Jan. 23 Daily Briefing: Parking on the agenda, nonprofit launches, open studios this weekend, and more

TGIF, folks. Living near a fault line, earthquakes can feel routine, but this week’s nearby jolts rattled plenty of us. So here’s a quick refresher for those who might need it: If you’re indoors, drop, cover and hold on, staying away from windows and kitchens. Outside, move to open ground away from buildings and power lines. Driving? Pull over safely and stay in your car. In the mountains, watch for falling rocks. Enjoy your weekend and stay safe out there!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting)” by Elton John

Leading Off

Council to review suggested downtown parking improvements

The Palm Springs City Council will consider recommendations to improve downtown parking management at its Wednesday, Jan. 28 meeting. A 2024 study found the area has sufficient capacity but struggles with operational issues and driver perception.

Driving the news: A comprehensive parking study by Dixon Resources Unlimited revealed downtown’s two public garages operate at just 15-29% capacity, while on-street spaces along Palm Canyon Drive reach 95% occupancy on weekends.

• The study analyzed approximately 2,286 parking spaces during off-peak periods in January and May, finding an average occupancy rate of 29% across all facilities.

Why it matters: The imbalance creates a false perception of parking scarcity when ample capacity exists nearby. Most vehicles park for short periods — 92% stayed three hours or less — challenging assumptions about long-term parkers monopolizing spaces.

What’s wrong: Operational problems discourage garage use, including inconsistent signage, faded striping, trash and graffiti in the Downtown Parking Garage, and inoperable elevators at the Baristo Road facility.

• Time limits vary widely from three minutes to unlimited parking, with some signs obscured by vehicles.

What’s next: City staff proposed a phased strategy with short-term actions including standardized time limits, improved enforcement, better wayfinding signage, and a structural analysis of the Belardo parking structure — all within 12 months.

The big picture: Staff emphasized the core issue isn’t the number of spaces but their efficiency and visibility, suggesting operational improvements could maximize existing infrastructure without expanding supply.

Dive deeper with our full story

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Briefly

🍽️ The Shared Plate becomes independent nonprofit

• The Shared Plate officially launched Thursday as an independent California nonprofit organization, more than a decade after starting as a United Methodist Church volunteer effort making sandwiches for people experiencing homelessness in Palm Springs. The organization served 35,000 meals last year.
  
• The program operates entirely with volunteers at the East Alejo Road church, serving guests restaurant-style at tables rather than in lines, with unlimited food portions. “Whoever walks through those doors is treated like a guest in our home,” said Ric Hawkins, speaking for the board of directors. 
  
• Why it matters: Becoming an independent nonprofit opens access to grants and donations not available to religious organizations, allowing The Shared Plate to expand its reach across Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. 

Dive deeper with our full story

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Your Weekend

MULTIPLE DAYS

• California Winter League Baseball at Palm Springs Stadium all weekend long ($10)
  
• Desert Open Studios all weekend throughout the city and beyond
  
• The Breezeway Getaway all weekend long, based at Caliente Tropics
  
• Dispersion of Light at the Cultural Center all weekend long ($44)
  
• Chadwick Johnson at the Purple Room Supper Club on Friday and Saturday ($40)
  
• Assassins at the Revolution Stage Company on Friday and Saturday ($49)

TODAY

• Palliative, Hospice, and Spiritual Care at The Center at 11:30 a.m.
  
• Beach Ballroom Ribbon Cutting at the Palm Springs Surf Club at 4 p.m. 
  
• Foodie Fridays at the Cultural Center at 5 p.m. 
  
• Beyonce Singalong Paint Night at Canvas Palm Springs 6 p.m. ($39)
  
• Soul Healing Readings at the Mizell Center at 7 p.m. ($10)
  
• Gizzelle at Agua Caliente Casino Palm Springs at 7 p.m. ($22)

SATURDAY

• Black Women Hike at Murray Canyon Trail starting at 7:30 a.m. All are welcome!
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival at Ruth Hardy Park at 8 a.m. 
  
• Certified Farmers Market from 8 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Palm Springs Cultural Center
  
• Brick N’ Block Building Workshop at Canvas Palm Springs at 9:30 a.m. ($18)
  
• Singing the Birds at Palm Springs High School starting at 10 a.m. 
  
• Film Series: Robert Redford at the Mizell Center at 10 a.m. ($15)
  
• Psychedelic Medicine & Health: A Community Conversationat the Mizell Center at 1 p.m.
  
• Finding My Joy: An Ode to Lifeat the Revolution Stage Company at 2 p.m. ($28)
  
• Sound Bath Journey with Mike D at Crystal Fantasy at 6 p.m. 

SUNDAY

• Hiking Mixer at Oswit Canyon at 7:30 a.m. 
  
• Car Show Car Show! At Market Market at 10 a.m. 
  
• Mahjong Meetup at the Social Cafe & Play Lounge at 12 p.m. 
  
• The Return of the Master, Misha Dichter at the Richards Center for the Arts at 2 p.m. ($45)
  
• Jazz in January at the United Methodist Church of Palm Springs at 3 p.m.

AND FINALLY …

Desert Open Studios returns today for its sixth year, inviting art enthusiasts to explore more than 150 studios across the Coachella Valley through Sunday. This year’s event introduces Curated Tours — self-guided routes designed by notable figures from the art world, each highlighting a unique theme and perspective.

Driving the news: Four specially designed tours offer different ways to experience the desert’s art scene, from landscape painting traditions to women-led studios to overlooked creative spaces.

The tours: Steven Biller’s “The Painted Desert” celebrates California desert landscape painting. Kelly Golightly’s “Desert Muses” features seven women artists. Chris Blades’ “Founders’ Hidden Gems” offers a full-day journey through remarkable studios. Elizabeth Armstrong’s “The Materialists” showcases artists working with organic materials and repurposed objects.

• Studios range from personal spaces open only for this event to bustling studio centers across the Valley’s east and west art scenes.

What to know: Admission is free, and artists will be present to discuss their work and demonstrate techniques. Printed and digital maps plus a complimentary 60-page handbook help visitors plan personalized tours.

• Note that not all studios may be wheelchair accessible, as many are in private homes or shared buildings.

For more information: Visit desertopenstudios.com for the full studio map and digital artist handbook.

• Check out Kendall Balchan’s story on East Valley studios participating in this year’s event