July 23 Daily Briefing: Cultural District effort, surf club solution, pipeline project, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone! If you spotted or heard military aircraft buzzing around Palm Springs on Tuesday, don’t worry — it was just routine training exercises, and Palm Springs International Airport is required by federal law to provide access to military flights when needed. While the airport doesn’t get advance notice of these operations, you can always check flypsp.com/noise for more information if you’re curious about any unusual air traffic above our desert skies.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Let’s Go Surfing” by The Drums

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs Surf Club to install tree barrier amid noise complaints

The Palm Springs Planning Commission directed the Palm Springs Surf Club to install a “living wall” of trees to address ongoing noise complaints from neighboring residents. The commission’s decision came during a Tuesday review of the facility’s operations amid dozens of complaints since the surf club opened in January 2024.

Driving the news: Residents along Cherry Hills Drive and Pebble Beach Drive have repeatedly complained about noise from the facility’s eight wave-making machines and music from special events like adult swim nights.

• The machines use air pressure to force pistons downward, creating water motion and a “constant, draining, groaning noise,” according to one resident.

By the numbers: The city has received 66 complaints from about 16 residences since the surf club opened, but issued only six citations to the facility.

• Sound measurements showed the facility exceeding the city’s 70-decibel limit between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.

The response: Surf club management has installed noise blankets inside machine buildings and added cooling equipment so doors no longer need to stay open during operation.

• “We want to be part of this community, and we want to be great neighbors,” said the surf club’s Mara Smith.

What’s next: The surf club must install the tree barrier, which could reduce noise levels by seven to 11 decibels, by October pending city approvals.

• A structural sound wall would only reduce noise by about two decibels, making the living wall a more effective solution.
• The Planning Commission will revisit the issue in three to six months after mitigation measures are implemented.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🚧 North Indian Canyon Drive sewer project scheduled to begin today

The city is advising motorists of lane closures associated with the installation of 8,900 feet of new sewer pipeline along North Indian Canyon Drive as part of the Indian Canyon Bridge Widening and Improvements project. 

• The pipeline will stretch from south of Palm Springs Station Road to West Tramview Road. The initial phase of the pipeline project runs from today through Friday and involves survey and utility location work that will require the closure of one northbound lane lane from West Tramview Road to Sunrise Parkway.
  
• The installation process will incorporate tunneling under concrete pavement in select areas and open trench techniques for the majority of the pipeline. Expect intermittent closures of both the No. 1 north and southbound lanes of Indian Canyon Drive as the project advances. 
  
• Bottom line: Drivers are advised to use alternative routes to evade traffic congestion caused by the construction. Stay alert for altered traffic patterns and updates from Construction Managers throughout the project timeline. Construction is anticipated to continue until May 2026.

🏠 Schedule, events announced for Modernism Week fall festival

Modernism Week on Tuesday announced its fall festival schedule, featuring 50+ events celebrating midcentury and modern design from Oct. 16-19. The festival will offer a mix of free and low-cost programs, with tickets available starting Aug. 1 at 12 p.m.

• Organizers said the festival will showcase popular programs and new events, including home tours, iconic architecture views, and entertaining parties. A featured home tour will highlight the Sackley Chase Sensation, a 1970s residence with Brutalist design elements, Italian travertine floors, and glass walls.
  
• Special activities will include architectural bus tours, themed tours, a “100 Years of Palm Springs Modernism” mini-coach tour, art sales, walking tours, and discussions on various architectural styles. 
  
• Next up: Event schedules become available online starting Friday, with tickets going on sale Aug. 1 at 12 p.m.

Dive deeper with our complete story 

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

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

Game Night
4 p.m. | Starbase 505
From party games to complex strategy games, the crew at Starbase 505 has you covered for a fun night for everyone.

The Centuries
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Palm Springs
Held every Wednesday at the casino as part of their “Desert Blues Revival,” tonight features Rockabilly band “The Centuries.” ($22)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Coffee with Riverside County Supervisor Manuel Perez on July 28
  
• CVRep’s summer series with Lee Roy Reams on July 29
  
• Dive-In Movie “Moana 2” rescheduled for Aug. 2 at Palm Springs Swim Center 
  
• Retreat to the Heat presented by The Palm Springs Writers’ Guild Aug. 10 through 13
  
• Pool Party for a Cause benefiting Palm Springs Animal Shelter on Aug. 15 

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs could soon gain some statewide bragging rights, as City Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein is spearheading an effort to have the city designated an official California Cultural District.

The details: Bernstein, working with the city’s Arts & Culture Roundtable, is making the case that Palm Springs punches above its weight in the arts department — boasting four museums, more than 70 live music venues, hundreds of galleries, and an eclectic mix of performing arts groups.

• Despite offering all this, Riverside County currently has zero California Cultural Districts.

How it works: The California Arts Council recognizes neighborhoods that highlight local culture, creativity, and diversity. The application process requires the city to identify its “Cultural Assets” — think museums, events, and vibrant communities.

• Bernstein hopes the recognition could put Palm Springs on the map for even more tourists, creatives, and cultural organizations.

Get involved: Bernstein is calling on residents to help by taking the Palm Springs Cultural Asset Survey, which lets you suggest the places and traditions you think define Palm Springs. Take the survey now via this link.

• The deadline for input is Aug. 7. For more on what it means to be a California Cultural District, visit CaliforniaCulturalDistricts.org.