Feb. 4 Daily Briefing: Bookings up, Modernism Week approaching, next star, and more

Welcome to Tuesday, and Happy Rosa Parks Day! Last week we told you about the closure of the Gene Autry entrance to The Springs shopping center (the location of Home Depot, Sprouts, and other shops) as part of the State Route 111 Roadway Project. Today we can tell you that closure has been extended until Feb. 21. Also, according to the project’s website, there should be no construction impacting your drive at the intersection of SR111 and East Palm Canyon until mid-month, and at SR111 and North Palm Canyon or SR111 and Vista Chino through the end of the month.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Western Wind” by Carly Rae Jepsen

LEADING OFF

Short-term rental bookings here up nearly 30% in wake of LA fires

Devastating fires have sparked an exodus from Los Angeles to Palm Springs, as displaced residents seek refuge here and elsewhere in the Coachella Valley. They’re being aided by the fact city officials eased short-term rental restrictions to accommodate the influx.

Driving the news: Short-term rental bookings in the Coachella Valley jumped 28% in mid-January compared to the previous year, according to data from AirDNA, as LA residents fled smoke and unsafe conditions.

• Palm Springs emerged as the top destination outside LA metro for Airbnb’s emergency housing program, which has assisted over 32,000 evacuees.

Looking back: Last month, the surge prompted Palm Springs officials to loosen regulations on the 2,900 short-term rentals in the city to help accommodate fire evacuees.

• Current rules limit owners to hosting five pre-registered friends and family members, but the Palm Springs City Council temporarily suspended this restriction at its last regular meeting.

The impact: Some evacuees are transitioning from temporary stays to permanent moves. Real estate agent Valery Neuman told The Desert Sun (🔒) that she recently sold homes to two families who lost everything in the fires, while others are exploring long-term rentals.

• The trend mirrors pandemic-era migration patterns, when remote workers and retirees relocated to the desert for lifestyle changes.

What they’re saying: “A lot of people come here to get out of the smoke, to get a clean environment, to feel safe again,” Neuman told the newspaper.

Looking ahead: While some real estate experts expect a significant wave of LA residents to relocate to the Coachella Valley, others remain skeptical, citing job commitments and the valley’s extreme summer temperatures as potential deterrents.

• Both state and local price gouging laws are designed to limit rent increases to 10% during the emergency period.

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BRIEFLY

🏠 Multiple free, low-cost events happening during Modernism Week

Palm Springs’ annual Modernism Week returns Feb. 13 through 23, offering more than 500 events celebrating midcentury modern architecture and design, including numerous free and budget-friendly programs.

• The new Trini Lopez Museum headlines the free offerings, displaying the folk-rock musician’s memorabilia at the Village Green Heritage Center from Feb. 13-17 and 19-23. Other no-cost events include a Breeze Block garden tour in Palm Desert, Modernism Art District tours, and a Vintage Car Show featuring 50 vehicles from the 1950s-70s.
  
• For $40, visitors can tour notable architectural homes, including the West House, previously owned by Batman actor Adam West, and the Sackley Chase Sensation, a 1976 residence. The Palm Springs Modernism Show, featuring 138 dealers, offers a three-day pass for $30.
  
• But wait: Notable speakers include Dr. Raymond Neutra, son of architect Richard Neutra, delivering a keynote presentation on Feb. 15. The event “An Evening with the Daughters of Design” brings together descendants of Bertoia, Eames, and Saarinen for $25.

Dive deeper with our full story

🏛️ County to affirm support for immigrant rights

Riverside County supervisors will vote today on a resolution to protect civil rights of law-abiding immigrants and refugees, prompted by increased federal immigration enforcement operations across California and the nation.

• The measure, jointly proposed by Board Chairman Manuel Perez and Supervisor Yxstian Gutierrez, includes plans for a web portal offering legal resources and potential funding support for undocumented residents, with priority given to DACA recipients.
  
• The resolution specifies that county agencies will not conduct investigations based solely on immigration status, national origin, race, or ethnicity, while acknowledging required cooperation with federal authorities under state and federal laws.
  
• By the numbers: County officials report receiving between 120 to 200 border crossers daily during the Biden administration, contributing to the estimated 360,000 people awaiting immigration hearings statewide, according to the California Legislative Analyst’s Office.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

HICAP No-Cost Medicare Counseling
9 a.m. | The Center
HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program) provides free, confidential one-on-one counseling, education, and assistance to individuals and their families on Medicare, long-term care insurance, and other health insurance related issues. Register by calling 760-281-2616.

“Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story”
4:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
After sold-out screenings at the Palm Springs International Film Festival, come see the star-studded tribute that dives into Liza Minnelli’s dazzling rise to legend. ($10)

Coachella Rising Showcase
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Catch fresh local talent at the Coachella Rising showcase. Each week, two artists will perform 45-minute sets, hosted by Dede Ondishko & Jason Powell. ($20)

Historic Site Preservation Board Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Board members will meet to go over applications for alterations to historically significant properties or nominations for new historic properties. Check out the agenda here.

HARP Positive Life Series: Nutrition and HIV
6 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
HIV Aging and Research Project (HARP) hosts Dr. Charlie Mueller, RD, for a discussion about nutrition and HIV as a part of its Positive Life series.

Boston Brass Live
7 p.m. | Palm Springs High School
The Palm Springs High School “Spirit of the Sands” is hosting Boston Brass, live in concert. Since 1986 Boston Brass has set out to establish a one-of-a-kind musical experience featuring colorful classical arrangements, burning jazz standards, and the best of original brass repertoire. ($25)

SAVE THE DATE

• Black History Month Kick-Off at the Palm Springs Art Museum on Thursday.
  
• “Perfect Arrangement” presented by The Bent, starting Thursday at Palm Springs Cultural Center. ($40) 
  
• “Racist Trees” film screening at the Cultural Center on Feb. 16. ($28)
  
• Black History Month Adult Basketball Tournament at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Feb. 17.
  
• 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 …

Architectural historian Elizabeth “Beth” Edwards Harris, known for her significant contributions to midcentury modern architecture in Palm Springs, is set to receive the city’s 474th Walk of Stars recognition on Feb. 14.

Driving the news: Harris’s work includes the restoration of the iconic 1947 Richard Neutra Kaufmann House and other modernist homes. She also made a significant naming donation for the Palm Springs Art Museum Architecture and Design Center.

• Harris served on the California State Historic Resources Commission from 2013 to 2018, appointed by then-Governor Jerry Brown.

The ceremony: The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will present Harris with the star in the humanitarian category during a public ceremony at 2 p.m., acknowledging her efforts in preserving modern architecture and cultural heritage.

• The event will take place at 300 South Palm Canyon Drive.

Find the complete list of honorees here.