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Thursday, March 19 | ☀️ 100°/73°
Welcome to Thursday, where, in addition to heat we have to deal with, there’s also … a glut of grasshoppers? A local entomologist told KESQ this week that you're not imagining it — heavy winter rains triggered early hatching, and warm spring weather with good vegetation helped them grow quickly. The good news is that most are now adults past their most destructive feeding stage, the population has already peaked, and they'll gradually decline on their own. So if one lands on your plants, just gently show it the door!
🎶 Setting the mood: "Big Yellow Taxi" by Joni Mitchell
Leading Off
A new parking system will be installed at Palm Springs International Airport if the City Council approves the expenditure. (File photo)
Commission backs $695K parking upgrade at PSP despite some concerns
The Palm Springs Airport Commission voted Wednesday to recommend a roughly $695,000 parking system upgrade to the City Council, advancing a proposal aimed at replacing aging equipment while raising questions about cost, operations and customer impact.
Zoom in: The proposal includes a $651,918 contract for a new parking access and revenue control system and a $43,780 contract for an online reservation platform, both over five years.
Airport staff said the current parking system has reached the end of its useful life and is experiencing increasing failures, describing it as outdated and difficult to maintain.
Why it matters: Parking is one of the airport's largest revenue sources, generating about $7 million annually, and officials said modernization is needed as passenger traffic continues to grow.
What's new: The proposed system would introduce license plate recognition, mobile payment options and an online reservation system that allows travelers to prepay for parking and enter and exit more quickly.
Yes, but: Commissioners raised concerns about the financial justification for the project, noting that a clear cost-benefit analysis had not been presented.
Staff acknowledged the project is primarily a capital investment focused on improving customer experience rather than generating immediate cost savings, though some efficiencies are expected.
The other side: Questions also emerged about potential job impacts, with commissioners noting that similar systems at other airports have reduced the need for on-site cashiers.
Airport staff said no immediate job reductions are planned, though future parking management contracts could shift staffing models.
What's next: The commission voted to recommend approval to the City Council, with one dissenting vote and one abstention. If approved, installation is expected within a few months.
Briefly
Workers are seen recently at the new College of the Desert campus under construction in Palm Springs. (File photo)
🎓 COD completes framework for new Palm Springs campus
College of the Desert announced Wednesday that it has completed the structural framework of its new Palm Springs campus on 29 acres at North Farrell Drive and East Tahquitz Canyon Way, moving into interior construction ahead of a planned fall 2027 opening.
Once completed, the campus will offer workforce-focused programs in digital arts, film, media, emerging technologies including artificial intelligence and virtual reality, healthcare, architecture, sustainable design, and hospitality and culinary arts.
Zoom in: The building is being designed to meet LEED Gold certification standards and will incorporate renewable energy systems and sustainable building practices. COD currently serves more than 20,000 students across campuses in Palm Desert, Indio, Mecca/Thermal, Desert Hot Springs and Palm Springs.
A MESSAGE FROM
PALM SPRINGS CULTURAL CENTER
Feel the soul, style, and swagger of Amy Winehouse brought to life by the magnetic Mia Karter. Backed by a powerhouse 9-piece band, this electrifying tribute delivers iconic hits, lush horns, and unforgettable energy. One night only at the Palm Springs Cultural Center—where timeless music meets stunning performance. Sat, March 21 at 7PM.
📆 Featured Events
Story Time at Palm Springs Public Library
10:30 a.m. | Library at Rimrock Plaza
Children's Librarian Nancy reads stories, sings songs, and shares early learning concepts. For children newborn to age 5, each Thursday morning unless otherwise noted.
Authors Series
12 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Two local authors present their work monthly with books available for sale. An open mic follows — participants should prepare a piece readable in approximately five minutes and sign up upon arrival.
Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club
2 p.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
The Nonesuch Nonfiction Book Club, led by PSPL Librarian Sean R. Corbin, meets the third Thursday of the month September through May, 2–3:30 p.m. Contact Sean R. Corbin in advance to receive meeting info or join the email list.
Measure J Oversight Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Measure J Oversight Commission meets on the third Thursday of each month to review and make recommendations to the City Council on use of funds generated by Measure J, a 1% transactions, sales, and use tax.
Thursday Night Live Music
6 p.m. | Hyatt Palm Springs
Thursday nights at HooDoo feature handcrafted cocktails and live music with downtown Palm Springs vibes.
Palm Springs VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The weekly street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food. October through May hours are 6–10 p.m.; June through September hours are 7–10 p.m.
The Green Room
7 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
The Bent presents Jason Reale's The Green Room for two evenings only, featuring actors Billy L'Amour, Melanie Blue, Michael Pacas, and Alex Price — a darkly funny reimagining of Sartre's No Exit for the media-saturated age. ($12)
Adult Game Night
8 p.m. | Canvas
An evening of laughter, competition, and snacks. ($23)
📌 Save the Date
Bloom in the Desert annual fundraiser at Palm Canyon Theatre on Friday
17th Annual ONE-PS Picnic & Community Expo on Saturday at Ruth Hardy Park
PRIDE For the Pride Party on March 26, benefiting The Living Desert’s Lion Bridge project
Police and Fire Appreciation Luncheon on March 26 at the convention center
AmDocs Film Festival on March 26
Palm Springs Book Festival from March 27 through 29
Trans Pride 2026 on March 28 and 29 at Demuth Community Center
Palm Springs Fire Foundation’s Annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 29 at Ruth Hardy Park
Palm Springs Speaks: CeCe Moore on March 30
🚠 And Finally …
The dog park behind City Hall will be closing while it undergoes some restoration later this month. (File photo)
The dog park behind City Hall has seen a lot of action over the years. Now it's getting some much-needed R&R — and so are its four-legged regulars.
Driving the news: The space will close March 30 through May 15 for hydroseeding and major turf restoration, giving the grass a chance to grow back greener and stronger.
Two pop-up dog parks will open next week (starting Monday, March 23) to keep pups in the game: Ruth Hardy Park at 700 East Tamarisk Road and Sunrise Park at 401 South Pavilion Way.
Why it matters: The closure is temporary, but the payoff is a healthier, more resilient park that can handle all the zoomies Palm Springs pups can throw at it.
Want more details? The project will be discussed at the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on Monday at 5:30 p.m. Questions and concerns can be emailed to [email protected] or you can call 760-323-8272.
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
📚 Kendall read all the “Wolf Hall” books on her kindle, but she just had to buy physical copies because she loves them that much.
🥳 Mark is having a difficult time wrapping his head around the fact he has a 30-year-old child as of today.
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