Oct. 31 Daily Briefing: State of the City, Pride flag unfurled, PSIFF award, and more

Happy Halloween, everyone! Judging by the number of events today and the past few days (and by the decorations one of us sees in his neighborhood), we’re guessing that Halloween is the city’s favorite holiday. And when Halloween lands at the same time as Pride, it’s a match made in party heaven. We hope all you ghosts and goblins who are celebrating get your fill of candy and then work it off on the dance floors of The Arenas District, taking a stroll through VillageFest tonight, or both!

🎶 Setting the mood: “The Monster Mash” by Bobby “Boris” Pickett

LEADING OFF

Mayor touts economic growth, future projects in State of the City

Palm Springs Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein delivered an optimistic State of the City address Wednesday evening, highlighting the city’s economic growth and ambitious future plans, including a major airport expansion and a vibrant downtown project.

Driving the news: Bernstein’s address at the Palm Springs Art Museum focused on the city’s strong economic performance, with significant gains in tax revenues and several major projects underway. 

• He spoke about plans for a $2.2 billion expansion of Palm Springs International Airport and a vision to transform the area around the convention center into a shaded, walkable downtown district.

By the numbers: The mayor cited a 30 to 40% increase in economic indicators compared to pre-pandemic levels, showcasing the city’s resilience and growth potential.

• “Our great recession never really happened,” Bernstein told the audience. ““If you look at the numbers compared to 2019, pre-Covid, we are 30 to 40% ahead.”

Major projects: Among the developments he highlighted were the recently-opened Thompson Hotel, a planned $405 million College of the Desert campus, and a navigation center built to address homelessness. 

• Bernstein also emphasized the importance of the arts and culture sector to the city’s economic and social fabric.

Future vision: Bernstein outlined a vision for Palm Springs that includes creating a more connected and vibrant downtown area, enhancing the city’s convention center, and leveraging the arts as a key economic driver. He expressed optimism about ongoing projects like the Plaza Theatre restoration and the Dream Hotel.

• One project he highlighted will aim to bridge the gap from the city’s convention center to Downtown and Uptown with shaded, walkable corridors and commercial activity.

Dive deeper with our complete story

---

BRIEFLY

🎬 ‘Emilia Pérez’ to receive Vanguard Award at PSIFF

The Palm Springs International Film Awards will honor the film “Emilia Pérez” with the Vanguard Award, recognizing the collective achievements of its cast and director Jacques Audiard. 

• Festival chairman Nachhattar Singh Chandi praised the film as one of the year’s greatest cinematic achievements, led by visionary director Audiard and its outstanding performances. stars Karla Sofia Gascón, Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Edgar Ramírez.
  
  
• The film is described by Netflix as an odyssey of four women in Mexico, with the plot revolving around a cartel leader’s quest for authenticity and freedom. 
  
  
• Looking ahead: The award ceremony is scheduled for Jan. 3, 2025, at the Palm Springs Convention Center, marking the start of the annual film festival that runs from Jan. 2 through 13. 

🫶 $4.5 Million donation will assist pair of city organizations

Two Palm Springs organizations will be among the beneficiaries of A $4.5 million donation from the estate of Jane Lykken Hoff, it was announced this week.

• Hoff, a Palm Springs philanthropist, passed away at 103 in December. The donation made to The Inland Empire Community Foundation is the largest in its history.
  
  
• The funds will be distributed among the College of the Desert Foundation, Palm Springs Historical Society, Palm Springs Public Library Foundation, and PBS SoCal. 
  
  
• What they’re saying: “Jane believed in the power of community,” Katherine and Greg Hough, executors of Hoff’s estate, said in a statement. “This gift ensures that her passion for giving back will continue to inspire future generations.”

---

TODAY’S FEATURED EVENTS

Pickleball Lessons
7:30 a.m. | Demuth Park
Sign up for a month’s worth of pickleball lessons or drop in to check availability. Beginners and advanced beginners start at 7:30 a.m.; Intermediate and up at 9 a.m. ($25-$115)

Animal Vaccine Clinic
9:30 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Low-cost vaccines available to the public every Thursday by appointment. Call 760-416-5718 to schedule an appointment.

Halloween on Arenas 2024
4 p.m. | Arenas District
Get ready for the ultimate Halloween celebration with headliners Thelma Houston and Thea Austin, live performances, and a costume contest. General admission is free with a suggested donation.

Día de la Reina Featuring Neon Trees
5 p.m. | Arenas District Pride Stage
Neon Trees will headline the Arenas District Pride Week opening event, Día de la Reina. This is a free block party celebration featuring live music and entertainment.

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museum
Join us for a vibrant evening at the museum, with free admission from 5 to 8 p.m. Explore galleries and exhibitions and enjoy a DJ in the sculpture garden.

VillageFest Halloween
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
Join us for a spooky good time at the annual Halloween night at VillageFest in Downtown Palm Springs. Participate in the costume contest and enjoy games, candy, and prizes in a festive environment.

La Cage Aux Folles
7 p.m. | Palm Canyon Theatre
A glitzy musical set in a Saint-Tropez drag nightclub, filled with farcical adventures and vibrant performances. ($17 – $38)

“Witch Please!” Halloween Comedy Cabaret
7 p.m. | Dietl Art Gallery
Join the trio for a Halloween comedy and music show featuring hilarious Halloween parody songs and chilling dance moves. ($30)

SAVE THE DATE

• Greater Palm Springs Pride through Sunday.
  
  
• Bow Wow Ball Friday at Boozehounds.
  
  
• La Cage Aux Folles at Palm Canyon Theatre starting Thursday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Pride 5K Run & Walk on Saturday.
  
  
• Desert Film Society Screenings starting Saturday.
  
  
• Deep Pit BBQ at Los Compadres Stables on Saturday.
  
  
• Palm Springs Food & Wine Festival on Nov. 9 and 10.
  
  
• Desert Air on Nov. 15 and 16.
  
  
• Kewet Native American Learning Day and Market on Nov. 16.

---

AND FINALLY …

The rainbow flag was unfurled from the Sturgis Tower at Desert Regional Medical Center on Wednesday, signaling the official start of Pride Weekend in Palm Springs. 

Driving the news: The ceremony attended by public officials and community leaders was a chance to highlight the city’s commitment to fostering an inclusive environment for all residents and visitors. 

• The flag unfurling tradition began in 2015, and was initiated by a hospital employee. 

What they’re saying: Mayor Jeffrey Bernstein presented a proclamation at the event, stating, “We unfurl the rainbow flag with great pride and commitment to the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ rights, equality and dignity.”

• The proclamation highlighted this year’s Pride theme, “Be You,” which embodies the spirit of self-acceptance, authenticity, and individuality.

Looking ahead: Palm Springs Pride President Ron deHarte noted that the weather could be a highlight of a weekend full of festivities. “I think this is going to be the nicest weather we’ve had for a Pride weekend in Palm Springs for a long, long, long time,” he said.

Details: For a complete list of Pride events, check out the extensive coverage from Gay Desert Guide here.

• To watch Sunday’s parade, which kicks off at 10 a.m. downtown, check out the live broadcast from PromoHomoTV on YouTube here.