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Wednesday, April 1 | ☀️ 78°/56°
Welcome to Wednesday, where we're not fooling around — because, let's be honest, April Fools' Day just isn't what it used to be. Between internet-era skepticism, misinformation fatigue, and brands trying way too hard, the day has lost a lot of its charm. That said, a small, clever, clearly playful prank can still make somebody’s day. Need some ideas? This article might be of use.
🎶 Setting the mood: “Won’t Get Fooled Again”by The Who
Leading Off
This aerial view shows the area now being considered under the Tramview Heights Specific Plan. (Image: Google Earth)
Northern Palm Springs redevelopment plan heading toward a vote
A long-awaited blueprint for developing roughly 510 acres in northern Palm Springs moved a step closer to reality Monday, as city officials and residents gathered to review a draft plan that could reshape the area over the next two decades.
Driving the news: The latest draft Tramview Heights Specific Plan — a custom zoning framework covering land use, development standards and design guidelines — was discussed at a community meeting at the James O. Jessie Desert Highland Unity Center.
Where it is: The plan area is bounded by Highway 111 to the west, Indian Canyon Drive to the east, a flood control levee to the north and San Rafael Drive to the south, and is divided into 10 planning areas.
Why it matters: The effort replaces the failed College Park Specific Plan, which had been tied to a College of the Desert campus on land the city gave the college in 2010 that was never built, leaving behind a roughly 120-acre vacant parcel and a community without promised economic benefits.
"The north area has been neglected. It's time to step up," said Don Soja, a nearly 20-year resident of the area.
Yes, but: Councilmember Grace Garner said the effort, which she has pushed at City Hall, is meant to give the community more control over how the area is developed.
“This is the project that I asked the council to do,” she said. “I wanted to give the community an opportunity to really take control of how we develop this area.”
What's in the plan: Officials are calling for a mix of housing types — including multi-family, senior and affordable units — along with small-scale neighborhood retail, new crosswalks, traffic calming, protected bike lanes and a possible landscaped multi-use trail along a drainage corridor.
The timeline: The plan is expected to go before the Planning Commission within 30 to 45 days, followed by City Council review approximately 30 days later.
If and when it’s adopted, a community task force of residents, business owners, city staff and elected officials would be established to guide implementation — though funding remains a challenge, with the plan relying heavily on grants and public programs.
Briefly
The LGBTQ+ Center of the Desert and Hanson House in Palm Springs are two of the five organizations receiving grants.
🏥 Desert Healthcare District approves $3.5 million in grants
The Desert Healthcare District & Foundation Board approved more than $3.5 million in grants at its March 24 meeting, with a pair of Palm Springs-based organizations among the five receiving funding to expand primary care, behavioral health services, and healthcare workforce training.
The largest award — nearly $3 million over three years beginning July 1 — went to Innercare to develop a teaching health center program aimed at training physician residents locally. Other recipients include Palm Springs-based Hanson House and the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, followed by the Galilee Center, and Jewish Family Service of the Desert.
Details: The board also overhauled its nonprofit sponsorship program, introducing two annual application deadlines. Organizations requesting $5,000 or more must apply by May 31 for events between July and December this year, or by Nov. 30 for events between January and June 2027. Annual sponsorship awards are capped at $25,000 per organization.
🎞️ Cultural Center announces lineup for this year’s 70mm film fest
The big screen is about to get a whole lot bigger. The Palm Springs 70mm Fest is returning May 29 through 31 to the Historic Camelot Theatre at the Palm Springs Cultural Center — and if you've never seen a film in 70mm, this might be the year to find out what you've been missing.
This year’s lineup features “2001: A Space Odyssey," "Boogie Nights," "Lawrence of Arabia," "West Side Story" (1961), and "The Searchers." Opening night will feature a new 70mm print of Steven Spielberg's “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” (Director's Cut).
Why it matters: Only a few dozen theaters in the United States can show 70mm film, which is widely considered the gold standard of cinema presentation. Tickets are now on sale online, with early bird pricing available through May 8. A limited number of all-access festival passes are also available.
A MESSAGE FROM
MIZELL CENTER
Indulge in a glamorous Friday night of American and Chinese Mah Jong. Enjoy cocktails and delectable appetizers, all while supporting Mizell’s programs including Meals on Wheels. Raise a glass, shuffle the tiles and make Mah Jong Soiree a standout evening for a great cause.
Email [email protected] or reserve your spot!
📆 Featured Events
Coffee and Conversation with Pastor James Harris
9 a.m. | Koffi Central
Pastor James invites you to join him for coffee and conversation every Wednesday morning from 9 a.m. to Noon.
Sammy's Circle Pet Bereavement
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sammy's Circle is a safe, welcoming space to share grief and stories of beloved pets — for the public, shelter staff, and volunteers alike. It meets the first Wednesday of the month. Contact [email protected] for more information.
2026 Winter-Spring Drop-In Activities
11 a.m. | Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
Group tours take place at 11 a.m. on a first-come basis with space limited. Drop in between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. for group tours, hands-on object observation, and gallery activities. Included with museum admission.
Backgammon Club
3 p.m. | Market Market
Come play backgammon with others each week at Market Market. Two mats and sets are available, but feel free to bring your own.
Cinema Diverse BIG Gay Movie: Accidental Friends
4 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
The story of two boys — one gay and the other a bit homophobic — who find themselves living together. ($10.48)
Live Music Wednesdays
4 p.m. | The Social Cafe & Lounge
Live music every Wednesday with a rotating artist — the perfect blend of coffee, cocktails, cuisine, and community.
Backstreet ArtWalk
5 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
The best and largest open studio event in Palm Springs.
Cocktails & Cabaret with Francesca Amari & Jeff Lantz
5 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Step into the VIP Lounge for an evening of mod pop, yacht rock, Broadway show tunes, classic Rat Pack gems, and interactive fun. ($20)
OutBook Book Club
6 p.m. | The Center
OutBook meets the first Wednesday of the month at the LGBTQ+ Community Center of the Desert, with selections highlighting new LGBTQ+ releases and influential classics.
Catherine O'Hara: Simply the Best — After Hours
6:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
A big-screen tribute celebrating the career of comedy icon Catherine O'Hara, featuring a Schitt's Creek screening at 6:30 p.m. followed by Martin Scorsese's darkly comic odyssey of a surreal night in downtown Manhattan at 7 p.m. ($12)
Gregory Douglass
7 p.m. | The Velvet Rope
For fans of George Michael, Peter Gabriel, and Tori Amos, Gregory delivers an intimate evening of honest, soul-stirring original music. Seating is limited; grab tickets in advance. ($25)
Rock the Park: Song Bird
7 p.m. | Downtown Park
Song Bird is a moving tribute to the legendary Barbra Streisand, honoring her unparalleled voice and timeless songs. Bring your blankets and chairs for an evening under the desert stars; free and open to all.
Ron Pass on Piano
7 p.m. | one eleven bar
Named Best of Coachella Valley and Best Local Musician 2025, Ron Pass performs live piano every Wednesday, 7–9 p.m., with crowd-pleasing favorites and themed shows that keep every visit fresh.
A Cabbello Presents: Broadway Lights the Way!
7 p.m. | Cascade Lounge
Join A Cabbello, the desert's premier men's vocal ensemble, for a celebration of musical theatre's power to reflect love, justice, and belonging. Doors open at 6 p.m.; show starts promptly at 7 p.m.
Billy Porter
7:30 p.m. | The Plaza Theatre
Originally scheduled for Dec. 4, 2025. Previously purchased tickets will be honored for the new date.
📌 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
🍿 Kendall thinks she might have to just move into the Palm Springs Cultural Center during the 70mm film fest because she doesn’t want to miss a single movie!
🐱 Mark learned yesterday that many readers have been in trouble with their cats for offering up pâté instead of shreds. Now he’s wondering why they make pâté at all!
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