Jan. 27 Daily Briefing: Serena Park progress, airport plan OK’d, Singing The Birds, and more

Welcome to Monday, where it looks like we did indeed get some much needed measurable precipitation both here and throughout Southern California. The National Weather Service reports .03 inches of rain fell at our airport on Sunday, and as of this writing we’ve had .06 inches today. This is a good time to remember that since it has been nearly a year since we received measurable rain, all the oil and other buildup on our roadways will be extra slick. Drive carefully!

🎶 Setting the mood:  “For Emma” by Bon Iver

LEADING OFF

Serena Park project advances after unanimous vote

The Palm Springs Planning Commission unanimously approved a tentative tract map subdividing the 156-acre Serena Park project into seven large parcels. The decision allows the developer to sell portions of the project to individual builders for the construction of a 386-unit residential development.

Driving the news: The approval, made at the commission’s last meeting on Jan. 22, marks a significant step forward for the transformation of the former Palm Springs Country Club into a residential area.

• In addition to the housing units, the project will preserve some open space that will be open to the public.

Why it matters: The subdivision enables the developer to sell portions of the project to “merchant builders” who will construct their respective sections.

• This approach could potentially accelerate the development process and bring diverse housing options to the area.

The big picture: The Serena Park project aims to repurpose the defunct golf course, addressing local housing needs while preserving open spaces.

What they’re saying: Fernando Dutra, the developer, assured the commission and residents that previous agreements would be honored.

• “We bought the project understanding that we had to adhere to those original agreements. So they’re still in place,” Dutra stated.

Next steps: The approved tentative tract map will now go to the City Council for final approval.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🧺 Neighborhood picnic planned for March

✈️ After months of work by staff and multiple public meetings,the Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved a conceptual development plan for Palm Springs International Airport last week, setting the stage for a major expansion that could double the facility’s passenger capacity by 2042. [Palm Springs Post]

🗳️ After an unsuccessful California State Senate run, former mayor and Palm Springs City Councilmember Lisa Middleton is contemplating her future. Read what she had to say recently to The CV Independent’s Haleemon Anderson. [CV Independent]

🎓 The Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges has granted College of the Desert an 18-month accreditation extension, conditional on enhancements in board governance. [Desert Sun] (🔒)

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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.

LCAP Parent Advisory Council
5 p.m. | PSUSD District Headquarters
Parents and community members meet to discuss the Local Control and Accountability plan. Register online here.

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)

Parks and Recreation Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners meet to discuss matters relating to the planning and monitoring of the city’s 11 parks and recreational services, and facilities. Check out tonight’s agenda here.

SAVE THE DATE

• Black History Committee Awards Gala at the Hilton Palm Springs on Saturday. (Last day to buy tickets is today!) ($100)
  
  
• Our Voices Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors at the Mizell Center on Saturday.
  
  
• Soul Springs Festival at Downtown Park on Saturday.
  
  
• Boston Brass Live in concert on Feb. 4 at PSHS. ($15-$25)
  
  
• Black History Month Kick-Off at Palm Springs Art Museum on Feb. 6.
  
  
• “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 …

We checked in as The Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians hosted its annual “Singing the Birds” festival in Palm Springs over the weekend. The event drew diverse crowds to celebrate traditional Bird Songs and dances that have been passed down through generations.

Driving the news: The free, public event at Palm Springs High School on Saturday featured multiple bird singing groups and traditional dance performances from Southern California tribes and other Southwest Native American communities.

The scene: Attendees experienced various aspects of Native American culture beyond the performances, including a market showcasing traditional arts and crafts, while food vendors offered traditional dishes such as fry bread.

Why it matters: The festival represents a vital preservation of Native American cultural traditions. It also served as a bridge between the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians and the broader community, offering a platform for cultural exchange and understanding.

• “This gives us a chance to share our culture,” said Agua Caliente Tribal Chairman Reid Milanovich. “We’re able to see it not just surviving, but thriving.”