Jan. 15 Daily Briefing: Today’s MLK events, canceled flights at PSP, a midcentury marvel goes on the market, and more

Happy Monday, where, along with many others, we’re celebrating the life and work of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. While local events over the weekend and today commemorate the life of Dr. King, they also offer an opportunity to both celebrate and learn more about the history of our Black community. Can’t make it out today? Check out this Black History Tour offered any time of the year. We highly recommend it. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “History Repeats” by Brittany Howard

IN THE NEWS

🛬 Boeing airplane issues impact PSP flights

Multiple Alaska Airlines flights to and from Palm Springs have been canceled in the aftermath of the grounding of Boeing 737 Max 9 aircraft, and there could be more cancellations to come.

• The Boeing planes were grounded after a door blowout occurred during an Alaska Airlines flight from Portland to Ontario International Airport Jan. 5.
  
  
• Both United and Alaska have initially canceled some flights through Tuesday. Those canceled at Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) — including three today — were on Alaska, to and from New York, Portland, and Seattle.
  
  
• Bottom line: Additional rounds of inspections will be conducted before the FAA considers putting the Max 9 jets back in service. PSP officials stress it’s important to check your flight status before heading to the airport. You can do that via the PSP website here.

⛲ Spa at Séc-he tops list

The Spa at Séc-he in Palm Springs has been named the number one spa in Spas of America’s Top 100 Spas of 2023. 

• The 40,000-square-foot wellness destination, opened by the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians in April 2023, features 22 private mineral baths and a range of amenities including specific bathhouses and outdoor mineral pools.
  
  
• The tribe’s spa in Rancho Mirage — Sunstone — was named the number three top spa in 2023, giving them two of the top five spas in North America.
  
  
• Bottom line: The Top 100 list comprises 82 spas from the US, 14 from Canada, and four from Mexico, with a new requirement for a Google Review rating of 4.0 or higher. 

IN OTHER NEWS

📽️ More than 350 students from around the region took part together in the Palm Springs International Film Festival’s annual student screening last week.

🏌️‍♂️ The final player field has been unveiled for the 2024 American Express golf tournament here in the desert. The 65th annual event will be held Thursday through Sunday.

🏆 Anna Leigh Waters defeated Catherine Parenteau at Sunday’s Professional Pickleball Association masters tournament in the desert, marking her 21^st triple crown. Check out all the scores here.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Martin Luther King Jr. Day Events
All day | Multiple Locations
There are several events in the city to honor Martin Luther King Jr. Day, starting with a unity rally at Frances Stevens Park at 11 a.m. From there, attendees will march to United Methodist Church for an interfaith service that starts at 12:30 p.m.

Martin Luther King Jr. Prayer Breakfast & Entrepreneur Award
9 a.m. | Indian Canyons Golf Resort
The Southern California Black Chamber of Commerce, Palm Springs chapter, hosts the annual prayer breakfast and entrepreneur award, honoring “innovation, determination, and leadership.” ($45)

Monday Men’s Coffee
6 p.m. | Gre Coffeehouse
This event is back in session following a holiday break. Come have coffee and chat with other men about issues that are on your mind. No RSVP required — just drop in!

SAVE THE DATE

• “Running Against The Grain” book event at Rick’s Restaurant on Tuesday.
  
  
• Alzheimer’s at the Opera: A Conversation and Recital at the Mizell Center on Wednesday.
  
  
• “Mid-Century Moderns” at the Revolution Stage Company from Jan. 19 to March 31.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival at Ruth Hardy Park on Jan. 27.
  
  
• PS Woman’s Club Annual Patio Sale on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Black History Committee 14th Annual Awards Gala on Feb. 3.
  
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Scholarship Luncheon at the Hilton on March 27.

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AND FINALLY …

A Midcentury Modern Palm Springs home known as Bougain Villa has officially hit the market for the first time since it was constructed in 1958, and for a price it can include all the original furniture.

Looking back: The home sits on 1.3 acres in the hills overlooking the city. It was originally built for William Burgess — chairman of a Los Angeles electronics firm. It was designed by architect Hugh Kaptur and renovated by Albert Frey in the 1980s. 

Zoom in: The house was long-time residence of former First Interstate Bank Chairman Harold Meyerman and his wife Dorothy. According to a recent story in The Wall Street Journal, the Meyermans saw the home in the 1990s, offered Burgess roughly $1 million, and he accepted. 

• The property is listed for $8.75 million through Sotheby’s. For an additional fee, all the original furniture, as well as artifacts from around the world, can be included in the deal.

But wait: While the price may seem out of reach for most, it pales in comparison to the price of the famous “Poolside Gossip” home, which sold for $13 million in 2022.