June 2 Daily Briefing: Convention center contract, on-site investigation wraps, Marilyn party, and more

Welcome to Monday, where we’re starting the week with immense gratitude. At a time when the community is being asked to support several important causes —including helping businesses affected by the May 17 bombing — we felt a bit uneasy holding our own fundraising campaign last week. In fact, our original plan was to begin the campaign on May 17, so we’re grateful we were able to pause and delay it.

Thanks to your incredible support, we met our goal. From all of us at The Post, thank you — from the bottom of our hearts — for believing in our mission and standing with us as your favorite community news source.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Everyday People” by Sly & The Family Stone

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs Convention Center to undergo change of management

The Palm Springs City Council voted last week to begin contract negotiations with Oak View Group for management of the city’s convention center, visitor center and tourism bureau. The decision came after a competitive bidding process that attracted two nationally renowned firms.

Driving the news: Oak View Group, which already operates the Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert and The Historic Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs, beat out current operator AEG Management for the contract.

• The company offered a lower cost proposal and higher capital contribution, along with a well-articulated plan to increase occupancy, according to Wayne Olson, the city’s chief economic development officer.

The bottom line: Oak View Group representatives promised to reduce the convention center’s operating deficit and potentially make it profitable, compared to the current $750,000 annual deficit.

• Greg O’Dell, president of the company’s venue management division, said they believe they can “significantly reduce that deficit” and potentially reach break-even or surplus status.

What’s next: Staff expects to bring a fully negotiated contract back to the council in July, allowing for a 60 to 90 day transition period before the existing AEG Management agreement expires at the end of September.

• The contract will include management of the Palm Springs Convention Center, Bureau of Tourism, visitor center and Welwood Murray Memorial Library.

By the numbers: The company plans to target new market segments including tech companies, wellness events and sports competitions, and typically retains about 90% of existing staff during transitions.

The big picture: The city is planning a roughly $100-$125 million modernization and expansion of the facility, which opened in 1974 and was last expanded in 2005 to 261,000 square feet of usable space.

Read our complete story online

BRIEFLY

✈️ Report: Airport generates $2.5 billion for regional economy

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) contributed $2.5 billion in total economic output and supported 18,377 jobs across the Coachella Valley in fiscal year 2024, according to a new economic impact study released this week. 

• The report found the airport generated $864 million in wages, $1.5 billion in gross domestic product, and $382 million in tax revenue while maintaining record passenger growth. The study revealed that 98% of the airport’s economic benefits remain within Riverside County.
  
• Major expansion plans over the next decade include a new concourse, Federal Inspection Station for international flights, and rental car center. The improvements are projected to create 9,800 jobs, generate $641 million in labor income, add $1.8 billion in economic output, and deliver $253 million in new tax revenue over 10 years.
  
• But wait: Airport staff recently launched Progress PSP, a project tracking website that provides updates on terminal upgrades, runway planning, baggage system expansion, parking technology, electric buses and other improvements. The site details each project’s description, cost, funding source and completion date.

🚨 FBI completes evidence gathering at bombing site

The FBI announced Friday that investigators have finished processing the crime scene from the May 17 bombing at American Reproductive Centers (ARC) fertility clinic in Palm Springs. The agency previously determined the explosion was a premeditated act of terrorism.

• An evidence response team and special agent bomb technicians searched four of five buildings and surrounding areas two weeks ago and returned Friday with proper equipment to examine the final building that was deemed unsafe, the agency reported on social media.
  
• In the meantime, crews have begun demolishing the heavily damaged ARC buildings at 1199 North Indian Canyon Dr., while nearby businesses attempt to recover from what could be up to $12 million in damage.
    
• Bottom line: The FBI is requesting anyone with information about the explosion or attack planning to contact them at 1-800-CALL-FBI or submit tips online at tips.fbi.gov.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Forever Fit
9 a.m. | The Center
Forever Fit is a registration-required fitness class for people aged 50 years or older who want to stay active, healthy, and vibrant. Emma Middlebrook facilitates the program. ($15)

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
2:30 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
This weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

Bridge Project Virtual Meeting
5:30 p.m. | Zoom
The city is planning a low-water bridge on South Palm Canyon Drive near the Arenas Canyon area and is looking for public feedback during the second of two planned community meetings tonight. 

Conversational Spanish
5:30 p.m. | The Center
Join a dynamic and diverse group of people who get together to chat and strengthen their language skills. New attendees, register online here.

Adult Tap Dance Class
6:30 p.m. | Leisure Center Dance Studio
Adult intermediate tap starts at 6:30 p.m., and “absolute beginners” adult tap is at 7:30 p.m. (“Two left feet are optional.”) ($20)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Firefighters Fish Fry on Saturday.
  
• Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest on Saturday.
  
• Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival Sunday at the Cultural Center.
  
• Juneteenth Freedom Weekend on June 19.
  
• Palm Springs AI & Creativity Expo on June 23 at the convention center.
  
• 2025 All American 4th of July Weekend July 3-5 in Palm Springs.

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

The Forever Marilyn statue in Downtown Palm Springs has been at the center of a lot of news over the past few years. On Sunday, it was the center of attention.

Driving the news: Residents and visitors alike turned out in force to celebrate what would have been the late actress’s 99th birthday on Sunday afternoon. The party put on by PS Resorts, which owns the 26-foot-tall artwork, included free cupcakes, a DJ, and a Marilyn look-alike contest.

Looking back: Monroe was photographed in Palm Springs in the late 1940s and early 1950s as her career was taking off. The 34,000-pound statue made its initial debut in Palm Springs in 2012 and then returned to the city in 2021, positioned on Museum Way, which was temporarily closed for the installation. 

• The statue recently moved off the street into Downtown Park.

Up next: If you thought Sunday’s party was a grand celebration, wait until next year: Officials said they hope to attempt a world record for most Marilyn impersonators gathered in one spot in honor of what would have been Monroe’s 100th birthday.