News from February 2024


Jennifer Lopez to perform at Acrisure Arena on July 19

Renowned singer and actress Jennifer Lopez is set to perform at Acrisure Arena in Greater Palm Springs as part of her "This Is Me…Now The Tour." This marks Lopez's first tour in five years, spanning over 30 cities.


City Council Considers Measure J Projects in Upcoming Meeting

The Palm Springs City Council is set to discuss several important Measure J projects at its upcoming meeting on February 29, 2024. According to a report published on February 28, 2024, the council will be reviewing various key initiatives that will impact the city's infrastructure and services.Among the projects on the agenda for consideration are the approval of Measure J funds for the City’s 2024 Street Pavement Rehabilitation Project, a contractual services agreement for the renovation of the Palm Springs Public Library, funding for capital improvement projects at Palm...


Palm Springs Convention Center First in California Designated as Certified Autism Center

The Palm Springs Convention Center has proudly become the first in California to be designated as a Certified Autism Center. In a statement, a spokesperson for the convention center expressed their enthusiasm, saying, "We are thrilled to be the first convention center in California to receive this prestigious designation."This new certification demonstrates the commitment of the Palm Springs Convention Center to providing a welcoming and inclusive environment for individuals with autism and their families. The designation signifies that the center's staff have undergone...


U.S. Rep. Ken Calvert: ‘I am proud to nominate these outstanding young men and women from the 41st Congressional District’

U.S. Representative Ken Calvert (R-Calif.) has announced his nominations for the U.S. service academies from the 41st Congressional District. As a member of Congress, Calvert is able to nominate a select group of individuals for appointment to one or more U.S. service academies, which include the Air Force Academy, Naval Academy, Military Academy, and Merchant Marine Academy.


Acrisure Arena offering new VIP experience for concerts and Firebirds games

Acrisure Arena, a multi-purpose indoor arena located in Palm Desert, has announced the launch of "The Compound," an exclusive VIP upgrade designed to enhance the experience of both concertgoers and sports fans. Situated next to the UBS South Premium Entrance, "The Compound" is an outdoor space offering a novel experience for attendees.


Renova Energy names Matthew De La Torre chief sales officer for California and Arizona

Renova Energy has announced the appointment of Matthew De La Torre as its new Chief Sales Officer for both the California and Arizona regions. With a 12-year tenure at Renova Energy, De La Torre brings considerable experience to strengthen the company's position in the clean energy sector.


City of Palm Springs to hold Parks & Rec Master Plan community meeting in February

The City of Palm Springs has announced a forthcoming Parks & Recreation Master Plan community meeting. The city is inviting residents to provide their insights on the master plan document, which is currently under revision.


California CareForce's free healthcare clinic comes to Indio in March

The Coachella Valley Healthcare Clinic, a free service, is set to arrive in Indio next month. This initiative will see volunteers from California CareForce providing dental, vision and medical services at no cost to patients.


Inland Empire Health Plan donates $7.5M to Palm Springs' new homeless center

Inland Empire Health Plan (IEHP) has announced a donation of $7.5 million to a new homeless center in Palm Springs. The funds are expected to cover a budget shortfall for the project.


Barry Manilow to perform at 2024 Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards

The Palm Springs Convention Center is set to host the 30th Annual Steve Chase Humanitarian Awards on March 30, presented by Desert Care Network. The event, also known as "The Chase," will feature a performance by singer and songwriter Barry Manilow and will commemorate the 40th anniversary of DAP Health.


City invests in new Small Business Entrepreneur Pilot Project with Caravanserai

The City of Palm Springs has announced its plans to invest in a Small Business Entrepreneur Pilot Program in collaboration with the Caravanserai Project. This project, powered by the Orange County/Inland Empire SBDC Network, aims to provide a safe space for entrepreneurs to receive the support they need in order to succeed.The Caravanserai Project takes its name from the historical caravanserais that were known as meeting places along trade routes from Asia to North Africa to Southeast Europe. This metaphor reflects the project's mission to create a supportive environment...


Inaugural Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair takes place in April

The City of Palm Springs has announced the launch of the inaugural Coachella Valley Local Government Vendor Fair, scheduled for April. The event is designed to provide business owners with an opportunity to engage with local public agencies and understand the process of doing business with them.


Rising auto insurance costs linked to inflation, increased litigation

Auto insurance costs have risen by 20.6% over the past year, significantly outstripping the overall inflation rate of 3.1%, according to the latest data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).


Agua Caliente Casinos launches Pívat Cigar Lounge membership program

Agua Caliente Casinos is gearing up to introduce its Pívat Cigar Lounge membership program, an event that will be celebrated today with a launch party at the Pívat Cigar Lounge.


FEMA Announces Financial Assistance for California Disaster Relief

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has issued a public notice regarding its intent to provide financial assistance to the State of California, local and Indian tribal governments, and private nonprofit organizations under major disaster declaration FEMA-4750-DR-CA. This assistance is being offered through the Public Assistance (PA) and Hazard Mitigation Grant (HMGP) programs, which are authorized under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act.The major disaster declaration for the State of...


City of Palm Springs and Oakview partner to transform historic theatre

The City of Palm Springs has formalized a partnership with the Oakview Group to refurbish the historic Palm Springs Plaza Theatre into a venue for live music and entertainment. The restoration work is set to commence this spring.


Residents invited to provide input at Feb. 22 Parks and Recreation Master Plan Workshop

The City of Palm Springs is seeking input from residents to help shape the future of the Palm Springs Parks and Recreation system. The first in a series of Parks and Recreation Master Planning Workshops will take place on Thursday, Feb. 22. The workshop, led by Kounkuey Design Initiative, will be an informational and interactive meeting held at the Palm Springs Pavilion from 5:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m.Yvonne Wise, the City's Director of Parks and Recreation, emphasized the importance of community involvement in the planning process. "With your input, together, we can make our...


2024 Community Workshop: Get Involved and Stay Informed in La Quinta

La Quinta residents are invited to participate in the upcoming 2024 Community Workshop, organized by the City Council and City Staff. Taking place on Thursday, February 22 from 5 - 7 PM at the La Quinta Wellness Center, this event offers a unique opportunity for community members to stay informed about the latest developments in the Gem of the Desert.During the workshop, attendees will have the chance to learn about past and upcoming projects that will shape the future of La Quinta. City Staff will provide valuable information and insights on various initiatives that are...


PSP Welcomes Non-Travelers Beyond Security with Stay & Play Program

Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) has introduced a new initiative called the Stay & Play Visitor Pass Program, allowing individuals to explore the airport without purchasing a plane ticket. The program aims to recreate the experience of reuniting with loved ones at the gate, offering heartfelt farewells and quality time before departure.Visitors can obtain a free Stay & Play pass by completing a simple online application up to seven days in advance. Once approved, visitors will receive a digital pass via email, which, when presented with a TSA-approved ID, grants...


Coachella Valley FREE Health Care Clinic to Provide Medical Services

Coachella Valley FREE Health Care Clinic is set to open its doors to the public at the Empire Polo Club in Indio, CA. The clinic will run from March 8th to 10th, 2024, operating between 7:00 AM and 5:00 PM. This initiative aims to provide essential medical services to the community, free of charge.The clinic organizers have expressed their commitment to ensuring that everyone in the Coachella Valley has access to quality healthcare, regardless of their financial circumstances. To achieve this goal, they have partnered with a team of dedicated healthcare professionals who...