helped shape music, comedy, film

The Coachella Valley lost several pioneers in the past 12 months, from a stand-up comedy legend to music industry innovators and Hollywood royalty, reflecting the region’s deep connection to entertainment.

Driving the news: As he’s done for the past few years, entertainment writer Bruce Fessier took a look back at those we lost who had Palm Springs and Coachella Valley connections. 

• Among the notable passings were comedian Shecky Greene (who passed on the last day of 2023), independent film star Gena Rowlands, game show host Peter Marshall, and several influential music industry figures who helped shape American popular culture from their desert homes or businesses.

By the numbers: In the first of two parts that start today, Fessier recounts the lives of nine individuals. Among them are three music industry pioneers, two television personalities, a world-class athlete, and an acclaimed film actress.

Why it matters: Many used their fame to benefit the desert, from helping to build music programs and the McCallum Theatre, to assisting Latino musicians cross cultural barriers and benefiting local charities.

Up next: We’ll look back on the lives of six additional local luminaries tomorrow.

Dive deeper with Fessier’s complete article online 

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BRIEFLY

🎓 College of the Desert board places interim president on leave

The Board of Trustees at College of the Desert voted 3-2 on Dec. 20 to put Interim Superintendent/President Laura Hope on administrative leave with pay. Val Martinez Garcia was appointed as the acting superintendent/president during a special meeting.

• Hope was appointed in July 2023 and was set to continue until June 2025 but was placed on leave for unspecified reasons. Some public speakers who spoke during the special meeting voiced concerns about alleged intimidation and fear campaigns on campus.
  
  
• Trustees Rubén Perez, Mary Jane Sanchez-Fulton, and Joel Kinnamon voted in favor of placing Hope on leave, while Ron Oden and Mark Meyer opposed. The appointment of Martinez Garcia passed with a 5-1 vote, with Oden dissenting.
  
  
• Bottom line: Representatives of groups including the Faculty and Staff of Color Caucus and the California School Employees Association called for transparency and adherence to policies in the decision-making process to restore trust and confidence at COD.

Dive deeper with our complete story

🚨 Police investigate fatal Christmas crash

Palm Springs Police are investigating a rollover crash on Christmas Day near Ramon Road and Landau Boulevard that resulted in one fatality. The driver of a gray SUV was ejected during the crash and later died at a local hospital.

• Authorities received a call shortly after 2 p.m. on Dec. 25 about a high-speed crash where the driver failed to negotiate a turn, causing the vehicle to roll over into the desert.
  
  
• Bottom line: The driver, the sole occupant of the SUV, was transported with serious injuries and died early the morning of Dec. 26. The ID of the driver is pending a coroner’s report, and it’s unclear if drugs or alcohol played a role.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave ($22)

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

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)

SAVE THE DATE

• Agua Caliente Outdoor Block Party and Fireworks Extravaganza on Tuesday.
  
  
• Art in the Park in the Dark at DeMuth Park on Tuesday.
  
  
• 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival from Thursday through Jan. 13.
  
  
• Rock the Park Concert Series: Led Zepagain at Downtown Park on Wednesday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Vintage Market at the parking lot north of Agua Caliente Casino on Sunday.

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AND FINALLY …

Cake4Kids, a non-profit organization whose local chapter was formed in 2022, celebrated a milestone recently by delivering its 1000th cake to a local student.

Driving the news: On Dec. 19, Juliette, a student at Rio Vista Elementary School, was the recipient of a pink birthday cake. 

• Volunteer baker Steve Salva was on hand for the delivery, as was Ray Biller, who founded the local chapter, Gavin Sadow, a school counselor who helps get the cakes ordered each month, and Kirsten Moll, Juliette’s teacher.

Zoom in: All cakes are baked and delivered by the more than 100 volunteers who respond to requests from local agencies, including the Boys & Girls Club of Palm Springs, Barbara Sinatra Children’s Center, and more.

• The organizations help identify children in need of birthday, graduation, adoption, or special recognition cakes.

The impact: Cake4Kids’ mission is to provide cakes for children who might not otherwise receive one for momentous occasions in their lives, bringing a touch of sweetness and celebration to those in need.

But wait: Cake4Kids is actively seeking more volunteer bakers to meet the demand for cakes. Interested individuals can register at cake4kids.org/volunteer.

• Children’s social service agencies interested in partnering with Cake4Kids can contact Biller at ray@cake4kids.org