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Wednesday, April 15 | ☀️ 84°/59°
Good morning and Happy (?) Tax Day! Palm Springs is in the running for the Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Readers' Choice Awards, and your vote could help put the city on top. Voting is open now through June 30 — and as a bonus, Palm Springs International Airport and several local businesses are also up for recognition, plus you could win a dream getaway. Want to cast your ballot? Click here.
🎶 Setting the mood: "L’enfer" by Stromae
Leading Off
Local orgs to mark Lesbian Visibility Week with events
Three Coachella Valley LGBTQ+ organizations have partnered to present a week of cultural and social events celebrating Lesbian Visibility Week, running next week, April 20–26.
Driving the news: The LGBTQ Community Center of the Desert, the LGBTQ History & Archives of the Desert, and Greater Palm Springs Pride are co-presenting the week-long program, which is inspired by The Curve Foundation's and includes a film screening, wine tasting, social gatherings, and a library exhibit.
Kicking things off: Palm Springs Mayor Naomi Soto will open the week with a flag raising ceremony at noon on Monday (April 20) at The Center, 1301 North Palm Canyon Dr., where she will deliver an official proclamation recognizing Lesbian Visibility Week in Palm Springs.
The lineup:
The Welwood Murray Memorial Library, 100 South Palm Canyon Dr., debuts "Trailblazing Lesbians of the Coachella Valley" on April 21, honoring local community figures.
A film screening night begins at 6:30 p.m. April 22 at the Palm Springs Cultural Center, 2300 East Baristo Rd., featuring a short documentary and a program by Deserted Films. Tickets are $10.
A wine tasting social runs 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. April 23 at Palm Springs Bottle Shop, 383 North Indian Canyon Dr.
The week closes April 25–26 with the Lez Go Meet Up during the Big Gay BBQ at Hunters on Arenas.
What they're saying: Organizers say all events are intended to affirm the stories and advocacy of lesbians, sapphic and queer women, and non-binary people who identify with the community.
More info: A full schedule is available here.
Briefly
The 2024 Community Service Awards sit ready to be handed out at City Council Chambers. (File photo)
🏆 HRC prepares to launch revised community service awards
The Palm Springs Human Rights Commission is revamping its Community Service Awards program, with an application period set to open in May and a ceremony planned for Nov. 4.
The commission reviewed an updated website and nomination portal at its Monday meeting. Nominees must be described in up to two paragraphs covering their service activities, specific impacts and why they deserve recognition. An ad hoc subcommittee will review applications the week of June 1, with a report to the full commission at its June 8 meeting.
Details: The Nov. 4 ceremony date was chosen to coincide with the National Day of Community Service. The commission also plans to display mock-ups of award plaques at a future meeting so members can select a final design.
📆 Featured Events
Local Government Vendor Fair
8:30 a.m. | Convention Center
Free vendor fair connecting local businesses with Coachella Valley government agencies, special districts, and utility companies. Attendees learn about registration, bidding, and contracting opportunities. A prize raffle will also be held. Registration required.
Morning Coffee Book Club
10:30 a.m. | Welwood Murray Memorial Library
Monthly book club led by PSPL librarian Scott Biegen, meeting the third Wednesday of the month from 10:30 a.m.–noon in the Cornelia White Community Room. Coffee and muffins provided by Aspen Mills. Contact Scott via this link to join the email list.
Backgammon Club
3 p.m. | Market Market
Weekly open backgammon play session. Two boards and sets available on-site; bring your own for busier sessions.
Live Music Wednesdays
4 p.m. | The Social Cafe & Lounge
Weekly live music series featuring a rotating roster of artists. Coffee, cocktails, and cuisine available throughout the evening.
Palm Springs Airport Commission
4 p.m. | Palm Springs Airport
Monthly public commission meeting held in the airport conference room, central lobby mezzanine level. Airport parking validated for all attendees.
Lesbian & Queer Women's Social
5:30 p.m. | Alice B Palm Springs
Monthly social for lesbians and queer women at Gertie's Salon & Bar. An inclusive space for socializing, dancing, and community connection.
Administrative Appeals Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
Meeting to hear appeals on actions taken by city administrative officers under the Municipal Code.
The Poetry of Protest
6 p.m. | Mizell Center
Four accomplished local poets present readings on the theme "The Revolution Will Not be Televised," drawing from original works and protest poetry by Langston Hughes, Maya Angelou, Amiri Baraka, and others.
Catherine O'Hara: Waiting for Guffman
6:30 p.m. | Palm Springs Cultural Center
Big-screen tribute to comedy icon Catherine O'Hara. Schitt's Creek screens at 6:30 p.m., followed by Christopher Guest's mockumentary Waiting for Guffman at 7 p.m. ($12)
Dreamers: Songs of Hope
7 p.m. | Agua Caliente Casino
Coachella Acappella Women's Chorus presents its spring show celebrating hope through musical theater, film, the Great American Songbook, and barbershop favorites. Features quartet Party of 4, folk trio Three Together, and emcee Bernard Priceman. ($18–$45)
Gregory Douglass
7 p.m. | The Velvet Rope
Intimate solo performance by singer-songwriter Gregory Douglass. ($25)
Confessions of an Aging Juvenile
7 p.m. | Revolution Stage Company
World-renowned director Robert Johanson celebrates his Diamond Jubilee with stories, music, and theatrical memories spanning 75 years and more than 300 productions. ($35)
📌 Save the Date
Palm Springs Parks Foundation listening session Friday at Mizell Center
2026 Spring Gala Fundraiser starring Sierra Boggess on Saturday at the Palm Springs Cultural Center
Modern Men presents: Sing Out! from Friday through Sunday at the Plaza Theatre
Palm Springs Speaks: Jennie Garth on April 21 at Plaza Theatre
Dining Out For Life on Thursday, April 23 at multiple area restaurants, bars and coffee shops
Barbra: The Birthday Concert on April 24 at the Annenberg Theater at Palm Springs Art Museum
Palm Springs Gay Men's Chorus: Rhinestones & Rainbows from April 24 through 26 the Plaza Theatre
🚠 And Finally …
If you were already planning to grab coffee, lunch, dinner or drinks next Thursday, you might as well make it count. Dining Out For Life Greater Palm Springs returns April 23, with restaurants, cafés, bars, and bakeries across the Coachella Valley donating a portion of their sales to support HIV care and other essential health services provided by DAP Health.
Driving the news: The annual fundraising event is presented on behalf of DAP Health by Desert Care Network, with the Greater Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce and the Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce serving as community partners.
In 2025, 65 establishments participated, raising nearly $240,000 from more than 20,000 diners.
Why it matters: Funds raised support HIV specialty care, free HIV testing, prevention services like PrEP, mental health services, dental care, and housing and transportation assistance — helping ensure community members can access care regardless of insurance status.
How it works: Participating restaurants pledge between 33% and 100% of their day's sales to DAP Health. Diners pay nothing extra — just choose a participating spot and eat.
Details: Dining Out For Life takes place all day and evening on Thursday, April 23. Complete information is available at the link below:
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In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
💔 Kendall needs all the love, thoughts, and prayers for her sweet dog Zelda who is quite sick.
🙏 Mark has never met Zelda but knows how much joy she brings to Kendall’s life, so is thinking good thoughts for her, Kendall, and all of Kendall’s family.
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