Jan. 8 Daily Briefing: New plans for old hotel, drought persists, music docs at film fest, and more

Hey everyone, and welcome to midweek! If you thought Palm Springs was the only city with an ongoing George Floyd mural discussion, think again. In Santa Monica, what was once a mural of Floyd on the side of a business on East Haley Street is now covered with white paint. The reasoning shows both cities have had similar experiences: Vandals frequently targeted the mural, and it was only meant to be temporary. Unlike Palm Springs, however, the Santa Monica mural was 100% painted on the side of the building and portions of it could not be preserved.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Do You Realize” by Aquarian Dream

LEADING OFF

City remains in dry spell as first snow arrives

Palm Springs residents saw some sprinkles Tuesday but the city and surrounding area remain locked in a drought, while the season’s first measurable snow finally arrived atop the Aerial Tramway – one of the latest snowfalls in its history.

Driving the news: While there were trace amounts of rain here, there was not enough to be measured. Meanwhile, the first measurable snow of the season – 1.25 inches – fell at Mount San Jacinto State Park Tuesday, marking only the second time snow has arrived as late as January in recent history.

• Only four of 878 entries correctly guessed Jan. 7 as the date of the first measurable inch of snow at the Top of the Tram for the annual contest. 
  
  
• A spokesperson said that usually there are 10 people who win a prize and that those people had to be selected from dozens of correct answers. 

By the numbers: The current dry spell’s severity is clear:

• The last time there was significant rainfall in the city was in February 2024, when 1.3 inches fell in the city.
  
  
• In fact, the National Weather Service recorded just 2.7 inches of rain at Palm Springs International Airport in 2024, well below the 4.6-inch yearly average.
  
  
• That followed a very wet 2023 that saw 7.11 inches, boosted by Tropical Storm Hilary’s 3-plus inches of rainfall in August.

Why it matters: The dry conditions reflect a broader pattern affecting Southern California, with Palm Springs now in a moderate drought according to the experts.

Yes, but: Despite concerns about reduced visitors due to lack of snow, a spokesperson for the Aerial Tramway said there was strong holiday traffic, with some guests actually preferring snow-free conditions.

What’s next: Forecasters expect the dry trend to continue, suggesting this winter could see below-normal precipitation and snowfall across Southern California.

Dive deeper with our complete story here

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BRIEFLY

🏨 Palm Springs hotel property set for modern makeover

A four-acre property in Palm Springs with roots dating back to 1936 is on track to be transformed into a contemporary resort.

• The city’s Historic Site Preservation Board on Tuesday voted 5-1 to take no action to prevent demolition of half the buildings at 1973 North Palm Canyon Dr., currently home to a Days Inn. That paves the way for construction of some updated buildings in an effort to modernize the property. 
  
  
• The plans won approval after developers said they plan to preserve key architectural elements in some of the property’s buildings, including features found in two Googie-style buildings from 1961.
  
  
• Looking ahead: Plans outlined in a city staff report show that a building that formerly housed Rick’s Restaurant, as well as the current lobby building and a wing of the hotel, will be leveled. A new restaurant building is planned, as is a new lobby that faces the street. Construction could start in the fall.

Dive deeper with our complete story

💧 DWA customer lobby closing for renovations

The Desert Water Agency customer lobby in Palm Springs will be closed today through Jan. 31 for renovations. The lobby is set to reopen on Feb. 3.

• During the closure, customers can still drop off water bill payments via a “water tank” drop-off receptacle located outside the building. Only check payments will be accepted. Additional bill pay options are available online at www.dwa.org/billpay.
  
  
• Details: Developers and other customers needing in-person meetings are advised to schedule appointments with the appropriate DWA representative by calling 760-323-4971. For inquiries regarding the closure, individuals can reach out via email to outreach@dwa.org.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Palm Springs International Film Festival
The 36th Annual Palm Springs International Film Festival starts today and there are screenings of films, new and old, all weekend, as well as the festival’s “Talking Pictures” conversations with actors and directors.  

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.

First Wednesday Art Walk
5 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
Tour galleries and meet artists at this monthly event that happens rain or shine. Check with galleries’ individual websites to find out about their hours of operation and special events.

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)

Planning Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Commission typically meets on the second and fourth Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the Council Chamber at City Hall. See this week’s agenda here.

Rock The Park with Led Zepagain
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
Bring your blankets and chairs for an unforgettable (and free!) evening with Symphony to Heaven, an acoustic masterpiece by Led Zepagain. This reimagining of Led Zeppelin’s music features unplugged renditions of their classic songs, enhanced by a live string quartet.

SAVE THE DATE

• Free shredding at the convention center on Jan. 11.
  
  
• Coachella Valley Media Hall of Fame luncheon on Jan. 14.
  
  
• “A Very Sordid Wedding” at Palm Canyon Theatre starting Jan. 17. ($32)
  
  
• “The Light in the Piazza” at Coachella Valley repertory starting Jan. 22. ($90)
  
  
• An Evening with figure skater Randy Gardner at the Cultural Center on Jan. 23 .($27)
  
  
• Desert Open Studios 2025 starting Jan. 24.
  
  
• Community Clean-Up event at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center on Jan. 25.
  
  
• Palm Springs Health Run & Wellness Festival on Jan. 25.

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AND FINALLY …

The Palm Springs International Film Festival is showcasing a surge of music documentaries, reflecting a recent trend in pop music biographies. However, entertainment writer Bruce Fessier notes that the nature of these documentaries is under scrutiny.

Driving the news: The festival features documentaries on Billy Preston, Paul Anka, Liza Minnelli, Janis Ian, and Diane Warren. While none are shortlisted for a Best Documentary Academy Award, their presence follows a recent Los Angeles Times story highlighting a renaissance in pop music documentaries.

• The rise in music documentaries is attributed to music publishers investing heavily in the production of these films, seeking returns on their investments in songwriter catalogs.

Behind the scenes: The process of clearing copyrights for songs featured in these documentaries has become complex and integral to their success. This has led to those responsible for clearing copyrights often receiving producer or executive producer credits.

Bottom line: The surge in music documentaries is not just about celebrating music and artists, but also about music publishers seeking returns on their investments. The complexities of clearing song rights have become a significant part of the production process, influencing the nature and tone of the films.

Dive deeper with Fessier’s complete article here