May 9 Daily Briefing: Lobby dedication, expanded hours at Demuth, photo show, and more

TGIF, everyone, where if you’re in the giving mood, we’ve got a reminder for you: Saturday marks the 33rd anniversary of the largest one-day food drive in the nation – the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, and participating could not be easier. Just leave non-perishable food donations in a bag by your mailbox tomorrow and your letter carrier will do the rest. Need more information? Turn here.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Gimme! Gimme! Gimme! (A Man After Midnight)” by ABBA

LEADING OFF

Lobby at PSHS performing arts building named in honor of family

A Palm Springs High School graduate’s donation has resulted in naming “The Coffey Lobby” at the Richards Center for the Arts. The Foundation for the Palm Springs Unified School District announced the dedication this week.

Driving the news: Nancy Coffey, who splits her time between Rancho Mirage and New York City, made the donation in honor of her family, with a formal dedication ceremony held Tuesday.

• The naming honors not only Nancy but also her sister Shelby Coffey Strong, another Palm Springs High alumna, and their late parents Arthur J. Coffey and Joan Moore.

Why it matters: The Coffey family has deep roots in Palm Springs, with Arthur being a prominent regional builder during mid-century development and Joan supporting local institutions including the Palm Springs Art Museum.

What they’re saying: “I have fond memories of the education I received here and the experiences I had, which prepared me for Stanford and life beyond. It’s a privilege to help support the success of today’s students,” Coffey said at the ceremony.

The big picture: The Richards Center for the Arts itself was named after a donation from fellow Palm Springs High alumna Rozene Supple, creating what Foundation Executive Director Ellen Goodman called “a wonderful symmetry.”

By the numbers: The Foundation funds numerous district programs including classroom grants, college mentoring, on-campus mental health wellness centers, musical instruments, and scholarships.

Who was there: Several longtime friends and fellow alumni attended, including Dr. Erik Williams, whose father designed the Richards Center building in 1958, and Steve Rosen, who shared yearbook photos with attendees.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

🖥️ Demuth Community Center hours extended, computer lab added

The city on Thursday announced extended operating hours and a new computer lab for the Demuth Community Center beginning May 19, with the center now operating Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• The newly equipped computer lab will be accessible Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with users limited to two hours per visit and required to have an annual membership.
  
• The city described the new lab as “ideal for residents looking to work, browse, print, or stay connected,” enhancing the center’s offerings alongside its existing recreational programs and fitness activities.
  
• Details: Demuth Community Center is located at 3601 East Mesquite Avenue. Residents seeking more information can call the center directly at (760) 320-6430.

🐝 City relocating bee swarm at Gateway Park

The city is managing a bee swarm at Gateway Park and has hired professional bee relocation services for a process that could take up to two weeks. Visitors are advised to exercise caution and avoid approaching the hive during this time.

• The swarm is located along the wall just north of the bocce ball courts near the intersection of East Vista Chino and North Gene Autry Trail.
  
• The relocation process is described as delicate, requiring specialists to locate the queen bee, which accounts for the extended timeline.
  
• Bottom line: Questions regarding the bee relocation can be directed to Palm Springs Parks & Recreation at 760-323-8272.

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YOUR WEEKEND

MULTIPLE DAYS

• 2025 Arthur Lyons Film Noir Festival at the Cultural Center all weekend. ($17)
  
• “Forever Plaid” at the Palm Canyon Theatre all weekend. ($21)
  
• “The Inheritance Part I” at the Cultural Center all weekend. ($42)
  
• “Marvelous Marilyn Maye” at The Purple Room Supper Club on Friday and Saturday. ($86)
  
• Desert Images at the Impell Gallery all weekend.

TODAY

• Foodie Fridays at the Cultural Center starting at 4 p.m.
  
• Lush Presents Comedy Night at Lush at 8 p.m. ($17)

SATURDAY

• USPS Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive across Palm Springs all day.
  
• Palm Springs Certified Farmer’s Market at the Cultural Center starting at 8 a.m.
  
• House Party PS: Pink Saturday 3 benefiting PS Test and Let’s Kick ASS (AIDS Survivor Syndrome) at a private home at 5 p.m. ($100)
  
• Bingo with the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence at one eleven bar at 6 p.m.
  
• Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch Palm Springs at 7 p.m. ($5)

SUNDAY

• Desert X final day across the valley.
  
• Mother’s Day Brunch + Market Sip n’ Shop at Boozehounds at 10 a.m.
  
• CommUNITY in Recovery – Sunny Dunes Clubhouse 3rd Annual Springs Gala at the Convention Center at 5 p.m. ($150)

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AND FINALLY …

Local photography meets star power in Palm Springs this weekend as images of the desert’s most notable visitors — from tennis champions to presidents — go on display for both viewing and purchase.

Driving the news: The “Desert Images” exhibition opens Saturday from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Impell Gallery at 610 South Belardo Rd., featuring photographs of newsmakers captured by local photojournalists.

• The exhibition will remain open Monday, May 12, through Friday, May 16, from 1-5 p.m. daily.

The collection: Photographs include notable faces like Serena Williams, Novak Djokovic, Donald Trump, Bernie Sanders, and Barack Obama, donated by The Desert Sun, Coachella Valley Independent, Palm Springs Life, and El Informador Del Valle, with a special contribution from celebrated photographer Michael Childers.

Why it matters: All proceeds from photograph sales will fund a Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation internship specifically focused on visual journalism, helping preserve the future of community photojournalism.

How to participate: Art enthusiasts can attend in person at the gallery or browse and purchase photographs online through the CVJF Newsmakers Photo Shop. in Palm Springs on May 21.