Dec. 31 Daily Briefing: Good news for new COD campus budget, where to ring in 2025, and more

Happy Tuesday, and a very early Happy New Year! We’re off for the holiday tomorrow, but first we’re tallying up all of our efforts as the year officially comes to a close. In 2024 — as of this email — we sent 3.75 million total emails and ended the year with 17,420 subscribers (thank you!). That’s a half-million more emails sent than in 2023, and 2,468 more subscribers than we had this time last year. We also published 491 stories in 2024, compared to 354 in 2023. Not bad for a tiny newsroom, and even better when you remember that 100% of our content is free, and it’s all about you, our neighbors in Palm Springs 🥰

🎶 Setting the mood: “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?” by Ella Fitzgerald 

LEADING OFF

In Memoriam Part 2: Looking back on those we lost

The Coachella Valley is mourning the loss of several notable residents in 2024, including musicians, actors, and others. 

Driving the news: Today, in the second of our two-part look back at those we lost this year, entertainment writer Bruce Fessier memorializes the lives of six more individuals with ties to the entertainment world and the valley.

• Catch up on part one here

Among the notable passings were Jesse Davis, a silky-voiced singer often compared to Johnny Mathis, who broke racial barriers in 1960s Palm Springs, Bill Beck, known for his diverse career, including being the Camel Man and one of the last Marlboro men, and Jack Russell the hard rock vocalist with the band Great White.

Why it matters: The losses highlight the rich cultural history of the Coachella Valley and the local luminaries will be remembered for their contributions for years to come.

Read part two of the series here

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BRIEFLY

🏗️ Palm Springs COD campus construction beats budget expectations

Here’s something you don’t hear every day: a local construction project is starting off under budget.

• The Palm Springs College of the Desert (COD) campus project is off to a strong start financially, officials said earlier this month. Initial construction phases are 43% under budget, with overall costs tracking on target for the $405.7 million project.
  
  
• Project manager Robert Rauscher shared the promising update with the Community College District Board of Trustees, highlighting the rare achievement in today’s volatile construction market.
  
  
• Post-pandemic, nearly every update to a construction budget includes a massive budget increase as costs associated with building materials skyrocketed in the past few years.
  
  
• Bottom line: The construction is proceeding in three planned increments, with preliminary work already underway on the first increment. More visible construction activity is expected soon on the 29-acre site at East Tahquitz Canyon Way and South Farrell Drive.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Art in the Park in the Dark
Starting at 5 p.m. | DeMuth Park
Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Art in the Park in the Dark, a free, all-ages event that transforms DeMuth Park into a glowing spectacle of interactive art and light. Attendees can enjoy captivating laser shows, the illuminated Glow and Go Parade at 7 p.m. and explore the Night Gallery Art Walk. 

A Celebration of Jazz with Alan & Claudia
7 p.m. | V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar
Come join the talented Alan Kraemer, Claudia Ried and Will Wiegler for a “Celebration of Jazz” to ring in 2025. ($25)

Agua Caliente Outdoor Block Party and Fireworks Extravaganza
8 p.m. | Agua Caliente Palm Springs
Live music and DJs help ring in the new year at this annual party and fireworks extravaganza. ($40)

SAVE THE DATE

• Rock the Park Concert Series: Led Zepagain at Downtown Park on Wednesday.
  
  
• 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival from Thursday through Jan. 13.
  
  
• Palm Springs Vintage Market at the parking lot north of Agua Caliente Casino on Sunday.

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs is set to ring in the New Year with a variety of unique celebrations, from a Great Gatsby-inspired soirée to a surf-themed party, offering residents and visitors a multitude of ways to bid farewell to 2024 and welcome 2025.

Driving the news: One of the biggest celebrations is the Agua Caliente Fireworks Extravaganza, but many local restaurants, bars, and nightclubs are hosting their own parties complete with signature drinks and menus.

A closer look: At one end of the city, The Palm Springs Surf Club is hosting a New Year’s Eve party featuring DJ Sam Blacky, a gourmet dinner, and an optional surf package. In the heart of downtown, Agua Caliente Casino is holding its annual outdoor block party with cover band Liquid Blue, games, food trucks, and a midnight fireworks show.

• Other events include a 1920s-themed party at Canopy Wine Lounge, an 80s prom at Boozehounds, and a vibrant celebration at Lola Rose Lounge at The Thompson.

Check out our full breakdown of New Year’s Eve events here.