Jan. 20 Daily Briefing: Library’s unique offerings, picnic planned, winter baseball, and more

Welcome to a new week, and welcome to the day we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Were he alive on this particular day, we think he would encourage us all to act with hope, courage, and a sense of our shared humanity as we build unity across divides. For more on his philosophies, we’d encourage you to take time to dive deeper here. You also might want to note that all the regular places that are closed on federal holidays are closed today, including City Hall, and that trash service is on a regular schedule this week.

🎶 Setting the mood:  “What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye

LEADING OFF

City library thrives as vital hub for physical media, community events

As it marks its 50th anniversary and prepares for a major renovation, the Palm Springs Public Library stands as one of the city’s last remaining free public spaces, offering unrestricted access to physical media and community gatherings.

Driving the news: Despite the dominance of streaming services, the library’s extensive DVD and Blu-ray collection — totaling nearly 24,000 titles — continues to see strong demand from patrons who prefer physical media without subscription fees or data tracking.

• The collection includes films that are unavailable on major streaming platforms, such as classic movies, foreign films, and works by diverse filmmakers.

By the numbers: Netflix currently offers just four films from before 1970, while the library maintains a comprehensive collection spanning decades and genres.

Bigger picture: Unlike algorithm-driven streaming services, the library’s collection is curated by human experts like librarian Scott Biegen, who tracks award nominees and film festival selections to maintain a diverse catalog.

Why it matters: The library serves as a rare public space where residents can gather without financial barriers or commercial pressure.

• Library Director Jeannie Kays emphasizes it’s “one of the last free places that you can come to and not be required to buy anything.”

Between the lines: The library’s DVD collection provides an experience similar to browsing at Blockbuster—minus the late fees—offering a tangible alternative to endless streaming scrolling.

Read much more in our complete story online

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BRIEFLY

🧺 Neighborhood picnic planned for March

The Organized Neighborhoods of Palm Springs (ONE-PS) will host its 16th annual Picnic & Community Expo on March 22 at Ruth Hardy Park, bringing together residents, organizations and businesses from the city’s 52 recognized neighborhoods.

• The free event, running from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., aims to match last year’s attendance of more than 1,100 residents while providing networking opportunities for those interested in neighborhood organizing.
  
  
• Organizations can participate through various sponsorship levels ranging from $1,000 to $50, with benefits including digital promotion, lunch tickets, and booth space equipped with tables and chairs. For details, reach out to joy@crystalfantasy.com or agunkel@me.com.
  
  
• On tap: Neighborhoods will compete for cash prizes up to $100 for the best booth displays, with a scholarship fund available to assist groups needing financial support to participate.

🚒 Tribe donates $100K for LA fire relief

The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians has donated $100,000 to the American Red Cross to support those affected by Los Angeles-area fires.

• Tribal officials expressed gratitude to the Red Cross on Saturday for its efforts to support those impacted by the fires, noting that many people are currently struggling.
  
  
• Bottom line: “The Tribe extends its deep appreciation to the American Red Cross for its tireless efforts to support people impacted by these devastating fires,” Tribal Chairman Reid D. Milanovich said. “Right now, many are struggling and we know the Red Cross is there to help.”

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Café
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave ($22)

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Join Bella Da Ball for a night of fabulous bingo. (Must spend $30 at Kings Highway to participate.)

SAVE THE DATE

• “The Light in the Piazza”at Coachella Valley repertory starting Wednesday. ($90)
  
  
• An Evening with figure skater Randy Gardner at the Cultural Center on Thursday. ($27)
  
  
• Desert Open Studios 2025 starting Friday.
  
  
• “Addicted Idol” staged reading at Revolution Stage Company on Saturday. ($10)
  
  
• Community Clean-Up event at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival on Saturday.
  
  
• Boston Brass Live in concert on Feb. 4 at PSHS.
  
  
• “Racist Trees” film screening at the Cultural Center on Feb. 16. ($28)

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AND FINALLY …

Professional baseball’s California Winter League opens its 16th season this week in Palm Springs, featuring an international roster that includes 26 players from Team China across seven competing teams during the 21-day schedule.

Driving the news: The league, which has helped launch more than 850 professional baseball careers since 2010, starts play at Palm Springs Stadium on Thursday with former St. Louis Cardinals player and World Series champion Aaron Miles making his desert debut as one of seven managers.

Why it matters: The CWL serves as a crucial stepping stone for aspiring professionals, with 32% of last season’s participants receiving contract offers from professional leagues.

• MLB scouts and representatives from all four MLB Partner Leagues will be in attendance.

The schedule: Games will be played daily at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. through February 16th, when the season concludes with the championship game. You can see the entire schedule here.

Fan engagement: The league offers various promotional events throughout the season, including discounted admission for local residents and international visitors.

• Highlights include Two for Tuesday ticket deals, $5 admission for Canadians on Friday, and Family Day on Sunday with free entry for children under 12.

Details: Fans can purchase general admission tickets at the stadium box office or watch live broadcasts of all 2025 games on the league’s YouTube channel. Tickets range from $5 for youth to $10 for adults (and are $8 for seniors).