Nov. 5 Daily Briefing: Honoring veterans, celebrating food bank, HRC appointment, and more

Happy Wednesday, everyone. Most of you know that the city has come alive for our annual Pride week. But did you know that it takes an army of volunteers to make it happen? If you didn’t (and even if you did),  there’s still a need for you to step up as the weekend approaches and the throngs hit downtown. Got time to pitch in? Head to this website by the end of today to fill out the form!

🎶 Setting the mood: “Christmas Come Early” by Kelly Clarkson

LEADING OFF

City to honor veterans with week of events; shutdown could impact participants

Palm Springs will honor military veterans with a series of community events in the coming week under the theme “Honoring All Who Served.” However, a government shutdown may affect military participation in the city’s annual parade.

Driving the news: The main event, the 28th annual Palm Springs Veterans Day Parade, will take place next Tuesday, Nov. 11, at 3:30 p.m. downtown, traveling from Ramon Road to Alejo Road along Palm Canyon Drive

• The parade is scheduled to feature military units, marching bands and veterans’ organizations, followed by a patriotic concert by the 300th Army Reserve Band and a fireworks finale.

Yes, but: At a Main Street Palm Springs meeting Tuesday, organizers said the government shutdown is expected to affect military participation, with confirmation about military involvement expected within the next couple of days.

Why it matters: Palm Springs has been designated as a regional site for Veterans Day observance by the Veterans Day National Committee of the Department of Veterans Affairs for more than 10 years. The Palm Springs parade is among the largest in Southern California.

The schedule: The events begin Thursday evening from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at VillageFest on Palm Canyon Drive, where community members can write letters of thanks to veterans.

• Events conclude next Wednesday, Nov. 12, as veterans and active-duty military members are invited to a complimentary dinner from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Downtown Park, followed by a patriotic concert from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

Read our complete story online

BRIEFLY

🥫 Food bank to mark one year at expanded site as demand rises

• The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert is hosting an open house and food drive Friday from 4-5:30 p.m. at its Community Food Bank, 2901 East  Alejo Road, marking the one-year anniversary of the food bank’s relocation to its expanded location.
  
• Weekly distribution has increased from serving about 350 households to 500 households in recent months. The federal government shutdown and uncertainty around SNAP benefits mean demand could remain high through the holiday season.
  
• Bottom line: The food bank is seeking donations of holiday meats, canned corn and string beans, boxed mash potatoes and boxed stuffing. Attendees can tour the facility and enjoy ice cream at the anniversary event.

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Open-Play Bridge
9 a.m. | The Center
Come have some fun and enjoy playing Bridge in a casual and safe environment!

Sammy’s Circle Pet Bereavement
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sammy’s Circle is a safe place to share our grief and to share the stories of our beloved pets, both those who have recently left us, as well as those whose memories have long lingered in our hearts.

Official Unfurling of the Rainbow Flag
10 a.m. | Desert Regional Medical Center
The official launch of Pride Week starts with the annual unfurling of the Rainbow Flag from the Stergios Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center.

American Sign Language Intro Course
1 p.m. | Mizell Center
Today marks the start of a month-long American Sign Language course. This introductory class will provide participants with the opportunity to learn the fundamentals of American Sign Language. ($100)

The Last Hug
5 p.m. | Stephen Richard Baumbach Gallery
Today is the opening reception of “The Last Hug,” a powerful projection photography installation rooted in a real moment during the AIDS crisis — a nurse’s final memory of a patient’s last bath and last hug.

Cocktails & Cabaret with Francesca Amari & Jeff Lantz
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Step into the VIP Lounge for Cocktails and Cabaret, hosted by Francesca Amari and Jeff Lantz, along with special guests. ($22)

First Wednesday Art Walk 
5 p.m. – 7 p.m. | Kee Gallery at Backstreet Art District
Come and enjoy the new artwork by principal artists Kathleen Strukoff, Ernesto Ramirez and Erich Meager. One gallery, three distinctive artists!

See all events here

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Pride from Thursday through Sunday
  
• Kevin McDermott Human/Nature exhibit at Janssen Artspace on Friday
  
• Interfaith Pride Kabbalat Shabbat on Friday at 6:30 p.m.
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Saturday
  
• West Side Story in Concert benefit for Dezart Performs Nov. 13-15
  
• Palm Springs Hospitality Golf Tournament on Nov. 14
  
• Section 14 Survivors Anniversary Summit at St. Paul in the Desert Church on Nov. 15
  
• Coachella Valley Filipino Festival on Nov. 15
  
• Gregory Douglass LIVE at Revolution Stage Company on Nov. 16

Submit your event here

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AND FINALLY …

Palm Springs volunteer leader Brian O’Connor has been appointed to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation National Board of Directors, it was announced this week. He brings decades of communications expertise and local advocacy experience to the nation’s largest LGBTQ+ civil rights organization.

Driving the news: O’Connor, who currently serves as Executive Producer and Chairperson of the HRC Palm Springs Garden Party, joins four other new board members in an elevated role that will amplify the Coachella Valley’s voice in national LGBTQ+ advocacy.

His background: A senior communications professional with more than three decades of experience across hospitality, travel, entertainment and nonprofit sectors, O’Connor previously served two terms on HRC’s National Board of Governors. Since 2023, he has recruited and chaired the HRC Palm Springs Steering Committee, which serves all nine cities of the Coachella Valley.

Why it matters: O’Connor will serve as a voice for the Coachella Valley region to elected officials and senior leadership of the organization based in Washington, D.C., at a time when the LGBTQ+ community faces increasing challenges to equality.

The bigger picture: He joins the board alongside Bishop Oliver Clyde Allen III, Sue Dunlap, Nico Ramsey and Shawn Skelly as HRC continues its mission to achieve equality for LGBTQ+ Americans.

Details about the Garden Party, which takes place Saturday, can be found here.