Feb. 11 Daily Briefing: Police chief discusses hate crimes, night sky lit up, Splash House, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone, where we’d like to send out a reminder about our free online community calendar: we can’t do it alone! OK, technically we can, but running a calendar is a lot like playing Pokémon in that we can’t actually catch ’em all. That’s why we depend on event organizers to make entries so that our growing audience has a chance to learn about happenings around this busy, busy city. Got an event to tell others about? Nothing is too big or too small, and you’re welcome to make your entry using this link (We suggest you bookmark it, since it could come in handy later).

🎶 Setting the mood: “Cinderella” by Remi Wolf

LEADING OFF

Police chief addresses rise in LGBTQ+ hate crime reports at commission meeting

Palm Springs Police Chief Andy Mills is reassuring residents of the department’s commitment to combating hate crimes. The city has seen an increase in reported incidents against LGBTQ+ individuals since the start of 2023.

Driving the news: Mills attended Monday evening’s Human Rights Commission meeting to discuss recent hate crime cases and outline strategies to address community concerns.

Dive deeper: Already, the PSPD is investigating two hate crimes this year. The first resulted in the arrest of three people from New York for suspicion of battery and a hate crime after they allegedly assaulted and used derogatory language toward a transgender woman earlier this month. 

• The second, the vandalism of pride flags outside the Palm Springs Cultural Center, has not yet resulted in an arrest. 

By the numbers: Overall, documented hate crimes went from 13 in 2023 to 10 in 2024, but incidents against the LGBTQ+ population increased from two in 2023 to five in 2024.

• Hate crimes were also noted against Jewish, Black, and Hispanic communities.

What they’re doing: The police department is implementing measures to combat hate crimes, including:

• Monitoring social media and the dark web for potential threats
• Deploying officers for surveillance at large events
• Using license plate readers to identify suspects

The big picture: One commissioner raised concerns about the outspoken views of Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, who was once a member of the extremist Oath Keepers militia. She questioned if the sheriff or District Attorney Mike Hestrin could decide against pursuing arrests or prosecution against people accused of hate crimes. 

• Mills said he sees the DA as a “law and order guy” and that very few in law enforcement would turn down the opportunity to jail a criminal. 

Yes, but: Mills said some cases are stronger than others. A hate crime is more than offensive speech or conduct, Mills explained. It is specific crimes that are committed against someone because of their race, ethnicity, religion, nationality, disability, 

What’s next: The police department remains vigilant, with Mills stating they will “leave no stone unturned” to protect the community from potential threats.

Details: Residents can report incidents by calling 760-323-8116 or emailing intelligence@palmspringsca.gov

Dive deeper with Kendall Balchan’s complete story

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BRIEFLY

🚀 A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launch captivated onlookers across California and beyond, including here in Palm Springs, as it brilliantly illuminated the skies Monday evening. [KESQ]

🖼️ The Palm Springs Art Museum recently debuted a major David Hockney exhibition featuring prints from the Jordan D. Schnitzer Family Foundation Collection, with a weekend filled with events. [Palm Springs Life]

🌴 An Australian family was surprised that their 18-year-olds chose to visit Palm Springs and the surrounding desert instead of Disneyland and delighted that the visit proved more exciting than any theme park. [Business Insider via Yahoo!]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Lunchtime Music On The Patio
11:30 a.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
The Welwood Murray Memorial Library downtown is offering a lunchtime live music program by the Simon Duo, featuring Adriana Simon on vocals and Robert Simon on acoustic guitar.

ONE-PS Monthly Meeting
4:30 p.m. | Online and in-person
The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) holds its monthly meeting at the police training center to discuss neighborhood issues with city council members, public safety officers, and others.

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

VillageFest Board
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
The VillageFest Board consists of seven members appointed by the City Council. The Board typically meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month.

Permaculture Design for Thriving Habitats
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Library
Speakers will introduce attendees to permaculture design and share insights into how our habitats can support nature, allowing it to thrive around us. 

Palm Springs Toastmasters
6 p.m. | The Center
Become a better storyteller at Toastmasters. Members from a wide range of backgrounds and career fields practice speaking and storytelling to become better communicators, whether at work, at home or in the community

SAVE THE DATE

• Modernism Week starts on Thursday.
  
• Saving Wildlife at the Desert Wildlife Center at the Mizell Center on Saturday.
  
• “Racist Trees” film screening at the Cultural Center on Sunday. ($28)
  
• Palm Springs International Pride Hockey Tournament at the Berger Foundation Iceplex on Feb. 21.
  
• 38th Annual Black History Parade & Town Fair on Palm Canyon Drive on Feb. 22.
  
• Desert Pet Walk at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Feb. 22.

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AND FINALLY …

Electronic music festival Splash House will return to Palm Springs for two August weekends, marking another year that three resort properties will become high-energy music venues with poolside performances and after-hours events will be held at the Palm Springs Air Museum.

Driving the news: Festival organizers announced Monday the event will run August 8-10 and August 15-17 at The Renaissance, The Saguaro and The Riviera resorts, with pre-sale tickets launching Feb. 18.

Why it matters: Since its 2013 founding, Splash House has evolved into a major cultural draw for Palm Springs, attracting electronic music enthusiasts globally and boosting local tourism.

• The 2024 festival featured prominent artists like John Summit, Duke Dumont, and Gorgon City.

The details: Organizers will announce the 2025 performer lineup in the coming months. Beyond music, the festival includes citywide activities like drag brunches, artisan markets, and cocktail tastings.