Nov. 27 Daily Briefing: Lawsuit settlement, parks plan moves forward, our holiday guide, and more

Welcome to Wednesday, everyone! You may have noticed things have slowed a bit this week, and that will certainly apply to us. We’re taking the next two days off to be with friends and family, and hope you are as well. Note that all the regular closings will be happening tomorrow (City Hall, banks, post offices, etc.), and that local businesses would love to see you on Black Friday. Also, if your regular garbage pick-up happens on Thursday or Friday, it will be delayed a day. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

🎶 Setting the mood: “The Thanksgiving Song” by Adam Sandler

LEADING OFF

Land trust, HOA reach agreement on Prescott Preserve

After two years of legal battles, Oswit Land Trust (OLT) and Mesquite Country Club Homeowners Association have reached an agreement in principle regarding the former Mesquite Golf Course, now known as Prescott Preserve.

Driving the news: The agreement, announced in a joint statement Tuesday evening, aims to benefit both parties and the Palm Springs community, likely ending the lawsuit over the former golf course property.

• Specific details of the agreement are not yet public as mediation documents are being drafted.

Looking back: Brad Prescott purchased portions of the former golf course in July 2022, gifting the land to OLT, which intended to name the preserve in his honor. The HOA filed suit against Oswit in August 2022, seeking to either force golf course operations again or stop HOA members from having to make monthly payments for upkeep of the land. 

• Earlier this month, OLT countersued, claiming millions in damages for alleged interference with a California Wildlife Conservation Board grant and the HOA’s alleged failure to pay over $540,000 in monthly rent.

What’s next: In October, the Palm Springs City Council voted 4-0 to deny appeals against the project, allowing OLT to move forward. The resolution of the lawsuit could clear the way for grant funding to be used to see the preserve through.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

⛲ Parks Master Plan heads to council for consideration

The Palm Springs Parks and Recreation Commission has unanimously approved a comprehensive 10-year master plan aimed at enhancing and expanding the city’s outdoor spaces, with a City Council review anticipated in January.

• The new master plan, developed with significant community input, represents a departure from the plan adopted in 2014 by introducing priorities such as pickleball courts and dog parks. It also emphasizes equity, aiming for all residents to have a park within a 10-minute walk.
  
  
• Key focus areas include upgrading aging community centers, aquatic facilities, and playgrounds, as well as creating adaptable spaces for a variety of activities.
  
  
• Next steps: The City Council’s review and possible approval of the plan could come at its Jan. 23 meeting, with implementation contingent on resource allocation and council approval of specific projects.

Dive deeper with our complete story

✈️ Airport in midst of Thanksgiving rush, offers tips

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is expecting a surge of over 34,000 departing passengers this Thanksgiving week. Airport staff released travel tips and announced enhancements to ensure a smooth holiday journey for all.

• Peak travel times began Tuesday and are expected to continue today and then on Sunday, with daily averages of around 6,500 passengers. PSP advises arriving two hours early for those with checked luggage and 90 minutes for those with carry-ons.
  
  
• PSP and the TSA have introduced a seventh screening lane at the security checkpoint to boost passenger throughput during peak periods. Parking spaces may fill up quickly, with main terminal parking at $20 per day and overflow lot at $18 per day.
  
  
• Of note: New dining options are being introduced, but passengers should anticipate longer wait times or full capacity at restaurants during peak hours. Grab-and-go options remain readily available throughout the airport.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Join other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters for breakfast and conversation!

Rotary
12 p.m. | Hilton Palm Springs
One hour Luncheon gathering with weekly changing programs. See newsletter for update.

The Mod Squad Variety Show
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
You’re invited to “The happiest happy hour!” Enjoy an evening of musical hijinks and hilarity with your award-winning hosts Jeff Stewart, Francesca Amari, and Jason Stewart! ($22)

Open Mic Night
5:30 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join Joel Baker on piano and Brian Alec Thom as we sing the night away! Bring your own sheet music for Joel to play and listen to the joy of others as we gather and sing. ($10)

Desert Blues Revival
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino
Come listen to authentic Blues, Soul, R&B, and Rock from all over the globe right here in your backyard every Wednesday. ($17)

Funk Monks
7 p.m. | Cascade Lounge
Experience the electrifying fusion of soul, R&B and funk rock with this high energy band that will ignite the stage! ($18)

In-Flight Wednesday Night
7 p.m. | PS Air Bar at Bouschet
Step into a bygone era with us Wednesday nights at PS Air Bar, the airplane-themed speakeasy! Jazz standards will be soaring through the night as Tod Macofsky takes you on a flight into the smooth melodies of yesteryear.

Oye
8 p.m. | Chill Bar
Dance to the best Latin Night sets ever. Go-go’s for him and her. This is the place Latin boys meet Latin boys and Latin girls meet Latin girls every Wednesday.

Stargazing Live Music & Fresh Air
7 p.m. | Ace Hotel & Swim Club
A live, open-air and dinner series under the stars. Meet us outside under the desert sky every Wednesday for a night of auditory bliss, paired with a menu of delights from the kitchen. This week’s live performance is by Lennon X.

SAVE THE DATE

• 2024 Wild Turkey Trot in Downtown Palm Springs on Thursday.
  
  
• Martha’s Village & Kitchen’s Thanksgiving Day 5K in Palm Desert on Thursday.
  
  
• Friendsgiving at Play Lounge & Cafe on Thursday.
  
  
• WildLights at The Living Desert Zoo and Gardens starts on Friday.
  
  
• 2024 Dance with Miss Lindsay at Annenberg Theater on Saturday and Sunday.
  
  
• Mary Poppins at Palm Canyon Theatre starts on Sunday.
  
  
• World AIDS Day Celebration at Palm Springs Art Museum on Dec. 1.
  
  
• Community meeting on post-election safety concerns on Dec. 4.
  
  
• Palm Springs Gay Men’s Chorus Holiday Spectacular starts on Dec. 19.

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AND FINALLY …

From dazzling light displays to cozy movie nights and unique shopping markets, Palm Springs is set to sparkle this holiday season with events for everyone, and we’re here to help.

Driving the news: As we have in past years, we’ve compiled a long list of the biggest and brightest holiday happenings — from Santa visits to entertainment options. 

• Our annual ultimate guide to holiday events in and around the city is live here. 

Of note: While we try to do our best to include as many events as possible, we can’t possibly keep track of them all. So, if you’re hosting a holiday event and want the community to know about it, feel free to add it to our event calendar. 

• We’ll keep updating our guide with new events as we count down to New Year’s Eve.

But wait: Want to make Thanksgiving dinner plans or perhaps get in a turkey trot before you dine? Check out all our Thanksgiving listings here.