June 6 Daily Briefing: Art on the move, students off to Mexico, firefighters’ fish fry, and more

TGIF everyone, and Happy National Donut Day! While it hurts us to spell it “donut” instead of “doughnut” (read more on that debate here), it won’t hurt anyone to visit one of the many national chains giving out a free glazed treat today. Wondering about the day’s history? It was started in 1938 by The Salvation Army to honor the women who served doughnuts to soldiers in World War I. The organization is still using the day to raise funds to help those in need.

🎶 Setting the mood: “School’s Out​” by Alice Cooper

LEADING OFF

City to move two sculptures, hopes to improve visibility for one

The Palm Springs Public Arts Commission voted Thursday to relocate two sculptures in the city’s public art collection, including moving a large geometric piece from the Uptown area to Sunrise Park.

Driving the news: “Intersecting Cubes,” currently located at 803 North Palm Canyon Drive, will be moved to Sunrise Park along a walkway between the library and baseball fields because trees planted after the sculpture’s installation have grown to obscure the artwork.

• Commission Chair Gary Armstrong said the trees will continue growing, making ongoing trimming necessary to maintain visibility.

The details: In a separate vote, commissioners approved moving the small “TOT” sculpture approximately eight feet from its current location in front of the Swim Center to allow the return of “Spider,” a functional bike rack that doubles as public art.

• Parks Department staff requested the swap because parkgoers prefer using Spider as a bike rack over standard bike racks in the area.

Why it matters: One commissioner pointed out that park visitors would better appreciate the artwork than pedestrians in the shopping district.

• “When I’m Uptown, I’m not looking at art. I’m going shopping, I’m eating. I’m not looking at art on the sidewalk,” the commissioner said. “When you’re in a park, it’s like I can see the art, and I can appreciate it a lot more because it’s actually visible.”

What’s next: Both moves require coordination with city departments for new concrete pads and installation as part of ongoing efforts to ensure the city’s 140-piece public art collection remains accessible to residents and visitors.

Read our complete story online

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BRIEFLY

🍴 Palm Springs delegation headed to Mexico for culinary exchange

Palm Springs Sister Cities announced last week that six College of the Desert students will join city officials and hospitality leaders on a delegation to San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, from June 26 through 30. The group will attend the “San Miguel y sus Sabores” Food & Wine Festival as part of a culinary exchange program between COD and Universidad Tecnológica de San Miguel de Allende.

• The participating students will train under San Miguel de Allende chefs and receive college credit for their work. The COD Foundation will cover expenses for students, while other delegates pay their own travel costs.
  
• The delegation includes Mayor Ron deHarte, City Councilmember Grace Garner, City Manager Scott Stiles, and hospitality leaders from establishments like The Parker Palm Springs and Lulu California Bistro. Palm Springs Sister Cities board members will also participate.
  
• On the agenda: During the visit, COD students will work with three Mexican chefs while six to eight Mexican students will train alongside Palm Springs chefs in local restaurants. The collaboration will end with a shared culinary showcase providing course credit and real-world experience to students from both countries.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• 2025 Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week runs until the end of this weekend
  
• Palm Springs Power Game at Palm Springs Stadium Friday and Saturday ($10)
  
• Deal With The Dragon: a one-person show at the Palm Springs Cultural Center all weekend ($40)

TODAY

• Drawing Faces & Figures at The Center starting at 10 a.m. ($15)
  
• “Dial M for Murder” Hitchcock Retrospective at the Palm Springs Cultural Center starting at 7 p.m. ($14)
  
• Comedy Night at Lush starting at 8 p.m. ($17)

SATURDAY

• Cars & Coffee at Porsche Palm Springs starting at 8 a.m.
  
• Adopt-a-Pet Day at the Palm Springs Animal Shelter starting at 11 a.m. 
  
• Palm Springs Equality Wine & Food Fest at the Hyatt Palm Springs starting at 1 p.m. ($99)
  
• Palm Springs Firefighters Fish Fry at Ruth Hardy Park starting at 6 p.m. ($15)

SUNDAY

• The Palm Springs Young Playwrights Festival at the Palm Springs Cultural Center starting at 12 p.m.
  
• Sunday Stomp: Country Line Dancing at Reforma Palm Springs starting at 6 p.m. ($7)

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AND FINALLY …

If you’re looking for a way to support our local firefighter/EMTs, you’ll want to mark your calendars for a tradition that’s been sizzling for more than nine decades. The Palm Springs Firefighters Association is gearing up for its 92nd Annual Fish Fry, where community members can enjoy a hearty meal while getting to know the brave souls who keep the city safe.

The details: The event takes place Saturday from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at Ruth Hardy Park, 700 Tamarisk Road, featuring rainbow trout alongside classic picnic fare including hamburgers, hot dogs, corn on the cob, and coleslaw.

• Live music and dancing will keep the party going throughout the evening, with dinner served until 10 p.m.

What it costs: Just $15 per person gets you access to all the food, drinks, and entertainment the evening has to offer.

Why it matters: “The Palm Springs Fire Association’s annual Fish Fry is a wonderful tradition that residents and firefighters alike look forward to every year,” said Fire Chief Paul Alvarado. “It’s also a fantastic way to get to know your neighborhood firefighters while enjoying delicious fried fish made especially for the community that we serve.”