Nov. 25 Daily Briefing: Economic plan approved, free concerts returning, memorials re-dedicated, and more

Happy Tuesday, everyone! Earlier this year, we went on a hunt through Sunrise Park for a pair of memorials. One honors LGBTQ veterans who gave the ultimate sacrifice and the other honors gay rights pioneer and peace activist Morris Kight. We never found them. Turns out, that was a common problem — until yesterday. During a ceremony Monday, the city moved them both to a more prominent place — Francis Stevens Park — and performed a re-dedication ceremony. In announcing the ceremony, the city rightly noted they were “hidden gems that are largely unknown and have been underserved for decades.” That should no longer be the case.

🎶 Setting the mood: “‘Tis Autumn” by The Nat King Cole Trio

LEADING OFF

Council approves of economic development plan; housing emerges as key concern

The Palm Springs City Council unanimously approved moving forward with a new economic development strategic plan Monday aimed at diversifying the economy and creating year-round activity. Housing affordability emerged as the central concern during public testimony.

Driving the news: The 5-0 vote following a study session drew residents and business owners who praised the initiative but warned its success depends on tackling the cost of living for local workers.

• “New jobs for people who can’t afford to live here is not a win,” resident Philip Hodges told the council.

Why it matters: The plan includes 103 action items across three timelines, with $450,000 in early spending for a process audit and marketing plan development.

• Short-term actions (38 items) target completion within one to two years, while medium-term initiatives (43 items) span three to five years and long-term investments (22 items) extend five to 10 years.

Reality check: Councilmember Jeffrey Bernstein pushed back against reports suggesting Palm Springs is abandoning tourism, noting the city’s two biggest projects are the airport and convention center.

What they’re saying: Councilmember Grace Garner, who grew up in the city, said keeping young people in Palm Springs will require infrastructure improvements, better walkability and more shade — all tied to the city’s zoning code update expected early next year.

• Speaking of her experience, and that of many of her friends, Garner said, “We left because we didn’t think that there was anything for us in Palm Springs, that there weren’t any jobs, there weren’t any opportunities, and it took us a while to get ourselves back, even though we always wanted to.”

What’s next: City staff will return with a formal ordinance and implementation steps.

Dive deeper with our complete story

BRIEFLY

🎸 Rock the Park concert series returning for fifth season

• The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce is bringing back its Rock the Park series a fifth season, featuring free monthly tribute band concerts starting Dec. 3. The series will take place on the first Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. in Downtown Park.
  
• The lineup includes tributes to Bruce Springsteen, the Bee Gees, Bruno Mars, Adele, Barbra Streisand and the Doobie Brothers. Each concert is free and open to the public.
  
• Details: The series runs through May 6 of next year. Attendees are encouraged to bring blankets and chairs to enjoy the outdoor performances. For the complete lineup, including times and dates, go here.

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Yoga with Mariana
10 a.m. / 2 p.m. | Palm Springs Leisure Center
Our affordable community yoga classes are the perfect way to recharge your body, mind, and spirit for much less than the big studios. ($12)

Leads Lunch
12 p.m. | Hair of the Dog
Join the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce at Hair of the Dog. Meet fellow members and mingle. 

Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors
4 p.m. | Regional Access Project Foundation
The Desert Healthcare District Board of Directors convenes on the fourth Tuesday of each month. Take a look at their agenda here.

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)

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Wild Turkey Trot at 8 a.m. Thursday at the corner of Tahquitz and Palm Canyon.
  
• Community Thanksgiving Lunch Celebration at Christ Citadel International Church from 12 p.m. until 3 p.m. on Thursday.
  
• Holiday Lighting of the Visitor Center with Charles Phoenix at 4:30 p.m. Friday at 2901 North Palm Canyon Dr.
  
• Art in the Park in the Dark on Saturday.
  
• AIDS Memorial ceremonial groundbreaking on Dec. 1 at Downtown Park.
  
• State of the City address on Dec. 2 at the Palm Springs Convention Center.

Submit your event here

---

AND FINALLY …

🐾 Each week, The Post partners with a local animal shelter to feature one or more of the many animal companions ready for a new home in our community. 

Today, we invite you to meet the lovely Diane. This 6-year-old Chihuahua might be an older dog, but she knows some great tricks! Staff at the shelter say she’s great with new people and very loving with people she knows.

• Staff also said she’s good in the car and crate trained, so she can travel easily. 

If you’re interested, You can visit the shelter at 4575 E. Mesquite Ave. Hours are 11 a.m. until 5 p.m. on all days except for Mondays (open for intake only) and Thursdays (1 p.m. until 7 p.m.). You can always call the shelter at 760-416-5718.

• Make sure to check out all the other pets at the shelter here.