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Home My WebLink AboutCPD050 Brightside Newsletter NOV DEC 2023DIGITALFINALNOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 THE PATH TO INCORPORATION: PALM DESERT’S INCEPTION NEW GALLERY SHOW REFLECTS MUSIC & TRAVEL PALM DESERT HONORS VETERANS NEW DEVELOPMENT SERVICES LOBBY OPEN TO THE PUBLIC GET INVOLVED IN SHAPING THE CITY’S FUTURE NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SHINES WITH NEW FEATURES CELEBRATE THE CITY’S 50TH AT THE MCCALLUM THEATRE Palm Desert is turning 50, and we’re celebrating with The Party in the Park: a special all-day event bringing the community together on Saturday, November 18, at Palm Desert Civic Center Park from 3 – 10 p.m. The event is free, and everyone is welcome. Join us for live performances from Rose Royce and Thompson Square, along with local desert rock bands Brant Bjork, Fatso Jetson, Unsound and more. You can also experience and explore large-scale art installations by Cristopher Cichocki, Pete Salcido (of Flat Black Art Supplies), and Ryan Campbell. There will be plenty of fun family activities throughout the day, including the KidZone, with arts and crafts and interactive games, along with the Best of Palm Desert, an area dedicated to celebrating and connecting with our local community. Food trucks and vendors from across Southern California will feature a wide variety of offerings, from chef-driven concepts to ice-cream shops and crave- worthy street food. The Taste of Palm Desert will provide the chance to sample local restaurants, and there will be a beer and wine garden for those 21 and older. Prior to the event, the City will be building a Tell Board, a large display of stories and pictures throughout the years, and we invite you to be a part of it. The Tell Board will be a tribute to the City of Palm Desert in Civic Center Park, bearing hundreds of photographs shared by the public. You will be able to attach a copy of your favorite Palm Desert images directly to the Tell Board, drop them off at City Hall, or upload them online. As we look at what’s to come, we also reflect on how Palm Desert started: A Timeline will adorn the gallery walls of City Hall leading up to The Party in the Park, exhibiting a curated selection of historic City highlights and moments from the past 50 years. The Timeline will be on view for the public at the anniversary party as well. For more information about The Party in the Park, the Timeline, as well as how to participate in the Tell Board project, go to www.palmdesert50.com. Please note that golf carts will not be allowed in the park during this event. CELEBRATE 50 YEARS OF PALM DESERT AT THE PARTY IN THE PARK What’s Inside Thank you, Palm Desert, for 50 years of friendship and community! Palm Desert’s Citizens on Patrol (COPS) program is an important “force multiplier” that provides patrol and traffic control support to the Riverside County Sheriff Department deputies who serve our city. Their volunteer efforts make Palm Desert safer and provide value totaling over $300,000 annually. The COPS program is currently recruiting new members to join their ranks. The program is open to anyone 18 and older with a valid driver’s license and who can volunteer a minimum of 20 hours per month. Accepted volunteers are required to complete a City-sponsored training program, which includes CPR/First Aid certification, driver’s education, and traffic control instruction. New members also need to attend a 13-week Citizen Police Academy during the first year of service. If you are interested in making a difference in the community and would like to request an application for the Citizens on Patrol program, or if you have further questions regarding COPS, please call 760-862-9848. Calendar Palm Desert City Council Meetings Thursdays, 4 p.m. November 16 and December 14 No Meetings November 9, 23, and December 28 Daylight Saving Time Ends November 5 Veterans Day November 11 The Party in the Park City of Palm Desert 50th Anniversary Celebration Saturday, November 18 Palm Desert Civic Center Park Thanksgiving November 23 Hanukkah Begins December 7 Christmas December 25 New Year’s Eve December 31 City Hall Closed: November 10, 23, and 24 December 25 PALM DESERT’S PATH TO INCORPORATION Palm Desert was booming in the 1960s and 70s. Commercial and residential projects were being proposed and delivered to Riverside County in rapid succession. Residents who envisioned Palm Desert as a resort-like village fought vigorously against various features of proposed multi-family, multi-story, and modular developments. Many of those residents lived in the area first developed by Clifford Henderson, known as the Palm Desert Property Owners Association (PDPOA). From 1946 onward, the major role of the PDPOA was to enforce deed restrictions placed on individual properties in the absence of specific zoning. The PDPOA also monitored county planning and scrutinized building plans. Another group, the Concerned Citizens of Palm Desert, formed in the early 1970s to represent residents of the community who were not represented by the PDPOA. They opposed a variety of projects based on issues related to building height and density. In 1972, they filed suit against the county on four separate matters. By the early 1970s, at least three entities were acting as de facto planning commissions. Attempts at gaining local planning control over development were too reliant on a process rooted in objections and lawsuits. While incorporation had been attempted three times in the past and failed, the time was right in 1973 to move forward with another attempt. The Palm Desert Property Owners Association, Concerned Citizens of Palm Desert, and Chamber of Commerce joined forces with the newly created Palm Desert Incorporation Committee. One of their first tasks in February 1973 was to send out a petition mailing to 5,000 property owners to qualify for the ballot. That goal was achieved with room to spare. In July, Riverside County authorized the ballot measure and set the election for November. The Incorporation Committee moved into high gear, appointing precinct captains, organizing candidate forums, and holding voter registration events. Eventually, 20 candidates qualified for the ballot. All were in favor of incorporating, and all believed in the necessity of local government control. Election Day was Tuesday, November 6, 1973. Turnout was strong. Incorporation proponents and council candidates gathered at the Santa Fe Savings and Loan to wait for the results to be called in as ballots were counted. In the end, it was a four-to-one landslide victory for incorporation. The top vote-getters for City Council were Henry “Hank” Clark, Noel Brush, Chuck Aston, James McPherson, and Jean Benson. At the precise moment when all incorporation papers were filed by the Riverside County Recorder on Monday, November 26, 1973, the City of Palm Desert was a reality, and its first council meeting got underway. Hank Clark was unanimously elected to head the City, and Noel Brush was elected Mayor Pro Tempore. The council hurriedly passed several urgent ordinances required to give the new city the interim authority required for its operation. The council unanimously voted to have the City Council act as an interim Planning Commission. A hotel room tax was authorized. Several County officials were named to continue to serve Palm Desert, including the Sheriff and Fire Chief. As it turned out, winning the incorporation vote was just the first hurdle. There were several tasks and challenges ahead for the fledgling council. The City Council’s primary objective was to craft Palm Desert’s first General Plan, a document intended to shape future planning and development. A 15-member Citizens’ Advisory Committee was appointed to examine the present zoning in the community and tackle the long-range development issues facing the City. A five-member Planning Commission was named in July 1974 and assumed their duties in September. The General Plan was revealed in October of that year, and it envisioned substantial growth in Palm Desert’s sphere of influence north of the city limits. The plan covered 82 square miles, 72 of which were still open space. It was approved by the Council in January 1975. Opponents of the plan decried its lack of protections on the familiar core issues of concern—density and building heights—and forced a referendum on the matter. A vote was held in July 1975, and the General Plan was supported by 65 percent of the electorate. The referendum was a turning point for the new city. Mayor Hank Clark later explained that it was the first time “there was a general acceptance by practically everybody in town…. They could come to the council, explain their positions, and the council would act… to give the best results for the town. “People had accepted the council, were beginning to be proud of the way the city was being run.” Inside Story NOVEMBER AND DECEMBER 2023 ARTISTS CENTER AT THE GALEN 72567 Highway 111 760-565-6130 artistscouncil.com Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Upcoming Exhibitions: Earth, Through November 12 Holiday Off the Wall, November 15 – January 14 Opening Reception: Friday, November 17, 4 – 6 p.m. Workshops Realistic Painting in Oil & Acrylic Thursdays, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Fridays, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Watercolor: Beginners & Beyond Wednesdays, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Oil & Cold Wax Wednesdays, 1 – 3:30 p.m. CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS 37500 Cook Street 760-341-2883 pdc.csusb.edu Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, a doctorate in educational leadership, teaching credentials, and certificates. New programs include Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Social Work, Kinesiology, and Child Development. Information: csusb.edu/pdc/our-programs Mature Adult Programs The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers non-credit, university-level courses for adults aged 50-plus. Experience all the fun of learning with no homework, no tests, and no grades. Membership also includes fun events, interest groups, and travel opportunities. The Gift of Love & Laughter Holiday Fundraiser, Tuesday, December 2, 7 – 9 p.m. Information: www.csusb.edu/OLLI or call 909-537-8121 CITY OF PALM DESERT Palm Desert Civic Center 73510 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-0611 Open Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. palmdesert.gov DiscoverPalmDesert.com Visitor Services 760-568-1441 Short Term Rental Hotline 760-862-6900 Code Enforcement Hotline 760-776-6360 Report Graffiti 760-340-5776 Palm Desert Police Department Emergencies: Call 911 Non-emergencies: 760-836-1600 Palm Desert In Touch Get information on City meetings, parks, trails, and public art, plus identify issues, including graffiti and code violations, and report them directly to City staff. Information: www.palmdesert.gov/intouch EngagePalmDesert.com The City’s civic engagement platform allows residents a chance to ask questions, share comments, and contribute ideas on City projects. Campus Organizations Join the Cal State University Associates and become a member of a premier organization of campus supporters. Enjoy monthly educational and enlightening speaker events throughout the season. Most of the membership dues support student scholarships. Information: CalStateUniversityAssociates.com COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms 760-343-3644 rcdas.org Services include animal adoption and licensing. COACHELLA VALLEY ORIGINAL CERTIFIEDFARMERS’ MARKET Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce parking lot 72559 Highway 111, Palm Desert certifiedfarmersmarkets.org Open Sundays from October through April, 8 a.m. – 1 p.m. COLLEGE OF THE DESERT 43500 Monterey Avenue 760-346-8041 collegeofthedesert.edu Street Fair Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m., October – May Information: 760-636-7957 or codaastreetfair. com COD Veterans Resource Center 760-773-2536 Monday – Thursday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Provides critical services for veterans and their dependents to support their success, retention, and educational needs. Desert Sands schools will be closed November 20 – 24 in observance of Thanksgiving. The district offices will be closed on Thursday, November 23, and Friday, November 24. Desert Sands schools will be closed from December 22, 2023, through January 5, 2024, for winter break. The district offices will be closed on December 25 and 26, 2023, and January 2 and 3, 2024. DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT 38995 Desert Willow Drive 760-346-0015 desertwillow.com Visit their website for current hours Dining The Terrace at Desert Willow Golf Resort Unique, tasteful, handcrafted cuisine paired with one of the most scenic outdoor dining venues in Palm Desert. Open daily for breakfast and lunch. View menus and hours of operation online. Information: desertwillow.com/ terracerestaurant Autumn Sip & Savor An al fresco wine tasting and dinner buffet set against the picturesque backdrop of the lush Firecliff Course. www.desertwillow.com/winetasting Thursday, November 9, 5 – 7 p.m., $70 per person (inclusive of tax and gratuity) Attendees must be 21 years of age or older. Thanksgiving Buffet Seatings are available every half hour. Visit www.desertwillow.com/thanksgiving for pricing and reservations. Thursday, November 23, 12 – 4 p.m. Golf Enjoy award-winning championship golf at Desert Willow Golf Resort. Contact the pro shop or go online to book your tee times. Information: 760-346-7060, ext. 1 or desertwillow.com/teetimes 2023 Overseeding Dates Desert Willow Golf Resort will be overseeding its courses and facilities on the following dates: Mountain View Monday, November 6 – Monday, December 25 The Palm Desert Golf Academy Stick Mobility Golf Fitness Classes Elevate your golf experience by enhancing your mobility, stability, and strength in every swing! www.desertwillow.com/stickmobility Monday, November 6 and Friday, November 24, $45 per person. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT 43930 San Pablo Avenue 760-341-9622 ymcaofthedesert.org Y Rookies Athletics Saturday mornings 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. November and December Thanksgiving Break Camp November 20 – 22 7:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Parent Night Out at The Shops November 18 5 – 8:30 p.m. Winter Basketball Registration ends December 15. Jean Benson Child Development Center 75433 Orange Blossom Lane 760-836-3336 Serving children 2 – 5 years of age by supporting their unique interests, skills, and needs. Information: ymcaofthedesert.org/jean- benson-child-development-center/ THE GARDENS ON EL PASEO 73545 El Paseo 760-862-1990 thegardensonelpaseo.com Photos with Santa & Holiday Activities Saturday, December 2, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. A $20 donation will benefit Big Brothers Big Sisters. Paws ‘N Claus & Gardens to the Rescue December 9, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Paws ‘N Claus is a wonderful opportunity to capture photographs of your furry friends with Santa Claus. A $20 donation will benefit the Bianca Rae Foundation. HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM DESERT &FIREHOUSE MUSEUM 72861 El Paseo 760-346-6588 hspd.org Open Friday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., Free Admission DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Palm Desert Community Center 43900 San Pablo Avenue 760-568-9697 myrecreationdistrict.com Monday – Friday, 6 a.m. – 9 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. Closed Sundays Breakfast with Santa Saturday, December 2, 9 – 11 a.m. $10 per person. Space is limited, so please pre-register. Tai Chi for your Health Mondays, 12 – 12:45 p.m. $55 per month PLEASE NOTE: The Community Center will be closed for renovations after December 2. The offices and front desk will be relocating to the Parkview Building in the Civic Center parking lot at 73710 Fred Waring Drive. During the renovation, Desert Rec will continue to program sports, fitness, and activities in the park. Check the website for details. Palm Desert Resident Cards Palm Desert Resident Cards for use at Desert Willow Golf Resort are issued by the Desert Recreation District at the Parkview Building (temporarily). Information: cityofpalmdesert.org/ departments/special-programs/desert- willow-golf-resort Golf Center at Palm Desert 74945 Sheryl Avenue 760-779-1877 golfcenterpd.com Check the website for hours. Home of the First Tee of the Coachella Valley youth golf program includes a 9-hole par three course, driving range with chipping and putting greens, foot golf, and more. DESERT ROSE SOCIETY desertrosesociety.com The Desert Rose Society holds monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of the month at the Portola Community Center: Social starts at 4:30 p.m., followed by a short meeting and guest speaker at 5 p.m. DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 47950 Dune Palms Road La Quinta 760-777-4200 dsusd.us The DSUSD website lists contact information for each school. Parents are advised to contact schools directly with their questions. Desert Sands schools and offices will be closed on Friday, November 10, in observance of Veterans Day. JOSLYN CENTER 73750 Catalina Way 760-340-3220 joslyncenter.org Monday through Friday 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday Cabaret Series Sundays, 3 – 5 p.m. in the Arthur Newman Theatre. Doors open at 2:30 p.m. Onsite Programs Exercise classes, indoor pickleball, bridge, bingo, canasta, pinochle, mah-jongg, Scrabble, quilting, woodcarving, knitting, painting, table tennis, lawn bowling, art classes, New Joslyn Singers, Joslyn Strummers ukulele group, stringed instrument band, Joslyn Singles, book club, HI-CAP Q&A, and more. Information: JoslynCenter.org/programs Onsite Programs with Partners SCAN Independence at Home, Eisenhower Health lectures, Health Expos, JFS Let’s Do Lunch, and more. Virtual Programs Some of the Joslyn Center’s services and programs are offered virtually. Virtual activity newsletter: JoslynCenter.org/ virtual-programs. Information: Melanie Lyons at 760-340-3220, ext. 102 or melaniel@joslyncenter.org. Joslyn Wellness Center Programs Free and low-cost programs include Go4Life®, Aging Mastery Program®; Brain Boot Camp; Problem-Solving Strategies; Mindful Living; Bereavement Group; free Fitness Center, and more. Information: Alex Garcia at 760-340-3220, ext. 117 or AlexG@joslyncenter.org Nutrition Programs Meals on Wheels: Providing healthy meals Monday – Friday to seniors in Palm Desert, Sun City Palm Desert, Rancho Mirage, and Indian Wells. Penny’s Pantry Community Food Bank: First and third Fridays, 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. Fresh produce and non-perishable food for low- income seniors. Farmers’ Market: Second and fourth Fridays, 9 – 10:30 a.m. (or until depleted). Free, fresh produce provided by FIND Food Bank. Information: joslyncenter.org/meals-on-wheels or contact Bob Elias at 760-340-3220, ext. 110 or bobe@joslyncenter.org. THE LIVING DESERT 47900 Portola Avenue 760-346-5694 livingdesert.org 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last admission 4 p.m.) Tours and Experiences Giraffe Feeding 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. $8 members; $10 non-members with paid park admission An experience for a lifetime, giraffe feeding gives guests a one-on-one encounter with these graceful giants. Rhino Encounter 8:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. $45 members; $50 non-members with paid park admission This semi-private experience offers guests the chance to meet a black rhino up close in an exclu- sive animal care area and features a keeper chat that gives an inside look at these amazing animals. Reservations recommended. Private Safari Tours Two-hour guided tours with private shuttle and giraffe feeding. Advanced reservations required, visit website for pricing and details. Carousel The Living Desert’s Endangered Species Carousel features many of the animals found at the Zoo. Take a spin during your next visit! $3/members and non-members | $8 for unlimited carousel rides This is How We Zoo It $13 members, $15 non-members, $10 child Take a 30-minute guided tour that gives an inside look at how The Living Desert cares for its 600 animal residents and learn about the Zoo’s many conservation efforts. Walk-ups welcome. Special Programs Me & You at the Zoo This interactive parent participation program meets each week for an hour of guided exploration and hands-on fun, designed for toddlers and their accompanying adults. This program is free with membership or paid park admission. No advance registration is required, so drop in anytime! Tuesdays, 9 – 10 a.m. in the Hoover Education Building. Zoo Families, Wildly Diverse This family program invites you and your pride to learn about the animal families here at the Zoo and includes an up-close animal experience, story time, a craft, a tram tour, and admission to the Zoo afterward. Visit LivingDesert.org/Events for more information and to register. November 4 and December 9, 9:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. ZooCamp ZooCamp offers kids, grades K-6, the opportunity to explore nature, meet new friends, and have fun at The Living Desert. Visit LivingDesert.org/ZooCamp for more information and to register. Advanced registration is required. Fall ZooCamp: November 10 and 20 – 22, registration is open. Winter ZooCamp: December 27 – 29 and January 3 – 5, registration opens November 6. WildLights The Living Desert’s cherished holiday event is returning for its 31st season, featuring dazzling new features, seasonal favorites, and much more! Advance registration is recommended. Member Preview Night – November 21 Select Nights, November 22 – December 20 New! Adults Only (21+) Night – December 14 MCCALLUM THEATRE 73000 Fred Waring Drive 760-340-ARTS (2787) mccallumtheatre.com Tickets for the 2023-2024 season are now available on their website. McCallum Theatre Education’s Field Trip Series November 1 “Activate” by the Grammy-nominated music duo 123 Andrés celebrates the Latinx experience and incorporates Spanish, English, and ASL languages into the performance. Presented to schools at no cost. Information: www.mccallumtheatre.com/ edu-series PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER 73751 Magnesia Falls Drive 760-565-7467 pdpool.com Full facility rentals are available. Contact pdacprograms@desertymca.org for more information. Water exercise classes are offered Mondays through Saturdays. Private swim lessons for all ages are available upon request. Long course lap swimming all day on weekends. Please visit the website for hours of operation and detailed schedule information. PALM DESERT CERTIFIED FARMERS’ MARKET Palm Desert Chamber of Commerce parking lot 72559 Highway 111, Palm Desert cvcfm.org Open Wednesdays from October through May, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. PALM DESERT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 72559 Highway 111 760-346-6111 pdacc.org Peace Officer & Public Safety Luncheon Wednesday, November 15 Information and registration: pdacc.org PALM DESERT PUBLIC LIBRARY 73300 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-6552 rivlib.net Open Monday – Thursday, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m. Friday – Saturday, 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. Sunday, 1 – 5 p.m. Adult Programs Chinese Mah Jong Open Play Tuesdays, 1 – 3 p.m. The library will provide sets or bring your own. All levels welcome. Beginner Yoga Saturdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. October 14 and November 4 Teen Programs Open to teens grades 6 – 12 All programs in the Community Room Program Information: rivlib.libcal.com KPOP Club Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m. November 1, 15 and 29, December 13 Anime Alliance Club Thursdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. November 9 and December 14 Teen Book Club Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. November 28 Reservations required: rivlib.libcal.com Teen Council Meeting Tuesdays, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. November 7 and 21, December 5 Crafternoon Tuesday, November 14 and Tuesday, December 12, 5 – 6 p.m. Information and Reservations: rivlib.libcal.com Children’s Programs Miss Stephanie’s Story Time Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 – 11:30 a.m. Sensory Storytime Tuesdays, 11:40 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Sensory Storytime encourages children to move and interact with the environment through music, reading, and fun activities. Lecture Series: A Monument in Your Backyard Saturday, December 2, 9:30 a.m. Registration required for all Friends’ events: DesertMountains.org/calendar or 760-862-9984 THE SHOPS AT PALM DESERT 72840 Highway 111 760-346-2121 shopsatpalmdesert.com UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIARIVERSIDE/PALM DESERT CAMPUS 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive 760-834-0800 palmdesert.ucr.edu Wild & Scenic Film Festival 2023 Thursday, November 9, 6 - 8 p.m. This special screening features 90 minutes of short, inspiring environmental films, plus the opportunity to win fun raffle prizes. From Bauhaus to Our House – Midcentury Modernism in the Coachella Valley Tuesday, November 14, 6 – 7 p.m. The Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS ModCom) will present an informative and entertaining look at the principles of design that rocked the world of architecture in post-war America. Albert Frey and the Birth of Desert Modernism Tuesday, December 12, 6 – 7 p.m. MODERNISM 101 in partnership with PS ModCom. VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OF THE DESERT 42600 Cook Street, Ste 150 varietyofthedesert.org 760-773-9800, ext. 101 The Children’s Charity of the Desert is dedicated to promoting the health, mobility, independence and social inclusion of special needs and disadvantaged children throughout the Coachella Valley. Library Connect – Desert Mobile Resource Van Library cards, check out/return books, Wi-Fi, and pop-up computer lab services. Information, location, and events schedule: bit.ly/desertmrv or email LibraryConnectDesertVan@rivlib.net Veterans Resource Center Monday and Wednesday, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Information and referrals for all veterans. Walk-ins welcome. Information: 760-346-6552 SANTA ROSA & SAN JACINTO MTNSNAT’L MONUMENT VISITOR CENTER/FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS 51500 Highway 74 760-862-9984 DesertMountains.org Open Thursday – Monday, 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. National Public Lands Day Saturday, November 18, 8 a.m. Show your love and support for public lands by going outdoors and helping to clean up our Visitor Center on Highway 74. Desert Mountains Art Fair Saturday, November 4 and December 2, 9 – 3:30 p.m. Support local artists and find unique gifts while enjoying the beauty of our desert Mountains. Free Guided Hikes Selected Mondays through Saturday, trails vary, from 8:30 – 11:30 a.m. Free Birding Walk-About Selected Mondays and Fridays from 8 – 10 a.m. Yoga with the Ranger November 2 and 9; December 7 and 14 at 9 – 10 a.m. Reservations Required Star Party in the Mountains Saturday, November 11, at 5 p.m. Join members of the Astronomical Society of the Desert for fun “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and binoculars. Call for details. Star Party at the Monument Saturday, November 18 and December 16 at 5 p.m. The Astronomical Society of the Desert will conduct “sky tours” and direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars. Reservations Required SoCal Adaptive Sports Saturday, November 18 at 8:30 a.m. Carrizo Canyon is open to those with limited mobility. This canyon is home to our endangered Peninsular Bighorn sheep. Palma Village Park has always packed a lot of fun into its two-acre site. Located at the corner of De Anza Way and San Carlos Avenue, it’s known for its family-friendly features including a playground, sports court, and walking paths. Last year, City staff reached out to area residents and asked what they would like to see in a refurbished Palma Village Park. Based on their responses, renovations began this summer, and now this neighborhood park offers improved amenities with more on the way. Recreation enthusiasts will appreciate the newly refurbished basketball court and beach volleyball court. With sand trucked in from Huntington Beach, the volleyball experience promises to be the best in the valley. If relaxation is the goal, new shade structures have been installed as well as a large picnic pavilion and barbecue area. Still to come are new benches and tables. On the tech side, security cameras have been installed for enhanced safety, and a full LED lighting retrofit is still to come. Be sure to pay a visit to the refurbished Palma Village Park this fall. For more information on all City of Palm Desert parks, visit palmdesert.gov/parks. NEIGHBORHOOD PARK SHINES WITH NEW FEATURESThe Palm Desert Community Gallery features artwork from Richard Etts and Lenny Katz in its new exhibition, “Vibrance,” from December 11, 2023, to February 2, 2024. There will be a public reception to honor the artists on December 11 from 5:30 – 7 p.m. The exhibition brings together bold and vibrant artworks that reflect the music and places that the artists have enjoyed and visited. Richard Etts paints about listening to music using broad strokes of charcoal on large canvas using the full swing of his arm. He begins the narrative not knowing what will happen. Richard’s inspiration comes from botanical structures, architecture, Electronic Industrial music, and fractal art concepts. Lenny Katz uses a small brush, weaving thousands of dots and strokes to form a painting, which takes up to four months to complete. He recalls a dream in which a friend asked, “Why do you paint the way you do?” Katz answered, “I hear rainbows; I paint music!” Katz also loves to travel, which is apparent in his work. The Palm Desert Community Gallery is located in Palm Desert City Hall and is open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. For more information, please call 760-776- 6346 or visit www.palmdesertart.org. Palm Desert will honor the sacrifices of those who have served in the United States military and recognize the dedication of those who continue to serve our nation with a free Veterans Day celebration at Civic Center Park on Saturday, November 11, at 11 a.m. Following opening remarks from the Mayor of Palm Desert, a keynote speaker will address the audience. Other celebration highlights include a patriotic concert performed by the Heatwave Boys and Girls Club Jazz Band. A Resource Fair will precede this year’s event from 9 – 11 a.m., including representatives from nearly a dozen different organizations offering veterans’ services. Limited seating is available; attendees may bring blankets and portable chairs to the park’s amphitheater to enjoy the program in comfort. Light refreshments will be served at the conclusion of the celebration. Civic Center Park is located at 73510 Fred Waring Drive on the northeast corner of Fred Waring and San Pablo Avenue. For more information, please call 760-568-1441. The Development Services wing of Palm Desert City Hall has undergone a renovation project this summer that revamped its lobby, conference room, and public restrooms. The aim of the project was to streamline operations, provide a more efficient use of space, and allow staff to serve customers better. The project has also brought the public counters and restrooms into full compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). As always, residents and business customers may also receive assistance from City staff members by phone, email, or online. For more information, call the Permit Center at 760-776-6435 or email permitcenter@palmdesert.gov. Exciting news! You can now review draft district maps and discover how to be part of the redistricting process at https://redistrictpd.org/. The new districts will impact how voters elect members of the City Council until the next redistricting process following the 2030 Census. Your insights and ideas are invaluable as we redraw district lines for the Palm Desert City Council. NEW GALLERY SHOW REFLECTS MUSIC AND TRAVEL PALM DESERT HONORS VETERANS AT CIVIC CENTER PARK LOBBY RENOVATION IMPROVES ACCESSIBILITY GET INVOLVED IN SHAPING OUR CITY’S FUTURE! ECRWSS Resident and/or Business Palm Desert, CA PRESORTED STANDARD US Postage PAID Palm Desert, CA Permit No. 160 73510 Fred Waring Drive Palm Desert, CA 92260 Phone 760-346-0611 Email info@palmdesert.gov Websites www.discoverpalmdesert.com www.palmdesert.gov n Watch City Council meetings live online at www.palmdesert.gov on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at 4 p.m. n City Council Kathleen Kelly Mayor Karina Quintanilla Mayor Pro Tem Jan Harnik Gina Nestande Evan Trubee NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2023 Look what’s on the BrightSide... inside! The McCallum Theatre’s 2023-2024 season is in full swing, with two upcoming performances that are especially meaningful for Palm Desert. First up, the Jazz Ambassadors, the official touring big band of the United States Army, will perform at the McCallum Theatre at 7 p.m., Saturday, November 4. This FREE concert is presented in partnership with the City of Palm Desert as part of the 50th Anniversary Celebration. Tickets for this free concert are available in person ONLY and may be obtained by visiting the McCallum Theatre Box Office, 73000 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., or at the City of Palm Desert’s Visitor Services, inside Palm Desert City Hall’s North Wing, 73510 Fred Waring Drive, Palm Desert, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Concerts by the Jazz Ambassadors are programmed to entertain all types of audiences. The band’s diverse repertoire includes big band swing, bebop, Latin, contemporary jazz, standards, popular tunes, Dixieland, vocals, and patriotic selections. A week later, the Palm Desert Choreography Festival marks its 26th year as the desert’s largest celebration of dance returns to the stage on Saturday, November 11, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, November 12, at 4 p.m. This one-of-a-kind festival highlights dance as an art form while creating a venue for emerging and established choreographers and developing new dance audiences. The Festival features a choreography competition in two divisions, with finalists selected from submissions from across the country and abroad. The Festival also features educational opportunities, including workshops and residencies, and honors those who have made outstanding contributions to dance. The audience will enjoy extraordinary dancers performing exciting original dances in a variety of styles. Choreography Festival tickets, which start at $20, are available by calling 760-340-ARTS (2787), online at www.mccallumtheatre.com, or at the McCallum Theatre Box Office. CELEBRATE PALM DESERT’S 50TH AT THE MCCALLUM THEATRE