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Wednesday, March 4 | ☀️ 81°/53°
Welcome to Wednesday and to National Snack Day! If you’re like us — and like 20% of other adults — you probably routinely replace a meal with a snack. And if your snack of choice is movie popcorn, you should scroll to the bottom of today’s newsletter to find details of a special series where the popcorn will be flowing freely. Fun fact: The term "snack" derives from the Middle Dutch word snacken, meaning "to eat." 🍿
🎶 Setting the mood: "Los Ageless" by St. Vincent
Leading Off
The First Church of Christ Scientist along Riverside Drive.
Dezart Performs closer to historic designation for Frey-designed church
The Palm Springs Historic Site Preservation Board on Tuesday approved a request to grant the First Church of Christ Scientist its highest historic designation, clearing the way for theater company Dezart Performs to adapt the modernist landmark into its new home.
Driving the news: The board voted to designate the church at 605 South Riverside Drive as a Class 1 historic site, a designation that requires any future requests to alter or demolish the structure to be evaluated under the city's historic preservation ordinance.
Why it matters: Class 1 is the city's highest designation level and requires a finding that a building meets at least one of five criteria showing "exceptional historic significance." The church met two — reflecting a particular period of local history and the work of a master architect.
City staff described the church as an "excellent example of midcentury modern design" by modernist architect Albert Frey, whose character-defining features include a shed roof over the auditorium, a flat roof over the foyer and boardroom, and sandblasted terracotta-colored concrete blocks.
One board member called the theater company's plans "serendipitous," saying the building "couldn't find a better steward."
Looking back: The first service in the church was held on March 17, 1957. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2016. Dezart Performs purchased the church in December 2024 and held its debut show at the venue last November.
A complete nomination application, prepared by Peter Moruzzi of the Palm Springs Modern Committee, can be viewed in this staff report.
What's next: The Palm Springs City Council will consider the historic designation for final approval at a later date.
Briefly
⭐ Hollywood manager Robinson to receive next sidewalk star
Dolores Robinson, credited as the first Black female personal manager in film and television, will receive the 485th star on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars on March 13, at 1 p.m. at 849 North Palm Canyon Drive.
The Palm Springs Chamber of Commerce will present Robinson with a star in the Entertainment category. Her client roster included Martin Sheen, Wesley Snipes, Pierce Brosnan, Mark Wahlberg, Jada Pinkett Smith, Mariska Hargitay, and Holly Robinson Peete.
Zoom in: Robinson executive produced two television series and partnered with the late Blake Edwards to form Blake Edwards Entertainment. She has remained active locally, serving on the board of Pegasus, a horse ranch serving children with disabilities and autism, and as a keynote speaker at College of the Desert.
A MESSAGE FROM MIZELL CENTER
Join us at Mizell Center on Wednesday, March 11 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Meet 25+ Mizell Business Partners representing insurance, healthcare, home care, housing, and community support services. Discover trusted local resources for seniors, caregivers, and community members, with knowledgeable experts available to answer your questions.
📆 Featured Events
Sunshine Sisters Breakfast
8 a.m. | Rick’s Restaurant
Start the day with other Palm Springs Sunshine Sisters with breakfast and conversation.
Coffee and Conversation
9 a.m. | Koffi Central
Pastor James with Bloom in the Desert Ministries invites Bloomers and friends to join him at the Kaptur Plaza Koffi.
Sammy's Circle Pet Bereavement
10 a.m. | Palm Springs Animal Shelter
Sammy's Circle is a safe place to share our grief and to share the stories of our beloved pets, both those who have recently left us, as well as those whose memories have long lingered in our hearts.
Simply Meditate
12 p.m. | Buddhist Center
Meditation is a powerful tool for living a happy and meaningful life. Learn the basics of meditation, including how to integrate meditation into your everyday activities. ($5)
Chinese Mah Jong Open Play
2 p.m. | Mizell Center
Practice your skills and play with others. This is a FREE library program; you do not have to be a member of Mizell Center to attend.
Oscar Wilde About America
4 p.m. | Cultural Center
“Oscar Wilde About America" is a documentary fantasy feature that reimagines Oscar Wilde’s 1882 tour of America as a 2023 road trip. ($11)
Backstreet Artwalk
5-7 p.m. | Backstreet Art District
Backstreet Art District, at 2600 South Cherokee Way, is a unique community of artist working studios, galleries, and businesses that provide art-related services.
Library Board
5:30 p.m. | City Hall
The Board meets on the first Wednesday of each month at 5:30 pm at City Hall in the large conference room (unless otherwise noted). Meetings are open to the public.
Rock the Park
7 p.m. | Downtown Palm Springs
The free Rock the Park series continues tonight with “Always, Adele.” With breathtaking vocals and emotional depth, this show takes audiences on a journey through Adele’s most iconic songs — from “Hello” and “Someone Like You” to “Rolling in the Deep” and “Easy on Me.”
📌 Save the Date
Blue Zones Palm Springs virtual town hall on Friday via Zoom
10th Annual Cathedral City LGBT+ Days from Friday through Sunday
Fantasy Prom hosted by Desert Sparkles Fund on Saturday
The L-Fund presents: Luck be a Lady on March 14
INNERBLOOM: 2026 Annual Spring Exhibition on March 14 at Janssen Artspace
🚠 And Finally …
The Palm Springs Cultural Center is honoring the late Catherine O'Hara with a four-film tribute series — and they're kicking things off on what would have been her birthday (today!).
Driving the news: "Catherine O'Hara: Simply the Best" launches this evening at the Camelot Theatre, with screenings continuing on select Wednesdays through April.
Each evening begins with a curated pre-show at 6 p.m., followed by Schitt's Creek highlights at 6:30 p.m. and the featured film at 7 p.m.
The lineup: Best in Show (March 4), Beetlejuice (March 18), After Hours (April 1) and Waiting for Guffman (April 15).
What they're saying: "Like so many people, we were shocked by the loss of Catherine O'Hara," said Lauren Wolfer, series programmer. "This series is a chance to come together and celebrate her work with a theater full of fans."
Tickets: Available at the theater, at Eventbrite here, or by searching "Catherine O'Hara: Simply the Best" at the Eventbrite website.
In Case You Missed It
Recently published stories
😭 Kendall really regrets missing out on seeing Catherine O’Hara at the Hollywood Bowl in 2023 for a live performance of “The Nightmare Before Christmas”.
🛟 Mark was not ready to be in the market for new swim trunks, but this heat is making it impossible to put off.
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