Nov. 2 Daily Briefing: Flag unfurling kicks off Pride celebration, an update on library renovations, and more

Happy Thursday, everyone! Are you ready to go wild in Palm Springs? You’ll want to check out The Sustainable and Wild program, funded in part by the city, which aims to raise awareness about the desert ecosystem and inspire residents to take action. The first of more than 20 events between now and next April takes place on Nov. 9 — an 8 a.m. bird watching walk at Prescott Preserve. With lectures, films, workshops, and volunteer opportunities, there should be something for everyone to do. Need more information? Visit this website for a schedule of events.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Where’d All The Time Go?” by Dr. Dog

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LEADING OFF

Pride has arrived. Here are some highlights

The largest free Pride festival south of San Francisco kicked off yesterday with a giant rainbow flag unfurling, and the rest of the week is packed with parties, parades, and more. Here’s a rundown of some of the biggest events.

Today

Palm Springs Latin Pride Fiesta

From 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the Arenas District will be the city’s inaugural Latin Pride, Fiesta ¡Orgullo! Featuring local band, Giselle Woo & the Night Owls and DJs playing a mix of Latin hits.

One Night Love Affair

This poolside pride party starts at 6 p.m. at the Saguaro. Featuring an all-vinyl disco set from Jake B, disco, drag, and other performers, ticket sales from the One Night Love Affair will be donated to the LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert. ($20)

Friday

Arenas District Pride Weekend Kickoff

From 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. KGAY and White Party Global Stage host an outdoor party marking the start of the busy weekend at the Arenas District. In addition to the outdoor dance floor, attendees will also find food trucks and outdoor beverage lounges. Arenas district will be packed with parties and outdoor activities all weekend!

LGBTQ Servicemember Wreath Laying Ceremony

Local veterans’ organizations host this ceremony to honor LGBTQ servicemembers at 6 p.m. at the Pride Festival’s Hornitos main stage on Palm Canyon Drive.

Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat

People of all faiths are invited to United Methodist Church of Palm Springs at 6:30 p.m. for a pluralistic prayer service with a core of Jewish liturgy led by members of the local clergy.

Saturday

Palm Springs Pride 5k Run and Walk

Join Palm Springs Front Runners and Walkers at 8 a.m. for this 3.1-mile run (or walk) through Old Las Palmas. Proceeds will benefit the LGBT Community Center of the Desert and the Transgender Health & Wellness Center. A portion of registration fees help keep the Pride parade and festival free. Be sure to register online here before the race. 

Sunday

Greater Palm Springs Pride Parade

Pride Week’s signature event, the Pride Parade, starts at 10 a.m. and runs on Palm Canyon Drive between Tachevah Drive and East Amado Road. Thousands of attendees will line to the streets to cheer on the floats and groups supporting pride. After, make your way to the Pride Festival just down the street from East Amado Road to West Baristo Road.

This is, of course, not an exhaustive list of the many, many events happening in and around Palm Springs. Check out the official Palm Springs Pride event calendar online here for more information on pool parties, theater, drag performances, and more. 

BRIEFLY

📚 Library director: Renovation plans are on track

The Palm Springs Library Board of Trustees received an update on the status of the long-awaited renovation to the nearly 50-year-old library during its Wednesday evening meeting, with Library Director Jeannie Kays noting that the month of October was about all about data gathering.

• Last month, Group 4 Architecture, the firm handling the renovation, met with more than 130 locals at an open house to learn more about what residents want from their library.
  
  
• In addition, the library has received nearly 600 responses to its community survey. The survey closed today, so results should be available soon.
  
  
• Kays said this month will be spent getting into “nitty gritty” details of cost estimates. She also said the renovation will likely be in a phased approach.
  
  
• The library received a $6.5 million grant from the state for specific renovations like new doors, windows, water lines, and air filtration, and those must be completed by March 2026.
  
  
• Bottom line: Kays said cost estimates should be ready for the Palm Springs City Council to review sometime in January.

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TODAY’S EVENTS

Sustainability Subcommittee on Waste and Recycling
2:30 p.m. | In-person and online
This regularly scheduled meeting will cover several topics, including an update on the city’s participation in the state’s green waste program. Check out the rest of the agenda here.

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. The Palm Springs Art Museum also has free admission tonight starting at 5 p.m.

West Coast Swing
6:30 p.m. | Billy Reed’s
Enjoy a night of dancing and drinks at Billy Reed’s every Thursday starting tonight. ($5 suggested donation)

Machine Dreams: “The Matrix”
7 p.m. | Cultural Center
The Cultural Center continues its cinematic voyage into the world of artificial intelligence with 1999’s “The Matrix.” This game-changing movie of the cyberpunk age, directed by two trans women, is filled with iconic fight scenes and monologues. Don’t you want to see Neo dodge that bullet in slow-motion on the big screen?

SAVE THE DATE

• Agua Caliente Cultural Center opening on Friday.
  
  
• Native American Learning Day & Market on Saturday at PSHS.  
  
  
• Pickleball community meeting on Nov. 8.
  
  
• Veterans Day Drive-Thru Appreciation Lunch on Nov. 10.
  
  
• Veterans Day Parade on Nov. 11.
  
  
• ONE-PS Lip Sync Battle on Nov. 12

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AND FINALLY …

With much fanfare and a little encouragement, a giant rainbow flag symbolizing the start of Palm Springs Pride was unfurled Wednesday morning on the west side of the Stergios Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center.

Why it matters: “It’s more than just dropping a flag from a building,” said Palm Springs Pride President Ron deHarte before the unfurling. “It’s a symbol that tells people who visit Palm Springs that they’re welcome here.”

Driving the news: Pride events, including music, parties, and more throughout downtown, get underway on today, with a Latin Pride event in the Arenas District starting at 5 p.m. They conclude Sunday with a parade down Palm Canyon Drive, beginning at 10 a.m.

But wait: Also on Wednesday, crews began hoisting more than 30 rainbow flags at city properties, including City Hall and the police and fire departments. It’s believed to be the first time any municipality has displayed the flags on all buildings. 

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