Oct. 21 Daily Briefing: Latest on Palm Canyon Theatre, teammates mourn, police benefit, and more

Welcome to Monday, everyone, where we’ve definitely got a case of the Mondays. Last week, we reported that the city’s Airport Commission was leaning toward recommending that a new rental car facility be constructed north of the terminal, but it actually voted unanimously to make that the official recommendation to the City Council. The final say is far from over, so stay tuned for public hearings and other chances to weigh in.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Some Days There Just Ain’t No Fish” by Roy Hamilton

LEADING OFF

Veteran manager hired at Plaza Theatre as work continues

While The Palm Springs Plaza Theatre continues on track to reopen in late fall 2025, the organization hired to run the facility, Oak View Group (OVG), has announced a key hire.

Driving the news: John Bolton, an industry veteran with numerous accolades, has been appointed as the new senior vice president and general manager of the historic venue.

• “We could not be more thrilled about John’s selection,” said J.R. Roberts, president of the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation. “John is deeply committed to ensuring that the Plaza Theatre will be an important cultural venue for the entire Coachella Valley.”

Zoom in: The restoration of the city-owned venue, which began in April, has been progressing smoothly, according to the foundation.

• Recently completed work includes essential structural repairs, installation of a state-of-the-art HVAC system, and successful asbestos abatement.

Funding needs: While significant progress has been made, the project still requires approximately $10 million in additional funding to complete the restoration and cover startup expenses.

• Those interested in contributing to the effort can visit the foundation website here.

Dive deeper with our complete story online

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IN OTHER NEWS

💔 Teammates are remembering a 19-year-old baseball player who came to Palm Springs to pursue his dream but lost his life in a motorcycle vs. vehicle collision earlier this month. [Desert Sun] 

🏳️‍🌈 Desert Air music festival and Palm Springs Pride organizers announced a partnership last week that would allow more performances from LGBTQ+ artists at the annual celebration. [MyNewsLA]

🏈 Palm Springs High School’s varsity football team’s record fell to 3-5 after a 35-20 loss to Xavier Prep Friday evening. [KESQ]

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TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Alzheimer’s/Dementia Caregiver Support Group
3 p.m. | Mizell Senior Center
Our weekly support group offers a safe, confidential, supportive environment for individuals caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s Disease or Dementia.

CalComMen’s Monday Coffee
5 p.m. | Play Lounge & Cafe
Join us for coffee, chat & chew! Drop in…no RSVPs. Play Lounge & cafe has a drink and snack Happy Hour menu! See old friends, make new ones.

Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Cultural Center
Come on up and enjoy an evening of live music from the award-winning team from the high desert: Mon Petit Mojave. ($20)

Architectural Review Committee
5:30 p.m. | Palm Springs City Hall
The Architectural Review Committee typically holds regular meetings at 5:30 pm on the first and third Monday of each month to review and make recommendations to the Planning Commission, City Council and city staff.

PALS Circle
6 p.m. | Zoom
PALS (Planning Ahead for LGBTQ+ Seniors) Circle is an informal weekly Zoom drop-in for connection and support. Reach out to the organizer at billymoss.pals@gmail.com for Zoom instructions.

Fabulous Bingo
7 p.m. | Kings Highway at Ace Hotel
Enjoy a night of fabulous bingo hosted by Bella Da Ball.

SAVE THE DATE

• Palm Springs Speaks with Donna Brazile on Tuesday.
  
  
• Durk Dehner in conversation with Jamison Rockmore at Mizell Center on Wednesday.
  
  
• Modernism Week October from Thursday through Sunday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Leather Pride from Thursday through Sunday.
  
  
• DAP Health Equity Walk on Saturday.
  
  
• Be A Hero for Kids Halloween Bash on Sunday.
  
  
• Halloween Palm Springs on Sunday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Nov. 2.
  
  
• Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival on Nov. 9 and 10.

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AND FINALLY …

Heads up that tomorrow, Tuesday, Oct. 22, Desert Hand Car Wash is partnering with the Palm Springs Police Officers Association to hold a special fundraising event.

Driving the news: From 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., teams of Palm Springs police officers will hand-dry all cars that come through the car wash. Half of the day’s revenue will be donated to the Police Officers Association to support fallen first responders and community members with special needs.

• No reservations are needed to participate and KGAY will be doing a live broadcast from the car wash from 10 a.m. until Noon

Background: Desert Hand Car Wash has been a Palm Springs fixture since 1947. Current owner Bob Smiland, who purchased the business in 2022, has focused on supporting his employees with higher pay, a college fund, and other benefits.

Why it matters: The event provides an opportunity for the police to engage directly with the community while raising funds for important causes. It also helps the Police Officers Association raise funds for critical operations