Jan. 22 Daily Briefing: Safe haven for LGBTQ+ teens, theater awards, today’s events, and more

Welcome to Monday, where we’re starting the week off with some egg on our faces. In our story about cashless payment systems last week, we reported that the new owners of Native Foods purchased it from Tanya Petrovna. That’s not the case. Petrovna, who operates a pair of Chef Tanya’s Kitchen locations in the valley, reminded us she hasn’t been associated with Native Foods for over a decade. The Post regrets the error, but we definitely do not regret eating at both Native Foods (a Friday-night favorite of our founder) and picking up some of Chef Tanya’s creations at Tower Market and elsewhere in the valley. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Discoproof” by La Roux and Chromeo

LEADING OFF

New facility provides safe haven for LGBTQ+ teens

For gay teens, life at school can often be hellish. A new facility officially opened Sunday in Palm Springs aims to mitigate these problems while supporting at-risk youth. 

Driving the news: The Marsha P. Johnson LGBTQ+ Youth Drop-in Center, inaugurated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sunday, offers a safe space for LGBTQ teens aged 13 to 18. It provides free mentoring, crisis intervention, support groups, and mental health therapy. 

• The center’s opening comes in response to the increased mental and physical health risks faced by LGBTQ youth, who are over twice as likely to attempt suicide, according to the CDC. 

Looking ahead: The center, located of South Farrell Drive, currently collaborates with Palm Springs High School and hopes to work with other schools in the Coachella Valley. It also plans to expand its programs with writing and art classes, scholarships, and outings. 

• “Families can be part of it as well,” said Renae Punzalan, the center’s outreach director.

Why it matters: Despite progress in gay rights, the LGBTQ+ community continues to face challenges. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, book bans, and conspiracy theories, creating a hostile environment for teens identifying as gay or bisexual.

• While the internet has been a valuable resource for LGBTQ+ youth, it cannot replace the personal attention and support that centers like this can provide. 

What they’re saying: As local hair stylist Ken Love reflected, “I wonder if these services had been available to me when I was growing up if I would have been different. I have scars, deep scars.”

Dive deeper with our complete story here.

---

IN OTHER NEWS

💥 An overnight crash damaged a power pole in Palm Springs, prompting the closure of the area of East Vista Chino between North Cerritos Road and North Sunrise Way.

⚖️ The trial of three men accused of a robbery in Cabazon, which resulted in the fatal shooting of a Palm Springs man, has been postponed again, marking almost a two-year delay since the death of the victim.

🎨 Before the rain fell this weekend, a sprinkler malfunction had already damaged a giant mural of Janet Jackson that took 14 hours to paint in downtown Palm Springs.

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Experience world music with a French accent at Mon Petit Salon, hosted by violin virtuoso Jeremie Levi Samson. ($10)

Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
At this month’s meeting, commissioners will discuss an update to the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and get some updates on projects. 

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!

“Monday Monday”
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
Joe Croyle has seen it all and now tells all in the melodic, humorous, and ofttimes bittersweet “Monday Monday.” ($25)

SAVE THE DATE

• 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.

---

AND FINALLY …

🎭 You’re undoubtedly familiar with the fact that we’re fortunate to have a fantastic array of theatrical talent in the greater Palm Springs area. Now, Broadway World has recognized that talent in its annual awards.

Driving the news: The publication announced 18 awards last week, with Desert Ensemble Theatre (DET) awarded Favorite Local Theatre Company for its 2022–23 season.

• DET’s world premiere productions “Kafka’s Joke” and “Do Not Remove Label” earned seven accolades, including Best Play and Best New Play or Musical, respectively.

Zoom in: Among others receiving awards were Coachella Valley Repertory (five awards) and The Bent (two awards).

• Both The Bent and DET utilize the stage at Palm Springs Cultural Center. CV Rep’s theater is on Palm Canyon Drive in Cathedral City.

What to watch for: All of the honorees noted above are preparing new productions. 

• DET will stage “The Lifespan of a Fact” starting this Friday (find tickets online here).
  
  
• CV Rep opens “Cabaret” on Wednesday (find tickets here).
  
  
• The Bent will stage “The New Century” starting Feb. 8 (Find tickets here).