Dec. 6 Daily Briefing: Airport meeting, historic inns tour, your thoughts wanted, and more

TGIF, everyone, where we’d like to remind you that although those huge warehouses are filled with gifts that can get to your door in 24 hours, there’s nothing better to do for your community on holiday weekends than to shop local! Need some inspiration? Make sure to turn here for a list of shops you can stroll into this weekend and explore (just like the old days). Speaking of local: Be on the lookout this weekend for an email we’re sending to kick off our December fundraiser. It’s not exactly “news you can use,” but it is a crucial component to the operations of our tiny newsroom.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs (One of my all time favorite songs; Karen O’s vocals still give me chills. -K)

LEADING OFF

Airport officials address expansion concerns at Thursday meeting

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) officials addressed community concerns about growth, noise, and traffic Thursday evening as they unveiled the latest plans for a major expansion. 

Driving the news: Airport leaders and consultants presented current plans to handle an expected doubling of passengers — from three million to six million — in the next 20 years at a public meeting at the convention center. They also showed plans to reduce the height of a proposed rental car facility after residents objected to earlier designs.

• The revised master plan calls for a single-story rental car center near the terminal, with a larger facility to be built south of the airport in a later phase.

What they’re saying: Some residents who attended the meeting expressed concerns about increased aircraft noise and road congestion from the expansion. Some also favored keeping the airport as it is, with one noting, “Everything you’re planning and doing is for tourists and to the detriment of many of us who live here year-round.”

• Officials said they will conduct detailed noise and traffic studies as part of the environmental review process and that the expansion efforts are mandated by the federal government and must be completed.

Bigger picture: The expansion is driven by surging tourism and population growth in the Coachella Valley, officials explained. 

• Airport Executive Director Harry Barrett said the project is needed to address current overcrowding issues during peak travel periods, and that, “We have no plans to become a mega-airport.”

What’s next: Environmental studies and more detailed design work will continue over the next year before construction can begin on the first phase, which will see seven additional gates, expanded baggage claim, and construction of the new rental car facilities. Work could be finished by 2030.

• The work will be funded by airport revenues and federal grants, not local taxes.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🏨 City’s small hotels subject of festive holiday tour

One of the city’s most-loved holiday events is set for its 2024 run next week, as the annual Walk of the Inns invites locals and visitors to explore the city’s unique holiday hotel scene through a free, self-guided walking tour 

• The tour begins Thursday, Dec. 12 at the Palm Springs Art Museum (101 north Museum Drive) or the Palm Springs Woman’s Club (314 South Cahuilla Road) between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m., where attendees can pick up a complimentary map and flashlight. 
  
  
• Participating hotels include historical gems like Casa Cody, Ingleside Estate, and Amin Casa Hotel, as well as romantic hideaways such as Avalon Hotel and Bungalows, Talavera Palm Springs, and La Serena Villas. Each property offers a unique experience, from mid-century modern design to old Hollywood glamour.
  
  
• But wait: Guests are encouraged to bring an unwrapped toy for the Well in the Desert initiative, supporting local families in need. Also, you might want to dress warm.

🎬 Erivo to receive Creative Impact Award at PSIFF

Variety will honor Cynthia Erivo with its Creative Impact in Acting Award at the Palm Springs Film Festival on Jan. 4. Grammy winner Ariana Grande will present the award to Erivo, celebrating her journey from a Tony Award-winning actress to an Oscar nominee for “Harriet.”

• Erivo will be recognized for her performances in films like “Harriet,” “Drift,” “Bad Times at the El Royale,” and the recently released highest-grossing movie based on a Broadway musical, “Wicked,” which has already made over $360 million.
  
  
• Details: The film festival will take place from Jan. 2 to 13. Passes and tickets are currently available for purchase on www.psfilmfest.org.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS/TIMES

• The Bent presents Cathy Moriarty at the Cultural Center. ($75)
  
  
• “Mary Poppins” at the Palm Canyon Theatre. ($41)

TODAY

• Palm Springs holiday tree lighting at Frances Stevens Park at 4 p.m.
  
  
• Mini Masterpieces fundraiser and new show opening reception at Desert Art Center at 5 p.m.
  
  
• “Finding Amelia” documentary screening at the Palm Springs Air Museum at 5:30 p.m. ($45-$55)
  
  
• TGIF Trivia at Play Lounge & Café at 6:30 p.m.
  
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at 8 p.m.

SATURDAY

• Santa Paws 5K starting at 332 W. Alejo Rd. at 8:30 a.m. 
  
  
• Breakfast with Santa at the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway at 8:30 a.m.
  
  
• Desert Film Society Screenings at the Cultural Center at 10 a.m. ($15)
  
  
• Mixed Feelings Lecture Series at the Annenberg Theater at 12 p.m. ($20)
  
  
• Ornament decorating at Play Lounge & Café at 3 p.m.
  
  
• The Leslies’ 36th Annual Toy Drive & Fundraiser at the Dinah Shore Estate at 5:30 p.m.
  
  
• 32nd Annual Palm Springs Festival of Lights Parade in Downtown Palm Springs at 5:45 p.m.
  
  
• Paw-CATso Paint Party at Frisky Business Cat Café at 6 p.m.
  
  
• Bingo with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at one eleven bar at 6 p.m.
  
  
• An Evening with Broadway’s Hugh Panaro at the Cultural Center at 7 p.m. ($75)

SUNDAY

• PS Concerts: Svetlana Smolina at Richards Center for the Arts at 2p.m. ($35) 
  
  
• Joint Holiday Preview Concert at St. Margaret’s Episcopal Church at 3p.m. ($20)

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AND FINALLY …

Each year, The Post looks back at the year that was and ahead to the coming year in Palm Springs, and each year we need your help.

Driving the news: Later this month we’ll take a look at our most-read stories, dive into what leaders at City Hall think was the biggest news of 2024, and preview what they’ll be working on in 2025.

• Since we’re reader powered, we need your thoughts as well.

How to help: We’ve crafted a very brief survey to collect your thoughts on 2024 and predictions for 2025, and would be delighted if you took time to give it a look. We’ll collect your responses and use them in our stories the week of Dec. 16.

• To take part in our survey, simply click here.