Jan. 29 Daily Briefing: Pickleball concerns addressed, shoes donated to schools, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone, and Happy Lunar New Year — the Year of the Snake — to all who celebrate! For those who are not aware, sweeping the floor, cleaning the dishes or washing your hair is frowned upon on this day because you’ll be “washing away” all the good fortune coming your way. Exchanging blessings is a must, though. So, from us to you, may this year bring you endless opportunities, boundless success, and great happiness.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Tennis Court” by Lorde

LEADING OFF

Public concerns over pickleball project addressed

The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission addressed public worries about delays in the $6 million Demuth Park pickleball court expansion project during its meeting on Monday. 

Driving the news: Commissioners outlined plans and timelines, emphasizing ongoing progress despite perceived setbacks. They expect to submit plans to the Palm Springs City Council for approval in mid-February. If approved, the bidding process will begin. 

Zoom in: The $6 million project would expand the existing 12 pickleball courts at Demuth Park to 24 courts, including one tournament/ADA-accessible court. It would also see new lighting, sidewalks, shade structures, and trees added to the facility. 

What they’re saying: “It has not been dormant. It’s not dragging its heels. It’s moving forward,” Commissioner Michael Finland said. “Have we adhered certainly to the schedule that we had envisioned at the commencement of this project? No, but just in reality, government and projects sometimes take a little bit longer and move a little bit more slowly than people would hope for or anticipate.”

Timeline: If approved by City Council on Feb. 13, bidding will start the following week, with construction possibly starting in April. The eight-month construction phase should conclude between December and January 2026.

How it works: Commissioners decided against a phased construction, opting for an “all-at-once” approach which will see all of the courts closed during the renovation.

What to watch for: The commission plans to improve communication methods, including updates to the city website and posting information directly at Demuth Park courts.

Dive deeper with our complete story online.

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BRIEFLY

👟 Local store owner donates hundreds of pairs of shoes

Don Kick, owner of the Palm Springs shoe store Running Wild, partnered with the organization Coachella Valley has Sole to donate more than 250 pairs of shoes to Painted Hills Middle School in Desert Hot Springs this week.

• The donation, valued at more than $30,000, aims to support students in need of athletic footwear. Coachella Valley has Sole, started by Judy and Mark Wexler, collects gently used shoes from local stores neighborhoods, cleans them, and donates them to people in need.
  
• Many students at Painted Hills Middle School lack proper athletic shoes, limiting their participation in sports and physical activities. The donation provides opportunities for students to engage in sports and improve their overall school experience.
  
• How you can help: Coachella Valley has Sole is always looking for opportunities to hold shoe drives and requests that any HOAs or anyone interested contact Judy Wexler at judyswexler@gmail.com.

🛜 City’s high-speed internet options are subject of meeting

This evening, the city is hosting a public meeting to discuss high-speed internet options here. Tonight is the chance for locals to bring internet frustrations to the city’s attention.

• The meeting will dive into the current state of infrastructure, like fiber-optic, cable, and DSL.
  
• In addition, city officials want to know residents’ thoughts on service quality and affordability.
  
• Details: The meeting is tonight at 6 p.m. in the large conference room at City Hall. RSVP Rene.Sanchez@palmspringsca.gov to attend.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

“The Light in the Piazza”
2 p.m. | Coachella Valley Repertory
Winner of six Tony Awards “The Light in the Piazza” takes us to the Tuscan countryside where a young woman meets a handsome young Florentine man by chance. But as events unfold and secrets are revealed we follow a love story unlike any other. Running through Feb. 9. ($90)

Open Mic Night
5:30 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join Joel Baker on piano and Brian Alec Thom as they sing the night away. Bring your own sheet music for Joel to play. ($10)

High-Speed Internet Master Planning Public Meeting
6 p.m. | City Hall
Join city staff and officials for an important discussion about High-Speed Internet (Broadband) in Palm Springs. RSVP to attend: Rene.Sanchez@palmspringsca.gov

SAVE THE DATE

• Black History Committee Awards Gala at the Hilton Palm Springs on Saturday. ($100)
  
• Our Voices Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors at the Mizell Center on Saturday.
  
• Boston Brass Live in concert on Feb. 4 at PSHS. ($15-$25)
  
• Black History Month Kick-Off at the 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 …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today, we invite you to meet Lily, an 11-month-old female cat available for adoption at the Frisky Business Cat Cafe.

• Frisky Business owner Claire Rogers tells us that Lily is “nothing short of royalty.” She prefers the affection of humans to cats and would need to be the only pet in a home.
  
• Rogers said Lily has a playful energy, unwavering affection, and endlessly charming personality. 

If you’re interested: You can visit Frisky Business at Rimrock Plaza (also where Von’s is located) at 4781 E. Palm Canyon Dr., Suite F. Look for the cafe’s current hours here.

• All cats available at Frisky Business come from the Palm Springs Animal Shelter. They are spayed or neutered and can be adopted while you sip a delicious beverage or enjoy a tasty treat. 

But wait: Don’t want to adopt but still enjoy cats? You can book a time to hang out in the cat lounge by clicking here.