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Thursday, March 5 | ☀️ 72°/49°

Happy Thursday, everyone! Tonight marks a milestone worth celebrating — VillageFest turns 34, and Downtown Palm Springs is throwing a party from 6–9 p.m. with live music on the big stage, free cupcakes (while they last), and all the food, shopping, and community spirit that you’ve come to expect at a community event that’s become a tradition for many from both near and far. Best of all, it's completely free and family-friendly.

🎶 Setting the mood: "Stateside" by Pink Pantheress (Click the link to watch Olympic Gold Medalist Alysa Liu skate along to the song!)

Palm Springs saw measurable improvements in recycling and composting compliance across most of the city in 2025, but one unnamed neighborhood recorded a contamination rate exceeding 50% in a fall waste evaluation, the city’s Sustainability Commission Subcommittee on Waste Reduction was told this week.

Driving the news: Liz Hernandez of Palm Springs Disposal Services presented audit results showing year-over-year gains in all three property categories — commercial, multi-family and residential — when comparing 2024 figures to 2025.

By the numbers: Palm Springs saw measurable gains in recycling and composting compliance across commercial, multi-family and residential properties in 2025, but one unnamed neighborhood recorded a contamination rate exceeding 50% during a fall waste evaluation.

At issue: Separate waste evaluations conducted in the fall — used for educational rather than regulatory purposes — revealed one neighborhood with contamination above 50%.

What's next: Subcommittee members debated when the city should shift from education toward formal enforcement, though Hernandez said the current approach emphasizes collaboration over penalties.

Worth noting: The city and Palm Springs Disposal Services offer eligible residents 15% off annual waste pickup costs. Applicants must meet California Alternative Rates for Energy income criteria and subscribe to the Basic Curbside Service.

MARCH 6 | I Confess (1953)
Starring Montgomery Clift and Anne Baxter

Experience Hitchcock’s restrained, morally charged suspense on the big screen at the Historic Camelot Theatre. In Quebec City, a priest bound by confession becomes a murder suspect in this haunting psychological drama. Come early for hot pizza, food trucks, and live music at Foodie Fridays (5PM), then enjoy a 6PM pre-show, 7PM screening + Q&A with historian Richard L. Edwards. Limited Hitchcock Retrospective shirts available for purchase.

Yoga with Mariana
10 a.m. | Leisure Center
The Leisure Center is offering low-cost yoga classes perfect for those looking to recharge their body, mind, and spirit. ($10)

Lesbian and Queer Women's Chat
10:30 a.m. | Virtual
Queer women shine when we have spaces to connect, share, and simply be ourselves. It's easy to feel alone sometimes, but being in community reminds us that we're stronger together. This chat group is a welcoming place to find friendship, laughter, support, and understanding among people who truly get it.

Los Estudiantes
1:15 p.m. | Mizell Center
Join the Mizell Center for their regularly scheduled Spanish language speaking and study sessions. ($5)

Art Museum Free Admission
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Art Museums 
From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., enjoy free admission to galleries and exhibitions, and explore the collections at both museums at your own pace.

Public Arts Commission
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Commissioners will hear several updates on ongoing projects, including “The Art of Taming Horses,” “Artscape in the Parks,” and “Beautiful Shade,” according to the agenda.

Edgar Allen Poe Speakeasy
6 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
The Edgar Allan Poe Speakeasy returns to Palm Springs for a haunting sequel that delves even deeper into the macabre. ($55)

VillageFest
6 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs  
The street fair features art, entertainment, shopping, and food, and tonight celebrates its 34th anniversary!

Destroying David
7 p.m. | Dezart Playhouse
A meditative, witty, and heartfelt journey through the history of one of the world’s greatest sculptures — and through the inner world of someone struggling with loss, love, and what it means to preserve what we hold dear. ($57)

Palm Springs banned gas-powered leaf blowers back in July 2017, but apparently the memo didn't reach everyone. Two members of the city's Sustainability Commission say the machines are still a common sight — and sound — around town.

Driving the news: The commissioners recently shared commentary with The Post and other local media reminding residents that the ban is still on the books, and that homeowners are responsible for making sure landscapers working on their property comply.

Looking back: The original ban came after residents raised concerns about the noise and pollution produced by gas-powered blowers.

The money: Rebate programs exist to help landscapers make the switch to electric equipment. The South Coast Air Quality Management District offers rebates of up to $1,400 for an electric blower and additional batteries, while Palm Springs' Office of Sustainability offers rebates of up to $750.

What residents can do: The commissioners encouraged residents to remind their gardeners about the ban and the available rebates, and to let landscapers recharge electric batteries on site when needed.

Recently published stories

🎾 Kendall forgot she was on the tennis team freshman year until she saw it in the yearbook. It’s safe to say she was not a starter.

🐶 Mark noticed a bit too late yesterday that the bacon flavored “pup cup” whipped cream he purchased from the dairy case at Target said “Not For Human Consumption.” He then bit the Amazon delivery person.

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