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Welcome to Monday, the day after the Super Bowl, which we agree should be a national holiday. While you might have slept during the game yesterday (Mark definitely did not) and don’t need any additional rest today, you will probably want to save some energy for the upcoming first weekend of Modernism Week. The annual event starts Thursday and runs for 11 days — including two weekends — and features hundreds of tours, programs and events. We kick things off today with a tribute to the one and only queen of Modernism, Nelda Linsk, and will have much more later this week.
🎶 Setting the mood: "Free Yourself" by Jessie Ware
Leading Off
Nelda Linsk pauses outside Koffi Central last week. She’ll be honored at several Modernism Week events in Palm Springs in the coming days.
Modernism Week crowns its queen: Nelda Linsk named 'First Lady'
The woman at the center of one of the most famous photographs in mid-century modern history is being celebrated with a new title. Modernism Week is honoring Nelda Linsk — the subject of Slim Aarons' iconic "Poolside Gossip" — as its First Lady.
Driving the news: The celebration begins Thursday with a rededication of Linsk's star on the Palm Springs Walk of the Stars, originally dedicated in 2018, which will be re-engraved to include her new title.
On Feb. 19, "This Is Your Life, Nelda Linsk!" will give audiences a look at never-before-seen archives and photos.
The backstory: Linsk arrived in Palm Springs from New York in 1962 and soon purchased the Richard Neutra-designed Kaufmann House, which had fallen into neglect. She said the moment she walked through the gate and saw the stone wall and loggia, she told her husband, "Joe, this is our house."
She commissioned designer Arthur Elrod to restore the interiors, with his signature yellow becoming a vibrant throughline — from poolside umbrellas to silk-covered chaises — creating the vivid backdrop for Aarons' photograph.
Why it matters: In January 1970, Aarons captured "Poolside Gossip" at the home, featuring Linsk and friend Helen Kaptur. The image perfectly merges architecture, natural beauty, fashion, and lifestyle, and has become one of the most recognizable photographs of mid-century modernism in the world.
The big picture: Beyond the photograph, Linsk helped establish Desert Regional Medical Center, still sits on the board of the Barbara Sinatra Children's Center, and has sold some of the desert's most iconic homes, including properties once owned by the Fords and Frank Sinatra.
Briefly
Palm Springs City Hall (File photo)
🏛️ What to watch for this week at City Hall
Palm Springs City Hall will host a series of public meetings today through Wednesday covering transportation planning, housing development, human rights issues and economic policy.
The week begins today at 1 p.m. with the Active Transportation Subcommittee discussing the CV Link Community Connectors project and the city's 2021 Pedestrian Plan. The Human Rights Commission then meets tonight at 5 p.m. to hear from Martha's Village and Kitchen leaders. The Planning Commission convenes Tuesday at 5:30 p.m. for a public hearing on extending approvals for a mixed-use development on East Sunny Dunes Road.
Wrapping it up: The City Council meets Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. to reintroduce an ordinance restructuring the Hotel Operations Incentive Program with a tiered system tying tax rebates to investment levels per room, offering larger incentives for higher-cost renovations while strengthening enforcement for delinquent properties.
🚨 Missing Palm Springs man found safe
A 24-year-old Palm Springs man who was reported missing by police on Sunday afternoon has been located and is unharmed, police announced late Sunday evening.
Authorities alerted the community at approximately 3:45 p.m. Sunday that the man had last been seen last in the 1900 block of North Palm Canyon Drive Friday evening.
Bottom line: Police reported at roughly 11:30 p.m. last night that the man, who is autistic, has Asperger's and schizophrenia, had returned safely to his home.
A MESSAGE FROM DAP HEALTH
It’s never too early to teach youngsters the importance of good oral hygiene, which includes regular flossing, brushing, and checkups. At DAP Health, we take care of kids and adults at dental clinics in six cities.
📆 Featured Events
California Winter League Baseball
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Stadium
The California Winter League ramps up to the playoff games at the end of this week, playing daily through Feb. 15. ($10)
HangingOUT! - Men’s Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | Social Cafe & Play Lounge
Join the group for coffee, chat, and chew! No RSVPs necessary.
Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge and Martini Bar
Join Leanna and Miguel for a night of dancing to jazz, Latin, pop, disco, and more. ($5)
Human Rights Commission
5 p.m. | City Hall
The Human Rights commissioners gather for their regular meeting tonight at City Hall and online via Zoom.
PSUSD AAPAC
6 p.m. | PSUSD District Headquarters
The African American Parent Advisory Council, an important partner in the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD) and the Riverside County African American Achievement Initiative, holds its regular meeting at district headquarters.
📌 Save the Date
Palm Springs Speaks with Cheech Marin on Tuesday
Coffee with Mark and Kendall to celebrate The Post's anniversary on Thursday from 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Koffi Central
Modernism Week from Thursday through Feb. 22 throughout the city
Palm Springs Modernism Show on Saturday and Sunday at the convention center
Woven Together: Karma Vision Art Exhibition on Saturday
Palm Springs International Jazz Festival from Feb. 19-22
Fantasy Prom hosted by Desert Sparkles Fund on March 7
🚠 And Finally …
The crowd at an earlier Intersect Palm Springs. (Photo: Intersect Palm Springs/Ashley Loth)
While Modernism Week captures much of the design spotlight this month, another art event is bringing its own compelling lineup to the Palm Springs Convention Center starting this week.
Driving the news: Intersect Palm Springs Art + Design Fair returns Thursday through next Monday with a packed schedule of panel discussions featuring artists, collectors and curators exploring everything from abstract art history to celebrity culture.
The programming: Highlights include art historian Sharrissa Iqbal leading "Fields of Vision: Abstract Art in Southern California" on Friday at 2 p.m., alongside a special exhibition she curated, and a conversation between photographer Lawrence Schiller and Steven Biller examining "Marilyn and America in the 60's" on Sunday at 3 p.m.
Other discussions will explore technology's influence on contemporary art, modernist makers who redefined sculpture, and creativity as a catalyst for social change.
Why it matters: The fair positions itself as more than just a showcase for art — it's designed to foster meaningful dialogue about the ideas shaping today's cultural landscape.
The details: The fair opens with a VIP preview Thursday from 4-6 p.m., followed by general admission from 6-8 p.m. Regular hours run 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Friday through Sunday, and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday (Feb. 16).
All panels are open to ticket holders, with advance RSVP encouraged due to limited seating. Tickets are available at IntersectFairs.com.
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🥱 Kendall used to look forward to Super Bowl commercials, but now it seems like every single one is just boring cast reunions from classic movies or TV shows. Where’s the creativity?!
🏆🏈 Mark doesn’t remember any of the commercials or the halftime show from yesterday. He was too busy worrying whether the Seahawks would ever find the end zone. Turns out, defense really does win championships. GO HAWKS!
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