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Home My WebLink AboutBrightside NewsletterMAY JUNE 2024DigitalMAY AND JUNE 2024 LIBRARY GOES MOBILE DURING RENOVATIONS CITY BUDGET COMMUNITY MEETINGS JUNIOR POET LAUREATE ANNOUNCED AQUATIC CENTER OFFERS SUMMER FUN PALM DESERT DAY AT AIR MUSEUM DINING DEALS FOR RESTAURANT WEEK AFFORDABLE HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES GET YOUR FREE RECYCLING GUIDE FREE DOCUMENT SHREDDING EVENT What’s Inside Civic Center Park Amphitheater will be filled with music and fun from 7 – 8:30 p.m. every Thursday night in May, as Palm Desert’s free Concerts in the Park series returns for five weeks of unforgettable entertainment sure to please all ages and tastes. The excitement kicks off at the amphitheater on Thursday, May 2, with Pretzel Logic, recreating the sophisticated sounds of Steely Dan. The band’s amazing performers and authentic renditions are sure to leave the audience humming tunes that invoke memories of younger days. The series continues May 9, with The A-List, a crowd- pleasing, high energy dance band playing the biggest hits of yesterday and today that will have you dancing on the lawn, which is encouraged! Neon colors, wild hair, and lots of eyeliner will be in style May 16, when The Reflexx takes the stage to perform New Wave favorites of the 80s from bands like Duran Duran, Depeche Mode, INXS, and more. Take a trip back in time to the beginnings of Rock and Roll with The Dreamboats on May 23. This internationally known group is as recognized for their wild stage antics as they are for capturing both the iconic look and sound of the biggest 50s and 60s rock and pop pioneers. The series concludes with a little extra twang on May 30, as Country Nation pays tribute to the biggest stars of modern country music, while also honoring the classics. Audience participation is a regular part of the show, so wear your boots and bring your friends for some line dancing! In addition to the great music, concertgoers can enjoy delicious culinary creations offered by a variety of food trucks, or bring your own picnic basket along with blankets or lawn chairs to enjoy the show. Alcoholic beverages and smoking are prohibited. Civic Center Park is located on the northeast corner of San Pablo Avenue and Fred Waring Drive. For more information, please call 760-568-1441. FREE SPRING CONCERTSIN THE PARK SERIES The City of Palm Desert offers programs to encourage home ownership for individuals and families with low to moderate incomes. If you would like to participate in these programs, we invite you to add your name to an interest list maintained by the City. Household income for participants cannot exceed 120 percent of the area median income for Riverside County, adjusted for family size. For a family of four, the current area median annual income is $94,500. To qualify, applicants must have good credit, some savings, and a consistent employment history. Successful applicants will be selected to pre-qualify with a lender when a home that is suitable for their household’s size and income becomes available. Homes that are part of these programs are generally resales and can range in price from $130,000 to $260,000. For more information, please contact the City’s Housing Department at 760-346-0611, extension 412. SHRED SENSITIVE DOCUMENTS AT FREE EVENT Help Protect Our Local Waters The City of Palm Desert is proud to introduce Addison Jackson as our official Junior Poet Laureate, serving alongside City Poet Laureate Lori Davis as an ambassador of poetry and literature, and providing inspiration to young writers around the Coachella Valley. Jackson, a tenth grader at Xavier College Preparatory High School, was selected from applications submitted to the City and evaluated by Poet Laureate Davis, and Addison hopes the work she does in her new role will encourage other teenagers to express themselves through art. “Teenage years are defined by challenges, new ideas, and new experiences,” said Jackson. “Poetry is about refusing boundaries, giving way to the raw emotion that teenagers sometimes can’t verbalize.” “To really be able to tap into the vulnerability of poetry, that is important to us.” Jackson made her official debut as Junior Poet Laureate on April 8, at the City of Palm Desert National Poetry Month Workshop alongside Poet Laureate Davis, and looks forward to meeting and inspiring other writers, both young and old. “This is an opportunity to expand my voice to a wider audience, not just for myself, but for others, as well,” she said. “That’s what really defines poetry, that connection to others.” Learn more about the City of Palm Desert Poet Laureate program at PalmDesert.gov/Poet. PALM DESERT ANNOUNCES JUNIOR POET LAUREATE Experience some of history’s most iconic aircraft free of charge, as Palm Desert Day returns to the Palm Springs Air Museum on Saturday, May 4. Palm Desert residents and workers are invited to spend the day enjoying the museum’s extensive collection of legendary planes spanning multiple eras of aviation, including the F-117 Nighthawk Stealth Bomber. Named by CNN Travel as one of the top aviation museums in the world, the museum encompasses 91,000 square feet of climate-controlled hangars, with additional aircraft to discover on the tarmac. If you want to bring history to life, the Air Museum also features Warbird Rides for an additional cost, offering the flight of a lifetime in a vintage aircraft, with options including the T-6 Texan, Lockheed T-33 Shooting Star, or legendary P-51 Mustang among their fleet of six historic aircraft. Palm Desert Day is sponsored by the City of Palm Desert. To receive free museum admission, individuals must show proof of Palm Desert residency in the form of a California Driver’s License or utility bill, or proof of employment such as an ID badge or business card from a Palm Desert business. The Palm Springs Air Museum is open 10 a.m. – 5 p.m. and is located at 745 N. Gene Autry Trail. PALM SPRINGS AIR MUSEUM HOSTS PALM DESERT DAY We all share a responsibility to care for our environment and safeguard the beauty and vitality of our community. One crucial aspect of this responsibility is maintaining clean storm drains, which play a vital role in preventing flooding, protecting water quality, and preserving the health of our local ecosystems. The National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit program addresses water pollution by regulating point sources that discharge pollutants into waters of the United States. Learn more about NPDES and how this affects your project by visiting epa.gov/npdes or waterboards.ca.gov/water_issues/programs/ npdes/ or by contacting the Palm Desert Public Works Department at 760-776-6450. Inside Story The City of Palm Desert, in partnership with Burrtec Waste and Recycling, is offering free document shredding services to help residents and businesses securely dispose of sensitive items such as tax records, legal documents, and bank statements. The shredding event is scheduled to take place Friday, May 3, and Saturday, May 4, at Palm Desert City Hall, from 7:30 – 11:30 a.m., or until the trucks are full. This is a drive-through, drop-off event, and no appointment is needed. Accepted items include stapled and bound office paper, glossy paper, photos, file folders, and envelopes. While paper clips are allowed, binder clips and notebooks will not be accepted. Residents and businesses are limited to ten boxes per day, and boxes and bags will not be returned. Please ensure that all hazardous materials, such as batteries and potentially flammable liquids, are removed from bags and boxes before drop-off. For more information, contact the City of Palm Desert at 760-776-6342 or email recycling@palmdesert.gov. Calendar Palm Desert City Council Meetings Thursdays, 4 p.m. May 9 and 23; June 13 and 27 Mother’s Day Sunday, May 12 Memorial Day Monday, May 27 City Hall Closed Father’s Day Sunday, June 16 Palm Desert Independence Day Celebration Thursday, July 4 Save the date for fireworks! MAY AND JUNE 2024 ARTISTS CENTER AT THE GALEN 72567 Highway 111 760-565-6130 artistscouncil.com Wednesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Upcoming Exhibitions: Casting Shadows: Dimensional Art Show and Sale May 15 – June 9 Fun + Games Show and Sale June 12 – June 30 Workshops: Life Drawing with a Live Model Sundays, May 5 and 19, June 2, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Acrylic Painting with Diane Morgan Thursdays in May, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Fridays in May, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Watercolor With Diane Morgan Fridays in May, 1 – 3:30 p.m. Critique Group Second Thursday of the month, 2:30 – 4:30 p.m. For details and to purchase tickets for events, exhibitions and workshops, and to learn more about the Artists Council, visit: artistscouncil.com CSUSB PALM DESERT CAMPUS 37500 Cook Street 760-341-2883 pdc.csusb.edu Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Summer Hours begin Monday, June 3 Monday – Thursday, 7 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Closed Friday Educational Programs Bachelor’s and master’s degrees, teaching credentials, and certificates. New programs include Hospitality Management, Entrepreneurship, Cybersecurity, Social Work, Kinesiology, and Child Development. Information: csusb.edu/pdc/our-programs 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: 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. Mature Adult Programs The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) offers non-credit, university-level courses for adults age 50+. Experience all the fun of learning with no homework, no tests, and no grades. Membership also includes fun events, interest groups, and travel opportunities. Information: www.csusb.edu/OLLI or call 909-537-8270 Campus Organizations Join the Cal State University Associates, a premiere organization of campus supporters. Enjoy educational and enlightening speaker events throughout the season. The majority of membership dues support student scholarships. Learn more: CalStateUniversityAssociates.com COACHELLA VALLEY ANIMAL CAMPUS 72050 Pet Land Place, Thousand Palms 760-343-3644 rcdas.org Services include animal adoption and licensing. 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 HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 75080 Frank Sinatra Drive DesertHorticulturalSociety.org admin@deserthorticulturalsociety.org Friday Night Lectures Portola Community Center, 6 p.m. May 17: Linda Castro with CalWild. Topics include the Chuckwalla National Monument, and soldiers’ correspondence from the Desert Training Center during WWII. The museum will be closed for the summer starting June 1. JOSLYN CENTER 73750 Catalina Way 760-340-3220 JoslynCenter.org Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Sunday, 3 – 5 p.m. Sunday Cabaret Series Sundays through May 26, 3 – 5 p.m., doors open at 2:30 p.m. Arthur Newman Theater Onsite Programs Exercise classes, bridge, bingo, indoor pickleball, canasta, pinochle, mah-jongg, Scrabble, quilting, knitting, painting, table tennis, lawn bowling, art classes, New Joslyn Singers, Joslyn Strummers ukulele group, Joslyn Singles, virtual book club, HI-CAP Q&A and more. Information: JoslynCenter.org/Programs or call 760-340-3220 Onsite Programs with our Partners Braille Institute/low vision classes, First Foundation Fraud Prevention, Eisenhower Health lectures, Health Expos, JFS Let’s Do Lunch, and more. Information: 760-340-3220 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. Some programs have a $5 fee. Information: Alex Garcia at 760-895-4656 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. Thursday delivery of frozen meals for weekends also available. Information: JoslynCenter.org/Meals-On- Wheels-and-Pennys-Pantry or contact Bob Elias at 760-895-4635 or BobE@JoslynCenter.org 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. Spring Health and Wellness Fair May 29 Medical seminars, glucose screenings, blood pressure tests, opportunity drawings, and more. Visit: JoslynCenter.org THE LIVING DESERT ZOO AND GARDENS 47900 Portola Ave. 760-346-5694 www.LivingDesert.org May 1 – 31, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. (Last admission 4 p.m.) June 1 – September 30, 7:00 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (Last admission 12:30 p.m.) Tours and Experiences Giraffe Feeding May 1 – 31, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. June 1 – September 30, 8 a.m. – 12 p.m. Additional fee with paid park admission. Giraffe feeding gives guests a one-on-one encounter with these graceful giants. Rhino Encounter May 1 – 31, 8:30 a.m. June 1 – September 30, 8 a.m. Additional fee with paid park admission. This special opportunity offers guests the chance to meet a black rhino. Reservations recommended. Private Safari Tours Daily two-hour guided morning tour, with private shuttle and Giraffe feeding. Reservations required. For pricing and details, visit: LivingDesert.org Hoppy Hour Tuesdays and Thursdays through May 31, 3 – 5 p.m. New at Kookaburra Café, join us for exclusive Hoppy Hour appetizers and 50% off the entire bar menu! Special Programs Spring and Summer Zoo Camp Spring Camp: May 27, registration now open. Summer Camp: select days, June 12 – August 1, registration now open. ZooCampers learn about wildlife through STEM activities, arts and crafts, up-close animal encounters, and more. Visit: LivingDesert.org/ ZooCamp LEARNING IN RETIREMENT The Shops at Palm Desert lirpalmdesert@gmail.com lirpalmdesert.com MCCALLUM THEATRE 73000 Fred Waring Drive 760-340-ARTS (2787) McCallumTheatre.org New Season on Sale! Tickets for all 2024-2025 season shows are on sale now, including a roster of six Broadway musicals, jazz, classical comedy, and tribute shows, along with a few surprises. Tickets: McCallumTheatre.org The Boy who Cried Wolf by Tutti Frutti Productions May 11, 2 p.m. A gifted ensemble of actor/musicians embody delightful characters, including hilarious sheep, and perhaps a scary wolf or two! Tickets are only $15 for this family event, fees included. Wanda Sykes June 5 and 6, 7:30 p.m. The Emmy Award-winning stand-up comic, writer, actress and producer brings her unique brand of comedy to the desert, taking on everything from politics to marriage and parenting. Samara Joy June 15, 8 p.m. The 23-year old three-time Grammy winner has already established herself as the next jazz singing sensation, introducing classic standards to a new generation of fans with her timeless, irresistible sound. 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. Recreational Swim with All Attractions Open Weekends in May, Memorial Day, 10:30 a.m. Summer Swim Lessons Ages 6 months – 17 years. Registration opens May 10. Water Exercise Classes Mondays through Saturdays, various times. Registration: pdpool.com/exercise-programs Dive-In Movies Gate opens at 7:30 p.m., movie begins at sundown. May 24: Lilo & Stitch June 14: Trolls Band Together Hot Summer Nights Tuesdays in June, 7:30 – 10:30 p.m. Come to the pool at sundown and play into the night! 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 – May, 8 a.m. – 2 p.m. PALM DESERT AREA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 72559 Highway 111 760-346-6111 pdacc.org Joint Chamber Mixer at the Palm Springs Air Museum May 8, 5:30 – 7:30 p.m. Annual event with all Valley Chambers participating. A great opportunity for Valley-wide networking and connections. Business Breakfast: Cybersecurity Edition May 14, 8 – 9:30 a.m. Cybersecurity Advisor Jake Aguiar will discuss cyber threats to small businesses, along with preparation and response steps. Putt Putt on El Paseo June 6, 4 – 6:30 p.m. Putt your way along El Paseo enjoying custom putting holes set up at a variety of businesses, complete with Sips & Savors. End your round with food and a prize presentation at the after-party. Palm Desert State of the City Address June 25, 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us at the UCR Palm Desert Campus Auditorium to hear from Palm Desert leaders, Elected Officials and City Management, and learn about what is happening, what is coming up, and what we’re proud of in Palm Desert. For pricing and registration for all events, visit: pdacc.org PALM DESERT PUBLIC LIBRARY 73300 Fred Waring Drive 760-346-6552 PalmDesertLibrary.org Closed for renovations May 1 – June 31. The Library will re-open in July under City of Palm Desert management. Books can still be returned at the Library building, and members will be able to borrow books at one of five Little Free Libraries around Palm Desert, as well as from the mobile library vehicle. For details, visit: PalmDesertLibrary.org Little Free Libraries Take a book, leave a book! Find books, take-home activities, and special Palm Desert Library items at one of these kiosk locations around Palm Desert: Portola Community Center: 45480 Portola Ave Ironwood Park: 47800 Chia Drive Palma Village Park: 44550 San Carlos Ave University Dog Park: 74802 University Park Drive Joe Mann Park: 77810 California Drive Summer Reading Program This eight-week program will lead participants on a literary journey that will enrich and educate. Starts June 10. For details, visit: PalmDesertLibrary.org One Book/One Palm Desert – Susan Orlean Tuesday, June 18, 5:45 – 7 p.m. Join us for an engaging evening with Susan Orlean, author of The Library Book, which recounts how the Los Angeles Public Library overcame adversity after a fire devasted their building in 1986. For location and registration, visit: PalmDesertLibrary.org PEGASUS THERAPEUTIC RIDING CENTER 35-450 B Pegasus Ct 760-772-3057 PegasusRidingAcademy.org Offering therapeutic riding sessions for children and adults with special needs. Programming runs Wednesday – Saturday, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. as the weather permits. We are looking for volunteers! Information: PegasusRidingAcademy.org or call 760-772-3057. 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. Monument Night Adventures Saturdays, May 18 and June 29, 8 p.m. Discover how the desert comes alive after dark! Do you know which animals change colors under a blacklight? Take a short walk along the Art Smith Trail basin looking for the many nocturnal creatures that inhabit our desert. PCT Northside Hwy 74 Adaptive Sports Hike Saturday, May 4, 8:30 a.m. Join SoCal Adaptive Sports and Friends of the Desert Mountains volunteer docents on a two-mile hike for persons with disabilities, their families, and friends. Reservations required: DesertMountains.org/ calendar or call 760-862-9984 Star Party at the Monument Saturdays, May 4, 7:30 p.m.; May 25, 8 p.m.; June 15, 8 p.m. The Astronomical Society of the Desert conducts direct observations of the night sky through telescopes and giant binoculars. Reservations required: DesertMountains.org/ calendar or call 760-862-9984 Star Party in the Mountains Saturdays, May 11 and June 8, 9 p.m. The Astronomical Society of the Desert conducts “sky tours” and observations of the night sky with telescopes and binoculars. Reservations required: DesertMountains.org/ calendar or call 760-862-9984 Events are subject to change. Visit: DesertMountains.org/calendar 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 Arts & Letters: David Martinez Wednesday, May 1, 6 p.m., UCR Palm Desert Auditorium. Writer and UCR graduate David Martinez discusses his debut memoir Bones Worth Breaking. A book signing will follow the talk. Seventh Annual BREATHE Workshop Friday, May 24, 11:30 a.m. – 5 p.m., UC Riverside Campus. This year’s workshop is themed Environmental Aerosols and Health Effects. Keynote presentations by Molly Blakowski and Kimberly Prather, PhD. Information and registration: breathe.ucr.edu UCR Osher In-person and virtual courses for lifelong learners on history, literature, natural and social sciences, fine arts, and special events. Information: palmdesert.ucr.edu/welcome- ucr-osher VARIETY – THE CHILDREN’S CHARITY OFTHE DESERT 42600 Cook Street, Ste 150 varietyofthedesert.org 760-773-9800, ext. 101 Caring Connections Program Free developmental screenings for children up to five years of age. Inclusive adaptive opportunities are available at no cost with registration required. Diaper Giveaway and Screening May 7 Families will receive free child development screenings, diapers, wipes, and educational toys, along with opportunities to learn about additional resources. Info and event times: varietyofthedesert.org 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 PLEASE NOTE: The Community Center is closed for renovations. The offices and front desk have been relocated to the Parkview Building in the Civic Center parking lot at 73710 Fred Waring Drive. Check the website for details. Tai Chi For Your Health Mondays, 12 p.m. Portola Community Center $55 per month Beginning Guitar May 15 – June 12 or June 26 – July 24, 6 p.m. Portola Community Center $80 per session Second Level Guitar May 15 – June 12 or June 26 – July 24, 7 p.m. Portola Community Center $80 per session Ballroom Swing and Salsa Lessons Wednesdays, May 8 – May 29 or June 5 – June 26, 7:30 – 8:30 p.m. Palm Desert Amphitheater $52 per session or $18 daily drop in fee Line Dancing Wednesdays, May 8 – 29 or June 5 – 28, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m. Palm Desert Amphitheater $43 per session or $13 daily drop in fee Youth Beginners Tennis Mondays and Fridays, May 6 – May 31 or June 3 – June 28, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m. Civic Center Tennis Courts $60 per session Ages 7 to 11 Youth Advanced Beginners Tennis Mondays and Fridays, May 6 – May 31 or June 3 – June 26, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m. Civic Center Tennis Courts $60 per session Ages 11 - 15 Youth Soccer Clinic Saturdays, May 4 – 25 or June 1 – 22, 10 – 11 a.m. Civic Center grass area behind YMCA $40 per session Ages 5 – 8 Youth Soccer Clinic Saturdays, May 4 – 25 or June 1 – 22, 9 – 10 a.m. Civic Center grass area behind YMCA $40 per session Ages 2 - 5 spectacular views of the Firecliff course. $74.99 for adults, $24.99 for children 6-12. Reservations required. Visit: DesertWillow.com/events/MothersDay City of Palm Desert Championship May 25 – 26 Showcase your skills at this prestigious two-person team event to claim the title as the City of Palm Desert Champion! $600/team for Palm Desert residents, $700/team for non-residents. Registration required. Visit: DesertWillow.com/CityChampionship FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT 43930 San Pablo Avenue 760-341-9622 ymcaofthedesert.org Camp Oakes June 9 – 15 Spend a week in Big Bear enjoying the fresh air and a variety of exciting activities. Ages 8 – 15. $600 registration fee. Summer Day Camps June 10 – August 23 Offering a variety of activities, games, sports, experiments, and fun! Fees vary by activity, ranging from $145 to $180. Girl’s Summer Basketball Training Fridays, July 12 – August 2 Practice footwork, shooting, and dribbling. $60 registration fee. Summer Basketball League June 17 – August 1 Games twice a week. $125 registration fee. To register for summer programs, visit: ymcaofthedesert.org 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. The focus is on social, emotional, physical, and language development, which form the basis of lifelong learning. Information: ymcaofthedesert.org/jean- benson-child-development-center/ THE GARDENS ON EL PASEO 73545 El Paseo 760-862-1990 thegardensonelpaseo.com HISTORICAL SOCIETY OF PALM DESERT & FIREHOUSE MUSEUM 72861 El Paseo 760-346-6588 hspd.org Open Friday – Monday, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m., through May 31. Free Admission. 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 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. offering advice on growing roses in the Coachella Valley. We are actively seeking new members! Visit: desertrosesociety.com DESERT SANDS UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT 47950 Dune Palms Road, La Quinta 760-777-4200 dsusd.us The last day of school is Wednesday, June 5. Please take extra care as our children will be playing in local neighborhoods. Summer school for high school begins Thursday, June 10, with summer school graduation Thursday, July 18. Summer school for elementary and middle schools runs June 6 – 22. Please celebrate with the seniors of Palm Desert High School as the Class of 2024 graduates Thursday, May 30! DESERT WILLOW GOLF RESORT 38995 Desert Willow Drive 760-346-0015 desertwillow.com Visit website for current hours. Mother’s Day Brunch at The Terrace Sunday, May 12, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Treat Mom to a lavish buffet while soaking in Know Before You Throw: A Palm Desert Recycling Guide is a resource for residents and businesses to keep our community clean and beautiful. This recycling guide provides in-depth information on various programs and services, including our new organics recycling program. Businesses and residents are encouraged to continue diverting food waste from our landfills to help meet SB 1383 climate goals. Recycling food scraps reduces waste and creates compost – a double win! Download your recycling guide in English or Spanish at: palmdesert.gov/recycling. If you have not received your residential organic bins or kitchen pail, please call Burrtec Waste and Recycling Services at 760-340-2113. When the temperature heats up, so do the deals at local restaurants, as Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week returns with delicious dining specials May 31 – June 9. Foodies can look forward to a wide array of mouth-watering prix fixe menus for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner at a variety of restaurants throughout Palm Desert, as well as the rest of the Coachella Valley. With prices ranging from $15 to $35 per person for breakfast, brunch, or lunch, and from $39 to $59 per person for dinner, there is something to discover for every taste and budget. It’s important to note that the prices listed do not include beverages, tax, or gratuity. Whether you’re looking to revisit one of your favorite hangouts, or get adventurous and try something new, Greater Palm Springs Restaurant Week is the perfect opportunity to tantalize your taste buds. No tickets or special passes are needed, but it’s recommended that you make reservations in advance. For information about menu offerings and participating restaurants, visit visitgreaterpalmsprings.com/restaurant-week. RESTAURANT WEEK RETURNS WITH DINING DEALS CITY CONTINUES PUBLIC EDUCATION EFFORT ON CITY BUDGET Know Before You Throw! Dive into a world of adventure right in your backyard at the Palm Desert Aquatic Center! Nestled in the heart of our community at Civic Center Park, PDAC offers a refreshing escape for all ages, with plenty of free parking and special rates for residents. Whether you’re seeking an exhilarating lap swim, thrilling water slides, or engaging aquatic fitness classes, we have something for everyone. Our state-of-the-art facility boasts pristine pools, including a lap pool for serious swimmers, and a family-friendly recreation area with slides and splash zones. Certified instructors provide top- notch swim lessons for all ability levels, ensuring safety and skill development. Plus, our extensive calendar of events promises endless summer fun. Looking for activities the entire family can enjoy? Plan a night out at one of our Dive- In movies, or stop by Saturday mornings for our new Family Fitness Challenge; take on a fun and challenging course, including a rope swing, climbing wall, diving boards, and inflatable obstacles to test your skills. Join us at PDAC, where the water is always the perfect temperature and the memories are endless! Visit pdpool.com. The City of Palm Desert has engaged community groups in recent months seeking feedback on the City’s budget and services. Despite cost-cutting measures taken in recent years, the City is still forecasting a deficit that will impact future budgets. Due to these and other challenges, the City is working with residents to explore ways to maintain services, including considering the potential for new voter-approved tax revenues. To help guide decision making as the City plans for its next budget, the City is hosting Community Town Hall meetings, open to all, May 21, 22, and 29, and is asking residents to give feedback on their priorities for city services. • May 21, The Living Desert, 12:00 p.m. • May 22, Palm Desert Country Club, 12:00 p.m. • May 22, UCR Palm Desert, 5:30 p.m. • May 29, Palm Desert City Hall, 4:30 p.m. Please join us at these Community Town Hall events to hear more about the City’s finances and services. Get details about the upcoming meetings, or to share your priorities online with a short Community Services survey at engagepalmdesert.com/city-services. COOL OFF THIS SUMMER AT THE AQUATIC CENTER 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 discoverpalmdesert.com palmdesert.gov n Watch City Council meetings live online at palmdesert.gov on the 2nd and 4th Thursday each month at 4 p.m. n 2024 CITY COUNCIL Mayor: Karina Quintanilla Mayor Pro Tem: Jan Harnik COUNCIL MEMBERS: Gina Nestande Evan Trubee Kathleen Kelly MAY AND JUNE 2024 Look what’s on the BrightSide... inside! It is official: the Palm Desert Library is starting a new chapter! The library will be closed for two months, starting May 1, for a cosmetic refresh and remodel as the City of Palm Desert prepares to take over management from Riverside County. But we’re giving residents multiple options to connect in the meantime, including a Summer Reading Program, a meet-the-author event, a brand new mobile Library, and five Little Free Library locations that can be found throughout the city. The Little Free Libraries will be stocked with books, along with take-and- make activities and library items that are free to the public. Take a book and then bring it back whenever you are done to one of five convenient kiosks across the city. Magazines will be available at the Joslyn Center. Find your nearest Free Little Library location at PalmDesertLibrary.org. The Summer Reading Program will start in June and run for eight weeks; visit PalmDesertLibrary.org for details on our June 10 kick-off event, which will feature a family-friendly performer and fun activities. The inaugural One Book/One Palm Desert program happens June 18, featuring an engaging evening with celebrated author Susan Orlean, who’s work The Library Book recounts how the Los Angeles Public Library overcame adversity after a devastating 1986 fire. The book has been described as a love letter to libraries. Any outstanding books loaned from the County library may still be returned to the Palm Desert Library via the outdoor book drop, or can also be returned at any Riverside County Library branch, including those in Cathedral City, La Quinta, Indio, and Thousand Palms. To stay up to date on Palm Desert Library programs and mobile resources during the closure, and to sign up for the Library Newsletter, visit PalmDesertLibrary.org. LIBRARY GOES MOBILE DURING RENOVATIONS