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Friday, March 6 | ☀️ 70°/51°
Happy Friday, everyone, where it’s our duty to remind you that this Sunday it’s time to spring forward. If, like us, you're grumbling about losing an hour of sleep, you're not alone. Californians actually voted back in 2018 to give the State Legislature the power to change daylight saving time, but so far the clocks keep moving. A bill to put California on standard time year-round stalled in committee last year. So for now, go ahead and set those clocks ahead and we’ll see you bright and early after a minimum of two cups of coffee Monday morning.
🎶 Setting the mood: "Match Point” by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, “Challengers” movie score
Leading Off

A new regional health survey found nearly 44% of Coachella Valley residents say long waits for appointments are a major barrier to receiving medical care.
Survey: City residents face many similar health challenges as those seen across the valley
A comprehensive new health survey of the Coachella Valley paints a detailed picture of a region contending with rising food insecurity, high rates of chronic disease, and challenges accessing medical and mental healthcare — even as most residents maintain health insurance coverage.
Driving the news: For Palm Springs residents, many of the findings reflect trends already visible locally: an aging population, a large LGBTQ community, and a tourism-driven economy where wealth and poverty often exist side by side.
At issue: The authors of the report noted that “perhaps the most concerning finding from the 2025 survey was the dramatic uptick in food insecurity,” which has reached its highest level in over a decade.
By the numbers: Ten years ago, 9.7% of adults reported cutting the size of their meals or skipping them entirely because they lacked enough money for food. Last year, that number jumped to 25.2%, or one in four adults.
In addition: The number is higher in the senior (55 and older) demographic, with 26.4% reporting they spent less on food to prioritize basic needs.
The findings are particularly notable in a region like Palm Springs, where a large retiree population and fixed incomes can make rising costs especially difficult for older residents.
Worth noting: Though 89.3% of working-age adults currently have some form of health coverage, many residents find themselves waiting months for an appointment or struggling with inconvenient hours of operation.
The facts: Financial instability is widespread, as 28.1% of adults live at or below the federal poverty line. For 2025, the federal government defined this threshold as an annual income of $15,650 for a single person and $32,150 for a family of four.
These disparities are often less visible in cities like Palm Springs, which is widely associated with affluence and tourism but also relies on a large service workforce living throughout the valley.
Briefly

The sites of the talked about Orchid Tree hotel project (left) and Dream Hotel project (right) as they currently look. (File photos)
🏨 Council to discuss two long-stalled hotel projects at next meeting
The Palm Springs City Council will consider updates on two long-discussed hotel developments — the Dream Hotel and the proposed Orchid Tree Hotel — at its regular meeting Wednesday, March 11.
The council will vote on an amendment to the development agreement for the Dream Hotel, planned for the northwest corner of Avenida Caballeros and East Amado Road. The amendment would update the project's construction timeline and add community outreach requirements, with no change to the city's financial obligations. The council will also receive a milestone update on the Orchid Tree Hotel, a proposed 72-room project at 284 Baristo Road that includes restoration of historic structures.
Details: The Orchid Tree developer recently submitted materials meeting a key project milestone, with the next deadline requiring land-use entitlements by October. The council meeting begins at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall.
A MESSAGE FROM MODERN MEN COACHELLA VALLEY MEN’S CHORUS
This moving and visually stunning program features some of the most beautiful music ever written — from Morricone’s Gabriel’s Oboe to a radiant selection from Birds of Paradise. Thrilling new works from leading university and community choruses across the country and a rapturous male / male pas de deux accompanied by a string quartet.
📆 Your Weekend
Multiple Days
10th Annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days at Cathedral City Civic Center Plaza all weekend
Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy at Revolution Stage Company, Friday and Saturday ($58)
Destroying David at Dezart Playhouse all weekend ($57)
Palm Springs Padel Pro Am at the Parker Palm Springs, Saturday and Sunday
Palm Springs Fine Art Festival at the Palm Canyon Theatre, Saturday and Sunday
Today
Blue Zones Palm Springs Town Hall held virtually at 9 a.m.
Foodie Fridays at the Cultural Center at 5 p.m.
Paula Poundstone at the Plaza Theatre at 8 p.m. ($70)
Saturday
Little Beverly Hills Yard Sale at Little Beverly Hills at 7 a.m.
Palm Springs Certified Farmers' Market at the Cultural Center at 8 a.m.
Boys & Girls Club Rummage Sale from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 450 South Sunrise Way
Teacher Recruitment Fair at the District Service Center at 9 a.m.
Ride the New Coachella Valley Link starting at the Visitors Center at 9:30 a.m.
Fantasy Prom - Desert Sparkles Fund at the Palm Springs Surf Club at 6 p.m. ($75)
The Princess Bride: An Inconceivable Evening with Cary Elwes at the Plaza Theatre at 8 p.m. ($80)
3rd Annual Community Investment Awards at the Palm Springs Air Museum at 8:30 p.m. ($95)
Sunday
Mahjong Meetup at the Social Cafe & Play Lounge at 12 p.m.
Vicki Lawrence & Mama - A Two Woman Show at the Plaza Theatre at 3 p.m. ($70)
Blackbird at PS Underground at 6 p.m. ($169)
BROUGHT TO YOU BY
🚠 And Finally …

If you’ve ever thought about stepping up to serve your fellow citizens, now until the end of April is your time for action!
Driving the news: There are vacancies on a dozen city commissions and boards, and the city is asking for those with interest or expertise to apply.
Zoom in: Here are the boards with openings:
Administrative Appeals Board
Airport Commission
Human Rights Commission
Measure "J" Oversight Commission
Parks & Recreation Commission
Sustainability Commission
Why it matters: It’s a big commitment, with long meetings and a lot of time spent reading and considering staff reports, but it can be a fulfilling way to make a difference in your community.
The city is looking for people from all backgrounds in order to diversify the makeup of boards and commissions by introducing new viewpoints.
Who can apply: Applicants must either work, reside, or go to school within the city. Full-term appointments are for three years, and those appointed may be re-appointed for an additional full term, not to exceed seven years.
Yes but: Commissioners and board members are not paid for their services, but may receive reimbursements for travel or other expenses.
How to apply: Applications are open now and the deadline is the end of next month, April 30. Fill out the form online here.
In Case You Missed It
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🎾 Kendall FINALLY watched Luca Guadagnino’s “Challengers” and 1000% understands the hype.
🥒 Mark is still trying to catch up with all the pickleball excitement, so this big tennis tournament caught him off guard.
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