Jan. 31 Daily Briefing: Housing survey, probe into residency ends, it’s ‘Foodie Friday,’ and more

TGIF, everyone, where we have a note about yesterday’s email. You may have noticed that it was late to arrive in your inbox. While Kendall suggested we blame the paperboy for having a flat tire on his bicycle, Mark (a former paperboy) can’t do that. Since we’re not a newspaper — even though many of you call us that — you can blame the late delivery on a software bug that prevented us from sending emails. Fortunately, the vendor we rely on for our email software was able to fix the issue in a few hours, but it seemed like forever on our end! 

🎶 Setting the mood: “It’s Like A Dream” by NEIL FRANCES

LEADING OFF

City seeks input on housing issues amid soaring rents, funding uncertainty

Palm Springs officials are turning to residents for input on affordable housing and fair housing needs as the city grapples with a 65% rent increase over five years. Two surveys and community meetings aim to gauge opinions on housing and community development priorities.

Driving the news: The city is launching surveys on community needs and fair housing experiences to inform its new five-year Consolidated Plan, required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual entitlement funds eligibility.

• Find information and links to take the surveys here.

Why it matters: Palm Springs receives about $448,981 annually in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, totaling $2.24 million over five years. These funds support affordable housing, infrastructure improvements, and public services.

• By the numbers: Average rent in Palm Springs jumped from $1,410 to $2,337 between 2019 and 2024.

Yes but: Federal funding for all sorts of projects, including CDBG grants, is currently in doubt. Just this week, the Trump Administration sought to freeze federal funding on many grants and loan programs, only to have the orders blocked by a judge.

• The memo that ordered the freeze was rescinded on Wednesday, causing additional confusion.

Dive deeper: The city says it has positioned itself well to continue vital community programs regardless of adjustments to federal funding.

State of play: Right now, the city has already implemented measures to protect renters, including a rent stabilization ordinance and it is launching a rent registry in July that will serve both landlords and residents.

• Additionally, the Tenant Based Rental Assistance program serves as an eviction prevention measure. Last week, the City Council approved an additional $1 million for the program.

Read our complete story

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BRIEFLY

👩‍🎨 Artists announced for 2025 edition of Desert X

Eleven international artists from four continents will present site-specific installations across California’s Coachella Valley in Desert X’s fifth exhibition, running March 8 to May 11.

• The exhibition, led by Artistic Director Neville Wakefield and Co-curator Kaitlin Garcia-Maestas, features works exploring themes of nature, humanity and desert time through diverse mediums including sculpture, architecture, and light installations. 
  
• The installations include Sanford Biggers’ sequin sculptures depicting clouds, Agnes Denes’ living pyramid of native vegetation at Sunnylands Center & Gardens, and Jose Dávila’s marble blocks spanning the U.S.-Mexico border. No specific sites have been announced yet, but Denes’ piece is currently on display.
  
• Why it matters: Desert X Executive Director Jenny Gil said the exhibition aims to transform perspectives on community and environmental issues, with works addressing sustainability and the evolving desert landscape.

Read our complete story

🕵️ Residency investigation of ex-councilmember ends

An investigation into former Palm Springs Councilmember Christy Holstege’s residency status has been closed with no action taken, it was announced Thursday. The end of her term in December was cited as making the case moot.

• The investigation, initiated by Riverside District Attorney Mike Hestrin, stemmed from allegations that Holstege had not lived in her district since 2022, violating city municipal code. Holstege denied the claims and characterized the investigation as politically motivated.
  
• Bottom line: The legal action, known as a quo warranto proceeding, sought to remove Holstege from office but was terminated after her council term expired and she lost her State Assembly race against Republican incumbent Greg Wallis.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• “The Light in the Piazza” at the Coachella Valley Repertory. ($90)
  
• “Tru” starring Chuck Yates at Desert Ensemble Theatre. ($40)
  
• Palm Springs Art Festival at Frances Stevens Park on Saturday and Sunday. (Free)
  
• Coachella Rising Showcase at the Cultural Center. ($20)
  
• “Liza: A Truly Terrific Absolutely True Story” screening at the Cultural Center. ($10)

TODAY

• Jai Rodriguez: “I Can Explain…” at Oscar’s Downtown at 5:30 p.m. ($35)
  
• TGIF Trivia at Play Lounge & Café at 6:30 p.m.
  
• Hitchcock Retrospective: “The Wrong Man” at the Cultural Center at 7 p.m. ($14)
  
• Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at 8 p.m. ($15)

SATURDAY

• Indian Canyons Paint/Sculpt-Out at the Indian Canyons at 8 a.m.
  
• Certified Farmers’ Market at the Cultural Center at 8 a.m.
  
• Welcoming Yoga at The Center McDonald/Wright Building at 9 a.m.
  
• Palm Springs Genealogical Society at the library at 10 a.m.
  
• Our Voices Our Stories: Celebrating Black Authors at the Mizell Center at 10 a.m.
  
• Info-A-Go-Go LGBTQ+ community expo at the Palm Springs Pavilion at 11 a.m.
  
• Soul Springs Festival at the Downtown Park at 1 p.m.
  
• Black History Committee Awards Gala at the Hilton Palm Springs at 6 p.m. ($100)
  
• Country Western Dancing at their new address at 933 Crossley Road at 7 p.m. ($5)

SUNDAY

• Palm Springs Vintage Market in the parking lot north of Agua Caliente Casino at 7 a.m. ($5)
  
• Mah Jong Meetup at Play Lounge & Cafe at 12 p.m.
  
• Dusty Strings Collective performance and open mic at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5:30 p.m. ($20)

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AND FINALLY …

Fridays now have a new dining option. The Palm Springs Cultural Center is launching Foodie Fridays today, where the best local food pop-ups, food trucks, and chefs.

Driving the news: The outdoor patio will transform into a chill, picnic-style food haven, perfect for vibing with friends, meeting fellow food lovers, and fueling up before catching a film, concert, or live show, inside the cultural center. 

Starting today: Today’s vendors include Al Fresco Pizza, authentic Italian wood-fired pizza, Native Farms, Mediterranean-inspired dips and chips, Papas BBQ, and June’s Macaroons.

But wait, there’s more: The schedule at the Cultural Center is packed, with a screening of Alfred Hitchcock’s “The Wrong Man,” a “Razzle Dazzle” Broadway Revue, and Desert Ensemble Theatre’s production of “TRU.”

Details: Foodie Fridays are every Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, located at 2300 E Baristo Rd.