Jan. 6 Daily Briefing: Statue move, next steps for Serena Park project, and more

Happy Tuesday, where we’re already thinking ahead to the weekend. That’s because on Saturday at 6 p.m., Palm Springs takes over the Coachella Valley Firebirds arena for a high-energy doubleheader: It’s City Series night AND Pride Night as the team faces the Henderson Silver Knights. The first 100 fans get to high-five players in the Fan Tunnel, everyone scores a Pride-themed crossbody bag giveaway, and the whole night should be packed with hometown energy and community spirit. Want to show up for your city and the team? Find tickets (starting at $28) here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Sofia” by Clairo

LEADING OFF

Public Arts Commission to weigh Frank Bogert statue relocation

The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission will consider a proposal Thursday to move the controversial statue of former Mayor Frank Bogert to the downtown Village Green, where the bronze monument would stand near the Palm Springs Historical Society’s museums.

Driving the news: The request comes from the historical society, which has offered to cover all costs for transport, installation and ongoing maintenance if the relocation is approved.

• Historical Society President Tracy Conrad called the Village Green “a fitting and publicly accessible setting that aligns with the Historical Society’s mission to preserve and interpret Palm Springs’ unique history.”

The backdrop: The statue was removed in 2022 following a Human Rights Commission report linking Bogert to the displacement of Section 14 residents in the late 1960s, though that report was never formally accepted by the City Council.

Why it matters: City officials have said that finding a new public location — not permanent storage — was always the plan for the bronze artwork, which has been part of the city’s public art collection since 1990.

What’s next: The commission meets at 5:30 p.m. Thursday at City Hall. View the agenda here.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🏘️ Serena Park housing project landscape plans approved

• The Palm Springs Architectural Review Committee approved common area landscape designs Monday for Serena Park, the stalled housing development at the former Palm Springs Country Club site. The 126-acre project includes plans for 286 residential lots and a private park open to the public.
  
• Master developer SunCal, which took possession in Aug. 2024, is subdividing the area into seven parcels for sale to individual builders. The approved landscaping covers three parcels in the southern portion and features drought-tolerant shade trees suited for windy conditions.
  
• Details: Changes from original 2016 plans include relocating the main spine road to the center of the development and swapping two tennis courts for three pickleball courts. SunCal aims to begin planting before summer heat arrives.

Dive deeper with our complete story 

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Mid Mod Oasis Bike Tour
9 a.m. | Bike Palm Springs
Enjoy the city’s scenery and famous midcentury homes via bike with a knowledgeable guide who will regale with you tales of the famous architects, celebrities, and pioneers who embraced and built this oasis. ($95)

Palm Springs International Film Festival
9:30 a.m. | Multiple Locations
The film festival continues today, with screenings and events taking place across the valley. The festival concludes on Jan. 12.

Knit Together
10 a.m. | The Center
This Social/Fun space, hosted by Doug Morris and sponsored by The Perfect Purl, provides a social and sharing platform for a community of fiber enthusiasts. Knit Together is a social group open to all levels, but it is not a class. ($25)

Leads Lunch
12 p.m. | Jake’s
Connect, collaborate, and grow your business at the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce Lead$ Lunch — hosted every Tuesday in January at Jake’s.

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
This support group is open to LGBTQ+ colorectal cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers. Organizers will offer resources and a sense of community in a safe place to share experiences. 

Historic Site Preservation Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Board members will meet to go over applications for alterations to historically significant properties or nominations for new historic properties. You can find the agenda here.

Aikido
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Leisure Center
Gain greater flexibility, strength, a sharper focus, and more as you learn under certified instructor Masuru Yamada. ($15)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Rock the Park with Bee Gees Forever on Wednesday
  
• Auditions for Modern Men Chorus (celebrating Dr. Stan Hill’s final concert) on Saturday
  
• Wishing Well Benefit Concert for Well in the Desert on Jan. 12
  
• American Legion Youth Baseball Fundraiser with Robin Wilson of Gin Blossoms on Jan. 17
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival on Jan. 24
  
• Palm Springs Speaks with Cheech Marin on Feb. 10
  
• Palm Springs International Jazz Festival from Feb. 19-22

Submit your event here

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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 Cassidy, a 2-year-old female German Shepherd/Siberian Husky mix who staff at the shelter say is full of love for people, no matter how familiar.

• Staff also said she is good on leash, but noted they are getting used to meeting new dogs more often. 

If you’re interested: You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at (760) 416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here.