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Monday, March 30 | ☀️ 86°/64°
Happy Monday, Palm Springs, where we have a couple quick notes as your week begins: First off, a reminder that the dog park behind City Hall is now closed for rehabilitation of the grass (pop-up dog parks are in place at Sunrise and Ruth Hardy parks); secondly, crews are starting to demolish the eastern span of the bridge south of East Sunny Dunes Road along South Palm Canyon Drive. The demolition is expected to last about four weeks (more information is available here). Have a great week!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Got To Be Mine" by Vulfmon & Evangeline
Leading Off
This off Ridge Road was approved for Class 1 designation last week, leading to a discussion about tax breaks for some historic properties in the city.
Property tax break program detailed following latest Class 1 approval
The Palm Springs City Council approved Class 1 Historic Site designation for a 1930s estate once owned by Hollywood director Edmond Goulding last week, triggering a broader discussion about the cost of the city's Mills Act historic preservation tax program.
Driving the news: The property at 1752 Ridge Rd. was purchased by Lucien Wolff, who said he bought it knowing it needed significant restoration. Historic Preservation Officer Sarah Yoon said the estate met historic criteria related to early residential development, architectural styles, its association with Palm Springs' early LGBTQ community, and the significance of its original owner.
A representative from the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation noted that actress Greta Garbo stayed at the home the night the Plaza Theatre opened.
Why it matters: The Mills Act program provides a property tax rebate to owners of designated historic properties who commit to using the savings for maintenance or restoration.
Following a council question after the vote, Planning Director Chris Hadwin explained the program's costs.
By the numbers: The city has 524 historic properties eligible for a Mills Act contract, of which 177 already have contracts and 14 are in the application process, he said. The city processes roughly 12 applications per year.
Rebates generally range from 40 to 70% of a property's tax bill, Hadwin said. Across the roughly 12 contracts granted annually, that translates to a reduction in the city's property tax base of approximately $20,000 to $35,000 per year.
What's next: City staff plan to return to the council with a broader discussion about the historic preservation ordinance as part of an upcoming zoning code update.
Briefly
Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto presented David Hyams his Senior Inspiration Award at an event on Friday.
🏅 Palm Springs resident David Hyams honored for conservation volunteerism
David Hyams, a resident of the Little Beverly Hills neighborhood, was named the city's recipient of a Riverside County Senior Inspiration Award on Friday — selected for his volunteer work with Oswit Land Trust and the Palm Springs Preservation Foundation.
The program, now in its 34th year, recognizes volunteers age 60 and older across the Coachella Valley. Hyams was one of 11 honorees recognized at the event, which brings together the county and valley cities each year to celebrate community volunteers.
Zoom in: Hyams donated his $1,000 recipient grant to Coachella Valley Volunteers In Medicine, the only free healthcare center serving medically underserved adult residents in the valley, with offices in Indio and Palm Springs.
A MESSAGE FROM
DAP HEALTH
Well-baby visits are essential checkups that support your child’s healthy growth from the very beginning. These routine appointments help pediatricians monitor development, provide preventive care, answer parents’ questions, and offer guidance on everything from feeding to immunizations — ensuring babies get the strongest possible start in life.
📆 Featured Events
Pre-Shredding Drop-Off
9 a.m. | City Hall
The City of Palm Springs is accepting pre-shredding document drop-offs ahead of the April 4 Free Shredding Event. Drop off accepted materials inside City Hall through April 2.
Fire Station No. 1 Modernization Open House #2
4 p.m. | 277 North Indian Canyon Drive
Join Fire Chief Paul Alvarado and the Palm Springs Fire Department to learn about early planning for modernizing Fire Station No. 1. Tour the facility, ask questions, share feedback, and enjoy complimentary pizza and beverages.
HangingOUT! - Men's Monday Coffee
4:30 p.m. | The Social Cafe & Lounge
Drop in for coffee, chat, and chew — no RSVPs needed. Arrive by 4:45 p.m. if you'd like to join the group for dinner afterward.
Mon Petit Salon
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
An evening of live music featuring Mon Petit Mojave, the award-winning ensemble from the high desert. ($22)
Monday Night Dance Party with Leanna and Miguel
5 p.m. | V Wine Lounge & Martini Bar
It's Monday — where the locals come to dance. Enjoy jazz, Latin, pop, disco, covers, and more with Leanna and Miguel. ($5)
Tramview Heights Specific Plan Community Workshop
5:30 p.m. | James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center
City staff will review proposed updates and discuss changes shaped by ongoing community involvement.
Paul Motondo: You Can take The Boy Out of Brooklyn ...
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
A musical salute to the people, places, sights, and sounds of Brooklyn, spotlighting the music of Neil Sedaka, Neil Diamond, and Barry Manilow. ($35)
Palm Springs Speaks: CeCe Moore
7:30 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre
An evening with genetic genealogist CeCe Moore, who has helped solve more than 350 cold cases and serves as the DNA expert on PBS's Finding Your Roots.
📌 Save the Date
Easter Egg Hunt at James O. Jessie Desert Unity Center on Friday
American Moor / Newish Shakespeare Festival at Revolution Stage Company on Friday
Free Shredding Event at the Convention Center Saturday starting at 8 a.m.
New York Philharmonic at The Plaza Theatre Saturday
Glen Wexler: Everywhere & Nowhere exhibit at Janssen Artspace on Saturday
Easter Sunrise at O'Donnell Golf Club Sunday at 6:15 a.m.
World Art Day Festival on April 11 in Downtown Park
🚠 And Finally …
A Palm Springs icon is getting her star — literally. The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will honor film producer, director and community leader Kim Waltrip with the 487th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars, in the categories of Humanitarian and Entertainment.
The dedication: The public ceremony takes place Friday (April 3), at 2 p.m. at 275 South Palm Canyon Drive in Downtown Palm Springs.
Who she is: Waltrip's film credits include The Disappearance of Eleanor Rigby, Hit & Run, Adopt a Sailor, 7 Days to Vegas, An Evergreen Christmas and the documentary Diahann Carroll: The Lady, The Music, The Legend.
Her community roots run deep — she has been committed to Palm Springs since 1987, contributing to the city's cultural and civic life through her professional work and involvement with organizations including Olive Crest Homes for Abused Children, Tour de Palm Springs and the American Cancer Society's Desert Spirit Gala.
Her honors include the Desert Visionary Award, Entrepreneur of the Year by Palm Springs Life, Congressional Recognition for Service to the Community, the Women of Distinction Award and the Angel of the Year Award from Olive Crest.
Zoom in: For more information about the program, contact [email protected] or call the Chamber at 760-325-1577.
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