March 4 Daily Briefing: Airport report, OLT film fest, newest star announced, and more

Happy Tuesday, where it’s not just any day; it’s CV Giving Day! Today kicks off a 24-hour fundraising event designed to support and raise awareness for local nonprofits throughout the valley. We highly recommend supporting any that you find on the full list here. While The Post is not a nonprofit, you can indirectly support us by donating to the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation. Last year, their support enabled us to have an intern, and we are continually exploring other partnership opportunities with them. If interested, you can find their donation page here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Death of the Phone Call” by Whatever, Dad

LEADING OFF

Annual report: PSP soared to new heights in 2024

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) broke several monthly records in 2024, serving over 3.2 million passengers and expanding its reach with new routes and innovative programs.

Driving the news: According to a recently released annual report, passenger records were set in in five months during 2024, including March with 472,972 travelers (an all-time high month), while launching new routes to Denver, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., Toronto, and New York.

• Airport officials also highlighted the fact they secured a $15.1 million grant for critical improvements without relying on local tax dollars.

Why it matters: According to airport officials, PSP’s growth reflects its increasing importance as a regional hub and its commitment to enhancing the travel experience.

• Airport staff also sought to help locals experience the facility by offering a Stay & Play Visitor Pass, which allows non-travelers to access areas beyond security checkpoints.

The big picture: The report notes that the city is investing in the airport’s future. The Palm Springs City Council approved the Airport Master Plan earlier this year after extensive public engagement.

By the numbers: PSP expanded its TSA checkpoint to seven lanes, increasing hourly passenger throughput by approximately 16%.

• A new Landside Division with 12 operations aides was also launched to improve curbside management and passenger assistance.

What’s next: The airport’s concessions transformation is continuing. The project will double the number of dining locations and introduce new retail concepts to further enhance the passenger experience.

New facilities are also in the planning stages, including a revamped rental car experience.

---

BRIEFLY

🌱 Oswit Land Trust to put on inaugural film fest focusing on nature

There’s a new film fest coming to town, and this one focuses on nature and our natural resources.

• Oswit Land Trust is putting on its inaugural Saving Nature Film Festival this spring to bring together environmental enthusiasts, community members, and film lovers for a memorable experience that combines entertainment, education, and impactful activism.
  
• The one-day fest will show feature films and short films on a variety of topics, including environmental justice, urban renewal, and the ocean, and Check out all the films here.
  
• Details: The film fest will take place on May 1 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Learn more here.

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Queer Colon Care Collective
5 p.m. | Virtual
This support group is open to LGBTQ+ colorectal cancer patients, survivors, or caregivers. Organizers will offer resources and a sense of community in a safe place to share experiences. 

Melba Miller’s Jazz Oasis
5:30 p.m. | Cultural Center
Join songstress Melba Miller and special guests for an evening dedicated to serious listeners and lovers of Jazz. ($22)

Historic Site Preservation Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Board members will meet to go over applications for alterations to historically significant properties or nominations for new historic properties. Check out the agenda here.

ROOTS: Reclaiming Our Original Tales & Stories
6 p.m. | The Center
A monthly gathering that offers a supportive community space for LGBTQ+ individuals with lived experiences of being children in immigrant families. It’s an opportunity to connect, share stories, and explore the unique challenges of navigating generational, cultural, and queer identities. Register online here.

Movies in the Park
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
This free outdoor film series kicks off with a screening of “Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark.”  The event is made possible thanks to the City of Palm Springs, P.S. Resorts, the P.S. Chamber of Commerce, and several community sponsors.

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• “Jesus Christ Superstar” at CV Repertory starting Wednesday. ($90 after opening night)
  
• Rock the Park Concert Series: AbbaFab at Downtown Park on Wednesday.
  
• Desert X starts Saturday.
  
• Richard M. Milanovich Legacy Hike and 5K Run at Indian Canyons on Saturday. ($12) 
  
• Palm Springs Drone Fest at Palm Springs High School starting March 21. ($25)
  
• Brothers of the Desert 6th Annual Wellness Summit at the Riviera Resort on March 22. ($25 suggested donation)
  
• Palm Springs 70mm Film Fest at the Cultural Center starting March 22. ($18)
  
• Palm Springs Woman’s Club Annual Scholarship Event Dinner at Palm Springs Surf Club on March 26. ($125)
  
• Free Shredding Event at the Palm Springs Convention Center on April 5.
  
• World Art Day at Demuth Park on April 12.

Submit your event here

---

AND FINALLY …

Mary Bono, former U.S. Representative for California’s 44th District, will be honored with the 476th star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars on March 18. The ceremony recognizes her contributions in humanitarian work, entertainment, and civic leadership.

Driving the news: The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce announced Bono’s star will be unveiled at 101 North Palm Canyon Dr. at 2 p.m., with the public invited to attend.

Why it matters: Bono’s star acknowledges her significant impact on the Coachella Valley and beyond through public service, philanthropy, and civic leadership.

• Her achievements include spearheading the creation of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Mountains National Monument and securing funding for local institutions.

The big picture: Bono’s legacy extends beyond her congressional tenure, encompassing roles as a humanitarian and advocate for various causes.

• She continues to engage with audiences as the host of the podcast “Sagely Speaking with Mary Bono,” discussing pressing societal issues.