Sept. 12 Daily Briefing: Pride book fest, journalism honors, fire department ceremony, and more

TGIF, folks, where we’d like to give huge shoutout to the latest local journalists who will be inducted into the Coachella Valley Journalism Foundation Hall of Fame next February: Jimmy Boegle, publisher of the Coachella Valley Independent; Larry Bohannan, The Desert Sun’s veteran golf writer; Lina Robles, longtime co-host of the radio show El Show del Greñas; and Ric and Rozene Supple (posthumously), pioneering radio station owners and philanthropists. We’d especially like to thank the foundation for recognizing the importance of independent media by honoring Boegle, who has been a true friend, mentor, and supporter of The Post from Day 1. Learn more about the Hall of Fame (and the honorees) here. 

🎶 Setting the mood: “Dancing On My Own” by Robyn

LEADING OFF

Palm Springs LGBTQ+ book festival returns with ‘Glee’ star headlining

The Palm Springs Public Library Foundation will host its fourth annual Pride on the Page Book Festival on Nov. 1 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center. Chris Colfer, best known for playing Kurt Hummel on “Glee,” will headline the evening fundraiser discussing his latest book.

Driving the news: The festival features a free daytime program from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. requiring registration, followed by a ticketed evening event with Colfer from 7 to 9 p.m. This year’s format emphasizes smaller, more intimate conversations with no more than four authors on stage at any time.

• Six panels of LGBTQ+ and affirming authors will discuss topics including novel conversations, oral histories across the gender spectrum, new queer fiction, personal stories and poems, and publishing advice.

The big picture: “Each year this festival grows in popularity,” said Corey Roskin, author coordinator for the festival and Palm Springs Public Library Foundation board member. “Our community appreciates events like this, showcasing a wide variety of literary viewpoints, it’s part of what makes Palm Springs special.”

By the numbers: Evening fundraiser tickets cost $40 plus fees and include a copy of Colfer’s book “Roswell Johnson Saves the Galaxy,” which he will autograph following the talk.

• Colfer has won a Golden Globe and received Emmy and SAG Award nominations for his television work, and has authored 20 books including the No. 1 New York Times bestselling series “The Land of Stories.”

What’s next: The foundation aims to provide long-term financial support to the library as renovation work continues, with programs like Pride on the Page contributing to community cultural enrichment.

Dive deeper with our full story

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BRIEFLY

🏢 City kicks off $125.5 million convention center modernization

• Palm Springs is issuing requests for qualifications to select contractors for a $125.5 million convention center modernization project that will renovate and expand the facility while improving downtown pedestrian connections.
  
• The city has lost an estimated 77 conventions due to outdated technology and amenities at the facility, which opened in 1984 and was expanded in 2005, Mayor Ron deHarte said during Tuesday’s City Council meeting. The three-stage project includes interior renovations, expansion of the eastern entrance for large-scale events, and a master plan update with neighborhood improvements.
  
• Details: The city expects to award architect and owner’s representative contracts in November, with work beginning in January and completion targeted for 2030. Funding will come from multiple sources, including a potential citywide Tourism Infrastructure District and existing Measure J and Measure A financing tools.

Dive deeper with our full story

🚨 Two arrested in grocery store assault

• Two men were arrested Thursday in connection with an assault that occurred Sept. 1 at a grocery store in the 400 block of South Sunrise Road, police reported via social media. 
  
• Police said the victim was approached by suspects who initiated a physical assault around 11 p.m., causing him to fall to the ground where they continued to kick and stomp on him. The victim was dragged several feet through the store during the attack and left motionless when the suspects fled the scene. He suffered serious injuries.
  
• Details: The arrested suspects, ages 24 and 21, face multiple charges including assault with a deadly weapon, kidnapping and gang membership. They are scheduled to appear in court Sept. 15. The investigation remains ongoing and police encourage anyone with information to contact them at 760-323-8157 or Crime Stoppers at 760-347-7867.

YOUR WEEKEND

TODAY

• Healthy Desert Healthy You Environmental Summit at the Westin Mission Hills at 8 a.m.
  
• Fri-daze Poolside DJ at Ace Hotel & Swim Club at 12 p.m. 
  
• Creative Writing Series starts today at the Mizell Center at 2 p.m. ($125)
  
• Endeavor with Jase at Demuth Park at 3 p.m.
  
• Friday Happy Hour With Leanna and Miguel at the Hyatt Palm Springs Atrium at 5 p.m.
  
• NIC & DESI: Broadway to Hollywood at The Purple Room at 6 p.m. ($45)
  
• Julius Caesar at the Camelot Theatre at 7 p.m. ($12)

SATURDAY

• Blue Zones Project Tobacco Waste Clean-Up at Demuth Park at 6:30 a.m.
  
• Indoor Palm Springs Certified Farmers’ Market at the Palm Springs Pavilion at 8 a.m.
  
• Halisa screening at the Camelot Theatre at 10 a.m. ($15)
  
• Modern Men Chorus Audition at United Methodist Church at 11 a.m.
  
• Amy Armstrong at The Social Cafe and Play Lounge at 6 p.m. ($23)
  
• Debby Holiday’s Tina Turner Tribute at The Purple Room at 6 p.m. ($50)
  
• Country Western Dancing at Step By Step starting at 7 p.m. ($5)
  
• Rocky Horror Picture Show at Festival Theaters starting at 7 p.m. ($9-$13)

SUNDAY

• R&B With Love at Reforma Palm Springs at 11 a.m. ($13)
  
• Lost Horizon at the Camelot Theatre at 3 p.m. ($14)
  
• The Judy Show! At The Purple Room at 5 p.m. ($40)

AND FINALLY …

Twenty-four years after the September 11 attacks, Palm Springs firefighters gathered Thursday morning at Station 2 to ensure the sacrifices of that day are never forgotten. The annual memorial ceremony drew first responders and community members together for a solemn tribute that honored both the victims and the heroes who responded.

Driving the news: The ceremony included a moment of silence at exactly 8:46 a.m. — marking the precise time American Airlines Flight 11 struck the North Tower of the World Trade Center in 2001.

• It also featured special guests, including Julius Pontecorvo, a veteran of the New York Fire Department, who offered reflections and performed taps. His daughter, local recording artist Marisa Corvo, also contributed a musical tribute.

The significance: Fire Chief Paul Alvarado reminded attendees that 343 firefighters made the ultimate sacrifice that day, embodying the principle that “when others run out, we run in.”

Why it matters: The memorial served as both remembrance and reflection for current first responders, who continue to face similar dangers in their daily service to the community. As Chief Alvarado noted, September 11 “showed us the worst of humanity, but also brought out the best in us.”