Jan. 7 Daily Briefing: Next historic district, county wants your thoughts, KGAY changes, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, where we’ve got shredding on our mind. No, not the type you find on snow-packed slopes, but the type you do in a parking lot with your boxes of unwanted documents. That’s because the city’s next shredding event takes place Saturday from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m. at the convention center. This one’s just for documents, and no hazardous waste, e-waste, or bulky items are being accepted. Can’t make it Saturday? You can drop your shreddables off in bins located inside City Hall from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. all this week. Find more information here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Paper Planes” by M.I.A.

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs board backs historic status for Sagewood Condominiums

The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board unanimously recommended historic district designation for Sagewood Condominiums, a 107-unit complex designed by renowned architect Donald Wexler.

Driving the news: The 18-acre development, completed in 1972, represents one of the largest condominium complexes designed by Wexler in Palm Springs and reflects mid-century modern housing built for the emerging middle class.

• The Sagewood Homeowners Association submitted the application with 76 owners — representing 70% support — voting in favor of the nomination.

Why it matters: The complex stands out as the only Levitt & Sons development in the Coachella Valley, representing a rare collaboration between the East Coast suburban developer and a master mid-century modern architect.

• Levitt & Sons, famous for creating Levittown, New York, typically built architecturally simple, low-cost housing — making Sagewood’s distinctive design particularly significant.

The details: The development features 27 detached buildings with flat roofs, cantilevered overhangs and stucco exteriors arranged around green spaces with walking paths, swimming pools and a tennis court.

What’s next: The board’s recommendation advances to the City Council for final designation approval.

Dive deeper with our complete story

IN OTHER NEWS

💰 County seeks resident input on budget priorities

• Riverside County has launched its annual budget priorities survey, inviting residents to provide input on how taxpayer dollars should be spent across county departments and services for the upcoming fiscal year. The survey, available online in English and Spanish, runs until Feb. 28.
  
• Last year, more than 24,000 residents participated in the survey, which was reviewed before the current budget was presented to the Board of Supervisors. The county will also host five budget workshops in April, with details to be announced soon, followed by annual budget hearings on June 8 and 9.
  
• Details: Participants can identify services of greater need in their areas and indicate categories of spending to receive more or less funding. Survey results will be shared at a Board of Supervisors meeting in May. More information is available at www.rivco.org/budget.

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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

Coffee and Conversation
9 a.m. | Koffi Central
Pastor James Harris of Bloom in the Desert Ministries UCC invites Bloomers and friends to join him for coffee and conversation.

Sammy’s Circle Pet Bereavement
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sammy’s Circle is a safe place to share grief and stories of our beloved pets, both those who have recently left us, as well as those whose memories have long lingered in our hearts.

Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Mizell Center
Practice your skills and play with others. This is a FREE library program; you do not have to be a member of Mizell Center to attend.

Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art Grand Opening
5 p.m. | Ernesto Ramirez Fine Art
Celebrate a new chapter in Palm Springs’ fine art as Ernesto Ramirez unveils his gallery with an exclusive showcase of two featured artists: David Farnsworth and David Gilmore. 

First Wednesday Art Walk
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
Head to the Backstreet Art District at 2664 South Cherokee Way for the largest open studio event in the city!

San Rafael Apartments Virtual Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Zoom
Learn about the proposed 115-unit San Rafael Apartments, meet the Pacific Companies team driving the project, and provide your input about what you want to see in the project at the second of two planned community meetings.

Library Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Board meets on the first (1st) Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm at City Hall in The Large Conference Room (unless otherwise noted). Meetings are open to the public.

Trivia Night
5:30 p.m. | Demuth Community Center
Gather your smartest friends and family and join the city’s Parks and Recreation Department for this free event for ages 10 and up! Space is limited.

OutBook Book Club
6 p.m. | The Center
Selections are chosen by group members and highlight a mix of new LGBTQ+ releases and influential classics.

Rock The Park – Bee Gees Forever
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
Get ready to dance the night away with the unforgettable sounds of Bee Gees Forever. This high-energy tribute band brings the songs and sights of a full Bee Gees playlist to life.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Pugs Meetup at Demuth Park on Saturday from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m.
  
• Auditions for Modern Men Chorus (celebrating Dr. Stan Hill’s final concert) on Saturday at 11 a.m.
  
• 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

---

AND FINALLY …

KGAY Radio is turning up the volume on its New Year’s resolution, literally. The Palm Springs station, which has claimed Favorite Radio Station honors for seven consecutive years in the Coachella Valley Independent’s Readers’ Poll, made a frequency change that promises to reach more listeners across the desert.

Driving the news: Beginning on New Year’s Day, KGAY moved from 106.5 FM to a stronger signal at 103.1 FM, while a sister station launched as Sunny 106.5 with an adult contemporary format featuring artists from Mariah Carey to Ed Sheeran.

• The upgrade includes HD digital signal capability and expanded coverage throughout the Coachella Valley.

Why it matters: KGAY remains the only terrestrial radio station in America specifically serving LGBTQ+ listeners and their allies, according to a February profile in The New York Times.

What’s next: On-air personalities John Taylor and Chris Shebel continue their morning and afternoon drive slots on KGAY, while Patrick Evans brings his show to Sunny 106.5 weekdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Details: Both stations continue streaming online at KGAYPalmSprings.com and 1065Sunny.com for listeners beyond FM range.