BROUGHT TO YOU BY
We are grateful for our advertisers. Become one today
Friday, July 10 | ☀️ 108°/81°
TGIF, everyone! As summer kicks into gear and more people hit the streets on e-bikes, Riverside University Health System is sounding the alarm on a sharp rise in youth injuries and even a few fatalities tied to e-bike accidents across the county. Emergency room visits for e-bike incidents jumped from 224 in 2023 to 958 in 2025, with at least 416 already reported this year. With visits among 10- to 24-year-olds more than doubling in just the last year, health officials are urging riders (and their parents) to slow down, gear up and brush up on the rules of the road before their next ride.
🎶 Setting the mood: "School" by Madonna
Leading Off
A crew works to clear brush in a hillside section of the city in May of 2025. (File photo)
Wildfire prep work lands city on state's fire-safe list
Palm Springs has been named a 2026 Fire Risk Reduction Community by the California Board of Forestry and Fire Protection, a designation that could help the city land wildfire mitigation grants and improve insurance availability for residents.
Driving the news: The City Council accepted the designation Wednesday as part of its consent calendar. It's the first time Palm Springs has received the recognition.
The list, according to a city staff report, recognizes local jurisdictions that have taken meaningful steps to reduce wildfire risk and improve community preparedness.
How it happened: The city was evaluated on its vegetation management requirements, defensible space initiatives, public outreach and education campaigns, fuel reduction projects on city-owned property, and wildfire prevention measures that exceed minimum state requirements, the report said.
Why it matters: The staff report said the designation may strengthen the city's competitiveness for state and federal wildfire mitigation grants and support future funding for fuel reduction and preparedness projects.
It could also support improved insurance availability and affordability, though the report cautioned the city cannot guarantee insurance outcomes.
What they're saying: "While this marks the first time Palm Springs has received this designation, our work is far from over," Fire Chief Paul Alvarado said in a written statement. "We will continue to invest in proactive programs that help protect our residents, businesses, and visitors."
Councilmember Grace Garner highlighted the achievement during the meeting and thanked the fire department, calling the recognition "really, really positive."
What's next: City staff said they plan to build on the designation by pursuing additional wildfire mitigation projects and expanding community education and outreach programs.
In Other News
Fire crews stage along Tramway Road while working to extinguish a vegetation fire. (Photo: PSFD)
🔥 Palm Springs firefighters extinguished a vegetation fire burning within an encampment along Tramway Road near State Route 111 on Wednesday evening, with one adult sustaining minor burns to the hands and arms. [PSFD on Facebook]
🪭 Oscar’s restaurant and bar is facing closure once again. Its owner is blaming the situation on a dispute with the company operating the neighboring Plaza Theatre. Officials there refuted the accusations. [The Desert Sun 💰]
⚖️ A key witness and defendant in the 2008 murder of Palm Springs art dealer Clifford Lambert, has been released on parole after more than 17 years in prison. [KESQ]
💰 = Paywalled
A MESSAGE FROM
THE CENTER
The LGBTQ+ community needs supportive behavioral health services that acknowledge their unique experience and affirm their strength. The Center’s behavioral health clinic provides therapy services on an income-based sliding scale along with no-cost and low-cost group support options on topics like bereavement, codependency, and transgender experiences.
📆 Your Weekend
Multiple Days
Palm Springs Scavenger Hunt: Palm Springs Art & Infamy at 221 South Palm Canyon Drive all weekend ($15)
Psychic / Healing Arts Fair at Crystal Fantasy all weekend
Today
Foodie Fridays at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 5 p.m.
Billy L'Amour and the Love Notes at Agua Caliente Casino at 7 p.m. ($22–$52)
Forbidden Broadway at The Plaza Theatre at 7 p.m. ($36-$73)
Stephen Cha Comedy Show at The Rock Gallery at 8 p.m. ($13)
Angel y Khriz at Reforma at 9 p.m. ($40)
Saturday
Indoor Palm Springs Certified Farmers' Market at Palm Springs Pavilion at 8 a.m.
Desert Film Society: 'Guru' Screening at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 10 a.m. ($15)
P-40 Warhawk Open Cockpit at Palm Springs Air Museum at 10 a.m. ($5)
Microdosing Psychedelics at Mizell Center at 1 p.m.
'Grease' Screening at The Plaza Theatre at 3 p.m. ($20)
Palm Springs Food Truck Festival at Sunrise Park at 6 p.m.
LGBTQ+ Country Western Dancing at Dance Ranch PS at 7 p.m. ($5)
Saul Trujillo Comedy Show at The Rock Gallery at 7 p.m. ($23)
Comedy Night at Hotel Zoso at Hotel Zoso at 9 p.m. ($10–$18)
Too $hort at Reforma ($45)
Sunday
From Struggle to Strength at the Buddhist Center at 10 a.m. ($15)
Mah Jongg at Market Market at 12 p.m.
Iced Tea Dance at Toucans Tiki Lounge at 1 p.m.
Musical Matinees: 'The King and I' Screening at Palm Springs Cultural Center at 3 p.m. ($14)
Elton John Tribute at Agua Caliente Casino at 5 p.m. (From $18)
🚠 And Finally …
The Wienermobile in the Wo-Zha-Wa Festival parade in Wisconsin in 2023. (Shutterstock/Aaron of L.A. Photography)
It's the wurst-kept secret in town: the Wienermobile is rolling in, and we're not mustard-ing up the courage to miss it.
Driving the news: The Oscar Mayer Wienermobile — 27 feet of pure hot dog glory — rolls into Palm Springs Stadium tonight for the Power's game against the Inland Valley Legends.
The famous frank on wheels will be relishing the spotlight from the moment gates open at 6 p.m. through the final out at 1901 East Baristo Rd.
Why it matters: This is a bun-a-fide once-in-a-lifetime photo op for families, foodies, and baseball fans alike.
What's on the menu: The stadium is ketchup-ing up with two limited-edition Oscar Mayer POWER Hotdogs — the American Classic, topped with ketchup and crunchy chips, and the Summer BBQ, topped with barbecue sauce and crushed barbecue chips. Both are a snap.
Worth noting: Wienermobile staff will be on-site handing out giveaways, including the vehicle's world-famous whistles, so fans can toot their own horn.
The bottom line: First pitch is at 7 p.m., but don't dawdle — or you'll spend the weekend trying to ketchup on all the fun. Tickets are available at the stadium box office starting on gameday.
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
📰 Kendall enjoyed meeting so many new people from across the country at this year’s Association of Alternative Newsmedia (AAN) conference that happened right here in Palm Springs!
🧊 Mark is wondering if he should put ice in the hummingbird food so it doesn’t boil in these temps.
WORK WITH US
Our network of publications has nearly 50,000 email subscribers and we send 125,000 newsletters each week! That gives advertisers unmatched reach to engaged local readers across the Coachella Valley. Click the button below to learn more or receive our rate card.
EXPLORE & SUBSCRIBE
We deliver free news to communities throughout the Coachella Valley and a roundup on Saturdays. Click below to subscribe to our other newsletters!
Proudly produced in District 1. Typos are intentional.