Oct. 3 Daily Briefing: No charges in parade crash, Plaza Theatre progress, West Nile virus found, and more

TGIF, everyone! Yesterday, we learned that mosquitoes collected near the intersection of South Camino Real and East La Verne Way have tested positive for West Nile virus for the first time this year, marking the eleventh detection in the valley. It appears that cooler temps and recent rain have created the perfect breeding conditions. While Coachella Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District officials ramp up their response – posting signs in the area and spraying treatments on the ground and in the air – they are also urging all residents to dump standing water around their homes weekly to help reduce mosquito populations.

🎶 Setting the mood: “Freeze Tag” by Dinner Party (feat. Phoelix)

LEADING OFF

Plaza Theatre nears December reopening with $5M tax credit deal, tech donations

The Historic Plaza Theatre in Downtown Palm Springs is on track for an early December reopening after the City Council approved a $5 million federal tax credit financing deal and the Palm Springs Plaza Theatre Foundation announced major technology donations.

Driving the news: The financing structure approved this week will create investor equity through federal historic tax credits, with approximately $2.8 million going to the city and $2 million designated for the foundation to cover operations, maintenance and leasehold payments.

Meanwhile: SACO Technologies, the company behind the Sphere technology in Las Vegas, donated a state-of-the-art video wall measuring 24.6 feet wide by 13 feet tall to be installed against the back wall of the stage.

• Fender Musical Instruments Corporation donated a backline package of high-end amplifiers, which will reduce equipment rental costs for future acts booking the theatre.

What they’re saying: “The incredible scope of these two important technology donations has significantly increased the ability of the Plaza Theatre to attract acts,” said J.R. Roberts, president of the Plaza Theatre Foundation.

What’s next: A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled Nov. 21, with performances scheduled to follow in early December.

Dive deeper with our complete story

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BRIEFLY

⚖️ Report: No charges in holiday parade crash

• The Riverside County District Attorney’s Office will not file criminal charges against Palm Springs Police Officer Ken Merenda, who crashed his motorcycle into parade attendees in December 2024, injuring at least 10 people. The DA’s office told The Desert Sun on Thursday the investigation did not show criminal conduct and the matter is being handled as a civil case.
  
• Merenda lost control of his motorcycle while providing security at the Festival of Lights Parade after accelerating rapidly and lifting the front wheel off the ground. Four officers reportedly performed the stunt without proper training or approval. Merenda remains on leave pending an Internal Affairs investigation.
  
• Bottom line: PSPD completed its administrative review in August and implemented new safety measures, including a 15 mph speed limit for police vehicles during large events and hiring a full-time special events supervisor. A legal group representing 15 victims recently told KESQ-TV that plans to pursue legal action against the city are still being considered.

YOUR WEEKEND

TODAY

• Yoga With Mariana at the Palm Springs Leisure Center at 9 a.m. ($12)
  
• Water Aerobics at the Palm Springs Swim Center at 10 a.m. 
  
• Endeavor with Jase at Demuth Park at 3 p.m.
  
• WALLSPACE October Modernism Exhibition at Janssen Artspace at 5 p.m. 
  
• Foodie Fridays at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5 p.m. 
  
• Leanna and Miguel Happy Hour & Live Music at the Hyatt Palm Springs Atrium at 6 p.m.
  
• “Do You Remember?” screening with Clive Davis, Barry Manilow at the Annenberg Theater at 6:30 p.m. ($75)
  
• PSHS football at La Quinta at 7 p.m.

SATURDAY

• Free shredding event on at the convention center from 8 a.m. until 12 p.m.
  
• Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Cultural Center at 8 a.m.
  
• Cars & Coffee at Porsche Palm Springs at 8 a.m.
  
• Blue Zones Project Well-Being Festival at Desert Healthcare Park at 10 a.m. 
  
• Book launch: Tu-Tu and the Lizard’s Great Escape by local author Charlie Ervin in Palm Desert at 2 p.m.
  
• Kimberly Cofer Music Video Premiere & Live Show at the Camelot Theatres at 6 p.m. ($38)
  
• Country Western Dancing at Step by Step starting at 7 p.m. ($5)

SUNDAY

• Palm Springs Vintage Market begins its new season at Agua Caliente Casino in Palm Springs at 7 a.m. (early entry) and 8 a.m. (regular entry) ($5-$10)
  
• Mahjong Meetup at the Social Cafe & Play Lounge at 12 p.m.
  
• The Judy Show! At The Purple Room at 5 p.m. ($40)

AND FINALLY …

The Blue Zones Project Palm Springs is bringing its Well-Being Festival to Wellness Park this Saturday offering residents a free morning of music, movement, plant-based food, and family activities from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

What’s happening: More than two dozen local organizations, restaurants, and businesses will participate in the event, which kicks off with an introduction from Mayor Pro Tem Naomi Soto.

The highlights: Festival-goers can enjoy a live set from DJ Mod Girl, yoga sessions with Urban Yoga, and sample plant-based dishes from local favorites like Bread and Flours and Chef Tanya’s Kitchen, and shop at a free pop-up farmers market featuring fresh produce from Aziz Farms.

• Children can participate in activities including friendship bracelet making, rock painting, giant games, and a bounce house.

Details: The event takes place at Desert Healthcare (Wellness) Park, 904 North Via Miraleste. The first 100 pre-registered guests (register here) receive free water bottles, and attendees can enter to win a spa and restaurant giveaway